I'm trying to figure out how much I should budget for a 3-day vacation to Vegas. We're not big gamblers, but don't want to feel broke while in Vegas. Does $175 per day sound good? Also, I really don't like carrying too much cash with me, but know I need to. How much is a good about for tips, small stuff, etc...?

Really depends on when you are going and what quality hotel you want.

Vegas is a city where you can go as cheaply or as lavishly as you wish. You aren't concerned about room quality and are happy at the buffets, they you can probably get away with less than $175 a day somewhere like Circus Circus, Excalibur, etc.

You want a mid-tier place and a mix of buffets and regular restaurants, then $175 really depends on when you go.

What aboot the Luxor- its at the far end of the strip (towards the airport) but a very good quality hotel, certainly better than Circus Circus

Right now, Ballys is offering a special...69.00 a night, Sun-Thurs plus some freebies. I got the email today from them, I stayed there 2 weeks ago and it was a nice hotel. Its in a very good location. 2 free poolside cocktails, etc... Check out their website. Let me know if you have any Q's about Ballys.

btw, the special is only during the month of August

If you can, stay sometime between Sun & Thursday. Most of the strip hotels offer great deals during the week ($69 -$89). Not sure how you're getting to Vegas, but SW Airlines & America West (traveler beware of this airline)offer great packages for mid-week stays (check the web or paper travel section on Sunday). FYI - August is great time for specials due to the heat and it being towards the end of summer.

Do check Southwest packages. I leave tomorrow (from L.A.) and round trip air for 2 plus 2 nights at the Mirage is only $265 (total, not per person). Such a deal!

Thanks. We actually already made the reservations. We made them through SW for labor day weekend. I know that it was probably more than usually since it's the last weekend of the summer, but I expected that.

Bluestructure, I'm we're staying at Bally's so any suggestions? How are the rooms? Us four girls just got one standard. We wanted to stay somewhere nice, just to stay somewhere nice, but for everything else we're pretty happy with buffets and stuff. We also want to go to some danceclubs and bars any recommendations.

ccr

You will be happy at Bally's with the room. Very large.

I am not a big fan of their buffet but for a good deal walk down to harrahs, sign up for their card and they will give you a handful of food/show/buffet discounts. As a side benefit, they also have an outdoor club that seemed to be hot as we passed by.

I think your budget is fine especially if it is each and the room is divided by 4. Naturally you could gamble some and double your stake!

Take advantage of drink specials, which means start early and drink often! One morning please splurge on yourselves and have the buffet at Paris, it is worth it.

Not a big club guy but if I was you, I would try out the Palms...and if $$ is an issue...walk next door to the Barbary Coast and catch their free shuttle to the Gold Coast. It is directly across the street from the Palms, viola...free transportation!

ccr,

Ballys rooms are pretty big as well as the bathrooms. I stayed in the North Tower away from the strip but heard its been renovated(sp?) not long ago. Not many kids at Ballys, from what I noticed 4th of July weekend. Ballys "Big Kitchen" isnt anything to rave about but its decent w/ good service. I highly suggest you go to Paris buffet, at least for breakfast. Just walk thru Ballys casino towards Paris, they are connected. Ballys, Sidewalk cafe open back up on July 1 after renovations. Its open 24 hrs as well as some other eats in the mall area (down the escalator near sidewalk cafe) Another buffet I liked was the "pharoahs feasts" at Luxor. If your coming from the Airport, I suggest you get your room key there and save some time. The Park Place guest services desk was blocked by a huge wall of plastic due to construction. I had to ask a few times where to go and even then they pointed me in the right direction but didnt see it. After walking to the very back behind it all, I saw it there w/ no one in line. Its behind the construction near the 1st set of baggage claims you come to in the main terminal (Not where the SWA baggage claims are). just giving you a heads up!