I Spy a Bargain

Las Vegas, NV  

We recently flew to Phoenix, AZ on Allegiant Airlines. Their package price was outstanding and we managed a quick 5 star vacation on a 2 star budget. What could be better than that?

In my latest round of searching for travel bargains I saw a Las Vegas gem. I won't be going, but YOU might like to.

It is four nights, leaving on a Sunday and returning on a Thursday near the first week of March. You would fly out of Minot, ND on a moderately sized plane (about 150 passengers.) It is a direct flight of less than 3 hours.  Included in this price is shuttle transportation to the hotel, from the Las Vegas airport. Typical shuttles are NOT my idea of a good time, but if you've ever seen the taxi line-up in Vegas, you would consider a shuttle.

The taxi stand line is a winding "cattle chute" and you typically wait 40 minutes or more in line. If it's hot and you're tired from the flight, anything other than the taxi line will look good.

Anyways, for these dates you can choose a cheaper hotel. The Flamingo Hilton (on The Strip) would be about $100 less per person. However, it's not a new or newer hotel. Since I prefer 5 star, at 2 star price, I would encourage you to look at places like PH (Planet Hollywood). It is dead centre on The Strip and absolutely the centre of the action. Lots of beautiful people at PH.

Lights of Planet Hollywood Hotel

The Tropicana is at the MGM/Luxor/New York corner. It's the last hotel I stayed at and LOVED. The Tropicana is Canadian owned (little known fact) and just had big money renovations. It is tropical themed, the rooms are very nice, the pool is very happening, and the restaurant Bacio (Italian food) was absolutely amazing. Seriously, chef Carla Pellegrino prepared one of the best meals of my life. It was so good. Hell, I'd go to Vegas just for another meal at Bacio.

The Tropicana is priced at $296 for March 4-8, per person, plus taxes and shuttle. So per couple it would be $706.10. AHHHHHHH. That is so cheap. I want to go now!

Pool at Tropicana 

But I am going to suggest VDARA Resort and Spa in this instance, because Vdara is also in the centre of The Strip. It is one of the very newest and most posh hotels ever. I can't actually say I've ever seen it so cheap. Vdara is different because it is all suites, plus it does NOT have a casino. It is also one of the only Vegas hotels that is non-smoking.  Lastly, if you book these particular dates (or several others this late winter) they are offering 2 free show tickets. There are several shows on the list to choose from, like Criss Angel (yes I spelled that correctly), Zumanity or Terry Fator.  Tickets to these shows are at least $100 value. 

If you want to gamble conveniently, Bellagio is right next door to Vdara. And, in my experience, gambling at Bellagio is worth it for the premium adult beverages. Nothing is watered down at Bellagio. Order a Baileys on the rocks and you get about 2 oz of name brand Baileys on the rocks. A lovely breakfast beverage if you are so inclined. 

So, if you are so in need of a get away, I would jump at the chance to nab this little bargain and enjoy a late winter Vegas vacation. 

For comparison sake, I also checked Westjetvacations.com for identical dates and hotels, but leaving from Winnipeg airport. To stay at the Tropicana would be $1133.32 (taxes in) per couple. They have Vdara listed at $1264.66. So, to fly Allegiant from Minot would save you $366.36 on a vacation to Vdara. That seems to be a good chunk of change which you might prefer to spend on meals or in the casino. 

If you choose to go to Las Vegas, enjoy! I'd love to hear about it, but.... what happens in Vegas - stays in Vegas!!!

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