Las Vegas hotel rates are on a losing streak

— -- How low can they go?

Hotel rates in Las Vegas— as elsewhere — have been on a losing streak. But summer deals in Sin City couldn't be more sizzling.

The Las Vegas Advisor's annual July survey of room rates at 84 Vegas-area casino hotels found 65 with rates below $50, vs. 47 last July before the economic meltdown. That includes 16 charging less than $20 a night on certain dates. Last July, there was just one lodging with an under-$20 rate.

"I never expected it to come in this low," says Las Vegas Advisor publisher Anthony Curtis. "It's an amazing time right now." (Prices for all properties are minus taxes and fees and aren't necessarily the official posted rates.)

Hotels where under-$20 rooms were found include popular downtown Vegas properties (Binion's, Four Queens, Golden Gate) near-Strip options (Hooters ) and the Sahara on the Strip.

Under-$30s include the Strip's Circus Circus, Riviera and Tropicana.

Among lodgings where under-$40 rates were uncovered: Flamingo, Harrah's, Las Vegas Hilton and Rio.

In the under-$50 group: Bally's, Hard Rock, Luxor.

If you want to stay where high-rollers do, now's the time. Summer is not high season in Vegas. There are fewer conventions, and temperatures can be uncomfortable (topping 100 degrees this week).

It's possible to get into the Wynn Encore, for instance, for $109 a night, with a $75 resort credit for a two-night stay. Curtis knows of a man who says he paid $109 at Encore, with a second night free, after signing up for its guest e-mail list.

"The values in Las Vegas are the best I've ever seen," says Vegas.com marketing vice president Bryan Allison, who has been in town 16 years. These days, "upscale isn't reflected in the price."

Starting this month, luxurious The Signature at MGM Grand is celebrating its third birthday with a "Celebration" package valid through Aug. 31. Rates start at $129 a night, and include perks such as a $100 beverage credit and upgrade to a suite (based on availability) for those celebrating birthdays in July and August.