Las Vegas: Great Values

Ellis Island Imagine a 10-ounce sirloin with two eggs, potatoes, and toast for $8.99; pick up a free $5 blackjack play coupon and stop by the bar for microbrews and some wonderfully awful karaoke. The biggest thing to tout here is the $6.95 not-on-the-menu sirloin special, which comes with a microbrew or home-brewed root beer. 4178 Koval Ln.; 702-733-8901
budget | restaurant

Excalibur This medieval-themed, 3,980-room hotel offers campy Middle Ages fun – jousting performances, dancing maidens, eating with your fingers – for kids of all ages. Warm-toned rooms have hardwood furnishings, high-speed internet and cable TV. 3850 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-597-7777; www.excalibur.com
family | hotel | budget | casino

Golden Nugget Situated beneath the Fremont Street Experience, the Golden Nugget brings Strip-level quality to the heart of Glitter Gulch; it’s been a recipient of AAA’s Four Diamond award for three decades and counting. Renovations have put renewed swagger and a bit of hip into the jewel of downtown casino-hotels. Downtown; 129 Fremont St.; 702-385-7111; www.goldennugget.com
hotel | budget | trendy

Golf Vegas is the most expensive golf market in the country. But four hours on the course can be a bargain compared to even 30 minutes of contrary dice. For all the outlay demanded, Vegas often gets golf right, and no place is that more obvious than at the 54-hole Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. about 25 minutes northwest of Downtown; 10325 Nu-Wav Kaiv Blvd.; 866-284-2833; www.lvpaiutegolf.com
golf | family | things to do

Green Valley Ranch Resort There are no longer just two Vegases from which to choose: the Strip or Downtown. Located eight miles from the Strip in Henderson, Green Valley Ranch combines Tuscan charm, high-thread-count sheets, a pool scene that moves day and night, and a gambler-friendly casino into one gotta-try package. Henderson; 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway; 702-617-7777; www.greenvalleyranchresort.com
hotel | moderate | trendy | editor pick

Spice Market Buffet The best value/quality offer on the Strip can be found at the buffet in Planet Hollywood’s Casino: rack of lamb, dim sum, crab legs, prime rib, succulent sushi, and amazing pastries. The Strip; 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-785-5555; www.aladdincasino.com
moderate | restaurant

Stage Deli Don’t be confused by all the namesake big city delis in town. Just head straight to Stage Deli at The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, ask for a server with a good bit of Brooklyn ’tude, order pastrami or tongue or matzo soup or whatever fires your rocket, and enjoy. Portions are big. Please don’t ask for mayo. The Strip; Caesar's Palace, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-893-4045; www.arkrestaurants.com
budget | restaurant | deli