Las vegas deals

BY MIRIAM DI NUNZIO

LAS VEGAS -- What happens in Vegas doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

In a city that boasts $10,000-a-night suites, let's face it, the view is just as grand from a $129-a-night room in the same resort. Even in these tough economic times, there are fabulous finds in town. I've spent years discovering and enjoying these little gems, even in the best of times. With some planning, determination and willingness to occasionally step outside the "comfort zone" of the Strip, there are plenty of money-saving deals to be had when it comes to lodging, dining, entertainment and shopping.

To help you get more for your vacation dollar, here are a few of my fabulous finds. (Prices can change without notice, so call ahead.)

It seems all the top designers in the world have opened boutiques in Sin City. But if Prada is nada in terms of your budget, consider these options:

Macy's at Fashion Show Mall (north end of Las Vegas Boulevard). Wanna know a secret? Stop by the Visitors Services booth (first floor, near the cosmetics) for your 11 percent off Welcome Savings Pass valid for seven days.

The Las Vegas Premium Outlets (875 S. Grand Central Pkwy., 702-474-7500). A quick ride from the Strip (this is where a rental car comes in handy) and a great place for bargains if you're a savvy shopper. Outlets are of the high-end caliber: White House/Black Market, Dolce & Gabbana, Juicy Couture, True Religion, Salvatore Ferragamo, Kate Spade and about 150 more familiar labels.

The Las Vegas Outlet Center (Warm Springs Road and Las Vegas Boulevard, 702-896-5599). Just a few miles south of the resort area, this indoor mall boasts hundreds of outlet stores including Liz Claiborne Shoes, Aeropostale, Greg Norman, Jones New York, Coach and Off 5th. Not nearly as chi-chi as the Premium Outlets, but you will find tons of bargains, and a "restaurant row" has emerged along the road opposite the mall.

If you want souvenirs for everybody you've ever known, head to the Bonanza Gift Shop (Las Vegas Boulevard at Sahara, 702-...). It's purported to be the "World's Largest Gift Shop," and it might very well be. Aisle after aisle of everything from mugs, T-shirts, tote bags and moccasins to magnets and post cards is affordably priced.

For food, Hash House A Go Go (6800 W. Sahara, 702-804-GOGO) is hands-down one of the best places to eat in the city. Its slogan is "twisted farm food," which I translate as "humongous portions of some of the best breakfast, lunch and dinner chow west of the Mississippi." Their 1-pound stuffed burgers served with all the fixin's easily can feed two and will set you back about $10. The hash here ($12.95 on average) is served in a huge cast-iron skillet and is out of this world. Consider the "Pacers Hash" made with roasted pork tenderloin, crispy potatoes, fresh corn, green beans, cherry tomatoes, smoked mozzarella and scrambled eggs. The menu is extensive, the service is outstanding and the prices are very friendly.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay (3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-632-4555). Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, this is one of the best-kept secrets on the Strip. More than 1,200 species of tropical and freshwater fish, reptiles, and a mind-boggling assortment of sharks and rare golden alligators surround you in 2 million gallons of water. Travel through a glass-encased "under the sea" environment while creatures swim above, below and all around. Admission is $10.95-$17; kids under 4 are free.

Las Vegas Art Museum (9600 W. Sahara, 702...). Just eight miles west of the Strip, this is a nice way to spend a few hours in quiet respite from all the neon. Modern art rules the roost, and you can't beat the $3-$6 admission. You also can take in some extraordinary museum-quality artwork at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (inside the Bellagio Resort, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd., 702...). Admission, $10-$15. Currently on display is "Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends."

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Located 15 miles from the Strip, this desert canyon is worth the 30-minute drive. Travel a 13-mile loop through rock/canyon formations for a $5 car entry fee. You also can hike or bike scenic but very challenging trails (check with park officials at the visitors center for details). Wear plenty of sunscreen. Outdoor enthusiasts also can stay the night in the campground for a fee.

