Las Vegas is not the capital of Nevada, which is just as well, considering the city already serves as one of the world capitals of hedonism. We can't think of any other place so synthetic, so indulgent, so... desirable.
The appeal of Las Vegas is frustratingly intangible and difficult to explain for the uninitiated. Eventually, one discovers the answer lies within the question: Hey, it's Vegas.
Perhaps the best way to begin to understand Las Vegas is to see it firsthand. If you haven't been in a while, and especially if you've never been, plan a jaunt immediately. Not enough cash to party like the casino whales? No worries. You can still have a decent time on a guppy's budget. After all, in this desert mirage, the suggestion of wealth is often just a fallacy supported by "comps." We'd like to take in as much as we can without maxing our accounts and suffering a vacation hangover when it's all over.
So here are some easy ways to cut expenses when visiting Las Vegas. We'll look at cutting costs on flights, hotels, dining, clubs, transportation, and more -- all without sacrificing the fun factor.
All amounts are listed in U.S. dollars.
cheap travel to vegas
Remember: The theme here is vacationing in Las Vegas as cheaply as possible. There's no point in dropping a lot of cash to get there. The best way to achieve this is to be flexible and shoot for weekday travel in the offseason. With conventions and events perpetually taking place, some will argue that Vegas has no offseason, but fewer folks invade the city from January through February, July through August, and in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
For the best fares you can find, shop and compare on discount travel websites like Expedia.com, Hotwire.com, Orbitz.com, Priceline.com, and Travelocity.com. While prices vary based on a number of factors, here are some recent examples of roundtrip flights for two:
- From New York: As low as $206 on Expedia.com
- From Seattle: Beginning around $239 on Hotwire.com
- From Orlando: Starting at $198 on Orbitz.com
- From Chicago: For $205 on Priceline.com
- From Los Angeles: As low as $78 on Travelocity.com
How to keep saving after you arrive in Vegas...
cheap rooms in vegas
Hotel accommodations in Las Vegas are an easy way to either spend a fortune or save a bundle. Considering our mission, we're obviously shooting for the latter. Think about it: You really just need a place to crash and wash up. That doesn't necessarily mean that you'll end up in a sleazy roach motel with hourly rates.
When you research airfare on the major discount travel websites, you'll notice you can do the same with hotel rates. You'll have the option to bundle airfare and hotel rates together or separately. Try it both ways and do the math. Either way, consider lodging around McCarran International Airport, Fremont Street (the old-school, downtown casino area), at the north end of the Strip, or off the Strip altogether. You'll still be close to the big attractions, and a few extra steps can mean big savings.
As found on Expedia, a stay at the near-north Strip-area Palace Station Hotel and Casino can be had for under $40 per night.
Hotwire found a three-star hotel downtown for $46 per night for me.
Orbitz, Priceline, and Travelocity offered me the Howard Johnson Inn near the airport for around $30 per night.
Travelocity produced a rate of about $44 for the Sahara, located around the south Strip area.
As tantalizing as these examples are, remember to read the travelers' reviews while researching so you have an idea of what to expect from your hotel of choice.
get around in vegas
Once you've landed, you'll want to move freely -- or should we say, cheaply. You can save bucks by renting an economy car from the off-airport and off-brand agencies, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of doing so beforehand. Parking is free in Vegas, but be prepared for tipping if you park at the casinos. Also, traffic on the Strip is typically heavy, so even simple drives can be a pain. We were reminded of a scene from Office Space on a recent visit when a senior citizen on a Rascal scooter covered more ground than we did in our rental car.
So, if your hotel doesn't offer a low-cost shuttle from the airport, try public transportation or let a cab take you. Just be sure to verify the rate before you roll, as this is a prime chance to get gouged. Be wary of quoted fares over $20, even to the Fremont area and off-Strip hotels. You can also grab a limo for around $35. No appointment is needed, and if you're with a group -- or schmooze your way into a group -- the per-person fare can be less than a taxi. Whichever mode of transport you choose, tell the driver to skip "the tunnel." This link from the airport to the I-15 will add a few unnecessary bucks to the fare.
A low-dough way up and down the Strip -- but not to or from the airport -- is the Las Vegas Monorail. A popular option offered is the 10-ride ticket, which sells for $35 and can be shared with those in your party. The Monorail runs from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. (3 a.m. Friday through Sunday). City buses also cover the Strip and downtown areas, with some routes running around the clock. For $2, you can ride the quaint Strip Trolley bus, which hits the hot spots on Las Vegas Boulevard.
cheap vegas food & drinks
Las Vegas has no shortage of urban legends, including tall tales like the $1.99 steak buffet. Think about it: Would you really trust a two-buck trough-o'-beef? Don't be discouraged, though. There are plenty of ways to fill your stomach without draining your wallet. A few buffets under $15 on the Strip include the New York Steak Buffet at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, the Surf Buffet at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, or the Circus Buffet at Circus Circus. Here are a few more cheap eats:
Dollar hot dogs
You bet! Look for the vendor by the sports booking area in Gold Coast or Hound Doggies at the Riviera (with a coupon). A cool 99¢ even gets you a beer with your dog at Mad Money in Lady Luck.
