Category: Las Vegas Frugal

Free Parking in Vegas

There is still plenty of free parking in Vegas. Not all are convenient or located right on the Las Vegas Strip but it’s easy to get to the The Strip from practically anywhere in Vegas. Besides outright free parking some resorts or casinos offer free parking for being members of their players club. This usually entails hitting their second tier which really doesn’t take much to achieve. We will discuss the free parking locations in Vegas and then talk about how you can achieve free parking through players rewards.

Free Parking in Vegas

The Strip

  • Wynn Las Vegas and Encore
  • Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
  • Venetian/Palazzo Hotel & Casino
  • Tropicana Hotel & Casino – may charge for parking when there are events at T-Mobile.
  • The Shops at Crystals – valet parking during business hours and no overnight parking allowed.
  • Fashion Show Mall – only during business hours and no overnight parking allowed.

Northern Strip

  • The Strat Hotel & Casino
  • Sahara Las Vegas
  • Circus Circus
  • Resorts World

Off Strip

  • Oyo Hotel & Casino

Free Parking at MGM Resorts and Casinos

There are two ways to achieve free parking at MGM Resorts and Casinos in Las Vegas. Both ways involve reaching Pearl Status with their players club program. Pearl is the second tier of the MGM Rewards Program. Pearl is relatively easy to acquire through either spending or gambling and once achieved is good the year it was achieved and the following year. Pearl Status can also be achieved by getting the MGM Rewards Mastercard. The MGM Rewards Mastercard is a “no fee” credit card which automatically gives you Pearl Status.

Free Parking at Caesars Resorts and Casinos

Much like MGM, free parking at Caesars Resorts entails reaching status in their players club program. Free parking is available to those that reach Platinum Status. Platinum Status can be achieved through either gambling or spending or by getting the Caesars Rewards Visa card. The Caesars Rewards Visa card is also a no fee credit card.

las vegas parking

Parking for Locals

Sadly free parking for Nevada Residents on The Strip is a thing of the past. At time of writing this Caesars Resorts (excluding Planet Hollywood) offers 3 hours free parking for locals but this seems to be a promotion that isn’t always active.

Fremont Street and Downtown

If you are staying or visiting Fremont Street you may be able to get free parking in a couple of ways. Many casinos downtown offer free parking for guests. Others will also waive parking fees by getting your slip validated for eating or gambling at their premises. This may not apply when there are events on. It’s best to contact the hotel you are staying at or visiting for more information.

Las Vegas is ever changing. We try to keep our lists updated as best as possible. Please see our other Las Vegas Guides to help you make your next trip a great one.

Birthday Deals and Freebies in Las Vegas

I am spending my birthday in Vegas and I am wondering if there are any deals of freebies?  This is a common question for Vegas travelers. We have a list of current birthday deals and freebies in Las Vegas. Many of them entail you signing up for membership cards, an email list or online newsletter. If you follow our guide you should be able to get yourself a few specials and birthday freebies.

Updated June 2023

Shameless Self Promotion

There is not shame in self promotion. Tell everyone it’s your birthday and see if they offer any special deals or freebies available. Let people know you are in Vegas to celebrate your special day.

  • When making your hotel reservation make sure they put a birthday note on your reservation and mention it upon check in. They may give you an upgrade when making the reservation or when checking in. For example, we were given a room on the 53rd floor with a strip view at the Aria.
  • Mention it to your bartender, waitress or hostess. You may just get a free drink, entree or dinner.

Birthday specials and freebies in Las Vegas

Sign Up For Players Club Cards

Sign up for players club cards and their email lists. They will email you promotions for your birthday. It may something as small as a free drink or it could be freeplay credit. Last year I was given $10 free play plus a bonus of $30 for any stay during my birthday month. If you don’t get a special via email I would still go to the players club ask if there are any promotions or freebies.

Sign Up For Email List or Fan Clubs for Restaurants

Many restaurants will give you a 2-1 coupon or freebie on your birthday simply for signing up for their email list or fan club. If they ask you for your date of birth when signing up you will more than likely get a freebie.

