July 21, 2004 -- In the city that's constantly reinventing its glamour and glitz, there's something of a more practical nature worthy of note. On July 15, after many delays, Las Vegas celebrated the grand opening of its new monorail system (www.lvmonorail.com) that runs nearly the full length of The Strip -- from the MGM Grand to the Sahara. A single ride costs $3, a full-day pass is $10, and a three-day pass runs $25 during the first three months of operation. Not a lot of money to add on to these already affordable deals to Sin City.
The MGM Mirage has a deal valid for travel through December 31 in which you get a $60 discount off your reservation when an air-inclusive trip is booked via Air Tran, Alaska, America West, Continental, Delta, United or US Airways. You need to enter the promotional code AIRSALE60. The catch? The booking deadline is July 23.
Sample prices include two nights of lodging, the airfare, and 24-hour traveler assistance on site. You'd take Alaska from Seattle, Air Tran from Dallas and Continental from Newark, for instance. Vacations at the MGM Grand begin at $224 from Seattle, $269 from Dallas and $429 out of Newark. They include, for example, Tuesday departures between July 27 and August 10, 2004, with lodging at the Emerald Tower of the MGM Grand. The MGM Mirage Group includes five resorts in Vegas, including Bellagio, The Mirage, MGM Grand, New York-New York and Treasure Island. Contact MGM Mirage at www.mgmmiragevacations.com.
The Golden Nugget has a three-night deal from only $149 for departures out of Los Angeles that includes airfare, the hotel, transfers and tax, plus tickets to the "Spirit of the Dance." You have to book by August 15, 2004, for travel from now through August 26, 2004. In addition, the package includes discounts on tours and attractions, a free Laughlin tour including buffet lunch, a free Primm, Nevada tour include buffet lunch, a twofer to the Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas Show, and a twofer for buffet dining at the hotel. Here are a few departure prices from other sample cities: From Seattle $226, from Ft. Lauderdale $315, from New York $389, from Boston $435. Other cities available, so just ask. Contact them through www.eleisurelink.com or phone 888/801-8808.
The Venetian Resort & Casino complex is on offer with US Airways Vacations, which says its three-night trips there start from $599. That's the price you would pay for a package out of Pittsburgh between now and September 6, 2004. The deal includes airfare, hotel, roundtrip airport/hotel transfer, hotel taxes and service charges, and more. Through September 30, guests of the Venetian will receive a twofer admission ticket to the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, where the exhibits change about twice a year. Many other departure cities are available on request. Contact them at www.usairwaysvacations.com or by phoning 800/352-8747.
Note than in none of the above packages are any airport security fees or taxes included.
Talk about Sin City on our Message Boards today. Your comments could be featured in an upcoming Frommers.com Newsletter.