Hi everyone
I would like to have anyones feedback on the prices quoted below for a trip to Las Vegas departing from Toronto on October 12th and returning Oct 19th. I have finally talked my wife into going and here in Canada the 13th of October is Thanksgiving day so she would only miss 4 days of work. Anyway, we have about $2100.00 in reward points from the Royal bank that can be used for travel but you must book through a certain travel agency. These are the quotes she has sent me for a package (air + hotel) and for hotel only.


12 Oct Toronto/Las Vegas 0830/1013 AC
19 Oct Las/Toronto 1200/1925 AC

Mirage: $1279.00 + 174.54 taxes, per person (pp)
Bellagio: Standard/Deluxe rm $1599.00 + 173.85 pp
Partial Lakeview $1709.00 + tax pp
Flamingo $1249.00 + tax pp
Wynn: $1669.00 + tax pp
Treasure Island $1229.00 + tax pp

Holiday House - hotel only (no air)

These are a per room rate, not per person

Monte Carlo: $1343.98 + 15.75
Caesars Palace $2519.00 + 15.75
Bellagio $2436.16 + 15.75
Harrahs $1826.84 + 15.75
Flamingo $1728.74 + 15.75

I think these prices are rather high and perhaps because we are using the rewards the agency does not look for the best prices. Am I wrong in this thinking or are these prices in line. I checked for hotel prices using the link to hotels on the forum homepage and some are the same and others are lower.
I asked for hotel only as well because my son works for an airline and I can fly roundtrip to Vegas for about $300 for the two of us. The problem with that is you are on standby at all times.
Does anyone know if there is a big convention in town during those times or where I can check out the convention dates.
Thanks to anyone with suggestions or feedback.

I just checked some of the hotel web site reservation pages and for the following room rate info for the Oct 12-19 time frame.
Totals do not include room tax and any fees that may be charged ......

Monte Carlo .... $1,160
Bellagio .......... $2,213
Bally's .............. $ 923 to $1,133
Caesars ........... $1,875
Harrah's .......... $1,200
Flamingo ......... $1,485

Seems to me that it would be a lot cheaper to work the airline deal on your own and then call the hotels direct. (But maybe not because by adding $300 to each of the above, it comes darn close to what you stated in your message.)

Might even prove better to sign up on the various hotel web sites and see that kind of a deal they offer you within the next few weeks.

My latest offer was from the Orleans at something like $35 a night mid week, so it does pay to join these web page sites and see what offers roll in.

As a side ..... I personally think that the gas prices will keep LV less than crowded these next few summer months, so I do expect those prices to come way down in an effort to keep the casinos in operation.

Am I the only one who sees trouble ahead for Las Vegas due to the high cost of getting there by private or public transportation? And the only one to expect that the casinos are going to make us offers that we can't refuse?

Thats a good idea Will. I think I will sign up on the websites and see what happens.
I e-mailed the agent and asked her if the prices where because of the rewards program. Her answer:

Hi Jim: There are only 2 companies doing air/htl pkgs to Las Vegas - ACV and Conquest Vacations and we don't sell conquest for anyone, nothing to do with RBC

The other tour operators don't offer pkgs anymore - I don't think Las Vegas needs travel agents anymore....
It's been a long time now that I've seen Las Vegas as cheap as it used to be....

Seems that Las Vegas is not the destination of choice so much anymore. There was a time when you would have 4 or 5 tour operators running to Vegas.

I haven't paid for a hotel room here in a long time. Nor do I know anything about airfares from your area. It does sound a little expensive to me versus a normal cash deal. Maybe you are paying for the convenience of the package.

I have been in the airline business a long time. There was a time when travel agents did most of the bookings to Vegas and even chartered a lot of flights here. I was told that none of those flights made much money for the airlines. The bellies of those planes carried freight and mail, and that's what kept those routes solid. It is my opinion that Las Vegas is indeed a destination of choice. So much so, that the airlines have no reason to turn to the travel agencies to fill the seats. But that's another story.

I agree with you there. I was just saying if I was to believe the agent (which I don't) you would think las vegas is slowly dying. It's still my choice of destination.

P.S. I Like the new format Joe. I had no problem with logging in. Good job.

Are those the only hotels your reward travel agent will consider? I plugged your dates in for regular rate at the Orleans and came up with $692 for the room. Signing up on that website would probably get you another 10-20% off by October.

