We all dream of doing Vegas big, but not everyone’s rolling in high-roller cash. That’s why on the last few trips, we made it our mission to find the best cheap hotel in Las Vegas Nevada that still delivered on the fun, the vibe, and the comfort (without leaving us broke before we even hit the slots). And guess what? We were surprised! From hotels with bowling alleys and vintage charm to spots that felt like mini resorts, we found so many places that let us soak in the magic of Vegas without the ridiculous price tag. So, if you’re planning a trip and want to stretch your dollar without sacrificing the experience, this list is for you.
Table of contents
- Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
- The D Las Vegas
- Oasis at Gold Spike
- Ellis Island Hotel Casino & Brewery
- Silverton Casino Lodge
- Treasure Island
- Excalibur
- Rio Hotel & Casino
- Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
- Casino Royale Best Western Plus – Center Strip
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Top Affordable Restaurants in Las Vegas
- Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
- What is the cheapest way around Vegas?
- What month is the cheapest to stay in Las Vegas?
- Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Las Vegas?
Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
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Even though the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino is a cheaper Vegas option, it still has great on-site activities. From bingo games to a full-blown bowling alley, we ended up spending more time here than we thought we would. It’s a nice reminder that you don’t always need to be right on the Strip to have a good time in Vegas.
Speaking of location, we were just about a 10-minute ride to the Strip, which made it easy to dip into the buzz of Vegas whenever we wanted, and then retreat to somewhere a bit more relaxed. We tried our luck at the casino, and it was more welcoming than most, with lower minimum bets and a less touristy vibe. You could tell this place draws more of a local crowd, which made the atmosphere feel a little more laid-back.
Furthermore, our room was clean and comfortable. It was nothing flashy, but it did the job. The hotel is definitely a bit older, but we noticed some rooms had been updated, so it seems like they’re keeping things fresh. For the price, the location, and the fun little surprises, we’d say Gold Coast is a solid pick if you want a more relaxed, affordable Vegas experience.
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The D Las Vegas
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Nestled right in the heart of Fremont Street, The D Las Vegas is perfect if you want to be close to all the downtown action. Think live music, street performers, and that classic old-school Vegas charm. The hotel itself gives a little nod to Detroit (hence the “D”), which adds a fun, unexpected twist to the experience. And while it’s not anywhere near the Strip, that actually worked in our favor. Everything we wanted was right outside the door, without the Strip prices.
Inside, the casino buzzes with energy. We’re not usually into keno, but the massive keno board in the lounge had us intrigued. You can watch your numbers pop up in real time on this giant screen. Even if you’re just passing through, Longbar is a must. It’s one of the longest bars we’ve ever seen, and it’s always packed with people chatting, cheering, and soaking in the good vibes. We ended up spending more time there than we expected, just enjoying the drinks and people-watching.
As for the room? Super clean, surprisingly modern, and way quieter than we thought it would be given the location. After a night of music and neon lights, it felt so good to crash into a space that was sleek and comfortable.
“Aside from Detroid, we think the D also stands for “deluxe” for its high standard of services and amenities.”
WOW Travel
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Oasis at Gold Spike
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With the huge number of hotels in Sin City, we think it’s fair to say that Oasis at Gold Spike is a hidden gem. This cheap hotel in Las Vegas Nevada used to be an old-school motel. However, after a full makeover, it’s now a super chill boutique hotel with major retro-cool vibes. The design is minimalist but stylish. Clean lines, a pop of color here and there, but nothing too flashy, which was actually kind of refreshing in a city known for going over the top.
We booked the Double Queen Room, and it was everything we expected it to be. But that wasn’t the highlight. We low-key loved that the whole hotel is smoke-free and casino-free. It was something we didn’t know we needed until we got there. Instead of slot machines and cigarette smells, we had access to things like a media library, coworking space, and even bike rentals. Plus, the Gold Spike next door had this awesome 24-hour restaurant and a backyard full of life-sized games.
The best part? The location and the price. We were just a few minutes’ walk from the Fremont Street Experience, which meant all the classic neon and energy of Old Vegas was right at our doorstep. However, we still got to come back to a quiet, laid-back room each night. And for what we paid, it was amazing.
Make sure to also check out the 11 best boutique hotels in Vegas!
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Ellis Island Hotel Casino & Brewery
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Best Activities. Staying at a cheap hotel in Las Vegas NV doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun. The Ellis Island Hotel Casino & Brewery is proof! This two-star hotel is just a short walk from the heart of the Strip, but far enough away to avoid the chaos. We honestly loved the laid-back vibe. Between the 24/7 restaurant, on-site brewery, and random trivia nights, there was always something happening without feeling overwhelming.
Our room was simple but super comfortable with clean, cozy beds, and little perks like a mini-fridge and coffee maker. Having coffee in the room while we got ready for a night out made things so much easier.
