Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas

Our Favorite Hotels in Las Vegas

• 5-Star: Four Seasons • Wynn
• 4-The hotel`s official website and a link to examine pricing details for Casa Di Fiore at another booking site • 3-Star: The LINQ
• For Families: The Four Seasons hotel in Las Vegas website • For Couples: Waldorf Astoria
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• Miami Beach: Setai
• Near Sphere: Venetian • Palazzo
• Airport: Residence Inn
• Recommended for couples: Casa Angelina
• Pool-centered: KTM Sunny Villas
• New Hotel: Crockfords Hotel

Best Areas to Stay in Las Vegas

When most people ponder Las Vegas, they have the Strip in their thoughts. It’s the heart of the Vegas action. A location where travelers can experience the sprawling casinos, celebrity restaurants, high-end shopping, art, and entertainment – and remain in the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas can be a busy and disorganized place, and while more experienced Vegas visitors may be tempted to appreciate improved hotel values in the surrounding suburbs, newcomers should stick with the Strip. It’s a deep immersion into the lights, energy, and excitement that most people crave concerning Sin City.

The Strip refers to a roughly four-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard running from the Russell Road vicinity near the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” signal to Sahara Avenue, just south of the Stratosphere tower. In between can be found major resorts like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, Wynn, Venetian, Palazzo, Mirage, and numerous others. The properties all attempt to outdo one another, hosting shows, nightclubs, restaurants, and other attractions. The Strip is centered around spectacle, with bright neon signboards and flashy surroundings.

Accommodations known for elaborate themes like the Excalibur and Luxor are balanced by ultra-modern properties such as the Aria and Cosmopolitan – each endeavoring to provide broad appeal to all demographic groups, meaning that the best hotels for families in Las Vegas can also be suitable for business travelers, newlyweds, and everyone else between. Whereas casinos once were the main attraction and economic driver, younger crowds are increasingly interested in celebrity chef restaurants, trendy lounges, and crowded nightclubs. The activity is no more restricted indoors; outdoor spaces like The LINQ and The Park are cultivating a fresh open-air image for Las Vegas.

While surrounding residential areas are primarily known for their home values, schools that educate children, and communities that welcome families, Las Vegas’ emergence as a center for sports is taking form directly on the Strip itself. The T-Mobile Arena, home to the Vegas Golden Knights NHL team, has provided new vitality to a previously ignored stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, while Allegiant stadium (not far from the Mandalay Bay) has welcomed the NFL’s Raiders to the city.

With so much to see and do in Vegas, it makes sense to spend most of your time on the Strip. After getting familiar with the layout, you may want to explore other quieter areas like Summerlin and Henderson. However, some regular visitors love returning to the Strip repeatedly – and wouldn`t want it any other way.

The Strip is centrally located and an excellent hub for exploring family-friendly activities across Southern Nevada. Continue north on Las Vegas Boulevard and you’ll arrive at Fremont Street and the rest of Downtown. Surrounding regions like Chinatown, Henderson, or Summerlin are easy to visit by car, shuttle, or ride-sharing service. You’ll also find no shortage of tour groups ready to venture out to the Hoover Dam near Boulder City or, if you’ve got time to spare, Valley of Fire State Park and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Helicopter tours to those destinations are always preferable to buses — and worth a few extra dollars.

Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas

a crowd of people standing on top of a beach

Best Las Vegas Neighborhoods

  • Best Neighborhood in Las Vegas for First Timers: The Strip
    The Strip is the heart of Las Vegas and provides an experience like no other for those searching for excitement, entertainment, luxury. Remaining on the Strip means being encircled by world-famous hotels, casinos, eateries, and attractions, all within easy walking distance. The Strip caters to every taste, from family-friendly doings to round-the-clock partying, making it the perfect starting point for a novice visitor to Las Vegas.
  • Best neighborhood in Las Vegas for sightseeing: The Strip

    • The Strip is where all the visitors go. Everything is within walking distance, making it effortless to see sights such as the fountains of the Bellagio, the High Roller observation wheel, a half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower, and the erupting volcano display at the Mirage. When nightfall arrives, the brilliant lights, video screens, and illuminated signs themselves become an attraction.

