Las Vegas – Cheap and Easy
By Dan McMartin
Copyright Dan McMartin 2012
Published at Smashwords
Thanks to my wife, Jen, for all her support, help and love. Couldn’t have done it without you!
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Table of Contents
Alternative Ground Transportation
Las Vegas is all things to all people. For some it is a place of excess and decadence, to others a place to lose your inhibitions and still others a great family destination. Las Vegas is the playground of celebrities and the super-wealthy. Believe it or not, almost two million people call the Las Vegas Valley home and many of them never set foot in a casino. However, lots of people also consider Las Vegas an inexpensive vacation destination.
A plethora of cheap rooms, food, booze and entertainment await the frugal traveler. Even for those of us looking for a more upscale vacation, Vegas is one of the better places to spend your money. The trick is finding the best deals no matter what. It's easy when you know a little about how Vegas works.
Vegas is a dynamic town and things change rapidly and often. That restaurant you loved last year is now a poker room. That afternoon comedy show is now a country music review. That vacant lot is now a world-class hotel casino, while the one that used to have that crazy yard long margarita was imploded three months ago.
That's why most guidebooks ultimately don't work for Las Vegas. You almost have to buy the updated version every year. Internet sites are a little better, but many have dated information or are rarely updated. A few websites are well done, current and free. Those few well-done sites and the travel websites like Expedia and Kayak are terrific resources.
In these pages, you will find tried and true methods for planning a Las Vegas vacation that fits your budget without sacrificing any of the fun. When you're done reading this book, you won’t need a standard guidebook. You will find all the free information you need to plan and enjoy a Las Vegas vacation on your own. Even better, this kind of free information is available for just about any vacation destination, though quite to the extent that it is for Las Vegas.
Doing your own planning and research won't take untold hours. After a few visits, you will find your own favorite places to stay, eat, drink and gamble. In addition, because Las Vegas rewards repeat business, you will get even better deals at those favorite places.
This isn’t necessarily about Vegas on a severe budget. This is about enjoying Sin City the way you want for the least amount of money possible. Even if you're staying in the nicest rooms, eating the best food and drinking in the swankiest lounges, why pay more than you have to?
You could do this on your own, but how much trial and error are you willing to endure before you just give up? Why struggle? I lay it all out for you. Years of traveling to Las Vegas for business and pleasure has taught me to how to stretch my dollar and still have a great time.
I am retired now, but my career took me to Las Vegas about once or twice a month. I've stayed in many hotels and had to do it on a tight budget. Same with dining. For years, I got fifty dollars for a room, $5.50 for breakfast, $6.50 for lunch and $14.00 for dinner. We’re not talking about the eighties folks, this was recently! Still, I routinely came home with money in my pocket and still stayed in a comfortable clean room, ate well and even had a little fun.
I've also visited Las Vegas many times for pleasure with my wife and once with our kids. Like most couples raising kids, we didn’t have a lot of money. Still we had plenty of fun, however. We stayed in nice rooms, ate well, went to shows, and never felt like we were skimping.
Additionally, I was raised in Nevada. I know gambling, drinking and buffets! I also know how to come away a winner (not the way you're thinking, though) and eat and drink for cheap. Bottom line, there might be people who write guidebooks, but I would bet few have spent the time in the city that I have.
I learned many things in those travels, mostly through trial and error. Some I found scattered around on-line, other stuff from coworkers and friends that also learned those lessons the hard way. You don't need to learn things the way I did.
I wrote this book to help you plan the Las Vegas vacation you want, still do it as inexpensively as possible and experience Vegas the way Vegas was meant to be experienced. I reveal the lessons I have learned and the knowledge I have gained over the years so you can do just that. Have fun and good luck!
For the uninitiated, Las Vegas has to be seen to be believed. It's truly unique, having no equal in the world. Yes, Vegas is artificial, but it is also authentic. Vegas is what it is and it never apologizes. It has become one of those places that you must see in your lifetime. If you haven't been there, you just don't know what you're missing.
For those that have visited Las Vegas before, it's always exciting to return. Las Vegas is a dynamic city and is constantly reinventing itself. From the sophisticated Vegas of the 50s and 60s, to the campy Vegas of the 70s, to the building boom of the 80s, to the family friendly Vegas of the 90s to the trendy, adult “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” image of the last decade, there is always something new to see and experience.
