I’ve walked the Strip, bargained with booking sites, and tested rooms so you don’t have to. This guide shows where to find honest value without losing the thrills of the vegas strip.
Expect clear tips on location, nightly price, and the extra fee hits many properties add at checkout. Weeknights often cut costs, and transit options like the Deuce bus (about $8 for 24 hours) and free resort trams make getting around simple.
I’ll point out what matters most—easy access to shows, pool vibes, or a quieter room—so you can pick a stay that fits how you want to spend your time and money.
Want deeper details on location perks and balcony views? Check related picks for layouts and views on this short guide: best balcony hotels. I’ll also show how shopping across sites can reveal real savings.
Key Takeaways
- Weeknights often bring lower rates along the las vegas strip.
- Watch resort fees—typically $25–$45 per night before tax.
- Transit is easy: the Deuce and free trams cut travel time.
- Compare the hotel site and OTAs to spot the best price.
- I focus on stays that balance location, comfort, and value.
Why the Las Vegas Strip Is Perfect for Affordable Stays Right Now
When you base yourself on the Strip, you trade long rides for more minutes at dinner, a show, or pool time.
Midweek dates are your biggest savings lever. A Thursday night can cost a fraction of a Friday—I’ve seen rates quadruple from one night to the next when big events hit town.
Resort fees matter. Most properties add about $25–$45 per night at checkout, so factor that into your true price comparison before you book.
The strip concentrates dozens of options within walking distance, which stretches every hour of your stay. If you choose the right location, you skip long rides and get more time where it counts.
User tips for timing and transit
- Check local event calendars—conventions and concerts lift price bands quickly.
- Shift a night or two if an event spikes the per night total.
- Use the Deuce (24-hour pass ≈ $8) and free trams to cut travel time and ride costs.
- Compare OTAs and direct sites—I often find meaningful differences for the same room and night.
Final note: prioritize clean rooms and a strong location over needless extras. That saved money can buy a show or a great meal—or help you snag a better New Year’s Eve plan from this New Year’s Eve booking guide.
Top picks at a glance: best budget hotels for location, price, and value
If you want minimal travel time and smart value, these picks deliver both.
Quick overview: I focused on stays that cut backtracking and keep you on the action. Photos are shot editorially—golden-hour exteriors and crisp interiors—so you can see how each place actually feels.
Treasure Island (TI)
I like Treasure Island for middle strip access. It sits across from The Venetian and near the Bellagio fountains. You can catch Cirque Soleil’s Mystère on site and still walk to nearby dining.
Excalibur
Excalibur is playful and family-friendly. Free trams link it to Luxor and Mandalay Bay. Shows like Tournament of Kings make it easy to plan a full day without long rides.
Harrah’s
Harrah’s drops you at the heart of the strip. Step outside and you’re at the LINQ Promenade and the High Roller in minutes—great when you want to be near nightlife.
The LINQ Hotel + Experience
The LINQ offers modern, smaller rooms and a lively pool scene. It’s compact but plugs you into Monorail access for quick hops up and down the strip.
Luxor
Luxor’s pyramid is iconic and the rooms feel larger than many competitors. Angled elevators and indoor walkways to Excalibur and Mandalay Bay are handy in summer heat.
| Property | Strength | Best for | Nearby transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treasure Island | Middle strip access, Mystère show | Walkable nightlife & shows | Walking to Venetian/Bellagio |
| Excalibur | Family-friendly, tram links | Families, casual dining | Free tram to Luxor / Mandalay Bay |
| Harrah’s | Central location | Live music & promenade access | LINQ Promenade & pedestrian paths |
| The LINQ Hotel + Experience | Modern rooms, young vibe | Pool scene, quick Monorail access | Monorail station nearby |
| Luxor | Iconic design, larger rooms | Unique architecture & indoor connections | Indoor walkways to Excalibur & Mandalay |
“These picks minimize backtracking and help you spend time where it matters most.”
