I suppose it depends on your idea of what a "big celebration" is. I keep thinking of the businessmen who go into Scores and come out in the morning $25-$30,000 lighter.

I don;t know where you're from - so don;t know airfare - but any hotel in NYC under $200 per night at that time of the year is a miracle - or rents by the hour. (Priceline mostly doesn;t have anything then - or not at a decent price).

There are one or two european style places with shared baths that may be less and decent - I think there's one connected with the Y and one with some sort of religious (Lutheran?) sailor's home.

But not being able to eat in nice places, do shows etc would prevent it from being a celebration to me.

I just came back from Las Vegas! I had been to New York before, but really if you're on a budget I would definately go to Las Vegas. In New York, we stopped at a corner deli, looked really worn down, but it costed 20 bucks for a sandwich!!!

The best prices I found were at www.travelocation.com. I had checked everywhere, but they were by far the cheapest. I booked one of their save rate hotels, from the Las Vegas page http://www.travelocation.com/las_vegas.html

I stayed at the Luxor, really nice place for about 60 bucks but there are much cheaper places on that page.

Hope this helps, have fun in Las Vegas, or wherever there is sooo much to do!

-John

thank you, everybody!

I'm heading to Vegas this weekend...can't wait!!!

The last time I went was December 2004 and these people are correct...it's a GREAT time to go because many of the shows are "dark" and the rates are wonderful! My friends and I (4 of us) stayed at the Tropicana for $40 a night! This time we're staying for an average of $65 a night, which isn't bad for being right on the strip.

They offer 50% off shows in certain locations, if you're willing to see a less popular show. I also suggest whatever art exhibit is showing at the Venetian (it was WONDERFUL when we were there, a "must see" for art lovers!), many stops to the Bellagio fountains, lots of great restaurants, and FREE DRINKS at the video poker slots. You can put $5 in and milk that along all night while getting a bit toasted on free rum and cokes. Only in Vegas!!

I was in NYC last spring break and there's also tons to do there, but it is quite a bit more expensive than Vegas. Personally, Vegas is a little more relaxing for me because it doesn't involve hailing a taxi, maneuvering through the subway, or finding your way around town. For an easy, relaxing trip, I don't know if you can beat Vegas!!

wow! thanks for the post John. I had been trying to book my trip to Las Vegas as well and had been comparing the prices for some time. www.travelocation.com gave me the best prices anywhere! I ended up booking my flight, hotels, and some of the attractions through them! Great deals!

Thanks again
Tom