Best Hotels for First-Time Visitors to Las Vegas (2025 Guide)
- Sergio Barbasso
- Jul 16
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Where to Stay on Your First Trip, According to Locals Who Learned It the Hard Way
Introduction: We’ve Been There
(And Screwed It Up So You Don’t Have To)
When I first arrived in Vegas back in 2012 with a close friend, the plan was simple: stay in the cheapest hotel as close as possible to the action.
It was August. Our first trip to the U.S., and we had packed in every major city on the West Coast—San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco—with Las Vegas squeezed in as the “party stop.” No drugs. Just a few too many beers and a lot of “what happens in Vegas…” kind of moments.
It wasn’t exactly the kind of trip made for introspection, but we felt a level of freedom I’ve honestly only found in the American Southwest so far.
We were completely immersed in the world we’d only seen in American TV shows and music videos. And while I loved planning every step of our route, Vegas? Vegas was just supposed to be “fun and nothing else.”
Looking back, if I had known how much this city actually had to offer, I wouldn’t have only planned three days here.
And that’s still what most tourists do: 3 days in Vegas, because they think “that’s enough.” Two of those days are spent dealing with logistics—airport transfers, check-in, souvenirs—and the final day is a mad rush to see everything… only to end up sunburnt and exhausted.
We stayed at the old Travelodge (now closed), near ARIA, right in the center of the Strip, and then booked one night at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel (now Virgin Hotels Las Vegas) because back then, Rehab was the pool party.
Thirteen years later, I’ve visited Vegas every year—solo, with friends, with family—testing dozens of hotels both on and off the Strip. Eventually, we made this our home. I’ve helped countless friends and relatives book their stays here, and I’ve personally walked through most hotels on the Strip and Downtown just to experience them firsthand.
Vegas has changed. I’ve seen it evolve from the “cheap fun capital” to a luxury destination that can cost you an entire year’s salary if you don’t plan smart. (We wrote more about how to avoid overspending in Vegas here.)
Las Vegas Hotel Options Are Overwhelming
(But You Can Win This Game)
With over 150,000 places to stay, Las Vegas truly offers something for everyone—whether you're a casual gambler, a couple on a getaway, or a family traveling with kids and pets. The range of hotel options in Vegas is honestly overwhelming.
So if you’re like me—or like just about anyone planning their first trip to Las Vegas—you’ve probably realized that choosing the right hotel in Vegas really comes down to just two key things:
· What kind of experience do you want from your Las Vegas vacation
· Who you're traveling with
Whether you're dreaming of staying on the Strip, booking a pet-friendly hotel, or finding the best budget deals near Fremont Street, your ideal Vegas hotel depends entirely on your vibe and your crew.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down to help you choose the perfect place to stay for your very first time in Las Vegas.
What First-Timers Should Do in Las Vegas
If you have no idea what to expect beyond a Bellagio fountain selfie, we’ve written a full 260-page Digital Guide to Las Vegas with local advice and smart tips for your entire stay, including national parks and road trip itineraries.
We also categorize every hotel in the guide based on the trip style: business, couples, party weekend, family-friendly, pet-friendly, etc.
You can also do something similar with Booking.com, which we’ve used ourselves to plan trips in Europe, Asia, and across the U.S. for 15+ years. Free cancellation, user reviews, and map views make it the most effective platform for smart planning.
Quick Overview:
What to Know Before Booking a Hotel in Vegas
Before we break down the best hotels by category, here are a few things first-timers usually get wrong:
The Strip is longer than it looks. It’s 4.2 miles long, or 6.75 kilometers—and walking from Mandalay Bay to The Venetian in the summer heat? Brutal.
Resort fees are real. Expect $35–$55 per night, not included in the base price.
Location matters more than stars. A 3-star hotel in the right place beats a 5-star that’s isolated.
Everything looks closer on the map. Trust us, it’s not.
Parking isn’t free anymore. Some hotels (like Resorts World) are starting to reintroduce free parking to attract guests.
Best Hotels for First-Timers in 2025 by Travel Style
For First-Time Shoppers & Foodies:
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Why we recommend it:
Unbeatable central location
Huge variety of restaurants and bars
Balconies with Strip views (rare in Vegas!)
Connected to Aria, Bellagio, and Planet Hollywood via pedestrian bridges
If you’re here for food, shopping, and those perfect Instagram shots, Cosmo delivers.
Planning a shopping spree? From luxury brands to boutique finds, everything’s within walking distance.
