Las Vegas - Is this hopeless ??

Anyone know of a way I can get a nice hotel room on, or, not-too-far-off the Strip for CES weekend, (nights of 1/6 and 1/7) for....say....$200 a night?

I think I waited too long to book this, and now I'm in a bind. Last year Harrah's comped me for the same weekend, but now my play doesn't rate a free room (and I called them, mentioned that, and then asked nicely for their cheapest rate, and was told $350 a night for a basic room at Harrah's or Rio!).

Any help would be truly and sincerely appreciated!!!

- MJ

Well, Expedia shows that the Travelodge on the strip is available at $199/night. I don't know too much about this place.

You may want to try Henderson, NV. This is about 15 minutes from the strip and from the airport. There are cheaper places, but I have stayed at the Green Valley Ranch (http://www.greenvalleyranchresort.com/), which is very nice. They have everything that a strip hotel has--pools, casino, spas, massages, etc. There are a lot of restaurants within walking distance--PF Chang's, Cheesecake factory, etc. They also run a shuttle to-and-from the strip. If I remember correctly, they drop off/pick up at Mandalay Bay. They also have a free airport shuttle. The times of both shuttles is not the greatest, and they stop running relatively early in the evening, but it is something.

The price on Expedia is $250/night; it might be cheaper at their website.

Normally I'd say to download Travelaxe, and you might find something. But even using their software, nothing good showed up on the strip. Cheapest was Boarwalk at $455 after taxes. Well, maybe you do want to do that, they are closing for good sometime in January I believe. :D
Else, there's lots of cheap places downtown. $108 for El Cortez anyone? I dunno, it seems like just an awful weekend to be buying at the last minute, unfortunately.

Normally I'd say to download Travelaxe, and you might find something. But even using their software, nothing good showed up on the strip. Cheapest was Boarwalk at $455 after taxes. Well, maybe you do want to do that, they are closing for good sometime in January I believe. :D
Else, there's lots of cheap places downtown. $108 for El Cortez anyone? I dunno, it seems like just an awful weekend to be buying at the last minute, unfortunately.

Boardwalk for $455? That is ridiculous.

Actually, have a look at this site (www.vegas.com) for the a good overview of available hotels during that time. The Tropicana shows as $286 and Boardwalk as $261. All the ones below the $200 mark are not located on the strip though. If you're not happy now, it's worth checking this site every day as I had to book room for the CES a week in advance one year and was able to get a room because someone must have cancelled their res. Hope that helps.

Might want to try http://www.tripres.com (Trip Reservations)

If Harrahs Comped you in the past, then they know of and that you do play, I would suggest doing as I did, Call Harrahs and talk to a Casino Host, Explain to him that you called the reservations desk and they would not give you a good deal, tell him you would like to stay there again and see what he can do for you.
MOST times they will take PAST play into account and as I have stated if you have played before they are willing to take a chance that you will again.

WHen I did it through another hotel I had stayed at in the past I had not been there for three years, but because of my (quarter slot play) they comped me three nights of the five Im staying and gave me a a FANTASTIC DEAL on the other two nights, which probably will be comped once I Check out based on my play.

REALLY try it, but you MUST talk to a Casino Host, if you happend to know one from past dealings then ask for that person other wise any other casino host will do. IT WILL WORK

Boardwalk for $455? That is ridiculous.

Must be total for the two days. www.kayak.com shows Boardwalk at $225/night for that period.

Artisan appears at $199/night, one block off the strip.

Courtyard in Summerlin shows at $249/night.

Travelodge still appearing at $172/night.

Golden Nugget downtown is still available at $222/night - a lot of people say that's the only "nice" hotel product downtown.

And that's about it for "nice" and/or "close."

Thank you to one and all for your time and help, but I think I'm going to have to arrive on Sat. 1/7 (for a 3 night stay), instead of Friday. The rates are just far too high for a Friday arrival. (I also called Harrah's and spoke to a host, and he was understanding and apologetic, but unfortunately, could not get me a rate anywhere near $200 a night).

Nonetheless, I have a number of options now, and once again, I wanted everyones opinion.

