Celiaanne

Will be in LV Sat-Mon, September 18-20 -- using it as a starting point for Grand Canyon, etc., trip. So, while we would like to see what everyone talks about, it's not the focus of our trip (and I am kicking myself for scheduling our arrival on a Saturday night!).

I've been checking hotel rates (3* and up) and they are expensive--especially for Saturday!! Would it be possible/enjoyable to stay at the airport and still "do" the Strip?? I'm going to try priceline as it gets closer, but I am thinking of making a back-up reservation near the airport where the hotels are a LOT cheaper .

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

Thank you.

visormom

The airport in LV is at the end of the strip...literally minutes of the Luxor and Mandalay Bay resorts. It is possible to find much cheaper lodging a block or two off the strip...just try to stay close to Bellagio/Caesar's area in my opinion, as that is the walking hub....kind of centralized. Go thru the "Mall" at Caesars..amazing, and a great short cut to go to the Mirage properties. Check out the new tram schedule to see where it goes...it was still not working on our last trip out a few mos. ago...good luck

ChristieP

There is no hotel at the McCarran airport. Saturday is the most expensive night in Las Vegas, especially if there is some big event (like a fight) going on. There are LOTS of chain hotels off-strip that will give you a better price than the big ones on the Strip. I am assuming you'll have a rental car anyway, so that would be your best bet since transportation won't be an issue.

BarbaraS

There is a brand new Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn and Courtyard off Russell and I15 (near Mandalay Bay and not far from the airport). You should be able to get better rates there on a Saturday night and the properties are great.

Celiaanne

Thanks for the replies. I've heard the traffic is awful near the Strip, so we were thinking of not picking up our rental until Monday morning and taking cabs until then. Good idea?

BarbaraS

If you're not staying on the strip I would rent a car and not use cabs; and then take advantage of the hotels' valet parking.

TxTravelPro

We always rent a car in Las Vegas because we do not go to just stay in one area. We like to go to Red Rock, downtown and where ever else strikes our fancy.
If you stay off the strip, driving is not too bad. I recall parking is free everywhere, too.
There are roads that run parallel to the strip, just get a map.
As BarabaraS said, there are plenty of nice new moderate hotels around Russell Rd that are running around 75.00 night. Is that too much?

TedTurner

2 cab rides will cost the same as a day's car rental. So if you're planning on driving to the Grand Canyon, simplify your life and just get a car on arrival. Traffic ON the strip is very slow. Just look at a map and use the roads that run parallel to the strip. Then driving in LV isn't any worse than in any other large city.

sneezey

The airport Doubletree is a reasonable choice for Saturdays when the rates are outrageous even off strip. Any non-casino hotel doesn't have the issue of weekend rate crunches. Also try price line, the Westin is often giving very reasonable rates through there since it's newer. It's not really on-strip but its close enough to be a short walk away.

tracys2cents

Weekly car rate might be the same as 4 or 5 days, so I would pick up the car on arrival if the rates are comparable. Traffic isn't too bad, just always get good directions.

GoldCoastCasino would be a good place for you if they'll accept a Saturday arrival that weekend. It's off the strip, but has a free shuttle back and forth (about a mile) so that you don't have to drive everywhere. Nice clean place and just across the street from the Rio and the Palms resort hotels.

You also might check hotelkingdom.com for rates at the Tuscany, which is convenient to the airport and just two long (LONG!) blocks walk to the strip. Super 8 hotel on Koval lane is okay in a pinch, too.

BE PREPARED! September can be blazing hot! Bring light clothes, sunscreen and stock the car up with drinking water! Also, get good directions back to the car rental spot for the return date as some of them (Alamo, National...) can get you easily lost.

Celiaanne

Thanks for all your replies! We will pick up the car on arrival -- $$ isn't the issue since we will be paying for 2 weeks anyhow, but I thought driving might be too hectic.

I will try some of the hotels recommended off the Strip for Saturday night. The Sunday night rates at any of the 4* aren't too bad so might just "move" since we are arriving late anyhow on Saturday.

Again, thanks for your replies. Am awaiting replies on another post for specific 4* hotels!