Location matters more than you’d think in Las Vegas. The Strip is about 4 miles long, and the resorts are enormous. Here’s how the areas compare.
Las Vegas areas compared
| Area | Example hotels | Best for | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center Strip | Bellagio, Caesars, Cosmopolitan, Paris, Venetian, LINQ | First-timers, walkability, nightlife | Pricier, crowded |
| South Strip | MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, NYNY, Park MGM | Pools, the airport, concerts and sports | Long walks to the Center Strip |
| North Strip | Wynn/Encore, Resorts World, Fontainebleau, Sahara | Luxury, newer resorts | Quieter, more spread out |
| Downtown / Fremont | Golden Nugget, Circa, The D | Budget, old Vegas, lively nights | About 15–20 min from the Strip |
| Off-Strip / non-gaming | Waldorf Astoria, Vdara, apartment hotels | Calm, often no casino | A rideshare to the action |
Center Strip: best for first-timers
Stay between roughly Park MGM and the Venetian, and you can walk to the Bellagio fountains, Caesars, the High Roller and dozens of restaurants. Rooms facing the fountains or the Strip cost more but are worth it for a special trip.
South Strip: best for pools and families
Mandalay Bay’s wave pool and beach, MGM Grand’s pool complex and the free tram between Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur make this area good for families and pool lovers. T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Stadium are nearby.
North Strip: best for luxury
The Wynn and Encore remain among the most refined resorts in town. Resorts World and the Fontainebleau are the newer additions. It’s a calmer area, but you’ll take rideshares to the Center Strip.
Downtown: best on a budget
The hotels around Fremont Street are cheaper, with lower table minimums, retro charm and Circa’s huge sportsbook and pool. The Deuce bus connects downtown to the Strip 24 hours a day.
Compare Las Vegas hotel prices, including resort fees.
Booking tips
- Compare the all-in price including the resort fee and taxes. Since May 2025, US rules require hotels to show it up front.
- Check parking fees if you’re renting a car.
- Avoid big convention and event weekends, which can double room rates.
- Sunday to Thursday nights are usually far cheaper than Friday and Saturday.
More Las Vegas guides
- Las Vegas travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Las Vegas
- Free things to do in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas itinerary: 3 or 4 days
- Las Vegas resort fees and how to save
- Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Airport to the Strip
- Best time to visit Las Vegas
FAQ: Where to stay in Las Vegas
What part of the Strip is best to stay on?
The Center Strip, around Bellagio, Caesars and the Cosmopolitan, for walkability and atmosphere.
Is it better to stay on the Strip or downtown?
Stay on the Strip for your first trip. Downtown is cheaper and fun for a night or two, especially for repeat visitors.
Which Las Vegas hotels have no resort fees?
Some non-gaming and off-Strip hotels don’t charge them, and policies change. Always check the total price before booking.
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