las vegas hotels lobby at the wynn las vegas

Where to Stay: Las Vegas Hotels

With lively casinos, top-notch entertainment, a legendary nightlife scene and world-class restaurants, deciding where to stay in Las Vegas is more than just finding a place to lay your head after a long night of too much gambling, too much partying or too much of everything – it’s where much of the fun begins. Whether you want a budget-friendly getaway or want to treat yourself to an all-out Vegas vacation in one of the fanciest suites in town, these are the top Las Vegas hotels according to AAA and member reviews.

Las Vegas hotels: Budget

New York New York Hotel and Casino

If you want to feel closer to home, this is definitely where to stay in Las Vegas. Replicas of iconic structures like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building create a mini version of the NYC skyline on the Vegas strip, making New York New York immediately recognizable. Of course, there’s also the Big Apple Roller Coaster looping out front, which sends riders on a 67 mph ride before dropping them off near the hotel’s 84,000-square-foot casino. Inside, the fun continues with a Coney Island-themed arcade and food that includes an outpost of New York’s own AAA Diamond Rated Gallagher’s Steakhouse, “sidewalk dining” in the hotel’s recreation of Greenwich Village and NYC specialties Nathan’s and Shake Shack.

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Evening entertainment includes dueling pianos at the Bar at Times Square, bar-top dancing at Coyote Ugly and a Cirque du Soleil production. And when you’re done for the night, the New York New York has over 2,000 rooms with comfortable and modern amenities. For extra relaxation, the outdoor pool area includes three oversize hot tubs and private cabanas, and a health club and spa are also on site.

Why we love it: AAA guests find a “fabulous value” at New York New York, given its “convenient location,” “fantastic” views, “terrific staff” and “awesome rooms.”

Monte Carlo Resort And Casino 

Right beside New York New York, the Monte Carlo (now known as Park MGM Las Vegas) is conveniently located in the middle of all the action. In addition to its classic and elegantly designed guest rooms, a major draw is having one of the city’s biggest water complexes, where guests can reserve a seat beside the 400-foot-long lazy river, wave tank, lagoon pool and hot tub. A spa and fitness center are also available.

After you’ve worked up an appetite at the pool or the 102,000-square-foot casino, on-site dining options include fast food favorites, a buffet and Andrés Restaurant and Lounge A AAA Four Diamond contemporary French restaurant by star chef André Rochat that has a cigar and cognac lounge with one of the best-stocked after-dinner bars in North America. Perhaps best of all, some of the top shopping and resorts in Vegas are nearby and easily accessible.

Why we love it: AAA guests love the “spacious rooms,” the “nicely decorated” lobby and the “awesome” staff at the Monte Carlo and say they have “a blast” at this heart-of-the-Strip property.

Golden Nugget Hotel And Casino 

In the heart of downtown just a short drive from the Strip, the Golden Nugget is a piece of old-school Vegas that has been updated to feel new again. It’s a great place to experience Vegas on a budget with rooms as low as double digits per night. Aside from the price, the Golden Nugget is family-friendly, with 10 dining options that range from buffet to fine dining, a three-story pool complex with a slide that runs through a shark tank and a location that’s just steps away from the light shows and entertainment of the Fremont Street Experience.

Why we love it: AAA guests love the “clean and quiet rooms” and the “awesome pool area.”

More off-the-strip budget options

  • The Orleans Hotel And Casino (Two Diamond) – A French Quarter-themed hotel with music, food and entertainment that will make you feel like you’re steps away from Bourbon Street.
  • Hard Rock Hotel And Casino (Three Diamond) – For those who want to live like a rock star. The Hard Rock often hosts world-famous acts and has a huge pool with swim-up blackjack.
  • Palms Casino Resort (Three Diamond) – A standout for its comfortable accommodations and great nightlife.  
  • Desert Rose Resort (Three Diamond) – Family-friendly, casino-free and homey. A great bargain.

Las Vegas Hotels: Mid-range

las vegas hotels
The Mirage in Las Vegas. (Photo: AAA Hotels)

The Mirage

Filled with colorful plants, waterfalls and a 20,000-gallon aquarium, The Mirage offers a tropical escape – and a nice change of pace – on the Strip. Here you can spend time with exotic animals or set up an encounter with the dolphins at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat, enjoy a day of relaxation at the spa or head to the pool area, complete with waterfalls, lagoons and plenty of cozy spots to take in the Nevada sunshine.

There’s food for every price range and preference, with options ranging from Brazilian to Asian and everything in between. And nightly entertainment includes “The Beatles Love” production by Cirque du Soleil. Bonus points: The Mirage’s center-Strip location is close to all of the top Vegas attractions. And it’s across the street from the Las Vegas monorail, which connects all of the major hotels.

Why we love it:  AAA guests adore The Mirage’s “beautiful feel,” “great hospitality” and “many restaurant options.”

The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino

If you haven’t made it to Venice yet, the Venetian is the next best thing. At this Four Diamond palace you can shop and dine along the “Grand Canal” and even hitch a ride on a gondola past a recreation of Piazza San Marco. Every room is a suite, which features a separate seating area and luxurious bathroom. Three outdoor pools, an on-site spa and fitness center are among the amenities.

