Episode #2: Vegas Budget Guide

In this second episode, I focus on creating a budget-friendly guide to Las Vegas. I cover where to stay, where to play, and where to eat. A few notes from the show are listed below.

Where to Stay

South Strip:

Tropicana – Great pool, decent rates

Luxor – I recommend upgrading to the Tower Rooms for added space

Center Strip:

Flamingo – One of the best pools in Vegas relative to the room prices

Harrah’s – Very inexpensive room rates in a great location

Linq – Superb location with a good pool and renovated casino

North Strip:

Not much, really. Harrah’s is the northernmost affordable center Strip property. I’d stay there.

Downtown:

Plaza – Added pool makes for a great amenity

The D – Strong part scene with good rooms for downtown

Downtown Grand – Fantastic, laid-back pool and great rooms

Where to Play

Downtown:

Virtually every casino downtown has favorable conditions for low rollers. I think table games at Golden Nugget and Four Queens are skippable. The same goes for craps at Binion’s. I quite like video poker and craps at Main Street Station, blackjack and craps at Golden Gate, and Pai Gow Poker at Downtown Grand.

Strip:

Some of the best table game conditions can be found at The Cromwell and Treasure Island. Blackjack specifically is great at TI. Cromwell is the place for players right now on the Strip. Cheap craps can be had at Excalibur, Casino Royale, and the Linq. If you want to find me playing video poker, I’ll be bellied up to Chandelier Bar.

Where to Eat

Strip:

Hopping between happy hours is a perfect way to taste a variety of great food on the cheap. The Cosmo is one of the best spots for good deals. Between 3:30 – 7 every day, at least one or two restaurants have some sort of special. China Poblano and STK are great bets.

Downtown:

Some of the best dining downtown can be found in casual pizza and upscale steak joints. Of course, Pizza Rock is a crowd pleaser. Evel Pie is another great choice for a quick slice and a filling draft. If you’re looking to impress, both Andiamo at The D and Oscar’s Steakhouse at the Plaza offer some old-school Vegas charm.

My Favorites

Ellis Island rocks in virtually every aspect for low rollers. Reasonable table minimums, tasty beers from their in-house brewery, and recently renovated hotel rooms. It’s worth a visit off-Strip.

For upscale amenities at an accessible price, Vdara is a perfect option. Tons of space and an in-room fridge for storing all your cold stuff.

One of my favorite Vegas meals was had at Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay. An incredibly tasty menu and outstanding cocktail program, Libertine is likely to be on my itinerary for every trip going forward.

And, with all that, episode #2 is in the books. Let me know what some of your favorite low roller options are!

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