Why do I love Vegas if I really don’t like gambling? Strange for someone like me, who isn’t a gambler. I’ll play blackjack, $5 hands in downtown casinos while having a few drinks is my style and never going to get me comped rooms or free trips. Vegas doesn’t make its money off me by shopping or gambling…. eating, drinking and seeing shows will make up for what I lack at the players club every trip. Even so, I have learned lots of ways to keep costs down when visiting Las Vegas from hotels, shows and food. Read on for ideas on how to save in the city designed to get you to spend.
First, I love exploring the hotels and resorts! I’ve been to Las Vegas many times over the past 20 years and they just keep building more and more impressive hotels. Some are European themed, others feel like ‘old Vegas’ and some just scream wealth, but they are a sight to see and visitors need to build in lots of time to walk through and enjoy them properly. These resorts are huge and they draw you into the center with shows, restaurants and exhibits and hope to keep you on the casino floor. Don’t underestimate how large these complexes are and how long it will take to walk from property to property, let alone to a specific restaurant or theater. It’s always more fun to have extra time to explore, take pictures, enjoy a drink or do a little gambling on the way.
Seeing the free shows is a great activity while walking the strip. My favorite show is the Bellagio fountains, during the day or night, as well as visiting the conservatory gardens. The show quality is so impressive and the music really sets the stage of an open-air Italian Piazza. Unfortunately, there is construction in front of the Bellagio fountains, expensive stands for the Formula 1 race that is a major hindrance to watching the show. The Wynn has a flower carousel and their Lake of Dreams show to copy Bellagio, however the show has really missed the mark. Children will enjoy it and if you happen to be there for a show or dinner, go to the observation deck to watch, without needing to purchase drinks. You can catch the Fall of Atlantis show and the aquarium at Caesar’s, see free circus acts at Circus Circus or visit the Fremont Street Experience at night for a dazzling show of lights and 4 stages of live performances of every genre.
On-the-Strip Hotels
There are basically three areas in Las Vegas. The Strip is the most expensive, but also the most convenient. It might not look far, but Vegas is huge and just getting from one end of the strip to the other is often expensive and time consuming. When planning a trip, try to group activities or dinner reservations and night activities in the same location to cut down on car costs. The best location to stay is in the center of the strip, from Planet Hollywood/Aria in the south and Venetian/Treasure Island in the north, but many of those hotels are very expensive! Here are a few sweet spots that will save you money, yet be in the middle of all the action.
The Caesars brand of hotels has a big variety of price points and many of the best locations on the strip. It’s most expensive is Nobu at Caesars Palace, but Harraha’s, the Linq and Flamingo are on the inexpensive side, especially during the low season. These are also great options for when you are traveling for work or to a trade show and the hotel’s rate for participants is still high. There is always a Caesars property that will offer a good location and great value, but with less luxury and amenities. Paris, Horseshoe, Planet Hollywood and Flamingo are my go to hotels when going to Las Vegas to be in the middle of the action without the expense. These hotels are connected by the new monorail system that transports visitors from MGM, to Horseshoe, the Linq and on to the Convention Center for easy access on the east side of the Strip a lot cheaper than paying for cars.
I have stayed at the Paris hotel before and loved it. I have heard that it needs a bit of a refresh and that is why it can often be a steal of a hotel rate. Inside the hotel, you are immediately greeted by the casino and legs of the Eiffel Tower. The pool area for this hotel is located right under the Eiffel Tower. It is not as large and luxurious as some of the other resorts, but in a great location to catch some sun and enjoy a drink in the heart of the Strip. There is an elevator that takes you to the Eiffel Tower restaurant or observation deck. The Eiffel Tower Restaurant has always been one of my favorite spots for dinner with a view and now the new Cheri Rooftop bar is located just under the Eiffel Tower Restaurant with those same amazing views. Past the Bordeaux tower where guests find elevators to their rooms, there is a cute promenade made to look like a French street. Cafe Belle is a great spot to stop for coffee and a pastry or warm sandwich at lunch. Continuing down the path, there is a cigar bar right before the business/conference center and into the Horseshoe Resort next door.
Horseshoe has been undergoing a full renovation from its original Bally’s. A renovation and rebranding toward the growing tourist who love country music. With so many artists like Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain and Garth Brooks all having residencies in Las Vegas, the crowds are loving staying at Horseshoe with Ole Red, Blake Shelton’s bar and grill right out front on the strip and the Dita von Teese theater and casino. This eatery has 4 stories of decks with amazing views of the strip. There is no lack of inexpensive food and shopping stalls out front of the hotel in a Bazaar area that hasn’t made the full rebranding transition yet. I do predict that the room rates will rise when the full transformation is complete.
