I am planning a Vegas trip in January over MLK weekend. Most of the hotels have really high rates for those dates so I can't afford to stay where I normally prefer which is the Paris or the Aladdin. I found a deal at the Luxor for $99/nt and another at the Monte Carlo for slightly less. I have never stayed at either one. Does anyone have any idea which one would be better? We're single gals in our late 20's/early 30's and my friend has never been to Vegas before so I would like to be somewhere fun and Vegas-y. I also saw the NYNY being offered for $129, but I don't know if it is worth the extra money. Any ideas?

Don't do NYNY as both of the others are better atmospheres, IMHO. Luxor is more "down the line" and not as good a location as Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo is a little smaller than almost all the others on the Strip, a bit quieter- and does not have as many full service restaurants etc. It's rooms are nice and it is a typical Vegas strip hotel, I think. I have one friend who only stays there when in Vegas as she says the check-in/out etc. are great and she gets lots of perks from them. Luxor is Black/Gold decorations and very Egyptian in the motif. It has a game/movie floor and a lower level buffet and several other interesting features/restaurants. Both would be good places to stay for Jan. as it is Dec. already, and your prices are fine for the Strip. You could get better at Priceline but will not have your specific "picks" that way.

At my college I have lots of access to the 20-25 year old crowd and they seem to love the Rio and Palm area better than the Strip. It is not that far from the Monte Carlo, actually. Few on this board do. The younger set love the Voodoo Lougue etc. and the "hanging" crowd at Rio/Palm. You'd be happy with either Luxor or Monte Carlo- but if you like mid-Strip you will like Monte Carlo's position much better.

Also- if you are doing any slots- you should get a slot card from the place you play.

The Monte Carlo seemed a little nicer to me than the Luxor, which seemed very dark.
Haven't seen the rooms, but I'd choose it over the other 2.

I have stayed at the Monte Carlo several times and I am a big fan. There is no doubt that I would choose MC given your choices. I have also stayed at Paris and would choose that over MC if all else was more or less equal. I have not personally stayed at Luxor but have been there multiple times and have had friends stay there.

Neither one of these Hotels is a huge party place. MC does, IMHO, have a better location but it is not mid-strip (which you know since you have been to Vegas).

Go with the Monte Carlo, I am confident that you will be happy.

I've stayed at many hotels on the Strip (in the mid-prioed range)and the Monte Carlo is far and away my favorite.

The Montel Carlo has a better location. Check out Bally's and TI to see if they have competitive rates for the time you'll be in town.

I love the MC. It is small, clean, bright, and reasonable. Most of its services are very convenient; pool, food, gift shops. You don't have to walk through MILES of casino to get to the elevator. The rooms are comfortable.

We stayed there for a night last January and they gave us a higher floor room with a view of the Bellagio Fountains. That was pretty cool.

I highly recommend the MC. The Italian restaurnant, Tratoria something has excellent reasonbly priced food. They have a food court which serves food late at night, and last year on the strip, I was starving, and it was the only place we could find to get a little something to eat at midnight. Food seems to be hard to find when you need it in Vegas, IMO.

Just returned from 4 days at Monte Carlo. Great deal - $49/night - and much better than we expected for that rate. Had a view over the strip and could even see the Bellagio fountains. Not as many choices for shopping/dining as some of the larger hotels (Bellagio, Caesar's, etc.), but very nice and very convenient.

Thanks for the report.