Update on Car rental Vs "The Deuce"

For some reason I was unable to post anything on my original thread, so I started a new one.

Just came back from 5 days downtown.  Once I got to Las Vegas, I decided NOT use the Deuce, instead used Lyft and Uber.  While more expensive, it saved time on the bus and was more convienent, particularly when going to Ellis Island.

Most expensive trips were from the airport to Freemont and back, about $30 - $35 plus tip.  Also went to Ellis Island and back downtown.  Total cost about $130 for 3 trips. I tip at least 20% and often more.  The drivers I had were excellent and they deserved it...They are going through some tough times.  Overall it was still much less expensive than the $500 rental car quote.  While I missed going to the Rampart, South Point and the "M" this trip, the savings were worth it.

I found Lyft to be less expensive that Uber in general.  Unfortunately, I could NOT get a Lyft ride at 6:30AM from the D to McCarran.  No cars available.  Had an Uber in about 12 minutes.

Overall, if I could get a 5 day rental for $110 - $140 rate I usually got through Costco, I'd do it in a minute.  Any car rental over about $250 for that time would send be back to ride sharing through Lyft or Uber.

Going back in December.  Hopefully car rentals will be back to normal, if not Lyft and Uber are more than acceptable alternatives.  Based on this experience though, the Deuce could still a viable second choice if I don't have a car.

I just booked through Costco for October at $46 per day total (Budget rentals).  That gives me a cost ceiling, and I'm hoping that I can rebook later at a lower price.

I have confirmed my car rental for next week at $280 through Thrifty. A compact SUV.

For the amount of driving we do when we get to Vegas it does not make any sense to think of Lyft or Uber. We stay on the strip and venture out to locations such as Downtown, Parhump Winery or Lake Mead.

To be without a viable form of transport would be unthinkable for us.

I'll put up a TR when we get back.

Keep safe

Terry

The fact that you were able to get an Uber or Lyft to pick you up is impressive.  Here at home when we would have dinner and drinks, we would take Lyft or Uber, but the past 45 days, no cars have been available.  That wasn't the case at all last year, or until recently. 

Texas Transplant....I could have written your post..it looks like no rental car for me for my 8 days in mid-July.  That will be only the 2nd no car in 35 years.  My only issue is my return on a weekday, like yours at 6:00 am from downtown.  I do want to make it to Ellis Island once or twice during my stay.  I may opp for the Duece. Will miss going to all the places you mentioned "off the grid."  Thanks for the update.

George did you try Budget?  I booked a Budget rental for mid July for base rate $175 ($263 total) for 5 days.  This was for the prepay option.  Never done prepay before but with prices the way they are it was worth the chance.  Booked late April though so prices could have gone up. 

FYI, about a week ago I booked my October rental car via Costco's site, and got a full size car for $47 per day including taxes.  I just checked to see if prices had by chance dropped.................and that's a big no.  If I booked a car today for the same dates the car would be $117 per day, up $70.

On my last budget rental, the first car they gave me had a flat. The second car had multiple warning lights.  I was on my 3rd car before I left the facility. The 3rd car broke down & limped backed to budget. 

4 cars for a 1 week rental. For my troubles, they took $20 off my bill. I complained to customer service & they gave me a $30 coupon only good in Vegas with multiple blackout dates. I haven't been back since. 

You sound like my "Brother from another Mother". Since we may have similar tastes,  I suggest the following:

If you are going to take the Deuce  to go to Ellis Island, it is about a 15 minute walk from the strip. ON the way is the Stage Door bar/casino.  If you haven't been there before it's worth stopping in. .  A little "divey" but my kind of place. A lot of (BIG) security there and you must show an Id at the door which they scan.  Great bartender.

Unbelievable prices, always in the LVA top 10. $1 Beer can have a Hot dog and beer for about $3.  Video poker isn't good, but we were there for the beer.  IN a couple of hours we ran up a $18 bar bill (7 beers each and a couple of hot dogs.) I was winning on that trip so I left a $20 tip.  Bartender couldn't thank us enough.

Worth a try, especially if you aren't driving.  Also, if you haven't tried Le Thai on Freemont, it is also very good and not expensive.  Happy Hour starts at 3:00 with some good drink and appetizer specials.. 

Have a great trip! 

we are using dollar starting on the 27th for 375 for the week.  That is about 150 more than normal