Lodging

I love Las Vegas and one of my favorite places to stay is Mandalay Bay. But I don’t get to do it often since nightly rates tend to be $100 or more even on a weeknight, pricing it twice as expensive as, say, the neighboring Luxor.

So imagine my surprise when I received an email that the golden resort that anchors the south end of The Strip was offering rooms starting at just $66 a night through January 31, 2010.

Want to stay at Mandalay’s sister suite resort THEhotel at Mandalay Bay? This same package starts at $89 a night.

And that’s not all! Not only do you get the low rate, but the deal comes with a $25 resort credit (good on dining and entertainment), 30% off Disney’s Lion King tickets, 50% off a suite upgrade, 2-4-1 lunch at House of Blues, and a Buy-1-Get-2nd-50% off discount on spa treatments.

Now, there is a two night minimum with this package, regardless of which property you stay at, but that still puts a stay at this great Vegas resort priced less than you’d normally pay for one room-only night.

Lest you think this is one of those hard to book promo deals, I found several weeks of the $66 rate in November and December 2009. January 2010 only has a few nights at this ultra-low rate, but there are also several dates priced at a still amazing $70 or $80 rate.

To get this deal, visit Mandalay Bay online (click the Book Room Reservation button) or call 877-632-7800 and use promotional code PRFCT1 for Mandalay Bay or PRFCT2 for THEhotel. There is a similar package on the resort’s website using promo code PRFCT3, but rates start at $89 a night with that one, so definitely try the other two codes first.

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Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
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[Photo: Michelle Snow]

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Luxor Las Vegas for Budget Lodging

I recently attended the 2008 Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay.  While this is a trade show for travel agents and upscale, luxury destinations, I travel on a freelance writers budget.  I flew from Oakland to Las Vegas on Southwest Airlines for $49 each way and found a cheap room at the Luxor, which is connected via tram to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Using the Luxor’s internet Winter getaway package I was able to find a steal of a deal, $125 (including tax) for three nights.  Internet access is $13.99 for each 24 hour usage period. A $100 hold is placed on your credit card for each day of usage.  TIP: If you are a budget traveler, don’t use your debit card as a deposit for the internet usage as the hold will draw from your debit card. 

Luxor Pyramid Deluxe Room

I stayed in room 144 on the 26th floor and had a view of the McCarran International Airport. As the Luxor is in the shape of a pyramid, all of the 4,400 hotel rooms are on the outside of the hotel.  To accomodate the pyramid shape, the hotel uses inclinators, as opposed to elevators, to move up, down and sideways. My room was a bit dark, but I enjoyed the non-smoking room with a king size bed and the Essential brand amenities in the bathroom. As I mentioned, I used the free tram that connects the Luxor to Mandalay Bay and Excalibur.

While I had read prior reviews about water leakage, my only complaint was the loud gurgling of water pipes in the bathroom at 3 a.m.  TIP: Close the bathroom door when you retire to bed and the noise won’t bother you.

While I’m not big on gambling, there are plenty of free or nearly free things to do in Las Vegas. There are also plenty of expensive things to do in Las Vegas.  I attended the mesmerizing “O” at the Belagio, thanks to the Cirque du Soleil folks. I’ll be writing a review of the show on my “What a Trip” blog.

 Finally, I’m pleased to say that both check-in and check-out were quick and efficient at the Luxor.  While the Luxor is not a luxury hotel, it certainly offers a budget friendly option on the Las Vegas strip.