Help! I have a 21 year old daughter and a few of her friends want to go to Vegas. Not sure what their plans are, they don't really have the money to be going but insist on "doing Vegas." Where is a SAFE, inexpensive place for them to stay and maybe some inexpensive if not free things to do, maybe a good pool hotel? They are only staying a few days (3-4?) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone done the -5 ice bar? I thought this would be neat for them to experience just to say they did it.

Check out www.cheapovegas.com. The joints on the Strip will be more expensive but they will be able to walk most anywhere. I would also suggest signing up for e-mail deals for any hotels they might like, as right now, deals abound. I don't think safety is even a concern, if they stay on the Strip. It will also be cheaper if they go during the week.

If they are doing this trip soon, summer rates in LV are often the best of the year. I would check out prices at the mid-range strip hotels and you might be pleasantly surpirsed at how well you do. MGM, Monte Carlo, Paris, Treasure Island, Mirage and Venetian to name a few. You should do better at Luxor, Excalibur, Tropicana or Flamingo. Your downtown or off-strip casinos can always offer a savings, but you add travel time, expense and need to do more homework on acceptability.

I think one of the best hotel values on the strip is Bill's. It's located right at the intersection of Caesar's, Bellagio and Bally's, which is prime mid strip location.

It's a small hotel, maybe 4 or 5 floors, so there's no 10 minute trek from your room to the street. The rooms were renovated a few years ago and while they are not fancy, they are clean and updated. Guests at Bills have pool privileges at the Flamingo next door, which is one of the better pools in Vegas.

Bill's is owned by the Harrah's property group, but you have to book with them directly and not on the Harrah's website. I was just in Vegas a couple months ago for a short girl's spa getaway - weekdays our room was about $45, weekend it was $60.

Vegas 4-5* resorts are so cheap right now and I would only suggest the strip..you start going Downtown or off the strip you get the dicey creepy kind of crowd..no offense to those that like that stuff but not for a 21 year old..
We like staying at the Wynn and they have a $109 special..mid-week..this is one hell of a hotel.
Check out Expedia.com..saw the last minute specials for $29 at the Sahara..do not go to Circus Circus..
Try the Palms..very hip crowd too..right off the strip but safe and she and her friends will have a blast!

www.palms.com
www.expedia.com

Rates are down now but still might be higher on weekends, so they'll save a bit by going Sun-Thurs.

Orleans has nice big rooms and a shuttle to the strip...though it's off the strip the nice air conditioned shuttle in summer is a plus, just as good as staying south on the strip and having to walk to taxi north. If they come up with some dates, it might be easier to find the "deals"...though I wouldn't worry about safety too much at any of the casino hotels, they're all safe and clean.

The Flamingo usually has inexpensive rooms, it's mid-strip, and the pool is a fun atmosphere. I think the 21 year olds would enjoy it! Plus, the Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville Bar is there, too, and that's a lot of fun. Tell them to check out the outdoor court at Harrah's while there - bar, live entertainment, gambling, good vibe all around!

thanks for all your suggestions, will check out these hotels mentioned.