Saturday, April 21, 2012

Should We Rent a Car...Parking and Valet Questions?

We (myself and 2 friends) have been to Las Vegas many times. We are considering renting a car this time. We are staying at Golden Nugget and will visit The Strip many times during our 10-day stay. We also like to venture to Red Rock Casino.



So, it seems like renting a car is a good idea...any thoughts on the subject? We have used taxis during our past vacations.



Is there a charge to park at Golden Nugget? And, where is the parking garage located? Can you use valet parking when you arrive...would hate to drag our luggage through the parking garage to the lobby?



Do you park your own car when visiting the casinos or do you use valet parking? How much do you tip the valets? Do you tip them when you drop off your car and then again when they retrieve it for you?



If we do rent a car, are there any nearby sites that you would consider visiting? Has anyone driven to Red Rock Canyon...how long is the drive...easy to navigate...worth the visit?



Thank you in advance for your assistance...much appreciated!





Brenda :~)



Should We Rent a Car...Parking and Valet Questions?


Well this topic should generate a few replies. FWIW I would recommend the valet parking. A couple of dollars when they return you car to you - nothing when you drop it off. It%26#39;s so much easier when you think how big the hotel car parks can be. and how long it might take to find a space and to remember exactly where you parked.





Yes you can use valet parking when you arrive.





Keep a bunch of $1 bills with you for tipping - it%26#39;s all part of the experience! Vegas is tip crazy!! LOL!





Some people even try and tip the check-in staff at hotels to get free upgrades!



Should We Rent a Car...Parking and Valet Questions?


Brenda - All of these questions have been asked (and answered!) a thousand times on this forum...I find it hard to believe you have over 2,000 posts on TA and haven%26#39;t learned to use the ';search function yet?





OK, that sounds harsh, so I%26#39;ll apologize in advance but I%26#39;m still hitting the ';submit'; button. :)





The answers to your questions:





No opinion, it%26#39;s up to you.





No.





I%26#39;m not sure.





valet.





3 bucks.





no.





yes.





yes.





about 30 minutes.





yes.





yes.




We stay at the Golden Nugget often too, and we always rent a car!! I love the freedom of being able to drive to offstrip places, as well as not having to wait for cabs. Car rentals can be really inexpensive, and I always use Priceline and get great deals.





The valet and self park Garage at the Golden Nugget are both free and really easy to use. When you arrive, I%26#39;d use the valet because it puts you right into the lobby where you check in. The valet is located off of Casino Center Drive.





We normally tip valet $5 when we pick up the car. Much cheaper than a taxi!!





On the strip we use both valet and self park garages. Both are readily available and easy to use.





Red Rock Casino is fun!




If your planning on getting drunk I would not suggest renting a car in LV, other then that I would always recommend having a car.





If your taking a lot of cabs renting is cheaper in the long run and the time saved is huge by having your own car and not having to take buses, monorails and the likes.





You can valet just about any place at no charge except for a TIP which on average is a few dollars on up.





Personally I would NOT park my own car in any garage while Valet is available.





In most cases You tip when you pick your car up.





Red Rock, Valley of Fire, Laughlin, Lake Las Vegas, The Dam and Mt Charlestown are all doable plus other places within an hour or two.




In defense of self-parking, sometimes it can be quicker and easier than the valet, especially at the smaller casinos. I often self-park at Flamingo, for example.





I wouldn%26#39;t come and go from the parking decks after dark, just in case. But during the day they are a valid option.




Pepperwhitemini:



Thank you for your quick reply. We would never try to upgrade with a bribe upon arrival...employees lose their jobs over this practice.





IrishFan:



Yes, I do know how to use the search function. But, the Las Vegas forum is much more active that the Punta Cana forum (where most of my threads/posts are located). I appreciate updated information from helpful members on the Las Vegas forum.





COtravelfan:



Thanks for the tip on Priceline...will research pricing later today. We will use valet on arrival at Golden Nugget. And, I agree with your tipping practice...will take many $5 bills with me!





TheDiceMan:



We will always have a designated driver...won%26#39;t risk a DUI ruining our vacation. I have printed your response...will Goggle your excursions recommendations...thanks a million!





Brenda :~)




PaulStory:





We will try the self-parking option in the smaller off-strip casinos...great idea!





Brenda :~)




';Personally I would NOT park my own car in any garage while Valet is available. ';





Like PaulStory....I have trouble at the Wynn waiting for my car, and would rather self park.





Otherwise I normally Valet.







Make sure the hotel actually has a valet, and it%26#39;s not just some guy standing outside of the hotel taking people%26#39;s keys.....lol




Spike3x:





Great advice...would be terrible to watch the rental car drive away and never make it to the parking garage LOL! Tonight, I will be checking the casino websites to research the availability of valet parking!





Brenda :~)




Spike3x ';Make sure the hotel actually has a valet, and it%26#39;s not just some guy standing outside of the hotel taking people%26#39;s keys.....lol';





LOL!! Love it!!

No comments:

Post a Comment