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Where to Stay in Vegas: The Ultimate Hotel Guide for Every Kind of Traveler

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Trouble deciding where to stay in Vegas? With so many options, it can be overwhelming to pick the right hotel, especially since everyone has their own personal favorites. Whether you’re visiting with family, planning a romantic getaway, looking for luxury, or trying to stay on budget, Vegas has something for everyone.

But that’s the beauty of Las Vegas—it all depends on how you want to experience it!

Why Trust My Advice?

A few years ago, my company’s corporate office moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and I suddenly found myself traveling there weekly for about 9 months.

So I turned lemons into lemonade and decided to try out as many hotels as possible, staying in a new Las Vegas hotel just about every week!

Now, after experiencing so many of Vegas’ top hotels firsthand, I’m excited to share this guide to help you pick the perfect place to stay.

Las Vegas Strip

This post is all about where to stay in Las Vegas.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Planning Your Las Vegas Trip

Before you decide where to stay in Vegas, there are a few important things you should know to make the most of your trip.

Know Before You Go

  1. Resort Fees
    Most hotels on the Strip charge additional resort fees (often $30-$50 per night) on top of the room rate. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
  2. Distance is Deceiving
    The hotels on the Strip might look close to each other, but they’re massive! Expect longer walks than you expect or use the monorail or Uber/Lyft to get around. Another reason to make sure you’re staying in exactly the right place based on your itinerary!
  3. Weekdays vs. Weekends 
    Room rates can double or even triple on weekends. If you’re looking for a deal, I highly suggest staying midweek.
  4. Weather Watch
    Vegas summers are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Plan for indoor activities during peak heat or visit during the cooler months.
  5. Vegas Pools are Seasonal
    In Las Vegas, resort pools typically open in March and stay open through October. However, the exact opening and closing dates can vary slightly depending on the resort and the weather. 
  6. Bring Comfortable Shoes: Even if you’re staying at a luxury resort, you’ll be walking a lot. Comfortable shoes are a must.

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Off the Strip

Staying off the strip has a lot of advantages. Usually these hotels get less foot traffic from tourists and feel more like a resort. It also could mean cheaper parking and potentially better rates. 

1. Virgin Hotel Las Vegas

I won’t even try to hide it…. The Virgin Hotel is my favorite place to stay in Las Vegas! I’ve probably spent an entire month there total by now. It’s the perfect mix of luxurious and casual.

And there are great food options on-property like Kassi, Night + Market, and Calaveras. If you’re lucky enough (or willing to splurge), the corner suites have an insane view of the strip.

It’s also a smoke-free casino, the pool has a fun beach vibe, and it’s just all around awesomeness.

Why I Love It

  • Perfect for foodies, especially Kassi Beach House!
  • Corner suite is a prime strip view without all the chaos
  • Trendy vibes

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2. Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa Casino

The pool is the star of the show at Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson. We spent as much time as possible by the pool.

But there are plenty of other great amenities and restaurants. If you’re traveling as a family, there’s a kids place and arcade and movie theater. 

Why I Love It

  • Fabulous pool
  • Family-friendly
  • Free parking

Best Bang for Your Buck on the Strip

In general, Vegas hotels are perfect for boujee on a budget people like me. I mean… where else can you find 4 or 5 star resorts for under $50/night?

But there are a few Las Vegas Strip hotels that I think offer the perfect blend of affordability, location, and amenities, giving you the most value for your money.

1. LINQ

LINQ is one of my go-to spots because it has a modern vibe and is perfect for anyone looking for a more lively spot on the Strip.

Another perk is easy access to the High Roller observation wheel and the LINQ Promenade, an outdoor entertainment and dining district. LINQ is perfect for those who want a more modern, stylish stay without overpaying.

Why I Love It

  • Central location on the Strip
  • LINQ Promenade accessibility
  • Consistently affordable

2. Paris Hotel

Who doesn’t love a little Parisian flair? Especially when you can easily wander downstairs to indulge in Mon Ami Gabi for breakfast or a crepe to stay on theme.

The Paris hotel rooms were renovated recently and have a chic, modern flair, which makes it perfect for any girl’s trip or bachelorette party in Vegas.

