Are you one of those travelers who likes to psych yourself up for your trip by reading books set in your destination?  I am.  Early on in my “career” as a traveler to Las Vegas, I looked specifically for books set in Las Vegas and Nevada.  In the process, I bought a book called 24/7: Living It Up and Doubling Down in the New Las Vegas by Andres Martinez. As it was published in c. 2000, I’m sure hard-core Vegas fans already know about it, but newbies might not–and you should, because it’s a fun read. Granted, a lot has changed in Vegas since 2000. The city is constantly reinventing itself, so some of the hotels mentioned in the book are gone or have changed, and new ones have sprung up in their places (RIP Desert Inn, hello Wynn Las Vegas). But the culture hasn’t changed, and this book is about the culture of Las Vegas more than any particular place.

Martinez, the author, convinced a publishing company to pay him a sizable advance for his proposed book–the concept of which was that he would use $50,000 of the money to go to Las Vegas for a month to live it up as a gambler.  It was a huge risk.  Either way, he’d get a book out of the experience, but he and his wife really could have used that $50,000 for a nest egg.  By taking the money to gamble in Las Vegas, the potential was there for him to lose it all. That alone was fascinating enough to draw me in and hold my attention, but the book offers so much more than this gimmick.

Throughout the book, the reader gets an inside look into the tourist and gaming culture of Las Vegas from the point of view of someone who is living it 24/7 for a month.  As he learns about the history of Las Vegas, so do we.  Through Martinez, we’re  introduced to some fascinating characters who make Las Vegas their home, and learn the ropes of various games of chance. We follow Martinez as he stays at numerous different resorts around town, and live vicariously through his gambling exploits.

Is he a high roller?  No. There are no tales of him taking the entire $50,000 and risking it in a single hand of poker. That would be a Hollywood movie.  No, Martinez is a regular Joe, so while he gambles more money than I ever have, it’s still somewhat conservative by Vegas standards.  Still, I agonized along with him through his bankroll’s ups and downs, and much like I feared for Morgan Spurlock’s health in Supersize Me, I began to fear that Martinez might become a compulsive gambler. He certainly flirts with it a bit in the book.

What I really loved about this book about Las Vegas is Martinez’s “everyman” persona and his engaging writing style.  Not one to take himself too seriously, he has a great sense of humor (“Clergy at these Vegas wedding chapels must get the same frazzled rush as do emergency-room doctors–you can only do so much for so many and hope for the best”). He lets us inside his head to hear his thoughts, shares his insecurities about this whole crazy plan of his, and his fears that it’s all been a big mistake. This regular Joe’s life outside of his stint in Vegas seemed very relatable to me.  Since most of his trip to Las Vegas was spent solo (his wife remained back in New York, except for a brief visit), we see what it’s like for a solo traveler to spend time in Las Vegas alone.

If you want to get a sense of what draws millions of people to Las Vegas every year, if you want to take a peek into the casinos and into the lives of people who are part of the gambling culture day in and day out (not just a week or two per year), give 24/7: Living It Up and Doubling Down in Las Vegas a try.  It’s not Dostoevsky’s The Gambler (a book Martinez returns to throughout his stay in Las Vegas), but it’s the most entertaining book written about Las Vegas that I have yet come across.

Do you know of any other good books set in or about Las Vegas?  Feel free to share them in the comments section below.  I’m looking for a little good reading for my next Vegas trip!

The response to last week’s post, 10 Vegas Breakfasts Under $10, was so positive, I’m following it up with my strategies for saving money on lunch and dinner in Las Vegas.  Again, the best way to save money on meals in Las Vegas is to stay off-Strip, where prices are cheaper.  If you’re traveling with someone, definitely take advantage of those 2-for-1 coupons or split a meal (God knows the portion sizes in Vegas are big enough).  But if you ‘re traveling solo, staying on the Strip, and don’t have access to a car, there are still ways to save money on meals.  Here are 10 of my favorite tips:

Ellis Island (Koval Lane, behind Ballys) – Ellis Island has a terrific $6.99 steak dinner special that’s available all day.  As I mentioned before, as a solo female, I personally wouldn’t make this walk after dark (your mileage may vary), but I’d totally do it for lunch.

Head to Planet Hollywood for the next 3 bargain meals:

PF Changs – PF Changs offers lunch specials for under $10 that are quite filling. You can also eat off the appetizer menu to  keep it cheap. This place is not going to break the bank.

