The hotels on the Las Vegas Strip are world famous and all have a fun theme, such as Egypt, New York, and Venice. These are the nicest hotels to stay at.
Explore the Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas, the iconic city in the Nevada desert, is known worldwide for its unusual themed hotels along the famous Strip. The Las Vegas Strip is an iconic 4.2-mile-long boulevard and is the epicenter of the city’s gambling and entertainment industry. Here you will find an abundance of restaurants, stores, hotels, and casinos, each offering its unique theme, atmosphere, and attractions.
In this article, we are going to talk about the famous themed hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, because they are very special and most of them have a very distinctive theme. The roots of these unusual themed hotels go back to the 1940s and 1950s when Las Vegas began to transform from a gambling town to an entertainment capital.
The concept of these hotels grew out of a mix of competition among casino bosses and a desire for uniqueness. The legendary Bugsy Siegel is often cited as one of the pioneers, with the construction of the Flamingo Hotel marking the beginning of this extravagant era.
Each hotel tried to outdo the previous one by offering unique themes, grandiose architecture, and unprecedented luxury. This set in motion an upward spiral of creativity and economies of scale, making the hotels bigger, bolder, and more striking.
Every time you visit the Las Vegas Strip, it’s different. New themed hotels will be added and old hotels will be demolished. The street keeps changing and it looks different every time you visit Las Vegas.
The best themed hotels in Las Vegas: The Strip
I have visited Las Vegas five times and have stayed in many different hotels. Sometimes a low-budget hotel, other times the most luxurious. Most of them are great places to stay! This is an overview of the best themed and most unusual hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, divided into Budget, Midrange, and Luxury.
Budget $
Want to watch your budget and still sleep in one of the cool theme hotels in Las Vegas? These are some fine budget options.
Excalibur
Excalibur is one of the most distinctive hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and is known for its medieval castle architecture and fairy-tale atmosphere. This themed hotel, inspired by the legend of King Arthur, welcomes you with imposing towers, battlements and a colorful exterior that seems to have come straight out of a fairy tale book.
Luxor
Do you love ancient Egypt? Then you’re in the right place at the Luxor. On the outside, you immediately see the huge pyramid and the sphinx. And even on the inside, you imagine yourself in ancient Egypt with the huge obelisk and other beautiful details. As you can imagine, the views are stunning.
Besides, you can sleep at this hotel for a bargain, especially on weekdays. I slept here for a couple of nights during my last Las Vegas trip and although it is not the nicest hotel on the Strip, the rooms are good and nice and spacious.
Did you know that Luxor is also one of the best gay hotels in Las Vegas? On Sundays, there’s an event called Temptation Sundays at The Luxor at the Oasis Pool, one of the best LGBTQ+ parties in town.
Midrange $$$
If you don’t mind spending a bit more money, but it doesn’t have to be over-the-top luxury, you will love one of the midrange hotels. They are very good value for your money.
New York New York
New York New York is the very first themed hotel on the Las Vegas Strip that I have stayed at and it is certainly one of my favorites! Everything in the hotel reminds you of the city of New York. Not only the skyscrapers (that’s where the rooms are) but also the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. When you explore the hotel it’s like walking around the city, with streets and everything. A great place to visit and the rooms are very well priced.
Fun detail: a real roller coaster runs around the hotel! And don’t worry, you barely hear it in the rooms.
Book a room in New York New York now.
MGM Grand
With more than 6,800 rooms, MGM Grand is the largest hotel in America and also one of the largest hotels in the world. It does not have an obvious theme, but because it is so huge, it is still worth visiting.
Getting lost is a breeze, but not to worry, it is packed with slot machines, and there are 20 or so restaurants and bars, clothing stores, and you can visit multiple shows. You never have to go outside, and I think that’s exactly what they want to achieve with this hotel. The rooms are very comfortable, it is in a good location on the Strip and the price is great.
Reserve a room at MGM Grand now.
The Mirage
Do you like a nice tropical vibe and volcanoes? Then you really should take a look at The Mirage. In front of the hotel is a volcano that erupts a few times a night, and inside are palm trees everywhere. Behind the reception is a huge aquarium; it is not a bad thing to stand in line here for a while.
