When we think of Las Vegas, one of the first words that comes to mind is expensive. Signing the bill for your astronomically priced drink at a nightclub is almost as stomach-churning as you leave the hotel buffet. You had to get what you paid for, right?
Fortunately, there are surefire ways to save money on your trip to Las Vegas. Here are some of our tips for saving money in Sin City.
1. Avoid rush hours
It's always a party in Las Vegas, so if you have the opportunity to travel when the crowds are fewer, you can save a lot of money.
The shoulder season for the region runs from late March (after spring break) to May (before the peak summer season) and from September to November. You'll also want to avoid major holidays, three-day weekends, and large conventions or events that bring an influx of people to the city, like the CES trade show or the Electric Daisy Carnival music festival.
If possible, try to plan a trip midweek to save big on accommodation. For example, we found a two-night stay at Circus Circus for less than $30 per night for a Monday through Wednesday stay, but $160 per night for a weekend stay.
No matter what time of year you visit Vegas, mandatory resort fees can quickly add a lot of money to the cost of a stay. So always make sure to take these into account, as they are usually not included in the base rate of a room. Resort fees of more than $30 per night are common along the Strip.
2. Use your hotel rewards to book a room
The Bellagio is one of the most famous hotels in Las Vegas and can be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points. (Photo by Sally French)
You might be surprised to learn that your hard-earned hotel points can qualify you for rewarded stays at some of Las Vegas' most famous hotels.
Members of other hotel programs also have options:
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IHG Rewards Club members can redeem their points for reward stays at the all-suite Venetian or Palazzo resorts.
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Even if there aren't many Hyatt Hotels in Las VegasWorld of Hyatt members can stay slightly off-Strip at the Rio Hotel & Casino.
One way to rack up enough points for those Strip stays is to get the hotel credit card. You may also want to see if your travel rewards card offers point transfers to these hotel loyalty programs. Chase Ultimate Rewards®for example, transfers to World of Hyatt, IHG and Marriott at a 1:1 ratio.
The Virgin Hotels Las Vegas casino. (Photo by Sally French)
The Strip may be where all the flashing lights are, but Vegas offers so much more than a crowded boulevard. Stay in hotels slightly off the Strip, like the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegascan often give you more space (and usually quieter) for your money. Just be sure to factor in the cost of a rental car or rideshare in town.
You can also apply this mentality to other aspects of your Vegas trip. For example, save money on dining by visiting some of the affordable, high-quality restaurants in Chinatown malls or the booming arts district.
4. Get around the Strip for free or cheap
The cost of using rideshare services in Vegas can add up quickly, especially if in-demand rates are in effect. If you're exploring soberly and have a car, take advantage of the free self-parking offered by some hotels. There are also free trams you can take at several hotels that run until 4am.
Don't forget that many hotels along the Strip are connected by indoor walkways and outdoor pedestrian bridges, so you may be able to walk to your destination without leaving the air conditioning on for too long.
Although not free, city buses are also a cheap and relatively convenient way to travel the Strip or connect the Strip to downtown Vegas.
5. Pay brunch price for buffets
Eating at an excessive buffet is a quintessential Vegas experience. If you want to save money on your assortment, try to plan your arrival so that you pay brunch prices once you get there, but the food will move to the more extensive dinner menu while you're seated. (If you do this, give yourself some leeway to account for the line.) Check the buffet times and plan accordingly.
6. Find discounts on shows
You can get tickets almost daily for everything from Cirque du Soleil shows to magic shows to residency concerts. These shows aren't cheap, but there are several ways to find discounted tickets.
First, check directly on the show or hotel website and see if The best of Las Vegas has special promotions. If you're staying at the same property as the show, the hotel may also be able to offer you special rates. Then you can try to get a same day discount from a Tix4Tonight standwhich has convenient locations at the airport and on the Strip.
7. Do free and cheap things
Take a break and avoid spending a lot of money with some of the many free (or very affordable) activities in Las Vegas. The Pinball Hall of Fame, for example, is a gem on the Strip with vintage games at old-fashioned prices: a pinball game only costs 25 or 50 cents. You can access Red Rocks Canyon Recreation Area for $15 per car to hike, rock climb, and view 800-year-old petroglyphs carved by Native Americans. And just outside Vegas, you'll find Seven Magic Mountains, a popular free art installation and photo op.
8. Know How to Access Airport Lounges
The Club at LAS. (Photo by Sally French)
Although Vegas is known for its buffets and great restaurants, dining at Las Vegas Airport Lounges can be an unconventional way to save money before your flight. Some only offer light snacks and sandwiches, but others even offer hot meals that could replace an airport meal or even a Vegas lunch.
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