How to Save on the Trip to Las Vegas, without Compromising the Quality of Your Holiday
Las Vegas is expensive, though with some planning and these tips, you can still get the best value for your money.
There is a balance between saving money, and compromising with food, drink, or the quality of your accommodation. This is different for everyone. Some people won’t compromise at all, and good luck to them. Others want to maximise their money. I try to get the best Las Vegas deals, while making sure that saving cash does not interfere with my enjoyment.
These tips for getting value for your Vegas trip cover the big-ticket expenses like hotels and flights (including packages). In part #2, I cover shows, coupons and food / drink.
Best Value for Las Vegas: Timing Your Visit
If you are flexible on when to go, there are some excellent value deals to be had at quiet times.
Summer is the busiest, with pool season from April to October always packed at the weekends.
January is the cheapest month – though you need to avoid the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the start of this month.
It is not only the season which affects prices. US bank holidays are a big factor. Avoid the 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Memorial Day where possible. You should also avoid major sporting events. Prices rise significantly for the Superbowl, Formula 1, March Madness (basketball) and for the NFL draft.
Finally, a quick check for any giant conferences will help you to avoid spikes in prices.
Las Vegas Value: Choosing a Hotel
I never recommend staying off-strip to save money.
Especially for your first trip, being on the Strip is part of the experience and getting around will soon use up any cash you saved.
There are tiers of hotel in terms of quality on the Strip. Wynn, Encore, Venetian, and Cosmopolitan are all fantastic hotels, tough will cost more. Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and Aria are wonderful options, though you’ll need to go down two more tiers before you get to the bargain prices.
Keep in mind that you’ll pay a ‘resort fee’ when you check out. This will add $35 to $50 per night and will not be part of your upfront payment unless explicitly stated.
The best value of all combines a great location with a reasonable price. Many of the Caesars Entertainment properties fit these criteria: Flamingo, Planet Hollywood or Horseshoe are solid first-time options. MGM properties including NYNY and Park MGM work – and the Mirage (soon to be Hard Rock Hotel) is a popular option.
Getting Value in Las Vegas: The $20 Trick Still Works
I’m a Brit and handing that $20 bill folded with my credit card while asking for any complimentary upgrades always makes me feel shy and awkward.
I still do it though – every single time – for the simple reason that it works.
If there is a shot at an upgrade, the receptionist will check and help you. If not, they will simply decline, and you can keep your $20 (unless you’d like to tip anyway). I have been upgraded to strip-view rooms, to bigger floorplans and even to a better tower (at Caesars) simply for asking nicely.
Some people are suggesting that $50 is the new $20. While this might work at the higher-end property, I’m not personally convinced that the extra cash is needed.
Are Package Tours to Las Vegas Better Value?
Package holidays which combine flights and hotel accommodation are available via both British Airways and Virgin.
They are usually better value than booking separately, though with a couple of caveats.
- To get the best value, you need to book a long way in advance.
- The list of hotels is limited, with some big discrepancies in the price.
- I find that you won’t get the best business class fares this way.
You also need to keep in mind that the resort fees are not included. These are paid separately at checkout. You also won’t be credited points for the casino loyalty schemes for package tours. If you are only going once, then that will not be a problem. For regular visitors, those points and complementary hotel stay offers make a big difference over time.
Flying Ex-Europe for Value Las Vegas Air Fares
If you plan to fly Premium Economy, Business Class or First – then flying from major European airports to Las Vegas unlocks some excellent offers.
Many of the flights will go back via Heathrow, even though they are half price compared to flying direct.
You need to balance the extra expense of flying to Budapest, Berlin, Dublin, or Lisbon (for example) with the saving on the fare. This is why I don’t recommend ex-Europe flying for economy seats. Depending on the timing, you may also need an airport hotel.
With the price of flying at all-time highs, these deals are a great way of maximising your value. I regularly watch websites including Secret Flying, Premium-Flights, and Skip’s Luxury Flights Club (no affiliation with any of them) for the best ex-Europe Business class deals.
This guide to getting the best value trip to Las Vegas covered the big-ticket items. In part 2 I drill down into those day-to-day expenses for eating, drinking, shows and more.
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