Private Residence Rentals (Weekend Only)

[headstrong]

Hey guys,
What are you thoughts in renting a private residence and cabbing to from strip? I realize the cabbing could get expensive, but I like the idea of housing all of my group in one place. It'll be cheaper than 2 bedroom suites (and my group is on a budget) but lots more room than just getting a bunch of simple rooms and probably equally cost effective.

Wondering what any of the vets think of this idea.

[CaliPartyBoy]

I can definitely vouch for staying at a vacation home rental. I've stayed at a home rental my last 3 times Ive been to Vegas (i go at least twice a year) and I've had a great experience everytime. This is key especially when you have a larger group and have the opportunity to bring people back to the house. The cab fare doesnt get too expensive but in some instances can make it just a tad inconvenient oppossed to staying on the strip. Just make sure to DO YOUR RESEARCH! Get your budget inline, read as many reviews of the property as possible and try to book as early as possible. I can recommend a couple vacation home rental sites if thats allowed here? (sorry im a newbie to the site)

[Sidekicknicholas]

Take a look at the Jockey Club.
They have two and three bedroom units, right on the strip (between Bellagio and Cosmo).

We stayed in a 2 bed / 2 bath unit, living room, and full kitchen. Three queen beds, a pullout couch, and a roll-away bed. Six people slept more than comfortably. 7 nights was $1150.

Lots of units on VRBO and/or Craigslist.... I highly recommend it.

...this was the view:

[headstrong]

I can recommend a couple vacation home rental sites if thats allowed here? (sorry im a newbie to the site)

Yeah, I think that's for people promoting stuff and it's okay if the person asks for a recommendation. I'd be happy to have a recommendation. My group is 8-12 guys on a bachelor party in may. I've browsed around VRBO and found some pretty cool ones.

Budget is low though, $250-$500/night not including any necessary deposits. (Thurs-Sun).

Take a look at the Jockey Club.
They have two and three bedroom units, right on the strip (between Bellagio and Cosmo).

We stayed in a 2 bed / 2 bath unit, living room, and full kitchen. Three queen beds, a pullout couch, and a roll-away bed. Six people slept more than comfortably. 7 nights was $1150.
[/IMG]

Yeah I looked at Jockey soley because of your previous posts. However, I was only to find 1 bedrooms on VBRO - might be missing something.

Thanks for the input so far.

[Sidekicknicholas]

http://www.vrbo.com/45591
http://www.vrbo.com/82768
http://www.vrbo.com/82771

[headstrong]

Alright guys, I'm almost 3 months out from my trip. So, I think I am pretty set on renting an off-strip house that has a pool table, pool, spa and beds for 6+. I've been searching VRBO and seeing prices around 250-350/night, which fits in my groups small hotel budget.

Like I said before, this is give us more beds per price, more space, and allows my whole group to stay together. There are some negatives, like having to travel to the strip (most properties claim to be within 15 min drive) which adds up cab fares, more likely to break stuff - not that my guys are like the hangover movie, b ut in a hotel room there's really nothing to break, and being more "out of the action" which would make it difficult for pool parties if they are open mid march.

With that said I feel the pro's far out-weigh the cons. What do you guys think? Keep in mind our budget is on the lower end, so $250-300/night for 2 queens is out of the question. Our max budget for rooms would be around 1300 for 8-10, but less on room = more on clubs/booze/etc.

[artedm]

another site that has some listings is www.airbnb.com

I would get an address before you book so you get an idea on cab fares. Because cabs in vegas are sky high.

[kp3205]

I understand the whole budget thing but with cabs included the budget is really higher. Playing devil's advocate on this one.

You have to take into account you will need 2 cabs minimum to get everywhere. The law is 5 max/cab but 1 of those seatbelts is taken by the driver so 4 in a taxi per trip to and from based on your number of 8-12 people. Now if you are only going to do 1 trip out and back and that's it per day ok but the $ add up over 3 days if it's multiple trips each day to and from and that's just using 5-8 people.

5-8 people 2 cabs by law, high end $30 all in which includes tip each way which is $120 for the 2 cabs on 1 roundtrip. I will assume 1 day trip and another one at night to go out and hit the clubs, bars, etc. So $240 per day on cabs x 3 nights is $720 in cab fare. Low ball $20/trip is $160/day, $480 for 3 nights. You have 9 or more people (3 cabs now by law) you're at $360/day, $1080 for the 3 nights on the high end, while low end $240/day, $720 for the 3 nights.