  • Hash House a Go Go offers a 2-1 Dinner Free Dessert Coupon for joining their Facebook Club. Coupon has an expiration date.
  • Holsteins sent me a free alcohol shake for joining their Club (halfway down the page).
  • Grimaldi’s Pizzeria offers a free pizza on your birthday. I just signed up so I cannot confirm what they offer as of yet. They also offer a $5 off coupon but it expires within a month of signing up.
  • Hexx sent a coupon for a 1/2 price signature drink or free appetizer with entree purchase.
  • Lettuce Entertain You puts $15 in your account every year for your birthday that does not expire and is good at several Las Vegas restaurants.
  • Margaritaville sends you a birthday coupon when you sign up for their “Fins Up” club. The coupon is $10 off $30
  • Bin702 located in the Container Park will offer a free drink during the week of your birthday. Go to website and a box should open allowing you to sign up for club with your birthday information.
  • BOGO free entrée at Magnolias restaurant at Four Queens in the month of your birth.
  • BOGO free entrée at Binions Cafe in the month of your birth.
  •  50% off a zodiac cocktail at Venetian/Palazzo
  • Free Shot at Nacho Daddy’s.
  • Cheesecake Factory free dessert on you birthday.
  • Yard House free mini dessert on your birthday,

These are just a few examples of freebies you can get in Vegas from joining restaurant clubs or email lists. If you plan on going to a restaurant check their website for a list and join it. If not mention to your server that it is your birthday and see if they give you something.

Vegas Specific Birthday Freebies

These are the Vegas specific freebies that have been reported on various websites, chat boards and forums. I can’t speak for the validity of them so please report any that are not active.

  • The Eiffel Tower at Paris is free on the day of your birthday.
  • Excalibur offers $20 Free Play through the week before and after your birthday.
  • Luxor offers a free spin $5 – $100 within a week of your birthday. Reports of offering $10 loaded onto players card so no more spin.
  • Park MGM offers $25 Free Play.
  • Ellis Island offers $10 Free Play on the day of birthday.
  • Sahara offers Free Play and possible other food discounts during birthday month. Also $10 FP for new sign ups.
  • Four Queens gives a two-for-one dinner voucher for Magnolia’s during your birthday month.
  • Orleans earn 1 point and swipe for prizes at kiosk booth.
  • Wynn: $10 Free Play within 48 hours of b-day (not sure if still active).
  • The Plaza has a number of bday offers including discount rooms.
  • Both Wynn and MGM are sending emails for FreePlay during birthday month but it might be tied to Tier Status

Long Haul Taxi Scam in Las Vegas

If you have taken a taxi cab in Las Vegas you no doubt have heard the phrase long haul taxi scam. Or maybe you have heard people mention getting long hauled. The scam may also be referred to as being “tunneled”. The long haul taxi scam in Las Vegas entails a cab driver taking you from the airport or to the airport on a longer route than normal in order to charge you more for your ride. If you have prepaid for a limo or shuttle service the long haul does not apply to you.

The Long Haul Route

There are two routes out of McCarran International Airport. Swenson St which turns in Paradise runs somewhat parallel to the strip. You can cross over to the strip via streets like Tropicana. The Tunnels which go under the runways to the south connect to Highway 215. This is why being scammed is sometimes referred to as being tunneled. This route is often twice as long resulting in a larger fare. Take the route below to the Bellagio from Google Maps. The route up Swenson is 3.2 miles while the tunnel route is 7.7 miles.

If you go through the tunnel or end up on a highway south of the airport you are no doubt being long hauled. A recent taxi fair estimator website figures the above ride just over $20. If your ride ends up being much more and traffic is normal you could be a victim of long hauling.

long haul taxi route las vegas

When the tunnel route is justified

It is important to note that the “tunnel ” can possibly be a legitimate route depending on where you are staying. If you are staying at any of the southern hotels such as the Silverton then the route is preferred. This does not hold true for Mandalay Bay or the Luxor. The same can be said about staying downtown in the Fremont St area. If you are driving downtown you would likely want to take the highway and avoid the strip at all costs.

Depending on the time of day and traffic congestion you may want the tunnel. For example, if you are staying on the north part of the strip like The Mirage or Treasure Island. We have been caught in a couple of traffic snarls heading to Treasure Island / The Mirage. These could have been avoided going the highway route.

How to not get tunnelled

Act like you are a season veteran. Use Google Maps like we did above and plot your route out. Familiarize yourself with street names and the possible routes to the hotel. When you get in your taxi at the airport tell them that you want to take Swenson to Tropicana etc. If you tell the cab driver the  route  you want to go they must follow it.

What to do if you are a long haul victim

If you feel you have been long hauled you have options. Some travelers report that they have confronted the cab driver and told them flat out that they are not paying. Calling their bluff. I witnessed this at The Mirage one morning as we were heading back to the airport. A couple was long hauled first thing in the morning and had the bell employees help them confront the driver.

You can take a less confrontation route by filing an official complaint. You would do this by contacting the Nevada Taxi Authority at 702.888.4888. or by filing out an online form at “Long Hauling Suspicion Form”,

Where to get coffee in Vegas

Did you know that most resorts and hotels in Las Vegas do not have coffee machines in the room? Many people are surprised when they find this out. It kind of makes sense. Hotels in Vegas do not want you sitting in your room drinking free coffee. They want you on their casino floor or in their restaurants drinking coffee. It’s as simple as that. Where do you get a decent cup of coffee in Vegas then?

