What hotel

Question

Haven't been to vegas in about 13 years. Will be going with my wife who has never been. She wants to do Vegas right and go all out with a 5 star hotel. I have narrowed the options down to in no particular order:

Cosmo

Bellagio

Aria

Vdara

Caesars

Venetian

Palazzo

Wynn (out of budget at moment)

Nomad

Any pros and cons to list above that I need to be aware of since I was last there.

Answer

Las Vegas has changed a lot over the past 13 years, but the luxury hotel scene remains as vibrant as ever. You’ve got a solid list of top-tier options, so let's break down the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision for your trip.

Cosmopolitan (Cosmo):
- Pros: One of the most trendy and vibrant hotels on the Strip. It's known for its modern and luxurious vibe with chic rooms, great dining options, and a lively nightlife scene. The balconies on some rooms offer amazing views of the Strip. The pool area is also fantastic.
- Cons: It can be a bit noisy, especially at night, due to the party atmosphere. If you’re looking for more of a quiet, relaxed stay, it might not be the best fit. The price can also be on the higher end, depending on the time of year.
Bellagio:
- Pros: An iconic Vegas hotel with elegance and classic luxury. The Bellagio Fountains are a must-see and its central location on the Strip makes it a great option for sightseeing. Known for its beautiful rooms, amazing dining (try Picasso), and the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which change with the seasons.
- Cons: It’s a bit more traditional and may feel less modern compared to the Cosmo or Aria. Some rooms could use a refresh, but it’s still considered a 5-star classic. The price point can also be high during peak times.
Aria:
- Pros: A sleek, modern hotel with cutting-edge technology. The rooms are high-tech (lighting, temperature, and curtains controlled by a tablet), and the property has excellent dining options and a spacious casino. It's also located in the CityCenter, making it great for walking around to other spots like Vdara or Crystals.
- Cons: The atmosphere might feel a bit sterile to some. While it's luxurious, it can be more “corporate” than the laid-back vibe you may find at places like the Cosmo or Bellagio. The prices are also high, but it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for high-tech luxury.
Vdara:
- Pros: This is a non-gaming, all-suite hotel with a more peaceful, relaxed vibe. If you're looking for a quieter, more intimate stay without the bustling casino atmosphere, Vdara is perfect. The suites are spacious and modern, and it’s connected to Aria and CityCenter for easy access to shopping and dining.
- Cons: Because it’s non-gaming, it’s a little farther removed from the action of the Strip. While it’s a great place for relaxation, it might not have the same vibrant Vegas energy you’re looking for if you want the full Vegas experience.
Caesars Palace:
- Pros: A classic Vegas experience with iconic Roman architecture and grandiose rooms. Caesars has a huge casino, high-end shopping, amazing dining, and fantastic entertainment (like the Colosseum where Celine Dion and other big names perform). The location is fantastic—right in the heart of the Strip.
- Cons: While it’s an iconic spot, the rooms and common areas can sometimes feel a bit outdated compared to newer luxury properties. It’s also a very large property, so it can feel crowded, especially in peak seasons.
Venetian/Palazzo:
- Pros: These two hotels are connected and offer an incredible level of luxury, with spacious suites and gondola rides through indoor canals. The Venetian has amazing restaurants and the Palazzo is a bit more laid-back but equally high-end. Both are known for their beautiful décor, which transports you to Italy. The shopping at The Grand Canal Shoppes is also a great bonus.
- Cons: The Venetian is massive, so it can feel overwhelming at times, and prices can be steep. Also, the rooms, while large, can feel a bit dated compared to newer hotels like the Cosmo or Aria.
Wynn:
- Pros: Widely regarded as one of the best hotels in Vegas, with incredible attention to detail, world-class service, and beautiful rooms. The casino is luxurious, the dining options are outstanding (try the Wing Lei for a Michelin-starred experience), and the property is always impeccably maintained. The pool area is beautiful, and the resort has a relaxing yet glamorous atmosphere.
- Cons: It can be expensive, and if it’s out of your budget, you might want to consider other options. However, if you can swing it, the Wynn provides a quintessential Vegas luxury experience.
NoMad:
- Pros: A more boutique hotel experience located in the Park MGM. NoMad has a sophisticated, European-style charm with gorgeous, plush rooms. It's a little more understated compared to the bigger hotels, but it's incredibly elegant with great dining (The NoMad Restaurant) and stylish lounges.
- Cons: Being a smaller, boutique property, it doesn’t have the same level of amenities as larger resorts. It’s also not as central on the Strip as some of the other hotels on your list, but it's still within walking distance to key attractions.

In summary, each hotel has its own unique vibe, and your choice depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking. If you want the ultimate luxury and can stretch the budget a little, the Wynn is hard to beat. If you prefer a lively, youthful atmosphere, go with the Cosmo. For a classic Vegas experience, Bellagio and Caesars are timeless choices. Aria offers sleek, modern luxury, and Vdara is perfect for a quieter, more relaxing stay. Venetian/Palazzo is a great choice if you love grand luxury with a European flair, and NoMad is great for a boutique, more intimate experience.

What hotel

More Las Vegas Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions