Las Vegas Strip vs Downtown: Where Should You Stay?

People traveling to Las Vegas today have a lot more hotel choices than they did even a decade ago. The question of where to stay can lead to hours of research while trying to find the perfect hotel for your needs. Helpful tips on the difference between the Strip and downtown can help you make your lodging decision.

The Strip

If you are looking to be amongst the glitz and glamour of all that is Vegas, you must stay on the world-famous Strip. Whether you’re traveling solo, in a group, or with your family, there are hotels to accommodate everyone’s interests. Contrary to the old days, there is now a great variety of entertainment options for kids of all ages on the Strip.

For families with children, options would include Circus Circus with its fun carnival atmosphere, Excalibur is for the kids who are ladies and lords of their domains, and Treasure Island is for the pirate wannabes. Kids can spend hours of fun playing the games in the entertainment areas of any of these hotels.

For the solo traveler, focus on finding a hotel that has attractions in your interest area. If you have always wanted to visit Europe, Caesar’s Palace, the Venetian, or the Bellagio will make you feel as if you really are walking the streets you have so longed to see. If fancy, upscale shopping is your idea of a great vacation, then Caesar’s Palace with the Forum Shops is where you will want to spend your time, and your dollars.

For the group traveler, figure out whether shopping, eating, or entertainment is your focus area. If you are looking for terrific dining options, just about any hotel on the Strip will have you close to a gourmet restaurant … or two … or three. If you want to see world-class entertainment shows, then consider staying in or near the hotel that is offering the show of your choice.

Downtown Las Vegas

If you prefer the slower pace of historical Las Vegas, then downtown is for you. Hotels like the Main Street Station often have beautiful antiques on display. In fact, if you are an antique lover, then you must visit the Main Street Station no matter where you are staying. The front desk sometimes has pamphlets explaining the antiques scattered throughout the hotel.

Downtown Las Vegas may not be the best location for families with children. The kid-friendly entertainment is mostly located on the Strip. However, if you are looking for budget-friendly hotels, then downtown hotels are generally less expensive than those on the Strip.

Downtown may be the best place for the solo traveler or for the group traveler who wants to avoid the crowds. In general, everything is less expensive downtown than it is on the Strip. This includes brand-name shopping.

Many downtown hotels offer a low-cost shuttle to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets – North. These outlet shops, of which there are more than 150, have just about everything you can imagine. Stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Coach, and Godiva Chocolatier are all there with bargain prices.

Whenever you travel to Las Vegas, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Whether you are sightseeing, shopping, or gambling, you are going to spend hours on your feet. Wherever you choose to stay, you are sure to have a great time while in Las Vegas; there really is something for everyone.