That said, the food scene here surprised us. We’re talking massive BBQ plates, juicy steaks, late-night pizza, and even tacos, all without needing to leave the property. The 24/7 Village Pub & Café became our go-to for quick bites, but the real highlight? The karaoke bar. Open late and packed with over 10,000 songs, it turned into one of our most memorable nights. Laughs, off-key singing, and all.
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Silverton Casino Lodge
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Silverton Casino Lodge‘s promise of mermaids was too quirky for us to pass up. Once we arrived, we were greeted by a massive aquarium filled with tropical fish, rays, and, yes, actual mermaids swimming around on certain days of the week. It was such a fun, unexpected experience that we made sure to catch a mermaid show again before we checked out. Have your camera ready!
What makes Silverton even better is that it’s connected to Bass Pro Shops, which feels like an attraction in its own right. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Strip, which turned out to be a good thing for us. We got to avoid the chaos and enjoy a more relaxed, local side of Vegas.
As for our room, it was surprisingly spacious and spotless, with a bed that we practically melted into every single night. There’s a nice mix of dining options on-site, and we caught some live music at the lounge over the weekend, which added to the atmosphere without needing to go far.
If you love this hotel, you should also check out Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino: Enjoying Vegas on a Budget!
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Treasure Island
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The Treasure Island surely didn’t disappoint. Living up to its name, this place is a treasure right in the heart of the Strip! We could walk to just about anywhere we wanted: casinos, restaurants, shows—you name it. We even found ourselves wandering into Gilley’s Saloon one night and unexpectedly joining a free line dancing class. Totally not planned, but definitely memorable!
Our room was surprisingly spacious and super clean, with a view of the Strip that reminded us we were in the middle of all the Vegas action. The air-conditioning was cold but not too cold, and we stocked our mini fridge with water and late-night snacks. However, what we appreciated most was that, despite being right on the Strip, the prices were pretty reasonable.
As for amenities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained without even leaving the hotel. The casino is huge, with all the games you’d expect, plus a sportsbook and a high-limit lounge. There’s also a spa and gym. Food-wise, we had a nice dinner at Phil’s Italian Steakhouse, and Gilley’s BBQ was great for a more casual, rowdy night (we saw someone ride the mechanical bull)!
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Excalibur
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Best for Families. Traveling to Vegas with your precious ones? Excalibur is the place to be. The castle theme immediately won us over, and our kids were obsessed with it, especially with the on-site arcade that kept them entertained while we got a bit of downtime. It’s located on the south end of the Strip, so while it’s a bit of a trek to the more central attractions, grabbing an Uber made things easy.
Our room in the Royal Tower was bigger than we imagined and really clean. The earth-toned décor gave it a calm, cozy vibe that we appreciated after a long day out. The bed was super comfortable, and the view from our window was exactly what we imagined from the glittering world of Vegas.
Of course, we couldn’t skip the Tournament of Kings dinner show, which was like stepping into a live-action medieval movie. It was cheesy in the best possible way. The food was hearty, and the jousting was a blast to watch. What stood out the most, though, was the service. Everyone we interacted with was friendly and helpful, and overall, Excalibur felt like a great value for a family-friendly stay in Vegas.
Read also: Visiting the Grand Canyon from Vegas: How We Did It
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Rio Hotel & Casino
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Best Off-Strip. The Rio Hotel & Casino is our favorite cheap hotel in Vegas near the Strip. This hotel is just a quick 10-minute drive from the Strip, which made it super easy to hop back and forth whenever we wanted that classic Vegas energy. Even though it’s off-Strip, our room had an incredible view of the skyline, which was an unexpected bonus.
Speaking of which, our Deluxe King Room was way bigger than we expected. This high-floor room was equipped with the most modern equipment that we forgot we were at a cheap hotel. The highlight, though? It’s the views, especially at night.
Inside the hotel, we caught the Penn & Teller show, which was hilarious, and spent some time at the VooDoo Beach Pools and the casino. It felt like we got the best of both worlds: a chill place to stay with plenty of entertainment right on-site. Another big win? Free parking. With so many Vegas hotels charging so much just to park, we appreciated that the Rio still offers it complimentary.
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Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
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At first, we didn’t know what to expect. However, the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino ended up being one of those pleasant Vegas surprises. The place has a cool history (it used to be the Lady Luck), but after a massive 100-million USD makeover, it now feels fresh, fun, and modern. Location-wise, this hotel is it. There’s a pizza place just across the way that hit the spot after a night out. What made it even better was how easy it was to walk out the door and dive into all the quirky, electric vibes of Fremont Street.
Our King Room was clean and comfortable, and if you’re flexible with your dates, you can score a night here at prices that’ll blow your mind away. Everything in our room was well-maintained, and even the bathroom was spotless. The views were the cherry on top.
During our stay, we spent part of the day lounging by the rooftop pool, grabbed drinks at one of the bars, and had some solid meals at the hotel’s restaurants. What really stood out, though, was the Esports lounge—something we hadn’t seen at other Vegas hotels. They host regular tournaments, and even though we’re not hardcore gamers, it was fun to check out and add something different to our stay.
