Help Save a Son's 21st Birthday
 

Years ago, we promised our son we'd bring him to Vegas for his 21st birthday(stupid? maybe, but he was a miserable 12 year old on our vacation in Vegas at the time). The biggest challenge is, his 21st birthday is January 1, 2004. Does anybody have any suggestions for us on hotels, activities, chances of even doing this, etc. etc. I know it's crazy on New Years, and we could come in on 1/1 leaving 1/4. We'd like to make this fun for him and a friend, so we need 1 night that we could go to dinner and a show, a hotel that might appeal to him but we could afford (we're not affluent, but not bottom-shelf), then we'd leave him to enjoy himself after that. (Boy, nothing like leaving this until the last minute...)

You shouldn't have a problem booking a room on the lst. The difficulty would be New Year's Eve and the next weekend. We went last year during this time and didn't have any trouble finding accommodations at Paris, which is our current favorite place to stay.

For a 21 year old, I would suggest either The Palms or The Hard Rock Hotel.

Well, around the New Year holiday there is often a minimum number of nights (2 or 3) that you would be required to purcahse and often at a premium price. I read on another thread that there is some huge convention during the first 2 weeks of January and that prices are high due to that as well. If I were you I would go to:

http://www.CheapoTravel.com/vegas/index.php

and do a little research on the different hotels and availability. I would definitely reserve as soon as possible. I agree that Hard Rock and Palms cater to a younger crowd, but they are not on the Strip and requiire taking a shuttle to the Strip properties which is not too convenient. The best are to stay is in the Center Strip (Harrahs, Mirage, Treasure Island, Bally's, Flamingo, Caesars) are some of the more reasonable hotels there.

Happy birthday to your son. Jan 1 is my birthday too!

Agreed with go travel. Palm is where they filmed the MTV's Real World. Hard Rock is also very young and trendy. Although the new Westin hasn't opened yet, it will be open by then and that may be an easier place to get a reservation.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. How about a dinner and a show? We're thinking maybe Blue Man group, something along those lines.

Nice idea -- he and his buddy should love it. I have 3 sons and #2 just did this with some buds. If you wnat them to really enjoy it -- I suggest you let them stay at a place like suggested -- the Palms or Hard Rock and YOU stay somewhere else so they can have some freedom. Those places are off the strip and targeted more at the young and party-animal type. Then you can stay at a reasonably priced place in the middle of the strip and enjoy all the sites etc. Of course they will want you to meet up with them for some meals (so you can buy) and a show or 2 -- otherwise let them play adult without mommy hanging around. Blue Man group is agood choice. There are several good Vegas web sites that list ALL the shows and a little about them to give you an idea of whats available -- some more suited to older folks than others. Try a Google search on Las Vegas Shows, etc. I think one good site is vegasfreedom.com
Maybe they would also want to see a "girlie show" -- you know, where young showgirls show derboobies.

Quikbook.com has some great rates at Ballys for that weekend, and some decent rates at the more luxurious Paris next door. I'd go for Ballys (great location center strip and how much time do 21 yr old friends spend in the room anyway?) - the money you save could go towards meals and shows.
The special rates require advance payment and there is a cancellation fee ($10 I think). You might also check the websites of those hotels to see what the direct rate is.

$82 is a great price for Ballys on a holiday weekend.

bigdog50 - thank you! Your advice is well taken. clarkgriswold - thanks also, I'll check that out. D'you think Luxor might be an option for the 2 buds? Or Aladdin for us?

Definitely The Palms...its The Scene and I think your son would enjoy TS more than center strip, as a fellow 20ish guy.Rooms are OK but its the action the crowd the scene....The Hard Rock is hopping too but I didnt like staying there.We had the best steak dinner at Mr Lucky's,Gamblers Special $7.77.....its not on the menu and the waiters treat you really special if you ask for it.Like we are really cool becuz we know about it.....