Our expert picks for where to stay in Vegas
The best place to stay in Las Vegas depends on what you’re looking for. The Strip is perfect for first-time visitors with its iconic resorts and nonstop action, while the North Strip offers budget-friendly options. For a more authentic experience, check out Downtown for its historic vibe or the suburbs for a quieter, family-friendly stay with easy access to nature.
“Sin City” has so many stunning resorts and hotels that deciding where to stay in Las Vegas is often the most difficult part of planning your trip! Luckily, we have everything you need to know about picking your accommodation, including the best area for your stay.
Why You Should Visit Las Vegas in 2024
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Las Vegas is Nevada’s biggest city and one of the biggest draws for entertainment and tourism in the United States.
The city works hard to earn its nickname as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” and the countless casinos, resorts, celebrity chef-owned restaurants, nightclubs, and more do not disappoint.
Before Las Vegas put on its glamorous, glittery façade, it was a scrappy pioneer settlement. When Nevada legalized gambling and divorce in the 1930s and construction began on the nearby Hoover Dam, the town began to grow.
However, Las Vegas’s status as an entertainment capital didn’t really take off until after World War II. In the 1940s and 1950s, casinos and hotels began cropping up all over Las Vegas.
Even though many of these joints were funded with shady mobster money, people still flocked to town to have fun, including celebrities such as Frank Sinatra.
You can still find traces of the old, slightly grimy Las Vegas if you know where to look, but since the late 1980s, “Sin City” has become much more family friendly.
Casinos with dubious mob connections were replaced by corporate-owned mega-casinos that cater to travelers of all ages and tastes. During your visit, you should also keep in mind that Las Vegas is so much more than the Strip.
It has a thriving working-class population, including one of the nation’s most vibrant Chinatowns. Las Vegas also offers an easy home base for exploring the natural wonders of southern Nevada.
The 5 Best Areas in Las Vegas
Our top picks for the best areas to stay in Vegas include:
- The Strip: Best for first-time visitors
- The North Strip: Best for budget travelers
- Downtown Las Vegas: Best for history
- West of the Strip: Best for exploring the real Las Vegas, including Chinatown
- The Suburbs: Best for families
If you want to learn the ins and outs of the Strip and lesser-known neighborhoods of Las Vegas, check out this guide. We also have a round-up of the best accommodation in each neighborhood.
1. Best Area for First-Timers: The Strip
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Every list of the best places to stay in Vegas has to start with the Strip. Maybe one of the most iconic stretches of street in the world, this is the place where all visitors to Las Vegas have to come.
Even if you don’t like gambling or you normally prefer an experience that is more authentic than a replica pyramid in a casino, you have to come to the Strip at least once. In Las Vegas, artificiality is authenticity.
The Las Vegas Strip has been a draw for celebrities and regular people for decades, ever since the Rat Pack began gracing its casinos in the 1950s. However, it got its current appearance in the late 1980s, when giant corporations began taking over the casinos.
The new owners began building alluring attractions to lure people into their casinos, leading to the opulent, pedestrian-friendly stretch that we see today. Many of the hotels on the Strip are attractions in and of themselves.
Even if you don’t stay in one of these resorts, you have to check out the fountains at The Bellagio, go shopping along The Grand Canal Shoppes in The Venetian, or even pretend to be a dolphin trainer for a day at the Mirage.
The Strip is also the center of entertainment, both day and night, in Las Vegas. Check out concerts from some of the many artists in residence (past stars ranged from Liberace to Britney Spears).
For something racier, check out a show from some showgirls or the famous strip group the Chippendales. Of course, you can’t come to Las Vegas without trying your hand at gambling. Even if you’re not normally a player, you have to pull a slot machine or two!
Staying on the Strip is the best way to ensure that you’re never far away from the action. The Strip is surprisingly walkable, meaning that you can easily get from one place to another once you book your stay here.
Despite its raunchy reputation, many of the hotels are surprisingly family friendly. However, they are not as budget friendly. For accommodation that’s more affordable, or just less noisy, check out one of the other neighborhoods.
