The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on Southwest, three nights' accommodations, 24-hour traveler assistance, and hotel taxes, from $222 per person — plus about $35 in airport taxes and fees.
When: Dates vary depending on departure city and hotel, but most departure cities are available through Aug. 12, 2009.
Gateways: Denver; add $12 for Oakland; $14 for L.A.; $28 for Albuquerque; $36 for El Paso; $84 for Baltimore, Chicago, D.C., Providence; $192 for Detroit; additional gateways available.
The fine print: Does not include about $35 per person in taxes and fees. Based on double occupancy; single supplement starts at $124. Use promo code LASSPRG. Requires a five-day advance purchase. Based on weekday travel; weekend rates might be slightly higher. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: April 16, 2009.
Contact: Southwest Vacations, 800/243-8372, southwestvacations.com.
Why it's a deal: Southwest Vacations is offering a money-saving promotion on vacation packages to Vegas: Stay three nights, save $45; four nights, save $60; and five nights, save $75. The three-night package we've listed here shows a savings of $45 per reservation. In comparison, we found a $139 round-trip flight between Denver and Vegas in mid-April (Frontier). The hotel accommodations would cost about $175 per person for a three-night stay, including taxes. So, booking independently, you would expect to pay about $314 per person. This package costs $257 per person including all taxes, a savings of $57. Remember also that Southwest is one of the few airlines left that doesn't charge for the first or second checked bag.
Lodging: Your base for the three-night stay is the New York—New York Hotel & Casino on the Strip. The flashy hotel has a spa, a salon, a pool, a casino, several bars and restaurants, and even a roller coaster that goes up to a height of 203 feet. Note that depending on your departure city, the best value might be a different hotel, such as the Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino or The Mirage.
More: Add nights for about $50 per person.
Before you go: The package doesn't include airport transfers; a taxi will cost about $12. Get more ideas on what to do at Vegas's official tourism Web site.
