I write from the Strip—golden hour light, camera in hand, stalking the angle that makes a lobby feel like art. I also keep my wallet happy. This guide—yes, the one about best ways to save on las vegas travel—is my practical playbook for Sin City without the sticker shock.
Peak weekends and big conventions hike room rates and sneak in heavy resort fees. Book midweek or during shoulder seasons like late March–May and September–November and you’ll notice the difference.
I’ll share clear, usable tips for when to book, where bargains hide, and how to avoid common traps that drain your money. You’ll get on-the-ground moves I actually use—think midweek stays, loyalty perks, and timing meals and shows so you keep both the wow and your cash.
Key Takeaways
- Travel midweek for the biggest nightly rate swings.
- Avoid major conventions and holiday weekends for lower costs.
- Watch resort fees—they can add $30+ per night.
- Shoulder seasons offer lighter crowds and better value.
- Use loyalty programs and last-minute tactics for tickets and hotels like those in this guide: hotel booking timing.
Start smart: understand when Las Vegas is cheapest
When the Strip quiets down midweek, so do the nightly rates—and that calm is where I aim my trips.
I plan dates first because timing in las vegas controls everything: crowds, vibe, and the final price tag. Midweek stays can be dramatically cheaper; think roomy lobbies and no line at the coffee cart.
Shoulder season—late March–May and September–November—gives warm pool weather without peak chaos. That window usually brings lower rates across hotels and shorter wait times.
Watch the calendar and avoid big events. Holidays and mega-conventions like CES or EDC spike demand and push price higher across the city.
Quick examples and tactics
- Example: Circus Circus can fall under $30 a night Monday–Wednesday but jump past $160 on weekends.
- If your time is flexible, view rates in a grid to spot cheaper midweek cores you can build around.
- I often center a trip on a low-cost weekday stretch, then add nights only if the curve still looks friendly.
Best ways to save on Las Vegas travel: book flights and rooms strategically
A small shift in dates or a quick connecting flight can shave serious dollars off your itinerary.
I start with fare comparison tools — Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak — and set price alerts before I pick exact dates. That one habit often finds a lower price without extra legwork.
Be flexible with departure and return time. Sometimes a day earlier or later opens up cheaper options. Connecting flights through a different hub often cut the fare, but check total travel time so your savings don’t vanish.
For rooms I book early in off-peak windows, then monitor the rates. I’ll rebook if the nightly number drops. Use cancellable reservations so you can lock a room while hunting for a better deal.
- I set fare alerts before I set my out-of-office—watching price drops is my favorite pre-trip ritual.
- Example: I’ve seen the same room drop midweek by 30% two weeks out—flexibility wins.
- Harry Reid International Airport often shows competitive fares; compare airports when you can.
Slash hotel costs by managing resort fees and taxes upfront
That tempting low room price can climb fast once you factor in fees and taxes. I always add the nightly extras before I book. That gives me the real out-the-door number and avoids surprises at check-in.
Know typical Strip resort fee ranges and what they actually include
On the Strip, resort fees commonly exceed $30 per night and often sit outside the advertised rate. What they cover varies: Wi‑Fi and pool access are common. Parking and some taxes may still be extra. Read the inclusions carefully.
| Location | Typical fee | Common inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Strip (major resorts) | $30–$45+ | Wi‑Fi, pool access, gym |
| Off-Strip | $15–$30 | Wi‑Fi, some amenities |
| Best Western Plus Casino Royale | $0 | No resort fee |
| Downtown (Four Queens, Binion’s) | $0 | No resort fee |
Target low-fee properties and check totals
- Always add taxes and any parking before you compare prices.
- If I need strict budgeting, I pick a no‑fee hotel for peak nights and split the stay.
- Save screenshots of the rate page — it shows what you paid for at check-in.
Bottom line: control the extras and you control your budget.
Leverage hotel loyalty: points, partners, and credit card transfers
A smart transfer from a credit card program can unlock rooms at names you know and love.
I start every trip by checking loyalty programs first. Free nights often beat low nightly rates at marquee properties. Marriott Bonvoy is my go-to for booking MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria, and Mandalay Bay with points rather than cash.
IHG points can land you stays at The Venetian and The Palazzo. World of Hyatt gives value plays at the Rio off the Strip. These partners shift real cost—especially for a luxury resort night that would otherwise sting the wallet.
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers 1:1 to Marriott, IHG, and World of Hyatt. That flexibility lets me move points where the redemption value is highest. If I’m short on points, I book a cancellable cash rate while I wait for transfers or promos to post.
- I check redemption values weekly—dates flip quickly.
- Pair off-peak stays with points for resort-level style without the cash hit.
- Track promos and transfer bonuses; they often tip the math in your favor.
