Going to Vegas in July for 6 days, staying at the Flamingo. Does anyone know if there's any way around the charge for the gym in the hotel? Do you think I should rent a car? Any specific room requests I should make?

One more thing, does anyone know where I can send for a Vegas visitors guide?

If you do a general web search it will turn up a lot of Vegas guides. I don't have the addresses any more, I tossed them once we returned, but you can even find sites to book shows too.

As far as the Flamingo goes, it's in a pretty good location and I wouldn't rent a car. By the time you pay valet parking fees and rental fees, you could take a cab everywhere. Traffic is sometimes very hectic there. Small town girls like me are easily intimidated. LOL

one site that comes to mind is www.cheapovegas.com.

Christine,
I just got back from Vegas this week and had a great time. I visited the Flamingo a couple times. It is in a really good location, you wont be disapointed. Please dont rent a car. taht is a waste. you can take a cab from one end to the other for like 10 bucks. I dont know if there is anyway to get a free gym pass besides gambling a lot and asking for a comped gym pass or something, but I dont know about that. I do think it's weird that hotels charge like 20 bucks for daily gym charge, but that does get you into their spa I guess. I would say if you are looking to work out...dont rent a car, and walk everywhere...you will get plenty of exercise. If you have any more vegas questions please dont hesitate to ask me.
also, try going to: http://www.vegasfreedom.com/contact1.asp#visitorrequest

I believe you can get call or email for a visitors book and guide.

I wouldn't rent a car, you are centrally enough located that you can walk or take shuttles/monorails everywhere.

A cab downtown will cost you >$20, but you can take the CAT (LV public bus system, there is an express/limited stop that only makes 4 stops b/w the "center strip" and downtown) which only costs ~$2.50.

I would ask at check-in if there are any coupons for the spa/gym (perhaps in the Flamingo's "Fun Book"). If you gamble a lot, introduce yourself to a casino host and get rated while you play. Charge the gym to the room and at the end of the trip ask your host if they'll cover the gym. (under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you gamble JUST to get the gym fee covered, otherwise it may cost you MUCH more than $20!)

Do a websearch for Las Vegas Bureau of Tourism and you'll be able to get some brochures. You can also get coupons (for a slight fee) from www.billhere.com. I'm not sure how his fee works, but it can add up quick if you request everything, so stick to the "big value" coupons like Buy1 Get1 Free and Lunch/Dinner coupons, rather than the "50 cent hot dog" coupons.

I'll be there in July too! See you in Vegas!!

The one time when car rentals are worthwhile: if you plan to visit Lake Mead/Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire and Red Rock parks, or you plan several trips to downtown.
6 days is a LOOOOONNNGGG time in Vegas.
I think my nervous system would fry after 144 straight hours in LV!
A couple side trips out of town would be a welcome break IMO.

BTW there are NO parking fees at most hotels. Whoever said that above is misinformed.

But for say a 2-3 day typical LV visit, a car is usually unnecessary.

Ask the reservationist or the exercise recpetionist for a day pass to the gym. Say, "I'm not sure if I'll want to use it until I try it. I'm going to be here for 2 weeks..." (lie if you have to.) Or, if you gamble a lot, you could ask for a comp to the gym.

Don't rent a car.

The rooms at Flamingo are not very good. Brace yourself for that. Definitely ask for a room that has been renovated recently.

And don't be surprised when you see the carpets in the Flamingo - they're the worst patterns. Even in Vegas. And that's saying A LOT.

Spend time at the Flamingo pool - it's the best part of the hotel. (You're room is not. Have I stressed that enough?)

Go to http://lasvegas24hours.com for the guide.

I agree that six days in Vegas is a long time, unless you plan a day trip or two away from the casinos. However, you don't need a car if you're planning to stay on the Strip the whole time. The Flamingo is very well located, but I've never stayed there so I can't comment. Have fun and enjoy! (You realize it will be well over 100 degrees in July, right?)

I think the information on the rooms at the Flamingo are outdated, or I have been extremely lucky everytime I've stayed there. I haven't noticed any difference between the basic rooms at the Flamingo and many of the other major players on the strip.

Flamingo is a great place, great location, and usually has a great price.

I agree, no need to rent a car. If you do, parking is free. I usually use the Valet Parking which has advantages and disadvantages. Main disadvantage is that you may have to wait 10-15 minutes to get your car, but if you plan for this it isn't a problem. It seems that most people tip $1 when they pick-up their car, no tip when dropping it off.

A whole buck to the valet parking attendant. Wow! Can ya afford it? Do you know that the tips are usually so good for them that some places they actually PAY to get the job? My friends daughter did that for awhile and made big bucks, but then again most people gave her more than a dollar.

You forgot to add that your friend's daughter is a 19 year old blond, 36-23-35, who wore a low cut French maid's outfit.

I just got back from 5 days in Vegas. We stayed at the Flamingo and the rooms were fine - nothing fancy, but for $39 a night they were great. I agree that 6 days is a long time for Vegas. We rented a car and made trips to Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. There is plenty of free parking at the Flamingo very close to the entrance. We didn't use the car at all for anything on the strip - did lots of walking!

Hi, This site has been helpful ..

www.lasvegas24hours.com

We just spent 7 days in Vegas and were very happy to have a car. Parking is free in ALL casinos. If you are there in July, it will be ungodly hot, and a nice drive to another casino with air conditioning beats walking, and if you casino-hop a lot, the cab fare can add up. We visited Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon (did a horse ride there) and also enjoyed going to other neighborhoods to eat. Eating on the strip can be quite expensive. My husband drove to a wonderful public pool for swimming. Also visited a very nice library (yes, I know -- kind of weird when vacationing in a gambling town, but we're really not gamblers!). Enjoyed the Cirque du Soleil "O" show; expensive but worth it.

My wife and I will be going to Vegas for a conference for 6 days. Is there any feasible way to see the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon without renting a car? Thanks.

Mr. Anon, at least I'm not a weasel hiding behind an 'x'.

Actually, I was concerned about what to tip the valet's - so I watched to see what other's were tipping. Almost without fail it was $1.

This isn't a lot but considering they are parking 20+ cars an hour it seems as if they are making good money. Plus, I'm sure they get a minimum salary from the Casino. So they could easily be earning far more than I do per year. And I'm sure they occassionaly get a high roller who does give them the big tips.

So, if a $1 tip is too small, what is a proper tip for a valet in Vegas?

$1.00 is fine for valets.unless they do something extra.
even in NYC,valets in parking garages get $1.00.

$1-2 is standard most everywhere in the US.
You're just fine, jpm.
The only places where larger tips are expected is extremely expensive functions at very ritzy venues.
Las Vegas hardly qualifies.