Vegas on a Budget

[+ not2rowdy]

The next couple of months are ideal, weather wise, so here are some hints for those on a “tighter budget” planning to visit Las Vegas.

 

It may be cheaper, in the long run, to suck it up and get a hotel room on (or near) The Strip. Ideally one about in the center. That way you can probably get by without a rental car (and parking fees) and avoid the cost of taxis.

 

Also consider hotels slightly “off Strip” but walkable to the Strip. These would include the Rio, Gold Coast, Embassy Suites, Hard Rock, Hooters and others.

 

And consider Downtown. This is where the original Las Vegas casino life started. Rooms and restaurants are typically considerably cheaper than the Strip. It’s undergoing a serious, and favorable, revitalization.

 

There’s bus service along the Strip (the Deuce) and to Downtown (SDX). For $8 you can buy a 24 hour bus pass either on the bus (exact amount required), or at kiosks. The bus pass is good for any RTC bus during the 24 hour period.

http://www.rtcsnv.com

 

The Las Vegas Monorail runs on the east side of the Strip. It basically runs from the SLS Hotel (which is not far from the Stratosphere) to the MGM Grand. You can buy an unlimited use 24 hour ticket for $12.

http://www.lvmonorail.com

 

There are free shuttles that run from the Strip to various outlying hotels.

http://www.lvmonorail.com/las-vegas-monorail-free-shuttle/

 

There are free elevated trams on the westside of the Strip that run between

Treasure Island < > Mirage

Bellagio < > City Center < > Monte Carlo

Excalibur < > Luxor < > Mandalay Bay

 

Once you understand the casino layout it’s possible to walk from Fashion Show Mall/Wynn Resorts to Mandalay Bay staying most of the time indoors.

 

Collect the various casino “player cards”. They’re free and give you discounts on casino buffets, some restaurants and shows. The main ones are:

M Life: MGM Properties (mostly South Strip)

Total Rewards: Caesar’s Properties (mostly Center Strip)

Grazie: Venetian & Palazzo (North Strip)

 

If you’re shopping go to customer service and get a “coupon book”. They may offer significant savings depending on what you plan to buy.

North Outlet Mall: $10 (free with military ID)

South Outlet Mall: $10 (free with military ID)

Fashion Show/Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes: Free

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood: Free

 

MGM Properties offer a 24 hour buffet pass good at Luxor and Excalibur for around $40.

 

If you have a car consider “off-Strip casino” buffets. They are much cheaper. You will need the appropriate casino “player card” (free) to get the very best deal. It’s not uncommon to get a good lunch buffet at a “local’s casino” for under $12.

 

There are several “half-price” ticket outlets along the Strip where you can obtain show tickets. But they typically work out to being closer to “two-thirds” price. Probably still a good deal. You’re usually issued a non-refundable voucher which you then take to the show box office and exchange for a real ticket. You may get very close to the same deal going directly to appropriate box office and presenting your “players card”. Some shows offer significant discounts to Military ID, AARP and various credit card holders.

 

If you get away from the Strip and Downtown areas Las Vegas is probably pretty much like any other city of its size. There are the typical grocery stores and shopping areas. Prices will less expensive than the “tourist areas”.

[+ azdr0710]

excellent summary....thanks @not2rowdy

 

most know this, of course, but I want to add that hotel rooms on weekdays (Sun night thru Thurs night) are significantly cheaper than Fri and Sat nights in Las Vegas.....if you can manage a stay during the week, lots of savings.....also, I've often been able to get free room upgrades at check-in simply by smiling and saying things like "hello", "glad to be here", "sure looking forward to my time" or "have heard great things about this hotel"....it may or may not work and you may have to pay the upgrade.....most of the Strip hotel rooms have greatly varying views.....if that's important, you may want to scope out the exterior of the building before check-in and request what you like.....I often have good luck using hotwire and shrewd users can often tell which hotel will come up (hotel not disclosed until irrevocably paid for)....additionally, LV hotel rates are not horribly expensive to begin with since, of course, they want you in the casino

