Going Back to Vegas in 2014

I have not been a member here for many years. My last trip to Vegas was in 2007 so I have alot to catch up on. I am planning a trip for Oct 2014 and was wondering where is the best place to stay on the strip. I am on a tight budget but don't really want to stay in a crappy hotel. I like to stay on the strip so I can walk around to all the sights. Let me know what other things I should see, shows etc also. I am not planning on doing much gambling except for maybe a little poker.

Thanks and its great to be back at LVA

Wow... that's a loaded question. A question like that is almost like asking: "....how long is string?". Well, it depends.

For cheap hotel rates, it will depend largely on supply and demand. I would think that Bally's is probably the best bang for the buck, if you have to be on the strip. The Flamingo might be another consideration also. The hotels on the deep ends such as the Excalibur or Riviera might also fit the bill.

I might also suggest the Gold Coast with its newly renovated rooms. While you are not on the strip, you are very close and could use their shuttle, the CAT bus system or a cab to get to the strip.

You also didn't mention time frame. I was able to book two free nights in Jan at Cosmopolitan from the offer on the LVA homepage. Great hotel for the cost of the resort fee.

I would say the best combination of midprice hotel and good location is anywhere between Monte Carlo and Harrah's. That puts you in the middle of the two largest hotel clusters with about 10-15 places to choose from in the range of $50-100 / night, depending of course on what's in town during your visit.

Thanks for the responses. I am planning my trip for the week of Oct 19-25. I am really not sure about staying at a Harrah's type property since I have heard so many iffy things about the room quality. I have stayed at Mirage, Treasure Island(2 times), Bally's, Flamingo(when it was still a Hilton), and Palace Station(in the newly remodeled tower rooms). I can say that every time the room quality was very good at the time I stayed in each property. Palace Station casino and food offerings were not really to my liking. This time I am visiting I am really looking to get a good bargain but still stay on the strip. Also, I am looking to stay somewhere I havn't stayed before. I am looking at Harrah's, the Quad, Monte Carlo, Planet Hollywood. Depending on final budget, I may consider a place like the Gold Coast if I have to compromise on price vs location.

Taqke the Quad out of the running - trust me on this one!

Just received my christmas gift from my friend today, 3 nights in vegas!! She's paying for air fare every thing else is comped!!

szelisk: very nice Christmas present. You got a good friend there.

Merry Christmas to both of you.

Bat55w of the places you mention PH is by far the best and also the most expensive. I'd also consider Bally's and NYNY

The new, big, giant Ferris Wheel should be up and running by your trip. Also the Sahara should be back on its feet as the SLS...and maybe Bills Gambling Hall (Barbary Coast) will be back too.

If you stayed at the Riviera you have a cheap room within walking distance of Wynn/Encore and the Sahara(soon to be reopened as SLS). But the northern strip is still pretty messy with lots of unfinished construction and abandoned lots. The Luxor might be a good cheap place on the south strip...just hop on their free monorail over to Excalibur and you are right near everything.