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Where To Stay In Vegas? Las Vegas Hotel Recommendations

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Where To Stay In Vegas? Las Vegas Hotel Recommendations

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As a Las Vegas local, I can tell you firsthand that our city is undeniably one of the most sought-after tourist destinations on the planet.

Why, you ask? Well, it’s no secret that Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s most glamorous casinos, hosts the planet’s finest entertainers, and boasts top-notch dining establishments that draw millions of visitors from around the globe each year.

With our opulent casinos, dreamy hotel rooms, captivating museums, and an electrifying nightlife scene that never sleeps, Las Vegas is a city of endless allure. That brings us to a fascinating question for both visitors and fellow locals alike: Where to stay in Vegas?

Where should you stay in Las Vegas?

In this insider’s guide, I’ll take you through the finest accommodations our vibrant city has to offer, ensuring you have an unforgettable stay in The Entertainment Capital of the World.

So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Vegas, let me be your local guide to the perfect Las Vegas experience.

Where should you stay in Las Vegas?

As someone who visited Las Vegas for more than 15 years before living here, I always recommend staying on The Strip. 

Welcome To The Fabulous Las Vegas Strip Map - by VegasRightNow.com - Las Vegas Strip Hotels Map

Why? 

Because The Strip is the place where all of the action is!

Choosing which one of The Strip hotels for your Las Vegas stay can be overwhelming. Especially because they all look so stunning and grand with their own unique and world-famous feature attractions. 

But no worries—I’ve got you!

Before becoming Las Vegas locals, we spent much time vacationing in the city and hotel-hopping to experience as many of the only-in-Vegas luxuries The Strip offers.

With hundreds of hotels in the city, it can be hard to know where to stay on your own because there’s no shortage of hotel options in Vegas!

So, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite places to stay, so you’re sure to find something that fits your travel style and budget.

Best hotels in Las Vegas 

Best hotels in Las Vegas 

Here’s my short list of where to stay in Las Vegas on The Strip, followed by a brief summary of some of the hotels that made it onto my best hotels on the Las Vegas Strip list!

Best luxury hotels in Las Vegas 

In no particular order. – Click on a property name to reserve a room.

My favorite luxury hotels in Las Vegas 

Here’s a brief summary of my top three favorite high-end hotels we’ve stayed at on The Strip. In all honesty, Four Seasons should be in my top three, but I decided to leave it off since I share our Four Seasons Las Vegas experience HERE.

Bellagio Hotel & Casino

It’s a good thing I live in Las Vegas because, as a tourist, it would be difficult to vacation anywhere else on The Strip after our Bellagio stay!

With its grounds reminiscent of an Italian Renaissance, the Bellagio is one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas. The hotel offers 5 outdoor swimming pools, a Conservatory and Gardens, the largest dancing fountain in the US, top-tier restaurants (my favorites are Lago and Sadelle’s), and a take-your-breath-away performance of “O” by Cirque du Soleil! 

The guest rooms have gorgeous views, and the bedding and furnishings are stylish, luxe, and up-to-date in design. My favorite in-room feature is the remote-controlled curtains!

Luxury hotels in Las Vegas 

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

Mandalay Bay is undeniably one of the top luxury hotels in Las Vegas, and for good reason. This exquisite resort stands out with its remarkable blend of opulence, convenience, and entertainment.

First and foremost, the accommodations at Mandalay Bay are nothing short of luxurious. From spacious and elegantly designed rooms to stunning suites with breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip, they offer a world-class experience for every guest.

But what truly sets Mandalay Bay apart is its remarkable array of amenities. The resort is home to a sprawling, beach-like pool complex with real sand, a wave pool, and even a lazy river. It’s an oasis in the desert, making you forget you’re in the middle of the Mojave.

For those seeking fine dining, Mandalay Bay boasts a diverse range of world-class restaurants, including the renowned Rivea by Chef Alain Ducasse and the upscale STRIPSTEAK by Michael Mina.