Thanks Daisy

I did take Wills advice and signed up for the strip properties but that is more like it. I will be happy with that but I signed in and will see how that works out. Of course being off strip was not a preference but I could rent a car for the week. I noticed when you book your room it gives you the rate and taxes but says it does not include a "resort fee". Any idea what a resort fee is?

You should hear my wife. She calls me "mr. big time, spend a dime" and laughs because I am going through all this when $2100 of it is already paid for. When I think of it she is probably right but I can't help it. It really bugs me when these reward things hype how you can go where you want when you want but when you go to use it they restrict who you can use to book the trip. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and go for the fancy resorts. That way she may want to go back again if she experiences the good life.

Resort fee at the Orleans is $5/day, and it includes use of the health club and preferred seating on their shuttle, which you'll be happy to know runs every 20 minutes between Orleans, Gold Coast and Bill's Casino - which is on the corner of the strip & Flamingo - or right across the street from Ballys, Caesars and the Bellagio. You might not need that car after all.

LOL, I could also be called "big time, spend a dime" -playing the games & getting the best deal I can is part of my FUN! I'm not knocking a day or two in the fancy resorts (I love them), but all hotel rooms look very much alike when I close my eyes, and I'm just not the type to lounge around the room, especially in Las Vegas.

I entirely agree with Daisey! Half the fun of a trip to LV is taking advantage of the best and free-est deals that they have to offer.

And, like Daisey, I seldom see the hotel room when my eyes are shut anyway.

My big problem is that the friends I usually go with like places such as the Bellagio, the Wynn dot, and the Palazzo; and they all expect me to like them places too. Last time that attitude cost me over $700 for a two night stay without even a comped cup of coffee.

And now we're heading back to town with Trump Tower reservations !

Well, after a lot of research I have booked the Imperial Palace for Oct 10th - Oct 17th. Direct flights from Toronto to Vegas and return for Air, Hotel and car for 7 days = $1,800 for two. This was $700 less than Mirage and $500 less than Luxor. I understand this is not exactly a fancy place and has its drawbacks but I figured if its good enough for Kes its good enough for me. Thanks to anyone who took the time to give me some advice. It is appreciated. I am hoping that the weather will be good and we figure we will be driving to red rock and valley of fire etc. during the day and enjoying the nightlife in the evening. Time to start cruising the net for other places to visit that are not too far away. If anyone has a suggestion for that it also would be appreciated.

Oh great, I hope I am not going to be in trouble with your wife!


There are some perfectly fine rooms at IP, and there are some really horrible ones too.

Do whatever you can to be in the front tower. The elevators will be significantly faster. If you don't mind music from Harrahs Carneval Court until 2 or 3 am, then ask for a strip view in the front tower. Otherwise, ask for the front tower, but NOT the strip view (you will see the mountains)

If you expect a clean Holiday Inn type room you'll be fine.

I've never stayed at the IP but I usually drop by while walking down the Strip to take a look at the "entertainment dealers" or whatever they are called now.

One thing about the IP is that you are smack dab in the center of it all and no matter in which direction you turn on the Strip, you'll find yourself close to just about everything and having lots of fun.

Last time I visited the IP, I came in off the Monorail and was impressed how they changed that entrance way and one of the dealers told us that big plans were a-foot
to update the entire casino.

Let us know about that when you get back, Kestral!

The only real thing that I dislike about the IP is the entrance way off the Strip.

Here's some Strip vicinity "Kind of Happy" Hour info you might want to check into during your stay.

McCormick and Schmick's (Flamingo & Paradise): Mon-Fri, 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.-11 p.m. featuring a $1.95 menu and a $4.95 menu, which change daily. (No mention of happy drinks though!)

Not on the Strip but kind of "close enough" if you want to get off the Strip for a few brief hours - Gordon Biersch Brewing Company (Paradise Rd. location): 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close with $1 off beers and wines and $4.95 appetizer specials.

Do make it a point to have dinner and some great and very inexpensive beer at Ellis Island. Not a fancy place by any means but you'll come out recommending it to family, friends and all these Talk Las Vegas members.

