The combination of a troubled economy and the traditional summer doldrums have produced the lowest Las Vegas room charges since 2003. A survey of rates conducted last week turned up 42 casinos with room rates below $50, compared to only 29 last year. The least-expensive rooms were found at Palace Station, Arizona Charlie's Boulder, Binion's, El Cortez, Fiesta Rancho, Golden Gate, Plaza, Sam's Town, Silverton, Stratosphere, Texas Station, Tropicana and Vegas Club, all of which came in at less than $30. Rates change quickly, and these aren't guaranteed, but they should function as a good guide to deals this summer. The entire list, along with tips for finding these rates, can be viewed at the Web site listed at the end of this column.

HIGH ENDERS: The summer brings good deals at the elite resorts, too. The best prices found at the upscale casinos: Golden Nugget, $54; Bally's, $59; Luxor, $59; MGM, $59; Tuscany, $59; Flamingo, $60; Monte Carlo, $60; Hard Rock, $69; Green Valley Ranch, $76; TI, $76; Mirage, $81; Palms, $82; Planet Hollywood, $89; Paris, $90; Red Rock, $95; Rio, $99; Loews Lake Las Vegas, $103; MBay, $100; and Caesars Palace, $110.

BLT BURGER: This new upscale burger joint at the Mirage is at the former site of the Royal White Tiger Habitat. Burgers aren't too outrageous, starting at $8 for a veggie and topping out at $17 for American Kobe, and the chili ($8) is spectacular. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily. By the way, the BLT in the name isn't the sandwich, it stands for Bistro Laurent Tourondel.

Q. How much is Las Vegas feeling the economic pinch?

A. It is. But numbers, such as visitor totals and gambling wins, aren't down horribly yet and the casinos are taking steps to counter the bad times. The low room charges above tell part of the story, and the bargains extend to dining and show prices, along with other aspects of a Las Vegas vacation. It's a great time to visit.

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