Staying at Planet Hollywood was nice and had a great bathroom with a deep tub and separate shower. The room had a good view, viewing the newest attraction in Las Vegas, the Sphere. I thought it was going to be gimmicky, but the Sphere actually has a funny personality throughout the day and night. Everything from emoji faces to turning into a basketball for March Madness. Downstairs there is a large casino floor that has Gordon Ramsey Burger, a PF Changs and Hollywood Cafe for all day brunch, specialty coffee and fancy milkshakes. The Miracle Mile Shops are off to the side of the casino with tons of food and shopping options. The only part of the hotel that was disappointing was the pool area. Vegas is known for amazing pools and day clubs, but this place was lame. There are two pools, but the adults only pool has not opened yet for the summer season. The bar was ok and they will bring you food from Gordon Ramsey’s Burger and a pizza place to your room or pool area, but it still fell really short in experience and ambience.
The Flamingo hotel’s pool was the complete opposite of Planet Hollywood. If I had more time, I would’ve come to Flamingo’s adult pool instead and that is allowed if you are staying at any Caesars property! The pink pools have separate areas for families and adults-only (with lots of security), but anyone willing to pay and make a reservation can swim as well. The Flamingo has a great location in the center of the strip! It has an old Vegas feeling and is not as opulent as many of the new European styled resorts, but the pink signage and flamingo gardens make up for the theme. Flamingo is close to the Linq promenade with inexpensive, but good food like Gordon Ramsey’s Fish & Chips and Buddy V’s Jersey Shore eats. The Linq has the High Roller, an eye-like experience that moves slowly and allows amazing views of the city. There is a day ticket option until 5:00pm and happy hour special for 30 mins with an open bar experience in your own capsule. Check groupon for great offers to keep prices down, it can get pricey for a large group..
On the west side of the strip are many opulent and expensive hotels under the MGM brand. Cosmopolitan, Aria and Bellagio are incredible places to stay, but they can be over $600 a night… unless you play A LOT at the casino, then they will comp you rooms. If you do prefer to gamble at the MGM casinos, Park MGM is the one sweet spot on this side of the strip. This hotel used to be the Monte Carlo years ago, but was bought and rebranded at Park MGM, a less expensive option to still stay in the center of the strip. The best part of Park MGM is the new Italian inspired, open-air market and food hall called Eataly. I felt like I was back on the Amalfi Coast, choosing from delicious seafoods, cheeses and paninis. This place is perfect for any lunch or happy hour, with lots of great deals before the dinner rush. Also a great spot for a quick dinner on the way to a show, no reservations needed!
My final tip for saving on luxury Las Vegas hotels and it has nothing to do with gambling a lot! You can pay for rooms at the Venetian Resort on IHG points and get your room for just the cost of taxes (and the resort fee). The Venetian is my favorite of all the hotels, even with the new ones opening I still love the Venetian and the Grand Canal Shoppes. This is another great location to feel like you are in Italy, Venice this time, eating a gelato in Saint Mark’s Square. Splurge on the gondola ride, especially if you are with your love, but choose the one inside and at night when it is far less crowded. Then reserve a table at Buddy V’s Ristorante, an Italian restaurant down a hall in the shops with the Cake Boss bakery for take out and the family restaurant for dinner. This is not an inexpensive meal, but it is much more affordable than many of the fancy restaurants with the same delicious level of food and service.
Off-the-Strip Hotels
Off-strip hotels are always going to be less expensive and save you in hotel costs and often food as well with restaurants being less busy and local options. Where it is going to cost you is in getting to the strip. Either you are going to pay a lot in taxis and uber or will need to rent a car and pay parking at all the big resorts. There are ways around some parking fees with shopping and gambling comps, but the savings needs to be calculated to see if it’s really worth it. I’d rather pay a little more and be able to walk everywhere and not spend my vacation money on rides. When it makes the most sense it is if you are using hotel points to book Hyatt Place, Wyndham, Residence Inn, Hilton or Westin hotels. These hotels often don’t have resort fees like the Strip hotels do, so that is a savings too. The Palms, Virgin Hotel and OYO Hotel have become popular in recent years and are always less expensive to stay, especially if you hang out at the resort a lot. The Silverton Casino is the best place to stay off the strip, if you want the full experience of a Las Vegas resort and casino with an Aquarium & mermaid shows too.
