The 12 best cheap hotels in Las Vegas, for a budget-friendly stay

Don’t let the price tag fool you. This non-casino hotel, 30 minutes from the airport, is far more glamorous than its room rate suggests. Set along the surprisingly beautiful man-made Lake Las Vegas, the Westin is adorned with hanging lanterns, ornate tile work, terra cotta tones, and an indoor/outdoor aesthetic that encourages you to make good use of the pool and expansive patio overlooking the water. This is the place to heal yourself after a draining 24 hours at the slots – what it lacks in table games or pumping nightclubs, it makes up for in standup paddleboard lessons, yoga classes, beachy bonfires, and access to an 18-hole golf course right next door.

Mood? Boujie palace.
Location perks? The hotel's set on 3,600 acres along Lake Las Vegas – you might just forget you're in Vegas at all.
Budget range? Extremely good value for money.

Once the celeb and nightclub capital of the casino corridor, today the Palms is a little more laid back. But many of the ingredients that made it such a hot spot are still in place, namely slick rooms with sensational views (book a room in the Ivory Tower, designed by Klai Juba), tasty restaurants (there are ten to choose from), party options (Ghostbar turns afternoons debaucherous all year long) and one of the best concert venues in town with impressive daily line-ups.

Mood? Balmy resort vibes.
Location perks? Far enough away that you can enjoy a holiday from your holiday.
Budget range? Decent price tag.

The Hilton originally opened as a Ritz-Carlton, which means just about everything at the lakeside resort is a little more lovely than you'd expect. That goes for the opulent interiors, elegant pool and formal garden, which leads to a 'village' of shops and cafes where you can grab a bite or a souvenir. Two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses are within easy reach and there’s a shuttle service to the Strip for when you want to get your Vegas on. The best of both worlds, with a view to boot.

Mood? Lakeside retreat.
Location perks? A true escape from the chaos of the Vegas strip, some 17 miles away.
Budget range? A great range of options. 

Two words: shark tank. That's right. This quirky Fremont Street stay has its own shark, and what's more, there's a translucent section of the slide that zips directly through the tank. Whether you're questioning the ethics surrounding this spectacle or counting down the seconds until you can jump on in, there's no denying that it's a big draw for the Golden Nugget. Away from the pool, you'll find a glitzy casino, nine restaurants, a Starbucks, and regular live entertainment.

Mood? Golden opulence.
Location perks? A great option for a cheap hotel near the Las Vegas Strip, being an easy 3 miles away – not that you'd notice with the on-site casino keeping you busy.
Budget range? A really great deal.

Stay in a Vegas landmark by booking a room at the STRAT Hotel (hey, it will make finding your way home super easy if you head out exploring). This place has all the big accoutrements of a major hotel in this neck of the woods: two swimming pools (one for adults only), 11 restaurants, a roster of shows, its own casino and… really stunning views (especially if you book a ticket to go up the tower itself). The rooms are modern, fresh and functional and – deep breath – available for some surprisingly good rates.

Mood? Going up in the world.
Location perks? Don’t miss the chance to view Vegas from the tower.
Budget range? Variable with some real deals thrown in.

In 2013 the former Lady Luck casino in Downtown Las Vegas reopened as the Downtown Grand, a sprawling, 600-plus room resort with a fresh look courtesy of a $100-million makeover. Inside, there’s a full suite of gaming options, a beautiful pool, two bars, two restaurants (plus a pizza parlor opposite), and rooms can be sniffed out for as little as $50 per night if you're flexible with dates. Outside, there’s all of Downtown Vegas, from the most debaucherous haunts to more innocuous delights. And Esports fans will be pleased to know that Downtown Grand is host to regular tournaments and a dedicated Esports lounge.

Mood? Modern bliss.
Location perks? In the heart of Downtown and all the vibes it has to offer.
Budget range? Super cheap.

From the second you spy Harrah’s shiny purple exterior, you know this place is into a Go Big or Go Home aesthetic. It’s one of those on-the-Strip hotels that is basically an entire resort within itself. There’s a casino, yes, but also a whole calendar of in-house shows, high-end restaurants, a huge sports bar, an outdoor swimming pools and a beautiful spa in which to regain a bit of peace and quiet. It’s probably safe to say that – like all of Vegas – this one will be most attractive to life’s extroverts – but those extroverts who also love watching their bank balances.

Mood? Big, brash and unapologetically fun.
Location perks? Enough on-site to entertain you for a week.
Budget range? Some shocking bargains to be had for the eagle-eyed.

The Horseshoe Las Vegas is a fairly typical ‘everything you could possibly want’ hotel on the strip, complete with not-one-but-five restaurants. The twist is that you can grab some real bargains when it comes to room prices. Along with the location, the main draw here is the very fun pool area with cheerful sunbathing spots and an enjoyable outdoor games bit. The rooms are super spacious and many have great views to boot. There’s no spa but guests are welcome to use the fitness centre.

Mood? Corporate glam.
Location perks? Right on the strip but with a pool you won’t want to leave.
Budget range? Keep your eyes peeled for discounts and hidden bargains.

Even if you've never set foot in Sin City before, you'll likely know the Luxor. It's the massive pyramid shaped hotel that shoots a beam of light from its peak. Oh, and there's a sphinx guarding the front entrance. Very distinctive, very Vegas. Situated on Las Vegas Boulevard South since 1993, it's no spring chicken when it comes to flashy hotel-casinos in the city, but it offers everything you need and in style too. It's clean and comfy and has a sweeping pool, a variety of restaurants, a pub, and a chapel, not to mention a load of long-running shows, including Blue Man Group. 

Mood? Minimalist style.
Location perks? Luxor's close connection to Mandalay Place means you get two resorts’ worth for the price of one.
Budget range? A sweet deal for two.

This old-school hotel in the heart of Old Vegas got a head-to-toe makeover in 2014, transforming a worn-out property into a properly hip boutique hotel. Today, the Oasis has 130 rooms and suites (modest by Vegas standards)—including dog-friendly crash pads and a 5,000-square-foot penthouse. Unlike most of its neighbors, there’s no gaming or smoking, but to be honest, that might be a bit of a relief. Instead, you’ll find bike rentals, a co-working space, a media library in the lobby and the Gold Spike next door with a 24-hour restaurant and backyard full of games.

Mood? Simplistic design.
Location perks? In the city center, just a three-minute walk from the Fremont Street Experience.
Budget range? An absolute steal.

There are no pirates (in costume or otherwise) on the premises of this laid-back casino—all the more reason to visit. Treasure Island is in a fancy neighborhood (across from Wynn and Palazzo with Mirage right next door) at a price point usually reserved for a few blocks off the Strip. You won’t find famous restaurants or a swanky club on-site (though there is a resident Cirque show), but there are plenty of those within walking distance should you feel the urge to splurge.

Mood? A little piece of gold.
Location perks? You're literally at Treasure Island – it's time to explore!
Budget range? A little higher on price.

Spread out at this veteran hotel, where every room is a suite and the baseline footprint is over 500 square feet. Opt for an updated Samba room in the Ipanema Tower, then explore the carnival-themed casino, take a dip in the pool, indulge in the famous seafood buffet, play the black-lit mini golf course or zipline 800 feet from one casino tower to another. It's like a kid's adventure playground but for adults with credit cards and grown-up naughty streaks. While it's not directly on the Strip, there's a free shuttle right to the heart of the action, and with the money you save on your stay, you should be able to afford an Uber – or 10.

Mood? Fun in the sun.
Location perks? Overlooking the Strip with a new pool oasis to dive right into.
Budget range? Another surprising deal.