At the very last minute before driving to Lost Wages, I booked a single room at the Microtel Inn & Suites ($70 on Orbitz). Having never heard of the chain, I pretty much felt I was rolling the dice with this one. But since no true tourist in Lost Wages ever spends more than a few hours in the room, I figured, what the hell? It can't be any dingier than my last stay at Excaliber.
Well, this joint (obviously new or newly remodeled) is light years ahead of the MGM, Excaliber, and even the Mirage in cleanliness and the bed and pillows are waaaay more comfortable. Rooms are modest, but decor and amenities are up-to-date and modern. Amenities range from flat screen Vizios, microwaves and even a mini fridge to store your booze in to drink before hitting the casinos. They even do free breakfast until 9:30am!
However, the BEST part about this hotel is that it's 100% NON SMOKING, so you don't get that nasty smoke stench that (despite Febreeze) seeps into the walls, carpet and draperies over time (*ahem MGM!). It's also a few miles just south of the main strip off of Las Vegas Blvd with simple, no hassle parking right in front. This makes it super mellow for getting in and out.
Overall, I highly recommend this place if you 1) want to save on cash, 2) don't mind staying outside the strip, and 3) want a non-smoking, super mellow place to get in and out of during your weekend of ephemeral debauchery.
Note: No King beds. They only do Queen Sized. Check out is at 12pm (not 11am like most hotels on the strip)!