Entertainment is also at its peak here. The Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil show, located within the resort, is a captivating experience that’s not to be missed.

And if relaxation is on your agenda, the Mandalay Bay Spa and the tranquil atmosphere of the Four Seasons Hotel within the complex provide the ultimate retreat.

City Center Hotels Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan, a shining gem in the dazzling landscape of Las Vegas, is firmly established as one of the city’s preeminent luxury hotels, and its reputation is well-deserved. Offering an unparalleled fusion of modern elegance and lavish opulence, The Cosmopolitan stands out as a testament to the city’s commitment to luxury and style.

What truly distinguishes The Cosmopolitan is its contemporary design, which seamlessly combines the chic and the lavish. The moment you step into the lobby, you’re greeted by an ambiance that exudes sophistication and artistry. This aesthetic extends to the meticulously designed rooms and suites, each offering panoramic views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip.

The Cosmopolitan’s commitment to luxury doesn’t end with its stylish accommodations. The resort boasts an array of upscale amenities that cater to the desires of the most discerning guests. The rooftop pool, Marquee Dayclub, is a vibrant, sun-soaked oasis where you can soak in the rays, take a refreshing dip, or indulge in a poolside cabana, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Food connoisseurs will find themselves in culinary heaven at The Cosmopolitan. The hotel houses a wide array of dining options, ranging from award-winning fine dining establishments to casual eateries. Superfrico’s Italian-American Psychedelic menu offers a contemporary reinterpretation of Old-World Italian culinary traditions, and the performance vignettes make it feel like dinner and a show!

Vegas is all about luxury, and where better to find it than in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas? The Cosmo (as locals and returning visitors affectionately call it), because of its luxurious glass paneling, looks like it’s part of Vegas’s 9-billion dollar project of three all-glass gleaming hotels known as Aria Campus, better known by its former name, CityCenter. However, The Cosmo is a stand-alone project that opened its doors the same year as the properties at Aria Campus.

Secret Hotels In Las Vegas

Las Vegas secret hotels

Pro tip: Which hotels do celebrities stay in Las Vegas? Did you know Las Vegas has “secret hotels” hidden in plain sight – right on The Strip? These are the extra-extravagant private hotels. Some are so ultra private that maybe the old slogan “What happens here stays here” was made for these! But, hey, it’s Vegas. 

Learn more HERE about Las Vegas’s secret hotels within the well-known hotels on The Strip!

Las Vegas hotels with the best Strip view

If you want the best view of The Strip, request a Strip view room, which, in most cases, will cost more.

  • The Cosmopolitan – A luxurious mirrored and glass-paneled hotel where all guest rooms have balconies, a rarity on the Vegas Strip!
  • ARIA – A luxury hotel that’s the epicenter of the beautiful mirrored glass and crystal hotels at Aria Campus (formerly CityCenter)
  • Caesars Palace – The iconic hotel with the best location in the heart and middle of the Las Vegas Strip
  • Bellagio – The luxury hotel with the Gardens and the Fountain Show
  • Paris Hotel – The hotel with the Eiffel Tower replica

Pro tip: It’s worth underscoring that The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (The Cosmo) is one of the few Las Vegas Strip hotels where all rooms have balconies. This is a rarity along the Vegas Strip!

What You Can Not Miss On The Las Vegas Strip

Where is the best view of the Las Vegas Strip for free?

Don’t miss the catwalks across Las Vegas Boulevard for some of the best panoramic views of The Strip!  

Walk to the catwalk near Treasure Island, connected to The Venetian, and near The Cosmopolitan, connecting to Planet Hollywood for free elevated views of The Strip. 

Nicest hotels in Las Vegas

Nicest hotels in Las Vegas

And the nicest hotels in Vegas are (drumroll please)…

In no particular order. – Click on a property name to reserve a room.

