Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Sequoia

[FUEGO]

- You need the never revealed <until now> MasterBlaster system...

Let me know how that works out for you!

 

[Red Rover]

I live near Joshua Tree and went there for the first time a month ago with family that was in town visiting. It was very pretty but after an hour or two of desert and rocks I was ready for civilization. It takes [-]an eternity [/-]hours to go through the whole park and there is nowhere to stop for refreshments so if you go take plenty of drinks and food.

I second that Pioneertown is neat. A lot of the old cowboy movies were filmed there which if you used to watch them you may get a kick out of. There is a place to eat there called Pappy and Harriet's that's worth going to but it isn't open every day.

Also, if you are that near you may like to take the Tram in Palm Springs.

 

[TromboneAl]

Current plan starts with: Sequoia, Las Vegas, Zion

We'd like to find a good place to camp between Sequoia and Las Vegas (seven hour driving time). Most places are RV parks, which I suspect will be glorified parking lots. Any ideas?

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Tentative plan is to camp at the Valley of Fire state park,

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and drive into Vegas (1 hour drive) to [-]drink and gamble[/-] see the sights. Not sure if that's practical.

 

[FUEGO]

Any interest in paying $20 or so for a decent room in Vegas? Shouldn't be too hard to find especially if you are there during the week. When will you be in Vegas (PM if you don't want public)? We're headed out in a couple of weeks for a few nights.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Any interest in paying $20 or so for a decent room in Vegas?

$20 What exactly do you get for $20 ?

 

[FUEGO]

$20 What exactly do you get for $20 ?

Are you familiar with Las Vegas? You know they are almost giving the rooms away, right?

Golden Gate Casino in downtown LV, for example, is $20 per night. Well, $21.11 on the night in May that I happened to check (including taxes and fees). Rated 4 out of 5 on expedia reviews. You'll probably get a basic room with a bathroom. Given that camping is often $15-20 a night in some campgrounds, it would be a few steps up from sleeping on a foam mat, and you would be in the middle of downtown Las Vegas (which has its plusses and minuses). And they have delicious $1 shrimp cocktails downstairs.

There are a few other decent (read: basic) hotels on or near the strip or downtown for around $20-30/night.

My suggestion is simply to add a lot of value for a small price. Obviously $20 won't get you a penthouse suite at the Encore.

 

[MasterBlaster]

For those not in the know, Downtown Las Vegas is the (yesteryear's) poor cousin of the Las Vegas strip. Although right there by the hotel isn't too bad. You walk a couple of blocks in the wrong direction though and you are in very unsafe gang/drug user territory. There have been quite a large number of assult cases and robberies. They have mounted police on patrol to help protect unsuspecting tourists. However you are forewarned.

here is my favorite Las Vegas site's review of the Golden Gate"

Cheapo Vegas - Golden Gate

Las Vegas is a hurtin' with the economy. You can get a 4-star hotel on the strip for $50 (midweek). Which is a much better deal and a world away from downtown Las Vegas and a much wiser/more fun choice in my opinion.

3-star properties on the strip go for maybe $30-40 (midweek).

 

[FUEGO]

For those not in the know, Downtown Las Vegas is the (yesteryear's) poor cousin of the Las Vegas strip. Although right there by the hotel isn't too bad. You walk a couple of blocks in the wrong direction though and you are in very unsafe gang/drug user territory. There have been quite a large number of assult cases and robberies. They have mounted police on patrol to help protect unsuspecting tourists. However you are forewarned.

here is my favorite Las Vegas site's review of the Golden Gate"

Cheapo Vegas - Golden Gate

Las Vegas is a hurtin' with the economy. You can get a 4-star hotel on the strip for $50 (midweek). Which is a much better deal and a world away from downtown Las Vegas and a much wiser/more fun choice in my opinion.

3-star properties on the strip go for maybe $30-40 (midweek).

That review seems fair. Basically what I gathered from dining there and popping in the casino.

As to the gang activity and danger a few blocks away - what would possibly motivate you to leave Fremont street or the street just to the north? There is nothing else down there!

Downtown is definitely NOT on the strip, but the golden gate is a cheap, relatively clean and safe place to lay your head and take a hot shower. And eat $1 shrimp cocktails. Sure, the strip has ample cheap hotel rooms too for about double the price. All are good deals. Vegas is hurting. But this is T-Al we are talking about (the guy that saws paper towel rolls into quarters ). Why spend $40 on a good hotel room when you can spend $20 on a slightly less good (but still acceptable one)?

With a car, driving between the Strip and downtown is simple and quick via Las Vegas blvd or the interstate just to the west of the strip (I-15??). Free parking abounds.

 

[TromboneAl]

More good info, thanks. I'm seeing a $29 rate on the Monday that we'd probably arrive, but that could work, and I'm looking more seriously at the motel route now.

 

[nphx]

Well if you are dropping $20 on a hotel room - - then the best value for dinner in old town vegas is : Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens Hotel

 

[dex]

Cheapo Vegas - Your Guide to a Better Vegas Vacation


$29
Las Vegas
Hooters
Feb 28, 2009
May 10, 2009
May 14, 2009
Hotel Web Site
Comments: Includes $100 free slot-play, $20 match play, 2-for-1 food, drink and retail savings coupons, $20 Spa Credit. Not the swankiest place, but its in a good location.
$10
Las Vegas
Golden Gate
Apr 16, 2009
Jul 01, 2009
Jul 03, 2009
Expedia.com
Comments: Second night free. $20 for 2 nights!

 

[TromboneAl]

Thanks, guys. We booked a room at the Sahara for "$24" ($36 with all fees, taxes, etc.).

 

[tjon72]

I presume you will be going via bicycle ? :>)

 

[TromboneAl]

Actually, we'll have our bikes with us, and I have to decide whether to leave them on the car, ask if we can take them to our room, or just take them to our room (without asking).

They're nice vintage bikes, but wouldn't be worth much to a thief. They'll be securely locked to the car.