For decades, Las Vegas was the unmitigated leader in gaming tourism and a world-class destination. It has been eclipsed by Macau in China in recent years in terms of gaming revenue, but Las Vegas is still a unique destination. Nowhere else will you find so many fine hotels, fantastic dining experiences, incredible entertainers and all amidst the unique Vegas setting. Where else can you visit Paris, New York City, Ancient Egypt, Venice, Ancient Rome and a King Arthur’s castle and more all in the same evening?
Las Vegas offers so many rich experiences and sensations, such decadence and luxury and all within such easy reach. Not only is Macau in China, but it's not really friendly to budget visitors. Las Vegas offers all the gaming, dining, drinking and entertainment and it all can be had on any budget and it's only a few hours away from just about anyone in North America.
Hotel/casinos in Las Vegas, where most folks stay when they visit, range from clean, comfortable, budget-friendly properties to 5-star resorts offering only the finest amenities. However, most hotels in Las Vegas are somewhere between those extremes offering a comfortable place to stay and a wide selection of amenities.
Beyond the rooms, most hotels offer expansive gaming floors, free-flowing drinks, beautiful pools, upscale spas, and so much more. Hotel is misleading, as is the often-used term hotel/casino. Resort is a more accurate term for most of the properties in Las Vegas.
Dining has become an attraction all to itself in Las Vegas. No longer just filled with buffets, coffeeshops and prime rib rooms, Vegas rivals many well-known food cities in not only quality, but also variety and often price. Food has become a primary reason people visit the city along with the gambling and entertainment.
Speaking of entertainment, Vegas offers an incredible array to suit just about any taste. From headliners, comedians and wondrous productions to golf, shopping and outdoor adventures, Vegas offers something everyone can enjoy. Vegas also has become a magnet for sporting events, trade shows and conventions.
Vegas offers the traveler a lifestyle, or maybe an attitude. A mix of elegance and kitsch. An accessible luxuriousness. Anyone can feel like a high roller, a rock star or a celebrity. Vegas is what it is and whatever that is, it works. It is all things to all people. There is something for everyone there. Las Vegas is a unique place and invites its visitors to find their own unique vacation experience. If you've never been, it's time you go. If you have visited before, you should consider heading back soon. Las Vegas is one of the most exciting vacation destinations in the world.
Enjoying your trip to Las Vegas takes a lot of planning. How are you going to get there? Where will you stay? How will you get around? Where will you eat and what will you do? That’s a lot of stuff to consider. However, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Of course, you will need reservations for your room, rental car, airline and maybe a show or round of golf, but the rest can be left to serendipity.
For those things that must be planned, this section offers advice on when to visit, how to get to Las Vegas and where to stay. All the fun stuff is in the section that follows but if you get the planning right it will leave you more time and more money for the good stuff. A little planning and hunting for the best deal will make the rest of your vacation even better.
So, how much might a trip to Las Vegas cost you? Well, that can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. How much is up to you and your budget and setting a budget can help you make decisions and not spend more than you want or have.
First off, decide what’s important to you. Do you like lavish rooms or is a comfy bed and a warm shower all you need? Do you like fine dining or are coffeeshops and buffets more your style? Are you a do it yourselfer or do you like to be pampered and catered to? Those questions and many more will help decide on a budget.
Since so much of this is up to you, I’m not going to show you how to build a budget. You should have an idea of what things cost after reading this book and a little research can help you zero in on what you want to spend or what you can afford. The real trick, once you’ve settled on a budget, is getting the most for your money.
If you budget one-hundred dollars per night for a room, you’ll get a lot nicer room on a weeknight that a weekend, for instance. On the other hand, for a couple of dollars a day, you can get a mid-size car instead of a compact. You’ll see that with a little research and planning, either you can save money or get more for your money.
Beyond the basics, the fun stuff should be budgeted also, especially the expensive stuff like golf, spas and shows. If you drink a lot, set a budget and use the tips you’ll find later on to keep it. If you love to gamble, it’s especially important to budget so you don’t blow your formula and diapers money. If you’re not sure what to you want to do, just budget some mad money.
