The Strip, Downtown, or Off Strip… Where To Stay in Las Vegas?

With a plethora of entertainment options and world-class resorts available, choosing the perfect hotel for your Las Vegas getaway can quickly become an overwhelming task. The Las Vegas Strip is always a great option, however, there are plenty of great alternatives downtown or spread throughout the city. All locations make for exciting destinations for tourists, but it helps to break down what exactly each location has to offer.

The Las Vegas Strip

One of the most recognizable streets in the world, Las Vegas Boulevard is easily the most popular destination in Las Vegas for tourists. The Las Vegas Strip stretches more than 4 miles from Mandalay Bay on the Southern end to the iconic tower of The STRAT on the north. Staying here definitely has its advantages, but in particular, the upscale vibe found at many of the Strip hotels and close proximity to popular entertainment options is what really draws the people in.

The Strip is typically broken down into three categories... South Strip, Center Strip, and North Strip. Many of the popular tourist attractions that have made Las Vegas so famous are located in the center part of the Strip. The Bellagio Fountains, The Mirage Volcano, Caesars Palace, City Center, and The High Roller are just some of the famous Las Vegas landmarks you'll come across when venturing through the Center Strip region.  Due to its popularity and the high density of world-class resorts, the Center Strip sees a lot more foot traffic than the northern and southern ends.

^{Bellagio Fountains and Paris Las Vegas - Center Strip}

The North Strip is often defined as starting at Wynn and ending at The STRAT. This part of the Strip has less foot traffic, meaning it's not as crowded as the center strip. However, it is much more spread out and a lot of walking will be required if interested in visiting other locations on the Strip. As a comparison, walking north from Wynn to The Strat is just under two miles and you'll come across Resorts World, Circus Circus, Sahara, and end at The Strat. Head south from Wynn for that same distance and visitors pass The Palazzo, The Venetian, Treasure Island, The Mirage, Harrah's, The Linq, Flamingo, Horseshoe, Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Aria, The Cosmopolitan, and more. Obviously, the Center Las Vegas Strip area has a much higher concentration of resorts than the north, but the northern end does feature several local favorites including Tacos El Gordo and Peppermill.

Lastly, the South Las Vegas Strip area is home to several beautiful resorts including MGM Grand, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Tropicana, Excalibur, and more. The southern end of The Strip is a nice combination of north and center, with more hotels and bigger crowds than the north, but not quite as hectic as the center.

No matter where you stay on The Strip, you are sure to find a plethora of entertainment options and world-class dining venues within walking distance, but you are also going to be paying much more than visitors who choose downtown or off-strip properties. Not only will your room cost more, but you are also much more likely to run into additional fees, including resort fees and parking fees. Of course, restaurants also like to charge a premium when located on The Strip. 

Downtown Las Vegas

In recent years, Downtown Las Vegas has seen a resurgence in popularity and entertainment options. Fremont Street welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each night to gamble in vintage open-air casinos, enjoy incredible food and drink specials, and witness the spectacular Viva Vision Light Show. With some locations dating back to the early 1900s, the hotels and casinos available in Downtown Las Vegas include Four Queens, Golden Nugget, Binions, and more, and almost all play a significant role in Las Vegas' storied history.

^{Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas}

Along with affordable food and lodging options, Downtown Las Vegas offers a laid-back and carefree atmosphere that simply can't be found anywhere else in Vegas. Sure, The Strip is pretty relaxed, but Fremont Street is overflowing with visitors who just want to have a good time. Obviously, this can lead to a few sightings of slightly questionable characters, but it also means you'll find yourself among a crowd of friendly people around every corner. All of these perks, along with affordable lodging options, make Downtown Las Vegas a can't miss destination whether you're staying the night here or not.

Off Strip

Las Vegas is home to several world-class resorts that tend to get lost in the glowing lights of the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown areas. These off-strip properties include Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, Aliante Casino + Hotel, Green Valley Ranch, JW Marriott, and many more. Staying off The Strip and away from Downtown may not have crossed your mind, but there are more than a few good reasons to consider it.

First, prices can be significantly lower when compared to the Strip. Resort fees are not as crazy, and parking is almost always free. Second, off-strip visitors can enjoy easier access to surrounding attractions like the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and Death Valley. Third, staying away from The Strip is an excellent option for families with young kids. While off-strip Las Vegas properties can certainly create a raucous atmosphere, they don't quite match the craziness you're bound to uncover on The Strip or downtown.

A stay off the Strip does mean a car, taxi, or rideshare will be needed to get around. However, it's a small price to pay when gaining easy access to the stunning natural beauty that surrounds Las Vegas. Guests staying on the Vegas Strip can obviously venture out to these destinations as well, but the thought of getting out of the parking garage, through the traffic, and back again can definitely be a deterrent.

Just remember, every location in Las Vegas has an activity for each party and personality.