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Updated: October 15, 2020
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The 15 Best Budget Hotels in Las Vegas
1. Best Cheap Hotel on the Strip: The LINQ
The LINQ Hotel, known previously as The Quad and Imperial Palace, is now named after the outdoor promenade and entertainment district next door. The resort gets crowded easily with elevators that take too long and one of the most notoriously hated parking garages in Las Vegas. Despite regular renovations, the rooms are a bit tight, but modern and a good value for the price. The rooftop pool hosts Influence (a free weekend dayclub) and the renovated sports book is one of the best on the Strip. Rooms on the west side of the hotel have colorful Strip views, but easily overhear the noise and music from Carnaval Court outside.
Location: Centrally located on the Strip, The LINQ is close to the Bellagio, Flamingo, and Caesars Palace.
Nearby Dining: The LINQ is home to Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar, where calories are king. For more refined fare, cross the street to Caesars Palace for Restaurant Guy Savoy, Old Homestead, and Rao’s. For cheap eats, explore The LINQ promenade, where you’ll find In-N-Out Burger, Flour & Barley pizza, and Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips.
Nearby Attractions: The LINQ promenade is home to the 550-foot-tall High Roller observation wheel, Brooklyn Bowl (a concert and bowling venue), and Fly LINQ, the only zipline on the Strip. It’s also right across the street from the Forum Shops at Caesars.
Resort Fee: $35 per night.
2. Best Cheap Boutique Hotel: Artisan
The Artisan is a small, adults-only hotel of just 64 rooms, but it has plenty of charm, especially in its art-filled gothic-themed lobby. The intimate pool area allows topless sunbathing, the outdoor patio turns into an after-hours lounge late at night, and the rooms are known for being unofficially pot-friendly. Parking is valet only.
Location: Near Sahara and Interstate 15. Although less than a mile west of the Strip, the hotel is in the industrial corridor. Unless you plan on walking to nearby strip clubs and cannabis dispensaries (which isn’t recommended, especially at night), you’ll want to stick with driving. The good news: you’re close to most everything on the Strip.
Nearby Dining: The iconic Golden Steer is a classic Vegas steakhouse worth a visit. Artisan is also close to Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres and other restaurants at the Sahara.
Nearby Attractions: The Artisan is across the street from Floyd Mayweather’s strip club, Girl Collection, It’s not one of the best in town, but chances are good you’ll see the famous boxing champ hanging out and mingling with guests.
Resort Fee: $17.94 per night.
3. Best Cheap Hotel with a Kitchen: Desert Paradise
If you don’t like busy hotels, this is the place for you. Desert Paradise looks and feels like an apartment complex. You still get a pool and easy gated parking, but don’t expect lavish perks. Rooms have a large, comfortable layout with full kitchens that include stoves, microwaves, and dishwashers. Second-floor units have balconies. Condo-style living at its most efficient and affordable.
Location: Desert Paradise is in a convenient but unremarkable location west of the Strip near Decatur and Hacienda. It’s definitely for tourists driving their own cars or spending a lot of time using rideshare services.
Nearby Dining: You’re about a block away from Roberto’s (a local favorite for inexpensive tacos) and McMullan’s, one of the best round-the-clock Irish pubs in Vegas.
Nearby Attractions: You don’t come to this part of town for attractions, but you’re close to the Orleans, a large casino that’s seen better days but has its own arena and comedy club with national touring acts. You’re also just two miles from the Strip.
Resort Fee: $17 per night.
4. Best Cheap Hotel for Dining: Sahara Las Vegas
The Sahara (formerly SLS) has been sold a few times over the years, but the latest round of renovations are incredibly effective, maximizing space in even the smallest of rooms. The casino has a new look as well. While the rooms are on the cheap side, expect to pay a hefty bill at Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, one of the best steakhouses in town. Cleo is more affordable and a fantastic option for Greek and Mediterranean. Umami Burger has its own betting window and an outdoor beer garden.
Location: The north end of the Strip, which is still in recovery mode long after the Great Recession and feels a bit disconnected from busier parts of the Strip.
Nearby Dining: Aside from its own lineup of restaurants, you may want to try Golden Steer Steakhouse across the street or some of the new dining spots at The Strat, including Blvd & Main for elevated sports bar cuisine.
Nearby Attractions: Ride to the top of the nearby Strat tower for panoramic views from 350 meters above Las Vegas. You’re also very close to the Convention Center.
Resort Fee: $37.95 per night.
5. Best Cheap Hotel for Families: Circus Circus
If you don’t mind an older resort that’s seen better years, Circus Circus is a lot of fun for the whole family. Kids will love live performances by acrobats, clowns, jugglers, and more — all free to watch on the Midway with hundreds of arcade and carnival games. Head to the Adventuredome behind the resort for thrill rides, roller skating, and other activities.
Location: Circus Circus is near the north end of the Strip. It’s a relatively easy walk to the Wynn and other mid-Strip resorts. One of the few properties by MGM Resorts to have free parking.