The Earl of Sandwich – Located in the Miracle Mile Shops, the Earl offers lots of fantastic hot sandwiches for under $6.  You can’t go wrong with that.

Ocean One Bar and Grille – This is also located in the Miracle Mile Shops.  Everything on the lunch menu is under $10, and everything on the dinner menu is under $20.

Hussong’s Cantina – This Mexican cantina at Mandalay Bay is on my list to try on my next trip.  It’s getting rave reviews, and nothing on their menu is over $20.  Sweet.

Go Downtown – The price differential on a good dinner you can find on the Strip vs. a good dinner you can find Downtown is HUGE.  For $6 round trip, you can catch the bus to Fremont Street, where the food is inexpensive and delicious.   Consider one of these:

• Firefly Tapas at the Plaza has hot plates of tapas for $4 – $10 each, and most entrees are under $20; all this, plus the best view Downtown, looking right down the Fremont Street Experience.
• The California’s Market Street Cafe has a $7.95 prime rib special.
• Main Street Station’s Garden Court Buffet runs from $11-14/night, depending on the night (they have specialty nights which drive the price up a bit). Seafood Buffet night is $17.
• The Triple 7 Brew Pub at Main Street Station has Happy Hour specials from 3-6pm with all food items $4.50 each and drinks $2 each.  Regular dinner prices are also reasonable– nothing on their menu is over $20.  How about blackened salmon or mahi mahi for just $10.95? Sound good?
• Don B’s Steakhouse at Fitzgerald’s offers Early Bird Specials every day from 5-6pm starting at $10.95.

Find Happy Hour specials. A number of Las Vegas bars and restaurants offer not only drink specials during Happy Hour, but food specials as well.  It’s a great way to have dinner and maybe even meet some new friends at the bar.  Current happy hour specials include:

• The Palm at Caesars Forum Shops (4:30-6:30pm and 9:30pm to closing) offers $3.50 appetizers; inquire about drink prices before ordering, as I’ve heard those are still pricey.
• Society Cafe at Encore (M-F, 4-7 pm) offers 2-for-1 mojitos and a tapas menu featuring dishes under $9.
• Ra Sushi at the Fashion Show Mall (Mon-Sat, 3-7pm), $2-6 drinks and half off appetizers and sushi.(Ra Sushi also offers a very affordable lunch.)
• BB King Blues (at the Mirage) – 1/2 price appetizers from 12-6pm.
• The Lucky 7 Lounge at Japonais in the Mirage offers $7 drinks and $7 appetizers 7 days a week from 5-8pm and Thurs-Fri-Sat from 10pm-1am.
• For more happy hour specials, consult Las Vegas Happy Hour Time.

Catch a free shuttle to the Orleans – At the Courtyard Cafe, you can get a 16 oz. T-Bone Steak dinner for $12.99 or a 10 oz. Prime Rib dinner for $10.95.  The French Market Buffet offers good food for much more reasonable prices than on the Strip:  You can have lunch here for just $8.99 or dinner for $13.99-15.99 (or $18.99 on Seafood night).

Get a room with a refrigerator – Portion sizes in Las Vegas are as big as the state of Texas–instead of letting all that extra food go to waste, why not save it for another meal?  Some hotels will provide a refrigerator in your room (the kind you can store stuff in, not the minibars).  If they don’t automatically, you can request one.  Sometimes, they are free, but sometimes you have to pay a daily fee (which may or may not be high enough to negate any savings).  Be sure to ask when you reserve your room.

Fast Food – I wouldn’t want to just eat fast food in Vegas, but it’ll do in a pinch when you want something cheap and quick.  There are tons of fast food restaurants and food courts up and down the Strip.  There, you’ll find McDonalds, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Subway, Sbarro, Panda Express,  Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Pink’s Hot Dogs (at Planet Hollywood), among others. The Venetian has two food court areas that I especially recommend for good, cheap food.

PSA:  As you’re eating all sorts of things that are bad for you in order to save money, please insert a salad now and again.  Your body will thank you for it.  End PSA.

When I go to Vegas, I’m usually on a budget.  I can’t control airfare to Las Vegas, but one way I can stretch my budget further is to try to have only one splurge meal per day, and make the other two as cheap as possible.   Veteran Vegas bargain hunters know that to truly save money in Vegas, you stay Downtown, or pretty much anywhere off the Strip where hotels and food are much cheaper.  But what if you are staying on the Strip without a car, as I usually do? You hunt down every cheap meal deal within walking distance, that’s what.

