Real People Share Their Vegas Budget-Saving Hacks

Las Vegas can be an expensive destination, with luxury hotels, fancy shows, and high-end restaurants tempting you to spend big. Many travelers want to experience the excitement of Sin City without breaking the bank.

You can save hundreds of dollars on your Vegas vacation by using smart money-saving strategies from people who’ve mastered budget-friendly trips to the Strip.

Savvy travelers and locals have discovered creative ways to enjoy everything from hotels and entertainment to dining and transportation while keeping costs down. Their real-world tips can help make your dream Vegas getaway more affordable.

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1. “Hit Happy Hour specials for drink discounts and unique appetizers”

Las Vegas happy hours offer amazing deals on both drinks and food. You can find great deals between 3 PM and 6 PM at many bars and restaurants along the Strip.

Popular spots like Yard House and Twin Peaks cut drink prices in half during happy hour. You’ll save big on beer, wine, and cocktails while enjoying the Vegas atmosphere.

Many casino bars also serve discounted appetizers during these times. You can get tasty snacks like sliders, wings, and nachos for $5-8 instead of full menu prices.

Check social media and restaurant websites before you go. Many places post their happy hour menus and times online, helping you plan the best deals for your visit.

2. “Consider weekdays over weekends to snag lower hotel rates”

Vegas hotel prices drop big time during the week. You can save $50 to $200 per night just by booking Monday through Thursday instead of Friday through Sunday.

Mid-week stays mean fewer crowds at the pools and shorter wait times at restaurants too. Plus, you’ll find better deals on shows and attractions when you visit during weekdays.

Many hotels offer special weekday promotions like resort credit or free parking. You can often get a luxury room at places like Bellagio or Caesars Palace for the same price you’d pay at a budget hotel on weekends.

Smart tip: Book a Sunday-to-Thursday stay to get the best value. Sunday nights usually have weekend rates, but you’ll save on the following weekday nights.

➡️ See TripAdvisor’s current Las Vegas room rates to find the best hotel deals.

3. “Utilize hotel reward programs for potential discounts and perks”

Sign up for free hotel loyalty programs before your Vegas trip. Many major hotels like MGM Rewards, Caesars Rewards, and Wynn Rewards offer instant perks just for joining.

You can earn points during your stay to use toward future visits. These points often cover room upgrades, free nights, or dining credits at hotel restaurants.

Most programs give you access to member-only rates that can save you 10-20% on rooms. You’ll also get special offers in your email for deals that aren’t available to the public.

The best part? You can join multiple programs at once. This gives you more options to compare prices and benefits across different Vegas hotels.

4. “Download ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft to bypass taxi surcharges.”

Las Vegas taxis often charge extra fees and are rumored to take longer routes to increase fares. You can save money by using Uber or Lyft instead.

Download both apps before your trip to compare prices. During peak times, one service might be cheaper than the other.

Rideshare services in Vegas let you know the exact price upfront. This helps you budget better and avoid surprise charges.

Many hotels have designated pickup spots for rideshare services. Ask your hotel’s front desk where to find these spots for a smoother experience.

5. “Groupon is a treasure trove for dining and entertainment deals”

You can find amazing ➡️ Las Vegas deals on Groupon before your trip. Many restaurants offer 20-40% off your total bill through the app.

Shows and attractions frequently post discounted tickets too. Just search “Las Vegas” and filter by date to see what’s available during your stay.

Make sure to read the fine print about blackout dates and restrictions. Some deals need to be booked 24 hours in advance.

Download deals to your phone before you go. You can pull them up right at the restaurant or box office without needing to print anything.

6. “Visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for free fun”

The Bellagio Conservatory is one of Vegas’s best free attractions. You can enjoy stunning seasonal flower displays and artistic arrangements without spending a dime.

The 14,000-square-foot garden changes its theme five times a year. You’ll see intricate designs made from thousands of fresh flowers, trees, and plants arranged into magical scenes.

The gardens are open 24/7, making it perfect for any schedule. Visit during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and get better photos.

Make sure to check the Bellagio’s website before your trip to see what theme will be on display during your visit. Each season brings totally new designs and photo opportunities.

7. “Share oversized portions at restaurants to cut food costs”

Las Vegas restaurants often serve huge portions that could feed two or even three people. You can save money by splitting a main dish with your travel buddy instead of ordering separate meals.

Many Vegas eateries charge $20-30 per entrée, so sharing cuts your food costs in half. The portions are so big that you’ll still feel satisfied with half a plate.

Ask your server about sharing charges before ordering. Some restaurants have small plate fees, but these are usually just $3-5 – much less than buying two separate meals.

8. “Take advantage of free hotel shuttle services from the airport”

Many off-strip Las Vegas hotels offer free shuttle services from Harry Reid International Airport to their properties. You can save $20-30 on taxi or rideshare costs each way.

Call your hotel before your trip to check if they provide this service. Ask about pickup locations and schedules so you can plan ahead.

These shuttles run on set schedules throughout the day. You might wait 15-30 minutes for the next pickup, but the money saved makes it worth it.

Remember to tip your shuttle driver $2-3 per person. Even with the tip, you’ll spend much less than other transportation options.

9. “Budget your daily allowance to keep spending on track”

Set a daily spending limit before you hit the Vegas strip. Put your daily cash in separate envelopes – once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Leave your credit cards in your hotel room safe. Taking only cash helps you stick to your budget and prevents impulse spending at the casinos or shops.

Track your spending with a simple notes app on your phone. Write down every purchase to see where your money goes and adjust your daily budget if needed.

Many Vegas visitors find it helpful to split their money between gambling, food, and entertainment. This way, you won’t spend all your cash at the slots when you still need to eat dinner.

10. “Sign up for casino club cards to earn rewards and freebies”

Casino loyalty cards can unlock tons of free perks during your Vegas trip. You can get these cards at any casino’s players club desk – just bring your ID.

Using your card while gambling earns points that add up fast. Many casinos give new members instant bonuses like free slot play or buffet passes just for signing up.

Your points can get you comped meals, show tickets, and even free hotel stays. Make sure to use your card every time you play slots or table games to maximize rewards.

Pro tip: Sign up online before your trip. Some casinos send special offers and deals to new members right away.

A Few More Money Saving Quick Tips

• Free casino drinks are still available while gambling. Just tip your server $1-2 per drink for consistent service. This can save you $15+ per cocktail compared to bar prices.

• Sign up for players cards at casinos you plan to visit. Even small amounts of play can earn you comped meals, show tickets, and room discounts.

• The Waldorf skybar offers amazing Strip views for just the cost of a $20 drink. This is much cheaper than observation deck fees.

• Check discount sites like Groupon for deals on shows, attractions, and restaurants. Many venues also offer better rates when you book direct during off-peak hours.

• Text promoters for free club entry.

• Collect forgotten slot machine tickets (believe it or not, but it happens all the time).

• Tell street vendors and timeshare salespeople “I live here” to avoid sales pitches.

• Pre-game in your hotel room before hitting the clubs where the drinks are expensive.

• Look for package deals that combine shows and meals.

The Bottom Line

Las Vegas can be incredibly affordable when you know the right tricks.

You’ll find plenty of ways to save money while still having an amazing time.

Your Vegas vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.

With these insider tips, you can enjoy the excitement of Sin City while keeping your wallet happy.