Residence Inn on Paradise allows dogs (again in Vegas). You get a little sign at the desk that indicates you've left the dog in the room and the staff stays out. From the number of dogs I see in grass areas near the strip I would say lots of people travel with them. The big hotels won't allow them but I am sure a number of the motels do. You just want to be sure to get a place that will allow you to leave them in the room. By the middle of May it is too hot here to leave a dog in a car for more than a few minutes.

Food: Station Casinos which are away from the Strip are great local favorites. More upscale but affordable (and not dressy) is the Swiss Cafe on East Tropicana. Lunches run about $10 and dinner about $15. Sam's Town casino and hotel is another inexpensive place on Boulder Highway near Flamingo Rd (and the freeway) for good food and rooms. I am not sure if they take pets.

Beth Sloan Vegas