In 1985, Las Vegas was a city in transition, combining old traditions with new visions. During that transition, the Strip, Downtown, and Las Vegas Valley were fun, affordable, and full of adventure.
The Key to It All – Cheap Rental Car
Renting a car was the best way to get around. It was the cheapest and quickest way to cover the 600 sq. miles of Las Vegas Valley. Traffic and construction were a fraction of today’s projects. And areas like Lake Mead and Boulder Highway represented the limits of the populated area.
The daily rate for an economy car rental from then-McCarran Airport in 1990 was between $15-$30 per day. There were extra fees, taxes, and other charges. Taking a ride-share or taxi today from the Strip to Henderson, North Vegas, or Summerlin is expensive. The cost of that one ride would pay for your entire week’s rental car back in the 90s. Remember, parking was free.
Always a Place to Discover
The entire greater Las Vegas Area was made available to anyone renting a car. New adventures were always part of our vacation. Golf and gourmet cheese waffles in Summerlin. In Henderson, we often visited Barley’s Casino & Brewing Co. for pizza and great craft beer.
The bottom line is that cheap rental cars made it easy to find the fun and adventure of the time.
Sense of Escape
Las Vegas in the 80s was often described as a place that felt like a dream, an escape from reality.
Relaxation was easily available. Walking a block or two was peaceful. There were no masses of people, kids, and strollers to contend with. It was easier to take in the sights and sounds of the Strip without the distractions.
During our stays downtown at Main Street Station (in its heyday), we took walks at 7 am. It was fresh air, solitude, and a sense of getting away from it all.
Gambling going bad? Take a drive somewhere new. Or maybe take that “damn” Dam tour again.
Valley of Fire Park and Lake Mead are beautiful areas. Want to go where it’s cooler? Try Mount Charleston, where in the fall and winter, there is even a little snow!
Attractions That Were Fun & Free
Talking about escape, I miss these free attractions:
- The Treasure Island’s pirate battle, back when the British ship sailed around the island. The pirate village was beautiful, and the battle fun, even though we knew who would win. Adding Senor Frog just didn’t cut it.
- Hey, I miss the volcano. Yes, I do. I’d try to see the Mirage Volcano every trip. Nostalgia is still cool.
- The Rio show in the sky was free and lively. People filled the second floor to collect all the beads thrown from the floats. Some visitors got to ride on the floats.
- (Later in the 90s) The Star Trek Experience at Las Vegas Hilton (now Westgate).
- Hotel themes are something I miss, like the over-the-top theme of Luxor and their indoor river ride (free).
It was Affordable
Prices were generally lower across the board. Las Vegas was more financially accessible for a wider range of people. Having fun on a normal person’s budget was the norm.
Food & Drinks
Buffets were plentiful and cheap, usually under $10. The best and most costly at the time (1990) was the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio for $22.99.
Breakfasts were great bargains all over the valley. We would drive east of the Strip to Arizona Charlie’s for their $1.99 breakfast. A 6 oz. ham steak, eggs, toast, and bacon!
We would eat at the old deli at Golden Gate, downtown. Under $15 for nachos, a pastrami sandwich, 2 shrimp cocktails, and a draft beer – and that included the tip!
24-hour coffee shops were a staple in casinos. Nothing like a tasty breakfast, any time of day or night. This was all away from the casino floor.
If you had to pay for drinks, they were cheap, like the $.99 margaritas at Westward Ho on a hot day!
The Gambling
I miss the days of lively and affordable table games on the strip. Slots of Fun offered $1 single-deck blackjack and ten-cent Coronas. I played $.25 roulette at the El Cortez downtown. Casinos everywhere had legit 3:2 Blackjack with $1 and $2 minimums. and plenty of $5 craps.
Free Fun and “Casino Only” Offers
Car trips in the valley were popular for another reason. Fun Books, fun sheets, and match play chips helped to make your bankroll last. Almost every casino offered them. Fun Books and Fun Sheets offered many discounts and deals on casino items. These deals ranged from match play, free slot play, free drinks, and food deals. They even included trinkets like your picture on a key chain or a complimentary draft beer with a hot dog. One of the more famous of these was from Lady Luck Downtown.
Two Of Our Little-Known Favorites
1. Vacation Village
This was the first casino on the Strip from the Airport going north. Only one thing made us stop there first every trip – the free Airfare Wheel. Back then, airfares were under $300. Visitors would go spin the wheel to try to get their airfare matched. Smaller prizes were available, but that was the one we wanted. Alas, we never won – but we did see other tourists win!
2. The Holy Cow
We stopped at the Holy Cow every trip until it closed. Great pub food and craft beers. As each member left, they received a Holy Cow Coin. They used it to play the slot machine and win prizes and merchandise.
Takeaway
Las Vegas has certainly changed. Better or worse, to each his own. But in my rear-view mirror, the increased fun, affordability, and adventure available in Las Vegas made that time priceless.
