Airbnb, Vrbo or a Hotel in Vegas? What You Should Know Before You Book
Thinking about skipping the Strip hotels for an Airbnb or Vrbo in Las Vegas? It’s easy to assume a vacation rental will save money and offer more flexibility, but Las Vegas plays by its own rules.
Strict short-term rental laws, surprise fees, and location quirks can turn what looks like a deal into extra hassle.
Before you decide, it’s worth understanding why vacation rentals attract travelers in the first place and what sets Vegas apart.
That’s why we put together a guide that walks through the biggest differences between short-term rentals and hotels in Las Vegas to help you choose the stay that actually fits your trip and your budget.
Why Travelers Consider Airbnb or Vrbo in Las Vegas
Vacation rentals can seem like a great alternative to hotels, especially if you’re looking for more space, a kitchen, or a home-like setup.
They’re attractive for families (people aren’t always sure which hotels are family-friendly). By default, short-term rentals often feature separate bedrooms, while groups appreciate large living areas for socializing together.
Some rentals even advertise private pools, game rooms, or the chance to stay in a quiet residential area away from casino crowds.
There’s also a perception that rentals are cheaper than hotels (we’ll shortly put this theory to the test), especially when splitting the cost with friends, and that they offer a more relaxed and personal stay.
Those perks can be real, but in Las Vegas, the reality often comes with added rules, hidden fees, and location trade-offs that travelers don’t always expect.
Things To Consider Before Booking An Airbnb or Vrbo in Las Vegas
So how do you avoid surprises? We’ll show you how.
Before you click on the reserve now button on Airbnb’s or Vrbo’s website, here’s what you need to know.
Legality & Rules for Short-Term Rentals in Las Vegas
The first thing you need to know about vacation rentals is that Las Vegas has very strict regulations.
The City of Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County, which includes most of the Strip, have different rules.
Many properties listed on Airbnb or Vrbo don’t actually have the required permits.
Just because they’re advertised does not mean they are legal.
If a rental isn’t licensed, the host could face fines, and in some cases, guests have been asked to leave mid-stay.
Whether you’re using Vrbo, Airbnb, or another platform, before you book, look for a business license or permit number in the listing details.
During our research, we found that Airbnb encourages hosts to upload their registration details to their listing on Airbnb. However, we found that registration details are not available on many listings.
If you can’t find one, ask the host directly or check the City of Las Vegas’ short-term rental registry.
Listings that avoid sharing permit details are a red flag.
Remember, booking an unlicensed property can result in last-minute cancellations, unexpected relocation, or losing your spot during busy events when hotels are fully booked. It’s always worth verifying before you commit.
Fees & Hidden Costs You Might Miss
Vacation rentals can look cheaper than hotels at first glance, but the final bill often tells a different story.
For example, here’s the cost of a W Premier Two Queen Suite at Mandalay Bay (using our $100 Food & Beverage Credit) compared with a similar property on Airbnb:
In this case, the suite ends up $207 cheaper, and you’d also get a $100 food and beverage credit to use at any MGM resort during your stay.
Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo often add cleaning fees, service charges, and local taxes, which can push the nightly rate well beyond the advertised price.
Many rentals also require minimum stays on weekends or during major events, making short trips more expensive.
Hotels, on the other hand, let you book just one night if you’re flying in for an event and leaving the next day, with no multi-night minimums.
Hotels in Las Vegas are known for resort fees and occasional extras (like mini-bar use), but with discounts and promotions, especially when booked through sites like ours, the total can still end up lower than a vacation rental once all fees are included.
Additionally, the FTC now requires hotels to disclose resort fees upfront in their advertised prices, making it easier to compare true costs.
Some condos and residential buildings also charge for parking, ask guests to pay extra for amenities such as pools and gyms, and even impose outrageous penalties for things that would not be an issue in a hotel stay.
For example, leaving your DND sign on after requesting maintenance.
Always review the full cost breakdown before assuming a vacation rental will save you money.
Location Trade-Offs to Consider
Most vacation rentals in Las Vegas aren’t on the Strip, and that can change your trip more than you might expect.
Many listings are in suburban neighborhoods or condo towers.
While that can mean quieter surroundings, it also means rideshare costs, parking fees, and longer walks if you want to experience the main attractions.
Think about it, the best brunch spots, steakhouses, restaurants, and gelato corners are all close to the action on the Strip.
To put our claims to the test, we searched for rentals in Las Vegas. You can see that for our requested dates, there are very few properties in locations near the Strip.
For properties close to the Strip, you’ll have to factor in that they’re located in high-rise condos, but may still have strict building rules regarding guest access, noise, and amenities.
As previously mentioned, parking may be limited or come with extra charges, and late-night check-ins aren’t always guaranteed.
If you want to step outside and be on the Strip or Downtown, a hotel is usually more convenient, and can work out cheaper once you factor in transportation and parking.
Amenities & Overall Experience
Another key trade-off is what you get once you arrive.
We’ve touched on this topic, but now we’ll make it clear that hotels in Las Vegas are built for convenience.
We’ve already mentioned restaurants, but additional things that add to your experience include 24/7 check-in, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, on-site security, pools, fitness centers, shows, and casinos. All of which are just steps from your room.
Vacation rentals offer extra space and a kitchen, but typically lack daily cleaning, front desk support, and assistance if something goes wrong. Noise restrictions, security deposits, and stricter rules around guests or parties are common.
And while some rentals advertise a pool, they rarely match the scale or quality of the pools found in Las Vegas resorts. For example, just look at the Stadium Swim’s pool area.
A full resort experience is what most vacation rentals can’t come close to offering.
The Smarter Way to Stay in Las Vegas
Vacation rentals can seem like a smart way to save money or get extra space in Las Vegas, but the reality isn’t always as straightforward.
Strict rental rules, added cleaning and service fees, off-Strip locations, and limited amenities can turn what looks like a deal into a less convenient (and sometimes more expensive) option.
If you value simplicity, walkable access to the Strip, resort-quality pools, and reliable service, a hotel is often the better choice, and it doesn’t have to cost more.
If you’re looking for a bigger space, you can always just book a suite. Hotels like the Venetian, Encore, and Palazzo are all-suite, meaning every room is a suite.
At Las Vegas Jaunt, we track the latest hotel discounts, exclusive promos, and perks like food and beverage credits, so you can find a stay that’s both easy and affordable.
Before you book a rental, check our Las Vegas hotel deals and see if a top-rated resort can give you more value, with no hidden surprises.
If you’re still unsure and want to compare hotels, take a look at our extensive list of hotel comparisons:
