Las vegas +21
 

Hi, I'm gonna be in Vegas for my 21st bday.
I'm gonna stay there 4 days from July 9 to July 12.
I have a really low budget. I' gonna travel solo.

Any suggestions for activities(4 days are too much)?
Any suggestion for sleeping arrangements?(remember my low budget ��)
How's the public transportation?

How's Vegas at night?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions ��

What makes you choose Las Vegas? Most people go there to gamble. If you have a tight budget, I assume you don't want to throw your money away. It will be very hot in Las Vegas in July - it is 104 there right now, and the average high temp in July is also 104.

At night, Vegas has lots of shows that are very expensive - also not an activity for someone with a low budget.

Frankly, I'd recommend you choose somewhere else.

the shows, gambling, girls, etc are very expensive. Walking around gawking is free -- but you'll die in the heat.

Vegas is a great place to celebrate one's 21st birthday . . . but not when one is broke >)

How low is low? I've seen rooms 40-60 dollars. Not sure if I'd even go that low (you get what you pay for).

But drinking in Vegas- by anyone's standards is not cheap. It doesn't bother me because I generally go for the expensive cocktails, but people I know who go expecting cheap drink options- well, they're always bitterly disappointed. Gambling, as mentioned- no. Walking around and looking at hotels- maybe, but the whole idea is to get you to gamble or shop. Vegas is cheap (to me) only in the sense that it's cheaper than, say, New York or Boston. And also because I prefer a pool over gambling or drinking.

If you don't mind the heat, I'd go somewhere like DC or Chicago instead, stay in a hostel, drink in a college neighborhood. Cheap booze, big city free events, cheap housing (hostel would be about 30-35). Chicago has got great parks, cheap food- DC has free museums and a zoo that can keep you occupied for days if those are of interest.

Happy Birthday

Walking the strip with a six pack you bought from a gas station is FREE, and sure beats losing 10k at the Blackjack tables. But if you do gamble, Bellagio Whiskey Sours are the best free drinks on the strip. . imo..Sitting in front of the Bellagio fountains all night is more entertaining than half the shows .
In years past all of the hotels had lots of cheap attractions, now its people watching. Stay center/north strip, Priceline has a $35/nt + resort fee deal, so figure a place like Harrahs. But , hey , its Center Strip

Thanks guys.. I already booked so that's my only option..
Btw I don't drink and I live in NY so I'm already used to high prices.
By low budget I mean I have enough money to sleep in a hostel but I can't afford a hotel. I have money to go on a tour but I don't know which one is the best, for sure this time I can't go on a helicopter or fancy stuff like this. But I can still have fun.
I don't know what shows there are that's why I'm asking..

But thanks anyway:)

Let's see

The hotel that took over the old Imperial Palce still has the car exhibit. Free tix can be found in most of the Vegas flyers. The Venetian has guys that sing on boat rides, to listen is free. The Wynn resorts always have some interesting garden type miracles in the hotels. Caesars Palace is near, Pais too. Circus Circus is ok, Treasure Island afternoon shows in front are fun

Be aware that you had best be 21 BEFORE you get to Vegas. Until you're 21 they don;t want you anyplace except the pool (if your super cheap hotel has one you want to get in) or the expensive shows. No casinos, no bars, no parties.

If you just want to walk around in desert heat and look at the outsides of hotels - well you're very easily amused.

Agree to go someplace with a lot to do that doesn't require spending a ton of money.

Nyt is sheltered or jealous of your trip. Vegas has shown to me it doesn't care what age you are. I've seen their police walk right by teens having drinking contests, prostitutes cruising casinos no more than 15, poker players no more than 17

You are so full of it FrankS.

But . . . seems appropriate a troll getting help from Frank.

(BTW - the casinos and authorities are really strict about ages)

You should go on over to the tripadvisor forum for Vegas. It's very active. Basically pick a centrally located hotel, and just wing it. I know there's a hostel in Vegas, or was, but I thought the reviews made it look dodgy. You can get a room at a hotel for hostel prices, but, unfortunately, resort fees will raise it. For instance- a 30 dollar room at the flamingo is actually 60. I'd skip the tour and down a little extra on the hotel. Good luck and have fun:)

Janis
I will excuse your unladylike response

btw-The only places in Vegas that are truly strict on age, are the car rental agencies. Ever been to the Cosmo? Its like a High School in there.

Lets face it, Vegas knows people want to be surrounded by young well dressed people. As long as they don't cause trouble, LV doesn't card. 40+ years doing shows there, Ive seen only a handful ever asked for ID.