Nearby Dining: The Steakhouse inside Circus Circus has been around for years and boasts incredible cuts dry-aged in house. Vince Neil’s Tatuado serves greasy bar food with rock memorabilia on the walls from the Motley Crue singer. For cheap eats, Tacos el Gordo is just steps away on the other side of Las Vegas Boulevard. Beware of long lines.
Nearby Attractions: Head across the street to the Peppermill, an old-school lounge and diner that’s part of Vegas history. For a little more excitement, visit Vegas Indoor Skydiving.
Resort Fee: $32 per night.
6. Best Cheap Hotel with Free Parking: Tuscany
The Tuscany, as the name suggests, is modeled after a countryside Italian theme, but it really feels more like a coastal California retreat in which everything comes easy. That includes parking. Not only is it free, but plenty of spaces surround the resort, including by wherever your room might be. Rooms feel up to date and the pool deck has a lagoon feel with towering palm trees.
Location: The resort is less than a mile east of the Strip. It’s also close to UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and the Sands Expo Convention Center.
Nearby Dining: The hotel’s own Tuscany Gardens is a nice spot for Italian dining. You’re also right across the street from Lawry’s the Prime Rib and Bandito Latin Kitchen, where Mexican food is prepared with fresh, healthy ingredients in a contemporary setting.
Nearby Attractions: If you don’t mind a little footwork, Strip attractions like the High Roller wheel and Drai’s rooftop nightclub are in walking distance.
Resort Fee: $32 per night.
7. Best Pool at a Cheap Hotel: Cancun Resort
Cancun is an under-the-radar resort with nice if unspectacular rooms. The lobby is clean but quiet with no restaurants or notable shops. The highlight is easily the lush backyard pool complex, which comes with waterfalls, waterslides, and tall palm trees. The centerpiece is a large Mayan pyramid with a water feature running down the center.
Location: Cancun is just south of The Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard, making it a popular choice for those traveling by car.
Nearby Dining: In this part of town, you’re mostly surrounded by chain restaurants. Otherwise, drive toward the Strip where Mandalay Bay offers top dining destinations like Kumi for Japanese, Lupo for Italian, and Border Grill for Mexican.
Nearby Attractions: Out-of-towners often take advantage of the shopping at the nearby Las Vegas Premium Outlets and Town Square.
Resort Fee: $28.25 per night.
8. Best Cheap No-Frills Hotel: Silver Sevens
For budget travelers, the Silver Sevens surpasses expectations with decent rooms that are simple but clean. The casino is popular with locals and includes a sports book as well as a second level where smoking is prohibited. There isn’t much in the dining department, although the buffet is inexpensive and plenty of restaurants are nearby. The pool is simple but nice and quiet.
Location: Silver Sevens is a little more than a mile east of the Strip and close to UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas).
Nearby Dining: Plenty of chains are nearby, but you’re also close to Lotus of Siam, a Las Vegas favorite that’s drawn national acclaim for its Thai cuisine and wine list. The Vegas edition of Morton’s Steakhouse is right across the street.
Nearby Attractions: The National Atomic Testing Museum is steps away, offering an interesting look at Cold War culture and Nevada’s role in testing nuclear bombs in the desert.
Resort Fee: $29 per night.
9. Best Cheap Hotel with a Playground: Oasis at Gold Spike
Renovated from a vintage downtown hotel, the Oasis at Gold Spike has just 111 rooms — all individually designed with simple art deco furnishings. A suite featured on MTV’s “The Real World” has a full kitchen, seven beds, and rooftop decks. The pool has retro charm, but the real fun is the backyard playground, which has table tennis, beer pong, oversized chess, and other games — plus fire pit lounge areas and an ice skating rink during winter months. Step inside for carnival games and cornhole in the lobby.
Location: The Oasis at Gold Spike is an incredibly convenient spot, just one block north of the Fremont Street Experience. The hotel is often booked by Zappos (whose headquarters are in Downtown) for out-of-town guests.
Nearby Dining: Just steps away from Pizza Rock (the best pizza in Vegas) and other top restaurants like Carson Kitchen, Hatsumi, and the Triple George Grill.
Nearby Attractions: Anything on Fremont Street is within a quick walk, including the Slotzilla zipline, free summertime concerts by national acts, and the Viva Vision light and audio shows. Gamble at casinos and visit the bars and restaurants of the Fremont East district.
Resort Fee: $20 per night.
10. Best Cheap Hotel for Local Eats: Ellis Island
Ellis Island is best known for its on-site brewery, which was just given a major upgrade with a new team of beer crafters behind the recipes. The five house brews go great with local favorites on property, including Village Pub, Metro Pizza, and the casino’s own overachieving ribs and barbecue joint. The rooms aren’t glamorous, but they’re clean and affordable. The casino and karaoke bar are popular with locals. The new Front Yard courtyard is a much welcome enhancement.
Location: Ellis Island is just one block east of the Strip with the MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, and Paris in easy walking distance — although the sidewalks in this area do get dark at night.
Nearby Dining: Jake and Eli at the nearby Westin is an underrated destination for steaks and whiskey. For fine dining, try Gordon Ramsay Steak or Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris.
Nearby Attractions: Topgolf Las Vegas is just a block away near the back of the MGM Grand. The three-level driving range allows guests to hit golf balls with the Vegas Strip as a backdrop, which is especially scenic at night.