  • The Downtown neighborhood has the best gaming possibilities in Las Vegas.

    • If you just want a big noisy casino, you’ll be fine on the Strip. However, Downtown has a little more flexibility for those who value their dollar. The El Cortez has some of the most player-friendly terms and conditions in town, including low minimums, 3-2 single and double deck blackjack, and 10x odds on craps. Stroll through the Fremont Street Experience and you’ll still find a few penny slots, which have mostly disappeared from the Strip. Walk through The D and you’ll find the only Sigma Derby left in town. It’s an old-school game in which miniature mechanic horses race around a track.

  • Best Neighborhoods in Las Vegas for Food & Restaurants: The Strip and Chinatown
    Las Vegas is world-renowned for its culinary scene. Count Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, Giada de Laurentiis, Bobby Flay, and the late Joel Robuchon as celebrity chefs with a strong presence on the Strip. Most large resorts have all the basics covered, from French and Italian to Mexican, Japanese, and of course, great steakhouses. However, neighborhood dining has taken on a life of its own in recent years. That’s especially true in Chinatown — a hotbed of Asian dining where you’ll often find the Strip’s top chefs consuming on their downtime.
  • Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Las Vegas: Henderson and Summerlin
    Las Vegas has one of the fastest growing property markets nationwide with prime examples found at opposite ends of the valley. Henderson feels similar to the southeast corner of Vegas but is truly the second biggest city in Nevada. Summerlin is a deliberately planned community on the far west side. Both areas include parks, walking paths, eateries, and contemporary shopping centers. Homes range from affordable to lavish luxury estates.
  • Most Romantic Area in Las Vegas: The Las Vegas Strip and Mt. Charleston
    The Strip, though busy and crowded, offers intimate moments. Savor drinks with scenic views at lounges such as Skyfall at the Delano or Skybar at the Waldorf Astoria. Pass a multi-course French supper at Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace or Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand. However, for something entirely different, take your significant other to Mt. Charleston. At over 7,000 feet, couples can enjoy the cooler climate, winter snowfall, and warm drinks at the Mt. Charleston Lodge.
  • Best neighborhood in Las Vegas for a local atmosphere: Downtown

    • Once you leave the bright illuminations of the Fremont Street Experience, you’ll quickly understand Downtown has a strong bond to Vegas locals that’s genuinely authentic and full of history. The pubs and restaurants in the Fremont East area are sociable and engaging. Explore further east and you’ll come across PublicUs, a coffeeshop where the baristas are nearly like bartenders. However, the Arts District offers the most neighborhood flair and is one of the speediest developing zones in Vegas. Hit up bars like the Velveteen Rabbit and ReBar. You’ll feel a world away from the Strip.

  • Walking is most enjoyable along the iconic Strip in Las Vegas.

    • You’ve got four miles of sights to see, so make good use of your feet. Exploring the Strip can be tiring, but extremely convenient with pedestrian bridges, escalators, and overpasses. Free trams operate between the Mirage and Treasure Island… Bellagio, Shops at Crystals, and Aria… and Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur, which definitely help give your feet a rest in between the shops, bars, restaurants, and casinos.

  • Safest Areas of Las Vegas:
    Is the Strip free of crime? No, but it’s very safe, especially if you stick to where it’s busy. The suburbs, like Henderson, Summerlin, Southern Highlands, and the Southwest Valley are generally safe, but designed for cars more than foot traffic. Downtown is safe if you stay close to Fremont Street and tourist-friendly business areas.
  • Unsafe Areas of Las Vegas:
    Don’t explore outside the main areas near the North Strip and Downtown of Las Vegas. Stay in busy tourist zones and you’ll be fine. Don’t take shortcuts along dim roads or through alleyways. North Las Vegas has higher crime rates in the valley, but out-of-towners have little reason to go there. Some regions to the east of the Strip are questionable, particularly the Twain/Swenson area and the Boulder Strip. Cannabis dispensaries in the industrial section west of the Strip are within walking distance of major resorts, but those trips are best made during the daytime, not at night.

