There are several different options for when to book a Las Vegas hotel. The first step in choosing the right time to visit is to decide what time of year you’d like to travel. As with any other destination, prices fluctuate from time to time. The weather is generally more pleasant in the early spring and fall, and the Strip is quieter. However, you should know that winter and early spring are traditionally busy trade shows and expos seasons. Therefore, they’re also frequently when hotels are looking to sell off suddenly vacant rooms.
Prices fluctuate
If you’re looking for a good deal on your hotel room in Las Vegas, it’s essential to know that prices fluctuate daily. When few people are in town, hotel prices are low, while costs can skyrocket on weekends and major holidays—for the best rates, book as early as possible, mainly during busy times. However, there are some exceptions.
Table game minimums and room rates tend to fluctuate on holidays. For example, they can go up at Halloween, Super Bowl weekend, and March Madness. And although table minimums are typically lower during the NFR, demand for tables can increase. However, the market is not as great during the NFR, and prices are flat during the other holiday periods. Revenue Analytics’ chief hospitality industry analyst, Paul Murray, says holiday room rates reflect the sophistication of Strip operators.
Last minute booking
Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas for business or pleasure, last-minute bookings can help you save on hotel accommodations. Most travelers wait to decide where to stay until the last minute, so hotels often hold on to rooms sold out online. They then charge astronomical prices to people without reservations. Fortunately, there are a few tips you can use to get a great deal on your next trip.
The best time to book a last-minute Las Vegas hotel is about seven days before you plan to arrive. This allows you to save anywhere from $10 to seventy percent per night. Moreover, hotel rates tend to increase five months before your trip. Make sure to avoid dates during busy conventions and holidays when you can get the best deals. Below are a few ways to find affordable rooms at the last minute.
Booking directly with a hotel
If you want to save money while booking a Las Vegas hotel, booking directly with the hotel is better than through an online travel agency. You will receive more discounts if you book in advance and can sometimes get rates up to 10-15% lower than the OTA rate. In addition, booking directly will often give you free cancellation. Lastly, calling a hotel now may help you discover fantastic deals and packages. You can even get a better room for the same price.
Another advantage of booking directly with a hotel is receiving the best rates. Booking directly with a hotel gives you more flexibility because they are not locked into contracts with third-party booking websites. For example, securing through a third-party site locks you into a contract, limiting the hotel’s and its staff’s flexibility. Booking directly allows you to take advantage of special packages and perks, which could save you even more money.
Booking through a loyalty program
There are many advantages of booking your Las Vegas hotel through a loyalty program. For instance, members of the Total Rewards Visa program can earn 5x Reward Credits at participating hotels or use the cash to pay for their stay at participating resorts. On the other hand, members of other loyalty programs may have to pay the total amount of their stay up front. If you book your reservation through a third-party website, there’s a good chance that your credit card details aren’t stored on file at the hotel.
In addition to offering an attractive rate, loyalty programs often feature excellent discounts on Las Vegas hotels. Some of the most luxurious Las Vegas hotels are part of these programs. For example, if you’re looking for an upscale hotel, MGM Grand is a great choice, as it offers rooms for 15,000 points a night during off-peak times. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly Las Vegas hotel, consider staying in one of the many other properties in the city.
Booking through a 3rd party
You may have heard that booking a Vegas hotel through a 3rde party is better. While it may not get you the lowest price, it will give you the best chance of getting a room and possibly an upgrade. Large hotel chains prioritize whales (big spenders) who can take advantage of tier discounts and comps. On the other hand, the third-party option puts you in a human’s hands.
When booking through a 3rd-party site, you are not guaranteed a discount, and you can only search a handful of hotels at once. On the other hand, if you book directly with the hotel, you can take advantage of promotions and bonuses that require booking through their corporate site. You will also receive better value for your money because you won’t be locked into a contract by a third-party site.