You might find some really inexpensive rooms in downtown Vegas, which has the (hourly?) free Fremont Street Experience show. The whole street is covered, and the light/video/music show is above you.

I love downtown, although some people don't. It's actually the more historic area of Las Vegas. Go into Mermaids casino for a different experience, where some of the slots still pay out in coins. The "mermaids" who greet you going in will hand you a raffle ticket for hourly drawings for cash. Like most casinos, if you sit down at a machine and play just a little, you can get free cocktails, but you will need to tip the waitress.

Join the players clubs (all you need is an ID card) in the casinos to get a variety of free things, from slot play to T-shirts, food deals, etc. At Binyons, joining will at least get your photo taken with a million bucks. It's silly fun, but that is what Vegas is all about.
You can definitely do Vegas on the cheap if you do a little research. There are casinos off the main strip that are worth checking out too. Check on rental car rates because they are really cheap in Vegas. That would give you lots of freedom to explore the different areas and casinos, or even take a trip out to Hoover Dam. One of those tours would definitely be worth your time and money.

The main issue, as others have said, will be the heat, but that is one reason you will surely find a great rate on a hotel room. Happy Birthday in advance!

How is the OP a troll? janisj, seriously, take these enmities to the Lounge.

As for nyt's, um, advice, it's par for the course. Come to Fodor's for advice, get a scolding.

Scratch my suggestion about rental car due to the under 25 situation.


Here's a good little website that might help: www.cheapovegas.com

The cheapovegas.com website has been dormant for a few years now. They're no longer updating their resort lists and information. Which is too bad, since they were pretty good for a while as a source of all things free and cheap in Vegas.

The TripAdvisor forums will be your best bet for up-to-date info on Vegas. Hit vegas.com for online coupons, event schedules, etc.

It's been so long since I've been broke in Vegas...! Vegas is no longer a place for cheap thrills, at least if you stay on the Strip. As already noted, Downtown Vegas offers cheaper lodging and Old School fun, but nowadays rooms up there will set you back more than before. And you absolutely MUST investigate resort fees at any property you book. The fees at the MGM Mirage and Caesar's/Harrah's properties cannot be negotiated away, and they can shock you at checkout.

Another problem is that you're going to be checking in on a Saturday. That first night's rate will be the highest of your stay. Unless there's a citywide convention (they happen, even in summer), which can drive up the rate for the entire stay.

Look at off-Strip motels. Even a block or two off Las Vegas Blvd., you'll find better rates. The Ellis Island Super 8 has a well-regarded BBQ & microbrewery attached to it; it's not the Bellagio, but the rooms are clean and might not break the bank. Bring comfortable shoes, since you'll be walking a lot. It sounds like you won't be renting a car, so I don't need to warn you that most MGM Mirage properties will now be charging for parking (but not the Caesar's/Harrah's resorts). Public transportation exists, but I've never used it. My husband and I typically drive or fly in from southern California and use cabs or Uber to get around otherwise.

Wherever you check in, ask for any coupon books (and free guidebooks) they might have. Sign up at every resort's Player's Club. Play the penny slots and load up on the free drinks (well booze, not incredibly strong, but did I mention they're FREE?); bring plenty of singles to tip the servers. You ONLY get the free drinks if you're playing the slots, so bring a little cash and hope your luck doesn't run out.

Drinking on the Strip can get really expensive really quick, so take advantage of Happy Hours and drink specials when you can. If you decide to splurge on a show, plan on hitting a tix4tonight.com kiosk (there's one right on the Strip!); they also offer discount coupons on restaurants. Most resorts have coffee shops and low-cost dining options onsite.

I think the upshot of all this advice is: Since you're now stuck with a trip to Vegas, scratch together as much money as you can manage, but still work on finding off-Strip lodging, depending on dining off-Strip, and focusing on free thrills on the Strip wherever you can find them. Enjoy!

Oh, and Vegas at night is awesome when you're young. The best clubs are open till 4 AM and you can find world-class DJs and the hottest people dancing the night away.

And the cover charges are generally astronomical. If you want in at a good nightclub, you need to dress well and pony up that entrance fee. And keep the cash flowing inside. On a popular night, you will wait in line. And wait. And wait. Unless you're on a guest list (and that's not a guarantee) or with a VIP group. Or you've got especially hot young women with you (like supermodel gorgeous).

Again, focus on off-Strip bars. You'll find some fun somewhere.

I took a quick spin through hotels.com, and I'm seeing pretty steep rates center-Strip for your travel dates. There might just be a citywide going on.

