Las Vegas Trips - Best deals from OKC?

[MikeOKC]

Hello OKCTalk friends......

There's no travel section, so mods feel free to move to whatever forum you think might be best.

Looking for a 10-14 day trip to Vegas from OKC - sooner rather than later, but sometime in September. I want this to be a solo getaway, so single occupancy. I've tried so many different websites and I get back wildly different quotes. I thought some of our airport friends here at the forum might have an idea as to where I can find the great deal. I'm not up on the latest and greatest hotels in Vegas - or - the best bang-for-the-buck hotels in Vegas. I'm not even sure if an air/hotel/rental package is the way to go anymore. Last time I went to Vegas, the hotel rooms were practically given away (the 'good old days'). Though, I understand it's pretty competitive once again.

The air service? The rates are all over the place. I thought I would turn here to my friends at OKCTalk. I'm just lost. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

I'm not against my building my own package for the best deal.

In advance, my thanks.
-Mike

[u50254082]

I took a solo trip to LV in late July and I learned a few things:

1. If you aren't airline loyal, take a direct flight from OKC to LV via Southwest. Rates aren't bad and you get to check your first bag free. You save a lot of time not having to make a connecting flight.
2. You need to figure out if you want to be near the action or if you want to "get away". Vegas now caters to both types with places like MGM Signature (where I stayed) and Mandalay Bay's THEHotel, which are designed as resorts that keep you away from the noise and smoke. Of course, these places usually run $100+ per night and are located at the south end of the strip. On the other hand, you can easily get a room near the action at the Luxor or Treasure Island for <$60/night. Just depends on what you want to do.
3. If you can afford to stay at Caesars, Bellagio, Palazzo, Venetian, you'll be upscale and smack in the middle of the strip. This puts you in walking distance to most everything worth seeing.
4. Avoid taking a taxi from the airport because you can get the Gray Line shuttle service for cheaper. I want to say it cost me $5 to go from McCarran to MGM. A cab would have run at least $12. They have a booth outside baggage claim, and you'll see people waiting in lines for each shuttle. There is nothing wrong with doing this unless you somehow feel entitled to a limo ride from the airport just because it's Vegas.
5. Most buffets run somewhere between $12-$20 for breakfast and lunch, and $25-$35 for dinner. If you plan on doing buffet all day, some casinos offer a $40/day buffet pass that will save you $10-$15. If you eat at the MGM buffet, you can use the self-service kiosks and avoid the huge line that always builds up. You'll see signs for this buffet pass all over the place.
6. If you gamble, get a player's card club FIRST. This is how they track comps. If you have time to go to the Wynn, take $20 and play conservatively on slots to build up the 25 points to spin the wheel. You can earn either more slot play or, like I did, get a free comp'd Wynn buffet.
7. To sound like a broken record, NEVER pay for drinks! Just let one of the lovely ladies on the casino floor take care of this for you. Don't forget to tip a few bucks.

[metro]

Southwest is a nice nonstop, if you don't mind the "cattle call" type seating. It's a short flight, so not bad. I don't think Alligiant or Frontier fly out of OKC but if they do, they are usually cheaper. As swillz said, it depends on what you're wanting to do. The strip is so big and luxurious now, you can do just about anything. Resort or Action type casino. 10-14 days in Vegas is about 8-12 too long IMO. Sign up for the email newsletter from the hotels you're interested in. They usually email out at least once a week a calendar of their fares for each day. Many of the weekdays are dirt cheap. What all do you plan on doing, that would give you more tailored responses.

[Eep]

Southwest is a nice nonstop, if you don't mind the "cattle call" type seating. It's a short flight, so not bad. I don't think Alligiant or Frontier fly out of OKC but if they do, they are usually cheaper.

I personally think the "cattle call" thing is overblown, especially since (if it bothers you) you can pay $10 for EarlyBird and assure yourself one of the best seats on the plane, almost certainly a better one than you'd get on another airline without a frequent flyer upgrade or the like.

