Not everyone has the bankroll to play at high stakes, purchase a new Rolex, get front-row seats, order bottle service, or dine on some of the absolute best cuisine around while on a trip to Las Vegas.
Sin City isn’t the bargain it once was, but there are still a few lower-cost options to consider when heading to gamble a bit, take in a show, or grab a bite to eat.
Whether you’re working on your blackjack strategy, want to take a few spins on the roulette wheel, or just hanging out for a few days with friends, here’s a quick look at some bargains available in fabulous Las Vegas.
Stay and Play
Gamblers definitely need a place to stay while in Las Vegas. You may have booked a room, but the price definitely isn’t set in stone. The dreaded resort fee, which supposedly includes the pool, phones, gym, and other amenities, is charged right when checking in.
Resort fees can run more than $50 per day and really add to the rate – but aren’t listed in the price you’ll be quoted at the time of booking. Beware of this fee and the hotel’s location when trying to save a few bucks.
Those with smaller budgets may want to choose wisely. Anthony Curtis, owner and publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor, says those heading to the Strip should expect higher prices.
“Doing anything – from staying in a room to buying a beer – will cost more on the Strip,” he says. “There's still a lot of frugal options in Vegas, but they're mostly downtown and in the outlying locals casinos and bars. If you want to stay in a room close to the action, check out the second-tier places like Harrah's and Flamingo.”
Downtown Las Vegas has some old-school charm many gamblers appreciate. The area is also great for people watching.
To avoid some of those resort fees, gamblers are left with limited options. The Four Queen remains the only downtown Vegas casino without the fee, although Las Vegas Advisor members can use a coupon at the Grand for five days without a fee. These kinds of deals can help and some properties waive the fees if players reach a certain rewards status.
On the Strip, only the Best Western at Casino Royale doesn’t have a resort fee. For some other lower-cost options off the Strip, Curtis recommends the Rio or Gold Coast to the west and Tuscany or Silver Sevens to the east. Non-casino hotels located around the city can also be value options.
Showtime in Sin City
Vegas has some of the best live entertainment options around – from magicians and comedians to dance troupes and consents. There is something for everyone, but those tickets can come with some sticker shock.
Some casinos offer nice free or discounted shows and bar entertainment. Visitors looking for nice shows at a value price may want to head to the north end of the Strip. The Strat offers several value shows and experiences like iLuminate, Rouge, the L.A. Comedy Club, and more. Curtis says the property offers bargain prices compared to the average show price and features quality productions.
Heading to a day show is another way to save money as many properties offer lower-cost matinee prices. Buying online or at one of the ticket outlets along the Strip will also usually benefit ticket buyers with lower costs than buying at the box office.
Of course there are numerous other free entertainment options around Las Vegas. Simply walking along the Strip and downtown offers a chance to check out the sites and sounds of the casinos themselves.
The Bellagio fountains show is also always free and worth checking out. For some amusement park fun, the New York, New York roller coaster and The Linq High Roller ferris wheel are fairly inexpensive and can be quite a thrill.
There are many excellent entertainment options around Sin City, many of which won’t break the bank. As Curtis notes: “Prices are up everywhere, but you can still find deals.”
Hitting the (Dinner) Table
It’s no secret there is some great cuisine available in Las Vegas – that can range from quick-bite meals to fine dining. The budget conscious may just want to research a bit – seeking out more modest meals and splurging occasionally on something truly magnificent.
Again, heading downtown offers the chance to experience some fine meals without busting your bankroll. There are not only some great casino dining and cocktail options, but there are also some excellent restaurants and bars throughout Fremont Street and beyond.
“Downtown has lots of good things,” Curtis says. “You can just float from place to place for lower limits and food and drink prices. There’s a great bar scene on Fremont Street east of El Cortez and the Arts District, the area directly south of Charleston.”
Look for cheaper drinks and beer in the Fremont area and visitors can casino hop with that beverage in tow. Even a few budget meals and drink options can be found in the Strip area. The Casino Royale may not have $1 beer anymore, but $3 is not too bad for those looking to beat the Vegas summer heat.
Many Strip properties have happy hours as well, offering cheaper booze at certain times of day. The Stage Door Casino, located across from Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s) on Flamingo Road, features a dive bar amobiance and still offers $1 bottles of Budweiser and $3 bottles of Corona.
A personal favorite that isn’t too crazy is Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, located in the “party alley” adjacent to The Linq. This filling fish meal is fantastic and worth waiting in line for.
Curtis says players can’t do better than Ellis Island, which is located just off the Strip and offers a great steak dinner for as low as $9.99 at the Village Pub & Cafe. Simply join the rewards club to take advantage. The eatery is open 24/7 so you can carve up that steak at any time of day.
Get Some Gambling Going
The great thing about today’s Las Vegas is that gambling doesn’t always have to be on the menu. However, if you’re looking to work on your craps strategy, be aware that the days of $5 craps are over.
Look for cheaper gaming options downtown and on the outskirts of the city in general for lower-stakes games. Properties like the Excalibur, Luxor, Circus Circus, and Slots of Fun on the Strip may even occasionally offer some $5 and $10 blackjack.
In the sportsbook, making a few bets on a few games is a low-cost way to grab a drink with friends and check out some action on the big screens. Slots players will be in luck in most properties in Vegas and can usually easily find penny machines.
When it comes to poker, look for plenty of $1/$3 cash game action and possibly even $1/$2, depending on the location. There are numerous low buy-in nightly and daily tournaments that can be a lot of fun as well.
Planning that next Veags trip has never been easier, but a little strategy can help make sure you come back with all of your wallet intact.