My choices now are:

Ballys - (average of) $124 a night
Flamingo - $151 a night
Golden Nugget - $97 a night (although I think I'd rather stay on the Strip)
Paris - $160 a night
Westin Casuaruna - $164 a night

(Incidentally, the Westin rate is using a SPG50 [50% off rack rate] coupon, while the other rates came from tripres.com)

What do you guys think ??

- MJ

Another option I forgot to add:

Treasure Island for $177 a night (also from tripres.com)

-MJ

Thank you to one and all for your time and help, but I think I'm going to have to arrive on Sat. 1/7 (for a 3 night stay), instead of Friday. The rates are just far too high for a Friday arrival. (I also called Harrah's and spoke to a host, and he was understanding and apologetic, but unfortunately, could not get me a rate anywhere near $200 a night).

Nonetheless, I have a number of options now, and once again, I wanted everyones opinion.

My choices now are:

Ballys - (average of) $124 a night
Flamingo - $151 a night
Golden Nugget - $97 a night (although I think I'd rather stay on the Strip)
Paris - $160 a night
Westin Casuaruna - $164 a night

(Incidentally, the Westin rate is using a SPG50 [50% off rack rate] coupon, while the other rates came from tripres.com)

What do you guys think ??

- MJ

I would go with Paris @ $160 PN from this group including TI. The Westin is good as a basic business hotel with a small relatively inactive casino as a lobby. During my last couple of stays, their service and cleanliness had steadily gone down hill as well!

Good luck!


T

Bally's has a tram stop right at their back door to get you back and forth to the convention. Paris is attached to Bally's and has nicer rooms, but a bit more of a walk.

I think Bally's is a dump. Paris has far nicer rooms, and these are more that ten bucks better than the Flamingo. So Paris is you are on the strip and those are your only choices. If you are willing to go downtown, the Nugget is fine, and you may be able to get it even lower through Priceline (I've gotten it down below fifty bucks before, and the parking is right there which sealed it for me).

If hotel points are important, I'd stay at the Westin. It's only a few blocks from the Strip. I'm staying @ the Aladdin next week and they have specials for January (plus *wood points)...not sure of their rates.

Otherwise, I've always had good experiences at Bally's, except self-parking is at Paris. Golden Nugget is a decent hotel, but I always like to be on the strip.

Flamingo I've heard mixed reviews on....

Thought tripres might help you out.

For the room, if you want to save a few bucks, Bally's is you standard type room. Nothing overly special, but livable and center strip.

Bally's room pic (http://community.webshots.com/photo/186399648/186400656dWoRLN)

Flamingo only beats it with their pool area, but not an issue this time of year.

You want something a little more upscale and a little more impressive of a property, go for Paris or TI.

Bally's does have the Bally's Sterling Sunday Brunch at the steakhouse if you want to splurge with the savings.

If not, may want to see if Wynn is still running the promo for new Red Card players club signups. Earn 50 points on your first visit & get 2 free buffets, and it's very good.

Have a good trip!

One other thing to mention.

Any of the former Caesars properties, including Bally's and Paris, still have a Best Rate guarantee.

Print or save the rate page and if it qualifies, as the tripres should, not only do they match it, but they'll discount it by 25%.

Worth checking out.

http://www.caesars.com/Ballys/LasVegas/PlusGuarantee (Best Rate at Bally's page, Paris has the same.)

Need to do it before booking with a broker, since they have cancellation penalties that could eat up the savings.

Bally's and Paris are essentially two wings of the same hotel. I'd pick Bally's for that much cheaper unless I wanted to impress somebody.

QL

I just tried to use my Red Card at the Wynn for
a client for the weekend of the 6th Jan. CES & AES.
Was going to check in, then give him the room.
Got some major points on that red card.

Wynn Casino Marketing said they are just not going to budge on the
price. You can get in. But its like $ 575 a night. Internet is $ 6ish.
Ouch. Thats for a Standard or Tower suite.

We booked our MGM Skyloft in May.
This is not the weekend to attempt "last minute" or "last month".?

Good Luck !

> Bally's room pic

Nice pictures!

