30 Ways to Save Money in Las Vegas

Times sure have changed! Many of the things that originally drew many of us to Vegas (cheap hotels, cheap buffets, no resort fees) are long gone. I remember a time when I stayed at the now closed Tropicana for $39! Today this is the resort fee at some of the higher end resorts!

This city is now an entertainment destination rather than solely a place to gamble, meaning hotels, restaurants, and attractions are now pricier than ever. This is actually good thing for anyone who doesn’t gamble as there is so much to do that you don’t even need to set foot near a gaming table. Unfortunately, it is no longer a cheap getaway so there is a trade off for all this new fun.

Despite the new pricier accommodations, outrageous resort fees, and overpriced restaurants, there are still numerous ways to make your trip more affordable. Below, I have highlighted a few of my best tips for saving money on your trip. I have been to Sin City a time or two even though I typically avoid overpriced tourist destinations. I simply focus on the free shows and entertainment rather than blowing money on casino games. As I am not a gambler, I’m not tempted at all to step onto to the gaming floor, but I am excited about all the new attractions and ever growing lineup of wonderful shows.

Keep a few of these ideas in mind for your next trip and you will probably save enough for another trip next year.

1. Don’t gamble!

The simplest way to save the most amount of money on your trip is by choosing not to participate in any gambling activities. With the diverse variety of shows, fantastic restaurants, and the range of interesting casino attractions, avoiding the slots is much easier nowadays than it was in the past. Most of the times, I would never even think twice of walking onto a casino floor. There is so much excitement in every direction that I don’t even notice it is there. Today, there are so many attractions to suit everyone’s unique budget and personal preference.

2. Take advantage of all the free entertainment/shows/attractions

It’s easy to find things to do that cost nothing in a city known as the king of free entertainment. You could easily not spend a dime on any activity outside of lodging and dining. Every resort on The Strip offers its’ own unique, free attractions, from the spectacular Bellagio fountains show to The Mirage volcano eruption show. Update: Sadly, the volcano erupted for the final time on July 17, 2024.

I recommend walking around each casino and checking out all the freebies (check out my list of the best). Concentrating on all the wonderful free attractions will easily save you hundreds of dollars over paying for pricey shows and spas, plus, it’s great exercise!

3. Avoid weekends

Obviously, booking your hotel during the week is going to be much cheaper, sometimes you can save hundreds of dollars. Hotels fill up quicker on weekends due to the easy access for residents of Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. If you can get the time off, a weekday visit will offer reduced savings on almost everything (hotels, buffet, bars, etc.).

For example, rates for The Venetian rates can top $600 on the weekends. You can save a few hundred bucks by visiting mid-week. This is a great opportunity for budget minded travelers to visit that resort you have been lusting over. I have scored some really great rates at mid priced resorts like The Paris, The Mirage, and Palms Place by planning weekday trips (which was quite easy when I lived in northern Arizona).

4. Avoid holidays

Not only will the pricing be higher, the crowds will also be unbearable. As another downside, buffets and attractions are really over-packed on holiday weekends, meaning longer lines. Who wants to spend their vacation waiting in line – not me fore sure! Save some money, save yourself some hassle by booking your trip outside of holiday periods.

5. Visit the half price ticket booth

Tix4Tonight is a popular discount booth offering valuable discounts off everything including shows, buffets, and even popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower Experience. The Planet Hollywood location particularly stands out as it is right in the center of The Strip. If you are planning on a show/dinner anyways, you might as well check to see what deals are available.

You can also view daily deals on the website before making the trek over. Some of the deals I’ve come across recently: David Copperfield 40% off, Jersey Boys 50% off, and 63% off the Eiffel Tower Experience. Another great site for finding show discount tickets is Best of Vegas.

6. Check discount sites like Groupon for great deals

You can often find deals for popular hotels, attractions, and restaurants on promotional sites like LivingSocial and Groupon. The Linq High Roller, Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood, casino resorts, spas, and various local restaurants frequently advertise deals. I sign up for deals in the city a few weeks before my trip to see what is available.

7. Sign up for a player’s card

Earning points on your player’s card can earn you special rewards, which can be used throughout the casino. In addition, some casinos will mail you specialty promotions (discounted hotel rates, discounts off restaurants, etc.) after signing up. Some even give out freebies when you initially sign up (free play, buffet discounts, etc.). It doesn’t hurt to sign up and see what deals are available!

8. Visit a buffet for a late breakfast/early lunch combo

A buffet will fill you up for almost an entire day, unlike a regular restaurant. Unfortunately, long gone are the days of the $1.99 buffet. Many buffets actually offer the food, service, and setting you would expect at a nice restaurant. Many of the casino buffets are quite good in my opinion, although seem to keep getting pricier by the year. Breakfast tends to be about $15-20 cheaper than dinner, yet still offering a decent selection of food, and definitely more than enough to satisfy your cravings.

Planning your meal at the end of breakfast/brunch enables you to enjoy a sampling from both menus, while still paying the much cheaper breakfast price. Also keep in mind that the later you plan the buffet, the longer until you have to pay for another meal – it’s a great savings strategy for those watching their budget. The Bellagio and The Wynn are a bit pricier, but absolutely worth the splurge.

9. Choose a hotel with low resort fees

Nowadays, resort fees have really gotten out of hand. Just a few years ago, there were still a few resorts without any fees, but fast forward a few years and even most of the Fremont Street hotels have hefty fees. Some of the fancier resorts charge more than $45 bucks a night – this is crazy if you ask me! This can really add up on longer stays, so be prepared to budget for this extra cost (typically a hidden fee not included in the hotel price when booking).

At The South Point Hotel, a great hotel located off The Strip, the resort fee is a bit more modest. For your $33 a night, you get a valuable coupon booklet. At least you actually get something for your money as opposed to the minor “perks” offered by most resorts like free access to the fitness center (not the spa), sometimes water bottles, and free wi-fi. I actually thought this hotel was a steal with so many great amenities including a great Italian restaurant (Don Vito’s) and an awesome hot tub. Unfortunately, if you don’t have your own car you will have to pay for multiple rides to and from The Strip.

10. Be aware of new parking fees

One of the biggest perks for those driving to Vegas used to be the huge, free parking garages. Sadly, this is all about to change. All MGM casinos, starting in April of 2016, will be charging for self parking. So if you are driving and want to avoid these added fees, be sure to book at a non MGM property. This could be a bit difficult as MGM Resorts comprise most of the Strip. Note that at some casinos (MGM and Caesars Reward Members) park for free.

Update: As of 2025, Circus Circus and Treasure Island are still free. Read more about free parking options on and off the Strip.