Where to stay in Vegas first time? 11+ Best places to stay in Las Vegas (Updated for 2023)

Love it? Share it!

Heading to Sin City and wondering where to stay in Vegas first time? Well doesn’t matter if this is your first trip, second or third – this list has you covered with the best places to stay in Las Vegas and explore all the unique experiences that the city has to offer.

It is important to remember that Las Vegas charges resort fees per night, for accommodation. When you book your room online, the resort fee is usually not added. You have to pay for it, at the resort, when you check-in.

Now, the fun part is – the amount each hotel or resort charges is slightly different. We have included a 2019 updated resort fee list here for your reference, in each of the recommended hotels. Keep in mind, the cheapest resort fee is $14.99 USD and the highest is $45 USD. On average expect to pay $30 USD per night for your stay, on top of the room rate when you book online. 

Where to stay in Vegas first time? Best places to stay in Las Vegas Hotels Guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

One of the finest hotels located near the center of the Las Vegas Strip (west end) is the Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino. A luxurious hotel, Caesars Palace is also one of the iconic landmarks of Las Vegas Nevada and had served as a host to many live shows and other entertainment events. Most notable among them is Celine Dion, who had signed up for 65 shows a year at the Colosseum.

Caesars Palace Hotel is designed in Roman style, larger than life architecture. There are 3974 rooms at this location. Typical standard room rates start at $190 USD + resort fees. The hotel offers presidential suites and they are available for 40,000 USD a night!

When you walk the doors of Caesars Palace for an event, a drink or a night’s stay you will be completely blown away by the interiors – they are impeccably gorgeous and reflects a world of Roman dominance and perfection.

Room Rates: Standard room rates are $190 USD+ (a resort fee of $30 USD per day applies)

Bellagio Hotel & Casino 

I am sure you have seen images of fountains in Las Vegas – that’s the Bellagio Fountains and they are located just outside of Bellagio hotel. A luxurious 5-star hotel, located at the heart of Las Vegas strip, Bellagio is another iconic hotel that will surely take your breathe away. 

The hotel is inspired by Lake Como in Italy, which is located in the town of the same name – Bellagio. 

There are 3950 rooms at the Bellagio hotel (situated at the main and the spa tower). If you are looking for a luxurious stay with scintillating interiors – this is your hotel. Bellagio’s lobby comprises of 2000 hand blown glass flower ceiling. Their rooms are equipped with modern amenities and oozes grandeur and luxury (I say, get ready to be pampered). 

Bellagio has a spa on-site and 5 beautiful pools. A lush botanical garden and fine arts gallery are for you to explore. Multi-cuisine fine dining options are available on the hotel property too. At Bellagio, you don’t have to go too far to enjoy the Strip.

I know it might sound that I am promoting them, but they didn’t pay me to say a thing. The hotel complex plus the musical fountains are definitely a show stopper! Any FREE things to do in Las Vegas will include a trip to Bellagio Fountains.

Imagine, how impressive your date or partner will be when you take him/her for a stroll to watch the fountains. Or watch it from your bedroom as you ring into midnight! 

Room rates: $300+ USD (+Resort fee $44.22 USD per night) Pets are allowed for $125 USD additional per night 

Hotel Waldorf Astoria

If you prefer a non-gaming, non-smoking hotel look no further then Hotel Waldorf Astoria. 

Located near Bellagio and only a 3-minute walk from Park MGM Las Vegas is the stunning Hotel Waldorf Astoria. This luxurious hotel was formerly known as Mandarin Oriental, and today it is known for its luxe couples spa and their SkyBar!

The hotel’s onsite restaurant called the SkyBar is perfect for date nights and for celebrations in style, whilst overlooking the glittering night lights of Las Vegas Strip. 

It is a 5-star upscale hotel property, with living rooms and dining space included in all of the suites. Many upgraded suites also feature kitchens and private fitness areas. The hotel also has 3 pools and a salon on-site. Valet parking is also provided. There are 389 rooms at Hotel Waldorf Astoria, and all the suites are non-smoking – luxury and green! 

Room rates: $250+ USD (+Resort fee $45 USD per night) 

The Venetian Resort and Casino

The Venetian Resort and Casino is an Italian style casino resort offering the finest in dining, living and romantic gondola rides. It is located on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip.

The Venetian is in the same complex as the Palazzo hotel – another luxurious 5-star resort and casino. What makes the Venetian special is the interiors. I fell in LOVE with their frescoes on the ceiling, the romantic hues on the walls, and the canals. It really takes you to Venice.

Opt for a gondola ride, if you are in town for a romantic stay or celebration. Shoppers will also love staying here as you can access some of the high-end retail brands. Don’t get me started on the food – the Venetian has 20 restaurants on-site – with some classy wine and fine diner options to score for a date night.

