However, in other areas, Vegas is super expensive, with everything from cocktails to show tickets going to eat into your budget. It’s the sort of city you don’t want to skimp in, of course, but these five ideas will help you get the most value out of your stay.
For the majority of people living outside of the United States, the trip to Las Vegas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As such, you want to make an unforgettable trip. Thankfully, some things in Vegas are quite cheap. For example, you can book a luxury hotel room in Vegas for a lot less than other major US cities. However, in other areas, Vegas is super expensive, with everything from cocktails to show tickets going to eat into your budget. It’s the sort of city you don’t want to skimp in, of course, but these five ideas will help you get the most value out of your stay:
Get a local fixer
Starting with something that’s a bit leftfield. Vegas is, of course, a city famous for its hedonism, but going to nightclubs isn’t cheap, and if you want a good table you should be prepared to pay thousands of dollars. However, you can mitigate some of that cost by hiring a city who knows how to negotiate. You can talk to your concierge to see if they can recommend someone, otherwise be careful with handing over money to anyone you don’t know. In short, these people make a career out of looking after tourists, and they can potentially negotiate your entry to a nightclub for half the price. Remember to tip them well after they have helped you out.
Book low, ask for high
We mentioned earlier that Vegas hotel rooms are relatively cheap, but the top suites can go for huge amounts. In light of that, one recommends that you should book a standard room (or something at the lower range of your budget) and then ask for a free upgrade on check-in. The worst thing they can say is no, and you might be surprised with the upgrades you can get when it’s not peak season. A real no-brainer and something overlooked when it comes to Vegas travel tips.
Learn about casino games
A lot of casino profits are made from drunk tourists stumbling in and “putting it all on red”. You should learn the basics before playing. SlotsHeaven, a top UK casino site, has a range of live games, demo games and rules info should you want to practice before your trip. You don’t need to become an expert but learning a few simple tricks could help you keep a hold of your money, and even help you win a bit of extra spending money.
The free drinks dilemma
Everyone talks about the mystical complementary free drinks at casinos, but is it really free if you are playing blackjack for $20 a hand? If you are playing some low stakes games – or barely playing at all – the key is to leave a healthy tip for your waiter or waitress – these guys are the real power brokers in this situation. Think about it: If you are the waiting staff would you keep returning to the nice people who leave a tip, or the angry high roller who is knocking them back when losing at blackjack?
Get off the strip
Vegas has a lot to offer, but so much is concentrated around the Strip. You will pay a little bit of a premium there for drinks, food and everything else. Even the much-vaunted Fremont Street is a bit pricier than other parts of Vegas. Do a little research on restaurants and bars before you go, and you could save a bucketload on your trip. Also, remember if you are a shopaholic that there is a lot of value to be found in the huge outlets.
