I was talking to a friend last week about our favorite hotels and where to stay in Las Vegas if you want a luxury Las Vegas trip, so naturally I decided to share my thoughts here, too! I hope that if you’re planning some upcoming travel to one of the best luxury hotels in Sin City, this will help you make a decision on your trip to the Las Vegas strip!
We’ve now been to Las Vegas a couple of times together, and we have stayed in three different hotels. I’d recommend each of them for something very different. They’re all 5-star hotels and regarded as some of the best hotels in Vegas. I wouldn’t call any of these a boutique hotel, so if that is what you are looking for, you won’t find it here. But for a full-service spa, luxury suites, fine dining, modern luxury, and world-class entertainment? That’s all here!
Where to Stay in Las Vegas (Top Hotels)
Waldorf Astoria (formerly the Mandarin Oriental) For the Best Service in Las Vegas
Hands down, Waldorf Astoria is the best of the best for service. It has a very different feel to it compared to the other Las Vegas hotels, which is possibly because it doesn’t have a casino inside. When you’re at the Waldorf, you are away from the hustle and bustle of The Strip. That’s why they call it “Zen City”.
One afternoon T went to the fitness center and I relaxed in the room, with full on bubble bath – and watching TV from the tub! (It’s built into the mirror.) The floor-to-ceiling windows give you a great view of the entertainment capital of the world.
The pool is smaller than most other hotels but is very well-staffed. I don’t think I’ve ever had service that quick poolside! For the discerning guest who wants a luxury resort and modern amenities with five-star service, the Waldorf Vegas should be a top choice.
T was thrilled that they had Porsche cars and SUVs on site during our visit, so we made sure to make our way to Red Rock Canyon, which we loved so much on our last trip, in our speedy borrowed Cayenne.
Aria Las Vegas to be in the middle of it all
… and also because red velvet pancakes.
We stayed at the Aria Resort & Casino a couple of years ago and liked it so much that we said we would definitely be back – but for this trip we wanted to try out a couple of other hotels. We did make our way back for breakfast one morning (the Mandarin is actually right next to the Aria), so I got my red velvet pancakes. SO. GOOD.
Poor photo quality because of the lighting, but I was so happy.
Another bonus about the Aria is Sage, where we had dinner one night. Everything was cooked perfectly, and it’s a place we will return to! Impeccable service and gourmet dining = yes please.
One thing I will say about City Center (the center of Las Vegas, where Aria and Waldorf both are located) – you feel like you’re much closer to everything than when you’re farther north. Distance wise, it’s not that different from being farther north on The Strip, but when you’re actually walking to places or hopping in an Uber, being in City Center just feels like you’re in a more convenient location. You have easy access to everything on the strip.
That said, I’m picky about where we stay on trips because I’m a really light sleeper – and being in City Center is convenient but also quiet, which is perfect!
And also, there are crepes in City Center. (Though you can’t get them as part of room service, which I wish they would change!)
Wynn Las Vegas for the best views in Las Vegas
AKA where to go for the best Instagrammable shots
The Wynn definitely has one of the coolest pools I’ve seen in Las Vegas. It’s large without being too large (as in, tripping over people trying to get from your chair to the pool). I enjoyed having breakfast poolside in the little cafe, where the staff was constantly making sure we were all set.
I did think the Wynn felt much farther from everything. When we would leave the hotel to go somewhere it felt like we were walking forever, which I didn’t feel when we were staying in City Center (where Aria and the Waldorf are located).
As for the rooms, everything was neutral, which I liked. I also fully appreciated the vanity area in the bathroom – you can tell they cared about the details when they last did the guest rooms over. The entire hotel experience was pleasant, and we would definitely stay here again.
I’d stay in any of these hotels in the future, depending on what I was looking for!
To recap:
- Head to the Waldorf Astoria for quiet nights
- Check into City Center (Aria) to be in the middle of it all (and seriously… get the red velvet pancakes!)
- Go to the Wynn for a huge pool and Instagram-worthy floral arrangements
Note: Next time we visit Vegas we definitely plan to check out the other 5-star resorts, including Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas and Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Related posts: What to do and where to eat in Las Vegas | Red Rock Canyon | Hiking Bryce Canyon



i’ve never been to vegas, but if i ever go…i’m getting red velvet pancakes!
YES! Red velvet pancakes for everyone!
Oh my god…those red velvet pancakes look delicious! I’ve never been to Vegas but I think I’d go just for those pancakes!!
Jennifer
http://www.effortlesslysophisticated.com/
I love having a sneaky peek around different hotels so this was ideal! I’ve never been to Vegas but if I did go I’d have a really hard time choosing where to stay. Rentable Porsches sound amazing, quiet location always high on my list, good food essential, and that flower display in The Wynn looks incredible! I think it might score my vote just for that alone.