Frontier does fly out of OKC, but you pretty much have to fly through Denver to get anywhere, which isn't particularly convenient if your destination happens to be Vegas.

[ljbab728]

I've been in the travel business for many years and since the nonstop charter flights to Las Vegas stopped a couple of years ago we just haven't had the really bargain trips that we used to have. I do normally recommend the nonstop Southwest flights in conjunction with their packages that are offered. As mentioned, previously, they don't charge for the first checked bag, so you can save at least $40.00 to $50.00 per person compared to other airlines. I usually at least look at airlines with connecting flights though because sometimes the savings can be more than that. Hotel prices in Las Vegas can be all over the place. Weekends are always more expensive and the time of year and special events or big conventions can have a significant effect. For people who want to be in the center Strip area and are wanting to economize, something like the Imperial Palace or Flamingo are usually good values. Downtown hotel prices are cheaper than the strip if your main interest is just gambling and don't care much about all of the shows and glitter happening on the strip.

It's true that a number of years ago hotels in Las Vegas almost paid you to come and survived on gambling revenue. That's just not true anymore and unless you win in the casino it's not an economy destination.

[Larry OKC]

Agree with all of the above...will just add this...Southwest is the way we always go but don't be afraid to try departing/returning on a different day, rates can vary a LOT. While bargains can still be found in Vegas, you really have to look for them now and generally not on the Strip. We always stay at Sam's Town out on old Boulder Highway and then I go down to the Strip for 1 day (out of the usual 5) Also, ask about the hotels players coupon books if they have them. Can get nice deals that (discount food, match play on gambling etc)

[MikeOKC]

Great tips and suggestions here! I travel A LOT for business but Las Vegas is never on my itinerary. I appreciated the detailed tips from skwillz and the great thoughts from everyone else. This will really help. Thanks again!

[MadMonk]

It's true that a number of years ago hotels in Las Vegas almost paid you to come and survived on gambling revenue. That's just not true anymore and unless you win in the casino it's not an economy destination.

My wife and I are heading to Vegas in late Sept. When we starting looking at flight/hotel deals I was shocked how much more it is now compared to the last time we went (1999). We aren't very flexible on our flight days and times so I knew I'd be paying a premium, but I did have some sticker shock.

[ljbab728]

My wife and I are heading to Vegas in late Sept. When we starting looking at flight/hotel deals I was shocked how much more it is now compared to the last time we went (1999). We aren't very flexible on our flight days and times so I knew I'd be paying a premium, but I did have some sticker shock.

When you don't have any flexibility on when you can travel you absolutely have to book as far ahead as possible now to get the best deals.

[MadMonk]

When you don't have any flexibility on when you can travel you absolutely have to book as far ahead as possible now to get the best deals.

I agree and that's why we booked in early August. Even so, I always wonder if there's going to be a last minute deal I miss out on.

[metro]

The hotels are a lot nicer than they were just 10 years ago too. Now they are all MEGA luxury resorts, except for the few remaining older hotels on the strip. As someone said, DT Vegas is much cheaper if you don't care for the flash and just want to gamble. It's a little sketchier at night too. Lots of vagrants in Las Vegas off the strip. Lots of them DT. Freemont Street DT is the main drag and it's pretty safe, but other than that it's sketchy. The outlet mall also isn't too far from DT Las Vegas. For that long of a trip, I'd stay on the south end of the strip at Luxor or Mandalay Bay, that way you have the strip right there, but your not in the heart of it, still have nice accomodations and plenty to do without the hussle and bustle of the center strip but can get their quickly.

[MikeOKC]

Thanks for the LV tips, Metro. You had mentioned earlier it was several days too long; I actually have personal business that I have to take care of and the "vacation" part is only about 5 days, so part of that time I will be staying at a Courtyard by Marriott. I think I'm going with The Venetian to stay & play for the fun stuff. The least expensive air was Southwest at $241 round-trip which is pretty good I suppose these days.