Choose where to stay: on the Strip, off-Strip, or downtown
Pick your base by mood: high-energy Strip nights or quieter, cheaper streets off the main drag. I ask myself what matters first—walkable shows or roomy quiet after midnight.
I lean off-Strip when I want space and fewer surprises. Places like Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Marriott’s Grand Chateau often have free parking and no resort fee, and they sit a short walk from the las vegas strip.
For vintage neon and cheaper eats, I pick downtown. Golden Nugget has solid value and character. Sometimes I split nights—downtown for bargains, then move closer for a final night of shows and late dinners.
| Zone | Typical perks | Good picks |
|---|---|---|
| On-Strip | Center-stage energy, easy show access | Large resorts, iconic lobbies |
| Off-Strip | Quieter rooms, free parking, lower fees | Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Marriott’s Grand Chateau |
| Downtown | Lower rates, casual dining, neon | Golden Nugget, independent hotels |
Quick rule: pick the neighborhood that matches your plan—then let the rest fall into place.
Transportation hacks: get around the Strip for free or cheap
I plan my day around transit lines—trams for short hops, buses for long hauls, and walks for the golden-hour shots.
I stitch the network together with a few key moves. Free trams link Bellagio and Park MGM via Aria/Vdara and run late, as does the Excalibur–Mandalay Bay connection via Luxor. These short rides shave time and fares when you need them most.
Bus, tram, and foot options
The Deuce runs 24/7 along the strip; single rides are about $4 and a 3-day pass sits near $20. The Downtown Loop is free and perfect for mural runs and markets. Walk bridges and indoor passages to dodge heat and traffic delays.
Monorail vs rideshare
Monorail trips cost around $5 each or $13 per day. For long east-side hops I compare apps—sometimes the rail wins over surge fares. Late-night plans? I time the last tram or keep one cheap rideshare as a backup.
| Service | Typical cost | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Free trams | $0 | Short hops (Bellagio–Park MGM, Excalibur–Mandalay bay) |
| Deuce bus | $4 / ride, $20 3-day | Full strip runs, 24/7 |
| Monorail | $5 / trip, $13 day | Long east-west hops, avoids surge |
“Options are everything—know the network and you’ll keep minutes and cash.”
The network is friendly if you plan. Map clusters: trams for quick moves, bus for long stretches, and a golden-hour walk for photos—leading lines from bridges make great frames.
Parking and driving: avoid surprise fees and outdated advice
Parking in this city has changed—free garages are rare and signs now set the real expectations.
I always pause at the rate board before I pull a ticket. Many Strip garages now charge and past free options like The Venetian are gone. Tropicana is closed, and event nights can spike the price to $35 or more with little warning.
Off-Strip lots often offer strip free parking. Virgin Hotel is a reliable example; I walk or tram in when I want cheaper parking and don’t mind the short trek.
- The old “park anywhere for free” advice is history—most garages add a fee.
- Check the posted rate board before entering; event pricing changes fast.
- If your hotel charges fees, bake them into your trip total so the budget holds.
- Balance rental costs with nightly parking—sometimes rideshare is cheaper.
Quick rule: verify the price, then park. A five-minute check saves a surprise bill.
| Location | Typical charge | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Major Strip garages | $15–$35 | When you want immediate access to casinos and shows |
| Off-Strip hotels | $0–$15 | Good for longer stays and lower nightly totals |
| Event nights / conventions | Up to $35+ | Check boards; prices spike without notice |
Eat well on a Vegas budget: buffets, brunch, and happy hours
Hungry? Timing your meals can turn a splurge buffet into a bargain banquet.
I aim late brunch shifts so I pay brunch pricing while catching dinner-level dishes. Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan runs all-day brunch with items like bone marrow and snow crab. Weekday fares sit near $47, weekends about $54, and there’s a $25 bottomless option if you want it.
For a lower-cost option, MGM Grand Buffet runs roughly $31.99 weekdays and $37.99 weekends. That’s a solid fill-up before long afternoon walks or museum stops.
Hunt happy hours. Brera Osteria cuts pizza and drinks by half from 3–5 p.m. Jaleo runs a sangria hour at 5–7 p.m. Off‑Strip Honey Salt lists $5 beers and discounted apps in weekday afternoons. These windows let you stretch one meal across an evening.
- I share portions—split mains and save a built-in lunch for later.
- Food courts are quick, cheap fixes when the day gets long.
- Sit by a window at golden hour; natural light makes plates pop for photos and appetite.
“One destination meal, plus stacked specials”—that’s my restaurant rule. Hydrate, time your lines, and you’ll eat well without blowing the budget.
Showtime savings: score discounted tickets without the markup
I treat show hunting like a scavenger hunt: official pages, discount booths, and the front desk often hold wins. I check a few sources, compare, then buy the ticket that fits my plan and my budget.
