vegas summer 2009

Hi everyone. My friends and I were thinking about going to vegas sometime in July 2009. There are 4 of us (all will have just turned 21 at that time. At this point, I am just trying to collect some general information. I was wondering how far in advance we should start looking for hotels and flights and also for some general tips that people may have on finding great deals for that time of the year. At this point we were hoping to get a good deal at either The Mirage, TI, Manadalay Bay (if we get a good price), something along those lines. However, we are certainly open to some advice on hotel choice if people have suggestions. Wed like to stay somewhere nice but pay as low a price as possible (obviously). This is our first time going so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

vegas summer 2009

If I were you i%26#39;d stay at Mirage or TI. They%26#39;re center strip in the middle of everything.

Start looking for plane tickets about 4 months out or more. Usually the earlier you book the better.

As far as hotel rooms go, you can get specials about 4 months out. TI has a special right now going on through July 2009 that gives you 20% off your rooms. I just got 5 nights for $470.

The rooms there are nice and I%26#39;ve heard the beds are the best in town.

I remember my 21st birthday out there, then my 23rd, and now I%26#39;m going back next year for my 24th. I%26#39;m gettin old.

vegas summer 2009

Just about the best time for low prices is the week after July 4th. You don%26#39;t have to start looking until April. In the mean time, sign up for email alerts everyplace, even if you don%26#39;t think you%26#39;d stay there. It will help you compare prices and amenities.

Since it looks like you%26#39;re in NYC, once you%26#39;ve turned 21, consider a run down to Atlantic City to join the HET Total Rewards player%26#39;s club (Harrah%26#39;s, Bally%26#39;s and Caesars are all in the HET group). Even with minimal play, you may be able to get free rooms for July/August. (I started seeing free weekday rooms after about 250 points.)

Ok. that is really helpful. Also, is it better to look for package deals or does booking everything seperatly ussually pay? I know that flights from NY for example can get pretty expensive.

More advice on the initial planning stuff would be helpful too... Thanks!

It is never too early to start planning...

Most hotels, if you go onto their website will have reservation calendars where you can see 3 months of rates at a time. Once you go to a few you%26#39;ll notice a trend as to which days/weeks will be cheaper. Trying the week after a holiday, like July 4th, is a good suggestion. Also, the ';specials'; will normally come out about 3 months prior.

For cheapest rates - avoid long weekends and weekends if possible. Middle week is going to be the cheapest rates.

You may want to consider the Flamingo too. It may not be quite as ';nice'; as the ones you have listed but they have a nice pool area and GREAT location.

Definitely book the hotel directly with the hotel, not as a package. That will give you the ability to change right up until the last minute if a better price pops up.

However, watch out for ';non-refundable'; deals. Most places are pretty clear, but sometimes that little detail is buried in the ';fine print';.

If you%26#39;re into coupons, consider buying the Las Vegas Advisor ';Pocketbook of Values'; and the American Casino Guide. Both have a large number of coupons for match play, 2-for-1 food, and so forth. If you%26#39;re on a budget, or just enjoy getting a little extra for your money, they can be helpful. The ACG also has a lot of introductory gambling information as well as details on non-Vegas casinos.

Let%26#39;s see... Cirque usually has summer discounts on their shows, so you%26#39;ll want to sign up for their emails at some point.

Monitor www.smartervegas.com for current offers, keep an eye on this website, and try not to get too excited!

I would not do package deals. With the economy the way it is hotels are just about giving away hotel rooms. I have never been able to beat the separate price with a package. Sign up for alerts from JetBlue and keep watching the other airlines.

As I believe others said, you can get lower rates after you book if the reservations are cancelable.

Mirage is a great hotel for someone your age. That%26#39;s where my son stayed for his 21st.