Resorts offer residents affordable staycations

When the summer heat begins to clamp down on the Las Vegas Valley, Paul Ochoka and his family think of a cool, green getaway, 10 minutes from their northwest area home.

"We go to the Suncoast," the married father of two teenagers said. "I get to play golf, my wife likes the spa and the shopping at Boca Park (across the street) and the kids are right there bowling or at the movie theater and they can invite their friends. It's very safe. We go to dinner and relax in our room, no long car drives or having to rent a car to get to the fun stuff we like to do on vacation."

The family uses the money they would spend on plane tickets or gas for their SUV to enjoy elaborate meals and amenities.

"We invite our friends for a big dinner one night and it feels like a vacation," he said. "We don't get a lot of time during the normal weekend to really sit back and enjoy a night with friends."

More locals are choosing to turn the typical travel and cost of a vacation into a staycation, a term that was added to the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary in 2009. Staycations have risen in popularity since the economic downturn diminished family vacation budgets, travel and hotel experts agree.

AAA notes the average vacation for Americans will cost approximately $240 a day for two people, which includes hotel and dining. That doesn't include travel costs or extended family, such as children, that require more entertainment options.

Within the valley the options are bountiful, whether you want to stay at one of the casinos located around the perimeter of the city that specifically target locals with specials and package deals, or at high-end Strip properties that cater to the affluent.

Julie Walters, a single mother of one, invites family from out of town to book a suite of rooms at a local hotel. She shops for the best price and package deals so that her extended family can dine, dance and relax.

"It feels like I'm far from stress at home and work, even though I just took a 10-minute drive on the I-215 to The Orleans," Walters, a resident for 15 years, said. "I usually go there because they have the movie theater for the kids, the sports book for the boys and the pool for us girls. Then we all meet up for dinner. It's a blast I look forward to every year. I feel rich because I can splurge with my family on the money I save not going to another state. And I get to show off my city."

Throughout the summer months Boyd properties - The Orleans, Suncoast, Sam's Town, Gold Coast, California Hotel, Fremont and Main Street Station - offer packages and specials for locals.

"Boyd Gaming is all about locals," said David Strow, director of corporate communications at Boyd Gaming Corp. "Our local properties offer a different perspective than the Strip properties. We have very competitive room rates compared to the Strip, even though the rooms are as comparable.

"With what each property can offer, we can appeal to the whole family, like bowling or going to a movie together or restaurant or a show."

He recommends that locals sign up for the B Connected player's card to receive deals tailored to their interests.

"Once you establish that card and go through our website and tell your interests, then we can send you info on what you are looking for," he said. "We have discount offers at our restaurants, show tickets, discounted bowling to simple things as a nickel off a gallon of gas at Rebel gas stations. It's completely free, so there really is no downside to becoming a member of our card.

"Locals are still looking to have a good time and at a good value," he said. "You are living in the entertainment capital of the world and you have the luxury of experiencing that anytime you want."

Every August, Karen and Jack Irsant plant themselves firmly in a luxury suite at Caesars Palace or The Venetian, their hotels of choice, to explore restaurants, shows and clubs on the Strip, an area of town they avoid during the year. The longtime Nevadans save their money all year to splurge on fine dining.

"Where else can you have some of the best restaurants, I think in the world, so close to your hotel room? And we can go dancing, have a gourmet dinner, early or late, and just wander around to see what's new," he said. "This town changes so much, it's like going to an exciting new place every year but it's just 20 minutes away from our house. We feel like we're being frugal in a way because we're not buying plane tickets or spending money on a rental car."

Staycations have become a big part of the industry in just the past few years, said Jason Dougan, vice president of hotel operations at M Resort.

"They're an opportunity to get away without having to spend the funds on travel," he said. "Those funds can always be used to upgrade your stay or get services that you would not normally consider. Guest can take the cost spent on airfare and use it for a gourmet meal at Anthony's Steakhouse or a pampering day at Spa Mio. Aside from saving from travel, staycations are less stressful. There's no worrying about long security lines, checking bags, etc."

The M Resort is celebrating its third year with a tempting package for locals.

"The room rates start at $105 per night and include lots of amazing extras," Dougan said.

Guests who book the third anniversary package receive $20 off dinner at M Resort's authentic Italian restaurant, Marinelli's, $25 off a treatment or service at Spa Mio, a complimentary bottle of wine, complimentary in-room Internet access, complimentary access to the hotel's fitness facility located within Spa Mio, two complimentary specialty cocktails at M Bar (with the purchase of two cocktails) and $30 off dining at Hash House A Go Go, including $10 off breakfast or lunch and $20 off dinner.

It's always nice to splurge while getting away from the rigors of everyday life, and Dougan has some advice for guests searching for that perfect vacation vibe.

"I would suggest visiting our four-star award winning spa, Spa Mio," he said. "There's nothing like a day at the spa to really put you in a vacation mindset. We offer monthly spa specials at Spa Mio and also offer all locals a 25 percent discount on services. The locals discount is available seven days a week, even on Saturdays and Sundays.

"Our pool also has the most competitive pricing in the city for cabanas, daybeds and cocktails," he added.