I am not sure if anyone can help on this question....we are thinking we'll be in Vegas (driving to DL) by Sept 30th. Do you think we can get a hotel room (anywhere safe, we're not that picky) without a reservation?

Yes, but you will have to pay money.

September 30 is a Friday----and we all know what that means.

One good thing is that it's the end of the month, my experience from working at the Hotel Industry.......is that there may not be as many overbooked conventions since Friday, on a 30th is payday, and many companies don't schedule conventions during payroll----in some cases.

Nevertheless, it's still a Friday so......be prepared to pay inflated rates.

You are better off starting with the very largest hotels, those with 4,000, or more, rooms, as they've usually got excess. Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Venetian etc. Those are all the very largest and usually have one or two rooms in an emergency, even when otherwise sold out. Always ask for a manager, or supervisor, and keep going up the chain, when you don't like the answer you are given by a lesser reservations agent. Someone high enough up will be able to open up a room....for the right price....in a 4,000 ++++ hotel. IMHO

Remember, they (the larger hotels) are also the most expensive, and seeing as you don't have a reservation, they won't be shy in charging you the very most they can get, seeing as they've got you, and you need a room! That's what happens.

But, it can be done, IMHO, provided you're willing to pay enough.

Yikes! Maybe we'll stay outside of Vegas that night....St George Ut or someplace. Thanks for the advice!

I was once in Las Vegas during a convention time where I did not have a reservation.

After the usual attempts, I tried the out-of-town location (Primm, NV), a half-hour drive away from Vegas.

"Thank gawd for Whiskey Pete's," is all I can say.
:)
I can also say, "Buffalo Bill's is across the street from Whiskey Pete."
;)

I was once in Las Vegas during a convention time where I did not have a reservation.

After the usual attempts, I tried the out-of-town location (Primm, NV), a half-hour drive away from Vegas.

"Thank gawd for Whiskey Pete's," is all I can say.
:)
I can also say, "Buffalo Bill's is across the street from Whiskey Pete."
;)

Did you find reasonable hotel rates? By reasonable, I mean like less than $75.00 a night? (ok, maybe that falls under the el cheapo category)

looked at expedia for you and thought about where I might stay so here is the list for 9-30-05 with 2 adults

Wild Wild West Gambling Hall and hotel $59.00
Great walking to NY NYand MGM side of the strip but not much else to say about it

Hilton Las Vegas $75.00 not sure why but that a great rate

Sahara Las Vegas Hotel And Casino $79.00 great that is on the monrail track

Circus Circus Hotel And Casino $80.00 I would never stay here but

Tropicana Hotel And Casino $89.00 i enjoy this one

I stoped here but there were quite a few listings. There are 6 pages of listing with most around $125 a night

we will end with the most expencve for expedia

Four Seasons Las Vegas At $425.00 a night

I hope that helps a little

looked at expedia for you and thought about where I might stay so here is the list for 9-30-05 with 2 adults

Wild Wild West Gambling Hall and hotel $59.00
Great walking to NY NYand MGM side of the strip but not much else to say about it

Hilton Las Vegas $75.00 not sure why but that a great rate

Sahara Las Vegas Hotel And Casino $79.00 great that is on the monrail track

Circus Circus Hotel And Casino $80.00 I would never stay here but

Tropicana Hotel And Casino $89.00 i enjoy this one

I stoped here but there were quite a few listings. There are 6 pages of listing with most around $125 a night

we will end with the most expencve for expedia

Four Seasons Las Vegas At $425.00 a night

I hope that helps a little

That's if you make a reservation. They don't necessarily have to honor those rates on the 30th, if you are walking in off the street. And, especially if they're nearly sold out at that time.

I've heard that LV Hilton is a good choice for walk-ins. Since they are practically off-strip, that may account for it. However, with the monorail stop there, you're only a few minutes from the center of the strip.

Personally, I think the LV Hilton is quite nice. Also, you'd probably have pretty good luck with the other north Strip location like Riviera, Sahara or the Stardust. All will be pretty reasonably priced compared to the center and south Strip hotels.

But if you can make any kind of phone-ahead ressies, it would be in your best interest. Not only will you get piece of mind, you won't have to drive from hotel to hotel trying to find a place to stay.

How about on the drive there, someone gets on the cellphone and let the fingers do the walking?

Good luck!