Las Vegas - Vegas in March

It's been years since I have been to Vegas......are these prices ($100++) the norm? Or is there some big group/convention that weekend?

I'm looking for 2 rooms for 3 nights, March 30 - April 2.

Our priorities: 1) A clean and safe room 2) I want to be somewhere along the the Strip (at least, within easy walking distance). 3) The property does not have to be a major hotel; does not even have to have a casino or restaurant.

I've looked at various maps, but the distances in Vegas can be deceiving. And in looking at the individual hotel descriptions, they all claim to be "near" the strip......but sales talk is a dime-a-dozen.

What realistic advice would you give?

Have I turned into an old fart in expecting too much for too little?

try this cheap Aladdin rate...it works for some of your dates.

Aladdin Spring rates (http://sdm3.com/viewmsg.cfm?n152s2980c14219463t2105e3350508)

Yikes. that first night: $79 is great. But the next two nights it jumps to $299/night!!!!! THat's a little high for me. But thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it. Maybe I'll get more advice.

I am pretty sure that is the FINAL FOUR weekend, isnt it?
That might explain the cost

That is Final Four Weekend.

It's been years since I have been to Vegas......are these prices ($100++) the norm? Or is there some big group/convention that weekend?

I'm looking for 2 rooms for 3 nights, March 30 - April 2.

Our priorities: 1) A clean and safe room 2) I want to be somewhere along the the Strip (at least, within easy walking distance). 3) The property does not have to be a major hotel; does not even have to have a casino or restaurant.


I spend way too much time in Vegas (for work, thankfully) but yes, times have changed....no more $29 rooms in every hotel. March/April is one of the high times for trade shows, and you are also trying to do a weekend, which are always higher. (I will actually be there this week, but my events end on the 30th). Most of the good Strip hotels are $150+ every day, and some (Venetian, Bellagio) are usually $200+.

Walking distance is a relative term....everything is a walk, even within each hotel/casino. You may want to consider a car rental, so you have some freedom to explore outside the city (Hoover Dam, Mt. Charleston, etc) if you tire of the lights, and then you can get around easier. There is a public bus that runs up & down the strip for $2 (last I knew) per entry, and then the monorail was running at $3 per entry. If you plan to see the whole strip, it can be a very long walk....but at least the weather is usually decent that time of year.

There are a number of budget hotels/motels near the strip, but beware as in my experience they are not worth much.

A quick check on Expedia shows the Stratosphere is fairly cheap those dates, and while at the end of the Strip is still on the Strip. Most of the Fremont St hotels are sub $100 for all 3 days, so you could consider those...although I'm sure they are a bit tired. Circus Circus and Saraha both are lower priced as well, also on the Strip...but are also somewhat older. The Riveria is also fairly priced, but not my favorite - stuck in the 60's - but some folks like it, and on the Strip. Check out www.tripadvisor.com for folks reviews of the properties.

Along with the disappearing cheap hotel, the cheap buffet (and most meals) have also disappeared. Great buffets at Bellagio, Paris, etc will run you $27 - $32 pre tip.

The Stratsophere is $89 per night on Sidestep.
Rivera is $87
Stardust $98

All are older casinos but I have spent the night in all and any will do.

I am pretty sure that is the FINAL FOUR weekend, isnt it?
That might explain the cost
Yes, the Final Four will be held in Indianapolis that weekend.

Yes, $100++ is the norm on weekends.

Some possibilities:
Hilton HGVC at the LV Hilton $139
Hilton HGVC on the LV Strip (up by the Sahara) $109
Hilton HGVC at the Flamingo $189

Of these, the HGVC Flamingo has the best location to the Caesars/Paris/Bellagio section of the Strip. The LV Hilton location has a stop on the monorail line (which gets mixed opinions as a good source of transportation). The HGVC on the LV Strip is on Las Vegas Blvd, but it is definitely not walking distance to the main attractions. Depending on your group, you might consider pricing a two-room suite at one of these locations, though.

Buses are a good way around. Car rentals can be a good investment for a group. Parking is free at most hotels in Vegas. (Though not at at least one of the HGVC properties.)

You might can get the HGVC rates for less with AAA or something. I only took a quick look.

Bally's for $155 - $165

The Aladdin casino rate won't do you much good on most weekends unless you really are a VIP member of their players club. Great for most weekdays, though!

You may want to consider a car rental, so you have some freedom to explore outside the city (Hoover Dam, Mt. Charleston, etc) if you tire of the lights, and then you can get around easier.

ExpoTrac has the best advice. Of course, everything depends on what is important to you. If you do rent a car, your hotel/motel options open up tremendously. Particularly, you might want to consider the Station Casinos properties. They're quite popular with the locals, and you might get nearly all the excitement you need, within their walls. Green Valley Ranch, for example, is good enough for Bill Gates and Michael Jackson. In the future, if your scheduling allows, you might consider Sunday through Thursday visits, when the hotels are usually significantly cheaper.

How about Carriage House? It's highly rated at tripadvisor.com, and it's a block off the strip, between MGM and Aladdin. $119/night for your dates with AAA or AARP.

Looks to me like the MGM monorail station is essentially the same walk from Carriage House as it is from an MGM room, given the station's location.

www.carriagehouselasvegas.com

If you're gonna pay about $100, why not try priceline and book a 5-star?

It's been years since I have been to Vegas......are these prices ($100++) the norm? Or is there some big group/convention that weekend?

I'm looking for 2 rooms for 3 nights, March 30 - April 2.
Where did you finally decide to book for that weekend? I am not familiar with Vegas and was looking at visiting that weekend.