The Venetian Resort and Casino have 7000 luxurious suites and together with the Palazzo the sheer size of these 2 hotels is like it’s even bigger than some townships. Free Wi-Fi offered at the Venetian follows you to the Palazzo.

Other then the restaurants, there are pools, fitness centre and spa on-site. Room service and an airport shuttle are also offered.  

Room Rates: USD $155+ (+resort fee USD 51.02)

FIND VEGAS ACTIVITIES BELOW 

Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino

If you are looking for the ultimate pool party in town, look no further. Hands down, the BEST pool parties happen at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is your Vegas vacation – casino, pool parties, concerts, stay at the lounge, stay in there, only want to party in Vegas – hotel. The hotel has over 2496 air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with modern amenities. 

At the hotel, there are 2 resorts (including one which is adults only), 11 restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center. Resident performers at the hotel include Jennifer Lopez and Britany Spears. 

Planet Hollywood’s location is great, situated right across from Bellagio, closer to the center of the Strip.

Room Rates: $250+ USD for standard rooms (+ resort fee) 

New York New York Hotel and Casino – Where to stay in Vegas first time

Missing the sights of Big Apple in Las Vegas, stay at the New York New York hotel. Located in the southern end of the Strip, this hotel features some of the iconic landmarks of NYC including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Grand Central Terminal. 

Within the resort, there are casinos, bars and lounges and restaurants that paint a picture of NYC and are also named after Times square and the Greenwich Village. New York hotel also has a full-service spa. 

If you are looking for a hotel with business amenities like meeting and conference rooms – the New York hotel should be your pick.

There are about 2024 rooms in the resort, all equipped with modern amenities and décor. Hotels like Luxor and Mandalay Bay are located nearby. Distance from New York hotel to the center of the strip is 25 minutes walk.

Room Rates: Room rates start at $100 + USD (+ resort fee extra per night). Paid parking spots are available. 

Stratosphere Casinos, hotel and Tower – Where to stay in Vegas first time

The Stratosphere is ONE of the MOST iconic landmarks in Las Vegas: so iconic that if you are taking a helicopter tour, you will see this tower.

The Stratosphere is located on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, thus making it quite accessible to the downtown/ Fremont Street Experience side. Stratosphere pulls tourist for its breathtaking views over the Nevada desert and the Strip itself, from its thrilling rides. Rides include sky pod, jump sky, and more.

But when it comes to hospitality, they are not behind either. Stratosphere Resort, Casino, and tower provide a standard Vegas hotel experience with great restaurants, music, and casinos. This complex is always bustling with lights and frenzy due to the High Roller activities.

A plus for staying at this hotel is free tower access that is included in the resort fee. So even if you don’t want to take a thrilling ride, you can still go up to the tower to view the city of LV from atop. There is no dearth of bars, lounges, and cabana nights at this hotel. Free parking is included in your stay.

Room rates: Standard hotel rates start at $30 USD + resort fee of $32 USD (which also includes tower access and free parking)

Excalibur Hotel and Casino

Excalibur is a medieval castle style hotel located on the southern end of the Strip. The hotel is rated 4 stars, has lots of options for entertainment including a medieval theme restaurant, casino, 4 pools, shops, and other restaurants. Excalibur has family-friendly activities as well as adult Vegas vacation services on-site.

The hotel has a whopping 3861 number of rooms. Book your stay at one of the wings so that you get amazing morning views – with the sun shining away. Although there is a casino downstairs, the rooms were fairly quiet. 

The rooms are fairly large and have decent furniture. Because the theme is medieval, you will find heavily embroidered furniture garments.

From the main floor, you can walk to other Strip hotels like the Luxor or the Mandalay Bay located on either side of Excalibur. MGM Grand hotel is also located in the vicinity. We booked a few tours while staying at this hotel and pick up was easily available. We highly recommend taking a day tour to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

Room Rates: Standard room rates are $55 USD+ (a resort fee of $35 USD per day applies)

Golden Nugget Resort & Casino

One of the MOST popular places to stay in Las Vegas that is away from the Strip. Golden Nugget’s interiors remind me of the old school, 1960s style charisma. It is truly charismatic I can assure you that. Right at the door, the scintillating sparkly lights will take your breath away or catch your attention). Walk-in like a king, enjoy the casino, upscale dining, and living.

The Golden Nugget is an amazing place to stay in downtown Las Vegas also due to its close proximity to the Fremont Street experience – the lively free entertainment ceilings in LV. In and around the Golden Nugget, you will also find cheap or street food and entertainers.

Golden Nugget is a great spot to start any day tours outside of Las Vegas like to the Red Rock Canyon or taking a night lights tour of the Las Vegas strip.

There are 2419 rooms on-site, with free valet parking, 9 multi-cuisine restaurants, 2 outdoor pools (one that goes via a shark tank), a casino, and 2 pool side bars. Pets are allowed for an additional fee.

