How to Find the Best Hotel Deals in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is more than just a city of neon lights and slot machines—it’s a global destination for entertainment, dining, conventions, and unforgettable experiences. But with over 150 hotels lining the Strip and dozens more scattered across the surrounding areas, finding the right accommodation at the right price can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo business trip, securing the best hotel deal in Las Vegas can mean the difference between an extraordinary trip and a budget-busting one.

The good news? With the right strategy, you can unlock significant savings—often hundreds of dollars—without sacrificing comfort, location, or amenities. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from understanding pricing dynamics to leveraging insider tools and timing your booking for maximum value. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive, actionable framework to consistently find the best hotel deals in Las Vegas, no matter when or why you’re traveling.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define Your Priorities

Before you start searching, clarify what matters most to you. Are you looking for proximity to the Strip? A pool with a cabana? Free parking? Late check-out? A casino with high-limit tables? Each hotel in Las Vegas caters to a different audience, and your priorities will determine which properties are even worth considering.

For example, if you’re traveling with children, a resort with a water park or kid-friendly entertainment may be worth a higher price. If you’re on a tight budget and plan to spend most of your time exploring downtown or the Fremont Street Experience, staying off the Strip could save you 40–60% on nightly rates. Make a shortlist of your non-negotiables and nice-to-haves. This will help you filter options later and avoid decision fatigue.

2. Understand the Seasonal Pricing Cycle

Las Vegas hotel rates fluctuate dramatically based on seasonality, events, and day of the week. Unlike traditional vacation destinations, Las Vegas doesn’t follow a typical “high season” pattern. Instead, pricing is driven by conventions, holidays, major sporting events, and celebrity performances.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• High Demand (Highest Rates): Major holidays (New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July), Super Bowl weekend, CES (January), major concerts (e.g., Celine Dion, Elton John residencies), and Las Vegas Grand Prix (June).
• Mid-Range Demand: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October), excluding holidays. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays.
• Low Demand (Best Deals): Mid-January to mid-February, late August to early September, and weekdays (Sunday–Thursday) outside of major events. Rates can drop by 50% or more during these periods.

Use this knowledge to align your travel dates with the lowest possible rates. If your schedule is flexible, even shifting your trip by a few days can result in substantial savings.

3. Use Price Comparison Engines Strategically

While it’s tempting to book directly through the first hotel website you see, using comparison tools helps you uncover hidden deals and avoid overpaying. However, not all platforms are created equal.

Start with:

• Google Hotels: Aggregates rates from dozens of sources, including OTAs and hotel websites. It includes price trends, maps, and guest reviews in one view.
• Kayak: Offers a “Price Forecast” feature that predicts whether rates will rise or fall in the coming days, helping you decide when to book.
• Trivago: Compares rates from over 200 booking sites and displays the lowest price upfront.

Always cross-check the final price on the hotel’s official website. Many hotels offer “Best Rate Guarantee” policies—if you find a lower price elsewhere, they’ll match it or give you a discount. This is especially true for loyalty members.

4. Book Directly When Possible

Booking directly through the hotel’s website isn’t always the cheapest option—but it often provides the best value. Why? Because direct bookings frequently include perks that third-party sites don’t offer:

• Free breakfast or daily food & beverage credits
• Room upgrades (when available)
• Late check-out (sometimes until 4 PM)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Exclusive access to spa discounts or show tickets

For example, booking directly at Caesars Palace may include a $50 dining credit, while a third-party site might only show the base room rate. Always check the “Amenities” or “Perks” section on the hotel’s site. If the deal is even slightly better, the added value often justifies the price difference.

5. Leverage Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are among the most underutilized tools for finding hotel deals in Las Vegas. Most major resorts are part of large chains with tiered rewards systems:

• Caesars Rewards: Covers Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, Planet Hollywood, and more. Free tier members get access to exclusive member-only rates and discounts on shows.
• MGM Rewards: Includes MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, and others. Tiered benefits include free nights, dining credits, and priority check-in.
• Marriott Bonvoy: For those staying at The Cosmopolitan, JW Marriott, or other Marriott properties.
• Hyatt World of Hyatt: Covers the Hyatt Regency and other properties.

Signing up is free. Even if you don’t plan to stay often, you can still access member-only rates that are 10–25% lower than public rates. Some properties also offer “double points” promotions during off-seasons—perfect for accumulating points toward future stays.

6. Monitor Flash Sales and Last-Minute Deals

Las Vegas hotels frequently run limited-time promotions to fill unsold inventory. These deals are often hidden and only available for 24–72 hours.

