Las Vegas is basically Disney for adults. It’s magical, exciting, and literally anything goes. We started going to Vegas just 2 years ago, but we’ve now been too many times to count. Sounds crazy, considering it takes several hours to get there…by plane. However, travel is one of my top self-care activities, and Vegas is at the top for the ultimate adult unwind. There are so many Las Vegas Strip hotels, and they are fun to explore, whether you decide to reserve a room or just walk through.
When planning a Las Vegas Vacation, the very first thing to do after selecting travel dates is choose a play to stay. There are endless hotel and resort options. Choosing a resort on the Las Vegas strip will make it much easier to get around because you will have so many entertainment options within walking distance. Below are my top suggestions for Las Vegas Hotel accommodations.
6. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas (splurge option)
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is absolutely stunning and has an incredible casino – my favorite, in fact. It earns last place on my short list of best Las Vegas hotels due to its less-than-ideal location. While still on the Las Vegas Strip, it’s toward the North end; it’s rare for me to go further North than The Venetian. It is an absolutely gorgeous resort, and if you choose to stay here, it’s totally possible to plan activities nearby and avoid too much walking. If it was a bit further South, it would earn the top rank on my list. Here are some must-do’s while you are at The Venetian:
- Check out the gondola ride while you are there. It’s a unique and romantic experience. It’s a nice way to see which shops and restaurants are nearby too. It’s not too pricey, though it is only about 15 minutes long.
- Carve out some time for the luxury shopping, restaurants, and nearby attractions. On your way out, head to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, a wax museum unlike anything you’ve seen before!
- Get a pina colada at the casino. They have the best ones I’ve found (I try them at every casino I go to).
5. Aria Resort & Casino
Aria Resort & Casino has a more modern and sophisticated feel and is not quite as crowded as some of the other resorts. It earns spot number 5 for many reasons, including a location that seems to be right in the center of the strip.
- Tech-savvy travelers will appreciate its advanced in-room technology, which you don’t find in many of the other resorts.
- In addition to being central to everything, it also has easy access to some other areas via the Aria Express Tram.
- With designated smoking areas, the casino doesn’t reek of smoke, unlike many resorts.
4. New York-New York Hotel & Casino
New York-New York Hotel & Casino is a Vegas hotel I will choose over and over again. Like many spots on the strip, it has great views and plenty of nearby attractions. Also, the price tends to be better than the others on my list. Here are some other reasons to love New York-New York:
- The atmosphere is exactly what I want to experience in Vegas, with dancing and great music around the casino bar. This vibe alone is enough to keep me coming back for more.
- There are so many restaurant options for which a reservation is completely unnecessary. This is perfect if you don’t want to have to plan around meal times.
- They have an awesome roller coaster that is easily accessible. There is also an arcade, in case you are bringing children. Not to worry if kids aren’t your thing – I rarely see kids there, especially in comparison to hotels that are attached to fancy shopping like The Venetian and Bellagio.
That being said, there are three reasons New York-New York does not earn the top spot for me. First, it is located near the South end. Like Venetian, it’s not as central as I’d like it to be. Second, in my experience, there are not as many drink servers walking around the casino floor – at least in the areas where I was playing. And finally, New York-New York does not have an upscale feel like the others on my list.
3. Caesars Palace Las Vegas
Caesars Palace Las Vegas is another architectural beauty that is very centrally located on the strip. Even if you don’t stay there, definitely take some time to walk through and admire the incredible statues, fountains, and other beautifully done decor. Here are some reasons to love Caesars:
- The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace hosts some of the most famous performers in the world, from Adele to Garth Brooks.
- It has Nobu, nestled away in a quieter area. If you want to get extra luxurious, check it out.
- The shopping seems endless. Enjoy the Atlantis Fountain Show while you are there!
2. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara
Hilton Grand Vacations Elara earns the number 2 spot for me because of comfort and location. If I were visiting Las Vegas on business, it would be my first choice because it is so quiet. While it’s hard to tell from the map if it is on the strip, it’s actually in a very convenient location. You can walk through the Miracle Mile shops to get leave, and you’ll find yourself right on the strip. My other favorite things about staying here include the following:
- Being connected to the Miracle Mile Shopping Center makes it very convenient to frequent our favorite inexpensive restaurant in town – Ocean One Las Vegas.
- There is NO CASINO here. Yes, I actually like that, and I barely notice the absence of a casino because we visit several each day we’re in Vegas.
- The suites are really spacious. While not fancy, it’s very comfortable to share if you’re traveling with multiple people.
1. Bellagio
Bellagio is a visual masterpiece. Walk in and you’ll be immediately impressed by the unique glass sculpture adorning the ceiling. You will also find great shopping and one of the largest casino areas of any of the Las Vegas strip resorts, making Bellagio a hotel you definitely want to visit.
- Breathtaking scenery that is great for photos, including the conservatory and botanical gardens; they update this seasonally, so be sure to check it out!
- The mesmerizing Fountains of Bellagio, with a show that takes place every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day, beginning in the afternoons.
- Incredible restaurants. Check out my favorite, Lago by Julian Serrano.
Conclusion
Las Vegas is a fantastic place to have some adult time and unwind, allowing momentary escape from responsibility. Plan to stay at a Las Vegas Strip hotel, and enjoy convenience and endless entertainment, shopping, and restaurants.
Side note: There are also several overrated Las Vegas Hotels I won’t stay at, but perhaps more on that another time. 🙂