Cheap Weekly Stay in Vegas near Main Resorts
Yes it could be a nightmare (read below). But there is a way to survive it all. The objective for some is to seek longer-term accommodation or simply a better weekly deal while staying close to a main on-Strip or off-Strip resort and casino (for convenience, fun and at times in order to use their free shuttle to the Strip). We had our own bad experiences in the past (see our Vegas Trip Stories), but never since (and we have stayed in every type of accommodation you can imagine, trying to save as much money as possible). These days our most recent nightmare experience was in Laughlin! However, let’s examine what your options are:
On paper you have a decent selection of ‘nicer’ longer-term stays such as the ones near the Orleans and Hard Rock. Some of them offer ‘apartments’ (such as Budget Suites of America or, the very well located Emerald Suites, right across the Orleans) whilst others are simply small hotels (such as the Boutique Rumor Hotel right in front of Hard Rock). Generally speaking, however, you need to be prepared:
1 – bring your own disinfectant wipes (with a strong alcohol or chlorine content, as close to 100 per cent as possible); cleanliness is never a forte in these places so one can almost guarantee that no maid has even touched areas which ‘look clean’. If you have a jacuzzi tub in your own suite or apartment, be prepared to clean it yourself before using it. You can buy chlorine or bleach based detergents at a dollar store (this tip is for people coming to Vegas from abroad) for one dollar!
2 – bring slippers so you don’t have to walk barefoot on the floors;
3 – many people complain that the mattresses look dirty; so, if you are concerned, you would need to bring your own mattress cover and sheets, which you can only do if you are coming to Vegas by car. However, mattresses are replaced constantly so you may just want to ask for room changes until you find one that’s acceptable. Cleanliness should be priority no matter the price of the accommodation.
4 – safety; try and stay as close as possible to the office, though you may want to consider which apartments are noisier as well, such as those facing pool areas (though pools are generally close at night). Do not leave anything in your car.
We recently walked around and inside Budget Suites of America (on Tropicana, near the Orleans), a place with bad reviews: it was late at night yet the whole property was quiet with no concerning activity that we could spot. We even walked all the way to the pool (which was closed, being so late) and it was all very quiet. In the day the pool may not accommodate well all the people staying, given that the property is rather large, but it looked well maintained, with small scattered waterfalls throughout the well landscaped area (which also offers some greenery). The location is ok if you have a car but, if you are walking, it would be a walk to go to the Orleans, passing by an ‘adult store’ on the way (which is not a pretty route to say the least). If you are on foot you could stay at Emerald Suites, just across the Orleans (which however did not look as well maintained as the former option, though still decent enough and quiet enough, at least late at night). The good thing about the Orleans or the Gold Coast is that they offer very frequent shuttles to the Strip and, if you have signed up to their players card, it is rare that they refuse access.
Otherwise the Rumor Boutique Hotel across Hard Rock is decent option, though the Hard Rock shuttle is more strictly controlled (supposedly only for hotel guests) and it only runs every hour (pitiful).
Do not expect luxury. Do not expect high level of cleanliness. Always double check that they do offer free WiFi (some don’t) and always double check the amenities. Have it all in writing so you can easily demand what you were led to expect.
In terms of overall experience, you may be unlucky and witness some ‘rough’ clientele (to say the least). However, if you want to cook for yourselves, make your own coffee and are prepared to stay away from the Vegas experience, it can be a much cheaper option, especially because you will not be tempted to gamble. If you are going to gamble, I would not choose these options: I would opt for any affordable Vegas hotels and – after gambling – try and get all or some of your expenses comped. We do it all the time and we love it.
We have a video of these types of accommodation in Vegas on our jules at top-buffet video channel. They will be posted soon so always check the latest videos (which are also better quality). Otherwise keep an eye on our updates page.
Cheap Hotels in Vegas – Free Vegas Attractions