What to Do in Las Vegas on a Budget
Luxury hotels, headline shows and fine restaurants might not fit into the budget of every Las Vegas guest. Knowing where to find bargains and how to avoid needless costs can help the budget traveler get the most out of Vegas. Travelers can find budget accommodations within walking distance of the Strip, dining bargains at local hotels, low-cost transportation and free entertainment.
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Sleeping
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Hotels located off of Las Vegas Boulevard often have rooms for a fraction of the cost of those offered by the major hotels. Casino hotels catering primarily to local residents, such as Station Casinos, can provide accommodations without breaking a budget. Older hotels on the Strip, such as Bally's, Monte Carlo and Excalibur, typically charge lower rates than newer hotels. Motels in the area, such as the Howard Johnson Inn, Econo Lodge and Motel 6, provide low-cost accommodations for budget travelers. Visitors can also find low-cost accommodations in the downtown area, once the heart of Vegas gambling and entertainment.
Dining
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Budget dining in Las Vegas typically includes fast food and buffets. In-N-Out serves burgers, shakes and fries in multiple Vegas locations. Buffets in the large, luxury hotels can offer delicacies such as steaks and crab legs, but can cost $25 per person or more (as of 2010). Other hotels offer buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, often ranging in price from $5 to $10, including Fiesta Rancho, Gold Coast, Green Valley, Red Rock, Main Street Station and Orleans. Even at budget prices, visitors can feast on meat-and-potato dishes, eggs Benedict and crawfish. Bars and lounges often serve complimentary food during happy hours and late-night revelers can find diners serving low-cost meals.
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Shows
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The majority of headline shows are priced out of reach for many budget travelers. Select venues feature matinee performances, with prices as low as $30 (as of 2010). Hotels often offer special package deals for guests, which can include free or discount show tickets to feature performances.
Free Entertainment
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Visitors can enjoy free fountain shows at the Bellagio every day of the week. The Mirage volcano exhibit features music and visual displays, with fire and lights, with free performances every night. While the MGM might not fit a hotel budget, the lion habitat provides free entertainment daily. For a relaxing European experience, visitors can head to the Venetian Hotel and relax while watching the gondolas navigate the canals. The Flamingo Hotel offers a free wildlife exhibition, featuring flamingos, turtles, ducks and swans. The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features changing exhibitions in lush gardens. Families visiting Vegas can enjoy a circus act at Circus Circus, with one free performance daily.
Avoid Budget Busters
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Avoiding unnecessary costs can save a travel budget. Needless expenses can include valet parking, room service and taxis. Gas prices typically cost more around the Strip and items in hotel gift shops can cost more than similar items in local department stores. Free trams provide transportation along portions of the Strip, and the local transit service operates a low-cost bus that runs the length of the Strip, 24 hours per day.
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References
- Las Vegas Cheap Eats: Chow Down on the Down Low
- Boots N All Travel Network: Why Go Las Vegas--How to Visit Las Vegas on a Budget
- Boots N All Travel Network: Why Go Las Vegas--Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Budget Travel: Luxury for Less in Las Vegas
- Aol Travel: How To Do Las Vegas On A Budget
- Vegas.com: The Bargain Hunter
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
