Hotels: Where to Cut Costs

Book Midweek (The #1 Tip)

The single biggest money saver in Vegas: visit Sunday through Thursday. Weekend rates can be 3x higher than weekday rates at the same hotel. A room that costs $80 on Tuesday might be $250 on Saturday. This applies to every hotel in the city.

Consider Downtown or Off-Strip

You can find perfectly nice rooms at Downtown Grand or The Orleans for $40 to $80 per night, while equivalent Strip properties start at $100 to $150. Yes, you'll need Uber or a rental car, but the savings often make up for it.

Factor in Resort Fees

That $60 room might actually cost $100 after the mandatory $40 resort fee. Always check the total price before booking. Downtown hotels typically have lower resort fees ($20-25) or none at all. Circa Resort downtown is one exception with a higher fee, but their Stadium Swim pool access is included.

Avoid Convention Dates

CES (early January), SEMA (November), and other major conventions can double or triple hotel prices citywide. Check the Las Vegas Convention Center calendar before booking. See our What to Book Early guide for more timing tips.

Food: Eat Well for Less

Lunch at Upscale Restaurants

Many celebrity chef restaurants offer the same menu at lunch for 30% to 50% less than dinner prices. Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, Giada, and others have lunch specials that let you experience high-end dining without the premium.

Skip Tourist-Trap Buffets

The famous Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars costs $80+ per person. Instead, try locals' favorites like the M Resort buffet (20 minutes south, half the price, comparable quality) or go to Ellis Island Casino for their legendary $12.99 steak special that includes a beer.

Eat Off the Strip

Walk one or two blocks off the Strip and prices drop significantly. The same burger that costs $22 on the Strip is $12 a block away. Chinatown (Spring Mountain Road) has incredible Asian food at local prices, just a $10 Uber from the Strip.

Happy Hours Are Real

Many casino bars and restaurants offer substantial happy hour deals, sometimes with free appetizers with drink purchase. The Chandelier Bar at Cosmopolitan, STK, and most hotel lounges have happy hour specials between 4-6pm.

Shows: Get Discount Tickets

Same-Day Discount Booths

Tix4Tonight and other discount outlets sell same-day show tickets for 30% to 50% off. The catch? You have to go in person that day and selection varies. Great for flexible travelers. Booths are located at Fashion Show Mall and several Strip locations.

Choose Mid-Orchestra Seats

For most Vegas shows, mid-orchestra seats (rows 8 to 15) offer nearly the same experience as front row for half the price. The view is often better from slightly back anyway, and you won't strain your neck. Check our shows guide for specific recommendations.

Experience Free Shows

The Bellagio Fountains, Fremont Street Experience light show, and the Mirage Volcano are completely free and genuinely entertaining. The Bellagio Conservatory seasonal displays are also free and stunning.

See all free Vegas attractions →

Gambling: Stretch Your Bankroll

Play Downtown for Lower Minimums

Strip casinos have $15 to $25 blackjack minimums. Downtown at Golden Nugget or Circa Resort, you can find $10 tables, and some smaller casinos still have $5 tables with the same odds. Your bankroll lasts 3x to 5x longer.

Join Players Clubs (Free Money)

Every casino has a free rewards card. Sign up and use it every time you play. You'll earn free play, comp meals, and room discounts. Even small gambling adds up to perks. The MGM Rewards, Caesars Rewards, and Total Rewards programs are the biggest.

Avoid Strip Slot Machines

Slot machines on the Strip have worse payout rates (around 85% to 90%) compared to local casinos (92% to 95%). If you love slots, play at locals' casinos off-Strip like Red Rock Resort or The Orleans for better odds.

Set a Budget and Stick to It

This sounds obvious, but it's the most important tip. Decide how much you're willing to lose before you arrive. When it's gone, stop. Chasing losses is how people go broke in Vegas. Consider it entertainment cost, not an investment.

Transportation: Move Around for Less

Use Free Casino Trams

Several casinos run free trams that save you long walks and Uber costs:

• Mandalay Bay → Luxor → Excalibur (south Strip)
• Bellagio → Vdara → Aria (center Strip)
• Mirage → Treasure Island (north-center Strip)

Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail runs behind the east side of the Strip from MGM Grand to the Sahara. A day pass costs $15 (much cheaper than multiple Ubers). It's fast and air-conditioned, though stations are a walk from casino entrances.

Walk When Possible

The Strip is walkable (though distances are deceiving, plan 20-30 minutes between major resorts). Walking saves money and lets you see the sights. Just wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially in summer.

Skip the Rental Car (Usually)

Parking on the Strip now costs $15 to $25 per day at most casinos. If you're staying on the Strip and not doing day trips, skip the rental car. Use Uber for occasional off-Strip trips. Exception: if you're staying off-Strip or doing multiple day trips, a rental car makes sense.

The Bottom Line