Friends and I are looking to celebrate our 40th birthdays next May in Las Vegas (flying from Boston and Providence, mostly).

Having never been, I'd like to stay at a nicer property (Mandalay Bay, Venetian, etc.). How likely is it to get a good deal on the nicer hotels at that time of year?

Also, any suggestions as to your favorite hotel would be welcome.

I suggest you register with all nice hotels as their frequent guest, and sign up for specials. When the price goes down, you'll get an e-mail.

The best location is in the center of the strip, if you look at the map, it's Bellagio, Caesar's area.

The Venetian is a better location (in my opinion, and I got to Vegas several times a year) then Mandalay Bay. The M.B. is at the extreme end of the strip whereas Venetian is more center, altho to be perfectly exact about it I think Bellagio/Caeser's/Paris are more mid-strip.

Sign up at all the hotels for e-mail offers but don't expect any real bargain rates because those days are gone forever You will probably get lower rates Sun-Thurs. but not always. Conventions dictate what rates will be and conventions seem to be all year long now.

I'd suggest choosing a hotel and making a deposit (they all require that). You can then keep looking but you will at least have a firm reservation. If the rate at the hotel you have res. at goes down (check regularly) then call them and ask for the lower rate. I stay at the Mirage alot and they are very very good about giving you the lower rate if it does go down.

Also - if you have Auto Club as if the hotel gives you the discount. Some will, some won't. If the room is heavily discounted (promotion rate) you won't get it, but on a "rack rate" room you might.

Hubby and I just got back from Vegas. Although the Bellagio might be a better "location" I would probably stay at the Venetian. I think the atmosphere is much better. I think the Bellagio is over rated. I also think the food choices at the Venetian are much better. I don't think you can go wrong staying in any of the major hotels. Hope you have fun!

Hello! Been to Vegas many times for work & fun weekends away - have stayed at the Bellagio (love), Paris (mediocre) and C's Palace (too crazy) - IMHO. Just sent my husband and his best friends on a surprise 40th birthday trip to Vegas. I put them up at THE Hotel (new and managed by Mandalay Bay). They loved it - rooms were huge and very comfortable - loved the Mix (new bar / club) at top of hotel. I'm hearing rave reviews Have never stayed there myself - but I got a great deal for them through Expedia. Have a ball!

Thanks for the replies.

We're only going for the weekend, and I was wondering if there was going to be a major difference in price between a Fri-Sun stay v. a Sat-Mon stay? I'd imagine Fri and Sat nights are the more expensive nights at the hotels, so maybe Sat-Mon would be cheaper...? Thoughts?

Thanks to those who have validated my preference of The Venetian -- that's where I am nudging the friends to stay.

Friday and Sat. nights are the most expensive - remember all the "weekenders" who live close, i.e. Southern CA and Arizona are able to pop up there easily. Sometimes it is more difficult to get a reservation starting on a Sat. as hotels know they will have Fri-Sat. nights booked but you can check just the same.

Sunday night will frequently be less expensive then Fri. & Sat. but not always -- it depends if there is a huge convention in town. Generally speaking tho, yes, Sunday will be less.

If you budget can handle Venetian then go for it because location wise it is far better then Mandalay Bay for a first timer to Vegas.

Liam....Usually, the ICSC Convention is 3rd week in May, right before Memorial Day....It's huge so I wouldnt even consider that time......(International Council of Shopping Centers)...Best of Luck....

I've been to vegas a few times and have stayed at different hotels each time...ceasar's palace, bellagio and mirage. I really enjoyed ceasar's palace because it seems to be the most booming.

The best rate that I ever found was on http://www.travelocation.com/las_vegas.html Ceasar's deal is on the right hand side of the Las Vegas page ~$140 (very nice place though)

John,
Thanks so much for the link! I was amazed at the amazing prices I found at www.travelocation.com. I booked my trip last night! it was so easy and I saved so much! The Save Rate hotels are sooo cheap.

Tom

Hi John and Tom Shaw - please don't take this the wrong way, but do you work for travellocation.com? If you don't, forgive me, but both of you are bit eager about this particular site in your past posts....