It goes without saying that you will usually get a discount hotel rate in Las Vegas if you plan and book your vacation well in advance. However, planning a last-minute Vegas trip doesn't mean that you must pay top prices. It is, in fact, very easy to find discount Las Vegas hotel rooms with a little pre-planning.



November, December and January are quieter times to visit. Other times of the year when you will get the best prices are weekdays which are usually half weekend prices, two weeks before Christmas, in the middle of summer and August and December.

The easiest way to find out whether Vegas is "sold out" when you want to vacation there contact the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority on 702-892-0711.

Decide how long you want to stay there for. Many hotels offer lower room rates the longer you stay.

Many of the downtown casinos and hotels are cheaper than accommodation on the Strip.

Look out for hotels offering a free night if you stay for three or more nights there.

Check to see if your planned trip coincides with any major conventions or popular events, etc, on at the same time. If a convention is on at the same time it could be impossible to find a room. Some conventions have attendees of more than 50,000.

You can improve your chances of accessing Las Vegas hotel discounts by going to the information desk at the McCarran airport and getting the names of all hotels with available rooms. Write down the names of all hotels in your price range and don't make contact by phone unless the information desk clerk tells you that rooms are in very short supply.

If you work for the government or have a military ID ask for the government rate. This works even if you are not travelling on government business. Many hotels offer free breakfast and great low rates for government employees. Just be sure to have your ID when you check in to show as proof. Some hotels give discounts to credit card holders of certain credit card companies. Ask for the manager and ask him about it. The manager is the person who can authorise any special deal like this for you. Ask for certain packages. Many hotels offer free breakfasts, discount lunches, free shuttles etc.

Go in person to the first hotel on your list and inquire if there are any hotel discounts available. If you don't get the price you are happy with then go in person to the next hotel on your list.

It's important to bear in mind that hotel prices can fluctuate a lot even in a 24 hour period and you have the best chance of getting the lowest room rate by making inquiries in the late afternoon on the day you want to actually check in.

If you arrive by automobile then bring a list of 800 Las Vegas hotel numbers and start ringing while you are on the road.

If you happen to come completely unprepared then make life easier on the first day you arrive in Vegas by simply checking into a reasonably priced Strip hotel and then looking for cheaper hotels the next day.