Las Vegas hotels are so abundant that prices throughout the city are generally lower than in other U.S. destinations. However, most of the hotels in Las Vegas -- despite their claims -- are very similar. You should choose your lodging based on location more than anything else.

• The bottom line is that with a few, mostly subtle differences, a hotel room is a hotel room is a hotel room. After you factor in location and price, there isn't that much difference between rooms, except for perhaps size and the quality of their surprisingly similar furnishings." -- Frommer's
• With thousands of hotel rooms, Las Vegas likely has one to spare whether you book a month in advance or walk up to the desk. However, check the city's convention schedule before you decide to take a chance. Huge conventions gobble up most of the rooms in all corners of the city, and any leftover inventory is sold at premium prices." -- Smarter Travel

On the Strip

Most of the hotels and resorts lie along the famous Las Vegas Strip, and many contain world premiere casinos, including the Bellagio, The Venetian, the MGM Grand, New York - New York, Paris Las Vegas and Treasure Island. Some of the most popular Vegas hotels include the Wynn and the related Encore Hotel, both of which offer five-star resort amenities, entertainment and nightlife.

But the Strip's hotels can't be easily classified by price. Costs tend to fluctuate from budget-friendly to lavishly expensive depending on the day of the week and whether or not there is an event taking place. Your best bet is to book early -- many hotels offer Stay-and-Play deals and other discounts.

• Most 'sales' occur from early December to mid-February and in July and August, the coldest and hottest times of the year, and you can often find rooms for 50% to 75% less midweek than on weekends." -- Fodor's

Off the Strip

For even lower prices, consider finding a room away from the Las Vegas Strip. In fact, travel writers say that you're more likely to have a "more authentic" Vegas experience if you choose to stay a few blocks (or even a few miles) away. Downtown Las Vegas (home to the Fremont Street Experience) features such recommended hotels as the Golden Nugget, while experts and travelers also suggest booking at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa or the Rio Suite Hotel in West Las Vegas. It doesn't really matter which direction you head; you're sure to find hotels to fit both your taste and budget.

• Give up that Strip location, and suddenly, you have a host of budget-minded options, completely satisfying casino-hotels that may not have the luxury appointments of the big Strip palaces but also don't come with the luxury price tags." -- Frommer's