The Las Vegas Strip
Central Strip (Bellagio to Cosmopolitan) is the walkable heart. Pick this if you want short walks between clubs, casinos, and shows. Splurge: Wynn or Aria, $300 to $500 a night. Mid: Cosmopolitan, $250 with a terrace. Value: The Linq or Flamingo, $75 to $130 midweek.
North Strip (Wynn to Sahara) is quieter but the Fontainebleau and Resorts World have injected new life. South Strip (MGM to Mandalay Bay) is close to the airport and better for business travelers or pool people, but a longer walk to Bellagio.
Downtown Las Vegas
Fremont Street runs a totally different scene: lower rates, no resort fees at many places, $5 blackjack, and a rougher edge. The Circa is downtown's only new build, adults-only, rooftop pool with sportsbook, $200 a night. The El Cortez is a 1941 institution with $50 rooms and a real pit boss culture. The Plaza sits at the west end and hosts weddings for around $500 including flowers.
Summerlin and Henderson
For business travel, wedding parties who want space, or anyone with a car: Summerlin (west) and Henderson (southeast) are quieter and 20 minutes to the Strip. Red Rock Casino Resort in Summerlin is a genuine luxury property at $220, next to Red Rock Canyon. Green Valley Ranch in Henderson has a big spa and pool, $180. Both take weddings seriously and have chapels.
Reno and Tahoe
Reno: the Peppermill has been the best-known casino hotel for decades, $130 midweek, over-the-top tuscan-baroque decor. Downtown, the Renaissance and the Whitney Peak Hotel (rock-climbing wall on the exterior) are the newer options.
Tahoe (Nevada side): Hyatt Regency Incline Village on the north shore, lakefront, $350 in summer. Harveys or Hard Rock Stateline on the south shore for casino stays, $150 to $250.
Good to know
What is a resort fee and can I avoid it?+
A mandatory $35 to $55 nightly charge added to your Strip hotel bill covering Wi-Fi, gym, and 'pool access.' Downtown Vegas and off-Strip hotels usually skip it. Casino hosts occasionally waive it for regulars.
Where should I stay for a Vegas wedding?+
The Bellagio, Aria, and Wynn all run in-house chapels. For budget, the Little White Wedding Chapel on Las Vegas Boulevard is walk-up. Summerlin resorts do larger receptions.
Is it cheaper to stay off-Strip?+
Yes, roughly 30 to 50 percent, but factor in $25 rideshares each way. Off-Strip makes sense if you have a car or plan long non-casino days.
Which Strip hotels are best for business?+
Aria (24,000-seat convention space), Mandalay Bay (attached to a huge convention center), and the Wynn are the three that business travelers pick most.