Best Las Vegas resorts
No two Vegas vacations look the same, and the resort you choose for your stay is likely the biggest choice you’ll make while planning your trip. Between mainstay classics with long histories on the Strip to newer resorts with unique themes and family-oriented amenities, resorts range greatly in their cost and offerings.
The number of people you need a room for is a good place to start, since not all resorts have suites or adjoining rooms for large groups. Location on the Strip is important if you plan to experience the nightlife and explore, but some resorts offer a self-contained Vegas experience with their own casinos, shopping centers and entertainment. Not all resorts are kid-friendly, which means anything from smoke-free areas to daycare facilities and rides and activities for kids. On top of all of this, you’ll need to find a place that fits your budget while leaving extra for meals, casinos and other activities.
A well-planned Las Vegas trip at a resort that meets your needs as well as those of your friends and family can be exciting, adventurous and low-stress. One of our top picks is the Aria Resort and Casino, a high-end resort for those looking to gamble, as well as the MGM Resorts New York New York, which flaunts a fun theme and a campus filled with restaurants and entertainment.
Best Las Vegas resorts
The enormous Aria resort offers a modern, luxurious experience with dozens of restaurants and a large casino with an understated design that lacks the flash and glitz of its competitors. Though customers point out its variety of slot machines, it also has plenty of table games. If you're traveling with friends or celebrating a bachelor or bachelorette party, this is a quieter resort that puts gambling and fine dining first. Praised for its spacious, modern rooms with great views of the city, the Aria is comfortable and accommodating with an attentive and friendly staff. The sky suites are particularly popular for their views and comfortable designs.
Flaunting a bit more character than most Vegas resorts, New York New York stands out in the city skyline with its miniature version of Manhattan, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and other landmarks of the Big Apple, many of which contain hotel rooms and suites. The novelty doesn’t end there — inside is a recreation of New York City streets called the Village Eateries, with rows of buildings containing many of the hotel’s dining and entertainment options. Convenient, flashy and fun, this is a good choice if you’re looking for a one-stop resort with no shortage of things to do.
Adjoining the same campus as The Park, the NoMad has fully furnished rooms and suites, making it well-suited to longer stays. It’s known for its distinctive Library Restaurant, which has a uniquely literary ambiance with illuminated bookshelves, leather booth seating and classic desk lamps. With access to all of The Park’s live event venues, restaurants and shopping, there are plenty of things to do. However, the NoMad hotel is a quieter experience with a separate entrance so you can avoid the campus crowds. Its Moroccan-themed pool is open daily and has reservable cabanas and daybeds.
An iconic Las Vegas resort, the Bellagio offers a five-star hotel experience, from its popular casino to its relaxing spa and spacious pools. The rooms are clean and often have views of the city, and service is reliable. An indoor botanical garden stands out with its changing seasonal plants and sweetly scented atmosphere — an excellent way to escape the noise and dry air of the city. If you’re hoping to shop, the luxury fashion stores on-site offer the latest styles. And of course, the famous fountain and light show is dazzling.
The partner resort of the NoMad, The Park has a plethora of dining and shopping options, including Eataly and the BetMGM Sportsbook and Bar. A popular choice for families due to its central location and clean, smoke-free environment, its atmosphere is festive without being overwhelming. Many of Vegas’s biggest acts come to the Dolby Live theater, which has 5,200 seats and an immersive sound system. Rooms are clean and modern, and they're generally priced lower than those of the NoMad, giving you a similar experience at a lower cost.
Featuring comfortable and spacious suites that work well for long stays, The Signature offers a quiet Vegas experience with private pools for each of its three towers and is generally uncrowded despite its location just off the Strip. Though it’s relatively inexpensive, it has a four-star hotel experience with excellent service, including free valet parking. Just a short walk from MGM Grand gives you access to a range of dining and entertainment options, including the Topgolf sports center. No casino at the Signature means you can have a non-gaming experience, but the MGM Grand’s casino is close at hand.
A destination resort for many families, Mandalay Bay has a gorgeous hotel on a campus filled with activities and entertainment for children and adults. It stands out for the Mandalay Beach and its wave pool, lazy river, cabanas and collection of smaller pools. Many customers spend the vast majority of their trip at the resort itself, though a short tram ride that runs regularly can take you to the Strip. With reasonable prices and a quiet, clean environment, Mandalay Bay offers more of an escape than some of the boisterous center-Strip resorts.
What to know before booking a stay at a Las Vegas resort
Where to stay on the Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is a 4-mile-long stretch of famous casinos, countless restaurants and shops and a variety of entertainment venues. Many classic resorts are perched directly on (or just off) the Strip, giving you easy access to your choice of casinos.
Location is less important if you opt for a resort that has a wide range of on-site entertainment and dining, but if you want to experience as much of the city as possible, resorts near the middle of the Strip will put many attractions within walking distance.
Key amenities
- Room and suite options: If you have a large group, find a resort that can either guarantee adjacent rooms or one that offers large suites.
- Casino: Almost all Vegas resorts have their own casino, but not all Vegas casinos are of the same caliber. Research what games and tables are offered, as well as other details like the environment and whether it's a non-smoking space.
- Dining and shopping: While Vegas has plenty of restaurants to choose from, the convenience of having several restaurants a short walk from your room is undeniable. For some resorts, this means an indoor atrium with a choice of restaurants, while for others, restaurants are spread over a campus.
- Family friendliness: In addition to non-smoking environments, some casinos have daycare centers on-site. Many resorts offer kid-oriented entertainment like amusement rides. Consider the atmosphere as well and whether it will be appropriate for your children.
FAQ
Q. Is Vegas worth the trip if I don’t want to gamble?
A. Plenty of people visit Las Vegas for non-gaming purposes. In fact, some resorts don’t have their own casino and have a different atmosphere as a result. There are year-round concerts and events to attend, as well as activities like golf, helicopter tours and countless restaurants. And of course you’ll benefit from the relatively low cost of resorts and flights to the city.
Q. Is there a cheaper time of year to visit Las Vegas?
A. Colder months (typically November through February) are the least expensive and usually the least crowded. If you’re comfortable with the weather, this can help you save money on expenses like lodging and dining so you have more money for other activities. The hottest months of the summer also often come with lower prices.
Q. What is a resort fee, and how much can I expect to pay?
A. While they aren’t charged by all Vegas resorts, most of them charge a daily fee of $35 to $50, so take this into consideration when budgeting for your trip. It is possible to request that the fee be waived, but your mileage may vary.
Q. Will I miss out by staying at a resort off the Strip?
A. It depends on what you’re looking for. Staying on the Strip is more convenient since you won’t need to travel very far to get to most of the main attractions, but these resorts are generally more expensive. Off the Strip, resorts can be cheaper and far quieter.
Q. Will I need a rental car?
A. If you’re staying near the middle of the Strip, you may not need a car if you're comfortable walking long distances and it isn’t too hot out. If you're staying off the Strip or there are activities across the city you want to explore, renting a car (or bringing your own) is both cost-efficient and time-efficient.
