United States Destinations

Off-strip Las Vegas is cheaper, less-crowded

By Sheree Zielke

If mobster Bugsy Siegel were around today, he would probably be delighted with Las Vegas. Siegel’s insightful plan was to turn what was then a flyspeck town in the Nevada desert into a sophisticated gambling resort.

Yes, Bugsy would be pleased, because crowds mean profits for the casino owners, but there are those of us who are not so happy at the thought of becoming part of the sweaty swarm of people on the Strip.

However, there is a way to enjoy Vegas without feeling crowded, and even better, it costs less. The key is to stay off the famed Strip, away from the big hotels. Smaller hotels cost less and they offer many freebies to keep their guests on site.

I am not saying you shouldn’t visit the Strip at all; that would be preposterous. You simply can’t visit Vegas without seeing the Strip, but there’s no need to stay there.

Visit it for a few hours, once during a day and once again during an evening. Be sure to take a camera to capture the dazzling neon lights that bejewel the Strip at night. But then head back to the free food and beer available at the smaller places.

The fact is when in Vegas, you are going to gamble. Why not make your gambling dollars work for you right from the moment you arrive at your hotel or motel.

Many of Vegas’s smaller hotels, like the Tuscany Suites on Flamingo Road and the Boulder Station on Boulder Highway, have their own casinos. To keep you playing in their Off-Strip casinos, the properties bribe their guests with “loyalty” or “player” cards. In addition, first-time players will be wooed with promotions, like free meals and discounts. You will be amazed at how many points you and your fellow travellers can rack up, points that act just like money in the hotel’s restaurants, bars, and gift shops.

On a recent vacation, my husband and I booked a room at the Tuscany Suites (about a 10-minute drive from the McCarran Airport, and about a 20-minute walk from the Strip.) This very affordable hotel may not be a place the Queen of England would stay at, but it’s perfect for a family or a couple on a budget.

As soon as you check in (after 4 p.m.), deposit your luggage, and feel ready to explore, go to the hotel’s Players Desk, and sign up for a Players Card. Ask about any promotions available, such as free meals, free slot play, free anything. Be sure to ask for a clip and spiral chain and affix your new Players Card to the chain, otherwise you’ll forget your card in a slot machine.

Now go and do some gambling. (Hint: If you like playing the slots, find a Goldfish machine; you can play for ages on a $20 bill.) Once you’ve played for a while, check with the Players Desk; the attendant will tell you how many points or “dollars” you have towards free items, such as food and beer in one of their restaurants.

It is very easy to amass enough points to eat absolutely free of charge. And the Tuscany’s on-site Mexican restaurant, The Cantina, is very authentic and the food is plentiful and good.

Now that you are fed and you’ve loosened up your slots-playing pointer finger, it’s time to explore. Just down the street (within walking distance) is another small casino, Terrible’s, but unlike its name, this little casino is anything but terrible.

Once again, get a Players Club Card first. And watch for two-for-one coupons; these “twofers” can really pay off at meal time, too. Or walk a short distance up Paradise Road to the Hard Rock Café Hotel and Casino (you can get $10 in free slot play there).

Another great smaller casino is in the Boulder Station hotel. You should drive there as it is quite a distance from the Strip, but it’s worth the trip because the hotel’s Players Club is considered one of the best in Vegas.

They offer free slot play, free meals, free rooms, and great meal discounts. And the Boulder Station has a terrific all-you-can-eat buffet, The Feast, at half the price of one of the more expensive Strip buffets.

Because my husband and I were new Players Club members, we ate for free within a very short period of playing the slots. (Hint: Run your mate’s card together with your own to amass points quicker. Or use only one card to gather points more quickly.)

Smoking is a downside to all Vegas casinos, especially since Albertans are used to smoke-free environments. The smoke can be quite bad, but some casinos like the Boulder Station have dedicated no-smoking slot machine areas.

It’s worth noting that while Vegas can be very hot, the casinos can be very cold. Pack a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt in a backpack. You will be very grateful for this especially if you suffer from chills or hot flashes. Remember, when walking, Vegas distances are often longer than expected. Take the “Deuce,” a double-decker bus or grab a taxi. The wait can be lengthy to get a taxi these days, but the Deuce is very efficient and affordable – just $1.25 to $2 one way.

An attraction that is truly a must for any age is the Atomic Testing Museum. It is one of the finest and most well-maintained museums I have ever seen. Be sure to visit the Ground Zero theatre – it’s a little scary at first, but the presentation is remarkable. (Hint: You’ll find “twofer” coupons here for Terrible’s buffet. Grab a bunch.)

By the way, there is a brand new Super Walmart on Eastern Avenue near the airport. That’s where we stock up on any forgotten personal items, extra clothing, groceries for the room (yes, the Tuscany has a small kitchenette), and souvenirs.

Here is a web link with lists of Las Vegas buffets, attractions, and museums: www.a2zlasvegas.com.

Controlling your slot play

Do you have problems with overplaying the slot machines? Try these tips:

• Set a daily budget (and stick to it).

• Put a full $20 into a machine. Choose the lowest “cent” denomination (most machines are as low as one or two cents). Play all the lines.

• If you are winning, cash out when you double your money. Print your voucher, and put that in your pocket. Walking away is best at this point, but if you still want to play, insert a fresh $20 bill. Repeat the procedure if you double your money again.

• Make a firm deal with yourself: play your money down to one-half, but no lower. Print out a voucher, put that into a pocket, and move to another machine. Or leave the casino, if you’ve hit your budget level. Go spend some time in the beautiful Vegas sunshine instead.

• Maintain a “pay-to-play” attitude instead of a “must-win” attitude, and you will avoid getting angry when you see your money slipping away.

• Above all, be sure to put your Players Club card into the machine’s slot before pushing any buttons. You may lose your money, but you’ll still be able to eat for free.