El Cortez
Many Vegas budget hotels leave a lot to be desired, even just for the basics. This is not so with the El Cortez hotel. You'll find clean, comfortable rooms, although you may find the bathrooms a bit small. It has the classic look of the "old Vegas" of the 1940s. The vintage rooms are a bit less pricey than the new tower rooms, which offer single queen beds. The pavilion rooms are also budget-priced. They are above the parking garage and have an outside entrance. These are larger than the vintage rooms, with many having two queen beds. In-room freebies are limited, as in most budget lodging. You will find shampoo and soap. Golf courses are close, and gambling is in the casino below your room. There are table games, with $5 minimum bet tables. There is a quicker return for drinks at the tables if you tip. Jackie's Club Cortez, the in-house restaurant, offers a delicious meal for a fair price.
El Cortez
600 E. Freemont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 385-5200
www.ecvegas.com/
The Orleans
This hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms at a good price, starting at $35 as of 2009. Each room offers two queen-size beds or one king. The rooms are large and have sitting areas (partite suites). You can also get roomier lodging in the deluxe suites and the Stardust suites, which are even larger at 2,500 square feet. This hotel is only minutes from the strip. You get a lot for your money at The Orleans with a spa, meeting rooms, casino, restaurants, fitness center, 70-lane bowling center and attached 9,500 arena offering shows and special events. Restaurants include fine dining, buffet and late night cuisine. The Canal Street restaurant offers fresh seafood, prime rib and steaks in a fine-dining atmosphere. The Fresh Market Buffet will have your mouth watering over the international cuisine. Try the best in Mexican food at Don Miguels. The Orleans also offers dining at Fuddruckers, Big Al's Oyster Bar, The Prime Rib Loft, Koji Sushi Bar and Subway.
The Orleans
4500 W. Tropicana Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 365-7111
www.orleanscasino.com
Bellagio
Located on the strip, the Bellagio hotel offers spacious rooms. The suites are even bigger if your budget allows. The rooms are tastefully furnished with marble flooring and electric drapes. Robes, French toiletries, irons and flat-screen televisions are in every room. There are six pools to choose from, all with whirlpools nearby. Enjoy table gaming, slot machines and cocktails in the casino. The Bellagio touts one of the highest quality buffets in all of Vegas. If you are also budgeting food, lunch is the best value. You'll also find a coffee shop, Café Bellagio, with reasonable prices. Other in-house restaurants include Circo (Italian), Fix (small menu), Jasmine (Cantonese), Jean Philippe Patisserie (dessert), La Cirque (French), Noodles (budget) and more. Enjoy the art gallery with touring exhibits. There is a fee to enter, however. The big draw to the Bellagio is the huge fountain out front.
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(888) 987-6667
www.bellagio.com
About The Author
Karen Ellis has been a full-time writer since 2006. She is an expert crafter, with more than 30 years of experience in knitting, chrocheting, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking and other arts. She is an expert gardener, with lifelong experience. Ellis has taken many classes in these subjects and taught classes, as well.
