Did you know that it snows in Las Vegas? When I was just 12 years old, I had the opportunity to visit Las Vegas for the first time. Expecting the scorching heat that everyone had warned me about, I stepped out of the car, into a distinct February chill. It was a surprise to me, so I just assumed it must have been a rare cold day.
The following morning, my family and I left the hotel to experience the Las Vegas Strip for the first time. But to our surprise it had undergone a remarkable transformation. It was no longer just a city of opportunities amidst a barren, desert landscape. Instead, it had magically been turned into a snow-covered paradise! This festive scene made me, a curious and wide-eyed 12 year-old, fall head over heels in love with this unique corner of the world.
Let me tell you, all the hotels in Las Vegas are truly architectural wonders. They have surpassed their purpose of providing a place to sleep and become iconic landmarks in their own right. When I first caught a glimpse of the Las Vegas Strip from my hotel window, my jaw dropped. The view was nothing short of breath taking. To my left, I saw the towering New York skyline, while to my right, I was transported to the enchanting streets of Paris. When I returned as an adult my curiosity didn’t stop there, being able to experience Las Vegas was equally as an incredible experience.
The burning question is: How can you create an equally unforgettable experience on your Las Vegas holiday?
Well, my friends, it all starts with the choice of your hotel…
Out of all the city breaks I have experienced worldwide, there is something about Las Vegas that truly stands out. The Las Vegas experience is completely different to any other city in the world, and when faced with so many hotel options, it can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate through all the hotels and narrow down your perfect choice, I have analysed some of the best options below. I hope it makes your Las Vegas stay as unforgettable as mine.
In my opinion, the most luxurious hotel on the Las Vegas strip, at the moment, is The Wynn and its sister resort, The Encore. They are nothing short of spectacular. The buildings’ graceful curves and prestigious copper exteriors reflect the sun, making them stand out on the Las Vegas Strip. But it’s not just about looks; the interior of The Wynn confirms what the exterior hints at — a modern, luxury experience.
The Wynn aims to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who stays there. It offers the most luxurious bedrooms in Las Vegas, fitted with large, flat-screen smart TVs, a huge ensuite bathroom with a separate shower and bath tub, and all the amenities you would expect from a high-end hotel. Additionally, The Wynn boasts its own unique 18 hole golf course and an in-house theatre, providing entertainment options beyond the casino floor.
Speaking of casinos, how can we talk about Vegas without mentioning the casinos? The Wynn and The Encore are home to the largest casino in Vegas, boasting a combined 191,424 square feet of gaming space. The casino features both traditional and digital player stations, ensuring that everyone can get the full Las Vegas experience.
Who’s first thought when someone mentions Vegas isn’t The Bellagio? Everything about the Bellagio is iconic; from the dancing ‘Fountains of Bellagio’, to the 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers in the ceiling of the lobby, that welcome you and set the dazzling scene for your stay. And how could you not mention the perfect central location on the Strip that enables swift access up and down the strip. Not only will you be able to say you have been to Vegas, you will be able to say that you have stayed in the beautiful Bellagio, where films like Ocean’s 11 were made.
The Bellagio offers a traditional, luxury stay with elegant modern rooms, rich décor, custom artwork and marble bathrooms. Bored of exploring outside? Head to the huge 156,000 square foot casino and enjoy Las Vegas’s main attraction! The hotel’s signature attraction is the Fountains of Bellagio, a collection of water fountains that are synchronised to music, in an eight and a half acre lake.
There is plenty more entertainment under the Bellagio’s roof, such as the Gallery of Fine Art where you could spend hours looking at the works of Monet and Picasso. So if you’re looking to stay somewhere iconic, The Bellagio is definitely your best bet!
Have you ever dreamed of watching stars like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen race down the Las Vegas Strip? Are you looking for front row views for the Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix? How about watching those Formula One cars race down the strip at 200+ miles per hour, all from the comfort of your comfortable hotel room? Well look no further than Caesars Palace. While this iconic resort is perfect placed for the Grand Prix, it offers a lot more all year round. You can stay in this Roman themed hotel, famous for its huge 20 foot statue of Julius Caesar close to the entrance (a perfect place to get a selfie!).
The elegant rooms at Caesar’s Palace are housed in six towers and come with sleek modern décor, luxurious furnishings and custom artwork. Enjoy the opulent and lavish surroundings of the 124,181 square foot casino while playing slots and table games – including blackjack and poker.
All of this and the opportunity to watch the epitome of racing from your hotel room on Saturday The 18th of November 2023. Why look further than the historic Caesars Palace?
Want to go to Las Vegas but don’t want the garish “Vegas-style” themes found in other resorts? The Virgin Hotel could be the perfect option for you.