Cons: Higher price point, party atmosphere not ideal for families with young kids
You can book it on: Booking.com – The Cosmopolitan
For Families with Kids:
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Why it works:
The best pool complex in Vegas (wave pool + lazy river)
Shark Reef Aquarium on site
Large rooms and quieter vibes
Easy Monorail access
This is the ideal place to stay if you’re traveling with kids and want to balance family-friendly fun with grown-up comfort. Mandalay Bay offers a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, and it's conveniently connected to the Luxor and Excalibur via indoor walkways—perfect if you want to explore without braving the heat.
Depending on your children’s age, here are a few smart ways to make the most of your time:
If you’re traveling with younger kids, you can easily find a reliable, certified babysitter for a few hours—or even full days—through trusted sites like UrbanSitter.com, Sittercity.com, and Care.com. Rates typically start at around $15 per hour, and many families use these platforms regularly when vacationing in Las Vegas.
Got older, more independent kids? Let them splash around in Mandalay Bay’s epic pool area—one of the best in Las Vegas—while you and your partner sneak away for some adult time at the Mandalay Bay Spa. (We go there ourselves as locals whenever we need to unplug and reset—it’s that good.)
You can even save money by booking a day pass in advance via ResortPass ($20 off your first booking using our link) and enjoy world-class facilities without being an overnight guest.
Cons: Located at the far south end of the Strip
We also wrote for you a full article on what to do in Vegas with kids. Check it out here to plan activities that make everyone happy!
Pro Tip: Book through Vegas.com for bundled hotel + attraction deals
For First-Time Luxury Seekers:
Wynn Las Vegas or The Venetian
Why Stay at the Wynn: Sleek, modern, and quiet luxury. The Wynn is known for its high-end service, world-class dining options, and one of the most beautiful spas in Las Vegas. It’s stylish, sophisticated, and a true treat for the eyes, from the design to the details. If you’re looking for upscale elegance without the chaos, this is your place.
Why Stay at the Venetian: Massive, all-suite hotel with stunning Italian-inspired architecture, romantic vibes, and its own indoor Grand Canal. It’s a city within the city, with countless shopping opportunities at the Grand Canal Shoppes and even more just across the street at the Caesars Forum Shops. The location is unbeatable, right in the heart of the Strip.
Best For:
Couples, honeymooners, and anyone chasing that upscale, “Only in Vegas” experience.
Ready to book?
Bonus Tip:
The Wynn is home to the breathtaking Awakening show, which we cover in more detail here.
You’re also just a short walk away from Mystère at Treasure Island and O at the Bellagio—two of our all-time favorite Cirque du Soleil shows.
We reviewed them all in our guide to the best Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas.
🎟️ Already read our reviews? You can book your tickets using the same site we personally use here in Vegas, directly from the banner below:
For Party Lovers:
The LINQ Hotel or Circa (Downtown)
Why LINQ: Budget-friendly, center Strip, right next to the LINQ Promenade.
Why Circa: New, sleek, energetic, Downtown Vegas style. Massive rooftop pool with live sports. Adults-only.
These Las Vegas hotels are ideal if you're young(ish), traveling with friends, or planning a trip where nightlife isn't a side dish—it's the main course.
The LINQ Hotel is definitely showing its age (don’t expect anything too glamorous), but its unbeatable location makes up for it. It’s the main gateway to the LINQ Promenade—a lively pedestrian-only zone packed with bars, shops, casual restaurants, and all kinds of fun.
Circa Resort & Casino, on the other hand, is the first brand-new casino built in Downtown Las Vegas in over 40 years. Known for its sleek modern design, Circa sits in the heart of Fremont Street, surrounded by street performers, live concerts, bar crawls, and high-energy vibes day and night. You’ll also get access to the epic Stadium Swim—a massive rooftop pool deck with giant screens where you can catch live sports while swimming.
⚠️ Caution: Don’t expect much peace and quiet, especially at the LINQ. These spots are made to keep your pulse racing.
For First-Time Romantic Getaways:
Paris Las Vegas
Why we love it:
• Stunning Eiffel Tower views and French-inspired charm
• Direct access to upscale restaurants and romantic rooftop lounges
• Prime central location without the overwhelming noise
Book a room with a view of the Strip, reserve a table at Mon Ami Gabi, and enjoy a more refined Vegas experience—just steps from the action, but far from the chaos.
Yes, it can get crowded, especially during peak season, but that’s the tradeoff when you’re staying right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.
That’s exactly why we always tell our friends—and our fellow Getawaykers—to book early, especially if you’re hoping to dine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant.
For First-Time Visitors Craving Classic Vegas:
Caesars Palace
This is the quintessential Las Vegas hotel. Think iconic Roman statues, towering columns, massive pool decks, celebrity chef restaurants, and a legendary casino that played a starring role in The Hangover. If you close your eyes and picture "Vegas," chances are you're imagining Caesars.
