Where to Stay in Las Vegas • 4 TOP Areas + GREAT Hotels
Las Vegas, or as people like to call it, ‘the entertainment capital of the world’ is one of the most visited destinations in the US. The city is renowned for its abundance of hotels and resorts, so choosing where to stay in Las Vegas can seem a nearly impossible task.
Luckily, I went ahead and compared all of the Las Vegas areas and identified the top 4 spots for your stay. Well, the best place to stay in Vegas is the North Strip, especially if this is your first Vegas trip. The North is the quietest part of the Las Vegas Strip and offers an amazing selection of hotels and resorts at more affordable prices.
To make things much easier for you, I also handpicked the best hotels in each of the recommended areas and organized them into price categories so everyone can find something to fit their budget.
Before we move on to the main part of this post, I want to encourage you to book your hotel in Las Vegas in advance. Vegas accommodations are in high demand, and hotel prices go up as the dates approach – you can secure your spot and get the best deals by booking early!
NOTE: many hotels now charge ‘resort fees,’ which can go up to US$40 per night. Remember to check the conditions before you book to see if these will be applicable to your stay.
Let’s go!
If you are in a hurry
Check on this list containing the best hotels on the North Strip in Vegas:
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Here’s a map of the 4 Las Vegas areas I will be covering in this post:
1. North Strip – where to stay in Las Vegas for the first time
The Las Vegas Strip is the most famous destination in the city, although it is situated just outside the Vegas city limits. The Strip stretches over 4.2 miles (6.8 km) of Las Vegas Boulevard and is home to some of the best hotels and resorts in the US.
The North Strip is the ultimate spot for first-time visitors to the city, seeing as it offers a little bit of everything, from luxury resorts and casinos to cool spots and laid-back eateries. The atmosphere is more relaxed than on the Main Strip, so you’ll not be overwhelmed if this is your first time in the city.
The most important attraction on this part of the Strip is Resorts World Las Vegas (map), a large complex that boasts a variety of restaurants, casinos, hotels, and a shopping mall. The Resorts World premises also host the Las Vegas Convention Center, so it tends to attract a lot of business travelers.
Other important attractions here include the Fashion Show Las Vegas (map) shopping mall, the Sphere (map) event venue, The Adventuredome theme park, and the SeaQuest zoo and aquarium.
Of course, no stay here will be complete without exploring the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort (map), an amazing resort mall where you can easily spend the whole day. And if you’re looking for great dining spots, I highly recommend Top of the World, a rotating restaurant situated on the 106th floor of The Stratosphere Tower, i.e., The STRAT (map).
Some of my favorite things about the North Strip – hotel rates are slightly cheaper than the hotels on the Main Strip and traffic is not as bad here (it’s still not great, though)!
Luxury hotel
Guests at the Wynn Las Vegas will enjoy the many luxury facilities – oasis pools, a full-service spa, a fitness center offering exercise classes, and a casino. During your stay at the Wynn, you can shop at designer stores and choose from as many as 15 dining options.
Other accommodation options on North Strip
Mid-range
A 3-star hotel with an outdoor heated pool, a modern interior, a fitness center, and a variety of breakfast options
Budget
Even though a little lower-rated, the hotel provides accommodation in cheap rooms and is within walking distance of many attractions
Airbnb
A single-story home with a cozy living room, a fully equipped and remodeled kitchen, and 4 comfortable beds
Things to do on the North Strip
- Explore the many fun activities at Resorts World Las Vegas
- Have a fun day shopping at Fashion Show Las Vegas
- Attend an event at the Sphere or just stop by to admire the architecture
- Enjoy the rides at The Adventuredome indoor theme park at Circus Circus
- Spend a fun day at the SeaQuest Zoo and Aquarium
- Sign up for a scare at the SAW Escape Room
- Go on a shopping spree at the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort
- Explore the collection at the Count’s Kustoms museum
2. Main Strip – for a classic Las Vegas experience
If you want that classic ‘over-the-top’ Vegas experience, then the Main Strip is the perfect place for you. The area is bustling with life 24/7 and offers access to the most famous Vegas hotels, casinos, and attractions.
The first things you’ll want to visit on the Main Strip are the Bellagio Fountains (map), situated in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Aria Resort, and the Eiffel Tower at Paris (map) with its amazing viewing deck, part of the Caesar’s Palace complex.