The Virgin Hotel Las Vegas, promotes itself as a bright and fresh resort hotel so you can expect a fun and relaxed approach to Vegas hospitality. While the hotel is located two blocks away from the Strip there are still plenty of opportunities for fun. Head to the Virgin Hotel’s huge casino with more than 45 tables and 550 slot machines or grab some dinner at one of the fourteen different restaurants including Thai, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean and American cuisine. Check out who’s playing at the hotel’s own concert venue, or enjoy a little retail therapy at the in-resort boutiques.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Enjoy an extremely relaxed stay in your bedroom decorated in clean and bright colours, with plenty of space and large windows overlooking the beach club or strip. All Virgin Hotel rooms feature an ergonomically designed bed, walk-in dressing area, large screen TV, mini-bar and spacious ensuite bathroom, including large bathtub and shower. So if you are looking for a more relaxed Vegas experience, then Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is our top pick!
One of the quirks of a stay in Las Vegas is the opportunity to experience a different city within Las Vegas. In my opinion, The Venetian is the perfect example. This prestigious hotel is based on the historic Italian city of Venice, offering a truly immersive experience.
As soon as you step into the lobby, you will feel like you have been transported to another country. The Venetian boasts its own canal system and authentic Italian gondolas, allowing guests to ride up and down the Grand Canal Shoppes, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere.
Beyond the Venetian-inspired architecture and canals, there is plenty to do within the hotel. You can spend your days in the buzzing casino, trying your luck at the gaming tables and slot machines. If you’re looking for a break from the gambling, you can indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa, explore the expansive five-acre rooftop pool complex, or take a stroll along the cobblestone walkways lined with restaurants and boutique shops.
The Venetian doesn’t disappoint when it comes to accommodations either. The spacious and luxurious rooms are beautifully appointed, providing a sense of personalization and comfort. With elegant furnishings, contemporary colour palettes, and marble bathrooms, each room exudes a sense of sophistication and charm.
Holidays and fly drives including time in Las Vegas.
If you are looking for the best hotel on the south side of the Las Vegas Strip, the MGM Grand is an excellent choice. Not only is it the largest hotel in America with over 6,800 rooms, but it also has a rich events and boxing history, having been featured in films like Rocky and Creed. The MGM Grand embodies the classic Las Vegas experience, offering a colossal emerald-coloured casino resort with a massive gambling floor.
In addition to the sprawling casino, the MGM Grand features multiple restaurants, bars, and lounges, providing a wide range of dining and entertainment options. You can relax by one of the five outdoor pools, unwind in the sauna or steam room, or enjoy a workout at the gym. And when the sun sets, the hotel’s decadent nightclub comes to life with world-famous DJs, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
The modern rooms at the MGM Grand are just as impressive as the hotel itself. With warm, contemporary colour palettes, sleek furnishings, glass-topped desks, and marble bathrooms, the rooms offer a perfect blend of style and comfort. Whether you’re seeking a classic Las Vegas experience or simply want to enjoy the luxurious amenities, the MGM Grand has it all.
Las Vegas may not seem like a place to bring the family but that is simply not the case. While there are some adult only attractions in Las Vegas, it is also home to some child and family friendly experiences that you won’t find elsewhere. The New York, New York Hotel is the prime example. Not only will you be staying in an entire city inside of another city, but you will also have easy access to a huge arcade. Kids love playing in the arcade and for the daring little ones, the ‘Big Apple’ rollercoaster will ignite their excitement!
However, it’s not all for the kids. Within the New York New York Hotel there is a state-of-the-art casino complete with 80 gaming tables and 2,000 slot machines. And if that isn’t enough, there’s also live entertainment, more than a dozen bars and nightclubs and multiple restaurants. The spacious rooms and suites have been refurbished to offer no-nonsense rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of The Strip. Unwind in luxury with a view! Perfect for a family city retreat!
There is not one answer that will fit everyone. All of these hotels fit their purpose perfectly. Whether you are looking for a luxurious stay or an iconic trip that you’ll never forget, Las Vegas has it all. I would recommend that you first decide what your priorities are when visiting Las Vegas. Is it to have a relaxing holiday? Or is it to have an exciting city getaway? Then make a decision based on the type of holiday you are looking for.
If you are interested in an unforgettable snow experience like I did, visiting around February time is your best bet. Seeing Las Vegas in the snow is very special, but Las Vegas is the perfect destination for all months of the year. So don’t spend too long planning; just go!
Charlie has more than 15 years of experience travelling all over the world. He has travelled widely across America, Asia and Africa and enjoys high octane city stays and a relaxing beach break.
