Ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations offers a variety of destinations — such as a foodie getaway in Portland, Maine, or winter break in Charleston, South Carolina — and provides the amenities I need, such as an in-suite kitchen. Here’s another example of how I saved money using my ownership.

 

Dartesha, one of my former students, invited me to her wedding in Las Vegas. This wasn’t my first Vegas wedding. My son’s wedding was in 2021, and I’d hosted the mother-in-law and best friend in a 3-Bedroom Suite at Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club — my Home Resort.

Dartesha’s wedding party booked rooms at a hotel near Flamingo, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. Even though I wanted to be with the rest of the party, I couldn’t pay $200 a night for a room. After a quick Google search, I learned I could walk through the Flamingo and the LINQ Hotel to hang out with family and friends at their hotel. This Vegas vacation could’ve cost over $1,200, but I saved money by staying with Hilton Grand Vacations.

Flamingo, A Hilton Grand Vacations Club

There are a few things to know about Flamingo. Unlike Chicago Magnificent Mile, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, this resort was separate from Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. There was a smaller pool near the fitness center for Hilton Grand Vacations Owners and Guests.

Bring your room key and ID if you want to hang out at Flamingo’s GO Pool Dayclub. The property was also near the outdoor LINQ Promenade shops and High Roller observation wheel.

 

My Suite looked recently updated. The white furnishings blended in well with the decor. There was a kitchenette with dishes and utensils. The room was clean and stocked with plenty of towels. I was glad there was a separate shower and tub.

I opened the curtains to see the GO Pool Dayclub. As a warning, the music from the GO Pool can be lively from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; I always pack earplugs.

There was also a sofa sleeper tucked in the corner. My sister stayed with me the first night. My Suite at Flamingo had more space than rooms at the host hotel.

Due to time constraints, I didn’t attend a membership review during this trip. However, I’ve earned nearly one million Hilton Honors Points during my nine years of membership by attending these presentations. Check out my tips to maximize ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations. 

 

Where To Eat In Downtown Las Vegas

There are plenty of Las Vegas restaurants to choose from. We dined at Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux for breakfast. The seasoned potatoes were delicious.

For lunch, the group met at Hash House a Go Go at the LINQ. We had 20 people in our group and ordered a lot of food. We all took boxes to go, but the rooms at the host hotel didn’t have microwaves or refrigerators. Luckily, I was able to use my Suite’s kitchenette for leftovers, which held up well.

We headed to Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips on the Promenade for dinner. I enjoyed shrimp with extra fish and fries. If you need dessert, stop by Honolulu Cookie Company. One of the Hilton Grand Vacations Guests recommended Battista's Hole in the Wall, which I’ll try the next time I visit Vegas.

Unique Things To Do In Vegas

Dartesha's wedding was in a large chapel, and we all joined the newlyweds at the reception in a room across from the ceremony. If you want something to do with your wedding party, try karaoke at The Piano Bar at Harrah’s.

 

No matter how often I travel to Vegas, I always try something new. Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat to see real flamingos, especially if you stay at the resort.

Walk, ride or bike to CBS Television City Research Center at the MGM Grand to participate in a free screening. Sign up for a time slot, then be prepared to watch a tablet for about an hour and give your feedback. The last time I was in Vegas, I sat in on a screening for a series currently on Paramount.

If TV isn’t your thing, head to the Cosmopolitan to find the Ghost Donkey, a tequila speakeasy. Don't forget about the Electric Daisy Carnival, an electronic dance festival held every May.

Read “Here’s How To Spend 3 Incredible Days In Las Vegas Without Setting Foot In A Casino” for more ways to explore the Las Vegas Strip.