text: In Las Vegas for work again...But this time we looked for the cheapest strip room to stay and see how it is. Normally we have stayed at the swanky hotels, but this time we went for the $39/night Excalibur. Not because we had to, because we chose to. I did take a lot of things into consideration though when making the choice.... 1. It is only across a bridge to get to New York New York or the Luxor. 2. It has a free tram to Mandalay Bay. 3. It does have a Dick's Last Resort restaurant (which I always enjoy).\n\nWell, I must say I was pretty happy with our selection. For $20 more/night we could have upgraded to their new totally remodeled Tower II ~ but we didn't. Our room was not bad. 21st floor with two queen beds & strip views. Beds were comfortable & the shower was great. I figured we saved at least $200/night on a hotel. Plus the Excalibur has lower priced gambling tables (we didn't gamble too much). It's a quick walk to Planet Hollywood (I love Blondies for lunch there), we did actually go to Mandalay Bay (Had an awesome hamburger at the Burger Bar (@ $20/burger the 2 hamburgers cost more than our hotel room)), we did go to the Luxor & we did walk part of the strip. And, the Excalibur is only a $20 cab ride to Fremont Street. Other pluses: it had a nice pool that was not too crowded & they offer FREE Valet parking (with all our equipment, that was nice).\n\nThe two downsides I can think of: 1. Tower I is far from the pool 2. It was a much older crowd. Other than that, the hotel was not too smokey and it has a lot to offer....AND, you cannot beat the price.\n\nOther quick Vegas tid bits: 1. Fremont Street ~ GREAT as always and the cheap beer and tables more than make up for the $20 cab ride...Not to mention the GREAT people watching & the live shows & the videos. 2. Burger Bar @ Mandalay Bay ~ Pricey but GOOD! 3. Blondies @ Planet Hollywood ~ ALWAYS Great!! 4. Dick's ribs & wings were awesome...