How about Reno instead?

Those of us who planned and/or are planning Vegas vacations have been stunned and appalled by how much everything costs now. In addition to that consideration, Vegas is like a pizza oven in the summer. Who wants to be gouged in order to vacation in a pizza oven?

Consider Reno as an alternative:

1. Hotel room prices are much, much lower than Vegas. They are, frankly, higher than usual, but my informal survey shows that Reno properties comparable to similar Vegas properties are about $100 less a night.

2. The gambling is much better in Reno. Decent video poker and 3:2 blackjack are still the norm. Also, table limits are lower. The players' clubs are more generous. I don't have any real data on how generous they are with comps, but we all know that Vegas has really tightened the sphincter in that regard.

3. The summer weather is ideal. Highs average in the 80s, and it's sunny all the time. Perfect pool weather.

4. Lake Tahoe is a hour's drive away.

5. Much less crowding and traffic in Vegas. The airport is a breeze to get in and out of. Compare that to McCarran.

6. Rental car prices are lower and there seems to be some actual availability.

The one thing Vegas has but Reno doesn't is that amped-up, frenetic "vibe" that everyone talks about. But I, quite frankly, can do without that. The employees, from front desk clerks to dealers, are friendlier and more laid back. It just doesn't seem like the 200 mph greedfest that Vegas is now.

In other words, an actual vacation. You should strongly consider it.

Thanks for info, been twice, considering going August on Cesars/Harrahs Charter, any more info will be helpful.

Kevin,  I have also been thinking about Reno as an alternative for next spring. 

I haven't been there in about 15 years, Last time I went I stayed in Tahoe and only gambled in Reno for a day,  but  I don't think that I could spend the 5-6 days in Reno alone. without getting a bored.  I love the idea of decent VP odds and friendly dealers

Any recommendations as to where to stay?

That depends on what you're looking for and whether you'll have transportation.

My favorite places to stay are the Atlantis and the Peppermill. However, you need a car if you want to go to other casinos--they're both pretty isolated, on the south side of town (and not all that near each other). Grand Sierra has the same problem. That said, any of these properties has enough room and variety to keep you occupied for a long weekend, at least.

Downtown, it's pretty much limited to "The Row"--the three properties acquired by CET. There's not much else worthwhile. However, those three properties, which are physically connected, provide a great variety of games, restaurants, etc. If I were staying at one of the three, I would pick the Silver Legacy, then the Eldorado, and Circus Circus would be fifteenth.

IMHO the nicest rooms are at the Peppermill. The best restaurants are at the Eldorado. The best gambling is at the Atlantis. So hopping around is best IMHO. By the time you arrive, maybe rental cars will be cheap again?

The info on VpFree2 is a bit dated but mostly accurate. Atlantis, Peppermill, and Eldorado have a number of games over 99.5%. Grand Sierra has a few.

Stayed in Reno on a comp room (even then the room was overpriced) a few years ago on the way to Tahoe.

Reno is a dump!

Tommie-poo doesn't like Reno! This is yet another reason why you should consider going there!

It sounds for me to be a possible alternative for a solo trip, but not with the wife. I have never done the long weekend thing though, so maybe not. I think airfare from where I live tend to be higher to Reno than Vegas.

If you don't mind transfering at McCarran, Southwest flies between Reno and Vegas on the cheap, several times a day.

 Kevin it sounds like you are describing two distinct reservations, not a plane change, or a stop as as part of a single reservation.

Only if you can't fly Southwest from your point of origin.