OK there are so many “best” Las Vegas hotels. How do you know which one is for you? Let’s break it down into amenities and what vibe you most want to do in Vegas (aside from gambling).

The Bellagio

The grown up older brother of the Las Vegas Resorts. The Bellagio offers high class and decadence in a somewhat artificial location. 

The Bellagio Fountains

Of course, one of the most famous elements of the Bellagio is the fountains. World famous – and springs to mind every time I hear Clair de Lune (thank you Ocean’s Eleven). 

The fountain’s display schedule is as follows:

Monday – Friday

Fountain display is every 30 minutes from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Fountain display is every 15 minutes from 7:00 PM to midnight

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays

Fountain display is every 30 minutes from noon to 6:30 PM

Fountain display is every 15 minutes from 7:00 PM to midnight

Of course, these beautiful displays are free.

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A beautiful display of manicured and styled gardens on theme for the season. You can explore these for free, so you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel. 

The dates for the upcoming seasons are here:

For those of you who are looking for something extra boujee, you can reserve a lunch or dinner at the conservatory. It is super exclusive and with a hefty price tag.

There is a strict dress code and booking is absolutely essential. 

Cirque du Soleil – “O”

An absolute masterpiece of a show, this is the Cirque du Soleil we watched when we visited Las Vegas in 2008. 

The circus acts are performed with a moving stage where the swimming pool below is incorporated throughout the performance. The stage literally sinks beneath the pool and the acrobats are then able to dive off incredibly high platforms into the pool below. 

The performance is supposed to be on theme with a European Opera House but honestly, this was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. It is well worth it. 

The lowest ticket price I could find at the time of writing was $135 but it’s worth spending extra for some decent seats. There’s a lot to see and you don’t want to miss any of it. 

Caesar’s Palace

The movie “The Hangover” was based in Caesar’s Palace. But if you can’t afford one of the suites, you can still admire the amazing detail the hotel has gone to to create an Ancient Roman palace with sculptures, artwork including some incredible painted ceilings. It can’t be denied this is one of the best Las Vegas Hotels.

The hotel complex has over 22 restaurants to chose from including Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen – of course booking is highly recommended. Make sure you have a look at the different options in advance. 

The Colosseum

It goes without saying that this is one of the main draws of Caesar’s Palace. Its residency acts include some of the most famous performers on the planet including Adele. 

For these acts in particular, tickets releases are often sold out within minutes so you’ll need to be signed up for the ticket release alerts and be on the ball to secure your ticket. 

The Pools

The Las Vegas Pools are open during the day and generally closed at night. Why is this? The hotels don’t want you in the pools, they want you in the casinos spending your money, of course. 

However, there are some exceptions to the rules. Often times, hotels will have dedicated Night Swim events, and Caesar’s Palace is one of them.

The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis has 7 pools, all based on Ancient Rome of course. And some of them even have swim up blackjack tables just in case you didn’t want to miss any gambling time. 

You can book your cabana (or night cabana) here.

Excalibur

The younger brother of the Las Vegas hotels. Excalibur is a playground. It looks like a medieval castle brought to life that you can sleep in. This might be one of the best Las Vegas hotels if you’re bringing the family.

It has a running entertainment section dedicated to medieval jousting and sword fighting. You, the spectator watch from the stands whilst eating, drinking and heckling. What’s not to love?

The motto is “Eat, Drink, and be Rowdy!” Tickets start from $85 which you can book here.

Thunder from Down Under

The hotel also currently hosts Thunder from Down Under (An Australian version of  Magic Mike) You might want to leave your husband at home for this one.

For good seats, right in the action, the price is around $100 (US). Click here to check out just how close you want to be.

Luxor

Of course, Luxor is going to have a running Egyptian theme throughout the hotel, but nothing could amaze me more than lounging by a pool with a huge pyramid (hotel) in view whilst the columns styled after Luxor surround the pool. It is like being transported back in time except you still get cocktail hour every day. Did I mention there is also a Sphinx?

King Tut’s Tomb Exhibition

As well as the incredible pool area and staying in a literal pyramid, there is also the Discovering King Tut’s Tomb exhibition. At around $33 per person, this is one of the cheaper exhibitions you can go to. 

Fantasy

Of course, it’s not Vegas if there isn’t a little bit of naughtiness. At Luxor you can attend Fantasy – the strip’s biggest tease – a dance and singing show for adults only. It looks like a little riskier version of Burlesque. For not cheap, not expensive tickets, you’ll be paying around $70 each. 

Mandalay Bay

The Beach

Mandalay Bay is a paradise for grown ups. It has a literal beach (yes with sand) with cabanas and daybeds so you can feel like you’re really relaxing in the heart of Sin City. 

As well as your standard pools, it also has a lazy river and a wave pool. 

The price for a cabana starts at $375 but goes as high as $900 so be sure to book the one you want to hire. 

Michael Jackson – Cirque du Soleil.

You can find a variety of Cirque du Soleil performances in Las Vegas and this one is a nod to the late Michael Jackson. With music on theme, his famous dance moves are incorporated into the seemingly impossible circus routine. 

Be sure to check out the other Cirque du Soleil options in Vegas so you go to the one you actually want to see. 

Mandalay Bay Aquarium

A huge aquarium in the middle of the desert does seem a little strange, but Las Vegas is all for pushing the natural limits of things. 

Home to more than 2000 aquatic animals, you’ll be able to see: sharks, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranhas and a Komodo dragon at the Mandalay Bay Aquarium.

Seeing the animals is always amazing but Vegas goes one step further where you can actually interact with them too. Feedings are at set times and of course, come at an extra cost. You will need to book in advance to do these extras:

New York-New York Hotel & Casino

For those of us who want a little taste of more than the western side of the US, you can add a little New York into your visit. 

The hotel includes a mini theme park of sorts where the famous Big Apple Coaster shoots you around the hotel and past a miniature Statue of Liberty. The hotel also has an arcade to add to the fun. Tickets for the coaster only are $19 but you can buy bundles which include arcade tickets too. 

The Venetian

Another nod to European architecture, there is a miniature Venice in the middle of the Strip. Here you can see a replica of St Mark’s Square and the Campanile Tower, or, if you’re really wanting to pretend you’re in Italy, you can catch a Gondola ride. 

The gondola rides are significantly cheaper in Las Vegas than Venice so it’ll be worth doing it there. 

The ride starts from $39 and photo packages (on top of the ride price) start at $32.

I’m hoping this guide has helped you decide where to stay in the best Las Vegas hotels. Have a look at my Day Trips from Las Vegas Guide and also my A Gamble-Free Guide to Las Vegas.