Top 10 Tricks for Saving Money on Vegas Hotels

The best Las Vegas hotels are famous for their opulence and grandeur. You might expect the price for a room to be just as extravagant, but that isn’t the case. Staying at a luxury hotel in Sin City is quite affordable, much more so than similar accommodations in other big cities.

That being said, room rates at the top Vegas hotels aren’t exactly cheap when you consider resort fees. Charged by nearly every big-name hotel, these fees typically increase your per-night cost by around $35 to $45. Fortunately, several strategies can help you save money on luxury accommodations. Here’s are the top ten ways you can get a hotel room on the cheap.

No 1: Be Flexible on Timing Your Trip

Adaptability always helps when you want to pay a bargain price for a room at one of the legendary Vegas hotels. Changing your arrival or departure date (or both) might bring down your costs by quite a bit, particularly if you can switch your trip to a time when Sin City isn’t quite as busy. And if you have flexibility in your travels, you might be able to take advantage of a special coupon or money-saving promotion.

No 2: Don’t Stay on the Weekend

If at all possible, plan to travel to Sin City during the beginning or middle of the week. Las Vegas hotels tend to charge the highest rates on Fridays and Saturdays, and avoiding those days will likely save you money. From Sunday through Thursday, most Vegas hotels offer rooms at a substantial discount. As an extra bonus, the restaurants, spas, nightclubs and other local attractions won’t be overrun with massive crowds.

No 3: Book Directly With a Hotel

While third-party booking sites like Expedia and Kayak are rather popular, some of these platforms add fees that drive up the cost of a room. If you plan to stay at one of the iconic Vegas hotels, contacting them to make a reservation can help you score a lower rate than what you’ll find anywhere online. Plus, many Vegas hotels offer a best rate guarantee, ensuring that those who book directly pay the lowest advertised price.

No. 4: Compare Hotel Rates & Amenities

Comparing prices is the key to paying less for luxury accommodations. And while booking directly with a hotel is usually best, you should at least check the prices on third-party sites. Occasionally, a special incentive can result in big savings. Be sure, though, to check the included amenities. Often, opting to pay a little more for a hotel stay in exchange for perks like free Wi-Fi or free breakfast makes good sense.

No 5: Look for Hotel Promotions

Visiting the websites of the Las Vegas hotels you’re interested in may be worth your while. Many offer deals, such as a room package that includes food credits, a limited-time discount on a luxury suite or a special rate for a room along with tickets to a show, for example. Additional savings on reservations made in advance or bargains on longer stays may also be up for grabs, and you won’t know unless you look.

No. 6: Check for Membership Deals

Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club sometimes offer deals on hotels, and if you’re a member, you might be able to snag a great room for a low cost. Membership with the AAA or the AARP can also allow you access to exclusive discounts, as can being a veteran or current military member. If you belong to any other associations or membership programs, see if they offer any savings on the top Las Vegas hotels.

No. 7: Redeem Your Miles & Points

Are you a frequent flyer? If you’re sitting on a stack of unused airline miles, consider using them to cut the cost of your hotel stay. Spending the points you’ve piled up through a credit cards reward program might also help you save more money. Now’s a good time to redeem your miles and points, as companies have devalued them before and they may come to be worth less as time goes on.

No. 8: Sign Up for Hotel Loyalty Programs

Creating a rewards account with the Las Vegas hotels you like best can be a good method of saving money. When you sign up, you can expect to receive an email newsletter containing a deal or discount on a hotel stay. Aim to join well in advance of your Sin City trip, and you may also receive other money-saving email offers that can make the cost of luxury accommodations much more manageable.

No 9: Choose a Hotel That Isn’t On the Strip

The Las Vegas hotels that are on the Strip are generally the most expensive. Booking a room at a luxury hotel that’s slightly further away from the action may provide enough savings to make up for the need to walk or pay for a ride to the Strip. Luxurious lodgings may also cheaper downtown. And whether you decide to stay near the Strip or near Fremont Street, you won’t be far from popular restaurants and attractions.

No 10: Book Multiple Rooms Instead of a Suite

If you’re traveling to Sin City with a group, take the time to compare the cost of a suite to that of more than one hotel room. Depending upon where you plan to stay, booking a suite may not save you much money. As an alternative, you can request adjoining rooms. Or, if you’re set on the idea of a luxurious suite, check out the options at the more budget-friendly Las Vegas hotels.

Bonus Tip: Ask the Hotel Clerk About Free Upgrades

This isn’t exactly a strategy for saving money, but it can help you reap rewards that make your stay in Sin City even better. When you check in, ask the hotel clerk if any free upgrades are available. If this is your first time in Las Vegas or you’re here to celebrate a special event, you may be treated to a complimentary room upgrade. Or, the clerk may offer you a great deal on an expensive suite.

Paying less for a room or suite at one of the best Las Vegas hotels can leave you with more cash to spend as you’d like. Hopefully, the tips above can help you achieve that goal. See you in Sin City!