Best affordable hotels on the Vegas Strip under $260 per night
For travelers who want action without a steep per night price, these properties deliver location and simple comforts.
Quick picks under $260:
- Treasure Island — central placement across from The Venetian and near the Bellagio fountains; great if you’re looking to split your night between shows and late bites.
- Excalibur Hotel & Casino — clean rooms, low per night totals, and free trams to Luxor and Mandalay Bay for painless logistics.
- Harrah’s Las Vegas — relaxed casino vibe, live music, and a short walk to Caesars and Flamingo.
- The LINQ Hotel + Experience — smaller modern rooms, spa access, and Monorail links for quick hops on the strip.
- Luxor — pyramid charm, connected walkways, and Nurture Spa for an affordable resort touch.
- The STRAT — north end value with renovated rooms and an observation deck that adds thrills without an expensive price tag.
- Flamingo — classic las vegas feel, a real wildlife habitat, and lively summer pool parties.
- New York-New York — rollercoaster, Shake Shack, and Cirque entertainment all within walking range.
- Horseshoe — oversized rooms (formerly Bally’s) and a middle-Strip footprint that gives you elbow room for the price.
I skip Circus Circus — too many dated elements for a first-timer’s stay; I’d rather apply that savings to a better-maintained alternative.
Best affordable hotels on the Vegas Strip under $350 per night
If you want a nicer stay without jumping to ultra-luxury rates, these mid-Strip picks balance style, space, and location.
Paris Las Vegas
Romance and signature views. Paris Las Vegas delivers cozy, updated rooms and easy walking access to the heart of the Strip. Mon Ami Gabi and the Eiffel Tower experience make it a great pick for date nights.
Park MGM
A sleek, modern retreat. Park MGM stands out with a non-smoking casino and boutique finishes. The tram links you quickly to Bellagio and ARIA, and the hotel feels calm after an action-packed night at T-Mobile Arena.
Planet Hollywood
Big rooms, big energy. Planet Hollywood puts you across from the Bellagio fountains and injects a lively, central vibe into your stay. Rooms are roomy, dining options are plentiful, and typical midweek per night totals sit under $350 when demand is low.
Note: Expect a resort fee at each property; I factor that into the final price so your booking shows the true night total.
top-rated budget hotels in las vegas by location on the Strip
I group my picks by corridor so you can pick a stay that matches your plans—neon nights, pool afternoons, or quick show runs.
North end
The STRAT sits at the north end and gives real value. Guests get discounted tower access and easy rideshare hops to Fremont Street.
Heart of the Strip
The heart strip cluster—Treasure Island, Harrah’s, The LINQ, Flamingo, Paris Las Vegas—keeps Bellagio and Caesars within walking range.
Why it matters: less transit, more time for shows and dinner. This location wins when you plan multiple reservations.
South end
Excalibur, Luxor and New York-New York anchor the south end. Indoor walkways and free trams link to Mandalay Bay and Park MGM corridors.
“Map-style golden-hour shots and HDR interiors make it easy to see how each resort connects to the boulevard.”
- North end = value and quick Fremont jumps.
- Heart strip = classic postcard walkability.
- South end = indoor routes and tram convenience, great for heat and late returns.
Resort fees, nightly price, and how to actually save on your stay
Before you click book, check the fine print; the per night number rarely tells the whole story.
Resort fee vs. room rate: the listed rate often omits a mandatory resort fee charged at checkout. These fees typically run about $25–$45 per night and usually cover basics like Wi‑Fi and gym access. Premium services—spa treatments, premium channels, or certain pool areas—are rarely included.
Booking smart
Book weeknights or shoulder dates to cut your nightly price. I set rate alerts and recheck—many sites let you rebook at a lower rate if rules allow. Compare the hotel site and OTAs; when rates match, booking direct can add loyalty perks that improve your stay.