At the Venetian, you’re never too far from a good meal. Dozens of international dining options are around every corner and canal, including a number of restaurants from celebrity chefs. It’s also the site of a variety of shows and Madame Tussauds’ Las Vegas wax museum. Plus, the hotel’s lounges and acclaimed nightclubs make it a late night hotspot.

Why we love it: AAA guests have rated The Venetian “excellent,” praising the large rooms and great location.

Similar in aesthetic and connected to The Venetian by the Grand Canal Shoppes is the equally impressive, all-suite, Four Diamond Rated Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino.

Wynn Las Vegas

Experience Las Vegas luxuriously at the Wynn resort hotel. The upscale rooms feature modern and elegant design and large windows with views of Las Vegas or the hotel’s 18-hole golf course. Spend your time in the casino, or if you’d rather spend your money a different way, shop at the variety of brand-name boutiques. For something less stressful, schedule a spa appointment or hang out beside one of the hotel’s four pools. But this is Vegas we’re talking about, so if you want the best of both worlds, poolside blackjack is also available.

Wynn Las Vegas boasts some of the best dining in the world, with the romantic lagoon-side Costa di Mare and Wing Lei, the first Chinese restaurant in the U.S. to receive a Michelin Star. After dinner, enjoy a show by renowned headlining acts or experience the ultimate in nightlife accompanied by music spun by world-famous DJs.

Why we love it: AAA guests give the Wynn an overall rating of “excellent” and had good things to say about the location, comfortable rooms and golf course views.

The AAA Five Diamond Wynn Tower Suites are among the top suites in Las Vegas. From fancy to fanciest, guests enjoy the height of extravagance, which includes an exclusive entrance, daily complimentary breakfast for two at Tableau and access to a private pool.

Las Vegas Hotels: AAA Five Diamond hotels

Aria Resort and Casino 

This hotel offers 24-hour room service, shops, casino, an executive floor, coffee shop, bar and laundry service to provide the ultimate in convenience. Even more, each guest room is equipped with everything you need to be comfortable. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, you’ll want to take advantage of the Aria’s indoor and outdoor pool areas, spa services and restaurants with everything from classic French fare to Spanish cuisine, helmed by top chefs.

Why we love it: AAA guests give the Aria an overall review of “very good,” noting the prime location and friendly staff.

Looking for more of the top suites in Las Vegas? Aria Sky Suites offer some of the most impressive rooms and views, not to mention a private pool. The Sky Villas – the most extravagant option – are incredible!

Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter Las Vegas 

*Now known as the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas.

Centrally located on the Strip, this AAA 5 Diamond Rated hotel treats guests to modern and exquisite accommodations and prime Las Vegas views in every room. Don’t miss the extensive two-floor Shanghai-themed spa. And for extra relaxation, the eighth floor has a furnished sun deck and pool area where you can kick back while the hotel staff offers extra amenities like sunglass cleaning or frozen fruit every hour.

On-site dining options, most of which include panoramic views of the city, provide all the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas but from a much quieter standpoint. When you’re ready to experience all that the city has to offer, the hotel is conveniently located near transportation to other parts of the Strip and close to the Wynn Golf Course.

Why we love it: The Mandarin Oriental scores 9.4 out of 10 based on 600 verified AAA guest ratings. “Exceptional” reviews praised the quiet atmosphere and pool area.

Bellagio Hotel and Casino 

Marked by its famous dancing water fountains, the Bellagio stuns before you even enter its doors. Inside, it is just as striking, with a one-of-a-kind floral glass ceiling in the lobby and impressive Conservatory and Botanical Garden, which showcases a different horticultural display every season. Naturally, the luxury continues in the guest rooms with Italian-inspired style and decor.

The Bellagio sits in the middle of the Strip with all of the prime attractions within close reach, but with so much offered on site you never have to go too far for a sophisticated Vegas experience. Casino, shopping, nightlife and entertainment, including performances by Cirque du Soleil, are all right on the property. Here you’ll also find top-rated restaurants such as AAA Five Diamond Rated Le Cirque and the Michelin-awarded Picasso. Plus, guests of the Bellagio get exclusive access to Shadow Creek golf course.

Why we love it: With a “perfect location,” a “friendly and accommodating staff,” the “best-ever” restaurants and “beautiful surroundings,” the “well-appointed” Bellagio Hotel and Casino comes highly recommended by AAA guests.

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas 

Located on five floors of the Mandalay Bay, the Four Seasons is a classy and peaceful retreat from the excitement of the Vegas Strip. Guests have the option to enjoy the great views and plush accommodations in their room, the spa, pool or either of the hotel’s two restaurants (upscale Italian and steakhouse), or they can head downstairs for access to the Mandalay Bay pools, casino and entertainment.

Why we love it: With its “absolutely impeccable” service, AAA guests say the “beautiful” Four Seasons Las Vegas is “all you would expect and then some” because of its “mellow” atmosphere, “excellent” rooms and “great” outdoor pool area.

Learn more about AAA Diamond Ratings.

Plan and book your next Vegas getaway with AAA

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