Veni, Vidi, Visa.
If there were a Latin motto that best characterized Vegas, this would probably be it. In totality, it represents a huge temple to consumerism. On my recent four day trip, I saw no sign that we have a struggling economy. The strip was packed, the casinos were full and all the shows were sold out. The locals with whom I spoke told me that they are taking an economic hit because people aren't gambling as much. This may be true, but, regardless, Vegas provides more outlets to "come, see and spend" than just about any other place I've ever visited. For spend thrifts like myself, this represents a good challenge: how does one take a trip to Vegas and not spend a fortune?
Finding the right place to stay is the first ingredient. I luckily have a friend who owns a piece of a timeshare in Breckenridge, CO. She traded, cashed in timeshare chips or did whatever it is you do when you invest in these vacation places and ended up with a very reasonably-priced three night stay for three couples at Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Flamingo.
The following T-chart summarizes the pluses and minuses of this Hilton Grand Vacations Club location (one of several in Vegas):
+ | -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Location, location, location! | * The towels were of the unplush,
Right smack dab in the middle | nonabsorbent, smallish variety.
of the strip and walking | * The ambiance in the rooms can
distance from most of the big | be described in one word:
venues. | "minimal".
* It shares all the Flamingo | * The orange message light on the
amenities. | phone was always blinking
* It provided a means to get | because the staff left long
10% off anything at the | unsolicited messages about all
Flamingo. | the things they could provide. You
* The front desk addressed | had to listen to the whole thing
me by name over the duration | before you could delete it.
of my stay. | Annoying!
* The concierge was very |
efficient and helpful. |
* The jacuzzi tub in our room |
effectively jump-started |
romance. |
* The beds were very |
comfortable. |
* The shop and deli on the |
ground floor provided for just |
about any need known to man. |
We spent about $50 here. |
* As a non-member, I wasn't |
subjected to all the timeshare |
sales crap. |
The pluses clearly out-weighed the minuses and I would stay here again to enjoy a budget-conscious Vegas trip.