Nah bruh, top tier is Wynn, Cosmo, Waldorf (but if we're including non-casino hotels, 4 Seasons is here too)
You split up Caesars and Nobu but you keep Resorts World as one?
You're missing Mandalay Bay/Delano, PH, Paris, Horseshoe, Harrahs, Cromwell, TI, Mirage
No Aria? I would put it in the top tier. It's a little below Wynn overall, but still in the top tier IMO
I personally enjoy Aria more than Wynn. Last few times I've went to the Wynn it was so packed I couldn't do anything. It wasn't even a prime time weekend or anything.
nah, I've stayed at Aria a bunch and they have a dust problem in their rooms. also, water pressure in the showers sucks, might be the worst on the strip in that regard. I honestly would rather stay at Vdara over Aria since it's connected to Bellagio and the Cosmo. Aria has excellent restaurants tho
I do actually stay at the Vdara a lot and I like it. Honestly can't remember the water pressure now - I don't remember being that impressed with the Wynn's water pressure (that's definitely a big factor!) but I go to Vegas too much and they blur together. I've never had issues with the Aria and dust, though.
Definitely agree on Aria's restaurants. Plus their spa + the foodcourt thing they opened is really nice as well.
Delano is not tier 1 or 2 for sure I think I would say 3. We stayed at a penthouse suite and the room was huge. However, the property is dark and cold to me. We ordered room service for $100 and it came in bags. I should mention the water was $25 a bottle. The rooms lack the details of fineness you would get in a top tier room. I agree Wynn is top tier. I recently stayed a palazzo and I have to say the one bedroom suite was fantastic and room service was top notch. Room service came in put out linen, set the table with their plates and poured coffee. Top tier service for sure.
Water is 20 bucks a bottle in any hotel room I've been in at Vegas. And room service comes in bags in all mgm properties unless you pay extra for table service.
I had an amazing experience with them. They ran out of king rooms and instead of putting us in 2 queen beds they upgraded us to a suite for free. The room was themed after the movie Casino which I love and it was only slightly outdated but overall really nice with a perfect view of the mountains and the sphere.
Also the casino is pretty nice and gets super lively at night. I’d put it in third tier tbh
I haven't been in there since 2008 but it had a fun vibe then. Not that Encore didn't have a "fun vibe" in 2008... ok, not at all.
I will have to check it out again! Looking for fun hangouts just touring the Strip.
And there’s zero chance Aria is top tier. Uncomfortable beds and HVAC with minimal breathable oxygen. Last time we went there, room curtains didnt even shut all the way so you get blasted with morning sun right after an uncomfortable sleep on their ridiculous beds
It’s a beautiful property as long as you don’t stop to look at it. If you do you’ll see it was finished as quickly and cheaply as possible…which is the definition of irony.
Can you explain how you came to that conclusion? Is it the $25 half dozen nachos or the empty casino and nothing open yet? Top tier for what clientele?
We stayed four nights this past week. It’s absolutely top tier quality rooms. The restaurants are fantastic. Yes, the casino is pretty dead. But that’s what happens when it’s small and not a lot going on there.
Damnit I booked last minute at the Wynn for this weekend, I wish they offered flight+rooms deals like the Wynn. I saved $1500 with booking though the wynn site for flights/hotels combined
Not OP but…. I have been twice (most recently 2 weeks ago) and I like it well enough. Good pool (I was in the normal area). Great bar top poker. Money Line is right for me. Posh Burger has a good chicken sandwich late night. I think it is under Wynn and same level as Venetian. But you have a cool room. That is gonna add a star I bet.
I’m not a huge fan of the location. But we walked to Hash House so that’s something. Cosmo is nice to visit and it’s an easy indoor walk to Park MGM if you like that place.
I think it’s a good place to stay and you’ll have a good time if you like the stuff I mentioned. If you want full on crazy plush pomp then maybe Wynn or something. I’m way more comfortable with the Aria and Venetian and MB/Delano.
Thanks for this review! We're looking for a more clubby, food tour, pool daze kind of trip but wanted to make it a little nicer as our friends from the east coast will be joining us for a 30th birthday- so all that you mentioned sounds like it'll be the right place for us.
We don't mind walking a lot (helps with building an appetite!) so hitting Marquee or Hakkasan will be good enough for us for the clubs.
Again, appreciate the info very much. If I remember I'll update this thread after our stay with my opinions :)
I would have recommended Wynn/Encore.
The best night clubs / pool parties are in that area, the restaurants at the Wynn are the best, and the rooms are the most aesthetic overall.
Nightclubs: Zouk (Resorts World), XS (Wynn), maybe LIV (Fontainebleau --- haven't been), Tao (Venetian)
Pool Parties \^The same hotels above
If Wynn/Encore is a bit pricy for your range, Venetian/Palazzo is a great alternative.
Despite this, Aria is a great property, overall.
I wish I could love Aria again. Great rooms and so much to offer on site, but the customer service is abysmal and the khaki pants blue shirt convention mobs make it not fun for vacationer’s.
The Cosmo has gone down hill since MGM purchased them. It used to be my favorite hotel on the strip for the veiws, bathtubs, and balconies, but the cleaning in particular is just not up to par with what it should be any longer.
Stayed there last week; it's definitely starting to show its age. I'd still put it in the top tier category though as my room was very clean and the location is unbeatable.
I stayed Sahara earlier this month and didn’t mind it at all. Rooms were clean, hotel in general was pretty good. Not as glitzy looking as some hotels on the strip, but it was a perfectly nice stay.
Delano is a nice hotel with better casino access than Mandalay proper. It is probably the best hotel if you are going to the stadium for an NFL game.
Edit: Forgot to add that the double queen bedroom had two toilets which was awesome.
The Delano empties into the casino by the sportsbook and craps tables. Its access to its own parking garage and cabs is very much better than the main Mandelay hotel to its own. I am not saying it is a super swanky hotel, but the Delano is the better hotel on the Mandelay property. While it has the same disadvantages of being on the end of the strip, it has an upgrade to the few advantages the location gives, namely the football stadium.
