More than 300,000 people are expected to fill the Las Vegas Strip to ring in the New Year, but the savings start the next day. In January, you can find a clean, attractive hotel on the Strip for well under $100 a day. Steven Knight rounds up five surprising budget offer as well as all the shows, restaurants, stores and seasonal deals happening this winter.

January is one of the best times to plan your Vegas excursion. With weekend room prices sometimes as much as 75 percent off their normal yearly price, you’re practically just a hand, spin, or roll from winning back more than you spent to stay.

The Quad Resort and Casino – For those who are just looking for a room they can use to sleep, shower, and get back to the Strip, look no further than The Quad.  Formerly the Imperial Palace, and currently undergoing large renovations, The Quad may not have the top billed shows, most exciting casino, or memorable restaurants, but with its central location and weekend rooms averaging less than $40 a night through January, the price more than makes up for its shortcomings, and is the perfect home base for those not planning on spending a lot of time lounging around the room.

The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino – Just a quick walk from the heart of The Strip, The Monte Carlo is offering a package deal through Smarter Vegas with rates starting as low as $37 a night for week days and an average of $83 a night for over the weekend which includes a 24/7 happy hour at The Pub (whose a menu has more than 300 beers), 15 percent off of retail outlets, 20 percent off any Minus5 (The Monte Carlo’s famous ice bar, where everything from the bar to the glasses are made of ice) package, and 15 percent off dining at d.vino or Dragon Noodle Co.

The Flamingo Hotel and Casino – Located in the heart of the action, The Flamingo is The Strip’s oldest operating resort.  Until February, The Flamingo will be offering guests 30 percent off on top of their already low room prices.  This means you can be enjoying the Vegas nightlife for a low as $24.50 a day!  Weekend rates vary from $31 – $80 a night, with the best weekend being the January 11 and January 12, costing just $70 total before taxes – a hard deal to beat for a weekend in Vegas.

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino – Escape from winter and enjoy the tropic feel of Mandalay Bay.  Not only is there an 11-acre pool area featuring a wave pool and lazy river, there is also the Shark Reef Aquarium, the Mandalay Place shopping center, and 24 restaurants.  Now through February 4, Mandalay Bay is offering a package that includes buy one get one 50 percent off spa treatment, buy one get one 50 percent off breakfast at the House of Blues, complimentary access to Mix Lounge, and $2 off admission to the Shark Reef Aquarium.  Rooms start as low as $60 a night during some weekdays and max out at $295.

The Aria Resort and Casino – From in-room touch screen automation systems to the 16 restaurants and 10 nightclubs, those seeking to enjoy the luxuries of one of Vegas’ newest resorts should look no further than The Aria.  While the rooms are a little pricier than the others on the list, The Aria is offering an excellent package which will take a bit of the sting out of the room price. From now until February 27,  the package includes $75 dining credit, a complimentary view upgrade, a complimentary Porsche Design gift bag, and 15 percent off any purchase at the Porsche Design store for anyone reserving a 2 night stay.  The price of weekends averages $184, but you can find rates as low as $109 a night for a weekday stay.

A word of warning to anyone think about a Vegas trip from January 7 to January 10: don’t!  The Consumer Electronics Show which will be in town over those dates causing room prices to skyrocket, sometimes more than 10 times the price that the exact same room will be the week before or after.

For more Las Vegas secrets, check out:

• A Contrarian Christmas in Las Vegas
• Ask the Locals: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Three days, Nine Meals in Las Vegas

By Steven Knight for PeterGreenberg.com