The Riviera
When the Riviera Hotel opened in 1955, it was the first high-rise hotel on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Located less than a half mile west of the Hilton, this well-known hotel has undergone numerous renovations in order to compete with newer hotels nearby. It features a full casino, an expansive buffet, a connected steakhouse and multiple entertainment options. Room rates as of 2009 range from $34 to $159 per night, but the more expensive nights coincide with major holidays and Las Vegas events. Rooms under $100 are available on most days.
The Riviera
3000 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(800) 634-3420
rivierahotel.com/
Circus Circus Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Circus Circus, located only a mile west of the Las Vegas Hilton, brings the Big Top to the Strip. In addition to its connected casino, Circus Circus boasts a carnival midway full of games for players of all ages. Acrobatic circus acts take place indoors on a continuous schedule, and if you need a break from golf, you can always visit the connected Adventuredome for theme park thrill rides and even more midway fun. 2009 rates range from $25 to $140, but remain under $75 per night most of the year.
Circus Circus Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
2880 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 734-0410
circuscircus.com/
The Sahara Hotel & Casino
The Sahara Hotel & Casino offers more than 1,700 rooms and suites just .7 miles north of the Las Vegas Hilton. Though it initially gained fame as one of the premier Vegas hotels in the 1950s, it is now better known for its excellent room rates. It features nightly entertainment, multiple restaurants, a luxurious spa and its unique NASCAR Cafe, as well as its own casino. Its room rates for 2009 range between $35 and $132, but most nights can be booked for under $70.
The Sahara Hotel & Casino
2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 737-2111
saharavegas.com/home
Rodeway Inn Las Vegas
Just over a half mile to the southwest of the Hilton is the Rodeway Inn, a hotel that offers great deals and amenities without all the restaurants, shopping and casino action you might expect from a hotel right on the strip. It features free wireless Internet, an outdoor pool and free parking. Rates for 2009 start at $52 but top out at only $78, making it a great year-round value.
Rodeway Inn Las Vegas
220 Convention Center Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 735-4151
rodewayinn.com/hotel-las_vegas-nevada-NV050
The Stratosphere
The Stratosphere, a towering hotel that's a focal point of the Las Vegas skyline, sits just a mile north of the Las Vegas Hilton. This hotel has something for everyone: a romantic lounge on the 107th floor overlooking the Strip, heart-pounding thrill rides on the roof, world-class dining and a topless-optional pool for the 21-and-up crowd. 2009 rates range from $46 to $125, but you can book for less than $90 per night throughout most of the year.
The Stratosphere
2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
(800) 998-6937
stratospherehotel.com/index.cfm
About The Author
Josh Baum is a freelance writer with extensive experience in advertising and public relations. A graduate of the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Journalism, Baum writes targeted, optimized Web copy, print advertisements and broadcast scripts for advertising agencies, publishers and Web developers throughout the United States and Canada. He lives and works in Chicago, ll.