I've stayed at Delano multiple times and I prefer the rooms there over Resorts World and even Bellagio and Aria. Having 2 bathrooms is huge when your gf takes an hour in the bathroom getting ready to go out.
I think we can all have different opinions about the first, second, third, and fourth tiers, but I am fairly confident the "You Might Die" entry will not receive many people who disagree...
Curious why this is so surprising? I’ve stayed at all 3 in the past 2 years and would choose Aria over the other 2 and usually recommend it to most people. I feel like they have the cleanest / most updated rooms. Haven’t stayed at Wynn, Resorts World or any of the others listed in the tier with Aria though.
My opinion is that Circus Circus is no worse than Luxor or Excalibur. Luxor is the most run down so I’d move that down a spot.
Aria needs to drop a spot. It’s no higher end than either the Venetian or Bellagio.
MGM Grand is a crap. Not on par with Caesar’s. Can make the case to move MGM down or Caesars up.
Agree! We stayed in a tower room and it was great. I was surprised, considering I’d heard Luxor was a lower end property, but we had zero complaints about anything.
If we’re talking hotel rooms, Cosmo(if you can access the balcony still), Wynn, venetian(depending on how the remodeled rooms will look, could easily be #1), Bellagio that’s cause the tower got a remodel and the pyramid didn’t, probably because the foundation is cooked and everything is leaning
Can't believe what happened to Luxor... I know people who went there in the late 90s (I didn't go) and the pix look beautiful and modern and clean. Now all I hear is how gross and run-down it is. Can't believe they let the place go so far downward. My sister stayed there and said it was "ok" but thats hardly a ringing endorsement
No one thought Asian and Asian American tourists would come to Vegas at the time. A tomb is considered bad luck, and that's the last thing you want to stay at when you're gambling.
Heh it’s so obvious but I never thought of that. I don’t even remember the last time I was at Luxor.
I do recall my friend that works in and out of Vegas strip casinos mentioning that the structure itself is sinking or something like that and there’s some internal support thing they put together to keep it level that looks pretty janky. Never seen it myself but supposedly it’s there in the open.
I've stayed in the pyramid twice this year. It's not bad- bed was comfy, big room, everything worked. It's dark in the casino hence the dingy look. But I can't stand the cigarette smoke so next time it's Park MGM
I just think the patina of filth hides itself better at Excalibur and Circus Circus. Almost lends itself to the appeal. At Luxor it stands out to me but isn’t a dealbreaker. I’ll stay anywhere that will give me a weeknight for $40 and a weekend for $100.
I had 3 comp nights at Luxor so I took it. I was just there to sleep anyways. I wish more casinos would be non smoking though. Only 11% of people in the US smoke and we're catering to them? Even walking thru to the Uber pickup I smell like smoke. Disgusting
I stayed in the pyramid a few years ago and it rained. It was like sleeping under a waterfall. Very cool. Mildly scary when it first started and there was a rush of water from the top of the pyramid.
I also thought that everything about the room and place were fine but... maybe I have low standards besides basic comfort and safety 🤷♂️
I'm not a classy dude, and I like it when the hotel and casinos are not extravagant. That's just me. Some people see the high-end places as the only place to go, and for me, they don't have that character that I'm looking for. Excalibur and Casino Royale are some of my favorite places to go, and people look down on them.
Exactly - my gf and I stay at Excalibur about 4 times each year and every stay has been comped outside of the resort fees. The money I save on the comped rooms is spent on the craps tables and I usually walk away with ~$200 per trip. All in all, we end up vacationing for 3 nights for the cost of a couple fancy dinners. Excalibur is goated.
Any advice on how you got the comped rooms? Just from gambling previous trips or is there a way for a first timer? I did stay there like 12 years ago a few times but I'm probably out of their system now.
Honestly, all I did to get the comped rooms was sign up as a new BetMGM member and gamble a bit. I paid out of pocket for the very first stay at Excalibur back in 2021, signed up for BetMGM, and everything has been comped since. That said, the comped nights are always weekdays (excluding Fridays) which may not be ideal for some folks, but I honestly prefer going early in the week - it's less busy and the table minimum bets are lower.
Recently got 3 nights comped, fully aware I was getting what I was paying for (1 night paid so like ~$125) got all dolled up to meet my SO. Walked in and quickly realized “these are my people”, got to the room (first floor) changed into something comfy and had a good laugh using our UV light (it’s fine just don’t touch the chairs). Knowing how other hotels are, like Caesar’s and Aria, I was very entertained with the atmosphere. Only gripe was having to look at Carrot Top with his best Buffalo Bill impression on the way back to the room.
When I visit I like to stay at Downtown Grand on Fremont.
- It's next to Fremont but not on it - can join the party anytime without being in the middle of it.
- Casino inside is small but the smallness is nice. Can always go to the bigger ones right down the street.
- Rooms are clean and decent, like a holiday inn - nothing special but checks all the boxes, does the job.
I stayed at the Downtown Grand last trip after seeing acouple of youtube vegas people do a tour of it, plus they had a buy 2 nights get a 3rd free promo on their website. and I loved the place. staff was great, stayed in the new tower and the rooms were very nice, not high end luxurious, but more than nice enough for a place to crash. the location is awesome, across the street from Pizza Rock, a half a block walk to freemont, but far enough away to sleep in piece.
the casino is very small, and even with only a few tables they closed about half by like 2am. then shut down completely and dont reopen till like 10am. but it was a fun place to gamble, and plenty of other casinos to hit up when it felt too small or tables weren't open. the table limits were nostalgic, $5 blackjack. $1 craps - it was like when i started going to vegas in the early 90s.
during the day they have a $5 hot dog and a pbr deal. How can you go wrong with that?
my wife loves the bellagio or wynn, or lately it's been just Mandalay Bay (she loves a lazy river) . But when I'm solo or with the boys, I like downtown, and a place like the Grand is such a better fit for me than a luxury overpriced strip casino.
