Copyright 2006 Karin Manning

A perfect Las Vegas vacation takes perfect timing.

It goes without saying that you will usually get a better Las Vegas package deal if you plan and book your Las Vegas vacation well in advance. However, planning a last-minute Las Vegas trip doesnt mean that you must pay top prices.

November, December and January are quieter times to visit Las Vegas. Other times of the year when you will get the best prices in Las Vegas are weekdays which are usually half weekend prices, two weeks before Christmas, in the middle of summer and August and December.

The easiest way to find out whether Vegas is sold out when you want to vacation there contact the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority on 702-892-0711.

Decide how long you want to stay in Vegas for. Many hotels offer lower room rates the longer you stay.

Many of the downtown casinos and hotels are cheaper than accommodation on the Strip.

Look out for hotels offering a free night if you stay for three or more nights in Vegas.

Check to see if your planned trip coincides with any major conventions or popular events, etc, on at the same time. If a convention is on at the same time it could be impossible to find a room. Some conventions have attendees of more than 50,000.

Visit http://www.vegasrooms.com/convention.htm to find out what conventions are booked for the whole year.

You can improve your chances of accessing Las Vegas hotel discounts by going to the information desk at Las Vegas airport and getting the names of all hotels with available rooms. Write down the names of all hotels in your price range and dont make contact by phone unless the information desk clerk tells you that rooms are in very short supply.

Go in person to the first hotel on your list and inquire if there are any hotel discounts available. If you dont get the price you are happy with then go in person to the next hotel on your list.

Its important to bear in mind that hotel prices can fluctuate a lot even in a 24 hour period and you have the best chance of getting the lowest room rate by making inquiries in the late afternoon on the day you want to actually check in.

If you arrive by automobile then bring a list of 800 Las Vegas hotel numbers and start ringing while you are on the road.

If you happen to come completely unprepared then make life easier on the first day you arrive in Vegas by simply checking into a reasonably priced Las Vegas Strip hotel and then looking for cheaper hotels the next day.