Nicest affordable hotels in Las Vegas

If it’s clean, has a coffee pot, and I’m happy (happy life-happy wife), my husband considers it a good stay! On the other hand, I’m pretty particular about cleanliness and overall design aesthetics – after all, it’s a world-class Las Vegas hotel stay!

Here’s a brief summary of the top 3 affordable and nicest hotels we’ve stayed at on The Strip in Las Vegas.

Nicest affordable hotels in Las Vegas

Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas 

Located on the South end of The Strip. Treasure Island is your place if you are looking for a clean, comfortable stay with detailed room amenities. It’s my day-one, come-in-clutch Vegas hotel, with favorite amenities like Oleksandra Spa and the delicious vanilla fragrance that’ll make you forget there’s smoking in the casino! 

I’ve reserved TI for large family vacations of 10-plus people, and everyone in our large group was pleased (no easy feat!). Our adult daughter and her boyfriend put TI’s pool, cabanas, and day club at the top of their list. 

I highly recommend upgrading your room to a Petite Suite for uncompromising his and hers in-room separate bathrooms – one with a large glass shower and another with a luxurious jetted spa bath! 

TI Vegas recommendations: My only suggestion is that TI modernize its in-room decor – which is still plush and detailed in design.

Where To Stay In Vegas? Las Vegas Hotel Recommendations
The beloved Mirage Hotel & Casino

The Mirage/Hard Rock – *Closed until 2027

Want a little color and adventure in your vacay? Well, I assume that’s why you’re in Vegas! But you can make the experience complete with a room in the exotic adventure of The Mirage, a Polynesian-themed resort, casino, and hotel that touts itself as an oasis of non-stop fun!

This slice of paradise resort is one of Las Vegas’s most popular. But don’t expect to be stuck in your room all day! There’s a lot of action to take part in while you’re on holiday. Check out Mirage’s seemingly endless dining options (I recommend starting in the retro-chic Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge), and take a dip in the pool (I’ll let you discover Bare on your own – look it up!

Then, discover how relaxing the spa can be after a few rounds in the casino. All before you’ve even checked out of your room for the day! 

My stay at The Mirage was part of a speaking engagement I was booked for, and even the hotel-catered food was typical of Las Vegas 5-star quality! 

If you want to get to the center of the city’s action and heart, then The Mirage is the place for you. 

Mirage/Hard Rock recommendations: My only recommendation for The Mirage is that its new owners, Hard Rock Hotels, maintain its lush tropical look and high-energy, colorful vibe. Also, the in-room bathrooms could be a little bigger! 

Resorts World Las Vegas – If you’re intrigued by stylish, zen, and new, then one of Vegas’s latest properties, Resorts World, was made for you!  

Described as a seamless blend of technology and luxury appeal in an urban contemporary resort, Resorts World brings the new with The Strips’ first Tesla Loop underground luxury electric car transport to The Las Vegas Convention Center, an in-hotel digital Sphere, and more than a few secret restaurants and speakeasies onsite – IYKYK!

Resorts Worlds has a playful, youthful, luxurious, and chic vibe – Here Kitty, Kitty (IYKYK)! And although it’s at the far end of The Strip, it’s still so much to do inside. It’s our adult kids’ favorite hotel on The Strip!

You may even consider upgrading your stay to one of Resorts World’s boutique hotels inside the hotel – Conrad or Crockfords.

Resorts World recommendations: Fortunately for us, this hotel is so new that they got it right from the start! Maybe shuttles to and from the center of The Strip, perhaps?

Excalibur Hotel & Casino

Which hotels should you avoid in Vegas?

When you vacay in Vegas, you expect to be wowed by “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” And believe me, Vegas lives up to that name!

So, your hotel experience should set the stage to be the immediate show-stopper! The first impression. The mic-drop moment when you pinch yourself because you’re waking up in Vegas!

Since hotels in Vegas are not like regular hotels in any other city. Come prepared for so much more beyond where you lay your head. 

There’s a hotel for every budget and dollar, and inside, you’ll discover theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, day clubs, pools, spas, and casinos inside each hotel on The Strip!

