Expert Tips To Save Money On Vegas Vacation
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Las Vegas is a very popular getaway for people in our area, but vacations aren't cheap.
Deals on as Vegas vacations aren't as easy to come by as they used to be either. However, KDKA-TV's David Highfield did some digging and found some ways you can save on a trip to Las Vegas.
"It's a nice little getaway. It's a quick flight from Pittsburgh," Corrine George said.
"You get out of the airport and it's like adult fun time right away," Joe Morascyzk said.
In order to save money on your next visit, Highfield enlisted the help of some experts.
Player's Club Deals
Consider signing up for Player's Club cards. They work like grocery store loyalty cards, but sometimes you can get deals and free stuff just by signing up.
At MGM Resorts, it's called M-Life and before spending any money, you'll get offers on hotel rooms and meals.
As for food, you could get as much as $25, $50 or $75 toward meals at MGM-owned restaurants.
If you get the Hard Rock Hotel's Player's Card, you can go to Mister Lucky's Restaurant and get a meal for just $7.77. The meal includes a top sirloin steak, three grilled shrimp skewered, steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes.
Check out a Tix 4 Tonight booth if you want to see a show, but not pay full price. You might even be able to save 55 to 60 percent off the full price.
They sell tickets to every non sold out show on The Strip. So, it can be a little hit-or-miss, but you can definitely score a good deal.
Hotels
You can also save on hotels, by avoiding weekends.
At the new Cosmopolitan, a room on a Friday night was $180, but the very same room on a Monday was $140.
You can also save and still stay on The Strip by picking something not as new. Highfield found a room at Luxor for just $35 a night before resort fees and taxes.
It's definitely worth checking out websites such as Vegas.com, LasVegas.com and CheapoVegas.com for special deals and promo codes.
However, sometimes you can save the most money just by picking up the phone and calling the hotels directly.
Under $20 Fun
There's plenty to do for under $20 and Aleza Freeman from Vegas.com helped Highfield out.
One of her favorites is the roller coaster at New York, New York, which is only $14 a person.
Highfield met up with her at the Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage, where for $19.95 for adults, you can see the dolphins and some big cats.
A ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel costs $11.50 for adults during the day and $16.50 at night.
Vegas Freebies
The television show "Pawn Stars" has made the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop a popular spot. It costs nothing just to visit and thousands do every day.
The dancing fountains at the Bellagio are astounding and free.
In the evening, the shows run every 15 minutes and the whole thing is set to music.
Inside the Bellagio is a free conservatory.
It's changed out five times a year with extravagant flower displays, so you may want to bring a camera.
At Circus Circus, there's an actual circus with acts performing twice an hour at the Midway Stage.
If you make your way to Treasure Island, pirates and temptresses put on a pretty elaborate show out front
Finally, it feels a little like hell has bubbled up in Sin City, but the volcano at the Mirage puts on an impressive display set to music.
Airfare
The only direct flight from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas is on Southwest.
However, on many of the dates Highfield checked, flying direct on Southwest was actually cheaper than the connecting flights.
That is especially true if you plan on checking a bag because Southwest allows you two bags without an extra charge.
AAA also said the first two weeks in December are a good time to get deals because it's between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Freeman also said parking garages along The Strip are free, but that's not true if you check out downtown Las Vegas.
Freeman's advice? If you go to a restaurant or attraction down there, be sure to ask them to validate your parking.
RELATED LINKS
More Local News
More Reports From David Highfield
Mirage Volcano
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