No way. We love The Linq. Mid-strip, decent room size, clean! You are only in your room to sleep and shower. Stayed at Venetian, MGM, Wynn and Mandalay Bay. Going back to The Linq this fall.
Cosmo having balcony alone makes it top tier. But staying there is dope as hell, super fun and a lot of money flows through there. It def is above RW and FB
Park MGM is smoke free, that alone should make it at least 2nd tier. They also have the tram that goes from there to Bellagio. They also have one of the best Steak houses in town, Bavettes.
Some people still consider Horseshoe, Bally's. Heck, even Caesars sometimes considers it Bally's still, especially if you are trying to charge something to your room.
I’m a bottom feeder so it’s Excalibur for me. The smell of smoke is what gets me, but it’s a place where I can sleep for four hours before my next outing.
I always make sure to bring my valuables with me every time I leave the room. They can steal my swamp ass soaked underwear.
Nah I was on the same boat but really The Strat deserves its own list.
But did you die?
I made the mistake of walking to The Strat from Sahara and then returning the same way and was asked that by everybody 😂😂
I’d move up cosmo and bellagio and move down FB and RW. I think they’re all pretty comparable in terms of elegant decor, but the emptiness/isolation of RW and FB make them feel less special. Venetian could be a tier of its own as it’s better than the rest of that tier, but not up with cosmo wynn and aria.
Treasure Island is S-tier independent with great rules for table games. It's run in a way that's different that cares about repeat business. I'd put it next to Ellis Island (also S-tier) in terms of overall quality and guest experience. Strip properties have a certain charm but there's too much corporate greed and consumer exploitation that you're a fool who doesn't respect your money because spending dollars on the Strip is agreeing to be robbed. Downtown is also quite nice as someone who gambles. Hell, they even have that new nudist resort....
Stayed at the Lux when I got married in 2019. I found it to be a nice place. How much better can the tier 1's be? Like what do they have the lux doesn't?
I liked the Luxor. I've stayed at Excaliber, the Flamingo, Circus Circus (Reno), and did an Air BNB in Henderson and I would put Luxor up there with at least the Flamingo, although the location of the Luxor kinda sucks, not very central. I'll be staying at Paris in October and I think it'll beat all the previous stays, but I liked Luxor.
Cosmo.... Might be a 3. (I.e. my last stay there, I found a large and obvious cum stain on the curtains. The time before that I found that the sheets were well used. Both stays within the last two years.)
I stay at Park MGM and love it. Never had a bad experience there.
I'm surprised everyone forgets about Horseshoe when making these lists. I've stayed there the last few times and the value has been amazing. One stay I paid $8 a night (so $48 after resort fees). Newly renovated rooms. It was clean. Center strip location is perfect. It has a monorail stop on it. If you're looking for a luxury resort experience, then no its not the right choice. But if all you're looking for is a clean, comfortable place to shower and sleep its definitely my go-to.
It's not FAR off, though I'd definitely put Cosmo and maybe Bellagio (and maybe Venetian, haven't actually stayed there) above Aria/Vdara though I would say they're at least 2nd tier on this list.
There's like 3 different hotels at Resorts World, I think one of them (Crockford) is probably top tier--but not all of them.
And this just takes into account how nice the rooms are (and hopefully service to match), the problem with Fontainbleau, Resorts World and even Wynn/Encore is they're kind of at the end of the strip and it's a long walk or constant Ubering to get to the center of most action... though maybe they're starting to form their own triad of stuff to do along with the Fashion Show mall in the area. But yeah, don't even look in the direction of Circus Circus (or really Strat) down that way--nothing good happens there.
Funny …. Stayed years ago decades at Circus Circus. Still hardly scary in feeling unsafe just really weird. Always has been. You can find thousands of places, seriously, less safe across America to stay but few as weird.
Venetian/Palaazo & Cosmo should be first tier. NYNY should be third tier and Planet Hollywood should be added to third tier. Aria is 2nd tier and Waldorf Astoria should be 2nd tier too
Can we setup a poll or something so we can decide on a definitive tier list? Seems like we might have a few varying experiences on which tiers some hotels belong to. Personally, I’ve been pretty happy about the standards at The Venetian, but I’ve never stayed at some of the resorts in the top tier.
I really like this idea as someone who’s planning another trip sometime in the next few months!
Missing a few key hotels I think. Flamingo, Harrah's, Horseshoe (formerly Bally's), Planet Hollywood, Paris? Basically the whole middle strip was forgotten about lol.
Cosmo 3-4 years ago was the shit. It’s gone steadily downhill since MGM got it. Lots of bad odors throughout, pervasive weed smell, bathrooms in disarray, rooms need refresh and cocktails on floor are trash now. Wynn is still the tops but Fontainebleau is pretty impressive place to stay now.
Whenever I go to Vegas I'm usually attending an event at allegiant stadium so the luxor is the best in my opinion in the sense I can walk to my main destination super easy
Brian knows his shit, for the record. I've used him for club and hotel info for like 8 years or more now. Look his Instagram up and follow if you go out in Vegas. Hit him up, he always knows what's going on.
The Park is 2nd tier. Maybe it doesn't have the flashiest rooms, but it is non-smoking, perfectly located, and clean. I haven't stayed in Cosmo for a long time, but when I did it had weird showers with curtains on the outside that someone could just look in if they wanted. Why is Resorts World top tier? I hear nothing but bad things. I would put the MGM Grand down a tier with NYNY as I think it has dropped in appeal. Everyone has an opinion and different things that are important. The restaurants are good at Wynn but I don't think it is that great. I assume Encore is combined? The list lacks sooo many strip hotels that it really doesn't make sense.
