34 Best Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada
Since the late 2000s, Vegas has had a construction boom, with major resorts rising on the Strip from the south to the north. And whereas the early 2000s saw a short-lived (ill-advised) attempt to brand Vegas as family-friendly, now the focus is rightfully back on decadence and indulgence.
Just about every property now has a special pool for topless (they call it "European-style") sunbathing. Many resorts also have expanded their cocktail programs (the fancy word for this is now "mixology").
Some of these efforts have been more successful than others. The posh Encore Beach Club, at Encore, is an exemplary model of the "dayclub" in that it creates a nightclub vibe during the day. Developments at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas have had a similar impact; the property has three on-staff mixology gurus and a special kitchen where these cocktail whizzes whip up recipes all day long.
Other properties have established new benchmarks in amenities. When CityCenter opened in 2010, the $8.5-billion complex included Crystals, a new-era shopping mall with flagship stores of Prada, Tiffany & Co, and some of the spendiest boutiques in America. Also in 2010, The Palazzo launched a new club level dubbed "Prestige," which grants guests access to a special lounge that includes daily snack service, drink service, and a business center.
Despite competition from these up-and-comers, the established properties still pack 'em in. Bellagio's rooms still carry cachet, and The Mirage—the hotel that started the megaresort trend more than 20 years ago—continues to sell out. At Wynn Las Vegas and The Venetian, guests rave about everything from comfy beds to exquisite restaurants and great shopping. Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace might be one of the top spas in town. And for overall experience, the Four Seasons Las Vegas, which occupies top floors of the tower at Mandalay Bay, is still one of the best.
Palms Casino Resort Spa
The Palms is the rare property that appeals to equal mixes of locals and visitors, thanks to its variety of upscale amenities, convenient parking, relative proximity to the Strip, and attractive gaming odds; it also has large, modern, opulent rooms. The Palms is the place where you can spend $175 on a steakhouse's "seafood tower" or hit Panda Express at the food court before catching a movie. Despite its wide appeal, it had some pandemic-fueled lean years and emerged from a two-year shutdown under the ownership of the San Manuel tribe. It managed to retain some favorites, including the skyview Vetri Cucina, the Scotch 80 Prime steakhouse, and Mabel's BBQ. The A.Y.C.E (All You Can Eat) Buffet is now the rare buffet in the resort corridor. The rooftop Ghostbar has stunning views of the Strip. The sprawling pool area hosts "daylife" events in the spring and summer. The Pearl concert hall books the likes of Elvis Costello and DL Hughley. The property's various classes of suites are far more elaborate (the best, the 10,000-square-foot Sky Villas, feature private hot tubs cantilevered over the edge of the building). The Fantasy Tower has two "Party Floors," which include the Kingpin and Hardwood suites, complete with a bowling alley and basketball court, respectively. For a tamer Palms experience, ask for a room at the more Palms Place condo tower, which has its own private pool and a separate restaurant.
The Signature at MGM Grand
The three towers that comprise this spacious and well-appointed luxury resort adjacent to the MGM Grand are perhaps most notable for what they lack: a casino. Instead, developers have stockpiled modern junior, one- and two-bedroom suites with amenities such as whirlpool spa tubs, HD flat-screen televisions, two-line telephones, and open-air balconies. Business travelers will appreciate the huge desks and free Wi-Fi. With a secluded, gated entrance, the Signature also offers something even more unusual in Sin City—privacy.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Boulder Station Hotel & Casino
The story of how Station Casinos came to dominate the Las Vegas "locals casino" scene—and divide that dominance into regions—is exemplified by Boulder Station. It opened in early 1994, cementing what's now the Stations formula with its attached Regal movie theater, Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, and The Broiler steak house for living-it-up occasions. The latest additions are Game On, which fuses a sports bar with the 24-hour coffee shop, and a six-outlet food court (replacing a buffet that never reopened after the pandemic). The unintended consequence of Station's corporate success is that Boulder Station is now extremely local, serving primarily the east side, and offering no real reason to cross town for those living closer to other Station properties. Some of the 299 rooms and suites have distant views of the Strip and downtown, and midweek room rates can dip well below $100.
