New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas is second only to Times Square as far as places in the US to spend that most important evening. This year, I plan to do just that. Normally when you look for hotels in Las Vegas for New Year’s you are either going to pay through the nose for a room on the strip or you are going to be staying at Whiskey Pete’s way off the strip. But wait. Here is a way to stay on the strip for a reasonable price. Comps.

I have mentioned before that you can use your Players Card to secure your room through Casino Marketing. Well, I did just that for New Year’s Eve this year. I called, just for giggles, to see if there were any rooms or special rates available for New Year’s. I totally expected them to laugh and say, “no way. That’s New Year’s Eve”. But they didn’t. My husband and are reserved at the New York New York for $199 on Dec 31. The next night, Jan 1, is I believe, $89. They gave me this rate even though the travel websites show that the hotel is sold out, because I have shown that I spend money at their casino when I stay. This is because of what I have said before; when I stay at a property, I try to spend at that property. I eat as many meals, see as many shows, and gamble exclusively at that property, and I charge it to my room whenever possible. That way, when I call for reservations such as New Year’s Eve, they see me as a valued guest, and I get one of the rooms that are set-aside for people like me. Don’t mistake me, you do not have to be a huge spender, you just have to do your spending at their hotel.

Another thing that I have mentioned before about Las Vegas is that travel out of their airport is often cheaper. That is actually why we will be in Vegas for New Year’s Eve. We are flying out of McCarran to go to Green Bay for the last NFL home game of the season at Lambeau Field for my birthday, and then returning to Vegas on New Year’s Eve. We saved about $300 by doing this, and turned around and spent it again on a hotel in Vegas. But the really neat thing, is that we are essentially getting 2 vacations for the price of one, since flying out of Salt Lake City is so expensive, which is my local airport.

This reinforces two things that I have said before. Always try to get cheaper rates through casino marketing. It can’t hurt to ask. Also traveling to and from Vegas is often a great way to save money while getting extra vacation experiences.