How to find them:

• Subscribe to hotel newsletters (e.g., “Caesars Rewards Offers” or “MGM Resorts Deals”).
• Follow hotel social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter—they often announce flash sales there first.
• Use apps like HotelTonight, which specializes in last-minute bookings (available 24–48 hours before check-in). You can find discounts of up to 70% on same-day or next-day stays.
• Check “Deals” or “Special Offers” sections on hotel websites daily, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when new promotions are often posted.

One traveler found a $400/night suite at The Venetian for $129/night by checking HotelTonight on a Wednesday afternoon. These deals aren’t guaranteed, but checking daily increases your odds.

7. Consider Staying Off the Strip

The Strip is iconic—but it’s also the most expensive stretch of real estate in Las Vegas. If you’re willing to trade a short drive for major savings, consider staying in areas like:

• Summerlin: Upscale suburb with luxury resorts like The Ritz-Carlton, Las Vegas. Great for families and golfers.
• North Las Vegas: Budget-friendly options near the airport, including the Best Western Plus and Holiday Inn Express.
• Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street): Historic area with lower rates and a retro vibe. The Golden Nugget, Four Queens, and The D Las Vegas offer excellent value.
• Paradise and Winchester: Home to many chain hotels like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott—often 30–50% cheaper than Strip properties.

Many off-Strip hotels offer free shuttle services to the Strip. For example, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino provides a 24/7 shuttle every 15–20 minutes. If you’re not planning to spend every waking hour on the Strip, staying off-property can be a smart financial move.

8. Bundle Your Booking

Many hotels and travel sites offer packages that combine room, show tickets, dining, and airport transfers. These bundles often cost less than booking each component separately.

Examples:

• Caesars Entertainment offers “Stay & Play” packages that include a room, $100 dining credit, and discounted tickets to “O” by Cirque du Soleil.
• MGM Resorts bundles rooms with tickets to “Le Rêve” or “Blue Man Group” at up to 40% off.
• Travelocity and Expedia feature “Vacation Packages” that include flights, hotels, and car rentals.

Always compare the bundled price to the sum of individual bookings. Sometimes the bundle isn’t the best deal—but when it is, the savings can be substantial.

9. Use Incognito Mode and Clear Cookies

Some online travel agencies use dynamic pricing based on your browsing history. If you repeatedly search for the same hotel, algorithms may assume you’re highly interested and raise the price.

To avoid this:

• Use incognito or private browsing mode when comparing rates.
• Clear your browser cookies regularly.
• Use different devices or browsers to check pricing.

This simple step can prevent artificial price inflation and ensure you’re seeing the lowest available rate.

10. Negotiate at the Front Desk

Yes, you can negotiate your hotel rate—even if you’ve already booked. When you arrive, politely ask the front desk agent if there are any “unadvertised upgrades” or “current promotions” you qualify for.

Common negotiation tactics:

• “I’ve stayed here before and love the property—do you have any complimentary upgrades available?”
• “I saw a lower rate online—can you match it or offer a credit?”
• “I’m celebrating a special occasion—do you have any complimentary perks?”

Front desk staff often have discretionary power to offer upgrades, late check-out, or $25–$50 dining credits to improve guest satisfaction. It doesn’t hurt to ask—and many travelers report success with this method.

Best Practices

1. Book Early for Peak Times, Last-Minute for Off-Peak

For major events (New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl, CES), book at least 6–8 months in advance. Rates skyrocket as availability dwindles. For off-season travel, wait until 1–2 weeks before your trip to snag last-minute deals. The sweet spot for most travelers is booking 4–6 weeks ahead during shoulder seasons.

2. Avoid Weekends If Possible

Friday and Saturday nights are the most expensive. If you can arrive on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, you’ll often pay 20–40% less. Even shifting your departure to a Sunday instead of a Saturday can reduce your total cost.

3. Read Recent Reviews with a Critical Eye

Don’t rely solely on star ratings. Look for patterns in recent reviews (within the last 3–6 months). Are guests complaining about noise, slow elevators, or poor housekeeping? Are staff members frequently mentioned as helpful? Reviews can reveal hidden issues that aren’t apparent on promotional photos.

4. Check for Hidden Fees

Some hotels advertise low rates but add mandatory fees:

• Resort fees ($35–$50/night): Often cover Wi-Fi, gym access, local calls, and shuttle service. Some properties waive these for loyalty members.
• Early check-in/late check-out fees
• Parking fees (even for guests)
• Minimum stay requirements during holidays

Always read the fine print. Add the resort fee to the room rate to get the true cost per night.

