24 hours of Cheapo Fun in Las Vegas, Nevada

Paris Hotel

Treasure Island Hotel

Bellagio Fountains from above

Overview - With lavish high rise casinos, $100 shows, over-the-top buffets and the most expensive boutiques setting up shop on the Strip, Las Vegas has become synonymous with luxury and spending. Some say that the old days of cheap food and cheap thrills in Sin City are gone, but if you look hard enough, you’ll still find some true bargains in Las Vegas.

Breakfast - You probably couldn’t find a $3 buffet these days, but you can still get a great breakfast for $2.99 at the Ellis Island. The portions are huge and service is friendly at this off-strip casino on Koval Lane, just behind Bally’s. You’ll have your fill and be on your way to the tables in no time!

Morning - Enjoy the morning communing with nature! The MGM has a lion habitat right on the gambling floor for everyone to enjoy. While the lions usually live on a ranch outside the strip, visitors can get an up-close look at the lions in the glass-enclosed habitat. Some of these lions even descend from the actual Leo, the lion roaring at the beginning of each MGM movie.

If animals aren’t your thing, then the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio may just be up your alley. Every season is represented in this huge conservatory and it’s free to view the thousands of plants artfully arranged by a team over a hundred gardeners and horticulturalists.

Lunch - Get a table at Mr. Lucky’s at the Hard Rock Hotel, but don’t even glance at the menu, the best dish isn’t on it! The best-kept secret in the Strip is the Gambler’s Steak Special, which you’ll have to ask for. You get a delicious piece of steak, grilled shrimp a side and a salad all for the LUCKY price of $7.77

Afternoon - Time to hit the casino floor! First, have a bit of practice and try some free lessons at Planet Hollywood Casino, where they’ll teach you all the basics of playing Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Pai Gow, Mini Baccarat, Let-It-Ride and Caribbean Stud Three Card Poker without losing any money.

If you want to try playing for real moolah, the smaller casinos such as El Cortez Casino downtown and Casino Royal on the Strip have some of the lowest bets in town. The service is friendly, but don’t expect posh surroundings, as these are no-frills, old-Vegas style vintage casinos.

Dinner - Think you can’t find a cheap buffet? Think again! The Garden Court Buffet at the Main Street Station Hotel is the largest buffet in Downtown Las Vegas. Ignore the somewhat kitschy Victorian/Gingerbread décor and head for the nine food stations. The price can’t be beat at $10.99 for the quality of the food. The prices are higher on Fridays and Saturdays but it does feature some delicious seafood selections and entrees.

After Dark - There are tons of free shows on the Strip and you can’t miss the gorgeous Bellagio fountains or the sensuous Sirens of TI pirate show. If you’re willing to stray away from the Strip, then the Fremont experience downtown can’t be beat.

If drinking and dancing is more your thing, then run to the Carnaval Court at Harrah’s, located just outside the casino area. Watch some of the best flair bartenders in the world toss, throw and flip liquor bottles as they battle for your attention (and your tips!). Afterwards, head over to the dance floor and shake your groove thing! Cover is free on weekdays and cheap on the weekends.

Sleep - Some of the hotels off the Strip or outside Las Vegas offer reasonable prices, but you can’t beat the location of the Imperial Palace – situated right in the heart of the Strip. This hotel is managed by Harrah’s and has a pool and waterfall garden. While the accommodations aren’t 5-star, the prices are just right.

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