With the holidays approaching, now is the best time to lock in a low room rate in Las Vegas. The rates below were available either by calling in, consulting casino Web sites, or using the online price-search engine, Travelaxe. Prices change quickly, though, and rates are higher during the National Finals Rodeo, continuing through Saturday. This year's period of deepest discounts runs Dec. 17-24. All told, 21 casinos have rooms for less than $40 this year. And many good deals are available on the high end, as indicated below.

Under $20: El Cortez.

Under $30: Arizona Charlie's East, Fiesta Rancho, Gold Coast, Palace Station, Stratosphere, Terrible's.

Under $40: Arizona Charlie's West, Circus Circus, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, Fitzgeralds, Four Queens, Golden Gate, Imperial Palace, Orleans, Plaza, Sahara, Sam's Town, Santa Fe Station, Texas Station, Tropicana, Vegas Club, Western.

High end: These hotels quoted midweek rates of $79 or less via phone or Internet: Luxor, Las Vegas Hilton, Rio, Harrah's, Golden Nugget, Monte Carlo, Bally's, TI, Flamingo, New York-New York, MGM Grand, Aladdin, Mirage, Palms, Westin.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.