Best And Worst Hotels On Vegas Strip (2026)

TL;DR: The 4 Honest Hotel Truths

• Best Luxury Pick (No Contest): Wynn Las Vegas & Encore. They consistently offer the best service, cleanliness, and the most refined experience in Vegas.
• Best Value That Delivers: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (The Cosmo). Amazing dining, high-energy, and the essential Strip balconies.
• Worst to Avoid (Dated & Overpriced): Circus Circus Hotel & Casino. While great for kids’ attractions, the rooms and resort feel extremely old and far off the center of the action.
• Worst for Hidden Costs/Confusion: Tropicana Las Vegas (Currently closing/changing hands). Historically, its far South Strip location and dated feel made it a poor value choice.

Choosing a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip is like choosing your travel fate—the right one makes your trip legendary; the wrong one feels like a bad beat at the poker table. Every single hotel promises luxury, excitement, and the “best” experience, but the reality is, they don’t all deliver on the hype.

I’ve been traveling to Vegas for years, staying everywhere from the penthouse suites to the budget rooms. I know exactly where the reality matches the hype and where you should absolutely avoid booking. This is my honest, experience-backed guide to the best and the worst hotels on the Vegas Strip right now.

5 Hotels That Consistently Rank as the “Best” on the Strip

These properties rarely disappoint. They maintain high standards of service, offer world-class amenities, and your experience here will almost certainly live up to the Vegas fantasy.

1. Wynn Las Vegas & Encore

If you want the absolute best of the best, book the Wynn or Encore. They are the undisputed gold standard for luxury, known for their beautiful, lush grounds, pristine cleanliness, and superior customer service, consistently earning five-star ratings.

• The Good: Impeccable attention to detail; amazing design and lighting; beautiful pools; home to high-end dining and nightlife like XS.
• The Drawback: They are on the North Strip, meaning you need a Monorail or ride-share to reach the main Center Strip action. They are also very expensive.
• Expert Tip: Encore is slightly quieter and often preferred by couples seeking a more intimate luxury experience.

2. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (The Cosmo)

The Cosmo is the hotel for the modern, social traveler. Its high ranking comes from its ability to offer a trendy, fun experience without sacrificing quality. The iconic balconies are its main selling point.

• The Good: Private balconies (in most rooms); the best, most varied dining scene on the Strip (Secret Pizza, Wicked Spoon); perfect Center Strip location.
• The Drawback: The atmosphere is high-energy, which means it can be loud, especially on weekends and near the main entrance/nightlife areas.
• My Take: If you are with friends and prioritize nightlife, dining, and prime real estate, The Cosmo combines those elements perfectly.

3. The Bellagio

The Bellagio earns its spot through its legendary status and unbeatable location. It is the definition of classic Vegas elegance and is maintained beautifully, a reliable world-class choice.

• The Good: Unbeatable location; world-famous Fountains show; beautiful Conservatory; high-quality, elegant rooms.
• The Drawback: It feels more formal and less modern than newer resorts like The Cosmo or ARIA. Base-level rooms can feel slightly small compared to The Venetian.
• Trust Factor: You know exactly what you are getting—a flawless, reliable, world-class experience.

Also Read: Free & Fun Things To Do In Bellagio Las Vegas

4. ARIA Resort & Casino

ARIA is popular for its high-tech, modern sensibility. It offers a sleek, comfortable experience that appeals to those who want luxury without a cheesy theme.

• The Good: Great location in CityCenter; modern, high-tech rooms (control everything with a tablet); excellent casino floor ventilation.
• The Drawback: The overall design palette is very dark, which some people find depressing. Its multiple towers can mean long walks to get to your room.
• Pro Tip: If you appreciate modern architecture and technology, ARIA is a significant step up from the older themed mega-resorts.

5. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas & The Palazzo

These sister properties are popular because they offer the most space for your money. Since all rooms are suites, you automatically get a huge living area—a major win for groups, couples, and small families.

• The Good: Massive, all-suite accommodations (at least 650 sq ft); incredible celebrity chef dining options; the unique Gondola rides and Grand Canal Shoppes.
• The Drawback: It can feel overwhelmingly large; the Italian theme, while grand, is less subtle than the Wynn or ARIA.
• Authority Link: The official Venetian Resort site highlights the massive size of the “standard” luxury suites, which are almost double the size of typical Strip rooms.

5 Hotels That Consistently Rank as the “Worst” on the Strip

These properties often fall short on maintenance, charge high prices for low quality, or suffer from poor management and outdated facilities, making them a poor value proposition.

6. Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

While it offers great indoor fun for kids (Adventuredome), the hotel itself is one of the most complained-about properties on the Strip.

• The Bad: The rooms are severely dated and frequently have maintenance issues; the hotel is located far on the North Strip, requiring expensive transportation to the action.
• The Reality: It reflects a lack of investment. If you have small children, visit the Adventuredome, but stay somewhere else.

7. Harrah’s Las Vegas

Harrah’s is located centrally, which is its main strength, but the hotel rooms are basic and the common areas lack the excitement and cleanliness of its rivals.

• The Bad: The rooms are bare-bones and generic; the lobby and casino feel chaotic and somewhat dingy compared to the nearby Venetian or Caesars.
• The Reality: It is the definition of “just okay.” You are paying a Center Strip price for a South Strip-quality room. You are better off spending slightly more for a renovated room at Flamingo.

8. Luxor Hotel & Casino

The Luxor’s iconic pyramid is famous, but the experience inside often disappoints, particularly in the pyramid rooms.

• The Bad: The older Pyramid rooms are angled and small, with very long walks to the elevators; the massive atrium design creates noise and dust issues; the hotel feels generally outdated compared to newer properties.
• The Reality: It’s often priced as a budget option, but the resort fee is still high, meaning you get budget quality for a premium all-in price. Stick to the newer, renovated Tower rooms if you must stay here.

9. The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower

The STRAT (formerly Stratosphere) has the tallest tower and the best views, but its hotel portion is notorious for budget-quality stays.

• The Bad: Extremely far north on the Strip, making walking to central attractions impossible; while some recent room renovations have helped, the overall resort still feels aged and low-budget.
• The Reality: The resort fee is high for a location that offers so little in terms of walkability and modern resort amenities. You are paying for the tower, not the stay.

10. TI – Treasure Island Hotel & Casino

TI has faded significantly since its heyday. It’s located near the Wynn, but the experience is nowhere near the same level.

• The Bad: The entire resort, from the casino floor to the rooms, feels worn and dated; the lack of a major unique draw (the Sirens of TI show was discontinued) makes it forgettable.
• The Reality: Its location between the luxury of Wynn and the theming of its neighbors makes it a lackluster, mid-range experience that hasn’t received the necessary investment to stay relevant.

A Quick Tip for a Great Stay:

If you’re booking an older, cheaper hotel (like Excalibur or Flamingo), always call the front desk ahead of time and ask to be placed in a recently renovated room or tower. This small, five-minute step can make a huge difference in your stay quality.

Keep Reading:

• Most Popular & Iconic Hotels in Las Vegas
• Family Friendly Hotels In Las Vegas On the Strip
• Top Cheap Hotels in Las Vegas
• Best Hotels In Las Vegas for Every Vibe

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