Here are 10 breakfast ideas for under $10 on or within easy reach of the Strip.  (Prices do not include beverages–which can easily add $3-7 to the cost. No joke.)

Johnny’s Delicatessen – This old-time deli is tucked away in the mall area of Ballys (one floor down from the casino level and across from the sports book).  I have had many a hearty, cheap breakfast here.  They have a breakfast special that includes 2 eggs any style with breakfast potatoes, bacon or sausage, and toast.  Last time I ate there, it was $6.99; the price may have gone up a bit since then, but I doubt it’s over $10.

Hash House a Go Go, Imperial Palace -  I haven’t had the opportunity to eat here yet (since it wasn’t there last time I was), but I can’t wait to do so.  The only downside here is that the over-$10 part of the menu is going to tempt you wickedly. Stay strong. If you know you’re weak of will, don’t even look at the menu, just ask for The Basic–a two egg breakfast any style, with potatoes, fruit and biscuit (add bacon, sausage or ham) for $7.95.

Ocean One Bar and Grille – Located in the Miracle Mile Shops, this restaurant offers a number of under-$10 breakfasts, including omelets for $7 and Belgian waffles (with side of meat) for $5.99.

La Salsa Cantina – This restaurant has locations in Caesars Forum Shops, the Showcase Mall (next to MGM Grand), and the Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood.  It has a $3.99 breakfast deal that includes 2 eggs, toast or flour tortillas, bacon or sausage, and mexican corn or potatoes.

Ellis Island – Ellis Island (a Super 8 Motel) is located on Koval Lane, one block behind the Strip.  It isn’t much to look at, but it’s very well-known for its cheap meal deals.  Being a solo female traveler, I’ll admit there’s no way in hell I’d make this walk after dark, but for breakfast…at these prices? You bet. Bring your street smarts, but not your expensive jewelry, as you may encounter a street person or two along the way.  To get there, walk down E. Flamingo (between Ballys and Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall), cross Koval, and it’s a short walk to your right. All their breakfast options are under $10.  If you go during normal dining hours, be prepared to wait.

Victorian Room, Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall – The Victorian Room has some inexpensive breakfast options under $10.  Get there before 7am, and you can take advantage of their breakfast specials, including 2 eggs with bacon or sausage for $6.99 or hot cakes with bacon or sausage for $5.99

JJ’s Boulangerie, Paris Las Vegas – If you prefer a light breakfast of coffee and pastries for breakfast, you could get something from Starbucks, or you could treat yourself to a cup of coffee and a couple of excellent French pastries at Paris Las Vegas.  Why not go for the French pastries?

Le Creperie, Paris -  Le Creperie is what I call high-end “fast” food: It is a walk-up window located on Le Boulevard, the indoor shopping area that connects Paris and Ballys (technically still in Paris).  This one squeaks in just under the $10 cap.  It offers (large) sweet and savory crepes, all for $9.99.  They are delicious.

South Beach Cafe & Deli, Tropicana – A year ago, there’s no way I would have recommended the Tropicana for anything, but the hotel has been undergoing some exciting renovations and is a brand-spanking new version of itself.  That, coupled with the low-low prices at its cafe make it a must-try for me on my next trip.  There are lots of breakfast options here for under $10.

The Orleans French Market Buffet – No, this isn’t on the Strip, but it’s easily reachable via the free shuttle between Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall and the Orleans.  The Orleans breakfast buffet is just $7.99 on weekdays (Sat-Sun brunch is double that), which makes it a great deal and worth the trip if you’ve got the time.   This is one of my favorite buffets in Vegas.  It’s cheap and it’s good, two of my favorite qualities in a restaurant.

If none of these work for you, there’s always Krispy Kreme (locations include Excalibur, Circus Circus, and the Stratosphere), Dennys (inside the Casino Royale), Starbucks (locations include Treasure Island, Harrahs, and Excalibur), and the ubiquitous McDonalds (locations at MGM Grand, Luxor, and next to Harrahs, as well as the freestanding Viva McDonalds on the north end of the Strip where the old Westward Ho used to be).

Have you had luck scouting out other cheap breakfasts on or near the Strip?  I’d love to hear about it!  Please share in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: Prices listed above are subject to change.