However, Hooters Casino Hotel (just off the Strip) is showing $47 a night. Circus Circus (north Strip) is showing $46/night. The Ellis Island Super 8 is at $50/night. Downtown properties are looking OK, with a motel called the Oasis at Gold Spike showing $37/night!

This is before ANY taxes, resort fees, other fees, etc. And these are not the cream of Vegas resorts by any means. But there you go. The few hostels they list look incredibly dodgy, but I wouldn't stay at a hostel if you paid me at this stage of my life.

Time is ticking away, but you could try signing up for offers with the major resort operators in town, specifically MGM Mirage (http://www.mgmresortsvacations.com/resorts.aspx) and Caesar's/Harrah's (https://www.totalrewards.com/hot-deals/). You never know...!

Try and change your dates to midweek if possible, rates are always higher on Friday and Saturday nights. That hostel does not seem to get very good reviews, if you go midweek you might be able to afford a decent place to stay.

One other thing: Anyone who recommends afternoon free shows in front of Treasure Island hasn't been there in a while. The free pirate-themed shows ended in LATE 2013.

Some other free stuff that might still be available on the Strip after dark:

-- Walking around and into and out of the resorts
-- Watching the dancing fountains at Bellagio
-- Waiting for the volcano show at the Mirage
-- Trying to sneak free pictures of fake Elvis's and showgirls on the sidewalks
-- Collecting the cards for escort/massage services that guys are snapping and thrusting in your hands while you walk around
-- Gently turning down the graphic descriptions of services by working girls that aren't covered by those escort/massage service cards

Vegas can be glitzy, it can be sleazy, often simultaneously. Be prepared.

Sorry - for night life I think NYC has it all over Las Vegas - and yes clubs stay open until 4 and and then the after clubs are open. But they do card and are careful - unless you're on the cover of RS or similar.

I just find LV truly cheap and tacky and can't imagine going there alone for a b;day. But then I'm not a gambler - I prefer to use my money for travel rather than going to adult Disney.

<I> btw-The only places in Vegas that are truly strict on age, are the car rental agencies. Ever been to the Cosmo? Its like a High School in there.</I>

Oh Frank, you silly goose: not in my experience. I spent the better part of a week there in April, celebrating my birthday in a terrace view room, and the over 21 club people were having fun, but I do not remember even one teen.. maybe a baby in a stroller.

My advice would be Mandalay Bay, with a deal through Smarter Vegas. They have an awesome house band, plus another one, who play cover songs, two awesome lounges with views, and a happening pool scene (yeah, families and kids will be there in droves).

Another affordable option is South Point, which has a nice pool and enough younger people to meet.

<b><red>Happy 21st to be! ((^))

Mandalay Bay is great if you are an old fogey that wants to stay put or a young person that is willing to take a cab to the cool places Center Strip. What can you walk to from MB? Loserville Luxor? Extraloservile Excalibur? The Trop has a pool scene and a Gangster museum thingee, but that's it. Hooters is a joke, MGM/NYNY is so 90s

nyt, why would you post on a thread asking about Vegas if you hate it so much?

Just watch a few episodes of "Gigolos" on showtime. Give you all the information you need. ;)

It's Vegas baby!

<I>Mandalay Bay is great if you are an old fogey that wants to stay put or a young person that is willing to take a cab to the cool places Center Strip.</I>

You're killin' me here, Frank. You apparently have never been to LIGHT in Mandalay. Now that was quite a night, but never mind. <b>"Old Fogeys?"</b> No way, rosay.

LIGHT is for people who cant get into a better club, or for groups of girls with no money who get free tickets from promoters walking the Strip

Anyways...I'm sitting out front of the MB sipping some coffee watching a gorgeous sunrise waiting for my ride, and some well dressed young guy rolls out of the bushes. He asked where he was, I told him Mandalay Bay, he said "where?" (enough said) He had been partying all night and needed to get back to his girlfriend at the VDARA and had zero idea how he got there. Probably too embarrassed to say which club he spent the night at

Cool story bro, but I wouldn't judge a hotel by a hungover doof, rolling out of the bushes in the morning.

I go by my experiences. I would say that Cosmopolitan is my favorite, for rooms, location.

I am sure our OP is amused by your stories though, keep them coming. I need to get my abs to the gym. >>>>>>>>>>>>

I enjoyed visiting Hoover Dam when I was there, if you want a day trip, there are some that go there, and some that even go to Grand Canyon. But when you have no money, what would be you budget for a day trip? They aren't that bad given they cover the entire day, about $100. Cheaper than doing stuff in Las Vegas, probably.

