Las Vegas is the most potentially expensive city in the world. With the allure of gambling, breakfast buffets and cocktails at all hours, it’s easy to drop a ton of money on your Vegas weekend. But savvy Vegas visitors know you can also score a lot of cool perks. Many hotels throw in benefits for guests they want to keep around. This may include more “standard” perks like free drinks and discounted buffet tickets or more extravagant things like a free cruise. Here are the Las Vegas hotels with the most perks for your money.
MGM Resorts
MGM Resorts include:
Bellagio
CityCenter (joint venture with Dubai World)
Aria Resort & Casino
Veer Towers
The Crystals
Vdara
The Mirage
Luxor
Mandalay Bay
Delano Las Vegas
MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, Skylofts at MGM Grand and The Mansion at MGM Grand
Monte Carlo
Hotel 32
New York-New York
MGM has a special loyalty program called M Life, which allows patrons to earn points when they play slots, video poker or table games, as well as when they spend money in other ways, like at the hotels’ restaurants or spas. Points can be redeemed for hotel comps and discounted food. M Life features four tiers: Pearl (lowest), Gold, Platinum and Noir. As you move up each tier, you earn more points bonuses and more perks become available to you, including unique experiences like swimming in the shark tank at Mandalay Bay.
Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment-owned resorts are:
Bally’s Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas
Harrahs
Flamingo Las Vegas
Caesars Palace
The LINQ Hotel & Casino
Planet Hollywood
Rio All Suites
To earn perks, apply for a Caesars Total Rewards Card and use it at any of the aforementioned hotels and casinos. The card has four tiers: Gold (lowest), Platinum, Diamond and Seven Stars. Similar to MGM’s M Life, simply swipe your Caesars Entertainment card when gambling and your points will be automatically added to your card. You also earn points for spending money on non-gambling services. One major caveat: Caesars “Reward Credits” expire six months after they’re earned.
Station Casinos
Station Casinos owns a large chunk of off-the-strip hotels:
Red Rock
Green Valley
Palace Station
Boulder Station
Santa Fe Station
Texas Station
Fiesta Henderson
Fiesta Rancho
Days Inn & Wild Wild West Gambling Hall
Apply for a MyBoardingPass card to collect points at all of these locations. There are five levels: Preferred (lowest), Gold, Platinum, President and Chairman. “Preferred” status gets you standard perks like buffet and gift shop discounts, while “Chairman” can earn you a complimentary room or even a free cruise for two on Princess Cruises.
Bonus Tip: Avoid The Venetian and The Palazzo
In 2011, The Venetian and The Palazzo stopped offering comps to all gamblers except the high rollers. So if you’re looking for comps or other perks, look elsewhere.
Keep in mind that these “perks” all come at a price. They all require spending money up front — the hotels offer them because it’s in their best interest to keep their patrons hanging around and spending money. So don’t be fooled into thinking these perks are free. However, you can definitely score some cool stuff if you play your cards right.
Sources:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/las-vegas-sands-cuts-comps-average-gambler