Plus, it’s right in the middle of all the action, so you can easily hit up nearby restaurants and casinos without Ubering or walking too far.

Why I Love It

  • Central location on the Strip
  • Chic decor and Parisian theme
  • Mon Ami Gabi French breakfast/brunch — one of my favorite Vegas traditions

3. Sahara

Looking for something a bit more low-key but still super stylish? Sahara, located at the north end of the Strip, is a great spot for a more relaxed stay with a luxe feel—without the luxe price tag.

The vibe here is modern and cool, perfect if you want a little peace and quiet after a day of exploring. With its sleek rooms, rooftop pools, and killer restaurants, Sahara is the spot for a chill but fabulous Vegas escape.

Why I Love It

  • Luxurious rooms at a great price
  • On-site restaurants

Best Vegas Resort Pools

Vegas in the summer is all about lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand! If you’re looking for pool time, these resort pools are where you’ll want to be. Check out my picks for the best pool scenes in Vegas…

1. Caesars Palace

The pool at Caesars Palace is a whole vibe. Think Roman statues, gorgeous fountains, and luxe cabanas that make you feel like you’re in a movie.

There’s a total of seven different pools here, so whether you’re in the mood to chill or party, you can find your vibe. You can even hit up the swim-up blackjack table if you’re feeling lucky!

Why I Love It

  • Seven luxurious pools
  • Central location on the Strip

2. Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay’s pool is basically a tropical paradise in the desert. The real highlight? The massive wave pool and lazy river that make you feel like you’ve escaped to a tropical island.

It’s got everything you need for a perfect pool day—cabana rentals, beach vibes, and plenty of places to sip a cocktail. It’s a must if you love a pool with options!

Why I Love It

  • Wave pool and lazy river

2. Virgin Hotel

The Virgin Hotel has several pools, the main one being a sandy tropical beach pool in the heart of the dining areas and one of my fave restaurant/bars, Kassi Beach House.

The cold lounge pool on the upper deck, is a great spot to relax with a view of the Strip, especially on a hot day. And the Kassi Beach Club has large day club pool parties if that’s your vibe.

Why I Love It

  • Sandy Beach Pool
  • Cold Lounge Pool with Strip View — perfect for hot summer days
  • Perfect for foodies!

Luxurious Picks

Ready to treat yourself? Sometimes it’s nice to live the luxury life. These hotels have stunning rooms, over-the-top amenities, and all the glam you could ask for. If you’re looking to splurge and indulge in some serious Vegas luxury, here are my top picks:

1. Delano

Delano was one of our favorite stays in Las Vegas! This hotel is all about understated luxury.

It’s a boutique hotel within Mandalay Bay, so you get the best of both worlds—access to all the action, but with a private, serene vibe. The all-suite rooms are sleek and spacious, perfect for unwinding after a long day, or working remote in our scenario.

Plus, if you’re into wellness, the bathhouse spa here is highly reviewed!

Why I Love It

  • Sleek and luxurious suites with gold accents
  • Super comfy beds

2. Bellagio

If you want classic Vegas luxury, Bellagio is the spot.

Famous for its stunning fountain shows (which you can watch from some of the rooms), Bellagio has that classic elegance everyone dreams of. The rooms are gorgeous, the service is top-notch, and the pool area feels like a European retreat.

And don’t forget to check out the iconic Bellagio Conservatory—it’s like stepping into a floral, magical wonderland.

Why I Love It

  • The iconic fountains and Conservatory experience
  • Classic luxury and central location on the Strip

3. The Palazzo at The Venetian

We somehow landed on the 58th floor at the Palazzo with a stunning view, and it quickly stole our hearts as one of our fae Vegas stays.

The suites here are huge, giving you plenty of room to spread out in style. Palazzo is connected to The Venetian, so you’ve got access to all the incredible dining, shopping, and gondola rides without ever having to leave.

The décor is elegant, and the whole vibe is a perfect mix of sophisticated and glamorous. It’s definitely a place where you can indulge and feel like royalty.

