The Best Hotels to Book in Las Vegas, Nevada

Decadent, sexy and just a little bit different, the Cosmopolitan embodies its long-time tagline: “Just the right amount of wrong.” Located near CityCenter, this trendy hotel is definitely one of the coolest places to stay in Las Vegas. From suites with wrap-around terraces overlooking the Fountains of Bellagio to vintage cigarette machines that dispense art and a cocktail lounge inside a chandelier, the Cosmopolitan is designed to surprise. The rooftop pool, which is home to dive-in outdoor movie nights in the summer and ice skating during the winter, is a must-see.

Caesars Palace is practically synonymous with Las Vegas. The sprawling Strip hotel evokes classic Vegas vibes, with its luxurious Garden of the Gods pool complex and expansive casino. The establishment is also a haven for foodies, as it hosts a roster of popular restaurants and bars owned by the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Giada De Laurentiis, Bobby Flay and Lisa Vanderpump. Caesars is worth visiting for the Bacchanal Buffet alone, which features a seemingly endless selection of upscale items and serves 275 people per hour.

Also considered a Las Vegas classic, the Bellagio is an ideal choice for travelers who love art and culture. It is home to the famous Fountains of Bellagio, which put on a show every half hour during the afternoon and every 15 minutes from 8pm (7pm on weekends) until midnight. Here, you’ll also find a Mediterranean-inspired pool, the aquatic-themed O by Cirque du Soleil, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, whose display changes with the seasons. While staying here, make an effort to book a fountain-side table at LAGO by Julian Serrano, Spago or Jasmine.

The Palms had a major moment in the early aughts (the first Las Vegas season of MTV’s The Real World filmed here), and, over a decade later, it’s having a bit of a renaissance thanks to a $620 million (£483 million) renovation. The property is home to a ton of Damien Hirst art, including a 60ft-tall (18m) headless demon sculpture that towers above the resort’s pool. The hotel also impresses with award-winning restaurants, such as Scotch 80 Prime, Vetri Cucina and Greene Street Kitchen, a speakeasy-style spot with Banksy artwork inside. If you can swing it, book a room with a private infinity pool.

If you can’t make it to Italy, the Venetian is the next best thing. This lavish casino resort (on the north end of the Strip) and its sister property, the Palazzo, greet you with marble columns, hand-painted frescoes on the ceiling and canals, where gondoliers sing. Spend some time marveling at the architecture, and indulge in enormous meatballs at LAVO Italian Restaurant. Then, dance the night (or day) away at TAO Nightclub or TAO Beach. Don’t miss the upscale cocktail bar Rosina, which is known for its champagne call button.

Wynn Las Vegas and its sister property, Encore, beckon luxury travelers with a signature curved design that holds a plethora of dining, nightlife and entertainment options. Book a room with unparalleled Strip views, and head to Encore Beach Club for one of the wildest pool parties in Sin City. If you’re looking for a show, Le Rêve is a mesmerizing, water-centric performance that rivals Cirque du Soleil. The Wynn is also home to upscale shopping and fine-dining restaurants.

If you’re the go-big-or-go-home type, the MGM Grand might be your perfect place to stay in Las Vegas. Located on the southern end of the Strip, this hotel is like its own city, complete with thousands of rooms. Step inside the emerald-colored building, and you’ll find the largest nightclub in the US, Hakkasan, rooftop golfing at Topgolf, restaurants from Masaharu Morimoto, Michael Mina and Jöel Robuchon, plus a 6.5-acre (3ha) pool complex with a lazy river and cabana rentals. For the ultimate high roller, MGM Grand’s the Mansion is an invite-only hotel-within-a-hotel experience that comprises 29 villas that range from 2,400 to 12,000sqft (223 to 1,115sqm).

The former site of the Monte Carlo got a huge makeover and became the Park MGM. This south Strip hotel is home to the Park Theater, a 5,200-seat space, where you can catch Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, Cher, Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars and other big names. The hotel’s intimate nightclub On the Record is another great spot for entertainment. Food enthusiasts will enjoy Park MGM’s restaurant collection, which includes Italian marketplace Eataly, Roy Choi’s Korean barbecue joint Best Friend and the whimsical, French-inspired Primrose.

True to its name, this pink-hued hotel in the center of the Strip is home to an actual flock of Chilean flamingos. The free Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is one highlight, but there are plenty of other things to love about this freshly renovated resort that remains one of the cheap places to stay in Las Vegas. The waterfall- and palm-studded GO Pool Dayclub has become a summertime party spot in recent years, and the resort’s easy proximity to the restaurant and shops at the LINQ Promenade is also a notable feature. The Flamingo also has the distinction of being the oldest operating hotel on the Strip, making it an excellent option for those who love Las Vegas history.

The former Mandarin Oriental has smoothly transitioned into the equally luxurious Waldorf Astoria. This sleek, elegant CityCenter hotel is perfect for Las Vegas travelers who prefer chilled martinis to foot-long margaritas and relaxing spa treatments to pulsing nightclubs. Treat yourself to a sky-high room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the city, and wake up for afternoon tea service on the 23rd floor Tea Lounge. Head to the 27,000sqft (2,508sqm) spa, and enjoy a massage in one of the 16 treatment rooms with glimpses of the neon lights below. Afterward, savor dinner at the acclaimed Twist by Pierre Gagnaire.

LINQ is more than just a hotel. It’s an experience with all the trimmings. Pool parties, a zip line, magic shows, a Ferris wheel, a bowling alley, comedy gigs and rock-and-roll concerts are all part of the stay at the LINQ. That’s not even mentioning the restaurants, established by famous chefs Gordon Ramsay and Guy Fieri. Then, as with most places in Las Vegas, it provides its fair share of jackpots and interactive games. The sleek bedrooms are modern and tidy, and there’s a pool and spa within the complex as well.