I am going to Vegas for a vacation. Any money-saving advice while there??
While Las Vegas is glitzy that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. It is possible to do everything you want and save money, especially now. Vegas is still hurting from the recession so there are probably some pretty good deals. As soon as you arrive, pick up a copy of What’s On magazine, it’s filled with coupons and deals. Also, pick up coupon books in the hotel kiosk; they are often full of great deals. Ask your hotel concierge what’s going on and what deals you can find while you are there, ask about free show tickets, drink tickets and meal tickets. You never know what deals you might find unless you ask.
Hotels
You can stay on the strip without spending a fortune. Circus Circus and Excalibur are known for being consistently cheaper hotels on the strip. The Imperial is also usually affordable and has low-minimum tables.
Gambling
Gambling can be expensive and don’t forget: The house always wins. Have fun but keep an eye on how much you’re spending. It’s a good idea to only take a certain amount of money with you to the casino; it’s also a good idea not to take your ATM card. This way, when you run out of money you have to stop playing.
If you like gambling and find that you have a favorite casino, or if you are playing where you are staying, sign up for their Players/Reward Club (these cards are often called “slot cards” but they are good for tables and slots). Each time you play use can your card to build up points. Make sure you put your card into the slot machine or put it down on top of your money when you sit at a table so you get “rated” and you get your points.
These points can be used for “comps” in the form of free food, rooms, show and sometimes even travel. When you sign up ask them for all of the details. There is a chance you may not be able to use them on this trip, but you may rack up comps for the next time you visit Vegas. If you don’t plan on coming back to Vegas before your comps expire ask if you can use them for a reduction on your bill when you checkout, however, this only works if you are staying in the same hotel where you have a Player’s Card.
You may also be able to earn free meals. If you’ve been playing for a few hours ask how much longer you have to play to comp a free dinner, you may be surprised to hear that you’ve already earned one! If you are losing money, and this is important, don’t just keep playing to get a free dinner, chances are it won’t be worth it.
Watch out for table minimums. Having to bet $5 a hand can quickly add up. The smaller casino’s often have lower minimums. The Sahara, Slots-A-Fun, and Casino Royale are just a few known for $1 table minimums. Check your coupon books for free plays in the slot machines, matching table game bets and more.
Transportation
Luckily you don’t need to rent a car in Las Vegas. There are cheap shuttles from the airport to all of the hotels. Moreover, there are plenty of free shuttles all over Vegas. Many of the casino hotels have their own free shuttles. There is one that goes between Excalibur and Mandalay Bay and another one from Harrah’s to the Rio (which is off-strip). The Hard Rock has a shuttle that goes to the Fashion Show Mall to the Polo Towers (north of the MGM Grand), it is bright purple and you can usually flag one down wherever you see it. If you do drive, don’t buy gas on the strip; instead, drive a few extra minutes east or west where gas if often much cheaper. While valet parking your car may be free, you still have to tip. Park in the free lot and walk to save a few bucks. The Las Vegas Strip used to be famous for its cheap buffets. Not anymore! Many hotels on the Strip are now known for their high-end, and often very expensive, restaurants. However, there are a few places that still have cheap buffets including the Imperial Palace ($9.50), Circus Circus ($10), and Sahara ($8-$10). However, off the Strip you can still find $9.99 steak dinners, so venture off the beaten path for better deals. If you are looking for really cheap food on the Strip try the Slots-A-Fun 1/2 lb hot dogs for 99 cents and the Gold Coast hot dogs for $1.25. The locals say that Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 has an off-menu steak & shrimp special that you have to ask for by name. Las Vegas also has In-N-Out Burger and Pink’s Hot Dogs. House of Blue’s in Mandalay Bay is also known for good, affordable food. Gonzalez y Gonzalez in New York New York has Mexican food for under $15. Again, ask around, and be honest, tell them you are on a budget. The people who live there will know where to send you. The casinos want you there and they’ll give you free drinks as long as you’re playing. You can sit and play slowly while drinking and then you won’t have to spend money on alcohol. There are also many clubs in Vegas that offer Ladies Nights’ where women drink free. Slots-A-Fun often has a variety of $1 beers. For any souvenirs or sundries, find a or another drugstore. There are plenty on the Strip. Buy some bottled water to keep in your hotel room; you can sometimes get 12 bottles for $3 instead of paying $1 per bottle from your hotel mini-bar or the shop inside the hotel. If you need toothpaste or aspirin these things will also be much cheaper at the drugstore. You can actually find great Vegas souvenirs in the drugstores, including t-shirts, often for a fraction of the price at the hotel gift shops! Again grab a copy of What’s On. Check out this list of free things to do: . That site also has Vegas attractions for locals, including free movie screenings. If there is a show that you know you want to see, including the Cirque du Soleil shows, try , or one of their eight locations on the Strip. They have up to 50 percent off tickets for that evening’s shows and sometimes for dinners. If you can’t find something there try and for better than box office ticket prices. Here are just a few free things to do in Vegas (all of these are daily unless otherwise stated):