How to Go to Vegas on a Budget

Try to find time to go in the middle of the week. Hotel rates will generally be cheaper mid-week. Otherwise, if you must go on the weekend, avoid holiday weekends.

Gather a group of friends. Gather enough friends to fit in one car and one hotel room. If you would like to bring more friends, be sure to fill up another car and another hotel room. This way you can split the cost.

Make hotel reservations early. Look for internet deals on hotels. Always stay within one block of "the strip". Remember, if you stay in a mediocre hotel, but you are in the middle of the strip, your view will be spectacular because you don't have to look at your own hotel. Remember, all of Las Vegas Blvd is not "the strip". All hotels north of Treasure Island and south of Mandalay Bay will not be within decent walking distance of the strip.

Alcohol. If you plan to drink in your hotel room before going out, be sure to buy alcohol at the grocery store before arriving at your hotel. Alcohol in the hotel store and the hotel bar will be very overpriced. Alcohol sold in liquor stores on the strip also tends to be expensive.

Going out. Find a bar with a deal on drinks. Avoid clubs. Clubs tend to have a cover charge and very expensive drinks.

Gamble at the cheaper tables and slot machines and savor the free-drinks. Remember to tip the waitress or else she may stop serving you.

Be careful where you buy food. Food in a really nice casino will be more expensive than food in a moderate casino. Coffee at the Starbucks in a really nice hotel will be more expensive than coffee at Starbucks down the street.

For food, try snacking in the morning and eating at a moderately priced buffet at night. Plan to spend at least 15-20 dollars for a decent buffet. Or, you can eat a champagne brunch in the morning and snack in the evening.

Leisure. Enjoy the weather, buy a margarita and sit by the pool for free entertainment.

More leisure. Try walking up and down the strip and checking out the hotels for a night of fun.