Foodie alert:  Once again this year, Las Vegas is hosting Restaurant Week (August 30-September 5) to benefit Three Square, a local food shelf. This is one of my favorite times of year to travel to Las Vegas.  I have been in the city for the past two Restaurant Weeks and can attest that this is a great way to try new restaurants–particularly restaurants that might otherwise be out of your price range–while at the same time contributing to a worthy cause.

Here’s how it works:  You make a reservation at the restaurant of your choice (generally for dinner); let them know you plan to dine off the Restaurant Week menu.  Once there, you will be served a 3-course meal from a special menu for a prix fixe price which is a discount over what it would normally cost you for those same three courses. (You generally have a choice of 2-3 items per course.)

If you plan to be in Las Vegas during these dates, you’re one lucky soul.  If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas and haven’t booked your dates yet, you might want to consider going during Restaurant Week–especially if you’re a foodie.  This year’s participating restaurants include  Joel Robuchon’s L’Atelier, Craftsteak, BOA Steakhouse, Alize at the Palms, Nobhill Tavern by Michael Mina, Bradley Ogden, and more high-end Vegas restaurants.   I highly recommend you make reservations if you plan to dine at one of these restaurants during Restaurant Week, as the event is quite popular with tourists and locals alike.

I discovered the culinary delights of Fiamma at the MGM Grand during Restaurant Week in 2008, and in 2009, had an exquisite lunch at Todd English’s Olives at Bellagio.  This year’s participating restaurants are listed here.  Click on the restaurant name to see the menu.  Bon appetit!

For those of you who don’t know me from my other blog, SoloFriendly.com, my name is Gray, I’m a 40-something single woman, and I’m a HUGE fan of Las Vegas as a vacation destination.  Naturally, I wanted to share that love with others, and so this website was born.   When I first announced this website over on SoloFriendly.com back in April, I said that one of the things you wouldn’t find here was a blog, since I really didn’t have time to maintain two blogs.  Yeah, well. . . .I changed my mind.  (Hey, I’m a woman! I’m allowed!)

Introducing the new and improved VegasSolo.com. You’ll still find extensive pages of information (by category) to help you plan your first solo trip to Las Vegas.  But with ongoing posts, the website will now have fresh content on a regular basis.  Which only seems fitting, since Vegas is constantly refreshing and reinventing itself. 

My last trip to Las Vegas was in September 2009, and there have been a number of changes in the city since then.  On the Strip alone, MGM’s CityCenter opened, magician Lance Burton announced he was leaving the Monte Carlo (as of September 2010), Harrahs bought the Planet Hollywood casino resort, Phil Ruffin brought a reincarnated Gilley’s to Treasure Island (“TI”), and in just a few months, the new Cosmopolitan Hotel will be celebrating its grand opening. Those are just a few of the many changes Vegas has seen since I was last there.  I can’t wait to go back in December to experience it all firsthand!

This is what CityCenter looked like when I was last in Vegas

Along with adding a blog, I’ve decided to rebrand the site as The Vegas Solo, because it’s a bit cooler (and a whole lot easier to say) than the oh-so-dry “Solo Travel to Las Vegas”. So who is The Vegas Solo?  She’s the older woman who wants to pamper herself with a day in the spa and go shopping for expensive handbags in one of Las Vegas’s numerous upscale stores.  He’s the hotshot smalltown poker player who wants to test his skills against the pros.  She’s the wife and mother who takes a break from it all once a year to sit by the pool every day, read a book and sip frozen cocktails.  He’s the cultured foodie who indulges in the high-end restaurants run by celebrity chefs.  She’s the young professional woman who wants to get away to have some fun and go dancing all night at the clubs.  He’s the retiree who saves his money all year so he can come play the slots, see some shows, and eat at the buffets.

The Vegas Solo is anyone who visits Las Vegas alone.  We go to Las Vegas for the same reasons anyone else does, we just go alone.  We come from all walks of life and have a multitude of reasons to travel solo.  Maybe our friends and family don’t have the same desire to visit Las Vegas we do.  Maybe they don’t have the cash to travel, and we do.  Maybe they don’t have the time off.  Maybe we just like to travel alone so we can do what we want, when we want, without having to negotiate with someone else.

Are you a Vegas Solo?  Think you could be?  Stick around, give me a chance to convince you.

P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for the RSS feed and follow me on Twitter.