Vegas or Tahoe?

[keno]

My nephew turns 21 this coming July 2. he's been talking about going to Vegas for 2 or 3 years now, but as we get close, his mom and him have been saying that Vegas is too expensive and they are planning on going to Tahoe instead (They live in No. California, as do I, the drive to Tahoe is about 4-5 hours). Personally, I think he is crazy. Tahoe, while nice in the winter to go skiing, just isn't the party place that Vegas is, espeically for a 21 year old.

So, I'm pretty bummed for him (and me!) not going to Vegas. And, I don't really want to go to Tahoe with them. They are planning on getting a big cabin in Tahoe and having the whole family stay there. I love my sister and her family, but I just can't bring myself to staying in a cabin all weekend with them. I'm sure they will want to stay in the cabin most of the time, and never really go out. A 21 year old should have fun, not sit around in the cabin and watch golf (which is a most likely scenario). How do I convince them all that Vegas isn't that expensive and they should all go to Vegas instead? Many of them would be Vegas Virgins (that's the problem...) and would have to stay on strip for this first trip. I'm thinking Excalibur or (ack...) Circus Circus for this trip.

[Sonya]

The 4th of July thing makes it difficult to find a bargain. Not sure you'll really find a bargain in Tahoe either as it's a holiday though. :)

I totally agree with you. Has anyone asked the birthday boy what he'd want? Maybe you can get him to bargain on your side.

[keno]

I forgot to mention, the trip won't be until at least July 20, since his best friend turns 21 on that day and he wants to go with him.

My nephew wants to go Vegas, but his mom talked him into the 'cheap' way of going to Tahoe (my nephew has a bad case of needing to grow some cajones, but that's a completely different story....... maybe vegas can help with that?). I'm suprised he's willing to leave his girlfriend behind (she turns 21 next year sometime, so she's totally out of the picture for this trip).

Maybe I should just bite the bullet and pay for a trip for him. Vegas would be so much cooler for a 21 year old than Tahoe. Heck, it would be cooler for anyone!

[Hoosier]

I would have to agree that Vegas is a much better idea for a 21 year old. Tahoe is a nice place, but is more for the older crowd, IMO.

If money is the issue, stay off strip or downtown. Go to the strip during the day to see the sights. It sounds as though you would be driving, so you would already have transportation. If everyone wanted to drink, try to find a hotel that has a shuttle to the strip or take a cab.

[vegasbound]

No doubt about it, I think Vegas is a far better option. I'm surprised, that Tahoe is being considered cheaper... I haven't been in two years, so things can change, but then, it was much pricier than Vegas. Hotel rates were high, we stayed in Reno at the Holiday Inn to cut costs. The lowest table minimums we found in Tahoe were $10. No deals on food or otherwise were found, either. In Tahoe, we ended up avoiding the casinos all together and took advantage of the beautiful sights - boating and hiking. We left gaming for Reno, even that doesn't compare to Vegas. It killed me, not being allowed to carry alcohol down the streets in Reno or Tahoe. I've been super spoiled by Vegas and Laughlin.

[DBear]

You should be able to find plenty of hotel deals in July. Vegas is the place to be. Send me her email address and I will send them a letter.

[nogciv]

As a Vegas resident, I find it hard to beleive that Tahoe is cheaper. If your cousin was willing to get an off-strip hotel/casino, the cost would be reduced below what I would imagine Tahoe to be. Real estate is going crazy up north and it has to be driving prices up. I know a few people in the travel industry and could refer you to a few places to look for pricing in Las Vegas, both on and off the strip if you are interested. Here is to hoping that your cousin has en excelent 21st!

Mark

[Sleepless]

Tahoe is an excellent choice for winter fun and partying, but the summer is much more of a family thing...not really a turning 21 thing. Also, I agree with others that said Tahoe is not all that cheap. If they want cheap, go to Reno. It's got quite a bit to offer and it's generally less expensive than Vegas. I took my nephew there last year and he enjoyed it. I would also suggest Vegas downtown, e.g. Golden Nugget, is nice and probably much cheaper than anywhere in Tahoe.