With a budget in hand, your vacation expenses wont’ get out of hand. It will help you remember what’s important to you and keep you from overspending. A budget will help you determine if a deal is good for you or not. Spending more on something you don’t care about isn’t a deal. In any case, think about it as you read. You’ll likely see things that you want to experience and others you could care less about. Bookmark or write them done and that will help build your budget later on.
Anytime is a good time to visit Las Vegas, though certain times of the year offer better weather than others. Many people don’t care whether it's 115 degrees outside or snowing. They are there to gamble, drink and eat. On the other hand, if you are more interested in sightseeing, lounging by the pool or visiting the many outdoor attractions, then you are probably interested in visiting when the weather is most favorable.
December and January are usually the coldest months with average highs around 55 to 60 degrees and lows about 35 to 40 degrees. It freezes occasionally, but never for long. Snow will fall once every decade or so, but it does rain often enough to plan for it in the winter. Yes, it rains in the desert and nearby Mount Charleston is snowcapped during the winter months.
I flew into Vegas in 2008 and found the valley covered with up to eight inches of snow. It melted by noon for the most part. The planes at the airport were scattered around the tarmac to catch the sun. McCarran airport has no de-icers. Schools, offices and roads were closed and there was near panic. The storm made the national news. It doesn't snow very often in Vegas, but you can ski on Mount Charleston in the winter if you’re so inclined. Bring your rock skis.
February, March and April are generally pleasant but windy from time to time. The daytime temperatures climb from the low sixties in February to near 80 degrees by the end of April. Evenings are cool, usually in the forties and fifties. Sunshine is abundant and on many days, it is downright perfect. This is a great time to go if you golf or enjoy other outdoor pursuits. Most pools are open too.
Unfortunately, many people are looking for an escape from their winter conditions that last well into late spring and they head to Las Vegas this time of year. Spring brings bigger crowds, higher room rates and the golf courses will be full and expensive. Vegas is always crowded, however, so it's just more crowded. You’ve got to take the good with the bad, right?
Summer-like temperatures begin in May and climb steadily until July and August. On any given day, it can be between 90 and 105 degrees. Generally, you will see temperatures over 100 degrees throughout June, July, August and even September. July and August routinely see a short period with temperatures over 110 degrees. By October things begin to cool down, but temperatures in the 90's are normal. I've visited in October and suffered temperatures in the 100s, but more because back home it was in the 60s.
Summer evenings are pleasant, if not a little stifling in mid-summer. Outdoor activities are best planned at night or in the early morning. Pools and air-conditioned casinos are welcome refuges from the intense heat. If you come in the early summer from cooler climes, you might be overwhelmed during the day. However, rates and crowds are down and sightseeing and golf is possible if you go early.
Fall is very similar to spring temperature wise but cooling, rather than warming, as winter approaches. Winds are generally calmer than in the spring and again the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, especially golf. Evenings are also slightly warmer than in the spring and the weather is usually more stable. In other words, fewer storms are moving through the area than in spring.
This might be my favorite time of year. Depending on where you live, you can extend your summer by a month or three. It's nice to leave the cooling temperatures back home and enjoy summer-like weather in Las Vegas. Bragging to your friends back home as they endure the first snow of the year or are scrapping their car windows in the morning while you sit by the pool in your bikini is fun too.
There is so much to do indoors in Las Vegas that the weather isn't necessarily an issue. If you are planning on any outdoor activities, stick to the spring and fall for the best weather. If you don't like bumpy airplane landings avoid the spring. Bring a jacket from September through May, if only for the evenings. Otherwise, a lot of fun can be had no matter what the weather is like.
Weather notwithstanding, unless you have a specific reason be in Las Vegas, avoid the big conventions and sporting events. Comdex, the National Finals Rodeo, New Year's Eve and the Superbowl are great examples, through other times are just as hectic. Prices go up and rooms are scarce. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has a listing of these big events on their website.
Obviously, if one of these big events is your reason for going, you'll go anyway. For smaller events and conventions, Vegas can absorb the extra people. In fact, events and conventions are the norm and only a few big events cause problems during the year. If you like the hustle and bustle of crowds, you may prefer these busy times.
