Posts Tagged ‘Vegas Boulevard’

I have visited Las Vegas quite a few times over the last several years, and one of the most asked questions I received is whether people should stay on the Strip or Downtown. After I tell them they will enjoy their vacation in Las Vegas no matter where they stay, I tell them the differences between Downtown and the Strip.

Downtown (Old School Vegas)

Downtown is for the budget minded and the serious gambler who do not like all the glitz, glamour, of the strip. All of the casinos downtown are close together and you can easily walk to all of them. Table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and others also have lower bet minimums than the Strip. Slot machines, and video poker are everywhere and you can always find nickel machines. Free cocktails are always available when you gambling downtown.

The rooms downtown are comfortable, clean, and less expensive than their Strip counterparts. The Golden Nugget is the most opulent casino downtown. Outside of the Downtown casinos step outside at night and look up and see a light show called the Freemont Street experience, which connects most of the casinos. If you like a laid back, block party atmosphere then downtown may be the place for you. If you do want to see the casinos, or catch a show on the strip it’s only a cab ride away.

The Strip

Las Vegas Boulevard is the actual street name of the Las Vegas Strip and it is one of the most famous streets in the world. If you drive down the strip starting at the airport the first casino you will see is Mandalay Bay and thirty casinos or so, later you will see the Stratosphere, which has a roller coaster on top. The Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, and Mandalay Bay set the standard for luxury in Las Vegas.

If you are a sightseer then you might prefer to stay on the strip, there are hotels for every budget and you will be close to all the new casinos, which are an attraction themselves. The table limits on the Strip can be higher, but you can look around and find lower limits, especially during the week. Of course the cocktails service is always free for gamblers.

Off Strip Properties

We should not forget the off strip properties that range from the budget minded to luxury, and specialty hotel casinos. You can have luxury at places like Green Valley Ranch, which was also the subject of a television show. The Rio Suites are also off strip and where the world series of poker is played. Another favorite is Sams Town, which offers a large RV park and comfortable rooms at very good prices, you can even go bowling at their fifty six alley bowling lane.

In summary whether you prefer the mega resort casinos on the strip or the smaller budget minded casinos of downtown you should have a great time. Always check the web for Las Vegas vacation packages. Good deals are always available in Las Vegas, so enjoy your vacation.

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For The Value Conscious Las Vegas Traveler, The Medieval Excalibur Hotel & Casino Offers Everything Under One Castle

The Excalibur Hotel & Casino opened in 1990 with 4,008 rooms and was one of the original themed resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The medieval theme can not be denied with the white castle jetting up into the sky surround by the two room towers on either side, Camelot roaming the resort and a live medieval dinner show. And don’t let the fact that Excalibur is nearly 20 years old concern you, the resort has recently undergone an extensive renovation.

Conveniently located at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue, you will find yourself next door to the Luxor, and across the street from New York-New York Hotel & Casino, the Tropicana and MGM Grand. And visiting Mandalay Bay or the Luxor couldn’t be any easier. You can either take the monorail that connects the three hotels or you can beat the heat and walk from one hotel to the other without ever stepping outdoors.

Room rates are certainly a value at Excalibur. Depending on what time of year you visit Las Vegas and what events are taking place in the city you can get rooms for as little as 70 per night. You will pay at least three times that amount at some of the newer resorts on the Strip. In addition, a number of their rooms have been refurbished to include pillow top mattresses and widescreen televisions. Of course, these rooms will have a slighter higher nightly rate than the standard rooms, but they can still be considered a good value.

Although most resorts in Las Vegas no longer cater to families, as most resorts did back in the early 1990′s, Excalibur still welcomes vacationing families. The entire family will enjoy the Tournament of Kings dinner Show. Jousting, fireworks, horses, dancing and singing, what more could one ask for? Maybe eating dinner with your fingers? Other attractions include the newly-renovated pool area and the Fantasy Faire midway where you and the kids can test your skills at arcade and carnival style games.

The casino isn’t for the kids but it does cover over 100,000 square feet. The Excalibur casino floor features hundreds of the latest slot machines with denominations from .01 to 100, for those of you who like to think of yourself as high rollers. You can also spend time wagering on your favorite sports teams or the horse races in the full-service Race and Sports Book. And if poker is your game you won’t be disappointed by the Poker Room.

In the dining category, Excalibur offers something for every taste. Try the RoundTable Buffet or the 24-hour Sherwood Forest Cafe. A recent addition is Dick’s Las Resort, very casual and very fun, the menu includes Macho Nachos, Ridem Cowboy Rib Eye and a Case O King Crabs. For a dining experience that is more high-end you can tempt yourself at Sir Galahad’s, a pub and prime-rib house, or The Steakhouse at Camelot.

Coming to Las Vegas to get married? How about getting married as the king and queen of Camelot? The Canterbury Wedding Chapel has period costumes based on the Renaissance period. If you prefer something a little more on the traditional side you should explore the many wedding packages that are available.

The best values at Excalibur start with the room rates. But those values also extend to all the other amenities the resort offers. And the best part? Being located on the south Strip allows you to step out from under the castle and explore the five other resorts that are literally located next door. Plan your Las Vegas vacation at Excalibur and live like a king or a queen for a few days!

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