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The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
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Best Views. We booked a stay at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower mostly for the novelty of staying in a Vegas landmark. After a long night of exploring the Strip, it was a relief to just look up, spot the tower, and know we were headed the right way. This cheap hotel in Las Vegas Nevada felt like a full-on entertainment complex, with everything from two pools to live shows, a casino, and some of the best views in town if you head up the iconic tower.
Food-wise, The STRAT had more options than we expected. We treated ourselves to a sunset dinner at Top of the World. 360° views while eating a perfectly seared steak? Unreal! But even the casual spots surprised us. Dim sum at Chi Asian Kitchen hit the spot when we were craving something savory and comforting, and Nunzio’s pizza became our late-night go-to.
Meanwhile, our Elevate 1 King Room was newly renovated. It felt modern and clean without being overdone. As expected, it had all the amenities we needed, including a fridge and a safe. For what we paid, it honestly felt like a steal.
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Casino Royale Best Western Plus – Center Strip
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Best Value for Money. We picked the Casino Royale Best Western Plus as the number one hotel because of many things. First, if you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Las Vegas without resort fee, this is it. Skipping those annoying resort fees felt like a win before we even checked in. Aside from that, the location is also a jackpot. This colorful hotel is right across from the Mirage’s volcano show and next to the Venetian. We loved being in the middle of the Strip without blowing our whole budget.
We chose the Standard King Room for our stay. The room was simple, but it was clean, quiet, and felt safe, which was all we needed. What stood out more, though, was the genuinely friendly staff. Everyone we talked to was helpful without feeling forced, which made a big difference.
When it came to dining, we were set. Denny’s, White Castle, and even a Cinnabon were right downstairs, perfect for late-night cravings. The affordable bar and the seasonal pool were nice bonuses, too. Feeling lucky? Test your luck at the on-site casino! If you want a low-stress, budget-friendly Vegas stay right on the Strip, this place just makes sense.
For more affordable options, here are the 4 best hostels in Vegas!
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Our Verdict!
Want a quick rundown of our top picks? We’ve grouped the best hotels based on what matters most. Check them out below!
- Best Value for Money: Casino Royale Best Western Plus – Center Strip
- Best Views: The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
- Best Off-Strip: Rio Hotel & Casino
- Best for Families: Excalibur
- Best Activities: Ellis Island Hotel Casino & Brewery
Where to Stay in Las Vegas, Nevada
If it’s your first time in Vegas, staying on the Strip is a no-brainer. This is where you’ll find the iconic mega-resorts, casinos, flashy lights, and world-famous shows. It’s the full Vegas experience. Expect high energy, nonstop entertainment, and plenty of dining and nightlife options. Just be ready for bigger crowds and higher prices, especially on weekends.
For a more budget-friendly and laid-back experience, Downtown Las Vegas (around Fremont Street) is a great choice. It’s got that vintage Vegas charm, a fun and walkable vibe, and way more personality than you’d expect. You’ll still get casinos, live music, and lots of food spots, but for a fraction of the cost compared to the Strip.
If you want to be close to the action without being in the middle of it, look at Off-Strip areas like Paradise or west of the Strip. These neighborhoods offer affordable hotels and resorts, often with free parking and shuttles to the Strip.
Top Affordable Restaurants in Las Vegas
- Tacos El Gordo – This place consistently serves up some of the most authentic and delicious Tijuana-style tacos you’ll find. The al pastor, sliced right off the trompo, is an absolute must-try and truly transports your taste buds to Mexico.
- Viva Las Arepas – For a taste of Venezuela, look no further than Viva Las Arepas. Their flavorful and generously stuffed arepas are a unique and incredibly satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Fountains of Bellagio Show – The Bellagio Fountains are a true spectacle, with the water dancing perfectly to the music and lights. Catching a show at night when the Strip is buzzing adds to the magic and makes it a must-see.
- Seven Magic Mountains – This vibrant art installation in the middle of the desert offers a unique and colorful photo opportunity. It’s an easy and rewarding stop for those looking for something a bit different outside the city.
What is the cheapest way around Vegas?
The cheapest ways to get around Las Vegas are often free trams and shuttles offered by various resorts, especially for getting between connected properties, and the Downtown Loop which is a free city-run shuttle in the downtown area. For wider coverage, the RTC bus system, including The Deuce and SDX, offers affordable passes for extended periods.
What month is the cheapest to stay in Las Vegas?
Generally, January and December (excluding New Year’s Eve) are often the cheapest months to stay in Las Vegas due to colder weather and fewer major conventions. You can also often find good deals between September and November, avoiding major holidays and large events.
Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Las Vegas?
During off-peak hours, Uber tends to be more affordable, but surge pricing during busy periods (like conventions or late nights) can make taxis, with their fixed rates, the more economical option.
