With the economic outlook staying bleak until the end of 2010, what are you to do, besides count your losses? Try tabulating your winnings amidst the bright lights of Sin City, where you can save money if you play your cards right, as the house is currently giving away rooms at the Encore Las Vegas for stellar deals. You probably knew this if you've been online in the last two months and seen the low advertised rates.

What you might not know is that this cheap trip isn't some trick, because the rooms are gorgeous - far from the standard stereotype of casino stays that include the ill use of patterns and polyester. The black-accented taupe boudoirs will only make you gamble with your time spent in bed. However, we do suggest you tear yourself away from the panoramic views of the Strip that can be found in the king suite. For downstairs, you'll find a playground for your inner bad boy.

The Encore gaming area improves upon the cognac and cream coloring of the Wynn by boosting energy levels with bold bursts of red (in walls and carpeting). The youthful design elements remind you this is not your dad's Vegas -- witness the natural light cascading in from floor-to-ceiling windows. But even with the bright desert sun beckoning you poolside, we think you'll have a better time placing bets. Not to brag, but we won big - $35 dollars on the penny slots, thank you very much. (Math break: $1 on a penny slot played for 2 minutes equals a free $3 beer provided by friendly cocktail servers - a solid investment risk.) Now, if, for some reason, you wish to do more than spend all day and night pulling a large knob, you can hit restaurants (we liked the ultimate gourmet burger at Daniel Boulud Brasserie at the Wynn), shops, bars, and clubs without ever leaving the Wynn/Encore complex. Odds are you'll have a good time and might still lose your shirt (especially if you add in an excursion to the gay mecca Krave, down the Strip). Because your stay at the Encore makes you truly understand loss, by reminding you of what you have or rather had - an excellent time with a wealth of new memories.

Encore Las Vegas
3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV
702-770-8000
www.encorelasvegas.com/pride