Best Budget-Friendly Vegas Hotels

When Las Vegas calls, the majority of people answer, and they answer quickly. Sin City can suck you in and spit you out with no regard for your physical or emotional well being--or that of your wallet. One of the best ways to avoid the financial drain is to experience life off the Strip, especially when it comes to hotels. There are a number of hotels a couple of miles, or in some cases a couple of blocks, from Las Vegas Boulevard that pair high energy with slightly lower prices.

Related: Family Guide to a Luxe Las Vegas Getaway

The Rumor Boutique Hotel and The Artisan Hotel are two properties that offer the full Vegas experience in a smaller package. Although these boutique hotels are owned by the same development company, each one remains unique, with room sales ranging from 30-50% at prime times throughout the year. The Rumor's lobby is sleek and modern with splashes of color against a mostly commanding white interior. The Junior Suites are the hotel's starter rooms, but they maintain the sharp design of the more expensive Mega-Suites. The hotel hosts free pool parties every Saturday, along with Acoustic Sessions and dog-friendly Yappy Hours during the week. Executive Chef Jacob Coronado is the mastermind behind Addiction Restaurant. Although it is the hotel's only eatery, you will find moderately priced, signature dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day.

The Artisan Hotel offers a drastically different vibe immediately made clear by its gothic decor and special artwork along the walls of the lobby. Each room in the hotel boasts its own individual design, providing a singular experience each time a guest books subsequent stays. The Artisan's nightlife offerings have earned them a spot with the Strip's big boys for entertainment. The free pool parties and dance fests rock the foundation Thursday through Sunday, and you will find guests pulling all-nighter celebrations well past 7:00 am. If you're the kind of person who prefers to party during the daytime hours, The Artisan Lounge offers a daily happy hour to save you a few bucks on all of those cocktails and appetizers.

You could spend all the entire weekend at your hotel and never leave the property, while enjoying each and every amenity. If you want a break from the on-site fun, inexpensive shopping is always a sure bet. The Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas feature enough stores with enough deals to fill your suitcase. Aldo, BCBG Max Azaria, Coach, Converse, Fendi, Guess, Kate Spade, Micheal Kors and Williams-Sonoma Marketplace are just a handful of the outlet mall's shops. If you love to stay active while on vacation, Red Rock Canyon, the state's first National Conservation area, is just 20 miles from the Strip. The 13 mile scenic trail showcases local flora, fauna, waterfalls and jutting faults. You can spend a few hours hiking and learning more about one of Nevada's geographical wonders for a small parking fee. Once the sun sets, you may be ready for a night on the Strip. Avoid the long lines and high prices for popular clubs. Instead, check out the fancy bars, lounges and restaurants in the big hotels. The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas' luxurious lounge, The Chandelier, offers plenty of seating for people watching as you sip cocktails. For an even more casual environment, walk over to Holstein's for burgers, beer and blasting beats from the weekend DJs. The best part is that there's no cover for either location, but you are guaranteed a good time.

For your next trip to Las Vegas, shave a few dollars from the bills, but hold tight to the fun. Sin City is an equal playing field for the high roller and budget-conscious traveler alike.

The Rumor Boutique Hotel
455 East Harmon Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89019
(702) 369-5400
More info

The Artisan Hotel
1501 West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 214-4000
More info

The Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas
32100 Las Vegas Boulevard
South Primm, NV 89019
More info

Red Rock Canyon
West Charleston Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89161
(702) 515-5350
More info

The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89158
(702) 698-7000
More info

Chrystal Baker is a freelance food and events contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine and Frugivore Magazine. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere.