With the holiday season here, now is the best time to lock in a low room rate in Las Vegas. Last week the Las Vegas Advisor called every casino in town, looking for the best leads on lodging for December. The rates below were available either by calling in, consulting casino Web sites, or using third-party reservations facilities. Prices change quickly, though, and rates are higher during the National Finals Rodeo, Thursday through Dec. 15.

This year's period of deepest discounts runs Dec. 16-24. All told, 28 casinos have rooms going for less than $40 this year. That's seven more than last year's total. Plus, many good deals are available on the high end. Here's the lineup:

Under $20: El Cortez. Under $30: Arizona Charlie's East, Four Queens, Gold Coast, Gold Spike, Palace Station, Sam's Town, Suncoast, Vegas Club, Wild Wild West. Under $40: Arizona Charlie's West, California, Circus Circus, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, Fitzgeralds, Fremont, Golden Gate, Hooters, Nevada Palace, Orleans, Plaza, Sahara, Stratosphere, Terrible's, Texas Station, Tropicana, Tuscany.

High End: The following all quoted midweek rates of $89 or less via phone or Internet: Flamingo, Harrah's, Las Vegas Hilton, Luxor, Bally's, Golden Nugget, Monte Carlo, Hard Rock, Rio, TI, New York-New York, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood Mirage, Palms, and Paris.

Q. Where is there a good view of the implosion remains from the New Frontier?

A. For the best viewing of the rubble from the New Frontier, access Stardust Road from either the Strip or Industrial Road. Or you can look right into the Frontier pile while driving east on the Desert Inn connector.

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