Though travelers can expect fewer amenities and less of an emphasis on luxury and comfort when staying in a motel, the advantage is clear: saving money. The savvy budget traveler knows where to cut costs, and where you sleep each night does not have to be where you spend the bulk of your vacation money.
Because of their thrifty nature, motels often get a bad rap. So it's not uncommon to see average and above-average lodgings avoid using the word "motel" in their names; instead, words such as "inn" and "lodge" are more common. When dealing with motels in Las Vegas, it is probably best to stick with those that don't use "motel" in their name. (Quite a few independent and aptly named motels near downtown are known for having hourly rates.) Instead, look for inns, lodges and other places owned by familiar corporations such as Best Western, Comfort Inn and Travelodge.
Here are a few motels in Las Vegas that are close to the action but priced far from the breaking point.
Near Downtown
Best Western Mardi Gras
3500 Paradise Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
800-634-6501
702-731-2020
www.mardigrasinn.com
More than just lodging, this Best Western also has a casino. Its Paradise Road location is close to the Strip, the Convention Center, the monorail and other hot spots. Every room has a refrigerator and free wireless Internet, and guests can enjoy a large outdoor pool and deck.
Comfort Inn
4350 Paradise Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89169
877-424-6423
702-938-2000
www.comfortinn.com
The Comfort Inn is conveniently located across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and within walking distance of numerous restaurants and bars, as well as the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and the Thomas & Mack Center. Enjoy a heated pool with a lagoon and waterfall, along with free continental breakfast, free high-speed Internet access and a free shuttle to the Strip.
Howard Johnson Inn
1401 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
800-446-4656
702-388-0301
www.howardjohnsonlasvegasstrip.com
Located between the Strip and downtown, Howard Johnson offers affordable lodging in a convenient location, with an outdoor pool. Plus, Florida Cafe, the on-site Cuban restaurant, is super tasty.
Motel 6 Las Vegas
195 E. Tropicana Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
800-466-8356
702-798-0728
www.motel6.com
This is the largest Motel 6 in the country. Just two blocks from the Strip, it is front and center to all of the action. Amenities include an outdoor pool, free morning coffee and wireless Internet (for a fee).
Somerset House Motel
294 Convention Center Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
888-336-4280
702-735-4411
Googie-style architecture makes this motel a standout. A renovation in 2006 helped to bring the rooms up to date. It's halfway between the Convention Center and the Strip; you can't beat the price and location.
Villa Roma Motel
220 Convention Center Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
800-634-6535
702-735-4151
www.villaromainnlv.com
A half block from the Strip and a half block from the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Villa Roma is convenient and affordable, with large rooms and comfortable beds.
Near the Airport
Ambassador Strip Inn Travelodge
5075 Koval Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-GO-STRIP
702-736-3600
www.lvtravelodge.com
Near McCarran International Airport as well as the Strip and UNLV, this budget inn includes continental breakfast in the daily rate. Courtesy shuttles run to and from the Las Vegas Convention Center and the airport.
West of the Strip
Budget Suites
4205 W. Tropicana Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
888-611-0414
702-889-1700
www.budgetsuites.com
This Budget Suites leans toward the resort side of motels, with its sculpted lawn and lush pool surrounded by palm trees. Though it's a couple of miles from the Strip, it's still in central Las Vegas. Budget Suites offer weekly rates.