You should also definitely stop by the Volcano Las Vegas in the front yard of The Mirage Hotel (map) and go for a ride on the High Roller, the largest observation wheel in North America!
We can’t overlook the fact that hotels are some of the top sights in this part of the city: the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas are all located on the Main Strip and attract millions of visitors. Even if you’re not staying at any of these places, you can still visit and admire the vibrant atmosphere (or try your hand at one of their casinos).
Luxury hotel
Situated in the background of the famous Bellagio Fountains, this luxurious hotel offers several restaurants, a casino, and elegant rooms with en-suite marble bathrooms. You can go for a swim in one of 5 pools or spend some time relaxing in the on-site botanical gardens. Plus, the Bellagio is home to one of the best art galleries in the city!
Other accommodation options on Main Strip
Budget
Rated a bit on the lower side, this motel is a good choice for a budget stay on the Strip
Airbnb
Conveniently located on the central Strip, with a separate living area, a full kitchen, and a private bathroom
Things to do on the Main Strip
- Admire the Bellagio Fountains
- Go up the viewing deck at the Paris Eiffel Tower
- Explore The Forum Shops at Caesars (map)
- Check out the volcano at The Mirage Hotel
- Spend the day at The Shops at Crystals (map) in the Aria Resort
- Admire the views of the Las Vegas Strip from the High Roller
- Spend some fun time at the Museum of Illusions
3. South Strip – where to stay in Las Vegas for a relaxed vibe
The South Strip is the least crowded part of the Las Vegas Strip and has a more laid-back vibe to it. Even though the South end of the Strip offers just a few hotels, it’s a great place to stay in Vegas because you’ll have easy access to many attractions, and you can even get around on foot!
By far, the most popular attraction on this part of the Strip is the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign (map), the iconic neon sign that always appears in movies and TV shows. During your stay here, don’t miss the opportunity to snap a photo with the sign!
I highly suggest you take the time to visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and see spectacular sea life, which is a part of the Mandalay Bay Resort. Then, you can move to the Pinball Hall of Fame, a very fun interactive museum.
If you’re feeling hungry, head to the Park MGM and have a meal at Eataly (map), an amazing Italian restaurant, or try some of the Southern-inspired dishes at the House of Blues Restaurant & Bar (map).
Yet another must-see sight on this part of the strip is Luxor (map), a pyramid-shaped hotel that has the world’s largest atrium. The hotel also boats replicas of numerous Egyptian artifacts, and even if you’re not staying there, it’s definitely a visit-worthy destination.
I also appreciate that the South Strip is quite close to the airport, so it’s ideal if you have limited time in the city and you don’t want to spend too much time commuting from the airport to the city and back again.
Luxury hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel is situated right next to the Mandalay Bay Resort and offers accommodation in the Mandalay Bay Tower. During your stay at the Seasons Las Vegas, you can enjoy ultimate relaxation while lounging by the private outdoor pool or getting a massage and a treatment at the amazing spa.
Other accommodation options on the South Strip
Mid-range
Slightly off the Strip, this resort has contemporary suites with a private balcony, a convenience store, and a barbecue area
Budget
With a slightly lower rating, this motel offers good value for money – there’s a pool and free breakfast
Airbnb
The suite has a comfortable bedroom with a king-sized bed, a small but functional kitchen, and a spacious, clean bathroom
Things to do on the South Strip
- Snap a photo with the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
- Admire the sea animals at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- Enjoy the games at the Pinball Hall of Fame
- Get some delicious candy from Hershey’s Chocolate World (map)
- Sample Italian cuisine at Eataly
- Spend a fun afternoon at the Hollywood Cars Museum
- Enjoy Southern cuisine at the House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
- Sign up for an ATV tour of the Las Vegas desert
4. Downtown Las Vegas / Fremont Street – for budget travelers
If you want to experience that ‘Old Vegas Charm’ and save money in the process, downtown Las Vegas is the best place to be. Situated North of the Strip, the downtown area has all the casinos, boutique hotels, and adrenaline-rushing attractions while being more friendly to your wallet.
