I would reconsider moving from hotel to hotel. Have you thought of the logistics? Repacking every day (even if you only have a few things and you live out of a suitcase)? Checking out by 10am each morning (what no sleeping in on a birthday surprise vacation)? Not being able to check into the next hotel until 3pm or later? Dealing with waits to get into the new hotel each day? I think your time is worth more than a possible savings of a few bucks.

If I were you I WOULDN'T EVEN CONSIDER Stratosphere. Someone told us a few years back that for the money it was worth staying there - as Bette Davis would say "What a dump!" The clientele there is less than desirable - bused in from somewhere and they wear numbers on their person so they know what bus they are supposed to get back on at the end of the day. While there we looked out the window to the rear view and it was like a ghetto - very scary indeed. We left there and checked in at the Aladdin (was very nice). I have friends that like to stay at Bally's but I never have... Good luck. Booking a hotel that you are not sure of is scary - I am always afraid of getting into a filth hole! Have fun and hope you have a lucky trip.

I always get good advice on this website so I know I need to take it! I changed my reservations to Fri and Sat at the Hilton. I didn't know it was on the monorail so that will be great and it has the best rate. I really want to stay at Pais so I am keeping it for Sun night. I don't think the move will be that big of deal because we are going on a day trip that day anyway. I will post a report when I get back. Thanks!

Have a great trip and happy birthday to your husband!

we stayed at flamingo and were very pleased. ask for an upgrade(free if available) . they gave us one with a view of the bellagio fountains and it was spectacular. great pool too.

We just got back from staying at the Flamingo - it's a good hotel. They had a $55 per night special when we went (1st wk of December). Check out their website. Bally's looked o.k. - right in the middle of the action (like the Flamingo is). I don't think you'll go wrong on either of these two hotels. I think I would stay away from the Stratosphere. Just remember, all hotels are going to have wear and tear due to the huge amount of people Vegas serves (and some people are not too considerate of other people's property - i.e., hotel rooms; and it doesn't matter WHICH hotel it is).

The reviews for the Holiday Inn Express on tripadvisor.com are amazingly good. In fact, it's the #9 hotel in Vegas. There's a shuttle that runs every half hour that drops you off at the Bellagio. That can be more convenient than staying at other hotels on the strip and walking for what feels like forever.

The reviews stress how clean the rooms are (less worn than the big strip hotels).

I plan to stay there or the LaQuinta on points the next time I'm in Vegas. The shuttle to Bellagio, clean rooms and free breakfast are hard to beat.

A bit of a different idea, but one to consider.

Never mind. Not available for your dates.

Maybe try Priceline?

Okay. Check www.hilton.com for your dates and choose the "all brands" option.

Here's the one I would pick. The Hilton Garden Inn. Beautiful hotels. On the strip, but far south. There's a complimentary shuttle to the airport AND to the Mandalay Bay.

Rates are showing up as $119 and $131 with full breakfast for 2.

I love Hilton Garden Inns. There are other hotels in the Hilton group available for your dates for less than $150.