Vegas Hotel Suggestion

If it’s between Mandalay & Luxor, def go with Mandalay. Just know you’ll be on the very end of the strip and wont be close to anything.

If your budget allows I would splurge on the Cosmo, especially since it’s your first time there. Get a Terrace with Fountain view (you’ll be facing the Bellagio), it’s got the best view in Vegas. Usually if you see a photo of Vegas in advertisements, it was taken from the Cosmo. Here’s one I took last month when we stayed there over July 4th weekend.

I'd stay away from Luxor. I say this not having a clue what your budget might be, and appreciate that everyone is different, but I would delay my trip and save money to stay somewhere nicer before staying at Luxor for my first trip to Vegas. You might never wish to return. If price is a major factor, stay off strip and uber to center strip every day to casino hop.

Mandalay Bay hands down. Check out The Delano; it’s an all-suite boutique hotel inside of Mandalay that has its own private pool.

If you want to be closer to the action on The Strip, I recommend Aria, Vdara, or Cosmo. If you need a budget friendly hotel around there, I suggest The Flamingo.

If you are looking for convenience and price- look at NYNY. It is in the middle of the strip and is pretty affordable without being a dump like Luxor. Mandalay Bay is at the far South End and not close to anything.

Been going to Vegas for years and now will only stay at the Wynn. It is above all others for me. Only downside is location, but we make it work.

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good to know - thx for the suggestions - will have to look into nyny and the Wynn

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Wynn will probably be much out of your budget. NYNY, maybe only a little more than Luxor and probably same as Mandalay Bay. It's got a better location, but near all of those. It's also got a nice area nearby and near the Park with lots of restaurants. The Mandalay Bay is nice, but it's quieter because of it's location. NYNY will be a little busier. I've stayed at the Luxor quite a few times because my dad loved it. It's not my favorite.

Just be prepared and do your homework. Unless you gamble a lot, lots of things in Vegas are very pricy. You can do it cheaply, but you need to find those things ahead of time. It's pretty easy to drop $15 on a drink and an inexpensive meal there is $20 each.

Find something around the Bellagio/Ceasar's that is in your budget. They're the most centrally located. Keep in mind, while things look close on Google maps, places aren't always easy walking distance. Also factor is how long of a walk it is from your room to the street. At Bellagio, it's a LONG walk just to get out to in front of it.

There’s a tram that will take you from Mandalay all the way down to Excalibur. And the another one that runs from Park MGM to Bellagio.

Mandalay Bay is great. It’s a luxury resort at a bargain price. We used the tram to Excalibur often when we stayed there to cut down on some of the walking.

good ideas - thx for the heads up.

TP I do not

Mandalay Bay is a nicer hotel than the Luxor, but I would much rather stay on the other end of the strip near Caesar's or the Venetian.

Been to Vegas a BUNCH.

Of the two hotels you referenced, Mandalay is an EASY choice. If you book a king room with strip view, you get floor to ceiling windows and a great view looking right down the strip (no balcony).

However, I wouldn't plan on walking to anywhere from Mandalay. It's much further than you think to center strip, even if you take the tram from Mandalay to the Excalibur and begin your walk there.

One evening, make sure to take your wife to the Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay for drinks. Just stop by the host desk at the elevators and get on the guest list for the evening (it's easy) and then go up at night.

Best view in Vegas, outdoor balcony and a GREAT lounge. If you're at the Mandalay, it is a MUST ... and great atmosphere there as well and they'll accommodate dress casual attire.

If you've got the money and want to splurge, do the Cosmo with a fountain view. Really cool.

As an alternative to Mandalay, but in the same price range with a better location, you can look at the Mirage. I've always liked the Mirage and room-wise, it's comparable to the Mandalay. You're easy walking distance to all the mid-strip stuff and Caesar's is right next door. They've got the volcano up and going again, so a volcano view room will get you the strip and the volcano view.

I just got done staying at Caesar's two weeks ago, and I'd much prefer staying at the Mirage. Rooms are every bit as nice and for about 75% of the cost (or less) and I like the vibe of the Mirage Casino as well.

And ... here's a vastly underrated way to spend an hour: get tickets to the High Roller (the big Ferris Wheel). I only did it because my kid was with me when I was there last, but wow, it's really cool. Great view and it takes about an hour for a full revolution. Grab some drinks, take your camera and relax. It sounds kinda' hokie, but at night, it's spectacular and the pods are so big that you're essentially riding in a small living room.

Pro-tip, especially since this is a special occasion: Don't be afraid of the un-booked limos. When you approach the bellman/taxi stand outside any casino, look around to see if there are any limos that are just sitting in the waiting area (un-booked). If so, don't be afraid to just approach the driver and tell him where you're going and make an offer. It's going to be more spendy than a cab or uber, but you'll be shocked at how low they'll go just to get a fare ... particularly late in the evening. It never hurts to ask, and it's a lot more fun than taking a cab. I've done Mandalay to Venetian (most of the strip) for $30 in a limo, just for asking, several times.