Las Vegas Timeshares: Highlights of a Great Town & Free Stuff!

This was my first trip to Las Vegas. During the flight, the man sitting next to me had plenty of advice on how to enjoy this city. His advise was, "Next time, take a car, roll down the window, throw your wallet out the window and then go home." At that moment I decided there had to be a way to enjoy this town without spending a fortune. I had already made arrangements to stay at a fine new timeshare resort, the Monarch Grand Vacations Cancun Resort: Great accommodations, awesome pool complex, great price. Of course, that's the value in buying timeshare, paying today's price for tomorrow's vacation. More on that later.

I found quite a few free shows in town that were world class and quite spectacular. Here are a few of them:

The fountains at the Bellagio. Possibly the best free show in town. This is a choreographed music and fountain experience. Crowds gathered on the sidewalk and there were plenty of "oohs and ahhs" to go around. Don't miss this one if you are in town.

Fremont Street Experience. They host hourly shows from dusk to midnight. Rumor has it that they have 12 million lights high above the street and the show is amazing.

Lions at the MGM Grand. Just go to the MGM Grand and find the display close to the entrance. You can get up close to the glass and see the lions and their beautiful habitat.

The Sirens of Treasure Island Las Vegas. One of the best free shows in Las Vegas is held every night in front of the Treasure Island Hotel in Sirens Cove. The free show goes on nightly at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. in Sirens' Cove at the front entrance of Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.

Circus Circus. High above the Casino, the performers walk on the high wire, perform magic and make you laugh. The show happens at regular half-hour intervals throughout the day.

Volcano at the Mirage. Every hour after dusk, the Mirage volcano explodes for crowds of curious Strip onlookers.

Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo. Pink Flamingos don't just exist in people's front yards as a decoration. The Flamingo has a captivating habitat right in the heart of their hotel. Just stroll by in the nice air conditioned lobby and soak in the beauty of this one!

Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain shows at Caesars. The Fall of Atlantis fountain show will captivate you with its stunning special effects. Located in the Forum Shops, the free fountain show uses lifelike animatronic figures to recount the myth of Atlantis.  Once the show concludes, take a walk behind the fountain and check out more than 100 species of ocean life in a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.

The Rio. The Rio may be a little off the strip but it has one of the most breathtaking views from the rooftop club, The Voodoo Lounge. It also features a man made beach and lagoon, a full service spa, and the largest wine cellar in the world boasting over 50,000 bottles. In the Masquerade Village part of the hotel, you can catch one of the best free shows in town: Masquerade Show in the Sky. This show takes you to a Brazilian Carnival, complete with floats, beads, and Mardi Gras style fun. The floats, unlike any you have ever seen, truly "float" up in the air on rails throughout the Masquerade Village.

And now, back to accommodations in Vegas. My number one choice is staying in timeshares. A hotel simply does not compare with a timeshare. You get so much more space, amenities, the list is huge. I did a drive by tour of several in town.

Polo Towers is located right on Las Vegas Boulevard. From the Skyview Lounge, you catch an awesome view of the MGM Grand, New York New York, Luxor, Paris, and Excalibur.

The Jockey Club, situated next door to the billion dollar Bellagio, is also right across from Paris, and near Mirage, Venetian, and Treasure Island. This timeshare features a Southern California styled elegance and the suites are more like residence than a hotel.

HGV Club Flamingo Hilton, also on Las Vegas Blvd, has one of the most beautiful pool complexes in town. A true oasis in the desert, you are surrounded by palm trees, tropical and lush landscaping, and pools to lounge by. Now THAT'S a vacation.

There are many more things to see and to do in Las Vegas that are affordable and fun. Don't stay away because you feel like you might be throwing your wallet out the window.