Also considered off-strip is staying in Downtown or Old Las Vegas near Fremont Street. Staying at one of these hotels will save you a bundle and still have a fully walkable Las Vegas experience. Check out this Downtown Free Walking Tour for a full itinerary with 30 minutes of walking and 4 hours if you complete the 2 museums and the Mormon Fort. Be sure to stay at one of these hotels if staying in Downtown:
- Plaza Hotel and Casino
- Circa Las Vegas
- Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
- Four Queens Hotel & Casino
Everything in Downtown is less expensive! The hotels, food, entertainment and even gambling. This part of Vegas attracts many seniors and visitors with mobility concerns. Steakhouses like Barry’s Prime in the Circa hotel, Hugo’s cellar at the 4 Queens and Oscar’s steakhouse at the Plaza Hotel are a great dinner at a fraction of the price! It’s worth the $25 cab ride to have such a great meal and experience gambling in casinos with much lower hand minimums and drinks flowing for free. If you are looking for casual options Rock Pizza, Hash House, Pinkbox Donuts and the Garden Court (only buffet in Downtown) are all great cheap eats. Read more about Downtown Las Vegas in next week’s blog.
Eating on a Budget
Nighttime is when Las Vegas really gets started and they have a big restaurant culture, it could be considered restaurant tourism. Where else could you find so many famous chefs or celebrity restaurateurs? Gordon Ramsey is the king of Las Vegas and has restaurants at every price point and two without reservations so everyone can experience one of his food. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips on the Linq Promenade and Gordon Ramsey’s Burger at Planet Hollywood are both great options to try the famous chefs dishes without breaking the bank and securing reservations months in advance. There are tons of other Cooking Channel and Food Network star chefs with restaurants in Las Vegas that have both expensive sit-down dining as well as casual options to try their most popular dishes.
Flamingo is home to Bugsy & Meyers Steakhouse and keeps a traditional, ‘mob’ influenced establishment. Looking for a great filet, ribeye or tomahawk steak, Las Vegas has you covered. From steakhouses who have resided in Vegas for decades to the latest and greatest chefs on the strip. Another great steakhouse on the Strip is at the Circus Circus hotel, I know, not a place I typically recommend, but the steakhouse at Circus Circus serves a mesquite-grilled meat menu in a traditional ambience. The restaurant has a 30 year tradition and has won the best in Las Vegas award.
Only a small number of buffets came back after covid and most transitioned to breakfast, brunch & lunch buffets that close by 3:00pm. When it comes to the best brunch buffet, I don’t think you can beat Bellagio’s brunch, which has a seafood extravaganza and bottomless mimosa. My favorite evening buffets are the Wynn and Bacchanal buffet at Caesars, both are very popular and I always recommend having a reservation. Last trip, hubby and I went over to the Wynn one night to try their famous evening dinner buffet, known for seafood and caviar and it did not disappoint! This trip we took Cassidy to Bacchanal buffet at Caesars to compare and they are both amazing and worth every penny, even at $100 per person! But there are lots of less expensive buffets in Las Vegas and a great way to satisfy every pallet. My next trip I’m planning to try A.Y.C.E. and MGM Grand. Next time you head to Vegas, try one of these buffets for a fraction of the cost:
- A.Y.C.E. buffet (at Palms)
- MGM Grand (brunch only)
- Buffet at Excalibur (brunch only)
- Luxor (brunch only)
- Circus Buffet at Circus Circus
- Makino Sushi & Seafood Buffet (off strip)
Snacks & treats are another way to save some money on the exorbitant cost of food in Vegas. The cheapest options are snacks at ABC stores (Planet Hollywood & Caesars) or CVS/Walgreens that are found along the strip, unless you are willing to go way off-strip to a grocery store or market. Even typical coffee shops and fast food will cost more in Las Vegas, so it will still feel expensive. Eating and drinking at places in cheaper shopping centers like Miracle Mile Shops near Planet Hollywood, the Grand Bazaar Shops in front of Horseshoe or the shops around New York New York are also less expensive lunch and snack options.
Speakeasy’s are all the rage these days and Las Vegas, with its Mob history and Sin City reputation, has quite a few to check out. 1923 Prohibition Bar at Mandalay Bay, The Vault at Bellagio, The Count Room (in Bugsy & Meyers Steakhouse) at the Flamingo and the Downtown Cocktail Room are just a few hidden spots to get you started on your next trip to Vegas. There are great bars and lounges in all of the hotels and around the casino floor. This is an area that you can be a little more relaxed and make a game time decision depending on where you find yourself. I love the Baccarat Bar at Bellagio, especially after having dinner with a fountain view and seeing the Cirque show “O” in the water theater. I also like Bellini Bar in Venetian after a romantic gondola ride down the Grand Canal or Italian meal. I’ve also heard good things about Bound at Cromwell and Skyfall at Delano on the 64th floor.