To find Ellis Island - memorize this map within your head - Walk out to the Strip from the Imperial. Look west (that's straight ahead) and turn left (that's south). Walk up to the corner where Bill's Saloon is located and make another left at that cornor. You will now be walking away from the Strip in an eastward direction on Flamingo. You got about a half mile to go.

Be prepared for a slight walk to Koval Road. (If it's too darn hot, just forget it or cross the street and hail a taxi.) Upon reaching Koval, turn right and walk in a southern direction on Koval about 20 yards and you'll be seeing Ellis Island across the street

It's rather small and mysterious looking place, Don't be afraid! Don't be shy! This is a well regarded locals' place. \ Just go inside and get in the line for a decent meal.

There are two places to eat there. One, I believe, is a Bar-B-Que ribs place. It might be great but I've never eaten there so look for the other dining area on the other side of the bar. That would make it the north east corner of this little casino.

The steak special is not written on the menu. You just point to the picture of the streak on the menu cover if you want to order it. I also like the way they prepare their prime rib. I recommend both. Also roughfort dressing on your salad and also ask if the beer is on a Special. Sometimes it is even free! But a buck a beer ain't too bad either.

Please keep us advised if you find any good drink specials in the form of Happy Hours during your travels up and down and around the Strip and let us know all about Ellis Island.

I always prefer to give my business to any business who offers great booz and meal bargains and Ellis Island is one of the very few left within the Strip vicinity.

Try it! You'll like it! But it sure ain't the Taj Mahal so don't set your expectations too high!

It wouldn't be my first choice. It sounds like you have your expectations in order. One other thing, it's one of my top 5 disliked parking garages.

There are lots of interesting side trips to visit. The Hoover Dam isn't far away. There are a couple of beautiful state parks in Utah, not far away. The Primm Valley resorts aren't far away. Some people like to drive the south route to Pahrump and come back from the north by Indian Springs. Some people like Laughlin.

As JMT says, the parking garage is horrible. WHen i have a car I always use valet and let them deal with it (actually the valet parking garage is better than the self park0

Don't expect to walk to mcCormick and Schicks - that is a taxi ride distance in my book.

And Ellis Island is a taxi ride if its hot! If you get the steak dinner a microbrew or house made root beer is included.

And Will - I'm already back from my May trip, with no trips on the calendar for the foreseeable future. :-(

My view of Ellis Island is sorta like the Imperial Palace. It doesn't remind you of imperial or palacial. Ellis Island and the IP give decent bang for the buck. Neither is outstanding or excellent. Both are touristy. Both seem adequate. Neither has the best of anything that I have found. Both are good place to go on a budget and you get what you pay for. Neither are terrible places to go. Both can be quite smokey.

And BOTH have very poor parking garages.

When you visit Valley of Fire, continue thru the park and turn left towards Overton at the dead-end. This will take you back to I-93 and you can go another 30-40 minutes East to Mesquite where you'll find several nice casinos. Coming back to Vegas, the scenic route ids to turn off and go thru Overton again. This time, keep going past the VOF road and you're on a beautiful, curvy road following Lake Meade back towards Vegas.

Another good day trip is N on 95. Turn left in Beatty and check out the ghost town of Rhyolite. Don't just drive thru, get out of the car and walk around a bit. You can continue across the mountain into Death Valley or come back out to 95 and continue North to Scotty's Castle. You can then come back South thru Death Valley and Pahrump. This is a pretty full days trip. I've done it in a car and on a motorcycle.

Wow.. Lots of great suggestions and advice. Exactly what I was looking for. I assume it is not easy to get lost when travelling around so I will mapquest those routes senator and only wish I was on my bike as it sounds like a great bike trip. What is Scotty's Castle?

I was hoping to get the Orleans or even the Golden Nugget but they were not available through the vacation supplier but don't worry Kes. I gave her a choice of splurging at the Mirage or saving a few extra bucks for gambling and going to see "O" and she picked the latter. How would you compare Imperial Palace to Seneca Niagara? How much do you tip the valet?

I was also told that the players card at IP can be used at any Harrahs property. Does this mean if I have enough points for a buffet I can go to any Harrahs and use it? ( Heard the buffet at IP is something less than ideal)

As you can guess we are not lavish or big time spenders and in reality, compared to other places in Vegas the IP is below standard but if the IP was close to where I live it would probably be the best and classiest place around. Although Fallsview in Niagara Falls is pretty nice.