The Aquarium at Silverton Casino and Lodge (3333 Blue Diamond Road, 702-263-7777). Nowhere near the scale of Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, but every bit as fun. More than 4,000 tropical fish, sharks and other creatures traverse a 117,000-gallon artificial reef. Divers feed the lot at various times and visitors can ask questions while they're serving up lunch or dinner to their aquatic pals. In a throwback to the Vegas of the '40s and '50s, "mermaids" swim into the tank every 15 minutes for an underwater show. Free.

Mt. Charleston. A great day trip, the mount is about 40 miles northwest of the Strip. It's the highest point in southern Nevada -- some 12,000 feet at the summit -- climbing up through an alpine tree line and, depending on the time of year, snowcapped peaks. It's all part of the Spring Mountain Range of the Toiyabe National Forest, and the temperature up there can be as much as 40 degrees cooler than at the desert base. There is a restaurant and lodge around 7,000 feet, with 23 log cabins available year-round for a very different Las Vegas stay. Glorious vistas, waterfalls and plenty of crisp mountain air.

Big Dog's Cafe & Casino (6390 W. Sahara, 702-876-3647). This was the first microbrewery in Las Vegas and it still serves up several award-winning beers from its 15-barrel facility. Happy hour features $2 off all their brews. The food's not too shabby, either. When it's crowded, it's loud, rowdy and fun.

Bowling at the Suncoast Hotel/Casino (9090 Alta Drive, 702-636-7111). If you really want a fun outing that won't break the bank, consider bowling at this off-the-Strip locale. This is a nicely appointed, state-of-the-art Brunswick affair with 64 lanes, and it's open 24 hours a day. Saturday nights are Cosmic Bowling nights, when disco music blares and the light show thrills. Adults can bowl for $2.90 a game; kids and seniors, $2. Shoe rental is $2.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve (333 S. Valley View Blvd., 702-...). This is one of the most tranquil places you'll visit in the Las Vegas area. It spans the "birthplace of Las Vegas," a 180-acre site of landscaped botanic gardens and interactive exhibits on the city's history, such as the prehistoric swamps that evolved into desert landscape. The Nevada State Museum is slated to open there later this year. Wolfgang Puck's Cafe serves delicious fare and its outdoor terrace is the perfect place for peace and quiet. Admission is $18.95, adults; $10.95, children.

The deep-fried Twinkie -- only 99 cents -- at Mermaid's Casino, downtown Las Vegas (32 Fremont St., 702...). People line up for this sinfully delicious treat in this claustrophobic, rundown, slots-only casino.

The $25 bling ring at Decorazzi (Wynn Las Vegas Esplanade, 702-770-7000). This Swarovski crystal bauble in different colors will make your ring finger dazzle.

The dueling pianos at the Bar Time Square (New York New York Hotel/Casino, 702-74...). For a $10 cover you can sing along -- or not -- to one of the best lounge shows in town in this swanky spot.

When it comes to accommodations, Strip resorts can be very accommodating, especially in these tough economic times.

Average daily room rates were down 9.2 percent for the first nine months of 2008 compared with the same time period of 2007, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Lodging bargains abound on resorts' Web sites. Here are a couple of examples:

MGM Grand's Maximum Escape Package, featuring a room rate of $80 a night, Feb. 22-25 (other dates are available), includes a $35 activity credit, two line passes to Studio 54, and 25 percent off spa services. The Winter Escape Package is only $72 a night, but for $5 extra you get a $50 activity credit good toward dining, entertainment ("Ka" by Cirque du Soleil, or "Crazy Horse Paris"), spa services or Studio 54; (888) 646-1203, www.mgmgrand.com/special_offers/.

At the Venetian, you can't beat the Suite Life Package. For $149 a night (weekdays, minimum two-night stay), you enjoy a 650-square-foot suite, $40 off front orchestra seating to "Jersey Boys" (the resident production at the adjoining Palazzo), one complimentary passport to the resort's Canyon Ranch Spa and $30 off a variety of services. You also get 20 percent off an entree at Dal Toro Ristorante and a two-for-one gondola ride inside the resort's Grand Canal promenade. Book by Feb. 28; call (86... and mention code EVJHOME, or book online at www.venetian.com.

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/travel/northamerica/1417797,TRA-News-deals08.article