 

have visited LV many times and my dream room (someday) appears to be a higher-floor room (to get above the nearby Bellagio bell tower) in the Cosmopolitan's east tower facing north.....that may be the best hotel room view of the Strip in town??....these people have one of those rooms with this view (seen towards end of clip):

 

[handiacefailure]

One place I recommend is the Hilton Grand vacation club on Karen. It's near the SLS and only a three minute walk to the Westgate Monorail. I like that you can get to your room quickly and not have to walk 10 minutes through a casino. Not sure if this is the case for all guests, but if you are a Hilton diamond they don't charge a resort fee. That is something that really irritates me about most Vegas hotels is that resort fee.

[Bearofdistinction]

And if you go to the Freemont Street Experience you can still get a $2.99 Shrimp Cocktail and a $7.99 Prime Rib at the

Tony Roma's across from Binions' Casino!

 

Plus at the Casino's even at the bar -- premium drinks are $2-3 bucks and there are

$2.00 tables - So if you gamble just for FUN -- Freemont Street (The Old Vegas) is a great night out. Plus the free light show - entertainment - and most of the Vegas Signs that you see in movies are on Freemont! And how bad could a place be that has a hotel/casino called

 

The Four Queens!

[BSR]

excellent summary....thanks @not2rowdy

 

most know this, of course, but I want to add that hotel rooms on weekdays (Sun night thru Thurs night) are significantly cheaper than Fri and Sat nights in Las Vegas.....if you can manage a stay during the week, lots of savings.....also, I've often been able to get free room upgrades at check-in simply by smiling and saying things like "hello", "glad to be here", "sure looking forward to my time" or "have heard great things about this hotel"....it may or may not work and you may have to pay the upgrade.....most of the Strip hotel rooms have greatly varying views.....if that's important, you may want to scope out the exterior of the building before check-in and request what you like.....I often have good luck using hotwire and shrewd users can often tell which hotel will come up (hotel not disclosed until irrevocably paid for)....additionally, LV hotel rates are not horribly expensive to begin with since, of course, they want you in the casino

 

have visited LV many times and my dream room (someday) appears to be a higher-floor room (to get above the nearby Bellagio bell tower) in the Cosmopolitan's east tower facing north.....that may be the best hotel room view of the Strip in town??....these people have one of those rooms with this view (seen towards end of clip):

 

Yes, hotel rooms are usually much cheaper Sun-Thu, about half the weekend rate. The exception to this rule is big conventions. If a hotel is hosting or is near a big convention and therefore is almost sold out, the rates skyrocket.

 

One of my favorite Las Vegas activities is free, or almost. I like to sit in one of the bars at the Bellagio with a friend and play "Granddaughter, Hooker, Trophy Wife, or Mistress." OK, you have to buy a drink, but the game itself is free. Look for an older gentleman accompanied by a decades-younger hottie. In the Bellagio, or any high-end Vegas hotel, you won't have to wait long. Then with your friend(s), debate whether the young lady is the old guy's granddaughter, a hooker, a trophy wife, or a mistress. Trust me, after a few rounds, it's a total hoot!!

[+ azdr0710]

"Granddaughter, Hooker, Trophy Wife, or Mistress."

 

when I was in my upper teens/early 20s or so, my Dad and I were in LV for a night once....still very naive at the whole thing, I asked my Dad (an airline captain) to point out a hooker if he saw one in the hotel bar we were in.....just a few minutes later, he motioned to a very classy-looking, well-dressed, 30-ish woman across the bar from us....she'd been eyeing my Dad and continued to.....don't remember if she was sitting with any dude or not

[Bearofdistinction]

Yes, hotel rooms are usually much cheaper Sun-Thu, about half the weekend rate. The exception to this rule is big conventions. If a hotel is hosting or is near a big convention and therefore is almost sold out, the rates skyrocket.

 

One of my favorite Las Vegas activities is free, or almost. I like to sit in one of the bars at the Bellagio with a friend and play "Granddaughter, Hooker, Trophy Wife, or Mistress." OK, you have to buy a drink, but the game itself is free. Look for an older gentleman accompanied by a decades-younger hottie. In the Bellagio, or any high-end Vegas hotel, you won't have to wait long. Then with your friend(s), debate whether the young lady is the old guy's granddaughter, a hooker, a trophy wife, or a mistress. Trust me, after a few rounds, it's a total hoot!!

 

Do you play the same game with older guys and young men --- Nephew/Son/Hooker/Trophy Boy? Cause I'd like to know the best place in Vegas to play that game!

[MontrealSucks]

Here is what grinds my gears about the "new" Vegas. Now, all of the Harrah's properties (includes Ceasars Palace) and the MGM properties (includes Bellagio) charge for all parking, unless you are a "higher up" with its players card. So the average visitor who wants to go and shell out $50 bucks or more for Ceasars impressive Bacchanal Buffet, will have to pay around $10 or more for parking on top of the buffet cost... GREEDY, GREEDY, GREEDY

[escortrod]

Here is what grinds my gears about the "new" Vegas. Now, all of the Harrah's properties (includes Ceasars Palace) and the MGM properties (includes Bellagio) charge for all parking, unless you are a "higher up" with its players card. So the average visitor who wants to go and shell out $50 bucks or more for Ceasars impressive Bacchanal Buffet, will have to pay around $10 or more for parking on top of the buffet cost... GREEDY, GREEDY, GREEDY

It's not like parking costs the casinos nothing. They have to use fairly expensive land, build and maintain the structures, secure the structures, etc. If nothing else it will hopefully push people towards using taxis and away from drink driving.

[MikeBiDude]

Here is what grinds my gears about the "new" Vegas. Now, all of the Harrah's properties (includes Ceasars Palace) and the MGM properties (includes Bellagio) charge for all parking, unless you are a "higher up" with its players card. So the average visitor who wants to go and shell out $50 bucks or more for Ceasars impressive Bacchanal Buffet, will have to pay around $10 or more for parking on top of the buffet cost... GREEDY, GREEDY, GREEDY

REALITY It's a reality in business...keeping just the existing standard of service is more expensive. Wages, unions, health care, utilities....all increased expenses

[down_to_business]

...

have visited LV many times and my dream room (someday) appears to be a higher-floor room (to get above the nearby Bellagio bell tower) in the Cosmopolitan's east tower facing north.....that may be the best hotel room view of the Strip in town??..[/MEDIA]

 

I stay at Cosmopolitan almost exclusively now when I go to LV and I can't disagree about the best views in town. You can actually get fountain views from either tower. You will, however, pay for the view which runs a little counter to the "budget" themed subject.

 

Excellent summary n2r

 

I have not rented or needed a car for a long time unless maybe if you want to drive out to Hoover Dam or some other touristy way off strip site . Cabs, Uber, busses, shuttles, monorail, walking... many options for transportation to avoid those parking hassles.

[MontrealSucks]

It's not like parking costs the casinos nothing. They have to use fairly expensive land, build and maintain the structures, secure the structures, etc. If nothing else it will hopefully push people towards using taxis and away from drink driving.

 

 

At least they should offer validated parking when you spend money in their casino or shops...

[MikeBiDude]

I stay at Cosmopolitan almost exclusively now when I go to LV and I can't disagree about the best views in town. You can actually get fountain views from either tower. You will, however, pay for the view which runs a little counter to the "budget" themed subject.

 

Let's start a counter thread "Vegas NOT on a budget" lol

[+ not2rowdy]

Let's start a counter thread "Vegas NOT on a budget" lol

 

That's way too easy!

The odds are always in favor of the house!!

Somebody is paying for all those fancy buildings, glitz and glamor!

[+ not2rowdy]

...That is something that really irritates me about most Vegas hotels is that resort fee.

 

I’ve ranted in the past about the hidden resort fees. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when comparing hotel rates. Here are some links:

https://www.vegas.com/incl/resortfees.html

http://www.lasvegasdirect.com/las-vegas-hotel-resort-fees/

 

If you’re shopping for electronics the best “one stop” location would be the huge Fry’s Electronics store. It’s located on Las Vegas Blvd (The Strip) about 2 miles south of Mandalay Bay in the Town Square shopping complex. Don’t forget to calculate in about 8.5pct sales tax. The South Outlet Mall is located diagonally across the street about another half mile south.