The Fremont Street Experience (map) is the most-visited spot in Downtown Las Vegas; this 24-hour shopping mall features countless shops, a casino, plenty of restaurants, and many entertaining activities. The mall is situated on Fremont Street, a pedestrian walkway and the original city core of Las Vegas.
Some other attention-worthy spots in downtown Las Vegas are The Mob Museum and The Neon Museum, as well as Downtown Container Park (map) – another shopping mall!
If you would like to explore more of the city, head South of the downtown to the Arts District, where you’ll discover many art galleries and cool event spaces in converted warehouses – a great idea if you need a break from all the flashing lights.
Downtown Las Vegas is great for budget travelers because it has the same vibe as the Strip – just without the huge price tag on restaurants, malls, and more. It’s also just a 10-min drive away from the Main Strip, so if you decide to go all out, you are more than welcome to do so.
Luxury hotel
Circa Resort & Casino – Adults Only
The spacious rooms of this 4-star hotel-casino provide maximum comfort and luxury. With an in-house theater, casino, restaurant, and upscale outdoor pool, this is one of the ideal Las Vegas hotels to stay in when traveling with your partner.
Other accommodation in Downtown Las Vegas
mid-range
Aesthetically pleasing room with fabulous decor and an outdoor pool, the hotel provides easy access to the Fremont Street Experience
budget
With an outdoor pool and cozy rooms, you can’t go wrong with this budget offering, even though it’s lower-rated
airbnb
A private, pet-friendly suite with a spacious backyard, a bedroom, and a living room with original vintage decor and furniture
Things to do in Downtown Las Vegas
- Go shopping for bargains at the Downtown Container Park
- Learn about organized crime at The Mob Museum
- Walk down the ever-famous Fremont Street Experience
- Unwind while exploring The Neon Museum
- Grab a drink at the rooftop bar at the Legacy Club (map)
- Try your luck at the Golden Nugget Casino (map)
- Explore the paranormal at Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum
Getting around Las Vegas
The Strip is quite a large stretch of road dotted with attractions. So, if you want to see the best of what Vegas has to offer, you’ll need a car – and that begs the issue of parking. Some public parking lots offer a so-called ‘Free Lunch Spot’ on weekdays, between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m, but otherwise, you’ll need to pay for parking. You can find more information here.
However, constantly paying for parking can add up to quite a lot, so if you’re using a car to get around, I advise looking for hotels that offer free parking or at least parking spots at a lower daily rate.
And if you don’t feel like driving through the crowded Strip, you can always rely on public transportation – for free! The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle bus service that takes passengers across town to all the main attractions.
To get on the Loop, you’ll need to get to downtown Vegas; if you’re located on the Strip, you’ll need to take the Deuce, which is the public bus service in Vegas. More information on routes, schedules, and fares is available on this website.
BONUS: Where to stay off the Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is the most popular tourist destination in the city. However, not everyone wants to stay in the center of the never-ending hustle and bustle of the Strip. This is especially true if you’re traveling with family or you want to have a quiet romantic getaway.
If what I said so far matches your description, check out these other 4 areas where you can have a quieter (but still fun) stay in Vegas.
1. South of the Strip
Staying South of the Strip means that you’ll be close to the airport as well as to many casinos if you want to join in on the fun.
- South Point Hotel Casino ($$$) – this upscale hotel features an on-site casino, a bowling alley, a 16-screen cinema, and a full-service spa. The hotel also has a 400-seat showroom where you can enjoy nightly shows.
- Hyatt Place ($$) – while staying at the Hyatt, you’ll enjoy benefits like free private parking, free Wi-Fi, and access to a business center, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant.
- Baymont by Wyndham ($) – even though it’s slightly lower rated than what I usually recommend, this hotel provides great value for your money – it’s pet friendly, has air-conditioned rooms and suites, and offers a daily continental breakfast.
2. West of the Strip
The area West of the Strip is very quiet and quite safe, so it’s a good spot for a family stay.
- Tahiti All-Suite Resort ($$$) – this 4-star resort has a South Pacific theme, an outdoor swimming pool with a sand bottom, and spacious suites equipped with wood furniture and tropical decor.
- Hampton Inn Tropicana ($$) – this hotel is 100% non-gaming and non-smoking, so it’s a great place to stay if you’re in Vegas with family. You can also enjoy a tropical outdoor pool with a waterfall and a hot tub – fun for the whole family.