Thought tripres might help you out.
Is there any disadvantage to using tripres?? I'm surprised how much cheaper some of the rates are. I don't care about cancelation fees or anything as I'm not going to. Any other disadvantage? Seems like there must be for rates like those. I'm curious because I'm actually trying to plan a trip to Vegas that weekend too. I was about to book a room at the MGM for ~$400/night (avg for Fri & Sat nights) until I stumbled on this thread now I'm looking at TI for ~$350/night. It doesn't seem to factor in # of people though. I've got 4, does this same rate apply? Normally these hotels charge more for such things...

Edit: Just noticed they tuck away the extra fees for multiple people on the later reservation pages instead of up front. I guess I'll be at the MGM anyhow.

bltserv,

I'm probably going to be checking in, (somewhere!) on Sat. 1/7 as opposed to Fri. For some reason, Fri. is WAY more expensive a night that Sat. Check in on Sat, if you can, and you'll save yourself a lot of $$. This seems to be the "policy" at virtually every hotel.

lvgambler - Caesars properties' "Best Rate guarantee" will BEAT consolidator's internet rates by 25%??!! Do I understand that correctly??
If so, I'm going be sitting pretty at Caesars for CES weekend, and for a quite reasonable price.

Interesting story - after I called Harrah's and spoke to a host at length, explaining that last year I was a comped hotel guest, ON CES WEEKEND, but that my play this past year was not enough to qualify me for a comp; and would he please just try to get me a BETTER rate than the astronomical one I had been quoted for CES weekend this year, (and I added that I was even willing to check in on Sat.). While he was understanding and apologetic, he unfortunately could not get me a rate anywhere near what I wanted.

I then did some checking, found the CES website, found the "hotel codes" for the convention, called Harrah's back, spoke to the first woman who picked up the reservation line, gave her ONLY the code I found on-line.....and she quoted me a rate about $100 LESS a night than the host had just quoted me!

Using the hotel codes (and again, arriving on Sat.) I was also quoted a rate of $169 a night a New York, New York. So now I have quite a number of choices, (from various sources) -

Ballys - (average of) $124 a night
Flamingo - $151 a night
Golden Nugget - $97 a night
Paris - $160 a night
Westin Casuaruna - $164 a night
Treasure Island - $177 a night
New York, New York - $169 a night
Harrah's - $153 a night

- these are all for a 3 night stay with a Sat. arrival.

However if Caesars properties' "Best Rate guarantee" will truly beat consolidator's internet rates by 25%, then this will be an easy decision for me.....Caesars!

I REALLY appreciate everyone's help, and I look forward to your additional comments.

- MJ

Well for some strange reason, the link doesn't seem to work clicking on it, but you can copy & paste it.

Yes, it applies to all the former Caesars properties. Paris, Bally's, Flamingo, & Caesars all have the "Best Rate" on their homepage. Harrahs hasn't changed it since the buyout, so don't know if it will last.

I copied the page without completing the booking and called Caesars to see if they'd honor it. They did the match & 25%.

Here's the terms for it to be eligible.


How to Submit a Claim

Before submitting a claim, please ensure that your claim meets the following requirements.

You booked your original reservation for a Caesars resort in the United States on one of the Caesars brand Web sites:

Resort and URL
Bally's Las Vegas - www.BallysLasVegas.com
Flamingo Las Vegas - www.FlamingoLasVegas.com
Paris Las Vegas - www.ParisLasVegas.com
Caesars Palace - www.CaesarsPalace.com
Flamingo Laughlin - www.FlamingoLaughlin.com
Reno Hilton - www.RenoHilton.com
Bally's Atlantic City - www.BallysAC.com
Caesars Atlantic City - www.CaesarsAC.com
Caesars Indiana - www.CaesarsIndiana.com
Grand Casino Biloxi - www.GrandBiloxi.com
Grand Casino Gulfport - www.GrandGulfport.com
Grand Casino Tunica - www.GrandTunica.com
Sheraton Tunica - www.SheratonTunica.com

It has not been more than 24 hours since you booked your original reservation.


Packages and promotions excluded.


The rate must be available to the general public. Qualified discount rates, such as AAA rates, AARP rates, convention rates, or direct marketing offers do not apply. Likewise this guarantee does not apply to packaged rates with airfare on 3rd party websites.


