First Visit to Vegas for the Opening Rounds of the NCAA Tourney - Need Advice!

Got a couple buddies and myself heading to vegas from Wednesday March 16th through Sunday the 20th (First time for me).  Unfortunately, they already booked flights and hotels (they are staying at the Monte Carlo) so I'm in the process of trying to find the best flight-hotel package deal.

I'm very unfamilar with Vegas (in terms of the best hotels/sportsbooks/would i need a rental car/etc) so bare with me if these questions sound stupid.

I was thinking the Hilton would be a good place (many people seem to like their sportsbook? Which is a high priority for me).  I can get a round trip flight and 4 nights there for $850 including taxes and fees.  Does that sound reasonable?

If I do choose that hotel, would I need a rental car to get around town or is there a free bus/monorail service they have? 


Any other opinions on good hotel/sportsbooks combos that are not super expensive (like Bellagio which would be $1600 for flight a 4 night hotel stay - not on my list) that anyone would recommend?


Side Note - In addition to the games, St. Patty's day is that Saturday which my buddies who were there last year said was ridiculous Just another reason why this is a great time to visit Vegas for my first time.

Thanks for any help or opinions

also want to make sure that the sportsbook gives you free beer/liquor (obv. as long as you have money with their book).  That is a high priority as well

st paddys day is thursday  if not mistaken-

I have always stayed at Planet Hollywood which is central strip (across street from Bellagio, down the street from MGM and Hilton).  I have enjoyed their book but at the end of the day I am looking for the best deal.  I have never paid more than $70 per night online if I shop around.  BOL!

Look at NY-NY, next door to Monte Carlo...home to Nine Fine Irishmen...a great Irish pub that serves (believe me on this) more pints of Guiness in a year than any other pub in the world!!

i think ur right   my mistake

NYNY is $1322 for the same dates...a $500 difference is too much but thanks for the suggestion

(and these are expedia rates BTW)

holy shit, planet hollywood is $1884! Wayyyy to much to spend on a hotel when the hilton is just $850 (but im reading reviews that its very "old" and not the best hotel.

Scratch that, it's $1150

and I'll def. have to grab some Guinness there...Can;t have a St. Pattys day celebration w/o it

Trump International is just less than $1k...reviews seem pretty good...anyone like their hotel and is it on the strip/within walking distance?

Hilton's location is a big drawback, especially if your buddies are at Monte Carlo. You can get around on the monorail but there isn't actually a station at the Hilton it's at the convention center so it's a little walk to get there. And the reviews are right, it's not the nicest rooms in the world. I don't know what your age bracket is, but you might want to check Hooters. The room rates have been dirt cheap there lately and it's close enough to the Monte Carlo that you could walk it. Only thing about Hooters is the frat house atmosphere and I honestly don't even know if they have their own book.

there is a tiny little book back in the corner by the dining area,,just a place to wager,,no big TV's or anything like that- dont think they even have any seating-just make a play and keep moving

I'm 23 so crowds/people/craziness obv. doesnt bother me.

Based on the map locations it looked like it was on the northern part of the city so that may now be out of the question...i'll have to take a look at hooters.

Any word on the Trump hotel? I know they dont have a sportsbook but i assume there are some nearby and its closer on the strip?

couple things...

Hooters is next to The Tropicana, which is across Las Vegas Blvd (the Strip) from The Excalibur....gotta be the cheapest in that area.

TaterOneNine - Thanks for the opinions. 

It's interesting how rates for flights/hotel combos are CHEAPER if I leave Monday as opposed to Sunday, so it looks like I'll stay an extra night.

The Stratosphere Hotel I found to be one of the cheapest, and seems to be centrally located?  Any insight on that or the Trump International?

The Stratosphere isn't centrally located. You are on an island down there, and it isn't exactly an area you want to be walking around at night. Having said that it's not a bad place but it doesn't have much of a book. They did run a promo during NFL season where on Sunday they held a big viewing party in the ballroom/conference center so if they did something like that for March Madness it would help. Don't know alot about Trump.  

Thanks

Have not been in the Trump, however know Vegas quite well. From the website and the quality of other Trump properties I am sure it is very nice. The Trump is on the site of the old Fronteir Hotel which was on the strip. The Trump is set back from the strip heading west, near the old Stardust location oposite the Wynn, Encore etc. Also, the Trump os a non-gaming property (part of the agreement with Nevada Gaming Commission to allow Trump into the LV market I believe). The location of the Trump is a moderate cab ride (not walking distance) from Monte Carlo--not quite oppsite sides of the Strip. Actually getting closer to the Hilton (which is located east of the strip on Paradise). Would suggest somewhere closer to Monte Carlo as previous posters suggested. 

Purdue, I watched NFL sunday from 10-430 at the HIlton.  They give you drinks if your sitting down.  I had about 20 beers (no joke) during that time.  Just tip the waitress nice in the beginning and you will be set for the day.  My friends and I tipped her $20 and she kept coming.  For comparison's sake, at the MGM, they only give you 2 drink tickets if you have a minimum bet of (i think the cashier said $500).   

For me, as long as I stay somewhere near the strip and the hotel has a casino, I don't mind it.  You got to figure you won't be in your hotel room much.

Riding a cab or walking is pretty common in vegas.  Probably safer than renting a car if you plan to get crunk.

Purdue, I stayed at the Stratosphere my first time out.  Its at the end of the strip.  Have to take the tram to get anywhere.  The price was right, but would recommend a closer location.  BOL with your trip.

Pride~

Stay away from the Stratosphere unless you intend to spend the majority of your time at the Hilton.  It's very far north on the strip- and is cheap for a reason....and as alluded to earlier, walking around there after dark with a bankroll in your pocket is not advised.

My advice: Stay at the Monte Carlo with your friends.  You can walk to the Bellagio book (free drinks) and check out the City Center and Cosmopolitan.

Monorails are available to get up and down the strip but the 3 are not connected.  If you are staying with your buddies, a cab will be cheap if split 2 or 4 ways.

The Mandalay Bay book is an electronic wet dream.  My neck hurt from trying to watch all of the line changes on those massive boards.

Hooters is another inexpensive option but that walk gets pretty long the drunker you get.

Have fun, bro.

I went last year in the first rounds, all sportsbooks will be packed and ALL of them will be offering drinks once you place a wager.  They'll give you a ticket for free drinks. 

Public transportation is going to be packed!  Everything is within walking distance, you don't need a car.  Get a taxi from the airport to the strip and walk the strip...

You definitely need to check out Bellagio, Venetian, Wynn..the grand hotels, especially Cosmo.....I'm going to be there again this March Madness. 

Any questions hit me up, last year I went once a month.

You said a couple of buddies are staying at Monte Carlo? Just get a cot and stay with them, buy them a meal or something. If you want your own place you should stay at either Hooters or Excalibur, only ten minute walk to Monte Carlo and its free. You may save money at Hilton or Trump or Stratosphere but you will waste $40/day in cab fare and an hour in traveling. Look into Imperial Palace as well, pretty cheap and in center of strip.

have fun PP.  I'm a Harrahs guy, have not paid for a hotel under there umbrella in 7-8 years.  Im staying at Planet Hollywood March 10-13th.  I will just miss you.  You don't need a patty's day for added fun, vegas is good no matter what and since its your first time enjoy staying up all night and if your a boozer, puking all over.  Its a standard process the first time.