Palazzo Hotel

Why I Love It

  • Connected to The Venetian for great dining, shopping and walkable options
  • Glamorous suites with lots of space!


Best Vegas Hotels for Kids

If you’re traveling to Las Vegas with little ones, believe it or not, Sin City has some awesome spots that are totally kid-friendly!

These hotels have plenty of activities to keep the kiddos entertained, so you can still enjoy your trip without worrying about them getting bored. Here are my top picks for family fun.

1. New York, New York

Kids will love New York, New York for one main reason—the epic roller coaster that twists and turns right over the hotel! It’s like bringing a mini theme park to the Strip.

The whole place is designed to look like NYC, with fun little streets and shops to explore. Plus, there’s an arcade that’ll keep them busy and it’s near the Hello Kitty Cafe, M&M store, Coca-Cola store and more.

New York, New York Statue of Liberty and Excalibur

Why I Love It

  • Kids activities like the roller coaster and arcade
  • NYC vibe

2. Excalibur

If your kids are into knights and castles, Excalibur is definitely the way to go. This hotel looks like something straight out of a fairytale, with a massive castle theme that’s perfect for little imaginations.

Inside, there’s a huge arcade, and you can even catch the “Tournament of Kings” dinner show, which is a total hit with kids (and grown-ups) who love a good sword fight!

Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas exterior
Photo by Kevin Dunlap on Unsplash

Why I Love It

  • Castle theme and “Tournament of the Kings” dinner show

3. Circus Circus

For all-day kid entertainment, Circus Circus has you covered. It’s practically a mini amusement park with its indoor Adventuredome theme park—think rides, games, and circus acts! There’s also a full arcade and daily free circus shows that’ll wow the kiddos. It’s definitely one of the best spots if you’re looking to keep the kids entertained from morning until night.

Circus Circus Exterior
Photo by Greg Bulla on Unsplash

Why I Love It


Vegas Hotels with Free Parking

Don’t want to deal with those pesky parking fees? Me either!

While many Vegas hotels charge for parking, a few still offer free parking (or at least an easy way to get it). If you’re driving into town or renting a car, check out these spots where you can park for free!

1. Treasure Island

Treasure Island is one of the few hotels right on the Strip that still offers free parking for all guests. It’s a great spot if you want to be near all the action without worrying about extra fees. Plus, it’s super convenient if you’re coming and going a lot during your stay.

Why I Love It

  • Central sport with free parking

2. The Virgin

Located off the Strip, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas offers free parking without any hassle. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for a chill, laid-back vibe away from the hustle and bustle.

Bonus: You get the trendy Virgin experience without the added parking cost!

Why I Love It:

  • Free Parking + all around awesomeness

MGM Resorts (Pearl Tier + Above)

If you’re an MGM Rewards member with a Pearl tier card or higher, you can score free parking at all MGM Resorts properties. So, if you’re loyal to MGM hotels (like Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, or MGM Grand), it’s worth signing up for the rewards program to save on parking fees.

MGM Grand Hotel Room

Posts you might like

Everything You Need to Know about Virgin Hotel Las Vegas

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7 Hotel Booking Hacks to Save You Money

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Where Will You Stay in Las Vegas?

Now that you know where to stay in Vegas, all that’s left is to book your trip!

Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your Las Vegas experience. With options that cater to every style, budget, and vibe, you can easily find the perfect spot that matches how you want to “do Vegas.”

Happy travels!

-Hannah

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Plate & Compass is a food and travel blog written by Hannah Falkosky. After quitting her job and spending 8 weeks in Europe on just a few thousand dollars, she found her love for budget travel and sharing tips to help others explore the world. She also spent 15 years working with award-winning chefs and developed a love for artful food and cocktails. Hannah is now based out of Los Angeles, and when she’s not traveling she makes it her mission to explore the best restaurants and cocktail bars while living life to the fullest.

2 Comments

  • Emma

    I’ve stayed in a few of the hotels in Las Vegas but Paris and Linq are high on my list of faves. Some other great options here, and I really like the way you’ve organized them, especially the ones with free parking. The distance between the hotels is always the thing that gets me. Every single time

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