When visiting Las Vegas, visitors will search for cheap hotels or luxury hotels. Not many visitors will search for a middle-of-the-road, average hotel. When focusing on a cheap hotel in Las Vegas, there is a plethora of high-quality, low cost hotels from which to choose.

MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Tops on the list of cheap hotels in Las Vegas is the Stratosphere Tower. Not only is it a unique place to visit with its roller coaster, Big Shot, and over-the-edge thrill ride, but the Stratosphere Tower is one of the highest rated, cheap hotels in the heart of Las Vegas. Recent rate checks of the Stratosphere offered rates as low as $24/night at the 3-star hotel.
2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89104

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Of all the attractions that Orlando, Florida has to offer, Universal Studios is one of my favorites.  The lines are typically shorter than the lines at Walt Disney World and I love the rides at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

If you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, I highly recommend staying at one of the three on site properties.

Not only is it convenient for accessing the park, but guests of the park hotels receive free Express Pass tickets to Universal Studios.  You’ll still have to pay regular admission, but you get to skip the regular lines at all of the attractions.  Any time you can visit a major theme park and avoid the lines, you’ll have a much better park experience.

In addition to having easy access to the park and BYPASS perks, staying at one of the hotels at Universal Studios will allow you to enjoy the nightlife of City Walk safely and easily.  Courtesy water taxis and shuttle buses transport guests to and from the hotels and the Universal Studios compound.  There are also well lit paths available for those inclined to walk – because they are clearly less lazy than I am.

Universal Studios has three hotels on site to choose from.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando

Portofino Bay at Universal Studios

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is designed to reflect the elegance of the Italian Riviera.  It’s perfect for a romantic getaway.  The hotel also features a full-service Mandarin Spa for added luxury and pampering.  Rooms at the Portofino Bay Hotel start off at about $300 per night.  A suite, including the Dr. Seuss kid themed suite, will cost closer to $600 per night.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Studios

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Studios

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Studios conjures images of a remote private island in the South Pacific.  The details of the theme run from the thatch roofed entryway to the tropical foliage that covers every inch of the property.  The atmosphere here is much more family beach party fun than secluded romance.  Rooms at the Royal Pacific Resort stat at about $250.  A king suite will cost about $400 per night.

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios

Like the famed Hard Rock Cafes, the decor of the Hard Rock Hotel features memorabilia from the music industry’s greatest performers.  This hotel is the smallest of the three with only 600 guest rooms and 29 suites.  It does allow plenty of room for a 12,000 square foot pool with an underwater sound system and sand beach, as well as a state of the art Fitness Center.  You can book a standard room at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios for $289, or opt for a King Suite for $544 per night.

Of course, all three hotels offer amenities that cater to families on vacations, including well staffed children’s activity centers and on site babysitting services.

If you’re an annual pass holder to Universal Studios, you can use your pass to receive discounts on rooms at all three hotels.

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

The new Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, California is a fabulous new hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, and there are many reasons to stay there on your next visit to San Diego. Here are my Top Ten Reasons, in no particular order:

1. Location, Location – You Get the Idea.

Except perhaps for a house on the beach, you really can’t beat the Hard Rock’s Gaslamp Quarter location. You’re close to hundreds of restaurants and bars and the nightlife options are endless!

2. Nobu. ‘Nuff Said.

If you’re a sushi lover, you’ll adore Nobu. The one in Vegas had the best sushi I’ve ever had, and I’m sure this one is no exception.

3. Rooftop Pool. Come Swim Away.

Yep, with a view! Great place to be lazy on a summer day.

4. The Rock Spa. Relax Like a Rock Star.

The Hard Rock has a fab spa. You can get a private cabana next to the pool.

5. The Rooms – They Rock.

The rooms come in three different flavors – studios, Hard Rock Suites and Rock Star Suites. All three have amazing amenities like large flat screen tv’s, beautiful lighting, large luxurious bathrooms and spectacular views. If you don’t plan to spend much time in your room, opt for the studio – they’re obviously smaller than the other rooms but they’re still perfectly roomy and they beds are oh so comfy. Check on availability for the Black Eyed Peas Suite!!

6. Nightlife – Stay Put and Stay Entertained.

If you don’t want to, you don’t even have to step foot out of the hotel to have a good time! The Sweetwater Saloon and the Moonstar Lounge are snazzy places to spend an evening.

Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego

Photo Credits: Tinyfroglet, chakote