I haven't been around on this board for quite some time since my husband and I haven't been doing our quarterly Las Vegas trips, unfortunately. But we are thinking of maybe doing a short trip during March 24-27, and I'm having trouble finding some kind of deal on a hotel room. Since I haven't gone there in a while, I no longer receive those great invitations. Any help would be appreciated. Our favorite places are Venetian, Bellagio, Treasure Island, Mandalay Bay, etc.

Gail A.,
Best place to start is Beths post
L. A. Times Deals - 2/10/02
That week I've gotten quite a few offers for, so it might not be too hard to get a deal.

I found a pretty good rate at the Mandalay Bay ($79) but I've never stayed there before. A friend told me she didn't like it because they didn't have enough elevators and you had to wait for hours everytime you wanted to go up or down from your room. Anyone think this is true?

I also got an email from Venetian today for $129 per night.

Gail, Hours???
Come on, I'm sure there was a little added to that tale. I'm sure your friend no doubt had to wait, but hours?
I remember the Imperial Palace as having some of the slowest elevators in LV, and yes the wait was a PITA, but we lived with it. After all, the price was right.
I've heard nothing bad about Mandalay Bay, I'm sure of $79 there is plenty of Value to be had. Even if a short wait for an elevator would be the case, Think around your home what $79 a night will buy.....I'll bet it aint the Ritz Carlton. <S> My guess your friend might have hit them at a bad time or while some problems where being worked on or corrected. Mandalay Bay I wouldn't have a problem staying with, at all. Besides, How many times a day do you go to the room?

Well, my friend does like to exaggerate a bit. And she stayed there when it was only open for a month or so. Maybe all the kinks hadn't been worked out yet. Anyway, I justed wanted to get some feedback if this was a good place to stay.

Gail,

I've stayed at Mandalay Bay twice. Don't remember a problem with elevators. It's a VERY nice place if you don't mind being away from everything.

Gail, i haven't stayed at Manalay Bay, went there and thought it was a great place, but the first thought i had when you said it was opened for a month is that it must've been packed when it first opened. There were Probably a lot of people using the elevators visiting hotel guests to see what the rooms looked like, especially if it was a weekend.

I've been checking rates quite a bit lately and if you can't get it lower, $79 for Mandalay Bay is a pretty good discount rate.

I stayed at Mandalay last June with my mother. It was prime swimming pool season and that swimming area is the best. I especially liked the mist spray where the chairs sit. We were sure to get down there early for good seats in the shade. The wave pool is cool, but the guards constantly yell at the kids and they don't allow much room for foolishness or fun. The lazy river is great. You can rent a tube if you cough up a few dollars. Better yet, go with the flow using just your body. People were using all kinds of flotation devices, even cheap little kids toys, like those blow up rings. Also, they were very generous with their towels at the entrance, everyone taking two or three each.

There is also a jogging/walking track that surrounds the swimming pool area. I can't remember the distance full circle, but it was impressive. And a nice walk a few times around each morning.

About the elevators, YES there seemed to be a great wait every time. Even 3 a.m. I had to wait. During the day, it is very crowded with people going to and from the pools. And on check out/check in, it was packed with people and their bags.

Lots of check in lines at the front desk, but many were designated for the "convention of the day". So the regular lines were LOOOOONG.

One note, if not using valet (my mother will not and we had her car) you need to park in the garage which is the type that requires shlepping through the casino with all baggage in tow. At least we couldn't find any other way. Plus we are the kind that get our keys and check out the room FIRST so in case we are not satisfied, we can change without dragging bags all over creation.

The Storm show was OK. I would not see it again.

The room was lovely, with a full window on the outside wall. Very roomy, we had two queens, triple sheeted. There were two big separate hanging closets with iron/ironing board. The iron was a real cheapy, leaked. Bath was marble, with a soaking tub and glass door shower. Nice full length mirror that I swore made me look 5 pounds lighter (love to take that home) and of course hair dryer, and lighted vanity mirror. Those mirrors are scary when you discover what you REALLY look like. LOL. Toilet in closet and phone in there.

Sorry to elaborate. Only meant to say something about the elevators. I would definitely stay there again. I think we paid $109 per night on a weekend.