Question 1

What is the best Las Vegas hotel for a first-time visitor?

Accepted Answer

For a first Vegas trip, book a center-Strip hotel between Bellagio and The Cosmopolitan — you'll be within a 10-minute walk of the fountains, top restaurants, and half a dozen shows. Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, and Aria are our top three first-timer picks.

Question 2

Are Las Vegas resort fees mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every Strip hotel charges a resort fee ($40–$55/night) on top of the room rate, and it's not optional at booking. You can dispute or waive it in three situations: loyalty free-night stays, comped rooms via a casino host, or when amenities you paid for (pool, gym) were closed during your stay.

Question 3

How much should I budget per night for a Vegas hotel?

Accepted Answer

Midweek (Sunday–Thursday), $120–$200/night gets you into a solid Strip hotel with resort fees. Weekends run $250–$400+ for the same room. Off-Strip and downtown properties like The Strat, Red Rock, and The Plaza cut those numbers in half.

Question 4

Is it better to stay on the Strip or off-Strip?

Accepted Answer

Stay on the Strip if it's your first trip or a short (2–3 night) visit — walkability to shows and restaurants matters. Stay off-Strip (Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch, Downtown) for longer trips, family travel, or if you've been to Vegas before and want quieter rooms plus cheaper table minimums.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

143 hotels, A–Z

M Hotel Las Vegas

Main Street Station Hotel

Mandalay Bay Hotel Las Vegas

Mandalay Bay Resort Pool

Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan

Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan

MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas

MGM Grand Pool Complex

Mirage Hotel Las Vegas

Motel 6 Las Vegas – Off-Strip

New York New York Las Vegas

Nobu Hotel Las Vegas

NoMad Hotel las Vegas

OYO Hotel Las Vegas

Palazzo Hotel Las Vegas

Palms Casino Las Vegas

Palms Casino Resort Pools

Palms Place Las Vegas

Paris Hotel Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas Pool

Park MGM Las Vegas

Planet Hollywood Hotel Las Vegas

Plaza Hotel Vegas

Red Rock Casino Resort pool

Quick answers