Motels are one of those venues that make it possible to visit Las Vegas on a budget, even when you can’t afford something upscale like the Venetian Resort Las Vegas. A motel is ideal for simple travelers, people on business, or people who just want a place to rest their heads before they hit Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport).
We already know the best cheap hotels in Las Vegas, but what are the best cheap motels? Motels can be hard to spot within city limits since most people tend to prefer hotels, but there are still some worth checking out. We did the research to help you find out.
Cheap Motels on the Strip
Want to get close to the Las Vegas hotels you want to party in but don’t want to pay hotel prices? Check out these picks on the Las Vegas Strip. With that said, there are not many motels directly on Las Vegas Blvd, so you may need to do a small amount of walking.
Travelodge by Wyndham Las Vegas – Center Strip
Motels in Las Vegas are rarely found in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, but here we are. The Wyndham Las Vegas has a Travelodge, which acts as one of the best cheap motels in Las Vegas. You get a seasonal outdoor pool, low prices, onsite laundry facilities, and Southwestern decor. Oh, and you also get free parking.
If you are looking for cheap motels in Las Vegas that make it easy to go to most of the major Las Vegas hotspots, you’ll like this Travelodge. Few cheap motels can give you as much bang for your buck as this one.
Location & Prices
Travelodge by Wyndham Las Vegas is located at 2830 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV. Average nightly prices hover around $50.
Motel 6 Las Vegas/Tropicana
Located on Tropicana Avenue, the Motel 6 Las Vegas remains one of the more popular rest stops for people who like clean beds, a nice view, good air conditioning, and a pet-friendly environment. With a low price per night, this is one of the more family-friendly pet-friendly motels in the city.
Location & Prices
Motel 6, Las Vegas, NV, is located at 195 E Tropicana Ave, not far from the Las Vegas Strip. The average nightly price is about $65 per night, which is a great price so close to the Strip.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Las Vegas
This is not on the Las Vegas Strip exactly, but it is only 2 miles away from it and is considered to be one of the only motels to actually serve guests who want to be near Las Vegas Blvd S. Las Vegas locals know it as a place to go when you want a quick place to stay that doesn’t feel sketchy.
Like most other “orange roof” motel layouts, the HoJo here has a seasonal outdoor pool, air conditioning, decent Wi-Fi, and a clean room.
Location & Prices
Howard Johnson By Wyndham Las Vegas is located at 165 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV. Prices average about $50 per night.
Cheap Motels Downtown
Tired of dealing with all the craziness of the North Las Vegas region and not sure whether you should book the Hotel Galaxy or a similar venue? Check out these downtown options that count as cheap motel properties but don’t feel cheap.
The Ellis Island Hotel
Located on Koval Street, the Ellis Island Motel features clean rooms, free parking, hotel toiletries, and free wifi with high-speed internet. You get to choose from standard single or double beds. If you want to feel a little more ritzy, you can choose the Elvis Suite, done up in a way that the King would appreciate.
Location & Prices
Ellis Island is located at 4250 Koval Lane, Las Vegas, NV. Prices average about $40 per night.
The Capri Motel Fremont St.
Are you looking for a simple and easy way to get close to Fremont Street but also yearn for a place that will give you a quick shuttle to places like the Mirage Hotel? The Capri might be your best bet. Like many motels in Las Vegas, you get a clean bed, free parking, a small computer station, and an affordable Las Vegas hotel experience. However, this motel doesn’t have a great Google rating, so don’t expect too much.
Location & Prices
The Capri Motel is located at 3245 E Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV. We couldn’t find a reliable price quote for the Capri Motel.
The Desert Moon Motel
Do you want to be close to the Fremont Street Experience but don’t want to pay the high price of something along the lines of Caesars Palace? Check this place out. It’s a pet-friendly motel that comes with rustic decor, a kitchenette, a hot tub, and great air conditioning, and it is within walking distance of a ton of attractions.
The Desert Moon Motel is a good choice for people that want cheap motels in Las Vegas that don’t have that “mass-produced” feel.
Location & Prices
The Desert Moon Hotel is located at 1701 E Fremont St. Average prices range from about $70 per night.
The Downtowner Boutique Hotel
Due to the layout of this hotel, it’s actually a motel—and it is within a quick distance of the Las Vegas Strip. The Downtowner is what many people would expect a retro, kitschy Las Vegas hotel to be. It has more amenities than many select hotels in the area, but it’s still cheaper than a stay overlooking the Bellagio fountains.
Here, you get free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool (with 50s-style pool views), a 24-hour front desk, easy access to the Freemont Street Experience, a fitness center, free wifi, and close proximity to a convenience store. It could give many cheap hotel-casino properties a run for their money.
Location & Prices
The Downtowner Boutique Hotel is located at 129 N East St, Las Vegas, NV. Average nightly prices range from $40 – $45 per night.
FAQs
How do you get a nice hotel for cheap in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas hotels are not always pricey, which means that you may not need to rent a cheap motel for a night. The easiest way to save big is to go during the city’s “off-season.” Since tourism is low, you can usually find cheap hotels and ritzy Las Vegas motels at a fraction of the price. You still have a little need for extra savings, you may want to sign up for a rewards program. For example, Motel 6 has a rewards program. If you book the Motel 6 Las Vegas as a member, you might be able to save a little more per night.
What is the $20 trick at Las Vegas motels?
The $20 trick is a tradition that has become popular at both hotels and motels in Las Vegas. You simply hand a $20 bill along with your ID during check-in and then casually ask if there are any upgraded available properties.
Doing this is a gamble because you might get nothing. Once in a while, this may actually get you a complimentary freebie on behalf of the front desk—assuming that they have something available. Even so, it’s always good to tip your motel staff.
When are the cheapest times to go to Las Vegas?
The cheapest times to go to Las Vegas are from January through April, as well as the later summer months of September through November. These months can help shave hundreds of dollars off a hotel stay per night. Even if you pick something like the Ellis Island Hotel, you’ll see a serious amount of savings headed your way.
Key Takeaways
- Cheap motels in Las Vegas typically come with amenities like free Wi-Fi, walking distance to the Las Vegas Strip, outdoor pools, and free parking.
- You may not find concierge services, free airport shuttle service, pet-friendly amenities, or hot tubs in most locations—so ask if you need those amenities.
- The best cheap motels include El Cortez, the Howard Johnson, as well as a number of properties owned by Motel 6.
- There are several motels to choose from on Tropicana Ave near Fremont.
- For the most part, you will be able to enjoy Las Vegas regardless of whether you book a motel or a cheap hotel.
- In most cases, you should expect a motel to cost less than $100 per night, even in peak months.
- Booking ahead and reading reviews will help you find the right motel for you.