Hot deals for a sizzling Vegas summer

This summer, Strip resorts are reaching out to locals and tourists alike, offering bargains that are almost too good to be true.

During the summer, hotel rates drop, so those who come to Las Vegas often are looking for value and deals, says Sebastien Silvestri, vice president of food and beverage for the Palazzo and The Venetian.

Resorts also are trying to appeal to locals who are planning a staycation.

"It's the time of year when people are thinking about traveling," says Brad Goldberg, vice president of marketing for Luxor and Excalibur. "They've got vacation time and want to spend it. (Deals) are just a way to keep locals here in town by providing them options. We've got so much to offer here in town, there are really reasons to stick around."

Such as the popular "3 for $54" package offered by MGM Resorts. Choose three attractions, such as Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" and "Bodies: The Exhibition" at Luxor or AdventureDome at Circus Circus for $54. That's a huge savings compared with regular ticket prices, Goldberg says.

The company offered the same deal last year, and it was so successful, they brought it back to run indefinitely, he adds.

Some summer deals reflect the way customers spend their time and money, Silvestri says. The Palazzo and The Venetian are offering a bar-hopping deal that allows guests to drink at all resort bars for one price.

"I think it's the new trend," Silvestri says. "Look at how people go out today. Used to, they spent all night in one venue, now people want to go to five or six venues in one night. That's how the (bar hopping) idea came about."

We sifted through the offers on the Strip and came up with a handful of great deals. The list is not inclusive, and offers are subject to change at any time.

FOOD

Lagasse's Stadium at the Palazzo, 3255 Las Vegas Blvd. South, features happy hour with $3 beers and $5 appetizers, including mini hot dogs, spinach and artichoke dip, and potato skins. (3-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays)

Sushi Roku at the Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, offers $6 sushi rolls and $6 drinks to commemorate its sixth anniversary. (Sunday-July 21)

Mario Batali restaurants at the Palazzo and The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, give locals with ID 20 percent off their checks when they dine at Carnevino at the Palazzo or at B&B Ristorante in The Venetian. (No day or time restrictions, available through August.)

DRINKS

The Palazzo and The Venetian offer Bar Hop, in which customers pay $75 for unlimited drinks at all hotel lounges, including Laguna Champagne Bar, Salute Lounge, La Scena Lounge, Fusion Latin Mixology Bar and Oculus (noon-midnight daily). Or pay $150 to drink for the whole weekend (noon Fridays-6 p.m. Sundays). Holidays are excluded. With both passes, participants receive complimentary admission to V Bar and Azure luxury pool. Tickets are available through August. Wristbands are available at any Palazzo or Venetian box office or by calling 414-9000 or online at palazzo.com.

ROOMS

MGM Resorts is offering Summer Block Party room packages through Sept. 30. Book a room at a participating hotel and receive amenities to go with it. Visit the website mgmresorts.com for more information.

MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is offering rates starting at $70. It comes with a 2-for-1 entry to the hotel's buffet, 2-for-1 entrance to Wet Republic or 2-for-1 admission to Studio 54.

Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, has packages that include $50 cabana credit for the Mandalay Bay Beach, 30 percent off Disney's "The Lion King" and 2-for-1 breakfast at the House of Blues.

Rooms at Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South, start at $36 and include admission for two to CatHouse Ultra Lounge, 2-for-1 Dos Equis at T&T, $15 off a custom airbrush tan at Nurture Spa & Salon, $10 off tickets to Carrot Top or "Fantasy," and a free Jell-O Shot at Dick's Last Resort. For more deals, visit mgmresorts.com/locals.

SHOWS

To mark its fifth anniversary, "Phantom -- The Las Vegas Spectacular" at The Venetian is offering two tickets for $99 through Sept. 4. Purchase them online at venetian.com or at the box office.

Cirque du Soleil is offering two tickets for $100 or a two-show package through July 31. Choose from "Zumanity" at New York-New York, "Criss Angel: Believe" at Luxor, "Ka" at MGM Grand, "Viva Elvis" at Aria or "Love" at The Mirage.

Pick two shows at Luxor or Excalibur for $75. Choose from "Australian Bee Gees," "Thunder from Down Under," "Tournament of Kings," "Fantasy," Carrot Top and "Menopause the Musical." For "Believe," add $10. To purchase tickets, you must visit the box office at Excalibur or Luxor.

Locals who buy one ticket get one free at "Tournament of Kings" at Excalibur. Tickets cost $57 plus tax. The offer is good for as many as eight tickets in one transaction, but you must buy them at one time and in person at the box office.

ATTRACTIONS

Choose three attractions for $54 at participating MGM Resorts properties. Select from "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" and "Bodies: The Exhibition" at Luxor; Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay; Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South; the Roller Coaster at New York-New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South; AdventureDome at Circus Circus, 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. South; "CSI: The Experience" at MGM Grand; or SpongeBob 4D Ride at Excalibur. To purchase tickets, visit mgmresorts.com or any attraction box office.

"Bodies" and "Titanic" also offer "Thrifty Thursdays" for locals, through September. All locals receive half-off admission to the attractions on the second Thursday of each month, after 7 p.m. Regular ticket prices for "Bodies" are $32 for adults and $24 for children ages 4 to 12. Regular ticket prices for "Titanic" are $28 for adults, $21 for children ages 4 to 12. To reserve tickets, call 262-4400.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@ reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.