Hotwire Hotel: 1st trip to Vegas

[lavachick]

Since it's my birthday I decided to "upgrade" and get myself a hotel room. I don't plan on spending much time there -- probably max 8 hours a day most of which will be spent sleeping.... and with so much to see and do, I am not sure how much use I will be making of any pool or "resort" facilities. I also don't much care about * rating for this trip. Oh, and although I am looking at booking 3 nights, I won't actually be sleeping at the hotel the 3rd night... but my bus to LA doesn't leave until 2 am and I didn't want to lug all my stuff around with me after check-out (another reason for wantint to go super cheap :) )

I am considering these two from hotwire:

3-Star North Strip: $28 per night, resort, casino, fitness cente, pool, restaurant, laundry, golf, spa

(I'm thinking this one is Statraosphere)

3-star Central Strip: $38 per night, casino, fitness cente, pool, restaurant, business centre, internet, spa

(I'm thinking this one is Imperial Palace)

As I said, this will be my first time AND I am trying to do this as cheaply as possible (unless I hit it big at the casino, then screw this, I'm getting a suite somewhere ritzy :)

I'm thinking that with the resort fee (I don't think I will be making much use of the facilities) and the distance from the rest of the strip, that the Central Strip offer is the better deal. Is it the IP? Are there any "hidden fees" there I should know about?

Any "perks" I should know about at either location? (i.e. do I get to go up the tower free if I stay at the stratosphere? Is there maybe some place else I should be asking these questions? LOL)

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What are the actual dates of your stay?

[lavachick]

Ooops. August 12-15

[thereuare]

If it's your first trip to Vegas you don't want to stay in the North Strip zone... most of what you'll likely be doing will be in the main part of the strip.

The 3* Central Strip hotel is a match for the Imperial Palace and that would be our best guess for that property. However, this can be booked dirctly at the Imperial Palace website for a little less (once fees and taxes are included)

[travelAlot]

Howdy, if you haven't been to Vegas before, the way to get the mentioned rates ($45-35-35) at Imperial Palace is going to harrahs.com and clicking on the hot DEALS link. The rates via that link will be a bit cheaper than the standard rates. In the meantime if you find a better deal, booking direct affords the opportunity to cancel without penalty (and with full 1st night deposit refunded) 3+ days before arrival (if trip canceled/changed).

One tip when booking and when arriving -- ask for a higher floor and quieter room. You do NOT want a Strip View room as tempting as that may sound -- I know it's your 1st time in Vegas but Strip View rooms face Harrahs which has music going until 2-4 a.m. and IP's rooms aren't very soundproofed. Also, you do not want a room facing the exact back of hotel because there is a driveway where all the shuttles/tour buses go and apparently that is very noisy. Finally with a deluxe room being the main option for your dates, you will be in the tower -- if for some reason Capri rooms are mentioned, insist on the tower (Capri is motel-like structure behind the hotel) even if you end up with 2 double beds instead of a king. When I stayed there in April (solo trip with budget emphasis like yours'), staff at front desk was pleasant/accommodating and my room was fine (I had called Harrahs reservations and asked that my preferences be added to the res).

PS If looking for a quick cheap bit to eat toward lunch-ish, Pizza Palace in the IP has really good homemade specials (pizza, pasta) at a great price (under $5)....rest of the restaurants inside weren't so appetizing-looking (do NOT eat at the buffet there-the coupon you get for Harrahs or Flamingo at checkin is well worth it). Good luck and have a nice trip