Circus Circus Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
The rooms at the hotel at the "Big Top" are periodically renovated, giving some much-needed TLC to some of the oldest ones on the Strip (the resort opened in 1968). Other accommodations on the property range from luxury (in the Skyrise Tower, which includes its own casino) to campsites; the RV Park at Circus Circus, which has a children's play area, pet run, and seasonal pool and hot tub, is the only one on the Strip. In the casino, gaming is nothing if not affordable; in addition to rock-bottom table limits and 1-cent to 25-dollar slot machines, dealers offer complimentary lessons in blackjack, roulette, and craps. There are even more machines, and an adults-only arcade, in the adjacent Slots-a-Fun. Still, the biggest draw at this hulking resort is the Adventuredome Theme Park, Nevada's largest, featuring more than 25 rides and attractions. The Midway at Circus Circus holds a world record as the world's largest permanent circus.
Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World
The largest Conrad in the world takes the basic Hilton vibe and enhances it considerably with spacious rooms (in some cases topping out around 1,200 square feet), modern and comfortable furnishings, and huge bathrooms with free-standing tubs. Hotel guests have access to the Awana Spa and Resorts World's sprawling pool complex.
The D Las Vegas
The "D" may be for eccentric owner Derek Stevens—or perhaps "Downtown"—but the 34-story resort has established itself in recent years as the liveliest of the Downtown hotels. The casino floor even has an obtuse Detroit theme (another possible "D"), with Zingerman's coffee available at the coffee shop on the casino floor. Rooms here are small but modern and functional with bold colors. The modest pool pales in comparison to those at Strip resorts, but the on-site steak house, Andiamo, is a favorite of locals who have traveled downtown for years. Every summer, the hotel sponsors live music concerts on Fremont Street out front.
Downtown Grand
The venerable Lady Luck, built in 1964, was reimagined as the Downtown Grand in 2013 and is characterized by industrial-chic decor in its public spaces and surprising modern and affordable rooms; it was greatly expanded in 2020, now boasting a "grand" total of 1,124 rooms. A new 495-room tower has added three 1,500-square-foot penthouse suites, as well as 47 studios and 20 one-bedroom suites, among other offerings. Also new is 1,500 square feet of workout space, and rooms equipped with pillowtop mattresses, foam pillows, high thread-count linens, and up to 55-inch flat screen TVs. Regular rooms are small, but much of the time you can score a standard room for half the rack rate. The pool area, the Citrus Grand Pool Deck, spans 35,000 square feet, making it the biggest pool area downtown and one of Las Vegas's best pools. In addition to pools and a grassy lounging area, there are a variety of games for guests to play as they unwind. The hotel is home to a handful of excellent restaurants, including Pizza Rock and the Triple George Grill.
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
The giant castle is popular with families—child-oriented attractions include the basement arcade (dubbed the Fun Dungeon) and the medieval-theme Tournament of Kings dinner show—but recent makeovers in all of the property's rooms make much of it look more grown-up (though still nondescript). The immense casino floor has lower table minimums than many other casinos on the South Strip, and restaurants such as Dick's Last Resort generally serve food more fit for an indentured servant than a king. The casino also offers free monorail service to Luxor and Mandalay Bay.
Flamingo Las Vegas
This elaborately landscaped, pink, classic-era resort with a 15-acre pool complex (undergoing a major renovation at this writing) is still one of the best choices in town. GO rooms, with electronic window treatments and other high-tech touches, are downright stylish, and Fab Rooms feature vintage Las Vegas artwork. One-bedroom Cosmopolitan Suites are decorated in chocolate browns and hot pinks. Be sure to check out the on-site wildlife area, complete with a koi pond and, naturally, a flamboyance of Chilean flamingos. Two other big attractions: the 7,000-square-foot Pinky's by Vanderpump, and The LINQ Promenade—a retail, dining, and entertainment complex that's next door.
Four Queens Hotel & Casino
Named after former owner Ben Goffstein's four daughters, the circa-1966 Four Queens is what Vegas regulars would consider an "oldie but goodie," one of the most familiar casinos on Fremont Street. It also happens to be incredibly popular among Hawaiian visitors (largely because of the whole "queen" theme). Standard rooms were last remodeled back in 2008, so they're getting a bit stale. Still, for the price, the place is a reliable option. The main attraction at the "Queens" is Hugo's Cellar, an old-school steak house with a stellar wine list and carts on which servers make salads and flambé bananas Foster. The casino is pretty neat, too, featuring one of the world's largest slot machines, $3 blackjack, and dealers who look like they've been there forever. Here's a quirk: Four Queens guests have to use Binion's pool, which is down the block.
Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Old-school Vegas is alive and well at this affordable Center Strip property. The hotel, which opened in 1973, has undergone periodic renovations to keep up with the times, though it is no longer a destination property. Mountain Deluxe Tower Rooms are done in cool neutrals, Valley rooms have rain showers, and Cabana rooms have direct access to the pool. The casino floor, however, still has a lot of mirrors—a much less cool throwback to the 1970s. The sportsbook has mobile ordering, with food delivered to your seat. The pool, though small in comparison with others on the Strip, is relaxing and fun. The most rollicking time is had at Carnaval Court, where bartenders mix drinks with acrobatics and flair and there are live DJs.
Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa
After previous lives as a Ritz-Carlton Lake and Ravella, this property was rebranded yet again in 2013, retaining its Mediterranean vibe and resplendent pool complex. There's still a Ponte Vecchio–like wing extending out across the lake. And rooms are just as posh as ever, with luxurious beds and spacious marble bathrooms. Even the restaurant is the same—the upscale Medici Café & Terrace, which looks out on the Florentine Garden. Spa Ravella (yes, it has the old name) provides a number of male-oriented treatment rituals (for the conference set), as well as a host of traditional services and a hydrotherapy program.
Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Located in the heart of the Strip, Horseshoe, formerly Bally's, is an old-school property with contemporary rooms and suites that is an underrated choice for a Vegas vacation. Rooms are spacious at around 450 square feet, with Penthouse Suites ranging from 2,550 to 3,425 square feet, and some have a decent view of the Fountains at Bellagio. The seasonal Blu Pool has daybeds and cabanas as well as Foosball and cornhole games; it's also one of the few Strip resorts that still has tennis courts, although not as many as it used to have. Out front, check out the open-air mall dubbed the Grand Bazaar Shops.
Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World
The Las Vegas Hilton name, which was once attached to the now-Westgate, returned to Sin City with fanfare when it became one of three hotels in the sprawling Resorts World complex. The 400-square-foot sleek rooms, which are decorated mostly in neutrals, have pops of accent color as well as seating areas for relaxation. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and LED mirrors. Guests use the shared Resorts World pool complex and Awana Spa.
The LINQ Hotel & Casino
Rooms in The LINQ (which was briefly known as The Quad after a long stint as Imperial Palace) are small but are regularly renovated with a modern, clean design. The hotel offers self check-in, and has a convenient monorail stop. District 3 Poolside Cabana rooms have private patios and easy access to Caesars Forum, which is just across the street. The Spa at The LINQ offers eucalyptus steam rooms, sauna, and pool. The property's biggest attraction is The LINQ Promenade, a retail, dining, and entertainment district next door, which boasts Brooklyn Bowl and the High Roller (LINQ offers packages that include two High Roller tickets). Be sure to check out O'Sheas, a lively bar and casino within the main LINQ casino floor.
Luxor Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Unlike other hotels on the Strip, this one has no "elevators," at least in the main pyramid; instead, in order to reach rooms, guests must climb the slanted walls in one of four "inclinators," which creep along and have seen better days. On each floor, open-air hallways overlook the world's largest atrium. Pyramid rooms are large but otherwise nondescript and occasionally in a poor state of repair. One wall slopes because of the building's design—an interesting effect, but it makes these rooms feel cramped. We prefer the twin 22-story towers next door: they're newer and have brighter rooms with large windows, many that offer killer views of the pyramid. Bathrooms are spacious and have separate showers and tubs. Suites in the pyramid have plenty of extra space and deep whirlpool tubs with brilliant views of the skyline. The Luxor has one of the largest pools on the South Strip. For a truly indulgent treat, rent a cabana and receive poolside VIP services such as hand-delivered treats and iced aromatherapy towels.
M Resort Spa Casino
Built by the Marnells, the same family that created the Rio, this resort is 6 miles south of Harry Reid Airport and is a destination unto itself. Sitting at an elevation 400 feet higher than the majority of Strip hotels, the M literally looks down on the rest of Las Vegas. Standard rooms are spacious and modern, with chocolate-brown carpet and dark-wood furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer picture-perfect views of the desert. All rooms come with electronic sensors that dim the lights when guests are absent, to conserve energy. Downstairs, at Spa Mio, the focus is on personal luxury—therapists offer everything from facials to massages and haircuts. Relaxation continues by the pool, which is small but feels ultra-exclusive. The casino, which has windows to let in natural light, hums with excitement—a spacious race and sports book with mobile gaming technology is among the most popular attractions. Out back, the resort hosts live concerts under the desert night sky. Since the NFL came to Vegas in 2020, the property has also become the "Official Team HQ Hotel" for the Las Vegas Raiders, complete with its own Raiders-themed restaurant.