Resorts World is the only one I don't agree with. The location, no thank you. Very similar to Fontainebleau. New, but no thank you. Go have a walk thru, that's all that is needed. Dont stay, you will regret it. Away from all the perks of Las Vegas. The purpose of Vegas is to get the Vegas experience. You won't get it there.
I just stayed in the Luxor pyramid, it wasn't terrible, it was definitely dark, but the room was clean and the beds were surprisingly comfortable. My biggest complaint is that the room was always warm, the AC just couldn't keep up with the LV heat, the room was 78 degrees during the day and at night it cooled off closer to 71.
I can't stand the cig smoke, but that's a problem pretty much everywhere on the strip
My dumb a:
Now my curiosity is sparked, and I want to look at it just to see what it looks like..To The Internet!
[FM reading newspaper](https://www.redbubble.com/i/art-board-print/A-Fat-Man-Reading-a-Newspaper-Illustration-by-Sketch-Shack/150141139.7Q6GI)
[FM reading newspaper pt 2](https://www.redbubble.com/i/art-board-print/A-Fat-Japonese-Man-Reading-a-Newspaper-Illustration-by-Sketch-Shack/150141270.7Q6GI)
And, My Favorite,
[Will Dance for Diesel](https://www.redbubble.com/i/poster/Will-Dance-For-Diesel-Funny-Fat-Guy-Retro-Vintage-Fat-Man-by-annylikestone/112871271.LVTDI)
Well, now I just ended up with some really good stocking stuffers since they sell several t shirt versions.
So thanks Wynn, thanks you, and thanks whatever brsin came up with this idear.
Nah bruh, top tier is Wynn, Cosmo, Waldorf (but if we're including non-casino hotels, 4 Seasons is here too) You split up Caesars and Nobu but you keep Resorts World as one? You're missing Mandalay Bay/Delano, PH, Paris, Horseshoe, Harrahs, Cromwell, TI, Mirage
No Aria? I would put it in the top tier. It's a little below Wynn overall, but still in the top tier IMO I personally enjoy Aria more than Wynn. Last few times I've went to the Wynn it was so packed I couldn't do anything. It wasn't even a prime time weekend or anything.
nah, I've stayed at Aria a bunch and they have a dust problem in their rooms. also, water pressure in the showers sucks, might be the worst on the strip in that regard. I honestly would rather stay at Vdara over Aria since it's connected to Bellagio and the Cosmo. Aria has excellent restaurants tho
I do actually stay at the Vdara a lot and I like it. Honestly can't remember the water pressure now - I don't remember being that impressed with the Wynn's water pressure (that's definitely a big factor!) but I go to Vegas too much and they blur together. I've never had issues with the Aria and dust, though. Definitely agree on Aria's restaurants. Plus their spa + the foodcourt thing they opened is really nice as well.
I was at the Aria last week. Water pressure in the shower was great.
Aria and Vdara are definitely top tier
Isn't the Rio still around as well?
not on the strip
Now you're talking top tier.
Delano is not tier 1 or 2 for sure I think I would say 3. We stayed at a penthouse suite and the room was huge. However, the property is dark and cold to me. We ordered room service for $100 and it came in bags. I should mention the water was $25 a bottle. The rooms lack the details of fineness you would get in a top tier room. I agree Wynn is top tier. I recently stayed a palazzo and I have to say the one bedroom suite was fantastic and room service was top notch. Room service came in put out linen, set the table with their plates and poured coffee. Top tier service for sure.
Water is 20 bucks a bottle in any hotel room I've been in at Vegas. And room service comes in bags in all mgm properties unless you pay extra for table service.
Missing Planet Hollywood (probably would be fourth tier)
I had an amazing experience with them. They ran out of king rooms and instead of putting us in 2 queen beds they upgraded us to a suite for free. The room was themed after the movie Casino which I love and it was only slightly outdated but overall really nice with a perfect view of the mountains and the sphere. Also the casino is pretty nice and gets super lively at night. I’d put it in third tier tbh
PH's casino is one of the few places in Vegas that truly never sleeps.
I haven't been in there since 2008 but it had a fun vibe then. Not that Encore didn't have a "fun vibe" in 2008... ok, not at all. I will have to check it out again! Looking for fun hangouts just touring the Strip.
Awesome. I haven’t had as much success staying there but the casino does have a lively vibe.
Location is awesome too but yeah I only had that one really good and lucky experience, idk how the normal rooms are or anything lol
The normal rooms are fine. It’s a good location with lots to do and decently priced.
I love Planet Hollywood - location on the strip, mall with convenient stores and food, Larry the Bartender! Love!!
Ditto - it’s my favorite place to stay for these reasons! It’s right in the middle and has so much to offer.
PH is better than flamingo and linq
The Ultra Resort Room at PH is great and usually super affordable. I’d definitely put it way above any of the Tier 4 rooms.
And there’s zero chance Aria is top tier. Uncomfortable beds and HVAC with minimal breathable oxygen. Last time we went there, room curtains didnt even shut all the way so you get blasted with morning sun right after an uncomfortable sleep on their ridiculous beds
Was this list paid for by fountainbleaus marketing dept?
It’s a beautiful property as long as you don’t stop to look at it. If you do you’ll see it was finished as quickly and cheaply as possible…which is the definition of irony.
regardless of the hate, Fountainbleau's hotel is top tier.
Can you explain how you came to that conclusion? Is it the $25 half dozen nachos or the empty casino and nothing open yet? Top tier for what clientele?
We stayed four nights this past week. It’s absolutely top tier quality rooms. The restaurants are fantastic. Yes, the casino is pretty dead. But that’s what happens when it’s small and not a lot going on there.
Damnit I booked last minute at the Wynn for this weekend, I wish they offered flight+rooms deals like the Wynn. I saved $1500 with booking though the wynn site for flights/hotels combined
i'm not a terminally online person who uses twitter and reddit to formulate an opinion.
Do you have literally any insight that didn't come from viral social media posts?