The rate must be confirmed as available. One way to confirm availability is to provide a printout of the screen or a screenshot of the Web site with the lower rate that proves availability. Due to the processes and advertising practices at some Web Sites not owned by Caesars the initial search results may not reflect a rate or even a room that is currently and actually available through that Web site. In other words, although an initial search results screen may show a particular room availability and rate, if you were to try to book that room, at the point of transaction you would see a screen that states either the room is unavailable or that the room is available at a different rate. Accordingly, you must provide a printout of the screen or a screenshot of the website at the point of transaction (for example, a credit card information page just before actual booking that shows availability, the rate, room type, dates, etc.)


In the event of a multiple night stay, the Best Rate Plus Guarantee will compare the total room cost of the stay as booked at the Caesars Rate with the total room cost of the stay booked at a Competing Rate with substantially similar Rate Limitations.


Rates that are "available upon request" must be confirmed for availability through a call to the rate provider. Caesars will confirm the availability of the rate with its property before honoring a claim, and Caesars will not honor claims on rates that are not available at that time.


Claims can not be filed within 3 days of arrival. Because Caesars must check the availability of the rate before honoring a claim, we cannot guarantee that this process will occur for reservations booked within 72 hours of arrival.
If you meet the above requirements, please follow the steps below to submit your claim.

Download the Best Rate Plus Guarantee Claim Form.

Please complete all fields of the Best Rate Guarantee Claim Form. Incomplete forms may not be processed.

Fax or email the form, along with the appropriate form of evidence, to Caesars Customer Service Centers.

Western Regional Call Center services the following resorts:
FAX #: 702-862-3584
E-mail: NVReservations@ballyslv.com
Bally’s Las Vegas
Caesars Palace
Flamingo Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas
Flamingo Laughlin


Wouldn't wait too long to check it out, it's a busy weekend and rooms can disappear fast.

Boardwalk for $455? That is ridiculous.

That's nothing. About 10 years ago when COMDEX was at it's height and many of the hotels wern't built yet. Motel 6 went for IIRC $299 a night. Motel 6. Rooms everywhere were sold out, including Henderson and Boulder City. You'd have to go as far as Searchlight or Laughlin if you wated too long.

To the OP you are probably SOL.

bltserv,


Using the hotel codes (and again, arriving on Sat.) I was also quoted a rate of $169 a night a New York, New York. So now I have quite a number of choices, (from various sources) -


I REALLY appreciate everyone's help, and I look forward to your additional comments.

- MJ


Careful there... I've had friends try this before. The front desk person asked for proof they were going to the show (in this case COMDEX) they had no proof, and had to pay rack rate.

Careful there... I've had friends try this before. The front desk person asked for proof they were going to the show (in this case COMDEX) they had no proof, and had to pay rack rate.

As you can walk up to CES and fork over $100 to get a pass for the floor, I have no idea how a hotel could demand "proof" that you're attending. Just tell them you haven't gotten your pass yet.

As you can walk up to CES and fork over $100 to get a pass for the floor, I have no idea how a hotel could demand "proof" that you're attending. Just tell them you haven't gotten your pass yet.

Confirmation email that you have a pass, or your badge. Hotels will be 100% full. They won't have a problem selling rack rate. I would fork over the $100, rather then risk paying $150-$200 more a night.

Confirmation email that you have a pass, or your badge. Hotels will be 100% full. They won't have a problem selling rack rate. I would fork over the $100, rather then risk paying $150-$200 more a night.

If the hotel expects to be 100% full and won't have a problem selling rack rate...then their CES codes should be closed out on the web. If they're not, then they're implying that they want CES discount business.

Furthermore, if you can book the code on the web and there are no specific instructions on the hotel's booking confirmation page such as "CES badge required to be shown at check-in," then they don't have a leg to stand on if you've booked online in good faith and then show up at the property.

If the hotel expects to be 100% full and won't have a problem selling rack rate...then their CES codes should be closed out on the web. If they're not, then they're implying that they want CES discount business.

Furthermore, if you can book the code on the web and there are no specific instructions on the hotel's booking confirmation page such as "CES badge required to be shown at check-in," then they don't have a leg to stand on if you've booked online in good faith and then show up at the property.

All I'm saying is that I've had friends try to come down and visit me a several years ago. It was the only weekend they could get down. The hotel refused their convention rate, and had to pay rack rate.