Entertainment
Day Clubs are very popular from March through October, pool season in Las Vegas and they sure have lots of options. Many of the hotels have adult-only pool parties and day-clubs during the swimming season. What’s a day-club? Think nightclub drinking and dancing, but in bathing suits at the pool, often with bubbles or foam added to the mix. Some of the best day clubs to try are the pool version of their nightclub, such as Marquee Day Club, Drai’s Beach Club, Wet Republic and Stadium Swim.
When it comes to night club experiences in Las Vegas there are a lot of great options. There are even tours that will take you to a few clubs for an hour and drink at each. They typically revolve around 1 type of music, such as EDM or Hip-Hop and create an atmosphere of like minded, music loving people to have a great party experience in a safe environment being driven from club to club. Once you have an idea of your favorite clubs, check out what types of music they play and who the DJ is scheduled ahead of time. You can also do a quick google search to find out what nights are the best at which clubs or what promotions are going on at the time.
- Drai’s- Cromwell
- Marquee- Cosmopolitan
- Zouk- Resorts World
- Hakkasan- MGM
- Jewel- Aria
- Tao- Venetian
- Foundation Room- Mandalay Bay
Cirque du Soleil is a popular and most expensive show ticket in town, if you’re on a budget skip Cirque and try one of these tickets instead. Las Vegas is most famous for sexy burlesque style shows, but those shows have evolved over the years too. Today’s sexy shows are often attended by groups, singles, couples and even adult family groups, it’s not all just bachelor and bachelorette parties in the audience. Rouge, Fantasy, X burlesque, Dita Von Teese and Black Girl Magic are all selling out nightly across the Strip. For those interested in a male physique; Magic Mike, Thunder from Down Under and Black Magic are running shows and promoting on the streets, to the excitement of many women.
Stand up comedy shows are quite popular at places like the Comedy Cellar (Rio), Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy club (Linq promenade), L.A. comedy club (Strat) and Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club (MGM). You will be seeing up and coming comedians performing their sets with a host comedian that typically works there every night. These shows can be hit or miss, but I’ve never had every set miss at a show and the tickets are inexpensive. This is a great activity to do with a large group visiting as well, they always get picked on in the audience. For magic shows Penn & Teller, Piff the Magic Dragon, Mat Franko and Criss Angel MindFreak are all located on the strip and are at varying price points depending on popularity.
Variety shows have always been popular in Las Vegas, but they have had to reinvent their format to keep the attention of today’s audiences. Shows like Absinthe, America’s Got Talent and Blue Man Group can be a good time, but some have more family friendly humor than others. Celebrity impersonator shows are popular in Vegas and tickets are typically inexpensive too, since they are impersonators. Elvis Presley is the most famous of all time in Vegas and you will often see some very amateur versions on the strip singing or taking photos. Michael Jackson, Prince, Sinatra and Tina Turner are all popular now as well. There are also lots of Motown themed shows with a variety of singers from the era to enjoy.
I’m not going to even pretend like I can give good advice on gambling, but I do know that the first step is to join the players club of whatever casinos you pick to play or stay at in Las Vegas. Word on the street is that Park MGM, Excalibur, Horseshoe, Linq and Circus Circus are the casinos with the lowest minimum bets on table games. Just off the strip are the casinos at OYO, Ellis Island and Rio that also have low minimum bets and frequent payouts. The best places to gamble less expensively are on Fremont Street, specifically at the Downtown Grand, Golden Nugget, Binions and the beautiful new Circa resort! Especially during the day, you can find lots of $5 table games and I even saw a $2 table at Binions. My final tip for new gamblers is that you can ask the dealers their advice or rules. The dealers work for the casino, but they want you to win because it is customary to tip a percentage of the win. There are also gaming classes to give you the cliffsnotes of games like blackjack, craps, poker or roulette. Currently Circus Circus offers blackjack classes at 10:30 am, roulette at 11:30 am and craps at 12:30 pm daily. Golden Nugget has poker and craps lessons at 10:00 am, Pai Gow at 10:30 am, roulette at 11:30 am and blackjack at noon daily. The Venetian has craps lessons weekdays at 11:00am and the Strat has poker lessons on weekends early at 8:00 am.
Now that I just got back from another trip to Las Vegas, I think I figured out the perfect combination of night activities to plan on a budget trip to Las Vegas. Of course, the choice of restaurants and shows is always going to impact the budget, but it can be done. Here is my suggested list:
- Buffet evening and walking the strip seeing the free shows
- dinner & comedy show or less expensive ticket
- dinner & rooftop bar, lounge or speakeasy
- steakhouse & casino on Fremont Street
- dinner & club or club tour
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