Vegas on a Budget

The glittering lights and endless party vibes of Sin City give the appearance of expensive, unattainable opulence. But, believe it or not, you can stay at luxury hotels, dine at 5-star restaurants, watch A-list shows and party at world-famous nightclubs on a budget.

If there’s one city where you can live like a high roller on a low baller budget, Las Vegas is it. From cheap 5-star meals to VIP service at some of the best hotels and nightclubs in Vegas, it’s possible to live it up in Vegas without breaking the bank. In order to be treated like a VIP you need to act like a VIP. Here are some tips on how to ball out in Vegas, on a budget.

Join a hotel’s membership program for discounts. Every major hotel in Vegas offers a gaming club to join. With this, you’ll earn immediate access to discounted room rates and exclusive promotions and deals.

For weekend getaways, come Saturday–Monday. Sure the clubs won’t be as bumping, but if you’re coming to Vegas for other reasons, this is generally the cheapest way to visit. Even though you’ll be paying a premium price on Saturday, you’ll notice a significant drop on Sunday’s room rate.

If the Strip isn’t for you, stay downtown. This is the real, genuine Vegas that was once the norm before the Strip came along. You’ll find cheap resort room rates and cheap eats.

Skip room service. Sure it’s convenient but room service in Vegas is absurdly expensive. If money is tight, the only time to order room service is if your room comes with it complimentary.

Ladies, talk to club promoters to get free entry. If you can, find a club promoter handing out free club vouchers. This guy’s job is to get as many girls into the clubs as possible, so if you can, reach out to them to get yourself on the list as well as free entry.

If you’re a group of girls, ask your host if any guy tables are looking for girls. It can work two ways: They’ll pair you with the guy group in line, that way you both get in quicker, or they’ll send you to the guy group’s table. Either way, it’s a win-win.

To save money on drinks, play slots on the casino floor. Sit at a penny slot machine and play slowly. A waitress will come around providing you with free drinks. Then you can head to the nightclub without paying expensive drink prices.

If you don’t have a table, arrive by 10 p.m. Club lines fill up fast, so make sure you get in and arrive as early as possible.