Las Vegas actually offers more aggregate hotel accommodation than any city in the entire world. The number currently comes in at around 150,000 rooms but with the recent popularity boom, that number is growing daily. If you consider that Las Vegas is the fastest growing city in North America (though having lived there, I would argue it’s the fastest growing World in relation to its population), it seems that everyone wants a stay in Sin City.

How did this happen? Part of the boom is a result of international terrorism fears and the massive influx of Las Vegas-themed movies, television, and poker shows. CSI started it all with a crime drama that seemed to popularize Vegas’s seedier side with a new twist (while clearly being filmed in California).

But Vegas was badly in need of a make over--still recovering from the hackneyed portrayal as a gangster town with some of the seediest corners in America. That time is long gone. With the advent of the Strip and large resort hotels that double as small cities, the new name of the game is Bling Bling.

Understanding What Happens in Vegas
America loves excess and no place is more excessive than Las Vegas. Advertising this news is at an all-time high, due to the popular “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” mantra. Understanding this popularity trend is the key to finding cheap hotel rates. One slip up in dates or reservation timing could cost you as much as $200 a night.

Okay, so there are 150,000 room minus 40,000 players' suites and other high-priced accommodations. That leaves 100,000 available rooms. That may seem like a lot, but if your trip coincides with either a holiday or convention, you may find yourself with slim picking and bloated prices. If possible, also try to plan some of your stay during the week--for more availability with rooms and shows.

Know Your Conventions
Las Vegas hosts the largest conventions in the world. They usually draw over 50,000 people for each of the following events and some can hover near 100,000 people. Of course, be sure to check specific dates for these conventions and events, but at all costs, avoid planning your casual visit during these periods unless it is absolutely necessary.

Here are some of the highlights. The Las Vegas Convention Center website should feature a complete list: January is the Consumer Electronics Show; February features the Men's Apparel Guild in California (MAGIC); March is NASCAR time; April brings the National Association of Broadcasters; May features the always popular Networld+Interop (high-tech); August is MAGIC Part II; November, Softbank Comdex (software and high-tech).

December usually brings the National Finals Rodeo. If you enjoy a little cowboy in your drink, this is a great two week period. If straw hats and high boots rub you the wrong way, do not come then!

Read Next 5 Articles
Del Mar Hotel
Arizona Golf Resort
Arizona Hotel
Arizona Hotel Scottsdale
Arizona Vacation