Main Street Station Casino Brewery Hotel
It's worth a visit to this pint-size property for the Victorian-era aesthetics alone, displaying stained glass, marble, and an antiques collection that includes Buffalo Bill Cody's private railcar, a fireplace from Scotland's Preswick Castle, and lamps that graced the streets of 18th-century Brussels. The rooms at Main Street are some of the nicest Downtown, and they're usually available at rock-bottom prices. Guests have access to the pool at the adjacent California Hotel.
Oyo Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
The former Hooters Casino Hotel has become a part of a fast-growing Indian chain, though things look much the same—there is still even a Hooters Restaurant inside. You'll also find what's touted as the largest Steak 'n Shake burger outlet in the country. And of course, it has a great location across the street from the MGM Grand (just east of and facing its parking garage), though one that's a little more lonesome thanks to the demolition of the Tropicana next door.
Palace Station Hotel & Casino
This is where the whole "locals casinos" trend began, when a one-time Bingo Palace evolved into Palace Station, now with fully remodeled rooms that, while modern, are still pretty basic and not large. But good luck finding any vestiges of the 1970s and '80s original beyond the basic footprint and The Oyster Bar, a sentimental favorite. Most of the interior has been remodeled to keep Palace Station in line with the newer, more upscale sister properties that the Station Casinos brand has grown into. The original motel rooms were razed to become a casino expansion, which included a new pool area with cabanas. A corner of the property was expanded for two spacious new restaurants and, above them, a nine-screen movie theater with a "wine and dine while you watch" concept. Palace now has a balance of casino-operated restaurants (The Brass Fork coffee shop and Charcoal Room steakhouse) and leased-out spaces, including new branches of two local favorites: Lindo Michoacan for Mexican food, and China Mama, which took over the bright, airy space originally given to The Boathouse Asian Eatery. It's next door to Tailgate Social, where the sports bar–themed atmosphere and menu come with sunlight and windows uncommon to a casino. One thing that hasn't changed is the easy access of the sports book just inside the west entry, making it easy to participate in the company's famous football contest.
Paris Las Vegas
Life is magnifique at this French-themed hotel, though some find the heavy-handed decor a little busy. Standard rooms have armoires for closets and marble baths with phones and make-up mirrors. West-facing rooms overlook the magnificent fountains and lagoon across the street at Bellagio. The rooms and suites that carry the appellation "Bordeaux" have elegant European-style furnishings with French-inspired decorative elements and artwork. Suites boast not only more space but also vibrant blue, brown, and white accents and rich fabrics. Downstairs dining options include Gordon Ramsay's steak house and Mon Ami Gabi bistro. The octagonal Pool Á Paris Las Vegas, on the rooftop just below the Eiffel Tower replica, is a great place to spend the afternoon.
Park MGM Las Vegas
The old Monte Carlo Resort went through a remarkable transformation to become Park MGM, the classical marble-and-mirror design giving way to a vibe that is more airy, vibrant, and full of art that reflects nature (or a park); it's centered by a sculpture that looks like tree roots from below. Rooms are functional and streamlined, with European flair and custom touches such as original photographs. The spa offers treatments and classes such as yoga and meditation, and the pool is family-friendly but still sophisticated. Restaurants include Eataly Italian marketplace and the cozy Bavette's Steakhouse. Juniper Cocktail Lounge gives new meaning to the term "gin joint." The 5,000-seat Dolby Live indoor amphitheater has been home to numerous artists' residencies. A free tram connects the resort to CityCenter and Bellagio.
The Platinum Hotel and Spa
This swank, nongaming condo-hotel has become a fashionable hideaway for Vegas regulars who prefer top-notch amenities but don't need to stay on the Strip. The all-suites property has huge rooms starting at 900 square feet, and all have walk-out balconies, living rooms with convertible sofas, lavishly appointed kitchens with stainless-steel appliances (and optional grocery delivery service), whirlpool tubs, and satellite radios. The top units also have fireplaces and views of the Strip. Additional perks include both indoor and outdoor pools, Stir lounge (with a menu), complimentary valet parking, and the adjacent Well Spa. All told, Platinum offers the style and substance of one of the city's top resorts with highly personalized service.
Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
Everything is intimate at Marriott's nongaming hotel off the Strip on Paradise Road, a favorite of business travelers because of the location right next to the Las Vegas Convention Center. There are "only" 578 rooms and suites in this property, and most of them are smaller than the standard accommodations on the Strip. Bathrooms are diminutive, too, but do come with separate tubs and glass shower stalls. Even the pool is small. The property lacks a casino but has everything to suit a convention visitor's needs, including access to the monorail and some room packages offering breakfast at the on-site restaurant Grill 55.
Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
This sprawling resort with spacious rooms just west of the Strip was pioneering in its appeal to locals and visitors but fell on post-pandemic hard times before new owners, Dreamscape Cos., started sinking money into a complete renovation, but room renovations are still ongoing. By the end of 2024, the $350-million refurbishment was evident on the casino floor, with new furniture, carpeting, and wall coverings—even the new Lapa Lounge at the center of it all. The Rio's pioneering buffet became a permanent casualty of the pandemic (as did most Las Vegas buffets), but was replaced by the Canteen Food Hall, with sushi, ramen, and burgers among the choices. The sprawling pool area, another stand-out of the old days, received a complete overhaul as well. And after a five-year absence, the 51st-floor VooDoo Lounge reopened in early 2025. More than half of the rooms had been remodeled by the end of 2024 as well. The standard so-called "suites" don't actually have separate bedrooms, but they're spacious (at least 600 square feet), and higher-end units have double whirlpool tubs, wet bars, and other cushy touches. And the place makes up for its distance to the Strip by having plenty of entertainment options under one roof, including Penn & Teller, a family-friendly, old-school variety revue called Wow!, and a branch of New York's Comedy Cellar.
Sahara Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Minus Michael J. Fox and a weird DeLorean, this resort is as close as you'll get to a Back to the Future experience in Las Vegas, one that literally reinvents a reinvention (in this case the Sahara, whose ill-fated rebranding as the SLS was later rolled back). Zippy recap: the original Sahara, a totem of classic Las Vegas, closed in 2011, then reopened as the SLS in 2014, but never caught the magic of the original, so it was retro-rebranded (with new owners) in 2019. References from the past were both retained (renaming the lounge The Casbar after the original live music venue) and rejected (gone is the original Moroccan decor). The Sahara has pegged its appeal to a more boutique feel rather than a luxury blowout. The rooms are split between three modest-sized towers, and recommended eateries include Bazaar Meats, Bella Italian Soul, and Chickie's & Pete's. A few trendy bars and lounges are available for the undemanding nightlife seeker, and you can top off your Sahara experience with a dip in the rooftop pool—one of three on the property.
Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
The pioneering "locals casino" has anchored Boulder Highway since 1979 as a pure example of the casino as a mall-meets-community-center: locals flock to the movie theater, huge sports book, and sprawling underground bowling center. If you do make a special trip, the distinguishing feature is the Mystic Falls Park, an indoor garden under a beautiful skylight, rimmed by hotel rooms, a bar and patio seating at the Angry Butcher Steakhouse, punctuated by the occasional howls of animatronic animals and periodic synchronized light shows.
Silverton Casino Lodge
The boutique Silverton has long embraced a rustic mountain theme but doubled down after recent major renovations, redoracting rooms with cowboy kitsch or modern rustic style, improving the pool, and proclaiming the property a "Lodge." The $40 million project to freshen the hotel has created rooms that might reflect the home of a cattle baron like John Dutton, with suites designed for working or entertaining, and some adjacent to The Swimmin' Hole pool deck, complete with direct access from the balcony. Speaking of that pool: $10 million was spent to renovate it, adding deluxe cabanas and daybeds, a 32-foot retractable screen and three fire pits—and the pool itself is kept at 86 degrees year-round.
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa
Perk or quirk: the South Point is the only resort in the Las Vegas area with an equestrian center, a venue that hosts rodeos and other horse-oriented shows frequently almost year-round, as well as offering spacious rooms and a great spa. That makes it a big draw for horse-lovers, but it's not all the South Point has to offer. The spa offers 27 treatment rooms and a co-ed wet area, and the hotel has a 64-lane bowling alley, 16-screen movie theater, and one of the biggest bingo halls in town. Large hotel rooms and suites reach up to 2,500 square feet. The palm-lined pool area is inviting, too, provided you don't mind low-flying airplanes taking off from nearby Harry Reid International Airport. The sports book packs in big crowds on game days, with more than 300 seats. Visitors would be wise to capitalize on locals-oriented jackpots and promotions.