Room rates: $210 + USD (+ resort fee of $36.16 USD per night). Pet fee $60 USD per night, with a deposit of $100 USD per night. 

Airport Hampton Inn

If you are planning to stay closer to the airport, we have a hotel recommended for you. And the best thing about staying closer to the hotel is not having to pay for resort fees.

The Hampton Inn McCarran Airport hotel is a value stay option located only 4 miles away from the international airport, with quick and easy access to the transit stations and accessing the Strip activities.

We always love staying at the Hamptons, they are clean, beautiful rooms – serves and convenient, no-frills accommodation option.

At this location, parking and breakfast are free. They also have a hot tub, business centers and a gym on-site. This 3 –star hotel is family-friendly and offers an airport shuttle.

Please keep in mind the hotel has no spa and doesn’t allow pets. They do have restaurants on site.

Room rates: Standard rooms start at $120 USD+ per night.

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino – Where to stay in Vegas first time

 A location – away from the Strip, downtown or airport, but easily accessible by car or public transport – here it is, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This hotel is a great option if you wish to stay away from the nightlife or hustle bustle of the Strip or Fremont. 

The area although away from the Strip is accessible as the monorail is located close by. The airport is 3.5 miles away – so conveniently located.

Although the location is different from the rest of the recommendations, you will still find casinos inside the resort complex. And hence a resort fee of $38 USD still applies here.

My personal opinion is that, if I am visiting Vegas I would rather stay at the Strip or at the Fremont Street/downtown area. We don’t gamble, but we love the nightlife and the carefree vibes that Vegas offers. Tons of free entertainment and people watching (shh!), food options – make these 2 areas the best options for the first visit to Las Vegas.

But…but, if on your first visit, you are feeling overwhelmed – with people being too pushy or selling special services, then this hotel room can be an oasis from all the crazy. You cannot do away with the lounges or casinos though, even at this property.

Room rates: $52 USD+ (+ resort fee of $38 USD)

Bonus off-strip luxury hotel: Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa

Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa is located only 20 minutes away from McCarran International Airport. It is more of an upscale resort property with a spa, casino, bingo hall, outdoor pool, and restaurant on-site. Additional amenities include a shuttle service to the airport and the Strip. A resort fee applies.

This resort hotel is conveniently located 3 kilometers from the Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area and the Las Vegas Strip is 17 kilometers away. 

Tips to save money and prepare for your Las Vegas Vacation – Where to stay in Vegas first time

• My number one tip for first-time visitors is to stay at the Vegas Strip. Everything is within walkable distance, so you save money. Yes, there is a resort fee, but most downtown hotels will do that too.
• There are so many things to do in Las Vegas Strip without paying for anything – watch the gondola ride, soak in amazing views from Stratosphere tower, Bellagio fountains, and the fantasy land style hotels are all iconic landmarks without a price tag. And if you are looking to party or go for concerts, it’s all happening at the Strip.
• There are many hotels that are physically connected to each other in the Las Vegas Strip (some of the hotels are not listed in the top 10). They include Mandalay Bay/Luxor/Excalibur, Palazzo/Venetian, Bally’s/Paris Hotel (popular Eiffel tower structure hotel).
• If sightseeing and shopping are your major items on your Vegas trip, then it makes sense to get a Las Vegas Explorer Pass for 1-4 days.
• Other than the airport and “away from the strip” options that were listed above, there is another area in Nevada, where you can stay for less and really away from the Vegas Strip glitz and price tag. And that is Green Valley Ranch Resort. It is located about 26 kilometers from Las Vegas in the Green Valley community of Henderson. The resort property includes free wifi, a pool, on-site restaurant and shuttles for the airport and Strip. Check prices and traveler reviews for Green Valley Ranch Resort
• Packing – Don’t forget to pack a nice black dress, pretty purse, and faux leather jacket for a day to night transition. Do carry a light cardigan or scarf as the temperature drops down in the evenings.
• Day Trips from Las Vegas – If you are staying in Las Vegas Strip, rest assured you can venture out to take day trips to different places like Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon

We hope you found this post on – Where to stay in Vegas first time – useful. We have more USA resources, all listed below. 

Here are some additional posts from the United States – USA travel resources

• Las Vegas travel guide and itinerary – Las Vegas Itinerary 3 days
• San Francisco – San Francisco Itinerary 4 days
• SF Road Trips – Guide to road trip ideas
• Coastal cities in California – Beach towns and cities to visit
• West Coast Road Trips – Free printable, with road trip ideas
• USA Winter Guide – Read 20 Best Winter Destinations in the USA
• USA Bucketlist Items – Click to read the entire list

Pin for later: Where to stay in Vegas first time? Top 11+ Places to stay in Las Vegas for first time visitors 

Love it? Share it!