Cheap Sleeps in Vegas

Almost everyone has the same plan when staying in Vegas: stay on the Strip and save money by walking everywhere. Like most everything else in Vegas, this plan is a mirage. Room rates on the Strip reach stratospheric levels, and if you happen to get a "deal", it will be at a property that has a serious grungy factor (such as Circus Circus, The Flamingo and the former New Frontier)

A better bet is to stay off-strip and rent a car for cruising the Strip. Many of the Station casinos are clean and acceptable. And you're far likely to find wiggle room for negotiating room pricing. Off-Strip casinos and hotels are not as glitzy as their Strip counterparts, but you didn't come to Vegas to stare at the walls of your hotel room, did you?

One caveat about staying off the Strip. Be sure to read reviews of hotels at a site like priceline.com or expedia.com. It's the only way to weed out the dives from your search.

If you have a few months planning time, you might want to check out the major casino websites and sign up for promotions. I've gotten discount codes and info on specials from casinos such as Harrah's, Luxor and LV Hilton.

For the best room rates, try to plan your trip during the week. During the weekend, hordes of Los Angelenos and Utahns invade Vegas, shooting any chance of getting of a cheap room.

If you have four or more in your party, you may want to consider a timeshare. This is the only way the Cheap A** clan will stay in Vegas anymore.

Now, you'd never catch me actually OWNING a timeshare. However, many timeshare owners rent out their weeks on eBay. There's always a few auctions going on for far less than regular Vegas hotel rates. When we rented out a week from a broker on eBay, we were treated to a luxurious three room suite that slept nine. This suite came with a full kitchen, so we could save money eating in for some meals, and washer and dryer. This timeshare was at the Wyndham property (formerly Fairfield Resort), about two blocks from the Strip. Cost? $100 a night. I can't get two Motel 6 rooms in Vegas for that price.

And if you can't find someone who has the time you want available, email one of the eBay sellers. Many of them are power brokers, with multiple weeks available. One may be able to work out a special package for you.

Next post: Getting around Vegas for Cheap