Visitors can always rely on Las Vegas to bring the fun, the entertainment, and the once-in-a-lifetime memories - all you have to do is bring a suitcase and a couple of very deep pockets…right?
Wrong! It's easy to believe that to have an unforgettable time in Las Vegas, you have to break the bank and burn holes in all your credit cards in the process; however, it's simply not true. Don't believe all those perfectly preened travel videos or celebrity TikToks that only show the exclusive and opulent side of Las Vegas, experiences that we mere mortals can only dream of. The best parts of Las Vegas are there for everyone to enjoy; you just need to know how to achieve it on a budget. In this post, we'll share our tips and tricks for couples who want to visit Las Vegas on a budget but don't want to feel like they're missing out.
Where to Stay
Ok, so where do you stay without spending a fortune? Well, you're in luck - because every traveller is spoiled for choice in Las Vegas, and you can snag rooms in some of the most popular and beautiful resorts if you plan carefully enough. Searching for deals on a Las Vegas hotel is a great place to start, and you might be shocked at how low prices can be if you compare and research certain dates.
Here are our top tips for snagging your perfect Las Vegas hotel, or simply finding somewhere cheap (but without compromising on comfort or excellence).
Stay Midweek: Always avoid major holidays, conventions, or big event weekends, prices are sure to go up and you'll also be facing a higher number of crowds during your visit! Rates in Las Vegas are dramatically lower from Monday to Thursday, so if you can, consider taking a midweek break rather than a weekend one.
Be Wary of Resort Fees: Resort fees can be a little sneaky and an utterly horrifying addition to your room bill! Always check how much your resort is charging per night during your stay, this usually ranges between $30-$50 even on the cheapest rooms. Better yet, consider hotels or resorts that don't charge a resort fee, such as Ellis Island, Four Queens, or Casino Royale.
Stay off the Strip: As you can imagine, staying on the main Las Vegas Strip will always cost more than staying elsewhere in the city. Check out Downtown Las Vegas to see what deals you can find - you'll also notice that amenities such as pools, spas, and hotel/resort restaurants are much quieter in these places.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Perks! If you're celebrating something special or you simply ask nicely when you arrive, you may find that hotels can offer your free upgrades or even discounts when checking in. By simply asking - Do you have any special deals on rooms today? During check-in, you could save money on a much more exclusive room. If you don't ask, you don't get! And remember, Lady Luck could be on your side.
Eat Smart (And Well)
Las Vegas has some of the best restaurants in the world all in one place, and some of the finest eateries you simply won't get anywhere else. Whether you're after a fine dining experience without the price tag or you just want to refuel without draining your budget, here's how you can do it:
Happy Hours Are Your Friends: If you want to eat on the Strip, then you'll find plenty of restaurants, bars, eateries, and buffets that offer happy hour deals on meals and drinks. Most happy hour times are between 4-6 pm, and sometimes even later at night! Great options for happy hour include:
- Cabo Wabo Cantina (Miracle Mile Shops) - great tacos and margaritas
- Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips (The LINQ Promenade)
- Chayo Mexican Kitchen (The LINQ) - festive with solid deals
Food Courts are a Good Option: If you simply want to refuel but don't want to pay an extortionate price for it, then using quick-service sports is ideal for decent prices and generous portions. Check out these popular options:
- Earl of Sandwich (Planet Hollywood): Delicious hot sandwiches under $10
- Secret Pizza (The Cosmopolitan): No sign-just follow the hallway near the upstairs bar. Great late-night pizza by the slice.
- Shake Shack (New York-New York): Consistent and affordable for burgers and fries
Eat Like a Local: Yes, it can sound a little cliche, but there is definitely some truth in eating where the locals do - especially if you want to save a few dollars. Venturing off the Strip also means you can explore beyond the tourist traps and enjoy a more authentic experience. Some favourites to try are:
- Lotus of Siam (Thai) - legendary and totally worth it
- Tacos El Gordo - authentic Mexican street tacos near the Strip
- The Peppermill - retro diner with huge portions and old-school Vegas charm
Limit Your Gambling Budget
If you want to save as much money as possible and focus your budget on experiences rather than game machines and casino tables, then it's important to set a gambling budget. It's pretty easy to get carried away in Las Vegas, especially if you're on a winning streak, but keeping your gambling limit low can ensure the rest of your trip isn't financially strained.
- Set a gambling limit. No more and no less!
- Find and play at low minimum tables at casinos that are off the Strip and located Downtown. Larger casino resorts are usually for the high flyers!
- Enjoy gambling without the risk and consider taking a free lesson in craps or blackjack - many hotels offer these experiences and it's risk-free!
- Use cash where you can. If you use cash, then seeing your money physically deplete can be enough to ward you away from the gambling machines.
Final Thoughts…
So, can Las Vegas be enjoyed by couples on a budget? Of course it can! Start by choosing the right accommodation, and remember to always ask for perks. You're sure to enjoy a visit that you'll both remember for all the right reasons. Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas?
Photo source: depositphotos.com