Breakfast chow
Breakfast specials under $2 are found at Caf Siena, Cannery Casino Hotel, Ellis Island, and Texas Caf. Stretch your breakfast budget to $5 and you can hit at least a dozen joints, including Barbary Coast, Boulder Station, the California Hotel and Casino, the Fiesta Casino and Hotel, the Las Vegas Club Hotel, the Marriott, Pink Pony Caf, and Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall.
Cheap drinks
But of course! That's another Vegas specialty. A lot of places have specials for the ladies, but we can buzz for less with a little effort. Even if you hit the cheap slots at casinos, you're bound to score some free drinks. Just don't expect stellar service, even if you tip well. After all, you're at the nickel slots, Slick. If you have a powerful thirst, hit Slots-A-Fun Casino for $1 bottles of beer. Coronas are $1.50 at the Fiesta. The Plaza has $2.50 drinks, and Gilley's lets you suck 'em down to your liver's content Thursdays after 9 p.m. for one flat price.
Remember to consult print and online coupon books and attraction guides for specials, and even the front desk at your hotel. For instance, guests at the Hard Rock Hotel can chill at "Rehab Sunday" while skipping the lines and cover charge.
economical entertainment
If you haven't already guessed, there's more to Vegas than sitting at casinos, blowing your vacation budget one game at a time. Online and print attraction guides and coupon books are prime sources for discounts on attractions. You can also score club and show tickets on websites like Craigslist and eBay, or on the street -- just be careful you don't buy fakes. Also, the Monorail's main station has a free slot machine that spits out discount coupons.
If it's free entertainment you're after, there's no shortage of options. Make it a point to hit the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino and catch Pete Vallee as "Big Elvis" (what's Vegas without Elvis?) and the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino has a "Dealertainers" pit, with celebrity impersonators slinging the cards. While you're at the Imperial, head up to the fifth floor to the Auto Collection, featuring a constantly changing display of over 300 rare and celeb-owned cars.
On a recent visit, our $6.95 admission was comped when we allowed staff to photograph us in front of a Model T Ford in front of the casino. Other good locales for free fantasizing are the Caesars Palace Exotic Cars showroom and the Penske-Wynn Ferrari/Maserati showroom.
more vegas freebies
Vegas offers plenty more affordable activities. There are the fountain shows at the Bellagio Hotel and Caesars Palace, the brilliant lights and booming sounds of the Fremont Street Experience, the Sirens of Treasure Island pirate battles, and the volcano at the Mirage Hotel. While at the Mirage, the white tigers are also always good for a gawk, as well as the wildlife habitats at The Flamingo and at the MGM Grand Hotel. Here are some other frugal ways to spend a day:
Hit the clubs on an off day
For example, there is usually no cover charge at the VooDoo Lounge on Sunday nights since the place isn't as "happening" as it is on other days of the week. Some clubs also have restaurants where you can eat first, then stay longer and not pay a cover charge. Just ask, and you may receive.
Golf outside the Strip
Don't even try to golf at the hotel-chain courses (like the Wynn Resort). In most such instances, you need to be a guest to play on the course. And even as a guest, you'll still need to dish out about $500 for 18 holes. And why do that when a short drive beyond the Strip will find you quality courses for a fraction of the cost?
Cheap drinks
Vegas is a melting pot of visitors from many countries and walks of life -- even celebrities. Among the locals, one can regularly spot notables like James Woods, Wayne Gretzky, Charles Barkley, Verne Troyer, and Steve-O strutting around town.
extra economical tips
Here are a few more money-saving tips:
Use vouchers
If you do stay at a high-end hotel (in other words, most any on the Strip), speak up if the accommodations don't meet your needs. Have a chat with the manager and insist on compensation for your trouble. This will usually land you food vouchers for buffets, or even more, like the cancellation of certain charges from the mini bar.
Use the concierge
The concierge is there to help. He can really assist you in finding the best deals for tickets to shows, nightclubs, restaurants, and more. Remember to tip your concierge for his assistance.
Ask a local
Locals can suggest deals and attractions "off the beaten path," like high-quality restaurants that are close to the Strip and not too expensive. If you can charm some local ladies into partying with you, bringing them to certain places on certain nights can translate into free drinks and cover charges.
Use the concierge
The concierge is there to help. He can really assist you in finding the best deals for tickets to shows, nightclubs, restaurants, and more. Again, remember to tip your concierge for his assistance.
Buy events tickets in advance
Do this well before your trip, even a couple months in advance. If you wait to buy from hotel ticket booths, you'll probably be charged more.
Dress sharp
If you really have to ask why you should put a bit of effort into your appearance, just check out the herds of retirees in their matching warm-up suits. Try to be comfortable and look your best at the same time. Sometimes the illusion of wealth can make others believe you're part of the "in" crowd, and you might get away with some special treatment at clubs, restaurants and on the casino floor. Since you'll be on your feet for extended periods, break in your new shoes well before the trip.
viva las vegas
You could easily drop your life savings on a single game at just one casino, but with a little planning you can have a great time in Las Vegas and still have open bank accounts when you return to the real world.
Resources:
http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/
http://www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/index.jsp
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/
http://www.vegas4locals.com/freebigelvis.html
http://www.lvol.com/
Las Vegas Travel Guide
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario