Las Vegas: Insider Tips for Hotels

By: Nicholas Robbins ©2010

Las Vegas is the ultimate adult's playground. The "Entertainment Capitol of the World" is famous for soaring hotels, massive casinos and fabulous entertainment found around every corner. Staying in Vegas can be a massive drain on the budget, but this Vegas-certified travel agent offers a number of tips to save money while enjoying all that the city has to offer.

Avoid the Busy Season

While the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau (LVCVB) may claim there are no slow periods, there are definitely busy ones. Spring and summer vacation times and holiday weekends see throngs of college students and parents booking rooms on or close to the strip. Supply and demand is the name of the game. By avoiding the vacation and holiday travel periods, travelers can save 50% or more on their hotel room rates.

Pick the Hotel That Fits Your Needs

Forty-seven different hotels are registered as "On the Strip" with the LVCVB. Each offers its own series of rates and amenities. If you plan to spend most of your time on the strip and out of the room, an inexpensive property such as the Imperial Palace or Circus Circus may have just what you need. The Flamingo and Bally's are in the center of the action and offer very modest rates if you book in advance. For a more exquisite feel, or to impress those travelling with you, try the Four Seasons. Because of the competition in the area, rates at this luxury hotel begin very low compared to its other worldwide locations.

Join the Club

Once you've picked out your property, join the hotel's casino club. You'll receive insider rates on rooms as well as free upgrades and amenities when they are available. Hotels without a casino may still be affiliated with a chain's casino club. Ask the hotel's concierge for how to join the club or what hotels are affiliated with your stay. You aren't restricted to just one club, either. Many casinos will be more than happy to sign you up, and may even give you additional bonuses if you can show them you're already a member at another hotel.

Ask for Incentives

One of the biggest insider secrets of Vegas, and the one which all regular travelers eventually learn, is that it never hurts to ask. When checking in, ask if upgrades are available. If you're a long-time holder of a club card, include this information with your request. Rooms that are literally hundreds of dollars more expensive per night may be available for only a token amount, ten or twenty dollars, if they're not booked for the evening.

Conclusion

When you visit Las Vegas, the hotel stay can be one of the least expensive parts of your visit. Just keep the dates, amenities, and membership tips in mind so that you can get out and enjoy yourself without having to count every nickel before it hits a slot machine.