I had no plans to rent a car while in Vegas. But after much research, I've found that "the strip" is way larger than I expected. I'm also considering a trip to Hoover Dam somewhere in our 5 days there.

I know there is a monorail as well as several hotel sponsored free trams, but the monorail is not cheap and the trams seem to be somewhat cumbersome. I've also heard that traffic on the strip is awful, but that most hotels don't charge to park (valet tips are all that is needed).

Is any of this information incorrect? There will be three of us traveling, so any transportation charges for monorail, buses, tours to Hoover Dam, etc. would be multiplied by 3. Does it make sense to rent a car or will the traffic and parking drive me crazy and be just as expensive as public transportation?

I have done trips with and without a car to LV, and I have to say you might not use it much, but a car is nice to have. I usually self park, which is free almost everywhere. I have also rarely driven on Las Vegas Blvd, there is good access in the city without it.

I will also say, you can usually get cheap cars in vegas, if not through a special, then on Priceline.

I agree that the monorail is expensive and the walk to get there is almost as far to get to any garage, but it is fun and low carbon footprint.

You don't mention when you are going or where you are staying, but I have never regretted having the car. If nothing else, rent for a day or so to do Hoover Dam and Red Rocks.

I'll be there in August...just around the corner...and will be staying at Harrah's.

You'll definitely enjoy having the car....there is a lot more to see and do around Vegas than just Hoover Dam. Plan on a day trip to Red Rock Canyon or a nice long day trip through the spectacular Valley of Fire and then out around Overton and down around Lake Mead. Lots of good dining off the strip as well as outlet shopping. And by the time you've paid for shuttles to and from your hotel as well as a cab ride or two, you've practically paid for the rental car.

Harrahs and Flamingo next door are both convenient for parking, and have a rear entrance off the strip. You never even have to travel the busy strip if you don't want to. Their are back entrances to most hotels on both sides of the strip, if you're up early the first morning when traffic is light on the strip...you could take a jaunt around to familiarize yourself with how easy it is to get around once you get acquainted with Koval Lane, Industrial Road, Flamingo Road, Spring Mountain Road, etc. There are free self-parking lots at all the hotels if you don't want to deal with valet. Take a trip downtown one night to see the older casinos and neon, and the Fremont light show. Easiest parking there is probably the valet at the Fremont hotel, some good restaurants downtown as well.
Now we need to find you a good deal on that rental car, what month is your visit?

Rent a car. I know many people say you don't need one but it is a great thing to have in Vegas. If you want to visit hoover dam, red rocks, or valley of fire you can do that for just the price of gas and the entrance fees. Also if you are into buffets the Red Rock Station has an AWESOME buffet with very reasonable prices. http://www.redrocklasvegas.com/dining/feast_buffet.php If you don't enjoy buffets there are also a lot of great dining choices off strip for less money. If you want to check car rental prices I highly recommend http://www.carrentals.com/ - you can check multiple car rental rates at once and I've usually found the prices to be lower then if I went directly to the car rental agency. However, the reviews on Fox rent a car have not been great so I would possible avoid. Have a great trip

A single taxi ride in las Vegas can be as much as a daily car rental if you can get a really good price on Priceline, which is very possible in august. I'd certainly rent a car, though even when I do, I still walk a lot and nab all the free trams and transportation.

Definitely try to get a better deal on Priceline or Hotwire. You can save a bundle because they include all the taxes and extra fees.

Here's a decent little map of Las Vegas to print out. That tiny little street on the right(behind) the Flamingo and Harrahs is called Audrie, and it's your back door to freedom. Don't hassle with the valet out front and the Strip traffic, just slip out the back and make your way to Koval lane for your escape. (Koval runs along that green monorail, see it?)

From the airport,ask for directions to Tropicana, take Tropicana to Koval and then continue up to Flamingo Road, turn left, then a quick right just before Bill's hotel (named Barbary on this old map) into the back parking at Harrah's.

I agree that early some morning is a great time to drive around and get your bearings. If you're from the east coast, you'll probably be up early anyway on that first morning. All streets run straight east-to-west or north-to-south so you can't really get lost, just make a circle back around if you miss something. Also, the strip isn't busy early in the morning, so it's a nice time to experience driving up and down the strip.

divine,
Is it an invisible map???

All,
You've now given me yet one more thing to research.

oops! http://www.lasvegasmaps.com/stripmap.html