Ranked

The Best Las Vegas Hotels for First-Time Visitors

On a first Vegas trip you want to be central, you want the iconic stuff close by, and you do not want to overpay for a room you will barely be in. These hotels nail that balance.

Where I would send a first-timer.

  1. Bellagio1
    Bellagio9/10Luxury

    The quintessential first-Vegas hotel: central, iconic, and a great pool, at a fair price when you catch it.

    Center Strip, at the fountains

  2. Planet Hollywood2
    Planet Hollywood8/10Mid-range

    Dead-center location at a mid-tier price, so you are in the middle of everything.

    Center Strip, across from the Bellagio, next to Miracle Mile Shops

  3. New York-New York3
    New York-New York7/10Mid-range

    Fun, lively, and central-south near the park and the arena, on a budget.

    South Strip, across from MGM Grand, by Excalibur

  4. Park MGM4
    Park MGM8/10Upper Strip

    Modern, smoke-free, and easy value if you want a clean room without the chaos.

    Center-south Strip, by T-Mobile Arena, tram to the Bellagio