Direct channels and same-day booths
I always price-check the official hotel and show pages first. Promos and package deals appear there before many sites. Next, I scan Best of Vegas listings for seasonal promos.
Use Tix4Tonight and ask your front desk
Tix4Tonight booths on the Strip and at the airport offer same-day bargains. If I’m staying where a production runs, I ask the front desk for resident discounts. Sometimes that unlocks lower tiers or comped fees.
| Source | Typical advantage | When I use it |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel/show websites | Early promos, package bundles | When booking in advance |
| Best of Vegas | Seasonal discounts and listings | Research phase |
| Tix4Tonight booths | Same-day reduced tickets | After arrival, for flexibility |
“Midweek nights and a flexible plan often earn the best seats for less.”
Quick tips:
- Set a firm ceiling on what you’ll pay for a show.
- Move your date by one night if seats drop in price.
- Ask the hotel desk — they know on-property perks and hold inventory.
- Avoid unfamiliar third-party sellers without clear guarantees.
Free and low-cost things to do beyond the casino floor
Walkable surprises in this city often cost nothing and reward curiosity. I build afternoons around iconic, no‑charge moments and a few low-cost detours that feel like a win.
Strip and downtown highlights include the Bellagio fountains and Conservatory, the Mirage volcano eruption, and Fremont Street’s canopy shows and live music. They’re perfect for evening photo runs and people-watching.
Quirky stops keep things lively. The Pinball Hall of Fame runs machines for 25–50 cents. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is quiet and leafy. Ethel M Chocolates offers free self-guided tours and a charming cactus garden—great for warm window-light shots.
For fresh air, Red Rock Canyon’s day pass is about $15 per vehicle. Seven Magic Mountains is a free, colorful outdoor installation and an easy short drive from the Strip.
- The most iconic shows in las vegas are free: fountains and seasonal Conservatory displays.
- I often stack two or three sites into one afternoon and save my budget for dinner.
- Photographers: aim golden hour for HDR balance, use leading lines through crowds, and try a Canon EOS R5 with an RF 24-70 at f/4, ISO 100, 1/125.
“Free doesn’t mean boring—this city’s street theater is half the fun.”
Rewards and insider tactics that actually pay off
A folded row of loyalty cards on marble tells the story: small perks, big comfort, and fewer surprise bills.
Sign up for player and restaurant rewards
Sign up everywhere—player cards and restaurant programs stack quietly. Many casino tables and hotel restaurants offer small discounts, free appetizers, or priority seating once you scan a membership card.
Tip: keep numbers in one note so you never fumble at the counter. Flashing a digital card is faster and shows you mean business.
Airport lounge access can replace a meal
If you have lounge access, use it. LAS lounges often serve snacks or hot plates that replace an overpriced gate meal and buy you calm time before boarding.
That quiet hour—window light, soft chairs—feels like a tiny luxury and trims one travel expense off your list.
Late check-in may improve your upgrade odds
Arrive later in the day when standard rooms are full. Front-desk staff can often upgrade friendly guests when inventory gets tight.
Be polite, mention a special occasion if true, and you might score a room with a better view or fewer fees.
- I sign up for player programs and restaurant rewards everywhere—it’s drip savings that add up over time.
- Lounge access at the airport often covers a light meal before boarding, which is one less bill on the way out.
- Check in late when you can; front desks sometimes upgrade when basic rooms are gone—be friendly, ask nicely.
- Link cards in a mobile wallet for quick flashes at bars and casual spots—fast access equals real advantage.
- If you love data, track what you actually save each trip; it refines where you spend your time.
“Small tactical moves—late check-in, polite requests, membership IDs—often yield outsized wins.”
Practical money savers most visitors overlook
Small rituals beat big discounts when you’re in town. I start each trip with a quick run to CVS or Walgreens. A shopping basket with cold waters, sunscreen, and snacks keeps impulse buys away and gives instant wins for your budget.
Watch ATM and nightly charges. Casino ATMs can charge up to $10 per withdrawal, so I avoid them and use bank kiosks instead. One Saturday night can cost 3–5x more per night than midweek—check the nightly breakdown before you book.
Sometimes I split stays across two hotels. Example: dodge a single surging night by moving hotels and I’ve saved enough for a great brunch the next day.
- I buy essentials at strip pharmacies—instant save money wins before the first meal lands.
- Keep a refillable bottle, electrolyte packets, and bars in a mini day‑pack to curb impulse spending.
- Review fees once more before you hit confirm so surprises don’t blow your las vegas budget.
“Tiny habits—stocking water, dodging ATM fees, and watching per night totals—become your vegas budget superpower.”
