If money was no object the Wynn would win hands down, personally haven't been but my family and friends have and it is exceptional. Or the four seasons, which i believe is number 1 on TA, other friends got married and stayed there. Unfortunately to expensive for me

I would say if money was no object the Wynn is beautiful with the most delicious top class restaurants. The Mandalay Bay is up there too but the only thing I would say is location wise the Wynn I personally think is better, close to shopping, next door to the Venetian and Palazzo - both also gorgeous hotels. Treasure Island is a good hotel and slightly cheaper, rooms are very nicely decorated - modern style and location is good. It's opposite the Venetian, next door to Mirage and Caesars Palace and the Wynn is opposite. Sometimes you can get some good deals at the MGM, which is also a good one.

Link below to offer that is currently on at the Treasure Island which might be worth taking a look at: https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=170&code=TIRMW08

If you got something under $100 a night at one of the top hotels that would be a great deal.

P.S. Mandalay Bay buffet restaurant is fantastic!

I've actually stayed in the Motel 6 on Tropicana Avenue in Vegas (the biggest Motel 6 in the world, obviously with it being Vegas) and it is fine and well located. I would certainly class the location of that hotel as better than either of the Sahara or Stratosphere but there are better options than all three and you won't be busting the bank doing it.

Personally if your Christmas bonus is lower than expected I would look at the MGM Grand, New York New York, Monte Carlo, Luxor and Excalibur. Maybe even T.I. Out of those, you will probably find the Excalibur will be the cheapest and certainly a far better located hotel than either the Sahara or Strat. Don't expect major luxury, but the refurbished Widescreen rooms are very nice. In fact with Vegas standard rooms there is little to choose between any of the hotels, sure some are nicer with better fittings but just how much time are you expecting to spend in the room over 2 days?

If you want to splash out, then the suggestions below would be good options. Wynn, the Venetian, Manadalay Bay, The Mirage are all very nice...how about the Signature at the MGM? Might be worth a look?

You have a bundle of options available to you. Best of luck.

I agree with the others. I would chose Excalibur widescreen over Sahara etc.

Another nice option which is not often mentioned is Platinum. We stayed there in September and it was lovely! Other ideas for a splurge include better rooms at the regular hotels - spa suite at MGM, Petite Suite at TI etc.

Good luck with getting a nice bonus

Money no object? the Wynn, or Encore, the Wynn's sister hotel would be my choice.

Economising? TI, Luxor, Mirage, any of the midstrip hotels. the Strat is fine, but a bit far out for the. festivities

Thanks for everybody's suggestions. Yeah, I understood that the Stratosphere is at the north end of the Strip? Even though we'll be taking my car, of course, I don't particulary want to have to drive from one end of the Strip to the other just to get to where the action is.

I did look at the Luxor... that is a possibility. I found a decent rate there too online.

If I did stay at an alternative hotel/motel, I'd probably go for a Best Western (a bit better than Motel 6) or similar and possibly just outside of Vegas (I have stayed in Boulder before). Last time (the only time!) I went to Vegas I just parked at the Wynn and we spend the day going around the Strip and just drove home later. I forget what the parking charges were but I don't remember them being too outrageous. So, that's an option...staying a budget motel and then parking somewhere on the Strip, especially since we don't really intend to stay in Vegas all the time (we are going to drive across the Hoover Dam into Arizona).

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

If money was no object then the Skylofts at the MGM. Failing that then THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay, the Wynn/Encore or a Prima Suite at the Venetian.

Middle priced hotels I would say the Mirage or Paris.

Will be very interested to hear how you get on in Vegas after thinking we were all mad to keep coming back.

luci

Self parking is usually free at any of the hotels. You just have to tip with valet parking.

TheHotel is very far south strip. For a first time I would prefer somewhere more central. Have you thought of Planet Hollywood? MGM Grand usually has some good deals on too.

It's not my first time in Vegas. I've been before; I just wasn't blown away by it, that's all. I think having lived in the US and been to various big cities (heck, I live in LA), the allure of Vegas isn't the same for me. But I am still looking forward to it and maybe I'll even do some gambling!

I think the secret to enjoying Vegas and getting the most out of it is research and planning. I think you would enjoy it less just turning up and drifting rather than having an idea what you want to see and where you want to eat.

We went for the first time in 1988 and it took 17 years till we went back as we hadn't a clue what was there apart from Caesars Palace.

How long are you going for? Remember rates can typically double Fri & Sat.

luci

I agree. A lot of the fun is in the planning. I also enjoy the coupon hunting!

If you plan lots and don't get it all done, then you feel a need to go back. This has happened to us 8 times now, and we've still not done everything

Time for me to decide - going on Wednesday!!! Lokking at available offers, can do Excal refurbed room, or Ballys, MGM, Luxor, NYNY standard room for about $430 - Bills or Flamingo is about $60 - $70 cheaper. Main priority is comfort and cleanliness - any opinions?

Thanks in advance

Suzy

I would choose Bill's, MGM or Bally's (North tower only) from that list. I have a soft spot for Bill's, it is so easy to get in and out of. If Bally's isn't the north tower don't take it. The south tower was very disappointing.

Assuming you are going for a week this wednesday, Luci's offer she posted recently for UK casino discounts, have Paris for $450 ($490 incl. tax)

http://www.playerrewardscard.com/

There is also Bally's but South Tower is around price you quoted, so I suspect your price is for South Tower, not North.

I think your MGM deal sounds good. Have you looked at other MGM properties like Mirage? $448 though + tax. i think the rooms have now all been renovated.
https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=160&code=20VOLCANO&kbid=275588&sub=vhs1108mir

or a bargain $280ish at the Orleans.

Sorry, I'm possibly making it harder to decide!!

We stayed in Vegas four weeks ago and I would say that there might still be some great hotel deals on .Agree with others, if money is no object then the Wynn is hard to beat. We got a good rate on the Venetian which was beautiful , could'nt fault it in any way. We also stayed at MGM and the rooms were very comfortable, although it was very very busy, the madonna concert and Ricky Hatton fight meant that it was very crowded. Good value though.

We looked around many of the hotels, right now I would avoid the Luxor, and Excalibur, both looked grubby and in need of a refurb. Mandalay was very nice, went to a show here, but it is a bit out of the way, being at the far end of the strip.

If you can get a decent price on the Wynn, Venetian or Palazzo, it is worth a little extra for a bit of luxury. This end of the strip is better , but of course just a matter of opinion, everyones taste is not the same.

Enjoy your trip !!!

GEJ, what about the Signature at MGM? I think they were No1 on TA.

luci

Booked the MGM for $470 including taxes - will report when I get back

Be sure to have a great time!!!

Looking forward to hearing about it.

I think we are just going to stay at a Holiday Inn or Best Western, possibly in Vegas itself or maybe in Boulder. That will give us more money to do other things (e.g. a spot of gambling!). I guess I should probably book it ahead of time since Christmas/New Year is likely to be a busy time of the year.