5. Use a Travel Credit Card

Many travel credit cards offer perks like free night certificates, elite status matching, or bonus points for hotel bookings. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless can earn you 5–10x points on hotel stays. Redeem those points for free nights or upgrades.

6. Consider Suite or Extended Stay Options

If you’re traveling with family or staying longer than 3 nights, consider booking a suite or extended stay hotel. Suites often cost only $20–$50 more per night than a standard room but offer kitchenettes, separate living areas, and more space. Extended stay hotels like Residence Inn or Homewood Suites offer weekly discounts and free breakfast—ideal for longer trips.

7. Set Price Alerts

Use Google Hotels, Kayak, or Hopper to set up price alerts for your desired dates and property. These tools will notify you when rates drop. This is especially useful for travelers with flexible dates who want to pounce on a deal as soon as it appears.

8. Avoid Booking Through Third-Party Sites with Non-Refundable Rates

Non-refundable rates may seem cheaper, but they lock you in. If your plans change, you lose everything. Opt for “free cancellation” options whenever possible. Many hotels allow cancellations up to 24–48 hours before check-in with no penalty.

9. Travel During the “Shoulder Season”

April–May and September–October offer ideal weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. These months are perfect for balancing cost and experience. You’ll avoid the summer heat and winter chill while still enjoying full resort operations and entertainment options.

10. Ask About Group or Corporate Rates

Even if you’re traveling solo, you may qualify for group or corporate discounts. Call the hotel directly and ask: “Do you offer any special rates for travelers or corporate guests?” Some hotels extend these rates to individuals if they mention a business affiliation, alumni group, or professional organization.

Tools and Resources

1. Google Hotels

Google Hotels is the most comprehensive tool for comparing prices across platforms. It shows historical price trends, maps proximity to attractions, and aggregates reviews from multiple sources. Use the “Price Graph” feature to see how rates change over your travel window.

2. HotelTonight

Specializes in last-minute bookings. Ideal for spontaneous trips or travelers who want to take advantage of unsold inventory. Available as a mobile app with push notifications for deals.

3. Hopper

Uses AI to predict whether prices will rise or fall. Offers “Watch This Deal” alerts and recommends the optimal day to book. Particularly effective for Las Vegas due to its volatile pricing patterns.

4. Caesars Rewards and MGM Rewards Apps

Download the official apps for your preferred hotel chain. They offer exclusive app-only discounts, digital room keys, and real-time notifications about promotions.

5. TripAdvisor

Use TripAdvisor’s “Deals” tab to compare hotel prices and read detailed, verified reviews. Filter by “Free Cancellation” and “Top Rated” to narrow your options.

6. Secret Escapes and Travelzoo

These curated deal sites highlight limited-time offers from luxury and mid-range properties. Secret Escapes focuses on upscale resorts, while Travelzoo publishes weekly “Top 20” deals—often including Las Vegas.

7. Skyscanner (for Flight + Hotel Bundles)

If you’re flying in, use Skyscanner to compare flight + hotel packages. Sometimes, bundling can save you 15–25% compared to booking separately.

8. Hotel Price Alert Chrome Extensions

Install extensions like “Honey” or “PriceBlink” to automatically compare prices and apply coupon codes at checkout. They work on most hotel booking sites.

9. Local Travel Blogs and Forums

Follow blogs like “Las Vegas Advisor” or “The Vegas Junkie.” These sites publish insider tips, discount codes, and real-time updates on hotel promotions. Reddit’s r/vegas is also a goldmine for firsthand advice from locals and frequent visitors.

10. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Website

Visit lasvegas.com for official promotions, event calendars, and curated deals from partner hotels. The site often features “Book Now, Save” campaigns that aren’t advertised elsewhere.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Couple’s Anniversary Trip in January

Emma and Daniel wanted to celebrate their 5th anniversary in Las Vegas. They planned a 3-night stay in mid-January, a known low-demand period. Using Google Hotels, they found a standard room at The Cosmopolitan for $149/night. They booked directly through the hotel’s website and received a $100 dining credit and a complimentary bottle of champagne. Total cost: $447 for 3 nights, including taxes and fees. Had they booked during a holiday weekend, the same room would have cost $529/night—nearly $1,500 more.

Example 2: A Solo Traveler’s Last-Minute Getaway

Mark, a software engineer, decided on a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas in late August. He opened HotelTonight on a Tuesday evening and found a $299/night suite at The LINQ for $99/night. He booked immediately. The suite included a balcony with Strip views, free Wi-Fi, and access to the pool. He saved $600 compared to his original budget. He also used his Marriott Bonvoy points to upgrade his rental car.

