We have a group of people going to Vegas the 10/7 - 10/10. There will be 10-15 couples. I have been asked to come up with some ideas on the strip with rates like the Golden Nugget. We all want something really nice and would like to know the weather at that time of year.

Would it be worth my time to call the hotels direct for deals coming up in October as all internet rates and AAA rates are high. Don't want to wait too long but don't want to book too early and miss some good rates coming up. I have suggested Bally's as I have heard good things about it and reasonable and good location. If we go up it would probably be Bellagio's.

Thanks for your help---Little bit

Bally's is a fine rather budget choice, but I've never heard it called "really nice".

Hotels will not have put their October specials up yet most likely. You could call, but they may not be able to do anything better by phone just yet. You should probably just keep checking frequently to see what comes up. Most of the deals that you book are fully cancellable 24-48 hours in advance of arrival, so you don't have to worry about booking something and having the price go down later. But do verify that it's cancellable before you book.

For historical weather check www.weather.com or www.wunderground.com.

I am in Vegas several times a year, including Oct. Oct. is not an inexpensive month, hotel wise. Many conventions are held in Oct. and that keeps rates high. I'd suggest booking now (all hotels require a deposit,but it is refundable) and then keep an eye on rates to see if they go down.

There is quite a difference between the Bellagio and Bally's I like the Mirage myself and generally that is where we stay.

You should sign up for e-mail alerts at all the hotels you are interested in and keep track of rates that way.

Do not expect a AAA discount if the rate is alreay a promotional or "discounted" rate, hotels just won't do it. With 10-15 couples you are dealing with too many different budgets I would think. If you are the one who has to choose the hotel I'd pick something inbetween Bellagio and Golden Nugget price wise - that ought to make most people happy when there is a large group to consider. Most hotels reservationists have no idea what deals may be offered in October.

Whether is warm - think high 80's, even 90's but it cools down at night.

cheapovegas.com---A great website that gives you instant access to all the hotels' websites in one place!! And when we booked Venetian and then rates went down, I just emailed them and they sent me a new confirmation at the lower rate. Calling never hurts. I wonder if you could negotiate a reduced group rate since you will be booking 10-15 rooms?? I just realized that is a holiday week end in most of the country and that will--no doubt--affect prices.

Calling and telling them you have such a large group can help with the rates.
But, Golden Nugget, really nice hotel, on the strip, and Bellagio are not melding well in my mind.
Golden Nugget is cheap/cheaper for a reason, it is not in a great location Strip wise. Older and tired hotel, smokey casino..old and tired crowd most nights.
Ballys is nice because of the location, have never stayed there though.
We stay at the Bellagio and I know they do work with people on rates for various reasons, try them!
If you stay there, go directly to the Players Club desk and get cards. Every time you use them, you add up money they can take off your bill, meals, gambling etc.
Fall is nice, in LV..warm days and cool nights.
Do call the hotels you like and see if you can get a big group rate, compare and Good luck!

I would not stay at Bally,s. We foung the entire hotel smelled of smoke.
Even the hallway in the hotel. It was a big disappointment. Watch different sites for rates. We stayed at Ceasers and it was great. We also got a deal from the following web sitehttp://www.lasvegas.com/index.html?
f=m1more&t=mhomet.

Thanks to all. Some very good information.

We stayed at the Golden Nuggett last year and found ourselves spending a fortune getting to the strip a couple times a day.

I like Ballys from a price value standpoint. I was there last summer and did not experience any smokey smell outside of the casino. I also like Monte Carlo and Flamingo from that perspective. I have stayed at all the above plus several others. Paris can be a real bargain on some dates, if that falls in your price range, it would be my first choice.

I think it depends on your group. Any first timers? Vegas veterans? Picky types? Penny pinchers? High rollers? My guess is some of each in a group of that size...good luck making everybody happy ;-)

I don't envy you. Tough to make everyone happy.

I would investigate Flamingo--I was one who had always resisted the idea of staying there, but we went over to pick up tkts for a show and the common areas as well as the pool were really attractive. I hear the rates are reasonable. Also you cannot beat its very central location....As I said, I have not stayed there but from what I saw, I would take it over Bally's hands down!! I encourage you to investigate a grp discount, but do not talk to anyone but the reservation's manager. I once had to book just 3 rooms in a local hotel and the desk clerk said they could not be discounted whereas the res mgr gave me a 40% discount!!