BACKGROUND:
A bunch of guys are going to Vegas this weekend, and the only cheap (<$100/nt) deals on the Strip are at these 2 places. We're not Vegas snobs by any means (last time we stayed at Harrah's), and obviously not worried about impressing girlfriends. Usually we play blackjack in the cheap places, and blow most of our money in the nightclubs (Rain, etc.).

QUESTION:
Is Stardust or Circus Circus any nicer or better than the other? Stardust is cheaper and a little closer to the newer places on the strip, so was leaning towards it.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

You might try these sites. They seem to have better rates. I think the Circus Circus is terrible. The place is dingy and every employee we delt with was either uncaring or just plain rude.

http://www.las-vegas.hotels-nb.com/ had the Bourbon street for $69 for a duble with 4 people in the room.

www.lasvegas.co has the Stardust at 54 a night

www.vegas.com has the Bourbon Street at 75 a night

If you can get a tower room at SD, stay there. I'm fairly certain they've demolished all their motor (motel) lodge rooms, but not 100%.

I found CC to have a putrid stench, with clientele that obviously contributed to said odor. Only reason to step foot in CC is if you had kids - or to eat at their Steakhouse.

Additionally, Stardust is within stumbling distance to Sapphire - which would be appealing for a 'guys' trip.

hockeystl

Forgot to add :

Download Travelaxe. I've found it to be the best resource for cheap LV rooms - if you aren't getting comped or have coupons.

www.travelaxe.com

hockeystl

Anything is better than Circus Circus. Stardust is not bad, go with that, but avoid the other at all costs.

I agree with the other posters. If these are your only two choices, choose the Stardust and avoid Circus Circus. There are some decent suites at the SD. I stayed there once a few years back on an el cheapo rate of $29 a night, and expected to get one of the motel-style rooms out back. Instead, for some unexpected reason, they put us in a jacuzzi suite on a high floor with a strip view. You may get lucky.

Circus Circus will be swarming with kids, so if it were me I would avoid that, although I do like to watch the circus acts there. Stardust would definately be a better deal.

The more centrally located Imperial Palace is showing $78 for your dates on hotels.com, if you don't mind trading some quality for location vs. Stardust.

Another option you may want to consider, unless you absolutely have to stay on the Strip, is using Priceline to get something close to the Strip but not on it. All their 3 and 2 1/2 star hotels in the Convention Center zone are about a 10 minute walk to the Strip and can be great deals on the weekend. Last month I got a 2 room suite at the pretty swanky Marriott Suites for just $44. It's right next door to The Beach nightclub, parallel to the Stardust on Paradise Ave., along with several other Priceline hotels concentrated in that area.

Don't forget www.biddingfortravel.com. Excellent Priceline bid data.

[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited 06-16-2003).]

Stardust is the choice over CC without a doubt.Just getting around CC will be a complete hassle compared to the Stardust.If it's just between the Stardust and CC, save yourself plenty of grief and go with the Stardust.

Thanks folks. Stardust it is. Found a room for $54, which seems like a steal for the weekend!