winter trip

[coops]

Hi guys,
Me and a mate will be heading over to vegas for the first time at the end of January next year. Was originally thinking of staying at hard rock but now thinking planet Hollywood might be better to be on the strip.

What are peoples thoughts on where to stay and on what to do in winter? Other than gambling and drinking obviously

[maxutilsperusd]

I've gone on trips during the winter and there are pluses and minuses.

Positives:
Cheaper hotels
No 100+ degree weather (38+ degrees for someone who uses the word "mate")
Most of the clubs are open year round
A couple of dayclubs are open on Saturdays (GBDC, Lavo, Marquee Dome)
More relaxed schedule
Ice skating

Negatives:
No nighttime pool parties
No pool parties at all
Some clubs close rooms due to lower demand
It can be really cold

The problem with that list is my favorite times in Vegas have usually been at both nighttime and daytime pool parties. I enjoy clubs for sure, but you do miss out on a fundamental aspect of Vegas by coming in winter. You have a lot more time to explore, shop, go to shows and attractions, and perhaps most importantly sleep, so it's not all bad.

I'd avoid Hard Rock during winter. The main reason to stay at Hard Rock at this point is their pool, and even that's not a big draw these days, and during winter that's closed. Planet Hollywood seems to be a favorite due to the location, but during winter I would look into staying somewhere nicer potentially like Encore or Cosmopolitan. Most of the best hotel deals are found in winter so if you were ever looking to splurge on your room it's one of the better times to do it, but be careful in January since there are a couple major events such as CES that cause room rates to spike.

[kp3205]

I've stayed at Hard Rock a few times with the last being May of this year on a comp. Stay on the strip especially being your first time. There is so much to see and do you'll regret staying over there.

PH is a very solid choice. I agree with Max on looking at more upscale properties. I would suggest you sign up for online MLife, Total Rewards and Venetian's players cards. They send tons of promos via email out and will usually give new people a deeper discount for their first visit.

Hope this helps.

[coops]

Thanks for the advice. How far in advance is it good to book rooms? I've started looking online but it looks like most places either don't have prices yet or just have standard rates listed.
I'll be in vegas from January 26 -30. After CES and AVN so hopefully not crazy busy.

[maxutilsperusd]

There really is no exact best time to book in Vegas. Pricing is so dynamic and then you have random promotional rates and discounts that can mean the best price can be found 6 months beforehand or as close as the same month you are traveling. The great thing about Vegas though is most hotels have a policy of being able to cancel a reservation with no penalty as long as it's more than 3 days before arrival, so once I find a decent rate for a hotel I book it and then I occasionally look later to see if anything better pops up and cancel and re-book if I end up finding something better.

[MikeK32]

There really is no exact best time to book in Vegas. Pricing is so dynamic and then you have random promotional rates and discounts that can mean the best price can be found 6 months beforehand or as close as the same month you are traveling. The great thing about Vegas though is most hotels have a policy of being able to cancel a reservation with no penalty as long as it's more than 3 days before arrival, so once I find a decent rate for a hotel I book it and then I occasionally look later to see if anything better pops up and cancel and re-book if I end up finding something better.

Agreed. Once I know for sure what my dates are I usually book something right away and then just periodically check back and when I find a lower rate, cancel and rebook it.

[ponch62]

There really is no exact best time to book in Vegas. Pricing is so dynamic and then you have random promotional rates and discounts that can mean the best price can be found 6 months beforehand or as close as the same month you are traveling. The great thing about Vegas though is most hotels have a policy of being able to cancel a reservation with no penalty as long as it's more than 3 days before arrival, so once I find a decent rate for a hotel I book it and then I occasionally look later to see if anything better pops up and cancel and re-book if I end up finding something better.

+1...done this many times, lock in a rate early, then watch as rates change.

[coops]

great advice! thanks a lot.

Also, do you or anyone else know if the hoover dam chopper tours run through winter and if the weathers any good to do it or not? It sounds like a fantastic experience and I'd hate to miss out due to bad weather.

[Chuck]

What dates? There is a huge convention week in January that makes room prices skyrocket.

[Chuck]

Nevermind...saw your dates you're good