One of the first things you should know about planning your trip to Las Vegas is resort fees. These are additional fees that most hotels charge that aren’t included in the quoted nightly price. Resort fees can take you by surprise, and if you’re not careful can turn your affordable vacation into a less affordable one. I’ll try to note in the hotel listings which ones do not charge these sneaky fees.

Another thing to be aware of in Las Vegas hotels is the mini bar. Don’t touch it, trust me. Everything in the mini bar is overpriced, and many hotels have pressure sensors that alert them when something is taken out. Even if you put the item back, you will get charged for it. I’ve seen $30+ for bottled water in some mini bars, so I’m not talking about a small price difference. The best thing to do is look for your nearest Walgreens or CVS and make a quick drink run; you’ll get everything at half mini bar price or less.

Get your loyalty cards. Nearly every Las Vegas hotel and casino has loyalty cards available, which can get you discounts, some free gambling, or even free rooms on future visits. Just look for the kiosk on the casino floor, or ask at the front desk.  I wouldn’t advise gambling just to rack up loyalty points, but if you’re going to be gambling anyway, the points can help you save. Also, spending in most hotels and shops can earn you points without ever gambling, as shopping and dining are becoming a much bigger part of how Vegas makes money. You can easily find guides online for how to maximize rewards across the various cards.