CASINOS
LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS
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WYNN / ENCORE
3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
PROS
When it comes to luxury in Las Vegas, the Wynn and Encore are in a league of their own. From ultra-comfortable beds that guarantee a perfect night’s sleep to a casino where players are treated right, every detail is top-tier. The shopping, dining, and nightlife are all world-class—yes, it’s pricier, but the quality makes it worth every penny. Whether you’re indulging in room service with a movie and a stunning view or heading downstairs to dive into the action, you’ll find everything you need right on-site. With a stylish crowd and an international vibe, it’s no wonder they’re known as the best in town.
CONS
One downside of the Wynn is that, with so many high-rollers and some of the wealthiest players in the world, it’s easy to feel like a small fish. When it comes to perks like free rooms and complimentary dining, they’re notoriously stingy—simply because they can afford to be.
VENETIAN / PALAZZO
3325 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
PROS
The Venetian and Palazzo are arguably among the best hotels in Vegas, right alongside the Wynn—and conveniently located right next door. With a 4.5-star rating, stepping inside instantly transports you to a Venetian dream, thanks to the stunning décor. The dining options are top-tier, including CUT, Wolfgang Puck’s premier steakhouse, making it nearly impossible not to have an amazing time. Every room is a suite, so even their most basic accommodations feel luxurious, with extra space and upscale touches. If you want a five-star experience without the hefty price tag, their standard rooms still make you feel like a high roller.
CONS
One downside of staying at The Venetian is that some guests feel it has lost its boutique charm since the Adelson Group sold it a few years ago.
BELLAGIO
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
PROS
The Bellagio remains one of the top hotels in Las Vegas. Designed by Steve Wynn, it shares a similar upscale ambiance to the Wynn, complete with an international vibe. As an MGM resort, it stands out as the most high-end property among MGM’s numerous casinos in town. The hotel excels at taking care of its casino players, making it a great choice for gamblers. For dining, I highly recommend Yellowtail—it’s easily one of the best sushi restaurants in the city.
CONS
One downside of the Bellagio Hotel is the inconsistency in service. One visit might offer a top-tier, AAA-level experience, while another just a week later could feel noticeably different.
GOLDEN NUGGET
129 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
PROS
The Golden Nugget is the original Steve Wynn hotel in downtown Las Vegas, reminiscent of the old Mirage, complete with massive fish tanks featuring sharks, a classic steakhouse, and an authentic old Vegas atmosphere. Located across the street from the original Binion's Horseshoe Hotel, it’s a hotspot for high-stakes action and a true representation of vintage Las Vegas.
CONS
The downside of the Golden Nugget Hotel is that the rooms can feel worn down due to years of use, even the renovated ones. The lingering downtown vibe carries into the rooms, with the remnants of heavy partying and questionable encounters sometimes noticeable in the air.
RED ROCK CASINO
11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135
PROS
Red Rock Casino is a stunning hotel in Summerlin, offering breathtaking views of Red Rock Mountain and just a short walk from an outdoor mall. The resort has plenty to offer, including bowling, multiple restaurants, and a lively poker scene—while the stakes are lower, the action is still entertaining, attracting a strong local crowd. The rooms are sleek and modern, with significant investment put into their design, making it one of the best value stays among Vegas hotels.
CONS
One downside of Red Rock Casino is the strong local presence, which can sometimes take away from the classic Vegas vibe. While the atmosphere is still lively, locals can be a bit relentless and chincy at the tables, adding a different dynamic to the gambling experience.
CIRCA
8 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
PROS
Circa Hotel, located in downtown Las Vegas, has revitalized the area with its high-energy, adults-only atmosphere—no one under 21 is even allowed inside, giving it a true “grown-man Vegas” feel. Its sportsbook is arguably the best in the world, designed like an arena with massive screens and an extensive range of betting options, including player props. The pool offers a similar experience, featuring giant screens for an immersive sports-viewing vibe. For dining, Barry’s Downtown Prime is a must-visit, brought to you by the owner of the legendary N9NE Steakhouse at the Palms.
CONS
One downside of Circa Hotel is its downtown Las Vegas location, where you might encounter some of the city’s grittier elements—street performers, panhandlers, and a bit of urban chaos. While this can be off-putting to some, others might find it adds to the raw, unfiltered energy of the area, making for a wild and unpredictable Vegas experience.
ARIA
3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158
PROS
The Aria Hotel, an MGM property, is a modern counterpart to the Bellagio, located in the vibrant CityCenter district. It sits near the upscale Crystals Mall and is home to the legendary Italian restaurant, Carbone. This hotspot offers top-tier gambling and nightlife, and it’s renowned for hosting some of the biggest high-stakes poker games in town.
CONS
One potential downside of the Aria Hotel—depending on your perspective—is its location in the bustling CityCenter. While traffic can make it difficult to access on busy weekends, it remains within walking distance of several top hotels and attractions, making it a convenient choice for many visitors.
D. HOTEL
301 Freemont St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
PROS
The D Hotel, owned by the same team behind Circa, brings a high-energy, nightclub-like atmosphere to downtown Las Vegas. From the moment you step inside, you’re met with blaring music and a party vibe that extends throughout the casino. Even the dealers get in on the action—from dealing to hoping on poles and dancing, adding to the entertainment. It’s a unique and lively experience, but definitely not a place for kids.
For those looking for a quality dining option, Andiamo Italian Steakhouse serves up premium cuts in a classic setting and stays open until 11:30 PM, making it a great late-night spot for a top-tier meal.
CONS
The presence of some questionable characters in the area is part of the downtown Vegas atmosphere, which may not appeal to everyone.
The loud, high-energy music adds to the party vibe but can be overwhelming, especially while gambling.
At games like craps, the noise level can make it difficult for dealers to hear your bets, potentially slowing down gameplay.
FONTAINEBLEU
2777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
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PROS
The Fontainebleau Hotel is a stunning and spacious destination with incredibly comfortable beds. It captures the same iconic Miami vibe as the original hotel, famously featured in the James Bond movie Goldfinger. Now, with its expansion to Las Vegas, it brings that same energy, complete with a casino, a Miami-style nightclub, and top-tier restaurants. One standout is the renowned Papi Steakhouse, where you can indulge in a $1,000 steak served in a suitcase with an unforgettable presentation.
CONS
One drawback of Fontainebleau Las Vegas is that, despite its lively weekends, the sheer size of the hotel and casino can make it feel noticeably empty on weekdays. While some appreciate the open space and pristine atmosphere, others feel it lacks the energy expected from a Vegas resort, giving it more of a private lounge vibe than a bustling hotel.
DURANGO HOTEL
6915 S. Durango Dr. Las Vegas, NV. 89113
PROS
Durango Casino & Resort, located in the Rhodes Ranch area, offers an upscale off-the-Strip experience as the sister property to Red Rock Casino. Known for its modern and stylish design, Durango has moved away from the traditional dark casino aesthetic, opting for a bright and inviting atmosphere. The food hall is a standout feature, offering a diverse selection of dining options to suit every taste.
For those seeking relaxation, the resort includes a spa tub, which many guests find to be a perfect retreat. The Vista Suite bathrooms are spa-inspired, featuring spacious showers, high-end amenities, and, in some suites, elegant freestanding soaking tubs for the ultimate indulgence.
CONS
One downside to Durango Casino is that, unlike other Station Casinos properties, it doesn’t include amenities like a bingo hall, bowling alley, or movie theater. Given its off-Strip location, some might expect these additional entertainment options to be available, but they are noticeably absent.
