Comdex '99: Scoring Deals in Vegas

Las Vegas isn't just a city for high rollers. With a little research, Sin City can be one of the least expensive tourist destinations in the United States. On the Internet, you'll find plenty of deals and information on hotels, food, and entertainment that can save you big money, no matter how you do at the gaming tables.

Hotel deals

First, go directly to the major hotel and casino websites, which often post discounts for Internet users. For example, on the Circus Circus website, you'll find current specials and deals for the coming month under Special Packages. When we checked, the site advertised a room for the weekend in December for as little as $29 (£17) a night. That's a $40 discount off the regular nightly rate.

Catch a show

The MainTour Las Vegas Vacation Guide is offering a Mini-Vacation Getaway. For $99, you can stay three days and two nights at the Desert Paradise Resort. Plus, you'll get free tickets to a major show. The site offers up-to-the-minute entertainment and live-show listings, and allows you to reserve tickets online.

Fine dining

While Vegas definitely doesn't have a dearth of resturaunts, finding the right one, in your desired location, can be challenging. The Las Vegas Dining Guide is divided into neighborhood guides. Restaurant listings are organized by type of cuisine, and are flagged "inexpensive," "moderate," or "expensive."

Discover secret money-saving tips

And because some of the best deals in Vegas aren't publicised, you'll want to pick up tips from travellers who have uncovered secret deals. At Deja.com , you can search on the key word "Las Vegas" and scan newsgroups where users have posted messages about freebies and bargain hotel rates. For example, one user found that Caesar's Palace offers free cigars and port wine at the cards table -- but only if you ask.