Located just a block from the Bellagio, it’s the beating heart of the Strip—and a bucket list stay for anyone visiting Vegas for the first time.
Perfect for: First-time travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, with a splash of history, glamor, and over-the-top everything.
Don’t miss: The Forum Shops and Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. It might not be the best meal on the Strip (don’t worry, we’ll tell you where to go for that), but it’s definitely the most iconic, especially for anyone coming from countries where Gordon’s TV shows are still airing on prime time. You know, the ones where he’s sweet and gentle with contestants whose halibut is raw.
For Travelers Who Prefer a Peaceful Escape:
Durango Casino & Red Rock Resort
Why they’re trending in 2025:
If you’re renting a car (we used RentalCars.com for years, and you should too), and don’t mind being 10–15 minutes off the Strip, these two off-Strip resorts are absolute hidden gems.
Durango Casino & Resort is the newest hotel-casino in Las Vegas, opened recently on the southwest side of town and connected to the Strip by the fast and scenic 215 Beltway. It’s modern, upscale, and refreshingly smoke-free—rare in Vegas. You’ll find classy restaurants and lounges, perfect for couples, business trips, or groups of friends using Vegas as a jumping-off point for road trips through Nevada, California, Utah, and Arizona.
Stop by The George Sportsmen’s Lounge to catch a game with great food and a true American vibe.
Red Rock Resort, by the same hotel group, is nestled in the upscale Summerlin area, about 15 minutes from the Strip and just minutes from the stunning Red Rock Canyon (more info in our Red Rock article here). The resort offers gorgeous pools and a closer connection to the natural side of Vegas.
From here, you can explore peaceful local hangouts like Downtown Summerlin or the charming Tivoli Village, with shopping, cafes, and a very un-touristy vibe.
Pros: Way more peaceful than the Strip, stunning desert views, and—yes—free parking.
Cons: You’re not on the Strip. But if you're craving a deeper, more authentic Vegas experience away from the madness of downtown, that’s actually a pro.
Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Visitors
Center Strip: Walkable, iconic. Includes Bellagio, Cosmo, Paris, Caesars, and Planet Hollywood.
South Strip: Quieter, better for families. Includes Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur.
North Strip: Newer and quieter. Includes Venetian, Wynn, Resorts World, and Fontainebleau.
Hidden Costs First-Timers Don’t Expect
Resort Fees: $35–$55 per night
Parking: $10–$25/day unless waived by loyalty programs
Wi-Fi: Often free with email signup
Room Service & Mini Bars: Always ask before ordering—very recently, some hotels have been reported to charge $26 for two small waters
Early Check-in: Not always available and rarely free
Download our Vegas Survival PDF with tips on how to avoid hidden charges and what essentials to bring (coming soon!).
Booking Smart: Our Pro Tips
Always book with free cancellation on Booking.com
Sign up for MGM Rewards or Caesars Rewards before you book—sometimes you'll unlock free perks like upgrades or parking.
Check out Downtown Vegas or Summerlin for longer stays or deeper experiences
Get around easier with RentalCars.com or book airport-to-hotel transfers in advance
Use Wise for currency exchange and avoid international bank fees
What to Pack for a Vegas Hotel Stay
(That First-Timers Forget)
Earplugs: Hotels can be noisy, even on higher floors.
Eye mask: Blackout curtains don’t always block the neon lights.
Portable humidifier: Dry air is no joke in the desert.
Travel adapter + charger: Especially for international guests.
Swimwear + light jacket: Pool by day, A/C blast by night.
Not sure what to wear in Las Vegas for each season?
We wrote an entire article to help you stay healthy and comfortable during your trip, so you don’t end up getting sick just because you packed the wrong clothes.
On top of that, we’ve created a completely free guide with all the must-have packing essentials, called Getawayk’s Packing Guide.
Just drop your email in the form below, and we’ll send it to you first as soon as it’s ready!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Las Vegas for first-timers?
The Las Vegas Strip is the best area—it keeps you close to major attractions, shows, and restaurants.
Is it better to stay in a themed hotel or a budget one?
For the first visit, a themed hotel like Bellagio or The Venetian enhances the experience. Budget hotels work if you plan to explore more than stay in.
Are resort fees always included in the price?
No. Resort fees are added daily on top of your booking. Check the fine print before confirming.
Do hotels in Vegas include breakfast?
Very few do. Las Vegas hotels usually offer breakfast for an additional charge or through loyalty perks.
Is it worth paying more for a Strip-view room?
If it’s your first time, absolutely. The view is iconic and part of the experience.