Where to get coffee in Vegas

Make Your Own Coffee

I have read where some people bring their own Keurig. You can purchase a small sized Keurig machine in Amazon or places like Ebay relatively inexpensive and pack it for your trip. You can also buy a variety of small instant coffee makers from Walmart and bring them along. It doesn’t have to be a Keurig.  Making your own coffee in your room is an option if you want to bring your own machine. Pretty easy to do if you aren’t flying into town.

Starbucks

You would be shocked to know that there is practically a Starbucks on every corner on the Las Vegas strip. We would say that in every hotel and resort there is a Starbucks waiting to serve you up your coffee fix. The following map will give you an idea of just how many of Starbucks locations there are on The Strip in Las Vegas. Nothing is cheap in Vegas and Starbucks in no exception. Be prepared to stand in line. Any of the shops we passed by were lined up out the door in the morning hours.

Here is the link from their website which shows all Starbucks Location Vegas Strip.

starbucks las vegas

Recommended Coffee Shops

If you are not a Starbucks fan there are quite a few really good coffee shops on the strip. Most hotels will have their own breakfast restaurant or cafe onsite where you can grab a cup. For example, there is The Pantry at The Mirage or The Aria Cafe at The Aria.

Looking for other recommended  coffee shops along the strip? Here are a few other places you can visit.

Amorino Gelato at The LINQ

Amorino at Linq photo
Photo by Roller Coaster Philosophy

LavAzza at Bally’s

Va Bene at The Cosmopolitan

The Coffee Bean at Grand Canal Shoppes

There are lots of hidden gems for coffee along the Las Vegas strip. You just have to explore a little to find the really good one. We have given you a bit of head start on your journey. If you find a coffee shop you think people would like drop us a comment.

The 2018 American Casino Guide

The 2018 American Casino Guide

There are basically two coupon books for Las Vegas that are worth buying. The American Casino Guide (ACG) and the Las Vegas Advisor (LVA). Both offer great value to any Vegas traveler offering a number of 2-1 Coupons for dining, gaming and shows. We have used both coupon books and it’s really a matter of what coupons interest you or fit your trip better. Lets focus on the ACG for now.

The main features of the American Casino Guide are:

  • 177 coupons in the book.
  • 150 coupons for Las Vegas.
  • The ACG is the cheaper of the two. You can find it for under $15 on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
  • Offers coupons for Las Vegas casinos and all over the United States.
  • The book estimates that there is over $1,000 in savings.
  • Included are guides and information about casinos and resorts all over the Unites States.

Is the American Casino Guide Worth It?

The biggest question you come across online is whether the American Casino Guide is worth it or not. It’s a $15 coupon book so think about it that way. You don’t have to use very many coupons from the book to get your money back. If you use only one or two of the 2-1 Buffet coupons you have save money with the ACG. And that is not to mention the number play coupons and attraction coupons like the 2-1 Madam Tussaud Wax Museum or the 2-1 Eiffel Tower Day coupon. Even if you only use a few random food and beverage coupons your books is paid for.


American Casino Guide 2018 Edition

How does the American Casino Guide work?

  • There is a “membership” type card in the book that you may be asked to show when redeeming coupons. This prevents people from giving coupons away but I would say that it is rare that you would have to show it. It is thin and will fit in your wallet so it’s not a problem.
  • The majority of the coupons require you to have a Players Club card at the hotel you using it in. The only draw back is signing up for cards as it can be sometimes busy.
  • Gaming type coupons you present to the hotels Players Club and they will present you with a coupon or add the coupon to your players card.
  • Food and beverage coupons you present to your server.

Can you use ACG and LVA coupons at the same time?

The general consensus is that you can use them at the same time with no problems. You may have to cash them in at separate times as in use one for gaming and come back after and add the other.

2018 List of American Casino Guide Coupons for Las Vegas

Free deck of cards at Downtown Grand Las Vegas
$10 match play for any even-money table game bet at Rampart Casino Resort at Summerlin
$10 match play for any even-money table game bet (one coupon per calendar year) at Plaza Hotel and Casino
$10 Matchplay on any Even Money Table Game Bet at Ellis Island Casino & Brewery
$10 off any service of $50 or more at Uno Salon at Flamingo Las Vegas
$10 off Entree at Voodoo Steak at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
$10 Table Game Match Play at Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
$10 Table Game Matchplay at Hooters Casino Hotel
$10 Table Games Matchplay at The Orleans
$15 off a purchase of $30 or more at Baliwick at The Orleans

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