Anyway thanks for all the responses and suggestions. I have already started a notebook to put them in and will bring it with me.

I wouldn't say the IP would be the classiest place around if it was in your area - at least, not the hotel rooms.

If the hotel rooms at Seneca Niagara are a 10, I would say IP hotel rooms are a 7. No fancy schmancy piece of fabric across the foot of the bed, no decorative throw pillows, no safe, no flat screen TV. But at least at the IP they do have bathtubs!

Kes hasn't yet described the three classes of rooms at the IP - luvtub, deluxe and capri. At least I think "capri" is what they call the motel rooms out back that she suggested I stay away from! I would have made the same decision as your wife - I'd much rather make the casinos work to take my money than give it to them for the room.

Add to your notebook to dump your luggage with the bellman when you first get to IP to check in. IP is a place that has been remodeled or had additions over the years, and finding your room can be a challenge the first time<g>. LOL, Kes gave me the same good advice about using the front elevators, but the nice check-in clerk upgraded me to a luvtub room (which are farther back in the hotel), and I dragged my luggage through what seemed like an endless maze of hallways trying to find that room.

You are right about using your players card at any Harrah's - for play and/or comps -and that would include Casino Windsor if you want to build up some of those buffet brownie points. You certainly got the right word on the IP buffets - there are two, bad or worse<g>. One of the buffets is in the Teahouse, but the Teahouse also functions as a coffee shop, and I've had a couple of good meals ordering from the coffee shop menu.

Woops, should have said I-15 to Mesquite. Any decent Nevada map will have these routes on them.

Scotty's Castle: http://www.nps.gov/archive/deva/scottys1.htm

I don't completely understand how you are getting your deals. I think you are using accumulated reward points from a credit card or other source, so the vacation isn't really costing you anything. It's just a matter of how much point value you are using?

I did a little investigating, If you were paying cash/credit card for your rooms, you shouldn't have to pay more than $100 per night for places like Mirage, TI, Monte Carlo, on their own package deals, as long as it isn't a blackout date. Many include extra discounts for shows, spas, meals, etc.

In the US, travel agencies used to find great deals. They are not so popular these days as people can get on the internet and do their own searching and some people enjoy the excitement of seaching for the best possible deal.

We have one credit card and use it to purchase pretty well anything, gas, food, shopping etc. We pay it off each month and avoid any charges and accumulate points as we go along. We usually use the points for christmas gifts but my wife spent the first two months of the year in the hospital and it was a bit of a wake up for us to start doing some things together hence this trip to Las Vegas. You have to book any trips through the banks travel service so you don't get a full choice of hotels but we are happy with our selection.
My brother and I go away on a motorcycle trip every summer (this year to gettysburg and area to soak up some civil war history) but she never comes along so this will be the first vacation together since 1996 (I think or maybe 1992). We could have gone cheaper and just book a hotel and gotten cheap airfare through the airline my son works for but decided we didn't want to take a chance on standby. I call her my wife because we have been together for 26 years but just never gotten around to that marriage thing. Please, no suggestions of the "Little White Chapel" while we are there. Don't want to ruin a good thing.

I hope this isn't too personal a question - but does your wife also ride a motorcycle? I ask because we met a couple at Seneca Niagara - last year, I think - who were there on motorcycles, and we really hit it off. This couple had been involved with some sort of foster care of teenagers.

Any chance it was you?

Sorry Kes, but it couldn't be us. I have taken the bike to Seneca at times but my wife doesn't ride herself. She sometimes come's with me for a day ride but thats about it.

We were just in Vegas in April. We stayed at IP. They were 'redoing' the wing on our floor. So remodeling is in process. I booked a "nonsmoking" room and we got in after midnight. All that was left was smoking rooms. I told them hubby had a C-pap machine and could not be in a smoking room. I did the $20 trick explaining I did indeed book a nonsmoking room. We got a luvtub suite. A friend was also staying there, and she had a regular room..... it was fine if you don't expect fancy. It was clean and safe, that's all I require in a room. I wouldn't hestitate to stay there again. I love Carnivale Court and would love to have a room on that side of the building.

But, like the others said, stay away from the Capri rooms out back, and valet park if you have a car.

Thanks for the update Kats. How were the comps and did you eat there?