 

The local Friday newspaper (LV Review-Journal) has a weekend guide called the “Neon” that is very useful. This link will get you to much of the same info:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment

 

There are some reasonably priced (for the Strip) restaurants located in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Especially for the breakfast specials - but they get you for the coffee.

[down_to_business]

Here is the top 10 values according to Anthony Curtis' website, http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/topten.cfm

 

Ellis Island - 24 hours - $7.99

 

The complete steak dinner, available 24 hours a day at Ellis Island for $7.99, is back in the #1 spot after a month at #2 due to the opening of the Lucky Dragon. We tried it again last month and quality was as high as it’s always been for this best of Las Vegas’ many steak dinner specials. To get the $7.99 price you have to print out two coupons from an EI kiosk, the second after playing at least $5 in any slot machine with your club card inserted.

 

Skyline - 24 hours - $1.49

 

The shrimp cocktail at Skyline is served 24/7 at the main bar and comes in a cocktail glass, with no filler lettuce or celery, and topped with a tangy sauce.

 

Best Western Plus Casino Royale - 24 hours - $1

 

The Casino Royale bar has completed its build-out and some drink prices have been raised, but the Michelob deal survives. You can still get a Michelob or Michelob Ultra in the bottle around the clock for just a buck.

 

Klondike Sunset - Daily - $1.49

 

The $1.49 bacon or sausage & eggs breakfast at Klondike Sunset is the lowest-priced eggs-and-meat breakfast in town, available every day from 7 to 11 am. Plus there are four more good specials served during the same hours.

 

Flamingo Las Vegas - Daily - 5¢

 

Against the odds, the Flamingo’s 5¢ beer (#7) made it through its first month and continues to be served daily from 5 to 6 pm at the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar in the Margaritaville Casino area. This deal packs ’em in for an hour, so head over a little early and pay retail ($6) for the first one to stake out your position, then pop another five for just a quarter more.

 

Harrah's - Tues.-Sat. - $14.98

 

It looks like the deal for the Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s has changed slightly. Rather than having to buy two tickets to get the discount, we’re told that you can buy single tickets for $14.98 apiece. Go to the players club and ask for the Mac King drink-ticket special, or just use the vouchers in the Member Rewards Book when you get a subscription to the Las Vegas Advisor.

 

South Point - Daily - $1.25

 

With a price increase on the wieners at competitor Gold Coast, the $1.25 hot dogs at South Point become an even better deal. The dogs are sold from a cart in the sports book from 10 am until 5 pm. They come with onions, kraut, and relish at no additional charge and there’s a three-per-person limit.

 

Arizona Charlie's - both locations - 24 hours - $4.99

 

Arizona Charlie’s is back on the list with its trio of specials in the Sourdough Cafés at both Decatur and Boulder. Get steak & eggs, ham & eggs, or a hamburger & fries for $4.99 when you show your club card. All three deals are offered 24/7, except mid.-6 am Mon.-Fri. at Boulder.

[MikeBiDude]

That's way too easy!

The odds are always in favor of the house!!

Somebody is paying for all those fancy buildings, glitz and glamor!

And I don't play any table games, slots, etc. I visit the sports book and maybe poker. I had a horse race handicapping guru ruin casinos for me 20 years ago - his background was math/probabilities/statistics and we always worked with an "edge" when looking at horse races. Guess who has this (albeit small) "edge" in Vegas!!? On billions in revenue. "The take", "the drop"?

[+ azdr0710]

One reason for the new parking fees is many people were parking for free in the casino garages and flying out of town for days or weeks on end. Others would park and head for the National Parks for a few days.

[+ deej]

Skyline - 24 hours - $1.49

 

The shrimp cocktail at Skyline is served 24/7 at the main bar and comes in a cocktail glass, with no filler lettuce or celery, and topped with a tangy sauce.

