Find flights to Las Vegas then choose from a vast array of hip hotels to hunker down in. The four-mile Strip is where most of the hotels are clustered, but other areas – such as east of the Strip, the Gateway District and downtown – also offer places to hole up while in town. Remember: rooms in Vegas can generally be snagged for reasonable rates, as hotels rely on guests splashing the cash at gaming tables. Here’s our pick of the lodging litter.
1. BEST FOR: FAMILIES
Debating between booking a flight to New York or Vegas? Twelve skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge make up this Big Apple-themed resort, which houses no less than 2,023 rooms and suites for those on a budget. The vast New York-New York has a host of bars and restaurants to tickle any fancy and satisfy any craving, though we suggest saving the hotel’s delicious delicacies until after a ride on the in-house roller coaster. The city that never sleeps tries its best to make sure that you don’t get any shut-eye in Vegas either, offering an overwhelming range of things to do for both adults and kids with different parts of the hotel themed around different New York neighborhoods. Kids will love the in-house arcade styled on Coney Island, while adults can drink hard at Coyote Ugly and experience the Cirque du Soleil show Zumanity – all without even setting foot outside of the accommodations. Wrapping things up is a moving exhibition that pays homage to those who lost their lives in the atrocities of Sept. 11, proving that Vegas does have substance as well as style.
2. BEST FOR: COUPLES
A few blocks removed from the Strip on Paradise Road, Planet Hollywood is rock ‘n’ roll to the (hard)core with gaming tables galore, pools with underwater sound systems and even elevators inscribed with memorable musicians’ quotes. Those who can’t quite stretch to the astronomical price tag of the penthouse suite (with a bowling alley, no less) will have to make do with a standard Strip-view room – still pretty damn impressive – with queen-size beds and LCD TVs, and all for a good price. In-house entertainment includes the legendary Rehab parties around the pool each Sunday, while sensible guests eschew the expensive cuisine at Nobu in favor of child-friendly comfort food at Pink Taco. Naturally, gaming is big business here and a casino fringing the lobby ensures you’re in the heart of the gambling action whether you like it or not. And with shuttles running to and from the Strip every half hour, escape from the hustle and bustle of the Hard Rock is never far off.
3. BEST FOR: EVERYONE
One of three hotels that share this mammoth-sized, 60-acre complex, Mandalay Bay is tucked away at the south end of the Strip and plays host to anyone and everyone: mature couples taking a break from cruises, fun-loving families with kids to entertain and Gen X and Gen Y in search of high-octane thrills and spills. There’s plenty of bang for your buck in the newly-refurbished rooms; the standard size comes in at 55 square feet with floor-to-ceiling windows and his ‘n’ hers sinks. Amenity-wise, there’s Mandalay Bay Beach – 11 acres of sand, simulated surf and a beachside casino – as well as shops, a spa and a seemingly never-ending roster of dining, drinking and dancing options. Certainly, it’s not hard to see why this sprawling, reasonably-priced stay has something for everyone. Be sure to sample the spice of life at Border Grill; enjoy empanadas, enchiladas and other mouthwatering Mexican fare on the al fresco patio with views out over the lazy river, all washed down with an ice-cold margarita – or two, or seven. A bright and airy casino will keep grown-ups occupied, while Disney’s musical The Lion King and an aquarium ensure the kids are happy, too.
4. BEST FOR: MATURE GUESTS
Found in Henderson – just 15 minutes from the Strip – Green Valley Ranch is perfectly positioned for those who want to enjoy all the action of Vegas without hearing the jangling of slot machines when they’re trying to get some shut-eye. The seven mile journey means prices are generally cheaper than more centrally-located stays, and children 17 and under get to bunk with their parents for free. Standard rooms are no less than 510 square feet, too, which is a decent size for the room rate; Wi-Fi, a turndown service and goose-down comforters come as standard, while the clean, comfortable interiors are somewhat chain-y but inoffensive nonetheless. Late-night drinkers can prop at Drop, while a handful of in-house restaurants (Turf Grill is quick, easy and reasonable), gaming and spa facilities bulk up the hotel’s on-site offerings. And proving that a location away from the Strip doesn’t mean complete isolation, the adjoining District shopping area offers no less than 50 retail outlets for those who want to stock up.
5. BEST FOR: SINGLES AND LONG STAYS
Budget Suites of America
The clue’s in the name. Clean and comfortable, Budget Suites of America is the best bet for those who use a hotel merely as a place to lay their weary head. Found conveniently located by the intersection on Tropicana Avenue (and elsewhere in Sin City), each apartment is spacious with an in-room kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi and laundry services downstairs – perfect for a no-frills stay. There’s a pool, though we suggest popping by one of the resort hotels and renting a lounger/cabana for the day with the money you’re saving with reasonable room rates. Naturally, it’s chain-inspired décor throughout, but you’re not checking-in here for its style credentials; rather, its allure lies in a location that’s within walking distance of all the frills and spills of the city, and for a price that won’t break the bank. This, coupled with cheap flights to Vegas, will allow you to blow your budget where it counts: entertainment.
Have your own recommendations on where to stay in Vegas? We’d love to hear! Leave a comment or let us know via Twitter.
