The Strip: Center of the Action

The Las Vegas Strip is the iconic 4-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard where most famous mega-resorts live. When people picture Vegas, this is what they see: the Bellagio fountains dancing at night, the towering Caesars Palace columns, and crowds of tourists moving between casinos.

Pros:

• Walking distance to most major attractions, shows, and restaurants
• Best pool scenes and nightlife (especially at The Cosmopolitan and Wynn)
• Iconic Vegas experience you see in movies
• Easy to hop between casinos without needing transportation
• Most shows are located here

Cons:

• Higher prices for everything (rooms, food, drinks)
• Crowded, especially on weekends and holidays
• Distances are deceptive (buildings look close but are a 20-minute walk)
• Resort fees add $30 to $50+ per night on top of room rates

Recommended Strip Hotels:

Best for:

First-time visitors who want the classic Vegas experience, people attending shows or clubs on the Strip, and those who prefer luxury amenities.

Browse all Strip hotels →

Downtown Fremont Street: Old Vegas Charm

Downtown Las Vegas is the original Vegas, centered around Fremont Street. It has an older, grittier charm with lower table minimums and a more local feel. The Circa Resort brought modern luxury to the area, while classics like the Golden Nugget offer timeless Vegas vibes.

Pros:

• Much cheaper rooms, food, and gambling than the Strip
• Lower table minimums (find $5 blackjack here)
• Free nightly light show on Fremont Street Experience
• More relaxed, less pretentious atmosphere
• Easier to navigate (everything is closer together)
• Growing arts district with local restaurants and bars

Cons:

• 20-minute drive or Uber to the Strip (about $15-20 each way)
• Fewer high-end shows and restaurants
• Older casinos with less luxurious amenities (except Circa)
• Less safe late at night in surrounding areas outside Fremont Street

Recommended Downtown Hotels:

Best for:

Budget travelers, people who want a more authentic Vegas feel, gamblers looking for better odds and lower minimums, and repeat visitors who've "done" the Strip.

Browse Downtown hotels →

Off-Strip: Quiet Escape with Value

Off-Strip includes areas like Paradise Road (near the convention center), west of the Strip, and farther-out resorts. The Red Rock Resort offers stunning mountain views near Red Rock Canyon, while the Palms Casino Resort provides a trendy vibe without Strip prices.

Pros:

• Better value for money with larger rooms
• Quieter and more peaceful environment
• Free parking at most properties (Strip charges $15-25/day)
• Beautiful settings like Red Rock with mountain views
• Good for families or business travelers
• Less crowded pools and amenities

Cons:

• Need a rental car or pay for Ubers to get anywhere
• Miss the energy and spontaneity of being in the center
• Fewer dining and entertainment options on-site
• Can feel isolated from "Vegas" if that's what you came for

Recommended Off-Strip Hotels:

Best for:

Families, people with rental cars, convention attendees, outdoor enthusiasts visiting Red Rock Canyon or other day trips, and visitors who want a hotel as a quiet home base.

Browse off-Strip hotels →

The Bottom Line

Pro Tips for Booking

• Check resort fees: Always add $30-50/night for Strip hotels. Downtown and off-Strip usually have lower or no resort fees.
• Book midweek: Sunday through Thursday rates can be 50% cheaper than weekend rates.
• Avoid convention dates: CES (January) and other major conventions double hotel prices.
• Read our money-saving guide for more tips on getting the best rates.
• Book early for popular dates: Check our What to Book Early guide for timeline recommendations.