As always YMMV, I was just trying to give a potential heads up. Anyhow CES and the other show, are both nice to see :D

LV702 - Not only am I NOT S.O.L. for that weekend, but using the Caesar's "Best Rate guarantee," and checking in on Sat. as opposed to Fri. (and staying for 3 nights), I can now choose between a decent rate at Caesar's, or as low as $72 a night at the Flamingo, (or something slightly higher than that at Bally's or Paris). And I won't be using a "CES code" at all, so I'm not concerned about that, but thanks for the heads up.

And if by "the other show," you mean the Adult Entertainment Expo at the Sands Expo Hall; yeah, I might need to stop by and see the world's largest (annual) concentration of adult film actresses (in one place at one time).

=)


bltserv - Again, if your situation allows you to arrive for CES on Sat., you really should check into that. It was a lifesaver for me.

lvgambler - thanks SO much for the info on Caesar's "Best Rate guarantee." I truly think that's gonna save me a bundle, (and probably allow me to stay in a nicer place than I originally thought I would be able to!)

Hope everyone's having a good weekend!

Appreciatively,

- MJ

Jumping a bit late on this, sorry. But one of my companies enigneers just pulled out of the show. Looks like we'll have a room available for under $200 at the Hilton for that Friday. PM me and I'll check with the guy in Denmark that's handling this show for us.

That's nothing. About 10 years ago when COMDEX was at it's height and many of the hotels wern't built yet. Motel 6 went for IIRC $299 a night. Motel 6. Rooms everywhere were sold out, including Henderson and Boulder City. You'd have to go as far as Searchlight or Laughlin if you wated too long.

To the OP you are probably SOL.

My friends wanted to go to Vegas on that weekend. (in 1992). I called all over the place & the cheapest was approx over $400/night in a dump. I called Motel 6 on Tropicana & got us a double room for $55/night. (there were 5 of us, but that was another story! :rolleyes: --I didn't know there were 5 of us! ). I just checked Motel 6 & they have one of the nights on the Tropicana location for $85.99 for a double. The other Motel 6's had rooms for $85.99/night. Obviously, if one can stay at a nice place for under $200, that may be the way to go.

My friends wanted to go to Vegas on that weekend. (in 1992). I called all over the place & the cheapest was approx over $400/night in a dump. I called Motel 6 on Tropicana & got us a double room for $55/night. (there were 5 of us, but that was another story! :rolleyes: --I didn't know there were 5 of us! ). I just checked Motel 6 & they have one of the nights on the Tropicana location for $85.99 for a double. The other Motel 6's had rooms for $85.99/night. Obviously, if one can stay at a nice place for under $200, that may be the way to go.

Was that COMEDEX or CES? COMDEX used to be quite a bit bigger then it was the last time they had a show. Anyhoe book early, and if you find something cheap, book it now.

if you register online, exhibits only pass, on or before Dec. 30th. $100 for exhibits only pass after that...

luxor usually has good rates if you don't mind being at the end of the strip....

Not this weekend they don't -- just like every other hotel in Vegas they're nearly fully booked.

Thu: $449
Fri: $379

Not this weekend they don't -- just like every other hotel in Vegas they're nearly fully booked.

Thu: $449
Fri: $379

www.easyclicktravel.com still has Luxor listed at $170 for these two nights. (It's the "hidden" 4-star "best value.") It may be worth a shot to click through and see if you can get a conf. number.

Also, www.precisionreservations.com still shows some interesting rates. $318 on Thursday and $230 on Friday.

My own update for CES: I had a "backpocket" reservation at the Courtyard in Henderson at $169 for Thu and Fri this week. Today, I made one last sweep of sites to see if any strip properties might have last-minute cancellations and lowering of rates.

Voila! Monte Carlo at $299; MGM Grand at $329. I took MGM. Beats the heck out of $455 at Boardwalk, that's for sure.

Not under $200 a night, but it obviates the need for a rental car by being on the strip. CES beckons!

I just got a room for Thursday 1/5 at the Flamingo for $190.

Cheapest was Boarwalk at $455 after taxes. Well, maybe you do want to do that, they are closing for good sometime in January I believe.

Yes, CES weekend was the last hoorah for the Boardwalk, they must have wanted it go out winning, and today, at noon, it closed. :(