The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort

Some hotels just nail it when it comes to aesthetics.

Plush furnishings and a well-designed fragrant room. Two bathrobes so couples don’t have to share. And fragrant casino floors so smokers and us nons both feel accommodated and seen.  

All your senses feel it, and you just know. This is the place to be!

Still, some hotels on The Strip lack what I just described above. On a budget and need to overlook in-room scuffs, dings, and dust?

Below are some hotels I don’t bad mouth. But instead, I don’t mention them for hotel stays for family and friends when visiting Vegas. 

My recommendations do not include location as a deciding factor since all these hotels are on or near The Strip.

Flamingo Las Vegas

I still love and visit some of these hotels for their in-hotel attractions, like Circus Circus Adventuredome for the grandkids, The STRAT Tower and thrill rides, or Flamingo Go Pool DayClub. 

However, I would not choose to book a room here. 

My best (or worst) hotels in Las Vegas list is based on these factors:

  • Cleanliness
  • In-room modern upgrades and amenities
  • Details in design and overall hotel aesthetics
Cheap hotels in Las Vegas on The Strip

Cheap hotels in Las Vegas on The Strip

Cheap Las Vegas hotels ranked best to least favorite. – Click on a property name to reserve a room.

  1. Flamingo Las Vegas – The pink flamingo-themed hotel at center-Strip
  2. Harrah’s Las Vegas – The Mardi Gras-themed hotel
  3. Tropicana Las Vegas – The iconic Tropicana Las Vegas closed on Apr. 2nd, 2024. Read more HERE.
  4. Luxor Hotel & Casino – The pyramid-shaped hotel
  5. Excalibur Hotel & Casino – The medieval castle-shaped hotel
  6. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino – Near The Strip and formerly the International Hotel
  7. Circus Circus Hotel – The circus-themed family hotel with an amusement park and water park
  8. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino – Near The Strip, it’s the Rio Brazilian Carnival-themed hotel
  9. The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower – Formerly The Stratosphere, it’s the tallest hotel and the last hotel at North Strip, shaped like a tower reminiscent of Seattle’s Space Needle
Where to stay in Vegas on a budget?

Where to stay in Vegas on a budget?

Being so luxurious and extensive, all top hotels in Vegas are also quite expensive. But no need to worry; there are also some nice, best-value hotels for you to stay in Vegas. Here are the best two options:

1. Horseshoe Las Vegas – Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Horseshoe is a newly renovated hotel & casino (formal Bally’s) and promises the best accommodations at a reasonable rate. It’s known for amazing deals even in the summer. 

Where to stay in Vegas on a budget? The Orleans Hotel & Casino

2. The Orleans Hotel & Casino – Located just a couple of miles west of the famous Las Vegas Strip, The Orleans offers a Mardi Gras New Orleans Bourbon Street vibe with festive rooms with inner balconies! Plus, there are plenty of delicious dining options, a theatre, and a casino, all for a good value for your money. 

How to stay on the Vegas Strip on a budget?

Here are some quick tips for how to afford a Vegas Strip hotel on a budget:

  • Check third-party sites like Travelocity and Booking.com against the hotel direct sites for the lowest rates. You could also call and politely ask the hotel if they can match a third-party rate, as many hotels prefer direct bookings and might offer you a better deal!
  • Consider the benefits of staying on The Strip midweek rather than on weekends. Rates can drop significantly from Tuesday to Thursday, making it the optimal time for affordability and avoiding larger crowds.
  • Pro tip: You could even use the hotel mid-week price drop as a great time to splurge (at a lower price of course) on a stay at a luxury room or a boutique Las Vegas secret hotel!
Where to stay with family in Vegas?

Where to stay with family in Vegas?

