Staycations set new trend in recession

June 29, 2009 by Mark Adams 

Unemployment rates are up, but locals are getting great deals

We deserve a summer break. After two semesters of lectures, discussion classes, research papers, presentations, extracurricular events and anything else that occupied your 24/7 routine, some time away is a pretty fantastic idea.

Many students spend summer vacationing across the country or abroad. If you don’t have the bank for Euro Trip 2009 or just can’t get away from another summer obligation for too long, there is an answer: the staycation.

Staycations are an increasing trend during periods of unemployment or economic turmoil. Individuals stay at home and utilize the attractions in their city for entertainment instead of breaking the bank on travel.

As Las Vegans, we have unmatched options for staycations. Our city is full of resorts and hotels where we can get away from it all.

Yes, the establishments lining the Las Vegas Strip do extend a hand to locals beyond industry night.

These days, hotels across the city are offering locals an array of awesome discounts and locals rates.

Las Vegas Boulevard has all you need for the ultimate getaway. Locals can book a room at the Mandalay Bay for as little as $65 a night.

Staying at the Mandalay Bay gives you complimentary access to Mix and Rumjungle, the resort’s two nightclubs. The resort offers a locals’ discount of $50 off a cabana at the pool, and 50 percent off your second paid admission to the Shark Reef Aquarium.

Start your night with drinks and appetizers at Rumjungle, then it’s off to your next event: Thunder from Down Under. The Excalibur is currently offering half off tickets to Las Vegas residents. You can end the evening by dancing the night away at the top of Mandalay Bay’s THEhotel at Mix.

If an Australian male revue isn’t your thing, there are always the ladies of Fantasy at the Luxor or a return to medieval times at the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur. Both shows are offering half-off deals for locals.

If dinner and dancing is up your alley, stop by the Company Kitchen and Pub House at the Luxor for a few locals-only deals. Nevada residents can receive 20 percent off meals and complimentary admission to LAX Nightclub.

If you are looking for a more relaxing escape, the Four Seasons Hotel next to the Mandalay Bay is the perfect staycation destination. The hotel’s locals’ rate starts at $129 per night and features their five-star service and accommodations. The room comes with complimentary service at the hotel’s health club and $25 in savings on spa treatments.

With the UNLV campus being only a quick car ride away from the Strip, you might want to get a little farther away from the glamorous lights. Our city also boasts lavish resorts in the outskirts of the Las Vegas Valley.

The Red Rock Resort in Summerlin offers great deals. For rates starting at $530, you can take an all-inclusive staycation of kayaking the Colorado River. The package includes a two-night stay at the resort, kayaking and two massages at the spa at the Red Rock. A similar package is offered with the option of a bike tour through Red Rock Canyon instead of kayaking, for rates as low as $450.

The resorts at Lake Las Vegas are just minutes from the bright lights of the Strip and they, too, are extending some pretty enticing offers to Las Vegas locals.

Montelago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas offers a locals discount of 20 percent off their hotel rooms any day of the week. If you want a more active staycation, this is the resort for you. They have a marina package on the lake that includes an electric boat rental and two water amenities such as kayaks or canoes. Room rates start at $184 per night.

All these discounts and rates are tentative and most require a valid Nevada driver’s license to be presented upon mentioning the locals’ special.

With all of these economical ways to have fun at a low cost, it’s hard to say no. Enjoy the last two months before fall semester begins and take a summer staycation.