 

I've never quite been able to wrap my head around visiting the desert for seafood.

[MikeBiDude]

I've never quite been able to wrap my head around visiting the desert for seafood.

Eh, consider how many flights in/out if the Vegas airport...even in SoCal a LOT of seafood comes from LAX not Santa Monica Bay

[handiacefailure]

Something I would recommend for someone visiting vegas is to sign up for the Harrah's credit card. They usually have a sign up bonus where you can get two 24-hour buffet passes for signing up and Platinum status the first year. Even if you dont use the card it's fee free and the butter pass is a nice bonus not to mention at a couple buffets the status gets you in a priority line

 

I really miss the old LV Hilton. As a Hilton diamond I was comped two breakfast buffets every morning (great spread). Use of the VIP lounge and no resort fees. Hotel was dated but it was great being able to stay there for $50ish a nite, the free buffet almost paid for the trip.

[BSR]

It's not like parking costs the casinos nothing. They have to use fairly expensive land, build and maintain the structures, secure the structures, etc. If nothing else it will hopefully push people towards using taxis and away from drink driving.

I think the MGM Resorts' decision to break Las Vegas Strip precedent and to charge for parking was not taken lightly. It was costing them $millions to build and maintain their parking structures, and many of those who took advantage of the free parking were Vegas locals who tend to spend far less than out-of-town visitors in the casino-hotels. In all fairness, you don't have to gamble much at the tables (whether casino games or in the poker room) to get a membership upgrade that includes free parking. I couldn't tell you about slot machines. MGM Resorts and the Venetian/Palaazzo count all your spending in their hotels -- not just in the casino but also restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops -- to qualify for the upgrade.

 

As much as people think of the casino-hotels as cash cows, they're really not. The daily operating expenses for the typical ~3,000 room casino-hotel -- i.e., salaries, benefits, equipment supplies (imagine what they spend just for toilet paper!), utilities, insurance, etc. -- are at least $2 million a day. Keep in mind that since most employees are union, the casino-hotels' labor costs are surprisingly high. For example, a chef a Gordon Ramsay told me that your average line cook (the guy who chops vegetables and other tasks that require little training/experience) in other cities makes $9/hr with no benefits. In the casino restaurants, the line cooks make $18/hr plus benefits -- vacation days, sick days, and the big expense, health insurance. During the recession the casino-hotels racked up losses in the $billions. In 2012, the Strip casino-hotels lost $1.4 billion, and in the worst of the recession (I forget if it was 2009 or 2010) the collective loss for strip casino-hotels was more than $4 billion. While they're back in the black now, the casinos aren't the money factories that some might think.

[handiacefailure]

Not sure how much MGM charges for parking, but if you are racking up over $90 a year it would be cheaper to get a Hyatt credit card. The Hyatt credit card gives you platinum status with Hyatt which gets you gold status at MGM through the crossover program which waives your parking. Plus you get two free nights as a sign up bonus and then after that you get a free night a year on renewal which pays for the membership there.

 

Or if you stay at Hyatt's enough for Plat. Or diamond status just go to an MLIfe desk and they'll upgrade your MGM status.

 

I have a feeling this will be like resort fees and now that one casino has started it they will all follow. I know someone in Vegas that used to park at MGM and uber it to Vegas airport for flights to avoid parking.

[+ sniper]

We all got spoiled by the early 2000s when they WERE a cash cow - you could practically make a meal of what they offered you just at the spa.

I go several times a year and it was interesting to watch as amenities were dropped one by one.

Where they really took a bath was City Center, building a ton of condos in the Center Strip just as the real estate market crashed.

[+ deej]

Eh, consider how many flights in/out if the Vegas airport...even in SoCal a LOT of seafood comes from LAX not Santa Monica Bay

 

Yeah, my remark was facetious.

 

I grew up in the midwest and lived through the era when decent seafood became not only available but even affordable thanks to improvements in air transit/shipping. As a kid, shrimp cocktail was something reserved as a treat for new year's eve because it was so expensive.