There are several excellent options for staying in Vegas with family, but I’ll give you the best two options:

1.   The Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino – Known for its attractions, The Tank and HideOut pool complex where you can swim through an aquarium of sharks! The Golden Nugget in Downtown Las Vegas features a 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium and 17 private cabanas over three separate floors! The Tank is for family and the kiddos, while Hideout is a secluded water paradise for pool guests 21 and up. And when your water play is over, you can retire to the spa or your plush, comfortable guest suite.

2. The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino – is located on the famous Las Vegas Strip. This resort offers a massive water park with sand to give the feel of a real beach and a giant aquarium with over 1.5 million gallons of water. It is undoubtedly exciting if you are looking to travel to Vegas with kids.

What To Do In Vegas With Kids

Where to stay in Las Vegas FAQs

What part of The Strip is best in Las Vegas?

The Strip splits into North and South sections around the central midpoint, dividing the properties after and preceding Caesars Palace.

However, in my local opinion, and as your defacto expert here…

I say the North Strip is the best Strip! Because of the most iconic hotels positioned there:

What part of The Strip is best in Las Vegas?

North Strip Las Vegas hotels

In no particular order. – Click on a property name to reserve a room.

However, I must admit that The Tour Guy online makes an excellent argument that South Strip is the best Strip because…

“Ostentatious is the name of the game in Vegas. The more flashy, gaudy, or luxurious, the better. The south end of the Strip has tons of hotel options, including some of the most iconic hotels in Vegas: New York–New York, Paris, the Bellagio, MGM, Aria, Cosmo, and much more.”

Vegas Right Now - Shaunda Necole at the iconic Mirage Hotel & Casino

But the best answer is based on real estate’s one main rule: Location, location, location!

So, as a licensed Nevada real estate agent, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that the best part of The Las Vegas Strip is Central Strip – the heart of the Vegas Strip!

Central Strip is full of non-stop Vegas action! It’s also within walking distance of most of The Strip’s famous highlights, like the Bellagio Fountain, Aria Campus, and the Volcano at The Mirage. Central Strip also has the most classic landmark hotels.

Las Vegas Central Strip hotels

Las Vegas Central Strip hotels

In no particular order. – Click on a property name to reserve a room.

Is it better to stay on the Las Vegas Strip or off?

Staying on the Las Vegas Strip, in most cases, costs more. But it’s more suited and fitting if you’re visiting for the first time and want an easy, convenient, stress-free experience. You also won’t need a car to get around.

Is it better to stay on the Las Vegas Strip or off?

Where to visit in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is known mainly as the city of casinos and insane hotels. But that is not all there is to Vegas. The city has much more to offer to its tourists! 

Top Things To Do In Las Vegas

Here are the main activities you shouldn’t miss while on the Las Vegas Strip:

Can you walk into any hotel in Vegas?

Can you walk into any hotel in Vegas?

Visiting as many hotels as possible is essential to a first visit to The Strip. Strip hotels are tourist destinations in their own right for you to indulge, enjoy, (and spend)! 

So, when in Vegas, check out as many hotels as you can because the doors are always open. In fact, many of the hotels interconnect with each other by trams, catwalks, and overhead walkways. So simply walk in – it’s easy and free! 

Fun fact: During the 2020 pandemic, Las Vegas shut down for the first time in the city’s history. As part of the closing, hotels on The Strip had to purchase locks to officially close their doors for the first time ever!

Can you go to any hotel pool in Vegas?

Can you go to any hotel pool in Vegas?

Unlike the hotels with no barrier to entry, taking a dip at any Las Vegas pool depends on the hotel’s pool policies. 

Many pools in Vegas are “day clubs” with fees and age restrictions. Some hotels allow guests to pool hop from hotel to hotel, resort to resort. While others have restricted times to do this.

How to get around in Vegas without a car?

One of my favorite parts of vacationing on The Las Vegas Strip is that you won’t need a car. The Strip is the place to be with everything you could ever want to see and do – all within walking distance!

How to get around in Vegas without a car?