Beyond that, there really isn't a bad time to go to Las Vegas. There is no on or off seasons, though spring and fall see more visitors and prices will reflect that. Slower times of the year like December and mid-summer offer good deals, but you have to deal with the weather. Visiting when things are slow or the weather is less than ideal is the easiest way to get a deal.
Getting to Las Vegas is pretty easy anymore, though knowing a few tricks can help you get there easier and cheaper. Obviously, flying and driving are the two most popular methods of getting to Las Vegas, but you can also take a bus or a train. While not as popular, they are viable options. In any case, depending on your choice of travel, you can get to Las Vegas from just about anywhere in North America within a few short hours.
Flying
McCarran International Airport services both domestic and international travelers. As your flight makes its final approach, passengers can see the Las Vegas Strip and nighttime approaches are especially spectacular. McCarran International is right on the strip, nestled among the famous resorts. Talk about convenience! Unless you live within a few hundred miles, flying is the way to go.
McCarran Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and is in the top 20 worldwide. Southwest Airlines has, by far, the largest presence at McCarran, but most other domestic airlines service Las Vegas to one extent or another. Because of this, flights to Las Vegas are generally cheaper than flights to other destinations and Southwest usually offers great deals.
McCarran Airport is a modern airport and finding your way around isn't all that difficult. Walkways and trams to and from the gates meet in a central area where you will find airline check-in on one side and security and baggage claim on the other. Transportation to and from the airport picks up and drops off visitors between these areas. Because the airport is on the Strip, it's quick and easy to get to and from your hotel.
Expect to get to the airport at least an hour and a half before your flight, and more if you are visiting during busy periods and on weekends. If you have checked in online and have no bags to check, then an hour is probably fine except, again, during busier times. Security lines are usually short but at times, they are amazingly long though they always seem to move quickly.
Anymore, it's tough to find deals on flights. Usually the travel sites, even the ones that claim to have cheap fares, and the airlines themselves are within a few dollars of each other for any given flight, if you're booking online. The budget airlines offer better fares usually and are the way to go. You don't need all the frills on a three-hour flight anyway.
Southwest offers the most flights to and from Las Vegas and if you don't mind going early or late, you can get really good fares. Southwest really isn't a budget airline anymore, but when you book a flight, you know what it's going to cost. No extra fees or up-charges. Some folks don't like the open seating, but as long as you check in as soon as you can, it's generally not a problem to find good seats.
Really, the best deals on airfares are found by checking the travel sites and the few airlines, like Southwest, that don't sell through the travel sites and comparing. The time of day or day of the week can make a big difference. The less popular times and days to fly are generally cheaper. Many airlines and travel sites have rate calendars that will let you see the days with the cheapest fares. If your dates are flexible, you can save a lot of money.
Remember the fees. You might get a better fare from one airline, but the baggage fees and up-charges might make the final price higher than another airline. For instance, Southwest currently has no baggage fees, but American, United, Delta, etc. do charge for bags. The Southwest fare might be forty dollars higher, but since you'd have to pay for bags on the other airlines, Southwest is cheaper. Usually Southwest is cheaper than the other airlines even before they charge for bags. Remember to look at the total cost, not just the advertised fare.
This isn't a book about getting the cheapest fares on airlines, but one trick I've used is to fly out of an alternate airport. That's how Southwest keeps their fares low. They don't fly out George Bush International in Houston; they fly out of Houston Hobby. They use Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami International and LaGuardia and Long Island instead of JFK in New York. The airport fees are much less at these older, smaller airports, so Southwest can charge less. This can save you hundreds if you don't mind using these alternate airports. It pays to check around.
Your flight is one of the largest single costs when visiting Las Vegas, so finding the best deal can leave more money for gambling, dining or shopping. You likely won't find any “killer” deals, but shaving a couple of hundred dollars off of your fare is still nice. However, depending on your length of stay, deals on rooms are easier to find and can save you even more, as you will see.
Driving
Driving to Las Vegas is also a popular way to visit Las Vegas. Driving from the nearby population centers of southern and central California, Arizona, Northern Nevada and Utah is easy and can save a lot of money and time. Considering the time and hassle associated with air travel today, driving can get you to Vegas in a comparable amount of time and with less stress. You'll save a bundle of money too.
