It's because the LA crowd is coming up on weekends, as is the spring vacation crowd, as is the convention crowd. Vegas is generally cheaper during deep summer (when it's too hot for conventions and some tourists, even) or around Christmastime (when it's cold).

The best rates during peak seasons that don't involve casino hosts (as Quzi suggested in his post, so try his angle if you've got that kind of budget for gambling) are usually found months in advance.

I usually use these sites for my price searches, as they will hit almost every site:

http://www.sidestep.com
http://www.travelaxe.com

You might find some decently priced off-Strip properties if you look- two of the Station Casinos (Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock), JW Marriott, Southpoint or Suncoast are probably the best ones of those.

Sample them, avoid Harrah's for their unfriendliness to ladies, and good luck.

the Gold Coast.  The rooms aren't much to speak of, but are inexpensive.  Another one that wasn't mentioned is the Orleans.  You might also look downtown.  The Golden Nugget has nicer rooms, but I'm not sure about the cost.  There are other casino's downtown like the Plaza and Fitzgeralds that are less expensive and more likely to have rooms on short notice.  Good Luck!

Re:Visiting Friday, hotel suggestions???

Try the Monte Carlo. Nice rooms, less expensive than the rest of the strip.

Nice huge rooms. Clean and secure, and only few blocks from the strip.

If your lucky downstairs you might meet a visiting lady in the bar. This is a spot often used by touring girls.

We'll keep the light on for ya!!

If you like downtown, you might look into the California stayed there last week rooms are clean and staff is friendly.

The website has a price of $229.00 for Friday night. I've been staying there for years and I love it there. Binion's Horseshoe is right next door for your gambling needs.

Thanks so much your help. I decided on the Golden Nugget..hey if anyone has a suggestion..who would you consider the CUTEST provider. I prefer cute to gorgeous and slim to voluptous. Thanks again for all your help. If you are headed to Boston, look me up!