Tesla visit to Las Vegas

[bwilson4web]

Staying at a Hilton motel in Manassas triggered a cold-call offer for three free nights at different locations for a 'time share' sales pitch. I chose Las Vegas to combine visiting my Arizona brothers, west coast relatives, and driving my 2019 Tesla Model 3:

• 16 - Supercharger sessions to Las Vegas
• $166.31 - Supercharger costs
• 1,888 miles - $0.088 per mile, $8.80 per 100 miles
• $332.62 - total

In contrast, the the cheapest flight, next month, Huntsville to Vegas with car rental:

• $207 - airline fare, round trip, $0 return
  • no refund
  • no changes
  • no sight seeing
• $30 - checked baggage
• $32 - Huntsville parking
• $381 - Rental car in Las Vegas
• $650 - total

Driving took 42 hours but I sat in the front, first class seating, watching AutoPilot do all the work. The front window view was immense with a 20 minute break every 2-3 hours. Meals were terrific. For example, Oklahoma has 'Chicken Fried Steak' which is real steak coated and fried up versus the mystery meat patties called 'Country Fried Steak' in Dixie. Driving is slower but cheaper, more flexibility, more enjoyable, and less stressful than flying.

My last full day, I decided to tour the SuperChargers but only made it to 3 of 9:

1. Las Vegas Linq High Roller - did not even try to stop due to busy traffic, additional parking fee, and 'it looked tacky.' I'd read about it but seeing deflated any interest in stopping.
2. Sahara Ave - actually on the Tesla Service Center property ... what a lovey store with remarkably helpful staff. For example, I need two parts for my Tesla and the sales staff, not having many self-maintenance walk-ins, found the part numbers that I need when I get home. Worth a visit if only as an example of what every other Tesla Service Center should aspire. BTW, there are three Tesla Service Centers in Las Vegas.
3. Bridger Ave - so good, it was my last stop. Less than half a mile from Fremont, it is covered by a building, free parking, and time-of-day metering. It was so good, I decided to return to the casinos as I came to Las Vegas to gamble and this SuperCharger perfectly compliments 'Old Town', the comfortable Las Vegas casinos.

The Hilton sales pitch was for a discount hotel package ... pay a monthly fee and get discounts or free motel stays at their list of ideal vacation spots. Gambling is my fun time but they have nothing in Tunica or Vicksburg MS, the nearest ones to Huntsville. They have reasonable coverage of Gulf coast and New Orleans but did not show Lake Charles LA. I liked their staff but the time pressure kept us from 'chatting'. Once they realized I was not a good prospect, things ended friendly but quickly.

If you want an affordable motel for a couple of days, call Hilton Grand Vacations, and find out what properties they give their presentation. Yes, they claim it is a
'one time' offer but for warned is for armed. They charged me ~$200 for three nights in Las Vegas. When I asked about getting a motel with electric car charging, they moved me from old, seedy Tropicana to newer, seedy Trump International Hotel.

Trump Hotel has valet only parking but their staff is barely Tesla literate. For example, 'valet mode' confused them as they insisted on having my key-card. Be sure and have a PIN to drive turned on! Worse, they are not very good about charging my Tesla ... not good at ALL! Self-parking at free L2 chargers works great because you can make sure everything works. Valet staff is less committed and you have to bribe tip them for it.

I still have a return trip and at 4 AM my last night, I am typing this note without knowing whether I'll try to visit West coast relatives. But for sure, I'm headed to Arizona to visit my three brothers and their families. Then I'll take the southern route back and visit the widow of my best (only) friend in high school. This flexibility would be unaffordable with commercial flights, car rentals, and motel expenses.

Bob Wilson

 

[John wallet]

If you’re thinking about road trips instead of flying, I totally get the appeal. The convenience of driving your own car and having the freedom to stop wherever you like really makes the experience more personal. I’ve done long drives too (though mine weren’t in a Tesla), and it’s always fun to discover little diners or quirky spots along the way—like your mention of Oklahoma's Chicken Fried Steak. The journey becomes part of the adventure, and it’s hard to get that same feeling on a plane.

If you’re into flexible trips and scenic experiences, places like Westgate River Ranch can be worth exploring too. It has a mix of outdoor activities and unique experiences, all focused on family-friendly vibes, and their upcoming River Country Water Park sounds like a cool addition. For more details check https://www.westgateresorts.com/hot...-river-ranch-resort/river-country-water-park/