The 10 Best Areas in Las Vegas for Tourists

1. The Strip

There is no uncertainty that The Strip is the central location for visitors looking to take in the sights, sounds, and excitement of Las Vegas. While the entire Strip runs approximately four miles between Russell and Sahara, most of the activity is in the mid to south end between the two Wynn resorts and the Mandalay Bay property, which also accommodates the Delano and Four Seasons. The area has plenty of entertainment options, counting six Cirque du Soleil productions and residencies ranging from Lady Gaga and Cher at the Park Theater to Rod Stewart and Reba McEntire joined by Brooks & Dunn at the Colosseum, and Gwen Stefani at the Axis Theater. Even though casinos were once intended to keep visitors indoors, outside spaces like The LINQ (home to the High Roller wheel and the first zipline on the Strip) and The Park outside the T-Mobile Arena are now taking advantage of younger generations less interested in gambling. That’s also true for the nightclubs and pool parties available at the major resorts. However, it’s the restaurants that have the broadest appeal. Las Vegas has some of the very best dining destinations worldwide with a variety of styles and a large number of celebrity chefs well represented. High-end shopping centers are an especially powerful draw for foreign visitors.

2. North Strip

The northern end of the strip feels somewhat disconnected from the remainder of the tourist corridor, thanks to stalled initiatives like the Fontainebleau and the implosion of the Riviera, which left little more than a parking lot behind. However, you can still find excellent deals (and recent renovations) at both the Sahara and The Strat (formerly Stratosphere), which towers over the western United States landscape. This area is also where the Strip starts to merge with downtown. It’s an unusual location, filled with pawn shops, wedding chapels, and bail bondsman services, yet it also hides a few hidden gems. Check out Dino’s (a dive bar with great karaoke performances), the Golden Steer Steakhouse, and the Goodwich, home to the finest sandwiches in Vegas.

3. Downtown

Here`s where the spirit and landscape of classic Las Vegas can be found. Located directly north of the Strip, Downtown is at the heart of the legitimate “city of Las Vegas” and separated into numerous areas. Visitors will be most keen in the Fremont Street Experience, a five-block pedestrian mall that`s closed to vehicles and home to many casinos, hotels, restaurants, and other points of interest, like the Slotzilla zip line ride. Fremont East is best known for its bars while the Downtown Arts District is an emerging region focused on locals with second-hand shops and an remarkable developing dining scene. Make a point to visit the Neon Museum, where vintage neon signs are on display, and the Smith Center, a gorgeous building that`s home to the Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows.

4. Summerlin

Summerlin is a master-planned district of 35 square miles that greatly influences the west valley of Las Vegas. It’s separated into various family-oriented home neighborhoods with golf courses, walking paths, and hundreds of parks. Summerlin is around a 15-minute drive from the Strip and near both Red Rock Canyon and Mt. Charleston. The area has evolved from being generally residential to having attractions of its own, like Red Rock Resort, City National Arena (where the Vegas Golden Knights practice in front of the general public), and outside retail districts such as Tivoli Village and Downtown Summerlin. The Summerlin Parkway is a direct highway to the Strip and Downtown.

5. Henderson & Lake Las Vegas

Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada and while mostly a residential community, still has appeal for visitors from outside the local area. It occupies the southeast quarter of the valley and feels akin to being a part of Las Vegas. Henderson has a broad network of parks and walking trails, rendering it a highly desirable place to live. Hotels like The M Resort and Green Valley Ranch are attractive for individuals who want upscale accommodations near the Strip without the busy crowds that come with truly being on the Strip. Water Street in the downtown district has its share of smaller businesses and casinos. Lake Las Vegas is just a few minutes away and a genuine escape with a handful of hotels and restaurants on the water.

