Planning a Trip to Las Vegas: Here's How we Found the Best Las Vegas Deals

Booking a trip for a family of four to Las Vegas, on a budget, especially during a major sporting event, wasn't a walk in the park. But with a lot of planning, we managed to secure our flights and accommodation at a great price.   This guide will help to give you the tools and knowledge to snag that elusive bargain.

Booking Your Flights 

Flight prices from the UK to Las Vegas vary considerably depending on where you're flying from and whether you fly direct or not.  We booked direct flights directly with British Airways from London Heathrow Airport, with luggage and a 4* Hotel for 8 nights for around £2,600 and less than a week later the same deal had increased in price to almost £6,000. 

Here's our tips for finding the best prices.

• Book in Advance: Generally, booking a few months in advance offers the best chances of finding a good deal. However, sometimes last-minute bargains pop up, so keep an eye out
• Be Flexible: If your travel dates are flexible, even only a little, make sure you check prices on different days as it could save you a fortune.  Mid-week flights  are usually cheaper as is travelling during off peak seasons (March-May and September-November) 
• Compare flights from different Airports: Make sure that you check out flights from different UK airports.  We found that direct flights from Manchester Airport worked out at around £200 per person more than a direct flight from London Heathrow Airport on the dates that we were looking at.
• Use Flight Search Engines: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak compare prices from multiple airlines, helping you find the best options.  Be advised that the prices shown are usually excluding any cabin luggage and therefore the prices can jump up once you add this on.  We made this mistake when first looking.  
• Check Prices with Airlines Directly: Some airlines will not appear on the search engines so there can be deals to be had when booking directly, especially when the airline has a sale on.  We found this to be the best option for us.

Where to Stay: Hotel Hacks 

Las Vegas offers an overwhelming array of hotels, each with its own unique charm and amenities.  Choosing the perfect one can feel like a daunting task.  We chose to stay at the newly renovated 4* Rio Hotel which is around 1 mile to the west of the centre of the strip, bearing in mind that the strip is 4 miles long, it's actually closer to the centre of the strip than some hotels at either end, yet should be a little quieter which will be perfect for us since were travelling with children.  This hotel was on a special offer when we booked our flights directly through British Airways costing us only around £200 for the 8 nights when booked with our flight. 

When looking for hotels first narrow down your search by considering these factors:

• Budget: Las Vegas caters to all budgets, from budget-friendly hotels/apartments to ultra-luxury resorts.
• Location: Decide if you want to be in the heart of the action on the Strip or prefer a quieter location off-Strip.
• Amenities: Consider what's important to you: pools, spas, casinos, nightlife, family-friendly activities, or something else?

Then compare the hotels that best meet your requirements

• Compare Prices: Use booking websites to compare prices and find deals but also remember to check hotels directly as they too can have exclusive special offers. Most hotels want you to stay so that you'll be spending more money in their casinos.
• Read Reviews: Always check online reviews to get a sense of what other guests experienced.
• Resort Fees: Be aware of resort fees, most hotels charge them on a daily basis, these cover amenities like Wi-Fi and gym access.and they can add up quickly. Resort fees are not paid as part of your booking but are charged when you arrive at the hotel, along with a refundable deposit,  These vary per hotel from $35 to around $80 per night so make sure that you have checked and budget for this before booking.
• Loyalty Programs: Sign up for hotel loyalty programs to enjoy perks like early check-in, late checkout, and room upgrades
• Play MyVegas:  Download and play games from the MGM MyVegas series to build up points that can be used to score free hotel stays.

Popular Hotel Choices:

• Luxury: Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, Wynn Las Vegas
• Mid-Range: Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay
• Budget-Friendly: Circus Circus, Luxor, Planet Hollywood

Additional Tips for Saving Money

• Pack Light: If you are only visiting for a few days and pack efficiently, you can save £100/s by avoiding checked baggage.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Many airlines and travel sites offer email alerts for price drops.
• Use Airline Loyalty Programs: Accumulate points or miles to redeem for free flights or upgrades.
• Be Patient: Don't rush into booking. Keep an eye on prices and wait for the right opportunity.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to experiencing the dazzling lights of Las Vegas without breaking the bank. Remember, a little planning can go a long way in securing the ultimate Sin City getaway.