Las Vegas, The Affordable Way
Enjoy a getaway to Sin City without committing the sin of greed
If you’re headed to Las Vegas, you don’t have to be a high roller to get the biggest bang for your buck, according to Babs Daitch, a travel consultant at Yankee Clipper Travel. Daitch lives in Las Vegas and plans frequent trips to the city for her clients. “If you know some insider tips and the deals to watch for, a lavish Vegas trip can be had for a reasonable price,” she said. She shared some of her best tips for a wallet-friendly trip to Las Vegas that doesn’t skimp on luxury.
Timing Matters: Avoid visiting Las Vegas during citywide conventions. Hotel occupancy is higher, which limits your chances of booking a great room, as are nightly rates for hotel rooms all over the city. Las Vegas Tourism’s official site has a calendar of upcoming conventions you should keep an eye on.
In general, hotel rates are lowest in July and August because the city’s hot weather keeps the crowds away. “If you love hanging out by the pool, these are great months to visit because many of the resorts have fantastic pools,” Daitch said. Hotel rates also dip after Thanksgiving weekend through early January.
Minimise Food Costs: Dinner at many of Las Vegas’ famous restaurants can easily run to US$150 (4,700 baht) a person or more. If you’re keen on a meal at one of these places, prices can be more reasonable at lunch.
If you prefer to keep your meal options open, or you just want the freedom to try lots of restaurants, buy the Vegas Dining Card from Tix4Tonight. It costs $5 a person for seven days and will save you up to 50% at several notable Vegas restaurants, including Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, where you’ll get 20% off your food bill, and Planet Hollywood Restaurant and Bar, where you’ll save 50%. Some restaurants have happy hours with half-priced appetisers. Also consider breakfast, when food tends to be least expensive. One of Daitch’s favourite spots is Eggslut at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
“Eating there is a memorable dining experience, but I’m spending only around $10,” she said. Daitch also suggests breakfast at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon at the Venetian.
Save on Drinks: If you’re a gambler, you’re in store for free drinks, Daitch said. “Vegas casinos serve free drinks to all gamblers, even at penny slots,” she said. In her experience, the Wynn and the Cosmopolitan offer the best free drinks. But fret not, non-gamblers: You can find drink discounts of up to 50% off usual prices at happy hours offered by bars and restaurants all over the city, including many inside the city’s popular resorts.
Save on Entertainment: A ticket to one of Vegas’s popular shows can run well into the triple digits, but if you’re open to last-minute opportunities, Tix4Tonight
lists same-day deals for shows.