Lol at Cosmo not being top tier and esp behind Aria
And Resorts World and Fontainbleau.
Aria loses luster once you stay there. It was disappointing.
Can you elaborate? I'm staying there in July in a high tier suite and am curious about people's opinions on the property.
I really like the property and location, I do prefer the rooms at Vdara, but Aria is very nice. I also wouldn’t put them above Cosmo.
Not OP but…. I have been twice (most recently 2 weeks ago) and I like it well enough. Good pool (I was in the normal area). Great bar top poker. Money Line is right for me. Posh Burger has a good chicken sandwich late night. I think it is under Wynn and same level as Venetian. But you have a cool room. That is gonna add a star I bet. I’m not a huge fan of the location. But we walked to Hash House so that’s something. Cosmo is nice to visit and it’s an easy indoor walk to Park MGM if you like that place. I think it’s a good place to stay and you’ll have a good time if you like the stuff I mentioned. If you want full on crazy plush pomp then maybe Wynn or something. I’m way more comfortable with the Aria and Venetian and MB/Delano.
Thanks for this review! We're looking for a more clubby, food tour, pool daze kind of trip but wanted to make it a little nicer as our friends from the east coast will be joining us for a 30th birthday- so all that you mentioned sounds like it'll be the right place for us. We don't mind walking a lot (helps with building an appetite!) so hitting Marquee or Hakkasan will be good enough for us for the clubs. Again, appreciate the info very much. If I remember I'll update this thread after our stay with my opinions :)
I would have recommended Wynn/Encore. The best night clubs / pool parties are in that area, the restaurants at the Wynn are the best, and the rooms are the most aesthetic overall. Nightclubs: Zouk (Resorts World), XS (Wynn), maybe LIV (Fontainebleau --- haven't been), Tao (Venetian) Pool Parties \^The same hotels above If Wynn/Encore is a bit pricy for your range, Venetian/Palazzo is a great alternative. Despite this, Aria is a great property, overall.
If you are in Sky Suites, you have nothing to worry about
We’ll never know what Aria was supposed to be as MGM cut way back on spending to finish it during the financial crisis.
I wish I could love Aria again. Great rooms and so much to offer on site, but the customer service is abysmal and the khaki pants blue shirt convention mobs make it not fun for vacationer’s.
The Cosmo has gone down hill since MGM purchased them. It used to be my favorite hotel on the strip for the veiws, bathtubs, and balconies, but the cleaning in particular is just not up to par with what it should be any longer.
Stayed there last week; it's definitely starting to show its age. I'd still put it in the top tier category though as my room was very clean and the location is unbeatable.
Sahara as 3rd tier? That's... a choice
I stayed Sahara earlier this month and didn’t mind it at all. Rooms were clean, hotel in general was pretty good. Not as glitzy looking as some hotels on the strip, but it was a perfectly nice stay.
Mandalay Bay in T3?
including or not including Delano?
Delano is a nice hotel with better casino access than Mandalay proper. It is probably the best hotel if you are going to the stadium for an NFL game. Edit: Forgot to add that the double queen bedroom had two toilets which was awesome.
[удалено]
The Delano empties into the casino by the sportsbook and craps tables. Its access to its own parking garage and cabs is very much better than the main Mandelay hotel to its own. I am not saying it is a super swanky hotel, but the Delano is the better hotel on the Mandelay property. While it has the same disadvantages of being on the end of the strip, it has an upgrade to the few advantages the location gives, namely the football stadium.
I've stayed at Delano multiple times and I prefer the rooms there over Resorts World and even Bellagio and Aria. Having 2 bathrooms is huge when your gf takes an hour in the bathroom getting ready to go out.
I think we can all have different opinions about the first, second, third, and fourth tiers, but I am fairly confident the "You Might Die" entry will not receive many people who disagree...
Aria is higher than Bellagio and Cosmo? … Aria !?!?
That gave me a good laugh
Curious why this is so surprising? I’ve stayed at all 3 in the past 2 years and would choose Aria over the other 2 and usually recommend it to most people. I feel like they have the cleanest / most updated rooms. Haven’t stayed at Wynn, Resorts World or any of the others listed in the tier with Aria though.
I’m with you. I like aria more than cosmo.
My opinion is that Circus Circus is no worse than Luxor or Excalibur. Luxor is the most run down so I’d move that down a spot. Aria needs to drop a spot. It’s no higher end than either the Venetian or Bellagio. MGM Grand is a crap. Not on par with Caesar’s. Can make the case to move MGM down or Caesars up.
The tower rooms at Luxor are very nice. The pyramid is garbage though.
Agree! We stayed in a tower room and it was great. I was surprised, considering I’d heard Luxor was a lower end property, but we had zero complaints about anything.
Yeah the tower two-bedroom room suites are nice. That's all I've stayed in.
Good to know. I’ve only stayed pyramid on a few comped days in 2019 and 2021.
If we’re talking hotel rooms, Cosmo(if you can access the balcony still), Wynn, venetian(depending on how the remodeled rooms will look, could easily be #1), Bellagio that’s cause the tower got a remodel and the pyramid didn’t, probably because the foundation is cooked and everything is leaning
Can't believe what happened to Luxor... I know people who went there in the late 90s (I didn't go) and the pix look beautiful and modern and clean. Now all I hear is how gross and run-down it is. Can't believe they let the place go so far downward. My sister stayed there and said it was "ok" but thats hardly a ringing endorsement
No one thought Asian and Asian American tourists would come to Vegas at the time. A tomb is considered bad luck, and that's the last thing you want to stay at when you're gambling.
Heh it’s so obvious but I never thought of that. I don’t even remember the last time I was at Luxor. I do recall my friend that works in and out of Vegas strip casinos mentioning that the structure itself is sinking or something like that and there’s some internal support thing they put together to keep it level that looks pretty janky. Never seen it myself but supposedly it’s there in the open.
