Weekend or Weekday stay?
 

This is a pretty subjective question but I'm looking for suggestions on whether to head down for a Wednesday to Sunday trip or a Sunday to Thursday trip early to mid-December. We're thinking about tacking on a Vegas trip to another trip and haven't decided whether to tack it on the before of the other trip (W-Su) or after the other trip (following week Su-Th).

There are some great posted rates Sunday to Thursday (eg $35/night at the Orleans) and I figure I might be able to get a discount by calling up some places where I've had some decent VP playtime.

The weekend rates are pretty much double (or more) than that of the weekday rates. However, we were wondering if there might be some more stuff going on or more atmosphere being there Friday and Saturday nights. Last year, I went mid-week and I forget when I went during past years so I don't have a weekend to compare to.
TIA.

Weekdays! Cheaper hotels. Fewer crowds. Lower table limits. Easier comps. Less traffic. Unless there is a convention in town, you ought to be able to get a comp room at any property where you have any amount of recorded play.

As discussed in another recent thread, December hotel rates are nicely discounted as it is slow time. Rates may be higher during the weekends but still quite affordable compared with normal weekends. I did a quick check and $189 for a Saturday at Mandalay Bay is quite good.

I just booked 2 weekday nights at Binion's for my father for $21.50 all-in via an expired Continental.com promotion. Definitely come on a weekday and search for previous posts by our Maui buddy kaukau for all the 411 oin staying/eating/playing here on the cheap.

Thanks for the replies.
It sounds like we can get some more value from the weekday stays so we're leaning towards that right now. NFR is also still in town for our weekend in question. While I can't really put finger how much of an impact crowd-wise it had on our trip last year, we might as just avoid it if we can.
We're probably going to rent a car so less traffic is also a plus. I think the biggest hit we've identified so far is that a couple of shows we're interested in are dark those weekdays that week.

Last year I booked the Hilton for $35 per night x 4 nights. Total $140, which included buffet breakfast for 2.

This is for a Sunday - Thursday stay the 2nd week in December. Two years earlier the rate was $52. FYI, last year the Stratosphere had $19 rates.

Traditionally, this is a good time to visit.

I'm waiting for the fall promos to begin.

When we were planning our May trip, we started with $35/night at the Stratosphere and worked our way up to $90/night at the Luxor on the Stuff magazine promo with the buffet coupons, 2/1 Fantasy tix, etc. $20 trick worked like a charm, no lines anywhere, discovered Luxor has $5 BJ in the early mornings, etc. Doing it again mid-December; Bungalow Suite at the MGM Grand for $109/night.

There are enough people who want to save and go during the weekdays.
Weekdays are much cheaper, and Vegas is alive during the weekdays as much as it is during the weekend. Also weekends can become quite crowded and its better to avoid that.

yes, it is "alive" --- but, this is a very subjective issue.

I agree, gaming is better during the week (for the most part) -- but, there are things that make a big difference on the weekend. If you are into the club scene, Friday and Saturday (and Sunday night) will often offer some of the best options.... (not all, but some... ;))

I think it is a bit shortsighted to say that due to crowds, it is "better to avoid" the weekends. ;)

Personally, a lot depends on what you are looking to get out of your own personal Vegas experience. :D and the crowds on the strip... are part of that experience... for some folks...