- Palms Place Amazing High Rise Studio ($) – comfortable accommodation available at an affordable price, with a private terrace, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Guests also get access to a swimming pool and pool bar.
3. East of the Strip
There’s quite a lot going on East of the Strip, so you’ll be able to choose from a large number of hotels and casinos, but also a couple of cool museums.
- The Platinum Hotel ($$$) – offering both indoor and outdoor heated pools, this luxury hotel is completely non-gaming and non-smoking. Guests stay in spacious suites with a private balcony and a full kitchen.
- Holiday Inn Club ($$) – a family-friendly resort with an arcade and pool area that is great for kids and couples alike. You can dine in at a poolside restaurant but also cook your own meals in the kitchen featured in each suite.
- Tuscany Suites & Casino ($) – this is one of the best cheap hotels in Las Vegas. It offers lux, high-tech amenities at very affordable prices. You can relax in the outdoor pool or hot tub and dine at one of the four on-site restaurants.
4. Henderson
Henderson is a city situated 17 miles (11 km) Southeast of the Las Vegas Strip, and it’s the best choice for people who don’t want to stay within the Las Vegas city limits, but still be within driving distance of the Strip.
- Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa ($$$) – this is the most luxurious hotel in Henderson. It offers resort accommodation with room service, evening entertainment, air-conditioned rooms, and 7 restaurants.
- Hampton Inn & Suites ($$) – at this hotel, you’ll have access to a heated outdoor pool and a hot tub, both open 24/7, and enjoy a hot breakfast buffet every morning during your stay.
- TownePlace Suites ($) – guests at this hotel will benefit from daily free breakfast and access to a fitness center, lobby marker, and a business center, all open round-the-clock. Private parking is available at an extra cost.
FAQs about where to stay in Las Vegas
🏘️ What is the best location to stay in Las Vegas?
The North Strip is the best spot for a Las Vegas stay, with its upscale hotels, shopping destinations, and slightly more relaxed atmosphere. The best hotels on this part of the Strip are Wynn Las Vegas and Courtyard by Marriott.
🛑 Which areas should you avoid in Las Vegas?
Whitney is an area in East Las Vegas with a crime rate 191% higher than the national average. Given those numbers, it’s safe to assume you shouldn’t wander around that area. Stick to areas populated with tourists, like The Strip and Downtown.
🎰 Is it better to stay on the Strip or Downtown Las Vegas?
Due to the much larger variety of choices in The Strip, I highly recommend it for the best stay you can possibly have. Downtown is a great area because of its budget-friendly attractions and activities while possessing the same vibe as The Strip.
🌃 What is the best part of the Las Vegas Strip for nightlife?
The best part of the Las Vegas Strip for nightlife is the Main Strip, where you party in amazing nightclubs like the OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace and Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan.
📅 How many days is ideal in Vegas?
Spending 4 to 5 days in Vegas should be enough to see the main attractions and spend some time partying or enjoying the casinos.
✅ Is it safe to walk around Las Vegas at night?
Yes, it’s quite safe to walk around Las Vegas at night, especially around the Strip and the downtown area. The city is very well-lit and always teeming with tourists, so you’ll be quite safe.
🚶🏽 Is Las Vegas a walkable city?
Unfortunately, Las Vegas is not a very walkable city, with the exception of the downtown area, which is quite compact and can be easily navigated on foot.
🚗 Do you need a car when in Vegas?
Yes, you might need a car for your stay in Vegas, especially if you want to explore different parts of the city. And don’t worry – even if you don’t drive there, you can always rent a car.
🏊 Which Las Vegas hotels have the nicest pools?
🏨 What are the best hotels on the Las Vegas Strip?
Conclusion
We’re at the end of my guide on where to stay in Las Vegas. Hopefully, this was useful in helping you choose the perfect area and hotel for your stay.
To recap, here are the best hotels in Las Vegas situated on the North Strip:
- Wynn Las Vegas – an upscale hotel with an amazing casino and designer stores on-site
- Courtyard by Marriott – a comfortable hotel with a heated outdoor pool and several breakfast options
Whatever you decide, hurry up and make a reservation! Las Vegas hotels sell out super quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on this adventure.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to respond!
Happy travels,
Hristina
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