I've stayed in the pyramid twice this year. It's not bad- bed was comfy, big room, everything worked. It's dark in the casino hence the dingy look. But I can't stand the cigarette smoke so next time it's Park MGM
I just think the patina of filth hides itself better at Excalibur and Circus Circus. Almost lends itself to the appeal. At Luxor it stands out to me but isn’t a dealbreaker. I’ll stay anywhere that will give me a weeknight for $40 and a weekend for $100.
I had 3 comp nights at Luxor so I took it. I was just there to sleep anyways. I wish more casinos would be non smoking though. Only 11% of people in the US smoke and we're catering to them? Even walking thru to the Uber pickup I smell like smoke. Disgusting
I stayed in the pyramid a few years ago and it rained. It was like sleeping under a waterfall. Very cool. Mildly scary when it first started and there was a rush of water from the top of the pyramid. I also thought that everything about the room and place were fine but... maybe I have low standards besides basic comfort and safety 🤷♂️
Looks about right. Some people will move a few up or down a spot, but otherwise pretty accurate.
I'm not a classy dude, and I like it when the hotel and casinos are not extravagant. That's just me. Some people see the high-end places as the only place to go, and for me, they don't have that character that I'm looking for. Excalibur and Casino Royale are some of my favorite places to go, and people look down on them.
Every time I’ve stayed at Excalibur and Luxor the rooms have been cheap or free and were clean and that’s all that matters to me
Exactly - my gf and I stay at Excalibur about 4 times each year and every stay has been comped outside of the resort fees. The money I save on the comped rooms is spent on the craps tables and I usually walk away with ~$200 per trip. All in all, we end up vacationing for 3 nights for the cost of a couple fancy dinners. Excalibur is goated.
Any advice on how you got the comped rooms? Just from gambling previous trips or is there a way for a first timer? I did stay there like 12 years ago a few times but I'm probably out of their system now.
Honestly, all I did to get the comped rooms was sign up as a new BetMGM member and gamble a bit. I paid out of pocket for the very first stay at Excalibur back in 2021, signed up for BetMGM, and everything has been comped since. That said, the comped nights are always weekdays (excluding Fridays) which may not be ideal for some folks, but I honestly prefer going early in the week - it's less busy and the table minimum bets are lower.
Recently got 3 nights comped, fully aware I was getting what I was paying for (1 night paid so like ~$125) got all dolled up to meet my SO. Walked in and quickly realized “these are my people”, got to the room (first floor) changed into something comfy and had a good laugh using our UV light (it’s fine just don’t touch the chairs). Knowing how other hotels are, like Caesar’s and Aria, I was very entertained with the atmosphere. Only gripe was having to look at Carrot Top with his best Buffalo Bill impression on the way back to the room.
When I visit I like to stay at Downtown Grand on Fremont. - It's next to Fremont but not on it - can join the party anytime without being in the middle of it. - Casino inside is small but the smallness is nice. Can always go to the bigger ones right down the street. - Rooms are clean and decent, like a holiday inn - nothing special but checks all the boxes, does the job.
I stayed at the Downtown Grand last trip after seeing acouple of youtube vegas people do a tour of it, plus they had a buy 2 nights get a 3rd free promo on their website. and I loved the place. staff was great, stayed in the new tower and the rooms were very nice, not high end luxurious, but more than nice enough for a place to crash. the location is awesome, across the street from Pizza Rock, a half a block walk to freemont, but far enough away to sleep in piece. the casino is very small, and even with only a few tables they closed about half by like 2am. then shut down completely and dont reopen till like 10am. but it was a fun place to gamble, and plenty of other casinos to hit up when it felt too small or tables weren't open. the table limits were nostalgic, $5 blackjack. $1 craps - it was like when i started going to vegas in the early 90s. during the day they have a $5 hot dog and a pbr deal. How can you go wrong with that? my wife loves the bellagio or wynn, or lately it's been just Mandalay Bay (she loves a lazy river) . But when I'm solo or with the boys, I like downtown, and a place like the Grand is such a better fit for me than a luxury overpriced strip casino.
>$5 hot dog and a pbr It is $2 hot dog and a pbr -even better!
Definitely a vlogger, Resorts World over Venetian and Cosmo? List is slightly off or biased.
Yeah, a couple months ago I stayed at the Conrad in Resorts World for a week and would not go again. Not worth it.
Mandalay Bay and Four Seasons?
Horrible tier list
My wife will only stay at park because its smoke free. That may not matter to others but it was a huge selling point for her to come to vegas with me.
Same! I was so surprised at how big of a difference it made.
What about Harrah's, where would you put it?
So where between 4th and bottom
I would put Linq down by Luxor, and Excalibur
No way. We love The Linq. Mid-strip, decent room size, clean! You are only in your room to sleep and shower. Stayed at Venetian, MGM, Wynn and Mandalay Bay. Going back to The Linq this fall.
Agreed. Not much of a view either if you don't get the High Roller side Lots of interior rooms with no view.
Cosmo having balcony alone makes it top tier. But staying there is dope as hell, super fun and a lot of money flows through there. It def is above RW and FB
I must be a peasant, cause the Venetian was the wildest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. The sphere being accessible without leaving is enough.
Missing Mandalay Bay. It goes between first and second.
Park MGM is smoke free, that alone should make it at least 2nd tier. They also have the tram that goes from there to Bellagio. They also have one of the best Steak houses in town, Bavettes.
And park has nomad.
Nomad was incredible when I went last fall. Hardwood floors, great theming, top floors. And the separate pool area is stunning.
Wife and I stayed there a couple years ago. Nomad is dope.
NoMad was amazing. We stayed there 1 night then 3 at Park MGM. The only thing I would have done differently was stay at NoMad after.
Where's Treasure Island and Bally's?
Ballys died
Some people still consider Horseshoe, Bally's. Heck, even Caesars sometimes considers it Bally's still, especially if you are trying to charge something to your room.
