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

86 hotels, A–Z

A Guide to Luxury Poolside Cabanas in Las Vegas

Aria Hotel Las Vegas

ARIA Resort Las Vegas

Arizona Charlie's Boulder Hotel Las Vegas

Arizona Charlie’s Decatur Hotel Las Vegas

Artisan Hotel Las Vegas

Bally's Las Vegas

Bellagio Hotel Vegas

Boulder Station Hotel Las Vegas

Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Caesars Palace Pool Complex

Cannery Casino Las Vegas

Circa Hotel Las Vegas

Circus Circus Las Vegas

Cosmopolitan Hotel Las Vegas

Cromwell Hotel Las Vegas

D Hotel Las Vegas

Delano Las Vegas

Downtown Fremont Hotel

Downtown Grand Hotel

Drai's Beach Club at The Cromwell

Eastside Cannery Hotel Las Vegas

El Cortez Hotel Las Vegas

Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas

Quick answers