Opened in December 2008, the 2,034-room Encore At Wynn Las Vegas is a luxury property on The Strip that’s all about pure opulence, from its impressive interiors to its decadent spa to the array of restaurants, gaming tables, and several attractive pools -- including a European-style pool with topless sunbathing. The giant suites are some of the biggest on the Strip (starting at 745 square feet!) and one-up even the Wynn's (Encore's next-door sister), plus they're decked out with modern amenities and luxurious marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate showers. Two nightclubs regularly host top DJs, while shows at the Encore Theater are also popular. There are a luxe casino and adjacent golf course as well. It all comes at a price though -- rates are high, as are food and drink at any of the venues, plus there are daily resort fees added (typical for Vegas). The Italian-inspired Venetian is a family-friendly alternative with lower rates, gondola rides, and faster access to the southern end of the Strip.
Opened in December 2008, the 2,034-room Encore At Wynn Las Vegas is a luxury property on The Strip that’s all about pure opulence, from its impressive interiors to its decadent spa to the array of restaurants, gaming tables, and several attractive pools -- including a European-style pool with topless sunbathing. The giant suites are some of the biggest on the Strip (starting at 745 square feet!) and one-up even the Wynn's (Encore's next-door sister), plus they're decked out with modern amenities and luxurious marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate showers. Two nightclubs regularly host top DJs, while shows at the Encore Theater are also popular. There are a luxe casino and adjacent golf course as well. It all comes at a price though -- rates are high, as are food and drink at any of the venues, plus there are daily resort fees added (typical for Vegas). The Italian-inspired Venetian is a family-friendly alternative with lower rates, gondola rides, and faster access to the southern end of the Strip.
Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is a budget-friendly three-pearl property whose 1,149-foot tower offers stunning Las Vegas views. Its 2,427 rooms are tired and worn, and feature flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, though the free Wi-Fi is slow. No doubt, the hotel’s iconic tower is a top draw with its bar and adrenaline-fueled thrill rides. Other features include two outdoor pools with hot tubs, a fitness center, spa, Starbucks, and comedy and music shows. The hotel’s dark and sprawling casino includes table games, slots, and a sports and race book. Stratosphere’s multiple dining options include a steakhouse, Italian, Mexican, and fast food, but only get mixed reviews. Travelers looking for something a bit more fresh and modern, plus tasty restaurants and a downtown location, should consider the California Hotel and Casino.
Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is a budget-friendly three-pearl property whose 1,149-foot tower offers stunning Las Vegas views. Its 2,427 rooms are tired and worn, and feature flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, though the free Wi-Fi is slow. No doubt, the hotel’s iconic tower is a top draw with its bar and adrenaline-fueled thrill rides. Other features include two outdoor pools with hot tubs, a fitness center, spa, Starbucks, and comedy and music shows. The hotel’s dark and sprawling casino includes table games, slots, and a sports and race book. Stratosphere’s multiple dining options include a steakhouse, Italian, Mexican, and fast food, but only get mixed reviews. Travelers looking for something a bit more fresh and modern, plus tasty restaurants and a downtown location, should consider the California Hotel and Casino.
For travelers who need a cheap place to stay in Vegas, the upper-middle-range Harrah’s is a no-brainer. It’s conveniently located in the middle of the Strip, has a mid-size casino, an OK pool, and a few restaurants and bars. But for anyone who expects to be wowed, Harrah’s is no showstopper. Most of the 2,530 rooms are heinously dated and reek of cigarette smoke. And compared to its neighbors, Harrah’s casino is small, its pool is boring, and its entertainment options are lackluster. A more modern and cleaner Strip pick is the slightly more expensive Tropicana, though it lacks Harrah’s prime location.
For travelers who need a cheap place to stay in Vegas, the upper-middle-range Harrah’s is a no-brainer. It’s conveniently located in the middle of the Strip, has a mid-size casino, an OK pool, and a few restaurants and bars. But for anyone who expects to be wowed, Harrah’s is no showstopper. Most of the 2,530 rooms are heinously dated and reek of cigarette smoke. And compared to its neighbors, Harrah’s casino is small, its pool is boring, and its entertainment options are lackluster. A more modern and cleaner Strip pick is the slightly more expensive Tropicana, though it lacks Harrah’s prime location.
In a city like Vegas, there isn't too much excitement or glamour to be found at Bally’s. Its smoky casino and uninspired pool lack the grandiose luxury or campy theme found at other Vegas resorts. And despite its attempts to update the property (including a 2013-2014 overhaul of Jubilee and Resort Tower rooms), the hotel's restaurant and amenities still fall short of their peers. Tack on a hefty daily resort fee and horrendously long check-in lines (though there is an online check-in option), and it seems obvious that almost any hotel in Vegas is a better pick than Bally’s. Head next door to the Paris Las Vegas for nicer rooms and amenities at slightly higher nightly rates.
In a city like Vegas, there isn't too much excitement or glamour to be found at Bally’s. Its smoky casino and uninspired pool lack the grandiose luxury or campy theme found at other Vegas resorts. And despite its attempts to update the property (including a 2013-2014 overhaul of Jubilee and Resort Tower rooms), the hotel's restaurant and amenities still fall short of their peers. Tack on a hefty daily resort fee and horrendously long check-in lines (though there is an online check-in option), and it seems obvious that almost any hotel in Vegas is a better pick than Bally’s. Head next door to the Paris Las Vegas for nicer rooms and amenities at slightly higher nightly rates.