Of all the hotels I have slept at on the Strip, this was my favorite. Lovely beds and a beautiful view. I also think that The Mirage has one of the best buffets in Las Vegas!
Good to know: The Mirage is currently under renovation. In fact, in 2025 or 2026, this will be Hard Rock Las Vegas.
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace is an impressive themed hotel in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. This iconic hotel is all about Roman grandeur, which is well reflected in its majestic architecture, with imposing columns and fountains.
Inside, Caesars Palace exudes an atmosphere of luxury and opulence. The hotel houses an abundance of first-class restaurants, high-end shopping, and opulent accommodations. The famous Forum Shops complex is a world unto itself, with a ceiling that seems to simulate the sky and an array of exclusive boutiques.
Reserve a room at Caesars Palace.
Luxury $$$$
Would you like to stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in Las Vegas? There is no shortage of that either in Las Vegas. These are some of the most luxurious themed hotels in Las Vegas.
Bellagio
After finishing my hike on the Arizona Trail, I was able to reserve a room at the Bellagio for a very good deal. I felt so lucky because this is one of the most iconic and special hotels in Las Vegas!
Located in the middle of the Strip, the hotel is known for its timeless class and unparalleled luxury. As soon as you enter the imposing building, you are greeted by a breathtaking entrance with a ceiling of glass flowers created by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and incredibly luxurious with lots of marble. You can also control many things remotely, such as using a remote control to open the curtains. Now that’s a nice way to wake up!
But the Bellagio’s main attraction is undoubtedly the famous fountain show, which takes place several times a day in front of the hotel. The perfectly synchronized fountains dance to the melodies of different pieces of music, with water and light forming an enchanting spectacle. Even if you’re not staying in the Bellagio, this is a must see.
Book a room at the Bellagio now.
The Venetian
The Venetian is an enchanting oasis that brings the splendor of Venice to the Las Vegas Strip. This opulent resort is known for its accurate reproduction of Venetian architecture, with its own Grand Canal winding through the hotel. You are greeted at this hotel with a scale model of the iconic Rialto Bridge and San Marco’s Campanile, creating an unmistakably Venetian atmosphere.
Inside, The Venetian immerses you in a world of luxury, complete with gondola rides through the canals, high-end shopping along the “streets” of Venice, and sophisticated eateries that pamper the taste buds. A very special hotel and very suitable as a romantic place to stay for couples.
Reserve a room at The Venetian.
Aria
The Aria is one of the newest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and a place where I would love to stay someday. The rooms are hi-tec, you can control everything (including air conditioning and the curtains) with a tablet. Also, a robot can bring you extra shampoo and conditioner, how cool is that?
The buffet at the Aria is one of the best buffets I have ever seen and everything tastes delicious. Highly recommended!
Book a room at the Aria Resort & Casino now.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
I find The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas one of the most enjoyable hotels to visit when I am in Las Vegas because it has such a special atmosphere. This hotel is all about design and fashion and it is incredibly stylish. There are chandeliers everywhere and a huge pump here and there. Very interesting!
The Cosmopolitan is home to an eclectic mix of high-end restaurants, exclusive bars and exciting nightlife. The rooms and suites exude a modern and luxurious atmosphere, with distinctive design and panoramic views of the city.
Reserve a room at The Cosmopolitan.
Wynn
The Wynn is the nicest hotel I have stayed at on the Las Vegas Strip. Everything breathes luxury! The rooms as well as the bathrooms are huge and fully equipped. There is even an Amazon Alexa that you can ask to open or close the curtains.
The hotel does not have a specific theme, it is just very luxurious and it exudes a sophisticated atmosphere with beautiful gardens, beautifully landscaped pools, and breathtaking architecture. The spectacular entrance welcomes guests with lush floral arrangements and a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation and pampering. A perfect hotel if you fancy a few days of scrumptious luxury.
Paris Las Vegas Hotel
Last but not least: the luxurious Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Located in a beautiful location right across the street from the Bellagio, you will imagine yourself in the French capital of Paris at this hotel. This hotel and resort pay homage to Paris with a replica of the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline. It is almost unnoticeable, but a replica of the Arc de Triomphe stands next to it.
