help me plan a surprise Vegas trip for my mom

[msmerymac]

I would say probably not Luxor. It's pretty far down on the strip, and it's not as nice as some of the newer places these days.

MGM signature isn't "themed" like NYNY or Luxor or anything, but it's very reasonably priced. Caesars has some newly renovated rooms as well.

[mrsfarmer]

I'm planning a trip next July for the Dixie Chicks concert. The person I'm going with and I are both Sam's Club members and they offer travel services online. Right now we can get round trip through Sun Country with hotel and 650 is the top price. If you're a member, you may want to check it out.

[babsbunny]

I also recommend Paris (unless she doesn't like French stuff for some reason). The location is great and easy access from rooms to the strip. They might also still include access to the (mini) spa with the resort fee.

Be careful when booking Spirit or Frontier versus the other airlines. We can start a whole other thread on which airline to use based on the price differences.

Hotel prices about double for Friday night ($120) and then double again on Saturday night ($240). DH and I visit yearly and we travel Wednesday to Saturday to get good airfare and hotel rates. I also often book a package deal with AAVacations and sometimes get a great deal (like a $100 gift card that ended up covering all our lunches).

For shows, check out Tix 4 Tonight. It's not the most convenient (you have to go to one of their booths to buy the tickets, then go to the venue in advance to get the actual tickets and confirmed seats, and then go to the show), but they sometimes have decent prices. We got great tickets and seats to La Reve through them.

And for food, if you ever need a quick, cheap bite to eat, there are some regular fast food places on the strip, in the back of hotels, and a food court in the Fashion Show mall.

From the airport, take a taxi (the line moves quickly) - it will be cheaper and more convenient than a shuttle.