Things to Do
- Get up close and personal with some animals at the Mandalay Bay shark reef
- Close out the night with a show at the Luxor, home to the Blue Man Group and the Fantasy burlesque revue (and get a picture of the pyramid)
- Take a picture in front of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign
- Go shopping at the Grand Canal Shoppes in The Venetian (and go on a gondola ride)
- Check out Madame Tussaud’s wax museum
Where to Eat
- Check out one of the many celebrity chef outposts, such as Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen
- Grab an inexpensive bite to eat at an outpost of New York’s famous Shake Shack
- Get dinner and a show at the House of Blues
- Taste some southern food at Yardbird Table & Bar
The Strip Budget Hotels
- Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Some of the resorts on the strip are surprisingly affordable, such as the Paris Las Vegas. Amenities include a rooftop pool, replicas of the Eiffel Tower with views of the city, and an indoor mall.
- Luxor. The Luxor is another surprisingly affordable option among the Las Vegas stalwarts. If you stay here, you can swim within view of the pyramids, enjoy the full-service spa, and game at the in-house casino.
The Strip Mid-Range Hotels
- Park MGM. The Park MGM is an opulent resort in a city setting. In-house attractions include an Eataly outpost, three pools, and the famous Dolby Live theater. Guests also enjoy easy access to the rest of the Strip and the T-Mobile Arena for sports.
- Bally’s Las Vegas. The recently remodeled Bally’s Las Vegas features gorgeous rooms, an extensive fitness center, and a whopping eight delicious in-house restaurants!
The Strip Luxury Hotels
- The Venetian. Even in one of the world’s most concentrated areas of resorts, the luxurious Venetian stands out. The suites have sunken seating areas, massive soaking tubs, and luxurious toiletries. If you tear yourself away from your room, you can enjoy 40 restaurants, a massive pool, casino, shops, and a replica of Venice’s Grand Canal, complete with gondoliers.
- The Bellagio. The Bellagio is one of Las Vegas’s best-regarded luxury resorts. Amenities include elegantly appointed rooms, several restaurants, pools, botanical gardens, and the iconic fountains.
2. Best Area for Budgets: The North Strip
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The famous Las Vegas Strip is technically divided into a Southern and Northern part with Sands Avenue acting as a dividing line (some people even divide it into a third region, Central Strip). The North Strip stretches north until the Downtown area, marked by Fremont Street.
Many of the glitziest casinos are concentrated in the southern Strip, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do on the North Strip as well.
If you’re an adrenaline seeker, you’re better off staying on the North side because that’s where the amusement parks are. There are also plenty of casinos here to keep you busy, including some retro gems.
The beauty of the North Strip is that it has most of the glitz and glamour of the main Strip but also lets you check out some of real Las Vegas. Check out one of the dive bars or inexpensive restaurants, and venture into Downtown, which is a short walk away.
Staying on the northern end makes more sense for business travelers thanks to its proximity to the convention center.
Hotels on the North Strip are usually way more affordable than their counterparts on the southern Strip, even some of the luxury resorts. If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to stay close to the action, then this is the place to stay.
However, if you want the full Las Vegas experience, staying in a centrally located resort is better. The North Strip also has some blight thanks to stalled construction projects, so it’s not always the prettiest place in town.
Things to Do
- Go up the Strat, the tallest structure in the western United States, and take a ride on the SkyPod
- Get your adrenaline pumping at the Adventuredome Theme Park
- Go shopping at Fashion Show Mall or the Broad Acres Flea Market
- Check out the carnival acts at Circus Circus
Where to Eat
- Have the best sandwiches in town at the Goodwich
- Have a dinner to remember at the Golden Steer Steakhouse
- Enjoy dinner with a view at Top of the World inside the Stratosphere
- Indulge in cocktails and award-winning eats at the Peppermill Las Vegas
North Strip Budget Hotels
- Thunderbird Boutique Hotel. The Thunderbird is a surprisingly affordable hotel with an on-site bar, restaurant, pool, lounge, and even a wedding chapel (hey, this is Las Vegas after all).
- The STRAT Hotel, Casino, and Skypod. Live the high life on a budget at the STRAT. Amenities include two pools (one topless-optional adult-only), live entertainment, and amazing views from the highest point in the western United States.
North Strip Mid-Range Hotels
- Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World. When looking for a touch of class that’s still accessible, you can’t go wrong with Hilton. Amenities at this outpost include 40 restaurants, the city’s first infinity pool, several shops, and an entertainment lounge.
- Sahara Las Vegas. The Sahara Las Vegas is a lovingly reconstructed reproduction of a historic casino that was located on the lot. Expect antique details, a retro casino, and a delicious on-site restaurant.