Resort Fee: $25.99 per night.
11. Best Cheap Hotel for Gaming: El Cortez
This historic hotel and casino is known for having some of the most player-friendly conditions in Vegas. They include 3-2 single or double-deck blackjack, 10x odds on craps, and three-card poker. Great 8, a new table game, was designed by a longtime dealer. You can even order food brought to your slot machine. Accommodations are better than you might expect. The casino has invested quite a bit into room renovations in recent years.
Location: In the heart of the Fremont East district. A great spot for walking to nearby bars, restaurants, and the Fremont Street Experience.
Nearby Dining: Try Carson Kitchen for modern American or Pizza Rock for fresh slices on the go. Hugo’s Cellar at the Four Queens is an old-school steakhouse with tableside presentations and a rose given to every female customer.
Nearby Attractions: The Downtown Container Park is across the street and the Fremont Street Experience begins a block away. The Mob Museum is a fun detour to learn about Vegas’ love for organized crime.
Resort Fee: $14.95 per night.
12. Best Cheap Hotel for the Holidays: Sam’s Town
Sam’s Town has been around since the late 70s, but tries not to show its age too much. At the center is Mystic Falls, an indoor park with trees, Old West decor, waterfalls, and regular light and laser shows. During the winter months, it takes on a charming holiday theme.
Location: The resort is on Boulder Highway in the far east valley near Henderson. It shares the Boulder Strip with other casinos, but isn’t a prime tourist destination by any means. A drive to the Strip could take 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Nearby Dining: The Angry Butcher is a modern yet affordable steakhouse with a patio overlooking Mystic Falls. Otherwise, head toward the Strip or Henderson to escape the nearby chain restaurants and fast food.
Nearby Attractions: Sam’s Town is connected to a Century 18 movie theater with stadium seating. It’s also one of the closest hotels to Sam Boyd Stadium, where sports and monster truck events take place.
Resort Fee: $22.99 per night.
13. Best Quiet Cheap Hotel: Serene
Formerly known as Rumor, this two-level boutique resort has just 150 rooms spread over two levels. Most have patios or balconies overlooking a large grassy center courtyard and pool. Not a lot of noise or music here. It’s designed to be a calm, peaceful alternative to the chaos found in other hotels. Lobby has a lounge vibe and the rooms have chic, modern decor. It’s also said to be a popular low-key choice for entertainers in town for temporary work. That sometimes means better-than-expected eye candy by the pool.
Location: Serene is across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (soon to be rebranded a Virgin resort) and is about a 20-minute walk east of the Strip.
Nearby Dining: On the other side of the intersection, you’ll find Ferraro’s, a longtime local favorite for classic Italian, and Big Chicken, a fast-casual spot by Shaquille O’Neal that has some of the best gourmet-quality chicken sandwiches you’ll ever try.
Nearby Attractions: The Joint at the Hard Rock is a popular midsize theater for national concert acts. Serene is also within walking distance to the Fruit Loop, a collection of gay businesses and bars.
Resort Fee: $25 per night.
14. Best Cheap Motel: Thunderbird
Classic Vegas motels are quickly disappearing, but their legacy continues at the Thunderbird, where guests can park their cars next to their rooms. Accommodations have been given a welcome upgrade with modern, sometimes quirky decor. The lobby has a revamped bar with stellar food and cocktails next to an entertainment space for local music and comedy acts.
Location: Thunderbird is on a stretch of Las Vegas Blvd where The Strip begins to merge with Downtown. It’s not a great area, but you’re close to all the action. Walking isn’t recommended, but driving is fine.
Nearby Dining: The Goodwich, home to the best sandwiches in Vegas, is about a half-mile away. You’re also close to the Downtown Arts District — home to the excellent Esther’s Kitchen for farm-to-table Italian, Makers & Finders for coffee, and Velveteen Rabbit for cocktails.
Nearby Attractions: The area is mainly known for wedding chapels, pawn shops, and bail services. Thrift shop aficionados will enjoy the vintage shops in the Arts District.
Resort Fee: $12 per night.
15. Best Cheap Hotel Attraction: The Strat
The Strat (formerly the Stratosphere) is the tallest tower in the Western United States. At 1,159 feet tall, it’s an iconic landmark that unofficially marks the end of the Strip to the north. It’s seen some dramatic recent renovations as the hotel looks to revive its brand. Keep in mind — the hotel rooms are in buildings separate from the tower. A really strong value right now.
Location: The north end of The Strip continues to struggle, but you’re a quick drive away from the Convention Center and all the action in the busier parts of the Strip. A convenient monorail stop is nearby at the Sahara resort.
Nearby Dining: For fine dining and great views, the Top of the World lives up to its name near the top of the tower. Blvd & Main is a sports bar with a strong beer selection and inventive menu of pub food.
Nearby Attractions: The Strat is an attraction all by itself. The viewing deck near the top offers stunning views of Vegas from all angles. If you’re daring enough, hop one of four thrill rides that operate near the open-air deck. A SkyJump rappels daredevils more than 243 meters down the side by cable.
Resort Fee: $32.95 per night.
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