Transportation hacks
Use the Deuce bus—24-hour passes cost about $8—to move along the Strip affordably. Free trams link Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur and Park MGM–ARIA–Bellagio, saving both time and rideshare fare. These simple moves keep more cash for shows or meals.
| Item | Typical range | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Room rate | $70–$300+ | Overnight stay, bedding, basic room |
| Resort fee | $25–$45 | Wi‑Fi, gym, local calls (varies) |
| Taxes & extras | Varies | Sales tax, parking, premium services |
“Always add the resort fee to the listed rate—it’s the only way to see the true per night cost.”
What to expect from rooms, pools, and on-site entertainment
Rooms range from sleek, compact suites to surprisingly roomy pyramid layouts that feel like a small apartment. I’ve stayed in refreshed towers and older blocks—both have clear trade-offs.
Rooms and towers: Flamingo’s GO rooms are often freshly updated and punch above their price. The LINQ’s rooms are smaller but modern and bright. Luxor’s pyramid layouts can feel more spacious than they look on paper; if you want rooms spacious enough to unpack, aim for those configurations.
Pools and amenities: Pool energy varies wildly. Flamingo runs lively summer parties and DJs. Other resorts keep pool decks calm and shaded—perfect if you want to relax and recharge. Amenities range from simple gym access to full spa services.
On-site entertainment: You can catch Cirque Soleil shows (Mystère at TI, Mad Apple at New York-New-York), laugh at comedy clubs, sip in piano bars, or ride up The STRAT’s tower for sweeping views. Paris’s eiffel tower experience is a great sunset stop if you feel like a romantic panorama.
“Pick a strip hotel that matches how you want to spend the day—party pool or quiet corner—and the rest of the stay falls into place.”
Our photography standards for showcasing hotels (editorial quality visuals)
I treat each shoot like a short story—your eyes should travel the frame and know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
Style and mood: We aim for a Condé Nast Traveler aesthetic: luxury hotel photography that feels ultra-photorealistic and magazine-ready. Images show true tones and textures so you can judge a room, resort lobby, or tower view without surprises.
Technical specs
We shoot on a Canon EOS R5 with the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 at f/4, ISO 100, 1/125s. Files are RAW 8K (7680×4320) to retain marble veining, tile patterns, and fabric weave.
Lighting and composition
Golden hour exteriors (3500–4500K) give natural warmth without deep shadows. Interiors blend three-point lighting with ambient window light for soft, true-to-life tones.
Composition rules: frames follow the rule of thirds and use leading lines so your eye flows through lobbies, pool decks, and observation deck vistas. HDR-balanced edits preserve highlights and shadow detail for clear, honest images.
“We create visuals that feel like you’re walking the property—clean, tactile, and reliable.”
- True-to-life tones and tactile textures that match on-site experience.
- RAW 8K capture to keep every detail—perfect for room and tower views.
- Golden hour and three-point lighting to balance ambiance and clarity.
- Framing that aids orientation: observation deck shots show scale and distance.
Why it matters: honest, editorial imagery helps you pick a hotel and decide if a particular room, pool, or tower sightline fits your plans—no oversell, just the facts with magazine polish.
Conclusion
, When your nights are full of shows and meals, a smart location makes every minute count.
I’ve got one last bit of practical advice: aim for weeknights and always add the resort fee to the per night total before you lock a room. That fee shifts the true price more than most travelers expect.
You’ve got options across the vegas strip—from Treasure Island or a right middle block to a north end save at The STRAT. Paris Las Vegas and Planet Hollywood lift finishes without a giant jump. Skip Circus Circus; channel that money into a cleaner strip hotel and better sleep.
Use free trams and the Deuce to keep transit cheap. Recheck rates a few days later—if the base price or fee drops, rebook and pocket the difference. I’ve got a soft spot for dusk cityscapes shot on a Canon EOS R5—golden-to-blue hour tower and Eiffel Tower views make the perfect end-of-night photo.
