The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the most anticipated events in the world of gambling, drawing tens of thousands of poker enthusiasts and professionals to Las Vegas each year. The excitement of the WSOP, however, is often tempered by the sky-high prices of hotels and flights, especially as the event draws near. For savvy players and fans, understanding when and how to book travel and accommodation can mean the difference between breaking the bank and enjoying a value-packed Vegas experience. Lets explore what you need to know when you book WSOP Hotels.
This comprehensive guide provides actionable strategies, data-driven insights, and expert tips to help you stop overpaying when booking hotels and flights for the WSOP. Read on to maximize your poker trip budget without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
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Table of Contents
1. Understanding the WSOP Schedule
2. Why Timing Matters for Travel Bookings
3. Best Times to Book WSOP Hotels
4. Best Times to Book WSOP Flights
5. How Far In Advance Should You Book?
6. Tips for Finding the Best Deals
7. Alternatives to Traditional Hotels
8. Frequent Mistakes to Avoid
9. Useful Tools & Resources
10. Conclusion
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1. Understanding the WSOP Schedule
The WSOP typically runs from late May through mid-July. While the exact dates vary each year, the series includes dozens of poker tournaments culminating in the Main Event, which usually takes place in early to mid-July.
• Peak Periods: The Main Event and weekends see the highest influx of visitors, leading to premium pricing for both hotels and flights.
• Off-Peak Periods: Early WSOP weeks (late May/early June) and the days immediately following the Main Event tend to be less crowded.
Key Point: Knowing the schedule allows you to plan your stay to avoid the most expensive dates.
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2. Why Timing Matters for Travel Bookings
Las Vegas is a dynamic travel market. Prices for hotels and flights can fluctuate dramatically based on demand, special events, and booking windows.
• Dynamic Pricing: Both airlines and hotels use algorithms that adjust prices based on demand, time of year, and how far in advance you’re booking.
• WSOP Impact: The WSOP draws a global crowd, increasing demand for rooms and flights, especially close to the Main Event.
Takeaway: Strategic timing is crucial to avoid price surges.
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3. Best Times to Book WSOP Hotels
a. When to Book
Ideal Booking Window:
• 3 to 6 Months in Advance: Data shows that booking your WSOP hotel between January and March for a summer stay often yields the best rates and widest availability.
• Last-Minute Deals: Sometimes, booking within two weeks of your stay can offer discounts if hotels have unsold inventory, but this is risky during the WSOP due to high demand.
b. Day of the Week
• Check-In/Out on Weekdays: Arriving and departing on weekdays (Monday–Thursday) can save you as much as 30–50% compared to weekends, when WSOP events and Vegas nightlife peak.
c. Special Promotions
• Early-Bird Specials: Many Vegas hotels release early-bird packages in the winter with bonuses like resort credit or free upgrades.
• Casino Rate Offers: If you are a member of a casino loyalty program (Caesars Rewards, MGM Rewards, etc.), you may receive targeted deals for discounted or even complimentary rooms around the WSOP.
d. Avoiding Price Surges
• Main Event Premium: Hotel prices spike just before and during the Main Event (early to mid-July). If your schedule is flexible, try to book your stay outside these dates.
• Non-WSOP Events: Check for other conventions or large events in Vegas that may overlap with your travel dates and drive up prices.
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4. Best Times to Book WSOP Flights
a. Advance Booking Windows
Optimal Booking Time:
• Domestic Flights: Book 2–3 months before your departure for the lowest fares, according to data from travel aggregators like Hopper and Google Flights.
• International Flights: Book 3–6 months in advance, especially if coming from Europe or Asia.
b. Day of the Week
• Best Days to Fly: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly to Las Vegas, with savings of up to 20% compared to weekend flights.
• Booking Days: Airfares often drop mid-week, so try to book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
c. Flexibility Pays
• Flexible Dates: Use fare comparison tools that allow you to search across a range of dates to find the cheapest combinations.
• Red-Eye Flights: Late-night and early-morning flights tend to be less expensive and less crowded.
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5. How Far In Advance Should You Book?
Hotels:
• 3–6 Months: Best balance of price and availability.
• 1–2 Months: Still possible, but expect higher prices, especially for popular properties.
Flights:
• Domestic: 2–3 months ahead.
• International: 3–6 months ahead.
Warning:
• Too Early: Booking more than 6 months out can sometimes mean paying premium rates, as hotels and airlines haven’t released all discounts.
• Too Late: Waiting until the last minute during WSOP season is risky—prices could soar, or availability may disappear.
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6. Tips for Finding the Best Deals
a. Monitor Prices
• Set Fare Alerts: Use sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to track price trends for both hotels and flights.
• Hotel Rate Trackers: Some hotel booking sites allow you to set alerts for price drops on specific properties.
b. Bundle Packages
• Flight + Hotel Packages: Sometimes, bundling your flight and hotel through sites like Expedia or Priceline can yield significant savings.
c. Use Loyalty Programs
• Casino Loyalty: Regular players can earn comped or heavily discounted rooms through casino loyalty programs.
• Airline Miles: Use frequent flyer miles or credit card points to offset flight costs.
d. Alternative Booking Channels
• Direct vs. OTA: Sometimes booking directly with the hotel yields better rates or perks (like waived resort fees), while Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) may offer lower base prices.
e. Consider Nearby Properties
• Off-Strip or Downtown: Hotels just off the Strip or in Downtown Las Vegas can be 30–50% cheaper than WSOP host hotels, with easy access via rideshare or shuttle.
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7. Alternatives to Traditional Hotels
a. Vacation Rentals
• Airbnb & Vrbo: Renting a condo or apartment can be cost-effective, especially for groups.
• Pros: More space, kitchen facilities, potential for lower per-person rates.
• Cons: Additional fees, further from the action.
b. Hotel Alternatives
• Hostels: A handful of hostels in Vegas offer budget beds for solo travelers.
• Extended Stay Hotels: Good for longer WSOP visits, often with kitchenettes.
c. House & Room Shares
• Poker House Rentals: Some players pool resources to rent a house for the series, saving money and boosting camaraderie.
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8. Frequent Mistakes to Avoid
• Booking Too Late: Procrastination almost always leads to higher costs or limited choices.
• Ignoring Resort Fees: Vegas hotels often add $30–$50 per night in mandatory resort fees; always factor these into your total cost.
• Overlooking Transportation: Staying off-Strip? Make sure to budget for rideshares or public transit.
• Not Checking for Overlapping Conventions: Major events like CES or EDC can skyrocket prices—consult the Vegas event calendar before booking.
• Assuming Host Hotels Are Cheapest: Often, off-Strip or partner properties offer better rates during the WSOP.
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9. Useful Tools & Resources
• Google Flights: For tracking flight prices and trends.
• Hopper: Predicts when to book flights for the lowest price.
• HotelTonight: For last-minute hotel deals, though risky during WSOP.
• Vegas.com: Frequently offers package deals and discounts for Vegas hotels and shows.
• Caesars Rewards & MGM Rewards: Casino loyalty programs for potential complimentary stays.
• Las Vegas Convention Calendar: To spot major events that may overlap with your trip.
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10. Conclusion
Attending the World Series of Poker is a bucket-list experience for many, but overpaying for hotels and flights doesn’t have to be part of the game. By understanding the WSOP schedule, booking within optimal windows, leveraging loyalty programs, and using price tracking tools, you can save hundreds—if not thousands—on your Vegas trip.
