How to Choose a Hotel in Las Vegas

Staying on the strip in one of the big resort hotels can be the most expensive. Places like Bellagio, Paris, MandalayBay and MGM Grand aren't cheap, but there are often deals to be found. Try to get on the hotel's email list. They send out discount offers all the time.

priceline

Some of the older hotels can be real bargains. The Tropicana, right across the street from MGM Grand often has very good deals. There are also a number of smaller places, just off the Strip, that can save you a lot of money. But they aren't the type of place you'd want to spend hours lounging around the pool. Mainly because they don't have a pool.

PRICELINE

Be aware of where you are staying in the hotel as well. If you want a view you'll have to pay for it. I'll give you an example. I once stayed at New YorkNew York. We got a great deal on a room with a whirlpool. However, the room looked out onto the roof of some low buildings. You couldn't see the street or anything else and in fact, the sun never got to the windows of the room. It was pretty bleak. So ask when you make the reservation if a view is important to you.

As for making that reservation, there are tons of aggregators out there for Las Vegas hotels. They can often get a good deal. Vegas.com is the granddaddy of the bunch, but places like Orbitz and Priceline can also get you deals. The disadvantage with getting your room from a third party is they have less flexibility in getting you special treatment. Dealing directly with the hotel or resort you want to stay at can get you as good a deal and maybe a room that better fits your needs. Not like that room I got at New YorkNew York.

Most of the national chains, like Marriott, Four Seasons and Sheraton on the high end, along with places like Motel 6 on the other end, have a presence in Las Vegas so calling their 800 numbers can get you a room. When calling the hotel or the 800 numbers be sure to ask about discount. Many chains have discounts for some auto club members and other groups. There are also often discounts for military members, so ask.

How to Choose a Hotel in Las Vegas

PRICELINE