To rent or not to rent? That is the question

The subject of rental cars can spark a nice debate among people who go to Vegas regularly. Almost as a debate about hotels. I probably should and will devote a few blog entries on getting around in Las Vegas because there are a lot of options. But for now, let's talk about some advantages to renting or not renting.

Why rent?

• Super easy: There are car rentals at McCarran International Airport when you land. A number of hotels have rental locations in hotels.

• Cheap: Some of the lowest rates in the country. Probably because they do so much volume.

• Can move from hotel to hotel, Vegas strip or off-strip. Can go see attractions outside of Las Vegas (I.e. Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam).

Why not rent?

• Traffic: Especially on the strip in the late afternoon or evening and on weekends. You are thinking, “I have to drive in traffic every day, why do I have to do it on my vacation.”

• Alcohol: People gamble, casinos give free alcohol while you gamble, you do the math. Also, if you are going to do drink and drive, the penalties for getting caught are steep and not worth it.

• Alternative transportation is easy: Cabs are plentiful and you can find them everywhere. The monorail can take you up and down the trip. There is a bus that runs 24 hours a day up and down the strip. Additionally, walking is free.

What I think: Everyone has an opinion about works best for them and their circumstances. Going in a five-person group might require you to rent a car. Going alone or with two people might cause you not to rent. I think you should try one trip renting and one trip renting maybe one or two days. Find out what works best for you.

Of course, Orbitz is a great place to get a good price on a car rental or find out what rental agencies are housed inside what hotels.

Memorial Day pool time

(note: This was written for Orbitz Travel Blog and may be posted there in the near future in some form. I look forward to writing more for them.)

Memorial Day is considered the first day of summer and that is very true when it comes to the Las Vegas pool scene. Beginning on Memorial Day, hotel pools in Vegas become the place to go during the day. Whether your body is toned or not, everyone goes and loves the pool to beat the Vegas heat.

One general tip: If you have a group and you want to sit together, hit the pool early if you want to get a lounge chair. This applies even more if you are in town on the weekend or a holiday. If you go late, you will be lucky to get one. Either go as a group or assign one or two people to go early and reserve chairs.

Best all-around: MGM Grand Pool Complex. At six acres, it has four pools, three whirlpools, waterfalls, lazy river, bar, . According to their website, at least three will be open every day at 8 a.m. during the summer and the “Backlot River”, opens at 9 a.m. Negatives: Crowds. The MGM is the biggest hotel in Vegas and a LOT of people will venture to the pool area.

Best family pool: Flamingo. Truthfully, I love this pool. It has four pools, two jacuzzis, and water slides with a kiddy pool over 15 acres. It's designed to be a tropical paradise. Very picturesque. This is the pool where you will find me the most. You might also spot a wedding or two at the pool if you go early in the morning or at sunset. Negatives: According to the Flamingo website, a hotel room key is required for entry before 1 p.m. So it could become crowded with locals and people staying elsewhere in Vegas.

Best pool party: Hard Rock Hotel, Rehab Sundays. This is where the beautiful people hang out all day Sunday. The party takes over the pool at the off-strip Hard Rock. The line to get in Rehab can be long, but it is the best party in Vegas on Sundays. There are other hotels who are adopting the “pool as a nightclub” strategy: Tao Beach at Venetian, Ditch Fridays at Palms, Bare at Mirage are examples. Tip: Check to see what is happening at the pool in your hotel. Including cost and times. For example, Rehab is free for individuals staying at the Hard Rock.

My suggestions are just that. There are a lot of good pool options all over Vegas. If the hotel pool is important to you, check it out online before booking your stay.

One final tip: Hotel pools are not public pools. If you are not staying in that hotel, you might have to pay an admission fee to get in. So if there is a pool you want to go to, call the hotel and ask for the pool and check on the admission fee.

Memorial Day special

I might take advantage of this myself:

Memorial Day Weekend Sale! Get a FREE Night this Memorial Day Weekend when you travel between 5/22 and 5/27!

Also

Summer Sale! Save up to 30% off Las Vegas

Best Burgers in Vegas

Before I became a vegetarian, I loved a good burger. Burger Bar in Mandalay Bay have the best. The Kobe burger would tempt me back to the "Dark Side". When I go to Vegas, I usually make this place my first stop before I checked into my hotel.

It is usually busy, but the slowest time (and the best time) to go is right when it opens mid-morning. It's empty, so you get great service and you eat pretty quick. Around 11:30, the lunch rush begins. I am usually paying my check and gone by then.

It's in Mandalay Place and can be difficult to find. So make sure you look for it or you could be looking for a while.

In other burger news (courtesy of the Red Rock Casino):

LBS, a classic American burger joint, will open at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa this fall. Created and owned by Las Vegas restaurateur Billy Richardson, the focus of LBS is to deliver the best hamburgers anywhere in Las Vegas using only fresh ingredients and all-natural, hormone-free Hereford beef and turkey. The 101-seat restaurant and bar will be located adjacent to the casino floor in the space previously occupied by Tides, which closed on April 27. In keeping with the classic American theme, the LBS bar will offer more than 40 different microbrew blends of beer and a classic cocktail list.

Hopefully someone can tell me about good places where I can get a veggie burger (one that is good).