When planning a getaway to Las Vegas, it pays to take your time and do plenty of research. That’s especially true when it comes to booking hotel accommodations. Even if your budget is tight, you don’t necessarily have to resort to staying in a cheap place out by the airport. Scoring great deals on iconic hotels right along The Strip is easier than you probably think.
In 2017 alone, more than 42.2 million visitors descended upon the gambling mecca of America — but that doesn’t mean that they were all drawn there by slot machines and craps tables. More than ever, Las Vegas has something for everyone. From unforgettable musicals and shows from today’s most popular acts and performers to some of the best dining, shopping, and spas in the world, the city is bursting at its seams with excitement.
Thinking about visiting Las Vegas sometime soon, read on for 10 great tips on saving money on Las Vegas hotels.
1. Cheapest Time to Visit Las Vegas
It is cheaper to visit Vegas during certain times of year than others — and it’s also cheaper to book flights on certain days than on others.
Peak tourism season for the city occurs during the months of February, March, and June, so flight and hotel prices tend to peak during those periods. By planning your visit for August or October, which are among the cheapest times to go, you should be able to save a lot on accommodations.
Similarly, flights and hotels on certain days of the week tend to be costlier than on others. Aim to fly in to Las Vegas during the middle of the week to enjoy the lowest fares and hotel prices. Note that it is often fairly cheap to fly on Saturdays too, but hotel rates tend to be among the highest on those nights.
2. Compare Rates on Different Hotel Websites
You can’t hope to zero in on the best Las Vegas hotel deals without getting the lay of the land first. The best way to get a feel for average prices for the dates when you will be visiting is by availing yourself of one of the many hotel comparison sites that are out there. Using a site like Kayak, Hotels.com, or Priceline, input the basics of your visit — dates, number of guests, and so on — to check availability and pricing. You can then quickly pinpoint properties that offer the best deals.
3. Search for Hotel Promotions and Coupons
Don’t assume that you are stuck with paying whatever prices you find on hotel comparison websites. Because Vegas is such a huge tourist destination with so many hotels competing for visitors’ attention, many hotels offer specials and promotions throughout the year. You are unlikely to stumble upon them on comparison websites, however. For best results, sign up to receive communications from Las Vegas hotels and properties that you are considering. You might just luck out and be alerted to a great deal that could save you money.
4. Be Aware of Added Fees
If you don’t travel to Las Vegas often, you may be unaware of the “resort fee” that is automatically tacked on to hotel rooms in the biggest casino-hotels in the city. Sometimes, in fact, the fee can cost more than the advertised nightly rate. On average, hotels in Las Vegas charge an additional resort fee of $30 to $40 per night. This fee ostensibly covers things like Wi-Fi, swimming pools, and other features — but you have to pay it whether you use those extras or not. Keep the resort fee in mind when comparing hotel prices to avoid unpleasant surprises.
5. Bundle Your Hotel and Flight Booking
In some cases, booking your hotel and flight together can be cheaper than booking them separately. This is especially true when booking at the last minute, which is among the worst things that you can do when trying to save money on Las Vegas hotels. If you need a rental car too, you might also be able to bundle one in and save even more. The biggest caveat about these types of bundles is that they don’t offer much in the way of flexibility. Typically, you choose from a limited selection and must make do with that. If it means saving a lot, though, a bundle can definitely be worth it.
6. Sign Up for a Hotel’s Loyalty Program
If you visit Las Vegas regularly, it may be worth it to become loyal to one property there by signing up for its rewards program. Many popular hotels on The Strip offer loyalty programs that can help you to save on accommodations and more. For example, Harrah’s properties offer the Total Rewards Club, and MGM Mirage properties offer the M Life Rewards program. Loyalty programs are free to join, so there’s no harm in doing so.
7. See What Perks Your Credit Card Offers
Go through your credit cards to see if any offer travel benefits. Many major credit cards go beyond offering extra miles for charging flights; some offer perks that are specifically designed to help you save money on hotels. Oftentimes, however, these perks are limited to specific brands and have other restrictions, so it’s important to read the fine print with care. For a period of time in September, for example, MasterCard was offering 10-percent off to those who booked stays through Hotels.com. Deals like these pop up fairly often, so be on the lookout.
8. Book Directly with the Hotel
Don’t assume that the prices and availability that you are able to access are the be-all, end-all of what is out there. It’s often worth it to pick up the phone and speak directly with Las Vegas hotels. If you can find a cheaper price for a similar hotel room in the city, many hotels will match it to get the booking. This can also be a great way to score deals on last-minute hotel stays.
Even if it appears that a hotel is fully booked on a given night, it’s often worth it to call them up and double check.
9. Stay in a Non-Gaming Hotel
Like many people, you may not plan to gamble much or at all while visiting Las Vegas. After all, there are plenty of other things to do.
If gambling isn’t a big part of your trip, you may be able to save by staying in a non-gaming hotel in the city. Properties like Trump International and Palms Place are every bit as luxurious and refined as gaming hotels, but they typically have cheaper rates simply for not having on-site gaming.
10. Look for Membership Discounts
Don’t forget to dust off your memberships to see if any of them offer discounted rates for hotels. If you are over the age of 50, for example, you may be able to save money through an AARP discount at participating hotels. Many hotels still offer AAA discounts too, so if you are a member of AAA, always ask about that.
Check a hotel’s website or give them a call to find out if they offer perks to members of any other organizations — you never know where you can find Las Vegas hotel savings, after all.