Inside, Paris Las Vegas brings the Parisian atmosphere to life with its cozy “streets,” cobblestone alleys, French boutiques, and cozy restaurants. Here you can enjoy authentic French cuisine while enjoying live entertainment and charming fountains.
Reserve a room at Paris Las Vegas.
The best Las Vegas hotels off the Strip
Las Vegas is more than the Las Vegas Strip, of course, and beyond the Strip there are more than enough exceptional hotels to stay at. These include:
- Golden Nugget – Located in historic Downtown Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget is a classic. This hotel oozes nostalgia and offers a unique experience with its legendary Shark Tank pool, where you can even zipline right through an aquarium full of sharks.
- Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa – This resort, on the edge of town overlooking the beautiful Red Rock Canyon, offers a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. It combines luxury accommodations with natural beauty, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip.
- Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino – Located in Henderson, this resort offers lush surroundings with a more subdued ambiance. It features excellent restaurants, a relaxing spa, and a lush pool, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Strip.
These hotels also each offer a unique experience, whether you’re looking for classic Las Vegas, a quiet and luxurious setting, or a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip.
Additional tips and frequently asked questions
What more to know about staying at one of the famous themed hotels in Las Vegas? A few tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
Resort fees
I mentioned it a few times already: resort fee. This is a mandatory fee you have to pay when staying at one of the hotels. This includes the use of the wifi, towels, and pool.
Depending on the hotel, you pay between $35 and $50 in resort fees (excluding taxes). This amount is per room, not per person. If you gamble a lot, they may waive your fee.
Parking
Most hotels have huge parking garages. Parking at (most) hotels is unfortunately not free; you also pay if you stay at one of the hotels. Usually, this is about $20 per day, more if you choose valet parking.
Loyalty programs
Many of the hotels and casinos have a loyalty program. When you become a member and spend money (whether it’s your hotel room, a meal at one of the restaurants, or a night of gambling) you get points.
The more points, the higher your status. At some point, you will even be offered free hotel rooms, or your parking fees will be waived, for example. If you visit Las Vegas more often, it is very helpful to familiarize yourself with these kinds of loyalty programs. Well-known programs include Mlife and Caesars Rewards.
Are the hotels child-friendly?
Although Las Vegas is known for its gambling facilities and vibrant nightlife, many hotels and resorts have catered to families and offer a wide range of child-friendly amenities and activities.
Some hotels have special entertainment options for children, such as theme parks, play areas, and shows suitable for all ages. For example, there are hotels with attractions such as Ferris wheels, water parks, magic shows, and even dolphin shows that appeal to both children and adults.
However, it is important to note that while many hotels on the Strip are kid-friendly, the general atmosphere and environment of Las Vegas remain geared toward adults. Children are generally allowed to walk through the casinos to go from one part of the hotel to another, such as from the lobby to a restaurant or a showroom. But please note that children are not allowed to participate in gambling or stay near the gambling tables or slot machines. You have to be 21 to visit the casinos.
Book a trip to Las Vegas
These were all my tips for the best-themed hotels in Las Vegas. Would you like to discover one of these extraordinary hotels for yourself? Book your trip to Las Vegas now!
✈️ Plane tickets – Las Vegas has a large international airport called McCarran International Airport. Check WayAway to find the best deals and cashback on plane tickets.
🚘 Rental car – If you’d like to visit all the amazing spots just outside of the city, it’s very convenient to have a rental car. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
💊Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours and Activities – There are tons of fun tours and activities in Las Vegas! Check Get Your Guide for all options.
Read more about Las Vegas and Southwest USA
Looking for more Las Vegas travel tips? Get one of these travel guides.
I visited Las Vegas numerous times during my trips to the United States. That is why you can read a lot about traveling in the USA on this website. You might like to read these articles as well:
- What to do in Las Vegas besides gambling? 25 tips!
- Awesome day trips from Las Vegas
- West Coast USA road trip: a spectacular itinerary
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This article was published in September 2018. Last update: December 2023 with a lot more tips!
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