Why Your Las Vegas Hotel Choice Shapes the Whole Trip
In Las Vegas the hotel is the destination. Many have a casino, pools, restaurants and theatres under one roof, and the area decides how you get around. Four things to weigh.
Location sets how you get around
The Strip is several kilometres long, and distances between hotels are longer than they look. A central hotel saves a lot of walking and taxis.
Hotels have very different personalities
Some are huge themed resorts, some are modern and quiet, and some are compact and walkable. The right fit depends on whether you want spectacle or ease.
Fees and rates vary by area
Resort fees and room rates differ by hotel, so compare the total for your dates and not just the nightly rate.
The same hotel can cost different amounts
Package prices for the same hotel and dates can differ by seller, so compare on TripRadr before you decide.
The Strip vs. Downtown vs. Off-Strip at a Glance
A quick look at how the main areas compare. Hotel names link to their TripRadr pages where we have one; others are in our package data for you to search. Start with the Las Vegas destination page.
Best for
The StripFirst-timers, shows, pools, big-name resortsDowntown & off-StripLower-key stays, walkable casino district, event tripsAtmosphere
The StripLarge themed resorts, fountains, crowds, constant activityDowntown & off-StripOlder, compact and walkable around the Fremont Street areaGetting around
The StripWalking, rideshare, a monorail along the east sideDowntown & off-StripWalkable inside downtown, a drive or rideshare to the StripHotels to look at
Downtown & off-StripCirca and Golden Nugget downtown; Westgate off-Strip near the convention centrePools and dining
The StripMany pools and restaurants inside each resortDowntown & off-StripSmaller pool decks and a mix of hotel and local diningRelative price tier
The StripMedium–HighDowntown & off-StripLow–Medium
Price tiers are directional and vary by date and hotel. Compare live Las Vegas packages on TripRadr for your dates.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Area
Five questions to ask before you pick.
Who is travelling
Couples and first-timers often prefer the central Strip. Families look for resorts with big pool areas. Groups often choose a hotel with many restaurants on site.
How long you will be there
On a short stay, a central location saves time. On a longer stay, a quieter or cheaper area can make sense.
Whether you will rent a car
On the Strip you can usually manage without one. Parking often costs extra, and day trips can be done on a tour.
What else is on
If you are going for a convention or event, a hotel near the venue saves transfers. Otherwise, central beats close to the venue.
Your budget
Downtown and off-Strip hotels often cost less. Add the resort fee and any transport costs to compare fairly.
CHOOSE YOUR HOTEL
Compare Las Vegas Hotels Across Canadian Sites
Pick a hotel, then see its package price across travel sites for your departure city and dates.
Which Area Suits Which Trip
Rules of thumb for matching the area to your trip.
First visit: stay on the central Strip
Hotels such as Bellagio, The Venetian and Caesars Palace are close to a lot of the action. You can walk to many attractions, and rideshare is quick.
Couples: choose a modern, quieter resort
Resorts such as Aria have a more modern feel than the older themed hotels. Check pool and spa details on each hotel page.
Families: look for a themed resort with pools
Some hotels lean into themed attractions. Circus Circus is known for its carnival-style midway and family appeal, and New York-New York has a roller coaster.
Groups and bachelor parties: choose one big hotel
One property with many restaurants and a pool means less planning. Planet Hollywood and The LINQ are central.
Event trips: stay near the venue
For the convention centre, look at hotels such as Westgate. Remember the monorail does not reach the airport or downtown.
Compare fees and timing before you decide
Add the resort fee (guide) and check the month (best time to visit). Then compare the package price.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas FAQ
Is it better to stay on the Strip or downtown?
For a first visit, the Strip puts the big resorts, shows and pools in reach. Downtown is more compact and walkable, with older casinos and a lively pedestrian district. Pick by what you want to do. Start with the Las Vegas destination page.
What is the best area of the Strip to stay in?
The central Strip, around Bellagio, Caesars Palace and The Venetian, is the most convenient for first-timers. The south end, around Mandalay Bay, is quieter, and the north end is closer to the older part of the city.
Can I walk between Las Vegas hotels?
Between neighbouring hotels, often. Along the whole Strip, it is farther than it looks, and summer heat makes long walks hard. A monorail serves the east side of the Strip, and rideshares are widely used.
Is downtown Las Vegas far from the Strip?
It is several kilometres north of the central Strip, so you need a drive or rideshare between them. The monorail does not go downtown.
Which hotels have TripRadr pages?
Many of the larger Strip hotels do, including Bellagio, The Venetian, Caesars Palace, Aria and Mandalay Bay. Browse them on the Las Vegas page. Other hotels appear in our package data and can be found by searching.
Do hotel choices change the resort fee?
Yes. Fees differ by hotel, so compare the total rather than the nightly rate. See our resort fees guide.
How do I pick between hotels with similar prices?
Compare location, pools, the fee and what is on site. Then compare the same hotel and dates across Canadian travel sites from your departure city, for example from Toronto.