Shimmer Garage

On top of Rio over looking the backside of the Las Vegas Strip

-November 2019

I get asked often where to stay in Las Vegas. My husband and I try to go at least 2x a year. We both work full-time and he owns his own business so in order to skip away and schedules to line up with our other obligations twice a year is our goal. We love those city lights. We are not your “typical” movie tourist. We love to site see but more importantly, we love the food, the ability to see shows (car, comedy, theatre, performances, concerts) and to hang with some of our friends on the West Coast. Depending on what you want to do and if you want to rent a car, my suggestions on where to stay may vary.

On The Strip:

Bellagio: This is a pretty central on the strip and has some pools. We had a room over looking the pool area but they do have some that overlook the strip and the fountains.

Caesars Palace & Cosmo: Beside Bellagio and a central location to many parts of the strip. Keep in mind what you want to do. If walking the strip and checking out the city lights is a priority, I would suggest a central strip hotel.

Planet Hollywood & Paris: Across the street from Bellagio. Planet Hollywood has great shopping & food options!

The Linq: This area is also fairly central but offers a semi-newly renovated hotel. I visited this pool in 2018 and it was quite small. Location yes, pool area, no.

The Sahara: While originally was named the Sahara, it was bought out and was SLS: Las Vegas for a bit. The hotel has rebranded again to the Sahara. This is less than a mile from the Las Vegas Convention Center and has monorail access (which does take you to the convention center). A few good eats and easy to get to on the backside of the strip via Paradise. We chose this hotel every year for SEMA because of the convenience. It also has free parking for hotel guest (verified when we stayed November, 2021).

Park MGM: I stayed at this location my first time I visited Las Vegas in 2013. It was the Monte Carlo at the time. It has been renovated and has a cool food court area now. More south end of the strip.

MGM Grand: I have not stayed in the rooms at this hotel but I did purchase a day pass for their pool area several years ago. The pool area was so much fun! This resort has a lazy river, day club, adult section and family pools. South end of the strip.

Mandalay Bay: I have only attended a show at this hotel but you can tell by its decor that its impressive. The next time I visit Vegas during the “pool” months, I will be visiting their pool area. It is one of the top rated pools in the area.

Downtown Las Vegas/Fremont

We have stayed a few times off Fremont which is old Vegas.

The D: In a central park of the action off Fremont. Clean rooms, no frills.

The Downtown Grand: We have stayed here twice and both times had very clean rooms. Decent location in Downtown and their cafe has some really good breakfast potatoes (if they still serve them).

Circa: This is one of the newest on the strip. It is a pretty neat sports casino. The pool appears to be so cool-especially for those game days!

While this list is not all inclusive, I hope it gives a great idea and recommendations for places to stay. This is strictly just based upon my experiences and what I have seen, I am not endorsed by any of these hotels. Have a great trip and be sure to share your experiences!

-XOXO

Las Vegas sign

-November 2018