Just go to www.viator.com and look at the Las Vegas day trips, Hoover Dam alone is about $60-$80, Hoover Dam plus Grand Canyon, more like $100. Quite a few variations, I think they'd be fun and you'd some scenery.

The anecdotes are colorful but useless to the OP, who's just trying to see glitzy, slightly tacky (there, I said it-- is everybody happy now?) Las Vegas on essentially a $0 budget.

Been there, done that, couldn't afford the T-shirt. Years and years and YEARS ago.

And yes, New York City has it all over Vegas and LA and Boston and Chicago and London and Tokyo and Dubai and Paris and Sydney and every single other city on earth, we should all move there, why not just kill yourself if you are not there RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND, yadda yadda yadda. We know, it's the perfect city.

Sometimes you might-- and I know, it's shocking!-- want to experience something different. I can't believe it either, but I have heard that some very strange people might want to check out something that is NOT New York City.

I'm sorry, some of you will read this and need help processing it. Sit down and put your head between your knees if you're feeling faint.

OP: It sounds like you just might try one of those hostels up in Downtown Vegas for this trip. I wouldn't, but that's me. If you can stretch your budget even a little bit, get yourself a private hotel/motel room somewhere. Don't you deserve it on your birthday?! Even at the California, a Downtown institution proudly geared to vacationing Hawaiians. That might be a lot of fun...!

The OP, who I assume gave up on us a while back, said he or she was from New York.

Any sane newcomer to these boards would abandon this thread.

This board has become useless to people actually seeking travel advice.

I know, jayne. He or she wants to see Vegas in all its sun-baked glory (I will be there in three weeks, so I know whereof I speak), yet certain other posters seem to want to berate him or her for even entertaining the thought of going ANYWHERE BUT NEW YORK CITY.

Of course, when I think Vegas, I think of Rita Rudner's joke about her Vegas-born pet:

"I adopted my dog in Vegas. Now I was concerned about the idea of a Vegas pet, but you know, he's really just like every other little dog.

"Well, he does stay up all night. And he wears a toupée.

"And he smokes....!"

I love NYC too, but wouldn't berate someone wanting to spend their 21st Birthday in Vegas even if its a one person trip. BTW- its a lot easier to be adopted in Vegas than NYC, even for non canines. My group adopted a poor UK traveler who lost all his luggage on BA. Picture a 250lb 6'1 guy in size medium British Air T shirts for two days. He was our pet, but he didn't smoke or wear a toupee.

Hi guys.
Thanks y'all!
I've been reading but didn't have much time to reply and thank you.

I know I haven't picked up the cheapest place but I'm gonna be in the us for a year so I'm trying to see as much as I can.

I'm gonna check out this places over the weekend. I'll meet you know ��

That's again for spending a moment of your day helping me! :)

Also, check out the Trip Advisor Las Vegas forum. They have get togethers with regular members, and would probably be happy to give you other ideas.

Btw I'm a girl :P

<I>Btw I'm a girl :P</I>

Aha. Now you have the advantage of free entry into clubs. They have promoters and employees handing out free passes at the big hotels at around 4 pm. My friend and I had some at LIGHT, and they do it elsewhere.

You can also get free drinks for an hour or so. Check the club websites for details. I remember that you don't drink, but it's pretty entertaining just people watching, dancing, and seeing the lights and DJ styles. ((8))

Yes. Girls get into the clubs free. Just don't drink to much and be careful. A mom speaking here, I wish you were with friends.

jetset1 gives good information. I would hazard a guess that if you're in the lobby (or at a lobby bar) at an MGM Mirage resort, you will most likely be offered passes to clubs in MGM Mirage resorts. The same for Caesar's/Harrah's properties as well. But then again, if it's a Saturday night, all sorts of club promoters might be working the hotels. If you're up in Downtown, most of the passes might be for Downtown clubs, so if you're interested in stuff down on or near the Strip, you might need to do a bit of work. Like looking for interesting club nights and signing up for guest lists (which are no guarantee of entry, but you can try).

And this is going to sound sexist and awful, but it's Vegas, so...: If you want to maximize your chances of free/expedited entry into any hot Vegas nightclub with real cachet, you will have to really GLAM IT UP. Heels, hair, attitude, all dialed up to 11. Slinky dress. Showgirl makeup. If you're going to a pool party during the day, plan on wearing your most flattering, alluring swimsuit possible-- preferably a bikini. And let them know it's your birthday (I did that for my husband's 50th, and we were treated like royalty)! Live it up, have fun! ;)