What are your actual dates for going out for the bach party? You said May but the prices I see vary so you may be able to stay on the strip and walk to and from the pools, bars, etc on the same budget.

Cheers.

[headstrong]

I appreciate the info and insight and I think I/we are decided on the March 13-16 dates – just going the week before the wedding seems like a very bad idea with how crazy my group can get.

Here's my line of thinking and please feel free to correct it or give alternative ideas:

I agree with you on cabs and that it could really add up, but I was honestly thinking it would be 1 round trip per day ($120 at most). Maybe that was being too liberal with that thinking. I was also thinking that 1-2 guy could drive there and cab home and pick up cars the next day (most of us are based in Cali and will be driving) or even renting a limo (most sites I’ve seen seem to be around 60/hour).

Even with that I completely see your point. In respect with my group, I have a couple of guys with kids or struggling in the movie business that just see a huge room cost and it’s already a deterrent. While the cabs may add up to similar costs, they just would see it differently.

For example, I am looking a property that is 6 miles from the Wynn (estimated by taxi rates and reviews from the property) is about a $30 trip to the Wynn. The rate is $300 all inclusive of cleaning and taxes. $900 +360 in cab fares for the weekend still puts the budget at 1260 for accommodation expenses. This would provide us with more space, keep the whole group “together” more non-floor bedding as it has 7 spots to sleep not including non-pull out couches and less likely for groups to wake up at different times and get caught up gambling, etc and extra room outside space for additional vices beyond booze.

Even booking the Harrah’s 4 rooms, we would get 8 beds, which would be a good chunk even if we have 8-12 people we would be more segregated and selecting rooms may be a pain as all of my group aren’t friends, it’s more like groups of 4-2-1-1-1-1 and me. Obviously it’s not really an issue, but something to think about. I do like you suggestion to get all of the rooms connecting. As far as pricing, it’s looking like $443.52/room for my 3 day span all in. So, $1774 for 4 rooms or $1330.50 for 3. The $900+300-400 in cab fares still is cheaper, but obviously we are losing on being on the strip and in the midst of the action, but gaining space, beds, etc.

That being said, being on the strip would be ideal. I just think the smarter move may be getting a nice-ish house. I’m not 100% decided, as I would really prefer to be on the strip – I just like the idea of being all together with a pool/poker table, pool/spa, etc. I mean if we could find a deal where it was nearing 1200-1300 for 4 bedrooms or near 900-1000 for 3 it w ould make a lot more sense, but that starts you out at the Quad/Riveria (I’ve stayed before) and I don’t think I really wanna dip that low.

It’s just challenging with my group because I want to hit bottle service Tryst on and bottle service at 1oak/tryst/Chateau on Friday or Saturday and then a Bar/S.C night on the other weekend night while still trying to hit a pool/dayclub 1 day (if open, which is unlikely) adding on top of that a potential group meal or Sunday Buffet, supplies, and keep the group budget around $500/pp – when I already show on my budget spreadsheets around $800/pp for everything I wanna do – a few of my guys would balk at that and it’ll be hard enough at $500-$600.00/pp. Current budget looks like this and I need to cut somewhere haha.

Based on 11 - Per Person

Room $122.73
Supplies $40.00
Tryst - BS $150.00
Pool - GA $50.00
SC GA/Drink Min $30.00
Club GA - Post SC $50.00
Pool GA $50.00
Mid-Tier Club $180.00
Buffet $35.00

Per Person $710.00

I’m open to suggestions though. Thanks for taking the time!

[Mac1]

Look at limo options as an alternative to cabs. Might end up costing the same or maybe even less.

[kp3205]

Fully understand. When you have such a large spread when it comes to finances for a trip you have to do what is best and you know how things need to be.

Me and the group that I go with thought about a house on 2 past trips but we hate giving up the whole strip vibe/experience.

Your bottle service cost seems a little off with the average you are assuming or $1650 total. Assuming Bobby's deals are still running in March for Tryst with $300 for 1 Goose/1 Moet or $450 for 2 Goose you have to remember 11 guys. Run 6 bottles (3 deals) of Goose which = just over 1/2 bottle per guy for the entire night it's $1350 before autogratuity (20%), handshake to Bobby and tips to busboy and bouncer. Assuming he can get a location for all 11 it's 2k all in without shots or other drinks included. Our group gives $30 to the busboy, $50 to the bouncer, $300 to the host and autogratuity at 20% is $270. Does everyone drink Goose? Any beer only guys?

