With the Las Vegas strip being 4 miles long, lined with dozens of flashy hotels, it can be overwhelming trying to decide on which hotel to stay at. Location is everything when considering where to stay on the Vegas strip.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Vegas, this hotel guide covers all areas of the strip and the pros and cons of staying on one end versus the other.
If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, hopefully these hotel tips will help you figure out the best place to stay.
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The Flamingo
Best cheapest hotel in the best location.
The Flamingo is one of my favorite hotels for first time visitors to Vegas for a few reasons.
The first is because it’s centrally located in the middle of the Strip (they also have some of the cheapest strip view rooms).
Secondly, it’s a smaller hotel and casino. This is nice because you don’t have to walk through a large casino maze to get to your room.
And last but but not least, the Flamingo Hotel has one of the best pools on the Las Vegas strip.
Caesars Palace
Best Overall Classic Vegas Experience
If you want the full on Vegas experience, it doesn’t get anymore iconic than staying at Caesars Palace.
This Roman-themed resort is synonymous with Las Vegas, and is full of every kind of experience you could want.
As a larger resort, it’s got dozens of restaurants ranging from quick budget bites to fine dining, including Hell’s Kitchen.
The pools at Caesars Palace are luxurious and the forum shops offer something for everyone.
Tip – book a room in the Augustus tower for views of the Bellagio fountains and quick access to the Gardens of the Gods pool.
The Venetian
Best Hotel for Couples
The Italian-themed Venetian Hotel is ultra-romantic, and most of the rooms are more like suites instead of a typical hotel room.
If you want a hotel room with lots of space in Las Vegas, the Venetian is the best choice.
The Venetian is home to some of the finest dining options on the Strip, and you can even take a romantic gondola ride through the canals, just like in Venice.
The Linq
Best hotel for people on a budget
The Linq is hands down the best budget hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Not only is it cheap, it’s in a favorable location and the rooms are recently renovated.
By staying at the Linq, you’re adjacent to the Linq Promenade which has a massive variety of casual restaurants and bars, as well as the High Roller, which is an epic experience to try on your first visit to Vegas.
Excalibur
Best Hotel for Families
The Excalibur is the medieval-themed hotel on the Las Vegas strip, and is a popular choice for families and those on a budget.
Kids love it because it’s shaped like a castle, and also has a great arcade in the lower level of the hotel.
This hotel is most definitely a budget choice though. It’s located on the far south end of the Strip, so expect to do a lot of walking.
Also, the rooms and the entire hotel are tired feeling and have become very dated.
Park MGM
Best Chill Vibe Hotel and top choice for a smoke-free stay
The Park MGM is more of a boutique hotel on the Strip. It’s non-smoking, quiet and always clean.
The convenient location puts you in the middle of the west side of the Strip, next door to the New York New York hotel and the T-Mobile arena is around the corner.
Considering this hotel offers a refined experience, you’d be surprised how reasonable the rates are.
The Cosmopolitan
Best Hotel for People in their 20s and Bachelorette Parties
The Cosmopolitan is modern, ultra trendy and located perfectly in the middle of the west side of the Strip.
The glitzy three-story Chandelier Bar is a hot spot to grab a drink before or after dinner at one of the many chic restaurant options.
But perhaps one of the biggest reasons to stay at the Cosmopolitan if it’s your first time in Vegas and looking for a party, is because of the day club and nightclub options.
Tip – book a room with a balcony for epic views of the Strip.
Paris Hotel
Best themed hotel and budget choice for couples.
The Paris Hotel is elegant, posh and sophisticated, but still offers great rates.
If your Vegas hotel search requires something with a theme – the Paris Hotel went all out.
Inside you’ll feel like you’re walking through the streets of Paris, where you walk under the Eiffel Tower and find small French bistros that line the Parisian faux-streets.
- Watch my video: tour of the cheapest king room you can book at the Paris Hotel
Important Tips to Consider When Choosing Your Las Vegas Hotel
Stay on the Strip
If it’s your first time visiting Las Vegas, you absolutely must stay on the Strip – this is where all the action is.
The rest of the city does have nice neighborhoods with some hidden gems, but you’ll be wasting valuable time and money by having to drive to the Strip everyday.
Even though you’ll find cheaper hotel rooms off the Strip, your first trip to Vegas should include enough budget to stay on the strip.
I also recommend staying somewhere in the middle of the Strip.
If you’ve never been to Vegas before, it’s easy to underestimate how far apart everything is from each other.
I don’t recommend staying at the south or north tip of the Strip, because you’ll end up having to pay a little more in taxi, ride share or bus fares.
Factor in Resort Fees
When you do book a hotel room, the price you are quoted isn’t the final price.
To avoid sticker shock, you should know that all hotels charge a daily resort fee. This is usually in the range of $35-60 per night, and you pay this upon check-in or check-out.
All patrons must pay the resort fees, even if you don’t end up using the resort amenities like the pool, fitness center, WiFi, etc.
Depending how much you end up spending at the resort (on gaming, dining and shopping), you might be able to get the resort fees or other fees waived at the end of your trip.
Sign Up for Rewards
Each of the hotels and casinos have a rewards program, and it’s absolutely worth signing up for free on your first day.
The two largest programs are MLife Rewards (which are MGM properties) and Caesars Entertainment rewards (which are Caesars properties).
Anytime you do any gaming, dining or shopping, use your card to rack up tier credits. This is what helps you get comps, like free rooms show tickets or meals.
You Don’t Need to Splurge on a Room to Have a Good Time
Since it will be your first time in Las Vegas, you’re going to want to explore as much of the Strip as possible.
Hotel hopping is one of the best activities in sin city. It’s so much fun to walk in and out of every casino and check out all the different themes and attractions along the boulevard.
I recommend choosing a hotel based on location (somewhere mid-strip), and not worrying so much about paying for a fancy room.
I would focus more on finding a good deal, choosing something a little less expensive and then using that money saved to splurge on other exciting things in Vegas.
Know When Pool Season Is
A big deciding factor when choosing a hotel in Las Vegas are the pools.
Whether you’re interested in a DJ-fueled pool party or something a little quieter, there’s a pool to meet your needs.
But most pools in Las Vegas are only open during the summer season from March to October.
I also made a video explaining the different parts of the Las Vegas strip to help you choose the best hotel!