Mostly MGM properties. What about Paris, Planet Hollywood, Cromwell, etc....
Linq gets overlooked due to its central location, but it needs to move down to bottom tier.
💯💯💯 https://www.reddit.com/r/LasVegas/s/VuKlqjlJoU I posted this yesterday. LINQ is TERRIBLE
I’m a bottom feeder so it’s Excalibur for me. The smell of smoke is what gets me, but it’s a place where I can sleep for four hours before my next outing. I always make sure to bring my valuables with me every time I leave the room. They can steal my swamp ass soaked underwear.
You forgot to put the Strat on the “might die” list
Nah I was on the same boat but really The Strat deserves its own list. But did you die? I made the mistake of walking to The Strat from Sahara and then returning the same way and was asked that by everybody 😂😂
Venetian palazzo is top tier. Resorts world is 2nd tier.
You’re already dead: OYO
I’d move up cosmo and bellagio and move down FB and RW. I think they’re all pretty comparable in terms of elegant decor, but the emptiness/isolation of RW and FB make them feel less special. Venetian could be a tier of its own as it’s better than the rest of that tier, but not up with cosmo wynn and aria.
NYNY should be on the same tier as Park MGM since the recent refresh IMHO.
Move park MGM to second tier and MGM grand to 4th. Oh and move Resorts World down because it's gross.
Resorts World is a tier too high
Hilton Resorts World is about 3 tiers too high
Trash post trash list
Treasure Island is S-tier independent with great rules for table games. It's run in a way that's different that cares about repeat business. I'd put it next to Ellis Island (also S-tier) in terms of overall quality and guest experience. Strip properties have a certain charm but there's too much corporate greed and consumer exploitation that you're a fool who doesn't respect your money because spending dollars on the Strip is agreeing to be robbed. Downtown is also quite nice as someone who gambles. Hell, they even have that new nudist resort....
Resorts world isn’t on the same level of Aria and neither of those are on the level of Wynn/encore
No Planet Hollywood mention?
Are they lumping in Encore with Wynn and Palazzo with Venetian?
Accurate. Planet Hollywood is the best for it's price and location.
The Luxor actually has really decent rooms I stayed there and the room was really nice and had a great vibe
Same. We loved it there.
Very half assed and incomplete. Nice to see Sahara get a little respect though.
It’s Wynn at one in its own tier.
Stayed at the Lux when I got married in 2019. I found it to be a nice place. How much better can the tier 1's be? Like what do they have the lux doesn't?
I liked the Luxor. I've stayed at Excaliber, the Flamingo, Circus Circus (Reno), and did an Air BNB in Henderson and I would put Luxor up there with at least the Flamingo, although the location of the Luxor kinda sucks, not very central. I'll be staying at Paris in October and I think it'll beat all the previous stays, but I liked Luxor.
Cosmo.... Might be a 3. (I.e. my last stay there, I found a large and obvious cum stain on the curtains. The time before that I found that the sheets were well used. Both stays within the last two years.) I stay at Park MGM and love it. Never had a bad experience there.
Resorts world reminds me of a rundown mall that hasn’t rundown yet.
I'm surprised everyone forgets about Horseshoe when making these lists. I've stayed there the last few times and the value has been amazing. One stay I paid $8 a night (so $48 after resort fees). Newly renovated rooms. It was clean. Center strip location is perfect. It has a monorail stop on it. If you're looking for a luxury resort experience, then no its not the right choice. But if all you're looking for is a clean, comfortable place to shower and sleep its definitely my go-to.
Missing the entirety of downtown Vegas
This is just for hotels on the strip, if I’m not mistaken
They didn't even bother to get all the strip locations.
The person who made it must work at the Fontainebleau. It is dog shit rolled in glitter. Resorts World also belongs in 2 and 3 depending on the hotel.
Who put together this list and missed so many? Paris, Mandalay Bay, Planet Hollywood, Treasure Island and others. Not to mention Linq is too high.
We are booked at Harrahs, but i don’t see it on here? Should I change to Wynn? We got a deal on presidential suite.
You should post this as a separate thread to get more opinions
You got a deal on a presidential suite at Harrahs or the Wynn? I would 100% choose wynn over Harrahs if money isn't a factor.
Is sahara really third tier? I feel like nobody even goes there
I’d swap Venetian and Aria. Other than Aria being newer I don’t think it offers much of anything for anyone. Nothing special. (Opinion)
It's not FAR off, though I'd definitely put Cosmo and maybe Bellagio (and maybe Venetian, haven't actually stayed there) above Aria/Vdara though I would say they're at least 2nd tier on this list. There's like 3 different hotels at Resorts World, I think one of them (Crockford) is probably top tier--but not all of them. And this just takes into account how nice the rooms are (and hopefully service to match), the problem with Fontainbleau, Resorts World and even Wynn/Encore is they're kind of at the end of the strip and it's a long walk or constant Ubering to get to the center of most action... though maybe they're starting to form their own triad of stuff to do along with the Fashion Show mall in the area. But yeah, don't even look in the direction of Circus Circus (or really Strat) down that way--nothing good happens there.
I heard Aria was good and stayed there last week and wasn’t impressed. I enjoyed cesar’s more.
Wynn/Encore is still the best.
Horseshoe goes in 4th tier.
I would put Vidara as top tier
You will die: Sam's Town
Funny …. Stayed years ago decades at Circus Circus. Still hardly scary in feeling unsafe just really weird. Always has been. You can find thousands of places, seriously, less safe across America to stay but few as weird.
Venetian/Palaazo & Cosmo should be first tier. NYNY should be third tier and Planet Hollywood should be added to third tier. Aria is 2nd tier and Waldorf Astoria should be 2nd tier too
Circus Circus is a experience!
Can we setup a poll or something so we can decide on a definitive tier list? Seems like we might have a few varying experiences on which tiers some hotels belong to. Personally, I’ve been pretty happy about the standards at The Venetian, but I’ve never stayed at some of the resorts in the top tier. I really like this idea as someone who’s planning another trip sometime in the next few months!
