Message: Okay then, I'll toss this out... here is a list of the Host Hotels for the NFR which have shuttles to/from the rodeo, and still have rooms available for that weekend. Which one is the best for the money, considering location/comps, etc.?

Excalibur $69
Sahara $59
Sam's Town $69
Lady Luck $45
Four Queens $55

You're going to get varying answers to this, and i may even get slammed for my response, but assuming it's your first trip to Vegas, i'd choose the Excalibur (most don't like it because there are always a lot of kids there, but some of the rooms have recently been refurbished). Of the hotels you listed, it's the only one on the strip. However, the hotels off of the strip (ie- the "locals" casinos) offer better comps. HOWEVER (<-- this is a BIG however), DON"T gamble for the sake of getting comps. That free buffet can cost you hundreds!

An even better suggestion is to stay at a non-host hotel (on the stip) and get your own transportation to the Rodeo. Could you stay at another hotel and then just show up at the Excalibur and get on the shuttle bus to the rodeo? (THAT would be the best option).

I thought the Sahara was on the strip, darn it!

I suppose I could, but I figured if I stayed at a host hotel I'd see some Wrangler Butts!

Technically Saharah IS on the strip, but it's not in a highly populated area of it. No matter where you stay, i'd be certain you'll see many cowboys.

What about the Flamingo?

Virgin: If you want to see those cute cowboys go to Sams Town! Lots of cute behinds in those tight Wranglers there!

Well, I canceled my reservation at the Las Vegas Hilton & got 2 nights at the Flamingo for $20 more. Here's to a great vacation! Thanks y'all!

Don't take any of the above deals if you can find anything reasonable at better places like Luxor, Monte Carlo, etc.
Excalibur is the least of the above evils.

The Flamingo is still pretty far from UNLV. Almost as far as the Hilton, I believe, and at the far end of the strip. And the price isn't all that great.

Go to Vegasfreedom.com and see if you can't find a better deal for yourself.

At least if you are at Excalibur, you are in a major part of the strip and can go to New York, New York, MGM, and Luxor, which are next door. Bellagio's and the Venetian, as well as Paris are all within a couple of blocks. Hard Rock is about four blocks away.

The Flamingo is at the almost center of the "main" strip. It's one of the best locations on the strip (IMO).

I chose the Flamingo because of location, comments I have read here, and best of all, the Rodeo Express Shuttle to/from the NFR picks up at the Flamingo! Yeehaw!

Hi,

While the Flamingo is convenient for the Rodeo and the shuttle and the pool area is very good with flamingos and penguins and a waterslide ( the two smaller ones were closed in august and i don't know how many pools will be open)
The rooms are adequate (some are in need of redecoration ) and the bathrooms are smaller than other hotels but fine.( Mind you - how long will you be in the room Anyway?).

I had room 16100 overlooking Ceasars Palace and the strip and from the side of the bed I got a good view of almost all of the Bellagios fountains which were great ( going off every 15 minutes)as the windows were floor to ceiling. Of course you miis the music but the sight is still great. The buffet and snack bar ( Bugsy's Deli) were fine with the buffet overlooking the gardens and waterfalls
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