Still, there are various ways you can get around in Vegas without a car:

  • Since the city never sleeps, there are taxis always moving about. 
  • A more convenient option, though, is using Uber or Lyft. 
  • Or choose a private car service for convenient luxury transportation.
  • Some hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport and back and forth to The Strip!

A 24-hour bus service is offered by the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) of South Nevada. These bus routes along The Strip and Downtown Las Vegas promise comfortable and affordable transportation.  

If you’re staying on The Strip, a Monorail tram service offers fast transportation to some hotels and casinos. However, if you love to walk, be armed with a lot of sunscreen and water for protection against the desert heat!

How many days should you stay in Vegas?

At a minimum, 3 days will give you adequate time to visit and explore many of the best tourist sites in this electrifying city. A long weekend in Vegas is an excellent taste to prepare you to return and be satisfied again!

What are the best boutique hotels in Las Vegas?

What are the best boutique hotels in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas Strip boutique hotels are specialty venues within The Strip’s larger, well-known hotels. 

For example, NoMad Las Vegas, a boutique hotel concept known for its luxury accommodations and stylish design, is located inside Park MGM Hotel. The upscale NOBU Hotel is inside Caesars Palace, and The Signature at MGM Grand’s private vacation suites connect from off The Strip to the main property, MGM Grand. Resorts World has two exclusive boutique hotels, Conrad and Crockfords, with luxurious and stylish rooms and suites. Mandalay Bay has Four Seasons, making it also onto the Las Vegas secret hotels list (shhh!).

What are the best spa hotels in Vegas?

What are the best spa hotels in Vegas?

The newest and best state-of-the-art wellness retreat and spa on the Vegas Strip is Fontainebleau’s Lapis Spa & Wellness, followed by:

Hands down, I recommend first-timers to Vegas to stay at a hotel on The Strip because of all the attractions and things to see. The Strip is the quintessential part of any Las Vegas trip!

Most of the Las Vegas Strip hotels are located close to each other, so it’s no problem to walk from one end to the other. 

Downtown Grand Hotel Las Vegas

But it might be worth staying at an off-Strip hotel to save more money. 

For example, you can save money by staying at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, west of The Strip. Or a nice hotel in Downtown Las Vegas, like The Downtown Grand, will bring your hotel stay under budget. Or consider one of the cheaper hotels on my list above.

Check because some Las Vegas hotels off The Strip offer free shuttles running day and night to the central part of The Strip, so you can quickly get to The Vegas Strip attractions when you need to.

What is the $20 rule in Vegas?

What is the $20 rule in Vegas?

Admittedly, I’ve never tried this, but Front Desk Tip states, “When you go to the front desk to check into a hotel, they will ask for a credit card, driver’s license or passport. Slip a $20 bill between your ID and credit card and ask the clerk if any complimentary upgrades are available. There must be more to it than that, you’re thinking. But nope – it’s that easy.”

Vegas Hotel Stays - The Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino

Did you enjoy this list of Las Vegas Strip hotel recommendations? Comment below and let me know. 

“When you visit any of these featured Las Vegas attractions, mention you heard about them from Vegas Right Now!”

Thank you! —Shaunda Necole

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Where To Stay In Vegas? Las Vegas Hotels

Dee

Tuesday 26th of December 2023

As long time visitor to vegas and former resident, it's highly unusual to find resorts with in-room coffee maker. Besides smoking, one if my favorite pet peeves is the majority of resorts that do not have mini fridges in rooms. I loathe warm water. Alas I take a med that has to be refrigerated, so one is supplied free of charge. Otherwise, there is a fee and the Venetian delivered a mini, car type fridge. My med and couple bottles of water fit. That's it. Also one more comment, the south end of strip between NYNY and Park MGM boasts the Toshiba Plaza and urban park. There is sometimes local bands and lots of seating to rest. The lights and bars and restaurants that line the park are varied and offer tons of fun. There's a Hello Kitty food truck and much more. This is important for those of us with arthritic knees!