Priceline Hotel: Why not book hotels who offers freebies?

[tata3401]

Well, this will be my first trip to Vegas and I am just wondering why to use Priceline or Hotwire when hotels offers lots of free coupons and free offers if we book room directly? If I use priceline, do I get those offers which hotel have specials? If not, then why we not book directly from those hotel?

Example, I have booked one night at Excalibur on June 6th for $61. Hotel is offering me $25 food credit which I can use any of their resturent. Plus $30 casino match play. Plus 2 free spa admission which is almost $30 value. Plus $200 worth of value coupon book. If we take out spa still I get $55 value offer. So my room cost is only $16. And I think that's outstanding deal. But not sure is there any catch 22 with these coupons? As I am going Vegas first time, if someone can help me, will be appreciated.

I have noticed that most of the hotels (4 star also) offers these kind of deal. So why not book them directly rather then go with blind offer????

Your feedback will be a great help.

[thereuare]

You have to weigh the decision to use priceline or HOTWIRE based upon your next best available offer, but in regards to the specific offer you mention above:

-are you staying more than one nite? If so, you don't get a coupon book for each nite of your stay, and are you staying just one nite so that you can get/use a coupon book? (and then changing hotels the following day?)

-what will you actually do in the spa? While it may be nice to sit in a steam room or sauna, would you typically pay $30 to do so? (and in Vegas you can step outside to sweat :) ) If not, it's not a $30 value to you and you should only deduct what you would otherwise be willing to spend to use this activity

-$30 match play is not worth $30... at best it's worth just under $15 (depending upon the game you choose to play). To use such a coupon you'll need to gamble $30 as well... so although you may win, you may also lose, having that match play chip(s) cost you money in a losing bet (also, some people don't gamble at all, so just realize that you do need to "put something up" in order to use a match play chip

-restaurant coupons often have restrictions as to which restaurants you can use, but if this one is truly good on any restaurant, would these be restaurants you would otherwise want to eat at? (do any get at least decent reviews... i know i wouldn't be eating at their "Tournament Dinner Feast")

I've said before that in Vegas the opaque suppliers are not always the best option, but it's not because of the offers that come with the room, but more so that rooms in generally are inexpensive during midweek and you can often get just as good deals on your own when picking the hotel yourself.

Another note: as per our SUPPORT PAGE we are an affiliate of the Exalibur (as well as all the other MGM owned properties) and hopefully you used (or will use) those links to book any hotel-direct purchases you make)

[tata3401]

Great explanation and really helpful. I still have to book for one night at June 7th. And looking for good deal. As this is my first visit to light town, we figured out that we should try different hotel at each night. I know it's a hassel but as we want to feel most hotel we can in our first visit so next time, we ill stick to one - the best one.

Thanks gain.

[tata3401]

Hello:

I am taking my first trip to vegas in next week (Junr 5th) and wondering about some of the stuff like parking, free shuttle from airpotrt and free drink in casino? If you guys can help will be apprecited. This site is very helpful for hotel rooms. But someone can let me me for following?

1. Do casino in vegas offer free alcoholic drink ? Beer/Scotch/cocktails etc. Casino near by my Lake Charles.LA offer anything for free.

2. Do casino offer free ride from airport?

3. If I rent a car, do they offer free parking at casino?

Thx.

[tata3401]

ANY THOUGHTS GUYS ???

[dahammer]

1. Do casino in vegas offer free alcoholic drink ? Beer/Scotch/cocktails etc. Casino near by my Lake Charles.LA offer anything for free.

drinks are free to those who gamble, but the waitresses still have to pay their rent, so if you want to keep them coming, tip a minimum of $1 per drink. If you ask for a name brand, you are supposed to get it. You might not get 25 year old Macallan Single Highland Malt or Samuel Smiths Oatmeal Stoudt but it would not be unreasonable to ask for and receive Dewars or Heineken.

2. Do casino offer free ride from airport?

None that I'm aware of. Most folks take a cab which is the most expensive but it saves time. There are shuttles, which will cost you less, but take more time as you drop off folks going to other hotels.

3. If I rent a car, do they offer free parking at casino?

Yes, on the strip. Some Downtown casinos may charge you unless you get your ticket validated. But you will have to navigate the notoriously bad traffic on the strip, which can be more difficult after several "free" cocktails.

Probably your best odds for this trip will be to follow thereuare's advice:

I've said before that in Vegas the opaque suppliers are not always the best option, but it's not because of the offers that come with the room, but more so that rooms in generally are inexpensive during midweek and you can often get just as good deals on your own when picking the hotel yourself.

Another note: as per our SUPPORT PAGE we are an affiliate of the Exalibur (as well as all the other MGM owned properties) and hopefully you used (or will use) those links to book any hotel-direct purchases you make)

[tata3401]

This is great help buddy. Looking forward for my vacation in First week of June.