Saving in Vegas

Interesting statistics on Las Vegas room rates during the hot months (“Some Like It Hot, so Vegas Hotel Rates Rise,” News, Tips & Bargains, Dec. 10). I was there eight times during that period and, by choosing non-holiday, midweek dates, I never paid more than $65 at Monte Carlo and $99 at Mandalay Bay for a room. About a third of the time I got free upgrades to whirlpool suites just by asking.

I love Vegas when it’s 110-plus and go at least twice a month starting the day after Memorial Day through the week immediately after Labor Day. I flew out of Burbank and never paid more than $80 round trip. I did all arrangements online.

WENDELL SASAKI

Santa Barbara