BTW, anyone have tips for picking a hotel? I'm tempted to go with the Palazzo block reserved by SW, just for convenience, but does anyone know of a comfortable hotel for less in easy walking distance? Most important amenity, after a comfy bed, is quiet.

Treasure island- very cheap, right opposite the Palazzo and still a great hotel

I went with Palazzo... also for the convenience and because manager approved the cost. 🙂 I checked around on the 'net and between the two conference hotels, seems to be the (relatively) quieter.

Harrah's is right next door and usually cheaper; stayed there last year

yeah... that's about the last thing I am expecting. I am coming in the previous weekend and staying at one of the Hilton properties on my own dime, I rented a hybrid bike for a week so I can get out on some trails/paths away from the madness.

Try Treasure Island across the street connected via overhead bridge. I am staying there, my junior team mates splurged and staying at Venetian and costing the company some pretty dimes. TI might not be that glitzy but comfortable - anyway I wont be in the room most of the time.

Thanks, folks. I went with TI based on descriptions of their comfy mattresses, and it really was much more reasonable in price.

huh... maybe I'll switch.