March 24, 2004 - It's a safe bet in saying there are always bargains to be found in gaming towns like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Here are few of our current favorites.
It's 77° in Las Vegas as I write this from chilly Seattle, but warm weather isn't the only reason I'd like to be there soon. The usual fun and frolics continue to attract travelers of all types, even though the city fathers have decided their attempt to clean up the city's reputation didn't bring in more money than before, so "family-friendly Vegas" is no longer the advertising theme. Now, the emphasis is on fun and gambling, so let's just get down to listing some hotels and airfares that make getting there and having a good time as simple as possible.
Packages are still the simplest answer, the deals concocted by United Vacations being good examples. From now through April 30, 2004, you can fly on Ted, the new low-fare affiliate of United Airlines, and in a sample vacation, get two nights' lodging, a destination guide, a shopping voucher from Fashion Outlet Las Vegas (good for discounts and a souvenir tote bag), and 24-hour traveler assistance. From Los Angeles staying at the Imperial Palace this package starts from $184, from Denver $304, from Washington, D.C. $384.
Out of the same three cities, you'd stay at the MGM Grand beginning at $214 from Los Angeles, $334 from Denver and $414 from Washington, D.C. At the New York-New York resort, you'll pay $224 from Los Angeles, $344 from Denver and $424 out of Washington, D.C. These are sample prices for flights on April 19, 2004, and do not include airport taxes and fees of up to $31.10 or thereabouts. Departures out of other gateways are available at varying prices. Contact them at www.unitedvacations.com or by phoning 888/328-6877.
Alaska Airlines has good bargains to Las Vegas from their gateways, mostly along the Pacific Coast. A typical deal from Seattle, for instance, gives the traveler two nights in Vegas at Circus Circus, plus roundtrip airfare from the Emerald City, for just under $194. Contact them at www.alaskaair.com or by phoning 800/ALASKA-AIR (same as 800/252-7522).
Funjet Vacations has some nice packages at the Orleans Hotel, which include your roundtrip airfare (ATA is their carrier of choice), two free buffets per person per day, one free cocktail, a twofer bowling game, twofer tickets to shows at the Orleans, a one-day pass to their spa, two free domestic beers, free shuttle service to and from the Barbary Coast and Gold Coast, $20 in coins for $15, and free parking. Out of Atlanta, the cost of a two-night package is $319.99, out of Boston $414.99, out of Chicago is $389.99, out of Dallas $294.99 and from Seattle $234.99. The bargain is valid for travel now through January 5, 2005; bookings are available through December 31, 2004. Contact them at www.funjet.com or by phoning 888/558-6654.
America West Vacations, affiliated with the airline of the same name, also has great deals, but they expire on March 27, 2004, so you'll have to wait for their next round of bargains. Contact them at www.americawestvacations.com.
If it's only hotels that you're looking for, consider one of the many websites offering discounts. A good example is that of the so-called Las Vegas Tourist Bureau (not the official city tourism office, despite its name), which has (on the date I checked) rooms at the Las Vegas Hilton starting at $59, as well as "Suites on the Strip" starting from $89. Contact them at www.lvtb.com.
Atlantic City
Can't Get to Vegas? Consider this fantastic offer from the beautiful new Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. They're offering three special packages for spring, good from March 31 through June 24, 2004. Best is a "Wake Up Smiling" offer at just $129 per night per room, the deal for two persons staying there. A breakfast for two is included in the package. An "Up All Night" package costing $149 per room put you and your partner in a Classic room also but gives you free admission to the Comedy Club and free cocktails in either of the hotel's two most popular lounges (Gypsy Bar or B-Bar). At $249 per night, the "Do Not Disturb"" package gives you VIP check-in at the Tesoro Lounge, your room for two in a 700-square-foot Fiore Suite with entrance foyer, floor-to-ceiling windows, a deep soaking bathtub and shower large enough for two. You get a full American breakfast in bed and free admission to the Spa Toccare for use of the sauna, steam room, lounge and whirlpool, swimming pool and gardens, as well as for a workout session in the Pump Room. Spa access is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be early!
The Borgata is affiliated with MGM Mirage, and features 2,002 guest rooms and suites, 125,000 square feet of gaming, including 3,600 slot machines, 11 restaurants, 11 boutiques, and so on. Savings for the three packages are estimated to be from $100 to $300 per couple. Taxes, fees, parking and tips are additional. To book this, phone 866/MYBORGATA or contact your travel agent. For more information on the hotel, go to www.theborgata.com.
