TL;DR: The 4 Smartest Budget Stays on the Strip:
- Best All-In Value (Zero Resort Fee): Best Western Plus Casino Royale. It’s the only Strip hotel that currently waives the mandatory daily resort fee, saving you $35+ per night.
- Best Location for the Price: Excalibur Hotel & Casino. Consistently the lowest base rates on the South Strip, right across from MGM Grand and connected by tram.
- Best for Center Strip Action: Horseshoe Las Vegas. Directly across from Bellagio, it offers prime, central real estate for a budget price.
- Best Remodeled Option: The LINQ Hotel & Casino. Clean, modern rooms and unbeatable access to the LINQ Promenade entertainment hub.
Finding Cheap Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip can feel like the ultimate Vegas magic trick—everyone wants the spectacle, but nobody wants to pay the luxury price tag. The good news is that you absolutely can stay right on the famous boulevard without emptying your bank account.
The secret? You have to look past the base room price and factor in the mandatory resort fees, location, and the quality you’re actually getting for your money. I’ve spent time walking, staying, and comparing all the budget options. Here is my honest guide to the best (and smartest) Cheap Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip that let you save money without missing out on the excitement.
5 South Strip Hotels Among the Best Cheap Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip
These Cheap Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip sit on the south end, giving you a proper address on Las Vegas Boulevard for the lowest possible cost. They are connected by free trams, making them much more walkable than they appear.
1. Excalibur Hotel & Casino
The Excalibur is often the first hotel budget travelers discover. Its castle theme is instantly recognizable, and its base room rates are frequently the lowest on the entire Strip, often starting as low as $35 per night.
- Expert Take: The hotel is older, but the rooms are clean and surprisingly consistent. Its biggest advantage is location: you’re right across the street from New York-New York and connected by a free tram to Luxor and Mandalay Bay.
- Budget Advantage: Unbeatable base rate combined with good walkability. (Resort Fee: Approx. $45/night).
2. Luxor Hotel & Casino
The iconic pyramid structure of the Luxor makes it stand out, and it’s another consistent budget option on the South Strip. Room rates often start around $40 per night.
- Expert Take: If you stay here, try to book a renovated Tower room over a standard Pyramid room; the quality is much better, and the angles are less awkward. You get easy access to the tram leading to Excalibur and Mandalay Bay.
- Unique Feature: It houses large attractions like the Titanic exhibit, which can be a fun activity that keeps you cool indoors.
3. New York-New York Hotel & Casino
While sometimes priced slightly higher than Excalibur or Luxor, New York-New York is a phenomenal budget option because of the entertainment value it includes. Base rooms start around $75 per night.
- Expert Take: You get a central location, a huge arcade, and the thrill of the Big Apple Coaster right outside. The dining options are excellent and budget-friendly (like Shake Shack).
- Vibe: High energy, best for couples or families with teens who want built-in fun.
4. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Wait, the MGM Grand is a cheap hotel on the Las Vegas Strip? Yes. On many weeknights and during the off-season, its sheer size (one of the largest hotels in the world) means it often offers competitive base rates, sometimes dipping to $50–$70 per night for a standard room.
- Expert Take: For a budget price, you get access to one of the best pool complexes in Vegas, including a lazy river. It’s a fantastic value if you can catch a low rate.
- Pro Tip: Look for discounts if you are booking mid-week or during January/February.
5. OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
The OYO is one of the smallest resorts on the Strip and is located between MGM Grand and the former Tropicana site. It is generally one of the cheapest options available.
- Expert Take: This is a no-frills stay focused entirely on giving you a clean bed near the action. Don’t expect luxury or five-star dining, but the price is right if you just need to sleep.
- Location: South Strip, near the airport.
5 Center & North Strip Hotels Among the Top Cheap Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip
These Cheap Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip save you money on transportation, as they are all located where the action is heaviest.
6. Best Western Plus Casino Royale–Center Strip
This is the holy grail for budget-conscious travelers: The Best Western Plus Casino Royale is the only property with a Strip address that consistently waives the resort fee (a $0/night fee!).
- Expert Take: Located between The Venetian and Harrah’s, the location is unbeatable. The base rooms may be simple, but saving $35-$45 in fees every single night makes this the true cheapest all-in stay.
- Key Feature: NO Resort Fee! (Always confirm this policy before booking, as it can change.)
7. Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Bally’s)
Located directly across from Bellagio, the Horseshoe offers one of the best locations for its budget. Rooms are basic but clean, and base rates often start around $60 per night.
- Expert Take: You are paying for the location. It’s connected directly to Paris Las Vegas via a shopping promenade, meaning you can walk to many major hotels easily.
- Vibe: No-fuss, central access, good gambling floor.
8. The LINQ Hotel & Casino
The LINQ is extremely popular because it sits on the LINQ Promenade, a lively pedestrian street filled with restaurants and bars leading to the High Roller. Base rooms often start around $65 per night.
- Expert Take: The rooms were recently remodeled, so they feel clean and modern. Its location is unbeatable for entertainment, food, and people-watching.
- Must-Do: The LINQ Promenade is great for affordable quick bites and drinks.
9. Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
The Flamingo is another historic, Center Strip option with low rates (starting around $50 per night). It’s famous for its pink theme and its Wildlife Habitat (a free, quiet escape).
- Expert Take: The location is perfect, but be careful when booking. Pay a little extra for a ‘Flamingo’ or ‘GO’ room to guarantee a renovated space. The older rooms are very dated.
- Family Tip: Visit the free Wildlife Habitat to see the flamingos!
10. SAHARA Las Vegas
Located on the North Strip, the SAHARA offers incredible value, often with rates starting around $50 per night. The hotel has been fully renovated and feels much more modern and upscale than other budget choices.
- Expert Take: It’s further from the Center Strip, but it has its own Monorail station, making transportation easy and fast. It feels like the best quality for the lowest price.
- Vibe: Trendy, modern, and excellent value for its quality level.
Final Verdict on Cheap Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip
You don’t need to stay Downtown to save money. If you want the absolute cheapest all-in price, book the Best Western Plus Casino Royale to skip the fee. If you prioritize easy access and the best pool for the lowest base price, choose Excalibur or Luxor. Your Vegas budget can thank you later!
❓ Budget Hotels On the Las Vegas Strip FAQs
How much is the resort fee?
The mandatory resort fee generally ranges from $35 to $50 per night (plus tax) at most major Strip hotels. Always add this to the advertised room rate to find the true cost of your stay.
Can I get free parking at a budget hotel?
No. Nearly all major Strip hotels on this list, including MGM, Luxor, and Flamingo, charge for parking. The most reliable way to get free parking is to stay off-Strip (like at a Downtown hotel) or reach a mid-tier status in a loyalty program.
What is the cheapest day of the week to stay?
The cheapest nights are almost always Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday nights often cause room rates to triple or quadruple, even at the most budget-friendly properties.
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