North Strip Luxury Hotels
- Wynn Las Vegas. The Wynn Las Vegas (and its sister property the Encore) is one of the highest-rated hotels in the city. The luxurious amenities include a full-service spa, a full casino, several luxury boutiques, countless restaurants, oasis-style pools, and more.
- Trump International Hotel Las Vegas. The Trump International has everything you would expect from a luxury hotel, such as a spa, pool, restaurant, and gorgeous rooms.
3. Best Area for History Buffs: Downtown
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While the Strip is the center of many tourists’ experience of Las Vegas, Downtown is the city’s actual beating heart (fun fact: the Strip isn’t technically part of Las Vegas at all).
Downtown is Vegas’s historic epicenter, and you can come here for some old-school fun. The first casino district in Las Vegas was not the Strip at all but Fremont Street.
The retro-style casinos along Fremont Street are still operational, and many players say that the Fremont Street experience is actually way more fun (and more affordable) than the Strip.
While you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out the dazzling Fremont Street Experience, which comes complete with live entertainment and a massive LED screen. It’s tempting to get lost in the pursuit of pleasure in Las Vegas.
But if you’re interested in the fascinating history of the town, Downtown is the place to be. A trip to a museum such as the Mob Museum is educational and fun. Downtown has plenty to do, including casinos, live shows, and more, at a less expensive price than the Strip.
It’s a realer, grittier version of Las Vegas, but that also means some areas are not safe to go into at night. If you’re a first-time visitor or worried about safety, staying on the Strip is best.
Things to Do
- Check out the Fremont Street Experience, a covered street mall with everything under the sun, including ziplines
- Catch a show at the Smith Center
- Learn about the shadier history of town at the Mob Museum…
- …and the brighter side at the Neon Museum
Where to Eat
- Take a passport-less trip to Britain at gastropub the Smashed Pig
- Have a serving of retro Americana (in terms of décor and food) at Old Soul
- Have pizza at Evel Pie, a pizza joint paying tribute to Evel Knievel
Downtown Budget Hotels
- The D Las Vegas. The D Las Vegas is a nice, affordable hotel located right by the Fremont Street Experience. Amenities include an in-house casino, a pool, a massive bar, and a hot tub.
- Four Queens Hotel & Casino. The Four Queens is a basic hotel offering a casino, outdoor pool, and on-site dining options for an affordable price and no resort fee.
Downtown Mid-Range Hotels
- Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. If you’re looking for retro Las Vegas in all its kitschy glory, the Golden Nugget with its over-the-top décor and great amenities is your best choice.
- Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino. At the Downtown Grand, enjoy amenities such as the city’s largest pool deck, a sportsbook, several restaurants, and more.
Downtown Luxury Hotels
- Circa Resort & Casino. The Circa puts some of the glitzier hotels on the Strip to shame with its restaurant, pool, hot tub, and excellent service.
- The English Hotel Las Vegas. The ENGLiSH is an adults-only hotel with elegant décor, concierge service, and a bar that is to die for.
4. Best Area for Exploring Real Vegas: West of the Strip
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Beneath the glittery façade, Las Vegas is a living, breathing, working city just like any other. If this is not your first visit to town, check out some of the more authentic parts of the city to get an idea of how real people live.
The West side of town is one of the more attractive neighborhoods thanks to the diverse communities that call Las Vegas home.
This neighborhood is home to Las Vegas’s Chinatown, which is a misnomer because immigrants from all over Asia call it home. West of the Strip is where some of the best eats in town are found, often on a budget.
While the area west of the Strip is not without its charms, if it’s your first time in Las Vegas, you’ll probably want to be closer to the action on the Strip. Some parts of Las Vegas are quite gritty and not recommended for tourists, so stay close to the Strip if you’re worried about safety.
Things to Do
- Take a trip out of town to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
- Let loose in Chinatown: choose from karaoke bars, video game arcades, escape rooms, and more
- Catch a show from an emerging artist at the Las Vegas Blues Bar
- Sling back a drink at the Golden Tiki lounge
Where to Eat
- Slurp down some ramen at Monta Noodle House
- Grab something sweet at Gabi Coffee & Bakery
- Have food from every region in China at China Mama
West of the Strip Budget Hotels
- Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Staying off-strip means you can get places with excellent amenities such as the Rio, which has a spa and an outdoor pool, for a low price.
- Artisan Boutique Hotel. Couples can enjoy a relaxing stay at the adults-only Artisan Boutique Hotel, which has a pool, cocktail lounge, and on-site restaurant.