Skylofts is the luxury section of MGM Grand, offering some of the most exclusive accommodations not just within the hotel but in Vegas. All of the rooms are one-, two-, and three-bedroom duplex lofts (they start at 1,400 square feet) with big living areas and sophisticated but understated urban decor; prices are usually upwards of $1,000 a night. High-end extras include airport transfers in a Rolls-Royce Ghost limousine; a calm, private reception area for Skylofts guests with a separate entrance; in-loft check-ins (no waiting in line!); and access to Skylounge on the 29th floor for cocktails and appetizers. But most facilities, such as the main fitness center and the spa, must be shared with MGM guests.
Skylofts is the luxury section of MGM Grand, offering some of the most exclusive accommodations not just within the hotel but in Vegas. All of the rooms are one-, two-, and three-bedroom duplex lofts (they start at 1,400 square feet) with big living areas and sophisticated but understated urban decor; prices are usually upwards of $1,000 a night. High-end extras include airport transfers in a Rolls-Royce Ghost limousine; a calm, private reception area for Skylofts guests with a separate entrance; in-loft check-ins (no waiting in line!); and access to Skylounge on the 29th floor for cocktails and appetizers. But most facilities, such as the main fitness center and the spa, must be shared with MGM guests.
Vdara is one of three sleek hotels in the new City Center complex, an $11 billion mega development a few blocks from The Strip. It's a modern, sumptuous hotel with impressive rooms (they're all suites), a lobby bar, and a decent pool. But the quiet atmosphere isn't for everyone, so those who want to be in the heart of the Vegas action should stay elsewhere.
Vdara is one of three sleek hotels in the new City Center complex, an $11 billion mega development a few blocks from The Strip. It's a modern, sumptuous hotel with impressive rooms (they're all suites), a lobby bar, and a decent pool. But the quiet atmosphere isn't for everyone, so those who want to be in the heart of the Vegas action should stay elsewhere.
Location is the main draw at this mid-range casino hotel, which is right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. It's a good value, and unlike some other similarly priced properties, the entire hotel, including the rooms, gets high marks for cleanliness. Rooms are contemporary, with fresh bedding, Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and convenient plugs by the bed and at the work desk. The property is small by Strip standards, with 152 rooms, but has several restaurants on-site, including an Outback Steak. Though the hotel itself is smoke-free, the attached low-key casino with low table limits reeks.
Location is the main draw at this mid-range casino hotel, which is right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. It's a good value, and unlike some other similarly priced properties, the entire hotel, including the rooms, gets high marks for cleanliness. Rooms are contemporary, with fresh bedding, Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and convenient plugs by the bed and at the work desk. The property is small by Strip standards, with 152 rooms, but has several restaurants on-site, including an Outback Steak. Though the hotel itself is smoke-free, the attached low-key casino with low table limits reeks.
Attracting mostly time-share members, the Polo Towers has a prime location about a block from the central Strip. All 479 apartment-style rooms come with balconies and either kitchenettes (in the Studios) or full kitchens (in the Suites and Villas), which is convenient, since the property lacks a restaurant. The 22nd-floor rooftop deck with a pool, whirlpool, cabanas, barbecue area, and excellent Strip views is the hotel's top feature, though the ground-level children's pool, fitness center, computer area, and mini mart are nice perks, too. The Best Western Plus Casino Royale is another basic, middle-of-the-Strip hotel, but one without overbearing time-share salespeople and plus on-site dining options.
Attracting mostly time-share members, the Polo Towers has a prime location about a block from the central Strip. All 479 apartment-style rooms come with balconies and either kitchenettes (in the Studios) or full kitchens (in the Suites and Villas), which is convenient, since the property lacks a restaurant. The 22nd-floor rooftop deck with a pool, whirlpool, cabanas, barbecue area, and excellent Strip views is the hotel's top feature, though the ground-level children's pool, fitness center, computer area, and mini mart are nice perks, too. The Best Western Plus Casino Royale is another basic, middle-of-the-Strip hotel, but one without overbearing time-share salespeople and plus on-site dining options.
A sleek 181-room hotel within a hotel, the luxe Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace offers travelers respite from the chaos of the Strip, without sacrificing convenience. Located in the middle of Caesars Palace, Nobu has easy access to casinos, shopping, dining, and nightlife, but its spa-like, Japanese-inspired rooms feel worlds away from Las Vegas. Besides a tiny fitness center and priority reservations at Nobu restaurant, the Nobu Hotel doesn’t have any features of its own. All rooms come with sleek showers, minibars, desks, and big flat-screen TVs. Travelers looking for a hotel within a hotel concept that offers a few more amenities might prefer the Delano Las Vegas Hotel, though it lacks Nobu’s prime, mid-Strip location.
A sleek 181-room hotel within a hotel, the luxe Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace offers travelers respite from the chaos of the Strip, without sacrificing convenience. Located in the middle of Caesars Palace, Nobu has easy access to casinos, shopping, dining, and nightlife, but its spa-like, Japanese-inspired rooms feel worlds away from Las Vegas. Besides a tiny fitness center and priority reservations at Nobu restaurant, the Nobu Hotel doesn’t have any features of its own. All rooms come with sleek showers, minibars, desks, and big flat-screen TVs. Travelers looking for a hotel within a hotel concept that offers a few more amenities might prefer the Delano Las Vegas Hotel, though it lacks Nobu’s prime, mid-Strip location.