Conclusion
I close trips the way I shoot sunsets—frame the scene, trim the clutter, and keep the best light for last.
Plan your trip around midweek and shoulder seasons and you will see the difference in las vegas rates. Always add taxes and every resort fee to the per night total so your budget holds.
Let points carry heavy nights at MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. Use Marriott, IHG, and Hyatt partners and Chase transfers when redemptions line up. Split stays to avoid weekend spikes and pick the right hotels las vegas for each slice of your plan.
Move like a local—trams, the Deuce, and the Downtown Loop—and hunt same-day counters for a last-minute show. Small choices stack into a brighter trip.
Wide editorial view: a suite window at golden hour, Canon EOS R5, RF 24‑70 at 24mm, f/4, ISO 100, 1/125—rule of thirds with the skyline and interior edge leading your eye to the horizon.
FAQ
When is the cheapest time to visit Las Vegas for lower hotel rates?
Midweek stays—Tuesday through Thursday—and shoulder seasons (late winter and late summer) usually offer the lowest nightly rates. Avoid major conventions like CES or EDC and holiday weekends, which spike prices and resort fees.
How can I find the best flight and hotel deals without constant searching?
Use fare comparison sites and set price alerts so you get notified when fares drop. Be flexible with travel dates and airports—sometimes a connecting flight or flying into Henderson/Los Angeles and driving cuts costs. Book early for off-peak travel and watch for packaged hotel + flight discounts.
What are resort fees and how much should I expect on the Strip?
Resort fees are daily mandatory charges covering Wi‑Fi, gym access, and other property services. On the Strip they often range from – per night but vary by property. Always check the nightly rate plus resort fee and tax before booking so you’re not surprised at check‑out.
Which hotels currently have low or no resort fees I should consider?
For lower or no resort fees, look at options like Best Western Plus Casino Royale or downtown properties such as Four Queens and Binion’s. Off‑Strip chains and some budget-friendly hotels also keep fees minimal—compare total nightly cost, not just the base rate.
How can hotel loyalty programs help reduce costs for stays on the Strip?
Loyalty programs earn points, free nights, and perks. Marriott Bonvoy covers many MGM partner properties (MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria, Mandalay Bay). IHG and Hyatt offer partner options too—consider credit card transfer bonuses from Chase or other issuers to top up accounts for award nights.
Should I stay on the Strip, off‑Strip, or downtown for the best value?
It depends on your priorities. Staying off‑Strip (for example, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas or Marriott’s Grand Chateau) often gives better room rates and quieter nights. Downtown (Fremont Street) offers cheaper eats and hotels if you want an authentic, budgeted vibe. Splitting nights between areas can balance cost and experience.
What are the cheapest ways to get around the Strip and downtown?
Use free hotel trams where available and walk between connected properties. The Deuce bus and the free Downtown Loop are cheap options for longer hops. For some trips the monorail or rideshare makes sense—compare prices for longer distances rather than assuming one method is always cheaper.
Is driving and parking in Las Vegas still free as in the past?
Not always. Many garages now charge for parking, especially on the Strip. Always verify current parking rates before you arrive. If you want free parking, seek off‑Strip properties or plan to park in lots that still offer complimentary spaces.
How can I eat well in Vegas without overspending on restaurants?
Time your meals—brunch and happy hours deliver big savings. Buffets like Wicked Spoon or MGM Grand’s options can be economical for big appetites. Seek local favorites off‑Strip, share portions, or use food courts and lunch specials to cut costs while still enjoying great food.
What’s the best way to buy show tickets without paying full price?
Check official hotel and show websites first, then scan Best of Vegas and Tix4Tonight for same‑day deals. Hotel concierge desks sometimes offer discounts or package deals, so ask—especially if you’re staying at a property that hosts the show.
What free or low‑cost attractions should I prioritize beyond the casino floor?
Don’t miss the Bellagio fountains and Conservatory, the Mirage volcano, and Fremont Street’s light shows. For quirky or low‑cost stops, try the Pinball Hall of Fame, Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, Ethel M Chocolates, and natural escapes like Red Rock Canyon or Seven Magic Mountains for a breath of fresh desert air.
Which rewards and insider tactics actually add up during a Vegas trip?
Sign up for casino player cards and restaurant rewards—small discounts and free play add up. Use airport lounge access to replace an airport meal, and politely request late check‑in or mention special occasions at the front desk—upgrades and perks can happen if rooms are available.
What practical money savers do most visitors overlook?
Stock up on basics at CVS or Walgreens to avoid high in‑resort prices. Skip casino ATMs—the fees are steep. Avoid weekend nights when possible, or hop hotels mid‑trip to dodge sudden nightly spikes. Little moves like these protect your bankroll for what matters: food, shows, and experiences.