Driving also has the advantage of furnishing you with your own ground transportation once you arrive. No shuttles, rental cars or taxis and unlike some large cities, Las Vegas is easy to navigate even for the first timer. The Strip and Downtown are located along Interstate 15 and most of the off-Strip properties are located on major arterials. Las Vegas is a fairly new city and was planned with drivers in mind.
Vegas itself is laid out, more or less, in a grid with major three and four lane arterial roads spaced out every mile. Much of the dining, shopping and attractions visitors seek are on these major roads. There is ample parking just about anywhere you would want to go. If you live on the west coast, you're used to this kind of sprawling urban city. However, if you're visiting from back east, you'll likely be surprised how easy it is to get around and find parking.
Even with rising fuel costs, driving can still save you money. Remember, airlines, taxis, rental car agencies and most other forms of transportation also increase prices when fuel costs rise. Even if your drive is more than a single day, you'll likely save money compared to flying.
Speaking of longer drives, there are plenty of nice places to visit along the way to Las Vegas. There are many smaller towns to spend the night on your way, but do a little research first. Central Nevada, southern Utah and Arizona are lightly populated. Don't count on the dot on the map that looks like a town having a decent motel or dining.
The lightly populated deserts you will drive through are beautiful, but dangerous too. It's downright hot in the summer and surprisingly cold in the winter. Make sure your car is in good working order and you have some extra water, food and some blankets. Fill up you're gas tank when you can. Never count on gas being readily available just down the road. It could be a hundred miles or more before you find a gas station.
Cell phones are a good idea, but there are stretches of highway with no coverage. If you stay on the main highway, you'll be found by a Good Samaritan or state trooper soon enough, but smaller roads and highway maybe lightly traveled and it could be some time before help arrives. Never assume that line on your map or GPS is a paved highway. Stick to the major routes.
Don't let all that dissuade you from driving. Most major highways are safe and even if you do break down or run out of gas, there are plenty of fellow travelers to help out. Just use common sense and take a few precautions and you'll be fine. You'll save a lot of money too.
Alternate Methods of Travel
When talking about alternate methods of travel, charter buses are probably the most popular. Many cities have bus lines that run routes to and from Las Vegas. These aren't your typical Greyhound trip. You will likely be with like-minded Vegas visitors and the buses are usually pretty new and comfortable.
For those without a car or not willing to drive themselves, this can be a good option. Many churches, community clubs, retirement communities, etc., charter private buses for their members and sometimes offer room and show packages. Sometimes you can find a travel agency that offers a package special including chartered bus transportation. Many people, especially seniors, get to Vegas this way.
Greyhound and other bus lines offer service to Las Vegas, but they wouldn't be my first choice. Riding on a chartered bus with people you know or are of a similar age, background, etc., is one thing, but going on a regular bus, well, I'll keep my opinions to myself. Suffice it to say, there are quicker and more comfortable ways to travel.
One option is a rental car. If you don't mind driving, but don't own a car, or don't own a reliable car, you can rent a car locally and drive. Not a bad option that will likely cost you less than airfare, especially if you are taking other people. Rental car companies charge by the car, not by the passenger like airlines. Renting a car or van can save a ton of money if you're taking a group of friends.
Amtrak does not service Las Vegas directly. If you want to take a train, you will have to ride a bus from the nearest Amtrak stop to Las Vegas. There are definitely better options.
Beyond those options, there aren't many practical options. There is a push to build a high-speed train from southern California, but that is likely years, probably decades, away. If you live west of the Rockies and have the time, driving is a good option. If you want to get to Las Vegas quickly or live further away, flying is probably the best option.
Vegas can be enjoyed without renting a car, especially if your only destination is the Strip or the Downtown area. However, for convenience and freedom, not to mention cost, renting a car is a good idea (unless, of course, you drove your own). Vegas has amazing deals on rental cars. Additionally, Las Vegas has consolidated its rental car facility into one easily accessible location right off the Strip.
At the airport, just hop on a rental car center shuttle and in about five minutes you are at the counter of your rental agency. No waiting curbside for your particular rental company's shuttle. There are always several shuttles waiting right outside of the baggage claim area. On your way back home, you can plan on not needing more than an extra half hour or so to return you rental car and get back to the airport. Convenient.