Example 3: A Family of Four in September

The Garcias booked a 5-night stay at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort in early September. They chose a 2-bedroom suite with a kitchenette for $169/night. They used a Travelzoo promo code for an additional 15% off. They also took advantage of the free shuttle to the Strip and ate breakfast in their room to save on dining. Total cost: $715 for 5 nights. They saved over $1,200 compared to booking a standard room on the Strip at the same time.

Example 4: A Business Traveler Using Loyalty Points

James, a sales director, stayed at the MGM Grand during a quarterly meeting. He used his MGM Rewards points to book a room for 10,000 points (worth $50). He also earned 2,500 bonus points for checking in early and attending a resort event. He redeemed those points later for a free night at Mandalay Bay. His total out-of-pocket cost for 3 nights: $87. Without the loyalty program, he would have paid $450.

Example 5: A Flash Sale Win

Lisa signed up for Caesars Rewards’ email list and received a 48-hour flash sale: “Stay 2 Nights, Get 3rd Night Free” on select properties. She booked a room at Planet Hollywood for $189/night. With the promotion, her 3-night stay cost $378. The same stay without the deal would have been $567. She used the extra night to attend a free concert at the Cosmopolitan.

FAQs

What is the cheapest time to stay in a Las Vegas hotel?

The cheapest time is typically mid-January to mid-February and late August to early September. Weekdays (Sunday–Thursday) are consistently cheaper than weekends. Avoid holidays and major events like New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl weekend, and CES.

Are resort fees worth it?

Resort fees are mandatory in most Las Vegas hotels and range from $35–$50 per night. They usually cover Wi-Fi, local calls, gym access, and shuttle service. If you plan to use these amenities, the fee may be justified. However, if you don’t need them, consider staying at a hotel that doesn’t charge resort fees—like some properties in Downtown or off-Strip areas.

Can I negotiate my hotel rate after booking?

Yes. Call the hotel directly or ask at check-in. Many properties have discretionary funds to offer upgrades, late check-out, or credits—especially if you’re a loyal guest or celebrating a special occasion.

Is it better to book directly or through a third-party site?

Booking directly often provides better value due to perks like free breakfast, dining credits, and room upgrades. However, always compare prices. Use third-party sites to find the lowest rate, then call the hotel to ask if they’ll match it or add a perk.

Do hotels in Las Vegas offer discounts for AAA, AARP, or military?

Yes. Many major chains offer discounts for AAA, AARP, military personnel, and government employees. Always ask when booking or check the “Special Offers” section on the hotel’s website.

How far in advance should I book for peak season?

For holidays and major events (New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl, CES), book 6–8 months in advance. For regular peak times (spring and fall), 2–4 months ahead is ideal. For off-season travel, booking 1–2 weeks ahead often yields the best deals.

Are there any hotels in Las Vegas without resort fees?

Yes. Some off-Strip properties like the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, The D Las Vegas, and the Golden Nugget do not charge mandatory resort fees. Always verify this before booking.

How can I find free parking in Las Vegas?

Many off-Strip hotels offer free parking. Some Strip properties offer free parking for loyalty members or guests who spend a minimum amount at the hotel’s restaurants or shops. Always confirm parking policies when booking.

Do hotel prices drop closer to the check-in date?

Often, yes—especially during low-demand periods. If you’re flexible and willing to risk availability, waiting until 1–2 weeks before your trip can yield significant savings. For high-demand events, prices only increase as the date approaches.

Can I use gift cards for hotel stays in Las Vegas?

Yes. Many hotels accept gift cards from their parent companies (e.g., Caesars Rewards gift cards, MGM Rewards gift cards). These can be used for room stays, dining, and shows. Check the hotel’s website for redemption policies.

Conclusion

Finding the best hotel deals in Las Vegas isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. By understanding pricing cycles, leveraging loyalty programs, booking directly when possible, and using the right tools, you can transform what seems like an expensive destination into an affordable luxury. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a week, the savings you unlock can be redirected toward world-class dining, unforgettable shows, or even an extra night in paradise.

Remember: flexibility is your greatest asset. Shift your dates by a few days, explore off-Strip options, and always check for hidden perks. The most savvy travelers aren’t the ones who spend the most—they’re the ones who know where to look, when to act, and how to maximize every dollar.

Now that you have the full playbook, it’s time to plan your next Las Vegas getaway. Bookmark this guide, set up price alerts, and get ready to experience the City of Lights without breaking the bank.