It's been quite a while since I've posted on Talk Vegas, and at least two years since I've actually been to Vegas. Actually, I do pop on here from time to read everyone's trip reports. So I'm coming back with a question about finding a "deal" on a room in December (the 27th and 28th). My kids and I, ages 22 and 18 (so one can do everything and one still can't) are going to see Celine. This is sort of a big family deal to us since we first went six years ago on my wedding anniversary after my husband passed away. Anyway, since we are going to cram the three of us into one room, I'd love to do something nice and stay at the Palazzo or Venetian but have no idea how to get a good price, even if its the off time between Christmas and New Years. Any ideas for me on where to start?

Even though that is a little slower time the higher end casino's will have a lot of high rollers in for the holiday and I am sure you will see rates higher at the Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, Ceasars. If you haven't booked airfare check for package deals with the carrier that includes hotel with the air.

Hi Gail, and thanks for stopping by. You are welcome here anytime.

I agree with Ed. I've checked my sources and the rates pretty much double for that week compared to the week before Christmas.

I don't know if you've been following this, but the Venetian and Palazzo but a big ole block on their comp policy a while back for everyone except their highest rollers. They are just starting to see the errors in their decision. And with Blue Man Group and Jersey Boys moving out, they are having to rethink their entire game plan.

I wouldn't expect any great deals on those dates. You could save some time and travel expenses if you stayed at Caesars which might relieve the sticker shock a little.

I really have nothing to add, but welcome home!

Thanks, Lee. I have always really enjoyed reading your trip reports. You are quite an entertaining writer!

I signed up for the Venetian emails and so far have only received something for a basketball tournament and another deal that the last day was the day before I wanted to go. Hoping to get one that works for me.

I too am coming back and similar to Gail pop in and out on this forum from time to time but haven't done Vegas for a few years. Daughther convinced us to try something else so we chose Mexico for several years but its just too dangerous now.

The area we stayed was very safe but for how long? I feel for the wonderful people we met there over the years they deserve better.

With that said were looking at returning to vegas and are planning on stepping up a notch to the higher end hotels and casinnos'. Probably a trip in November now.

Some of you know me as One Boater but I changed my login handle status since we no longer boat and I don't want to be reminded of it.

Glad to be back.

I found a "deal" at Paris LV which has always worked for me in the past. $110 a night for a two queen bed standard room. Since I haven't been there in a while, is it still an okay place to stay? Venetian (where my kids want to stay) is $249 for two queen beds.

Just wanted to report back on my trip. It's really not worthy of a trip report but I did want to say that we saw the Michael Jackson Cirque at Mandalay and were not too impressed. I went with my 22 year old and 18 year old and both of them said it was too loud. Yep, that's a 22 year old who goes clubbing all the time. Even if I had brought ear plugs, I thought the cirque acrobatics were really amateurish and not up to the level of other shows I've seen, especially Beatles Love. Disappointing. Glad I got half price tickets.

The next night, however, we saw Celine and sat in the same row as David Foster, Celine's hubby, Jackie Evancho, etc. (I have an amazing Vegas ticket friend from high school). It was one of the best shows I've ever seen in my life -- okay, I'm a huge Celine fan but her voice, the live huge orchestra, the sets -- everything was truly spectacular. Fantastic is all I can say.

Best part of the trip was being with my kids and having fun together. I did eventually get a deal at the Venetian -- $139 for a two queen room. It worked out great for the three of us.

Gail - I was really impressed with Celine's show and am glad you enjoyed it. I thought it was much better than her previous show at Caesar's. This was truly Celine Dion in Concert, without all of the fluff the other show had.

Thanks Gail. I've heard many reports that said Immortal was just too loud. I've heard a few that really liked it and few that didn't like it. You are the first that I have heard that specified the Cirque acts were not up to Cirque standards. Thanks. I suspect the ones that liked the show would probably like just about anything with MJ music.

And since I trust your taste in shows, and Mikes, you have me curious about Celine. I doubt if I will ever have seats as good as yours, but if I get a decent offer, I might just take it. I turned down free tix to her first run several times.

I'm glad you had a good trip. Don't be a stranger on Talkvegas.

JMT - I'm sure after all the hype dies down, you'll probably be able to score free or discounted tickets to Celine at some point.