Rental rates, like anywhere, vary according to the type and size of vehicle, but Vegas offers good deals that are usually less than other large cities. Compact cars can be had for an entire weekend for under fifty bucks! You could easily spend that much on taxis or shuttles (though many hotel shuttles are free, but tips are still expected and you’ll be on their schedule) or public transportation. If you want to explore the rest of Vegas, visit off-Strip hotels, attractions or shopping malls or see regional attractions, a rental car is the only way to go.
When shopping rental cars, most rental reservation websites have similar prices, but different rental companies can vary significantly between models. You may find a mid-size from one company for the same price as a compact from another. However, the difference may be just a couple of dollars per day.
If you haven't rented a car before there are a few things you should look out for. First off, you need to be a licensed driver and some companies won't rent to young drivers or if they will, a surcharge is required. Twenty-five seems to be the magic age. Luxury and sports cars are generally never rented to drivers under twenty-five. If a member of your group is over twenty-five, rent the car in their name and save some money and hassle.
Rental cars come with a full tank of gas, and must be returned that way. If you choose not to return your car with a full tank, you will be charged to fill the tank and at a higher price than you could find on your own. Always fill the tank just before you before you return it.
Many times rental companies will try and presell fuel at a price they claim is competitive with local stations. Problem is, you need to buy a specific amount, say a full tank. If you don't burn a full tank, you've bought gas you never used. In addition, the competitive price is usually taxed beyond what you are quoted making the fuel more expensive than local gas. Just buy your own gas. Several stations nearby the rental facility have good prices.
Insurance is also offered when you pick up your car. They don't tell you that usually your personal auto insurance already covers you or that the credit card used to pay for the rental usually provides insurance also. To be safe check with your insurance or credit card company prior to your trip, but chances are buying insurance at the rental counter is a waste of money.
Some rental companies will walk you around the vehicle during delivery to check for damage. Others won't. In any case, check the car for damage before you drive off and discuss any damage with the rental car rep. If you don't report previous damage, you could be liable even if you didn't cause the damage.
You can generally save money on rentals by looking for codes and coupons online and in magazines. Like many industries, loyalty to a specific company can earn you perks and freebies, though you may not always get the absolute lowest price. You may get e-mails or mailings with coupons, special deals, etc. Many companies also offer clubs you can join to get even more perks.
Renting a car through your airline can earn you frequent flier credits. Hotel loyalty programs may also offer other rewards if you book through them. Often you have a choice between lower rental rates, rental club points or perks, airline miles or package discounts. Take advantage of what makes sense to you. Say you fly often; it might make sense to get the airlines miles as opposed to rental company points.
All in all, renting a car in Las Vegas is inexpensive and easy. I wouldn't pass up a rental and try to save money by using shuttles, taxis and public transportation. Even if you end up spending a few more dollars on a rental, having the freedom to explore Vegas on your schedule is worth it. If, however you plan to drink early and often, you might want to forgo the rental car. A DUI arrest might cost you more than your whole trip.
Alternative Ground Transportation
If you don't have a car, there are many ways to get around Vegas. Taxis are probably the easiest and most convenient. They are usually waiting curbside at the airport, most hotels and some of the more popular attractions. If not, you can call for a cab and one will surely be there shortly. However, they are expensive. If you take a handful of cab rides, you might as well have rented a car.
Thankfully, there are other options. Most hotels have shuttles, but they are on specific routes and schedules. They won't take you wherever you desire whenever you want. Many off-Strip hotels often have shuttles to the Strip. They understand that most visitors are going there anyway and make it convenient to stay at their property and still experience Vegas.
Vegas also has a great public transportation system, known as the Deuce, with routes up and down the strip to serve tourists and casino workers. A bus ride will save you money compared to a cab, but they have regular stops and won't drop you off at the front door of your hotel. A transit pass can save you even more money if you plan to use the service extensively. They also run on a schedule and not always 24 hours a day.
However, the bus service does run all over the Las Vegas Valley so you can get off the strip to see other sites, go shopping or dine, though you may have to walk a short distance from the bus stop. Again, the more you use the public transportation, the more expensive it is and at some point, you might as well just rent a car.