FAQ
Which Strip hotels offer the best value per night around 0–0?
Treasure Island, Harrah’s, The LINQ, Excalibur, and Luxor commonly hit that sweet spot on weeknights. Watch for resort fees and event dates—prices spike during conventions and big shows. Book midweek and use price-comparison sites or loyalty discounts to lock in the lowest per-night rate.
Are resort fees included in the quoted nightly price?
No — most resorts list a base room rate and add a daily resort fee at checkout. Resort fees often cover Wi‑Fi, gym access, and local calls but vary widely. Always check the final price before you confirm so the total nightly cost isn’t a surprise.
How different are weeknight and weekend prices on the Strip?
Weeknights are usually much cheaper—sometimes half the weekend rate—unless there’s a convention or big event. Weekends, holidays, and concert nights push per-night prices up fast. If you’re flexible, travel midweek to save.
Is Treasure Island a good pick for location and shows?
Yes. TI sits in the heart of the Strip near The Venetian and Bellagio, making it easy to walk to restaurants and shows like Mystère. Rooms can offer decent views, and the location is a major convenience if you want to be central without the top-tier cost.
Should I avoid Circus Circus as a value option?
Many travelers find Circus Circus dated and louder than comparable alternatives. If you want modern rooms and quieter common spaces, consider The STRAT or Excalibur instead — they often match or beat Circus Circus on price while offering a more comfortable stay.
Which hotels are best for families looking to save?
Excalibur and New York-New York are family-friendly choices with attractions like arcade areas and rollercoasters nearby. They offer roomy layouts and easy tram or walkway access to nearby properties, helping you save on transport and entertainment time.
Can I find hotels with spacious rooms without paying a premium?
Yes. Look at Harrah’s, Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s), and Luxor for larger foot‑print rooms that don’t carry the top-tier price. Book upper‑floor or renovated tower rooms when available for the best balance of size and modern finishes.
Which properties are best for pool vibes and daytime lounging?
Flamingo and The LINQ deliver lively pool scenes with music and parties. If you want something mellower, many south‑end properties like Luxor offer quieter pool spaces. Check seasonal pool hours and whether day‑bed rentals carry extra fees.
How do I save on transportation while staying on the Strip?
Use the Deuce bus for a long, cheap hop up and down the Strip, ride the free hotel trams (e.g., Excalibur‑Luxor‑Mandalay Bay), or grab a shareable rideshare for late nights. The Monorail is fast for north‑south travel but can be pricier unless you buy a multi‑ride pass.
Are shows like Cirque du Soleil and headline residencies easy to access from these hotels?
Absolutely — staying in the heart of the Strip puts you within walking distance of Cirque shows, residency concerts, and comedy clubs. Treasure Island, Harrah’s, and The LINQ are all well placed for short walks to major venues.
Is Paris Las Vegas worth the slightly higher price under 0?
If you want romantic mid‑Strip charm and Eiffel Tower views, Paris is a great upgrade. You’ll find better dining like Mon Ami Gabi and a cozy vibe that justifies the extra per‑night cost for many couples and food lovers.
What should I check before booking to avoid hidden costs?
Confirm resort fees, parking fees, early‑check/late‑checkout charges, and cancellation policies. Also verify whether amenities advertised as “free” are included or subject to limits. Booking sites vary—compare the hotel’s direct rate, loyalty discounts, and third‑party offers.
Which hotels on the north end give the best value and quick Fremont access?
The STRAT often offers strong value at the north end and has an observation deck if you want a view without a steep price. Rideshares and buses make Fremont Street an easy hop from there if you want a downtown detour.
Do Park MGM and Planet Hollywood feel more boutique or mainstream?
Park MGM leans boutique with a non‑smoking casino and quieter vibe, while Planet Hollywood delivers energetic central Strip energy and lots of dining options. Both are solid choices under 0 for travelers who want modern rooms and easy access to Bellagio and Aria.