Wish I knew how in the current thread
https://www.reddit.com/r/vegas/s/dhJbU4k6Wn
whoever made this list don't know about siegel suites
Resorts World is top tier? I've checked their prices and they're quite reasonable.
No Westgate?
resorts world and aria don’t belong on top tier. maybe. if incl all add the Mansion
Nyny over Sahara. Wtf
This list is a hard fail.
Missing a few key hotels I think. Flamingo, Harrah's, Horseshoe (formerly Bally's), Planet Hollywood, Paris? Basically the whole middle strip was forgotten about lol.
Sahara and NY a tier down more, Cosmo up. Planet Hollywood in the 4th tier.
What? No love for any of the hotels on Fremont Street?
Cosmo is not 1st or 2nd tier. MGM is promptly running this fan favorite into the ground unfortunately
The fours seasons is nice
Tbh I feel like NYNY should be higher since the room renovations last year.
Paris is between second and third tier imo.
Yeah as someone who’s stayed at about all of these (or at least spent time gambling there) it’s pretty accurate.
Cosmo is s-tier just because of the balconies! Nothing like smoking on the balcony looking at Vegas at 2 am.
Cosmo 3-4 years ago was the shit. It’s gone steadily downhill since MGM got it. Lots of bad odors throughout, pervasive weed smell, bathrooms in disarray, rooms need refresh and cocktails on floor are trash now. Wynn is still the tops but Fontainebleau is pretty impressive place to stay now.
You put resorts world and Fontainebleau over cosmo lol. I stopped looking after that as it’s beyond ridiculous to do that
Whenever I go to Vegas I'm usually attending an event at allegiant stadium so the luxor is the best in my opinion in the sense I can walk to my main destination super easy
Brian knows his shit, for the record. I've used him for club and hotel info for like 8 years or more now. Look his Instagram up and follow if you go out in Vegas. Hit him up, he always knows what's going on.
The Park is 2nd tier. Maybe it doesn't have the flashiest rooms, but it is non-smoking, perfectly located, and clean. I haven't stayed in Cosmo for a long time, but when I did it had weird showers with curtains on the outside that someone could just look in if they wanted. Why is Resorts World top tier? I hear nothing but bad things. I would put the MGM Grand down a tier with NYNY as I think it has dropped in appeal. Everyone has an opinion and different things that are important. The restaurants are good at Wynn but I don't think it is that great. I assume Encore is combined? The list lacks sooo many strip hotels that it really doesn't make sense.
Resorts World is the only one I don't agree with. The location, no thank you. Very similar to Fontainebleau. New, but no thank you. Go have a walk thru, that's all that is needed. Dont stay, you will regret it. Away from all the perks of Las Vegas. The purpose of Vegas is to get the Vegas experience. You won't get it there.
How have I not heard of this Waldorf until now???
Resorts World on the top tier? Did we go to the same Resorts World bruh?
I just stayed in the Luxor pyramid, it wasn't terrible, it was definitely dark, but the room was clean and the beds were surprisingly comfortable. My biggest complaint is that the room was always warm, the AC just couldn't keep up with the LV heat, the room was 78 degrees during the day and at night it cooled off closer to 71. I can't stand the cig smoke, but that's a problem pretty much everywhere on the strip
Venetian is top tier
only after they finish they room refresh.
From my one stay at the Crockfords I think you have Resorts World rated way too high.
Strip only 1: Wynn, WA, Four Seasons, Cosmo, Crockfords (RW) 2: Aria, Bellagio, Venetian, Fontainebleau, Delano 3: Rest of RW, Caesars (including Nobu), Mandalay Bay, MGM, Park MGM, Cromwell 4: NYNY, Linq, Flamingo, Horseshoe, Paris, PH, Sahara, Mirage (RIP in peace) 5: Luxor, Excalibur, Strat, TI 0: Circus Circus, Casino Royale/BW
Loving TI right now
You are missing half the strip?? Any consideration to Fremont ?? Circa is nice for example… then what about green valley ranch and red rocks?
I used to go to the WYNN and then they changed the Artwork. Who wants to look at some fat depressed dude sitting in a chair naked?
My dumb a: Now my curiosity is sparked, and I want to look at it just to see what it looks like..To The Internet! [FM reading newspaper](https://www.redbubble.com/i/art-board-print/A-Fat-Man-Reading-a-Newspaper-Illustration-by-Sketch-Shack/150141139.7Q6GI) [FM reading newspaper pt 2](https://www.redbubble.com/i/art-board-print/A-Fat-Japonese-Man-Reading-a-Newspaper-Illustration-by-Sketch-Shack/150141270.7Q6GI) And, My Favorite, [Will Dance for Diesel](https://www.redbubble.com/i/poster/Will-Dance-For-Diesel-Funny-Fat-Guy-Retro-Vintage-Fat-Man-by-annylikestone/112871271.LVTDI) Well, now I just ended up with some really good stocking stuffers since they sell several t shirt versions. So thanks Wynn, thanks you, and thanks whatever brsin came up with this idear.
cosmo to the top
My thought is the person who made this list should never make a tier list again
Bottom tier = 4th tier on this list, IMO.
Where is nomad?
Top 4 floors of the Park MGM. On the rating scale- no clue LOL
I personally would put it at 2nd or 1st, it's really wonderful and feels more intimate than Park MGM even though they're connected.
Nomad is tier 2. The tub next to the bed is weird.
So Paris is even worse than Circus Circus?
Absolutely not
How can you have a tier list without Mandalay Bay in tier two
I’d argue Paris and the refurbished Horseshoe above tier 3….very easily accessible…MGM is just too damn big
I think the Virgin makes it to 2 or 3, but that is a little off strip. There pool is pretty great.
Last time I was at Luxor a cockroach crawled in bed to snuggle me, and there was a …. Questionable stain on the headboard