Rule of thumb is usually 3-4 people per bottle so even low ball the $300 deal 3 times= $900+$180 (auto) + $200 Bobby +$80 (bounce/bus) will get you to $1360 with $290 leftover and no other drinks or shots the rest of the night. Do you think that's going to happen?

My best man said it best when he set everything up for my bach party this past July in Vegas: Get everyone's $ commitment to that night and get the cash out of them ahead of time or the day everyone arrives in Vegas. They plan on gambling which means they are carrying cash when they reach Vegas. Get the party money first and then let them budget their gambling, if you go the other way odds are they will chase while gambling, get FUBAR from the free drinking while gambling, lose then start making excuses. Then you work it from there.

A place for a good steak dinner and very affordable if you do the Ultimate Steaks and the 3 sides for $25 is Brand Steakhouse in Monte Carlo. Had 18 and since the pools most likely won't be open you can take that $100 you put for pools and you can do that. We were out the door tip, drinks food for $1200. Some did Ultimates to split, others did other stuff but we all agreed to just split it evenly.

Buffet: check out the $69.99 for 24 hours if not a Total Rewards Member on the weekend or $64.99 if you have a TR Card:

http://www.totalrewards.com/microsit...fets/faqs.html

List of buffets you have access to for the 24 hours. There is an upcharge on 2 of them but may be an option:

http://www.totalrewards.com/microsit...et-of-buffets/

Personally have done Spice Market (favorite), Seafood Buffet (good), Flavors (Great breakfast/brunch). Did Cravings Brunch during the July trip and was very impressed by this one. Not attached to this group but well worth it with a 5 minute wait to put the tables together.

Hope this helps.

[headstrong]

Me and the group that I go with thought about a house on 2 past trips but we hate giving up the whole strip vibe/experience.

Yeah I agree we will be losing big on the vibe, but I guess since I am not a gambler it isn’t as big to me, but I completely see the downfall not being directly on the strip especially in the morning hours trying to pass out.

Your bottle service cost seems a little off with the average you are assuming or $1650 total. Assuming Bobby's deals are still running in March for Tryst with $300 for 1 Goose/1 Moet or $450 for 2 Goose you have to remember 11 guys. Run 6 bottles (3 deals) of Goose which = just over 1/2 bottle per guy for the entire night it's $1350 before auto gratuity (20%), handshake to Bobby and tips to busboy and bouncer. Assuming he can get a location for all 11 it's 2k all in without shots or other drinks included. Our group gives $30 to the busboy, $50 to the bouncer, $300 to the host and auto gratuity at 20% is $270. Does everyone drink Goose? Any beer only guys?

I was thinking the 2@450*2 (900) +28%+300 in tips which are around 1452 add another 600 for another set of 2 bottles of GG. I’m also working on a preconceived notion that not all 11 actually show and will around 8/9. IMO 8 and 11 is at the sweet spot where you could have 2 guys pay the cover if budget was terrible– obviously something not overly recommended here, but I’ve seen it and done it on cheap weekends. I agree it should be around 150 on the very low end up to around 200 per person for this deal.

As far as additional bottles/shots/beers, that can be all on their own additional accord and not a part of the group budget. A majority of the guys would prefer beer, but beer doesn’t seem to be accessible for bottle service and as a rule of thumb I’ve always planned on BS around 250/pp and 150/200 on cheap bottle deal nights.

My best man said it best when he set everything up for my bach party this past July in Vegas: Get everyone's $ commitment to that night and get the cash out of them ahead of time or the day everyone arrives in Vegas. They plan on gambling which means they are carrying cash when they reach Vegas. Get the party money first and then let them budget their gambling, if you go the other way odds are they will chase while gambling, get FUBAR from the free drinking while gambling, lose then start making excuses. Then you work it from there.

Completely agree with this. We did the same thing for ½ of my group’s last bachelor party (granted it was a shorter trip with less ambition, but money collection was done before we left. I can attest if the money isn’t figured out before we hit Vegas, chances are tables will not happen.

A place for a good steak dinner and very affordable if you do the Ultimate Steaks and the 3 sides for $25 is Brand Steakhouse in Monte Carlo. Had 18 and since the pools most likely won't be open you can take that $100 you put for pools and you can do that. We were out the door tip, drinks food for $1200. Some did Ultimates to split, others did other stuff but we all agreed to just split it evenly.

