[Northendzone]

^ the last time we went to Vegas I booked thru Expedia. Based on what I could see at the time the price for the same trip was very similar on a few of the typical travel websites (trivago, kayak etc) - the only word of caution is that when we left vegas our flight was scheduled to leave at around 8 pm - when i booked the flight i thought we would check out, hang by the pool and then leave - we decided we wanted to clean up and whatnot before we left, so we inquired about staying in the room until it was time to leave for the airport - and we had to pay ($60) - the guy at the front desk told us if we had booked directly thru the hotel we likely could have stayed in the room and gotten a late check-out. Of course who knows what that does tot he entire price of the trip.

we have stayed at the bellagio and the monte carlo - in thier standard rooms - which were fine. in the monte carlo i opted for a room with a view of the strip - sort of a waste as we got a little more noise from the guys on their harley's.

i'd like to stay at ceaser's as it seems to have a better vibe than the other two, and it seems to have better restuarnts and direct access to shopping.

if you want to go the outlet route, i like the outlet mall that is on the opposite end of the strip as it is an outdoor mall - so it can be nice to get some fresh air while shopping - of course you will have to deal with the heat. i think some folks make arrangements to get out of town to the otehr outlet mall (~40 minute drive), i have never been there so can't comment.

personally, i have found vegas to be somewhat expensive to eat (mid range restuarnts will run you about $80 for a meal for the two of you plus a drink or two) and the prices to drink poolside are atrocious (i am sure i had some kind of cocktail for $30) - but perhaps i have not figured out how to get deals there.

enjoy, it is an interesting place where you can make almost anything happen with enough cash.