West of the Strip Mid-Range Hotels
- Palms Casino Resort. For affordable luxury in a more intimate setting, check out the Palms Casino Resort. Amenities include a 24-hour casino, restaurants serving prime steak, a spa, theater, and more.
- Hampton Inn Tropicana Las Vegas. If you’re looking for a relaxing stay, check out the non-gaming Hampton Inn. Amenities include a fitness center, bar, and a tropical outdoor pool.
West of the Strip Luxury Hotels
- Palms Place Hotel & Spa. The stunning rooms at this hotel have all-marble bathrooms and excellent amenities. Guests can also relax in the Turkish style hammam.
- Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort. Stay in an apartment at the Westgate Flamingo Bay and enjoy on-site activities, a putting green, a pool, and a shuttle to the Strip.
5. Best Area for Families: The Suburbs
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It’s a well-kept secret that Las Vegas makes a great base for exploring the natural attractions of southern Nevada. Many people get so caught up in the manmade glamour of the Strip they forget to look elsewhere.
Staying in one of the planned towns that form the Las Vegas suburbs gives you access to the best of both worlds. Each suburb of Las Vegas has a slightly different character.
Affluent Henderson offers easy access to the Strip and the Hoover Dam, but also has plenty of malls and casinos to keep you busy. Summerlin is famous for Red Rock Resort and the Tivoli Village shopping district.
You can even go as far as Boulder City to check out gorgeous Lake Mead. Staying in the suburbs is great if you know that you want to see more of Nevada than just Las Vegas, or if you have children who will get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the Strip.
However, if it’s your first time in Las Vegas, stay in the center of the action! Properties here are also pricier than ones in Las Vegas proper.
Things to Do
- Take a trip to the historic Hoover Dam
- Get into nature at Clark County Wetlands Park
- Go shopping at Tivoli Village
Where to Eat
- Have dinner and wine at Todd’s Unique Dining
- Enjoy comforting Tex-Mex at Juan’s Flaming Fajitas
- Have classic American food at the Vintner Grill
Las Vegas Suburbs Budget Hotels
- Skyline Hotel and Casino. Located in Henderson, the Skyline Hotel has an outdoor pool, lounge, and entertainment every evening.
- La Quinta by Wyndham Las Vegas Summerlin Tech. Always-reliable La Quinta has amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.
Las Vegas Suburbs Mid-Range Hotels
- Comfort Inn & Suites Henderson—Las Vegas. This outpost of the Comfort Inn chain features free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and pretty, clean rooms.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton South Las Vegas. The Henderson location of Homewood Suites features a fitness center, fully-equipped kitchens in each suite, and free breakfast.
Las Vegas Suburbs Luxury Hotels
- JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa. Located in Summerlin, the luxurious JW Marriott features a massive spa, sprawling casino, sports facilities, an outdoor pool, and a spa bath in each room.
- Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. The Hilton Lake is a boutique hotel in Henderson with resort amenities, including a Mediterranean-style pool, delicious food, and massage services.
Save Big on Your Trip to Las Vegas
Smart travelers (aka you) know that the best way to save big on a trip to Vegas is to shop around. As travel experts, we know a thing or two about saving money on a trip.
We suggest browsing both individual resort offers and also flight/resort packages on Booking.com and Expedia.com to see what awesome deals are available. We’ve spent countless hours on these sites, and can confidently say that there are some smoking deals right now.
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While we tend to favor Booking.com for individual hotel/resort bookings and Expedia for complete trip packages, that’s just our own opinion. Both platforms are competing for market share, and we think that they both offer compelling value, regardless of the type of trip you’re taking.
To see what’s available, simply click one of the buttons in the box above. Trust us — you can save BIG on your booking!
Over to You — Book Your Trip Today!
| ✅ Best for First-Time Visitors | The Strip |
| 💸 Most Budget-Friendly area | The North Strip |
| 🏛️ Best for History Buffs | Downtown |
| 🎉 Best for Exploring the Real Vegas | West of the Strip |
| 👪 Best for Families | The Suburbs |
For glitz and glamour, there’s no better place to go than the Las Vegas Strip—and accommodation options along the Strip are surprisingly varied when it comes to budget.
If you want a slightly quieter experience, check out Downtown Las Vegas or one of the suburbs. But, in any case, there’s somewhere to stay for all types of travelers and budgets. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to Vegas today!