Las Vegas also has a monorail that runs up and down the Strip. It services casinos on the east side of the Strip. A pass is relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, it runs behind the casinos, not on the Strip itself. If, for instance, you wanted to visit a casino near your present location, the walk to and from the monorail station behind the casino you're at could be as far or farther than just walking directly to your destination. Then once you're there, you have another long walk back to the casino floor or the Strip.
The monorail’s usefulness is on longer trips, say from one end of the strip to the other. It is also useful for visiting the Hilton, which is off the Strip but a major property and the northern end of the line. The Hilton has nice rooms, good dining and houses the Star Trek attractions. The monorail makes it a good place to stay off the Strip.
There are several smaller trams, all on the west side of the Strip. They’re owned by the casinos they serve. One tram runs between the Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay. Another from the Bellagio to the Monte Carlo and services the new City Center. Yet another runs from Treasure Island to the Mirage. Since these are not connected, they won't get you from one end of the Strip to the other, but they do offer easy and air-conditioned travel between select properties and save some wear and tear on your feet.
Lastly, you can walk. Walking is probably the most popular method of getting around the Strip. The Strip is about three miles long but for the most part, it's nothing but major hotel/casino resorts. The sidewalks are wide and made for walking and the casinos are easily accessible from the street. In fact, this is the best way to see the Strip.
Many casinos have made walking easier. They have built moving walkways to their front doors, installed sitting areas and food and drinks stands or lined the front with shops and restaurants. The only down sides are the fatigued feet, especially for women wearing heels, and the guys trying to give you adult oriented advertisements.
Lately authorities have cracked down on these guys. They’re still there, but they aren't allowed to be as aggressive or even talk to visitors anymore, just offer their ads quietly. Some casinos have built secondary walkways on their property to control this. Take those and you won't have to deal with this problem.
On the other hand, local and state transportation agencies and even some of the casinos have installed bridges at most of the major intersections. No crosswalks or waiting for traffic lights. Just take the stairs or escalator up and over the busy street below. The Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue intersection is one of the busiest in the nation and the bridges were a welcome addition for convenience and safety.
You can also walk around the Downtown area and several new developments in the area will make that even better in the coming years. You cannot (actually you can, but probably won't want to) walk between the Strip and Downtown. It is another three miles or so, but through some not so friendly areas.
A few of the off-Strip properties offer shopping nearby. Green Valley Ranch on the 215 freeway just a few miles from the airport offers a small outdoor mall with upscale shops and good food. If you stay there, you can explore the area with only your feet.
Only on the hottest summer days and coolest winter days is walking not a good option. Nine or ten months out of the year, it is a great way to see Las Vegas. The powers that be have made walking not only easy and convenient, but also safe. Don't forget to bring you're walking shoes.
In addition, to be honest, there are a couple of other ways to get around the Strip. You can rent bicycles, small electric carts or even a Segway, one of those two-wheeled contraptions that were all the rage a few years back. The Strip isn't friendly to these. Way too many pedestrians to negotiate. The small electric cars can be driven on the street, but they are open air and more a novelty than anything.
Honestly, I've always rented a car. Why not? Public transportation, cabs and shuttles are a hassle and cost money. Even though we walk a lot when we are in Vegas, you don't necessarily want to walk a mile to dinner, especially if high heels are involved! I recommend renting a car in most situations, but there are times when it might not make sense.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, there were nearly 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas in 2009. Even with that many rooms, believe it or not, it can be hard to find one when a big convention or event is in town. Most of the time, however, rooms are plentiful and easy to find. The vast majority of those rooms are on or near the Strip and Downtown and they range from budget friendly to luxurious and everything in between.
Now, if you're like me, you don't really care much about your room except that it’s clean, quiet, comfortable and close to the action. You aren't in Vegas to enjoy the room are you? Well, some folks are. For whatever reason, they love having mints on their pillows and gold-plated showerheads. To each their own, but no matter what your preference, there are ways to make sure you don't pay too much.
Las Vegas also offers several different types of accommodations to the traveler, though the hotel/casinos are by far the most popular. Visitors may also choose to rent a house or condominium during their stay, stay at an RV park or stay at a motel or motor lodge. For certain visitors these options make sense, but for most of us the hotel/casinos are the way to go.