Buffet: check out the $69.99 for 24 hours if not a Total Rewards Member on the weekend or $64.99 if you have a TR Card:

http://www.totalrewards.com/microsit...fets/faqs.html

List of buffets you have access to for the 24 hours. There is an upcharge on 2 of them but may be an option:

http://www.totalrewards.com/microsit...et-of-buffets/

Personally have done Spice Market (favorite), Seafood Buffet (good), Flavors (Great breakfast/brunch). Did Cravings Brunch during the July trip and was very impressed by this one. Not attached to this group but well worth it with a 5 minute wait to put the tables together.

Thanks for the food advice! No seafood for me, so I have to be Leary of buffet choices. I’ve been to a couple dominated by seafood and it’s a buzz kill for me. I’m hoping to get a couple free buffets with Myvegas LP from the new Myvegas phone app (don’t play Facebook game) and I hope my group does the same . Have 8k LP as of now hope to have 60k by the trip and just started a couple weeks ago.

I really appreciate all the suggestions and advice – it has me day dreaming!

[headstrong]

Well after much debate and hundreds of different emails to various renters, I booked a hotel...lol.

I'm booked at Ballys for 3 nights (3 rooms). Caesars Entertainment also price matches + 10% and I found a base rate of $789.93 (+ tax and resort fees) - so that minus 10% + taxes and fees, which seemed pretty good to me. It's fully refundable up to 3 days prior so I can still look around if anyone knows of a better rate at a better property.

Thanks for the advice thus far.

[artedm]

Are you talking just three standard two bed rooms? Seems pretty high!
Keep in mind resort fee is $18 per room per night- so about $160 on top.

What I would recommend is get three standard two bed rooms at a place like Howard Johnson on Tropicana which is right across from MGM and on the bus route to the airport also has no resort fee.
Your looking at $40 a night for March 13-16 about $135.00 all in per room - around $400 total probably about a six hundred dollar savings. I say this because if your going to party you just need a place to sleep. You can get the rooms right next to each other so your together.
Also Hakkasan does free entry b4 12am on Thursdays on guestlist.

Well after much debate and hundreds of different emails to various renters, I booked a hotel...lol.

I'm booked at Ballys for 3 nights (3 rooms). Caesars Entertainment also price matches + 10% and I found a base rate of $789.93 (+ tax and resort fees) - so that minus 10% + taxes and fees, which seemed pretty good to me. It's fully refundable up to 3 days prior so I can still look around if anyone knows of a better rate at a better property.

Thanks for the advice thus far.

[headstrong]

Yeah, 3 - 2 Queen Rooms, it seems to be a new thing since my last time in vegas where 2 Queens are more expensive than a King.

I've looked for the last 4 months or so and for the 3 nights and 3 rooms, I haven't seen much cheaper than 1100 (including resort fees) for mid-to low end strip hotels. I've also looked into JOckey Club, Polo Towers, and MGM signature. From what I've looked at for Harrah's that was close in price. I understand Ballys isn't the top of the line, but there is a little more "ambiance" so to speak when staying in a casino hotel. WIth 8 guys, $400 is $50 each, for $800 is $100 and $1000 is $125.00. I personally feel the extra $50-$75 more per person is worth it to stay mid strip in a mid-low end casino hotel.

As far as the resort fees, I'm hoping that I can give the front desk a solid handshake to waive the resort fees or potentially upgrade one of the rooms to a suite as they've done that for me before (for free).

Don't get me wrong, it is a good cost saving suggestion, I just think for a bachelor party I want a little more lifestyle (albeit I realize Bally's is no Cosmo), but I would rather to just rent a house than stay at a regular hotel. There were several houses I loved, they just all had one sticking point that someone in my group balked at from distance to strip, to price, to furnishings, to excessive fees, to terrible high risk contracts - so at the last minute I decided that with this Ballys price but being a little under the houses I was looking at and to be center strip was a good deal. If they accept my claim it should be around 900/950 a night (a little over 100/night). If I can get em to waive the fees itll be around 88/night, which isn't that bad.

As far as Thursday thanks for the heads up, I'm in Cali, so I am hoping to be in Vegas early afternoon on Thursday and make Thursday one of the two bottle service nights, since my group definitely can't do 2 weekend nights unless one guys steps up big (budget) and if Tryst is still running the good bottle deals should be a great time.