6. Boulder City & Lake Mead

It`s uncommon for Las Vegas sightseers to set aside a day to travel westward and explore the Hoover Dam. It`s situated near Boulder City, a town that`s generally residential and among the few in Nevada that don`t permit casinos. It`s a charming area with parks, eateries, bars, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The historic Boulder Dam Hotel features a downstairs speakeasy and a complimentary museum in the lobby devoted to telling the story of the Hoover Dam. Other experiences close by include boating and rafting at Lake Mead, the zipline park at Bootleg Canyon, and the Nevada State Railroad Museum with fully operational historic locomotives from years past. If more gambling is still desired, the Hoover Dam Lodge is far enough outside city boundaries to have a casino.

    Plat and SappoLodge

  • An annual event known as the Aruba Art Fair takes place in San Nicolas over the course of three days. International and local artists create street artwork and graffiti during this time. Music, dance, poetry exhibits, regional cuisine and beverages, as well as various live performances are also featured.

7. Chinatown

Las Vegas`s Chinatown is undeservingly one of the nation`s most underrated, home to incredible eateries, for example Raku and its robata grill, Yui for high-end sushi, and Monta Noodle House serving the best ramen in town. The district also demonstrates diversity with non-Asian companies like the lounge Golden Tiki, blues bar Sand Dollar, Partage for French fine dining, Mordeo for wine and global dishes, and Sparrow + Wolf, where no type of food is off limits. Chinatown, dominating the two miles of Spring Mountain Road west of the Strip, is a place to dine and experience culture, not book a hotel room. The closest lodgings lie to the east on the Strip or north on Flamingo.

8. Red Rock Canyon,Blue Diamond, & Mt. Charleston

The far western valley of Las Vegas is a premier destination for nature enthusiasts, particularly federally protected Red Rock Canyon, where colorful sandstone peaks attract bike riders, hikers, and rock climbers. Detour to Blue Diamond (an old mining community) to grab a bite at Cottonwood Station, a charming casual restaurant with great pizzas, or picnic at Howard Hughes’ old ranch, now Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. Travel up to Mt. Charleson for cooler temperatures and snow covered mountains. It’s a popular winter escape for those who love skiing, sledding, snowboarding, or enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate.

9. East Valley/Boulder Strip

The area east of the Strip is generally an older residential region, but has a few points of interest to outsiders: mainly the airport and the Convention Center. Both are in close proximity to hotels, casinos, and restaurants a bit more affordable than what you’ll find on the Strip. Head farther east to the Boulder Strip and you’ll hit a trio of locals-focused casinos (Boulder Station, Sam’s Town, and Eastside Cannery) and Sam Boyd Stadium, home to the UNLV Rebels football team.

10. Primm,Goodsprings, & Jean

For most people traveling on Interstate 15 from California, their initial taste of Las Vegas culture comes directly over the state line at Primm, which has slightly more to provide than a gas refill. Stay a while at one of three hotels, each with their own casinos. Whiskey Pete`s is best known for showcasing the bullet-ridden automobile that belonged to Bonnie and Clyde on display in the lobby. Buffalo Bill`s has a roller coaster that passes through it, a fun buffalo-shaped pool, and the Star of the Desert Arena, which hosts nationwide touring acts. Primm Valley Resorts is a little more conventional, but near the outlet mall, where you can find items at significantly less than at the high-end shopping centers on the Strip. Carry on about 13 miles north to Terrible`s, where the Batmobile and other classic cars are on display in the lobby. Venture off the well-worn path to the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings. The oldest bar in Southern Nevada has undergone a few welcome renovations in recent years, but stays a charming relic of the Old West.

Map of Where to Stay in Las Vegas

a collage of photos showing different types of food Accommodations displayed on Map: Mt. Charleston Lodge • The Resort on Mt. Charleston • La Quinta Inn • JW Marriott • Suncoast • Red Rock Resort • Boulder Station • Sam’s Town • Westin Lake Las Vegas • Sunset Station • Green Valley Ranch • The M Resort • Hoover Dam Lodge • Boulder Dam Hotel • Milo’s Inn • Best Western • Whiskey Pete’s • Buffalo Bill’s • California • Downtown Grand • Oasis at Gold Spike • Golden Nugget • The D • Thunderbird • The STRAT • SAHARA Las Vegas • Hilton Grand Vacations • Circus Circus • Wynn • Treasure Island •

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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