Which of these hotels in Vegas is best bang for your buck?

I think it's wise to stay on the strip. Stratosphere is by far the nicest overall of the first 3 that you mention, but its location is a deal-breaker for me. It's more than a 20-min walk to the heart of the strip. More like 45 minutes to the area around Caesars (2.5 miles away), and more if you're going south of that.

Of your first 3 choices, I'd pick Excalibur. It is looking old and a bit rundown, but its location is good and the pool area isn't bad at all. You couldn't hardly pay me to stay at Circus Circus, for both location and quality.

Your other options are a good bit nicer (except for Luxor - also looking older, and location isn't great; the TOWER rooms are actually far better than the pyramid rooms), and the pools at MGM, Monte Carlo, and Flamingo are all fantastic. If you don't think you'll be in your room much, then I wouldn't bother. But Flamingo was recently renovated, and has a fantastic central location.

Be sure to also consider the resort fees. They are not included in the room rates, but can range from about $10-25 per night. Flamingo is the only hotel on your list that does NOT charge a resort fee. That may end up making it cheaper than some of the other rates you've found, when all is said and done.

Of the three, I'd chose Excalibur for the location alone. Stratosphere is far from everything and the neighborhood is sketchy at night. Circus Circus is closer, but the place is crawling with ill-behaved children. Not exactly a great anniversary destination. Excalibur rooms aren't luxurious but they're a clean, comfortable place to rest your head, and the room is fair-sized.

Just make sure you're including the $15 daily resort fee at Excalibur when you're comparing room prices. ($7.50 at Stratosphere and $9 at Circus Circus) The resort fee is compulsory whether or not you use the "services" provided. Of the seven hotels you listed, only the Flamingo doesn't charge a resort fee.

Out of those choices, I'd chose Excalibur for the location. Circus Circus is bad and a bad location. Startosphere I haven't been in in years but bad location.

- Excalibur smells like stale beer and sticky socks. Pretty much like a dive bar.

Out of all your choices I'd go with MGM, then Monte Carlo (nice but it's "just a hotel).

Since it's been awhile since you have been to vegas... just an update = there is nothing budget about it. You will be hardpressed to find a table that is $10 or less per hand (this makes money fly). Restaurants, drinks, shows, are expensive.

- if you are on a tight budget you can probably find somewhere else you would be able to enjoy more.

For 100 dollars a night you have a lot of options. Many hotels have a free breakfest buffett, the mgm grand has that package running. Most hotels don"t offer any happy hour but there is cheap food i.e. Miracle mile My three best bets are 1) paris 2) harrahs 3) excalibur Don"t stay at the stratosphere it is a long way off the strip and isn"t worth it

Stratosphere: better rooms of the cheap Strip hotels

Excalibur: best pool of these 3

circus: great adventuredome.

MGM is WAY better all around and Flamingo is in a better location. Luxor is ok only if you get a great pyramid room, otherwise it's not so good.

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Unless you have you your heart on staying on the strip, the cheapest hotel would be off strip. The Fiesta on Smoke Ranch and Rancho had a $25 something special that I saw recently. If you want more bang for your buck than I'd try the Suncoast (My husband and I are imparial to the Suncoast because we had our wedding reception there). These are going to be local casinos and further away from the strip, but they all have free shuttles to the strip/ airport and pay out a 3rd more on the slots. In my opinion the Circus Circus and the Excalibur are going to be dumpy because they are the most kid friendly. Also, you might find the Stratosphere to be a bit run down since it is older. You may be able to find a coupon deal on the other three hotels you mention.

http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupons.html

http://www.smartervegas.com/

http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/las-vegas-coupons.htm

I've stayed in Circus Circus and Excallibur and well, both are really very very good! CC is been recently remodeled, new rooms, new beds, etc....both are comfortable and have great things to do inside them.

Cheaper hotels, you can find a Super8, or Days Inn, also in the strip.

Luxor is extraordinary! MGM...MORE! Monte Carlo to me is more elegant, more for older people, Flamingo too.

My suggestion is .....Excalibur! It is closest to more great attractions, you can connect to more hotels from inside there.

And the greatest pool.......well, the Mandalay Bay...BEACH is really wonderful! The Caesar's Palace is very luxurious, The Mirage pool is exotic..........anyway.......SO MANY THINGS TO DO! So many places to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want more "cheap tips" contact me! I love LV!!!!! One super tip, if you buy tickets for the hotel's shows, almost in front of the Luxor is the CocaCola store and near there is a place where you can buy your tickets half a price!!!!!!!!!

I think the Luxor may be your best bet. They have a coupon book they give you at the counter when you check in. Lots of deals for drinks, shows, exhibits. You get free stuff just for going there. The pool there is pretty chill. They don't have pool parties like other hotels. Mandalay bay has a wave pool, lazy river, and a beach. I not sure, but you may be able to use your Luxor room key to get into the pool there. I know its not the heart of the strip, but its a good deal for vegas.

Circus is way down the Strip and Strat is off Strip and not easy walking/night-safe to other casinos except circus and riveria. I would select Excalibur which is connected to Luor and Mandalay Bay, cross street from Tropicana, MGM, NYNY and Monte Carlo

I'd suggest The Luxor. It was the only place I stayed at in Vegas, but it was really nice, especially considering that T&T was just a few minutes away from my room.

But anyway, great room for the price.