Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.

A large Sphinx replica and a glass pyramid hotel at the Luxor Las Vegas, with palm trees and a golden building nearby under a partly cloudy sky.
Nicola Patterson / iStockphoto

Las Vegas hotels and casinos are facing closer scrutiny as travelers weigh famous names against resort fees, aging rooms, service, and overall value. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported 38.5 million visitors in 2025, down 7.5 percent from 2024. Some older resorts still attract guests through nostalgia, location, or low advertised rates, while newer and better maintained properties are earning stronger praise.

Circus Circus Is Losing Guests Over Dated Rooms

Circus Circus casino entrance at night, lit by bright yellow and red lights, with a large illuminated sign displaying “Circus Circus” and several cars parked in front.
Mathieu LE MAEFF / iStockphoto

Circus Circus still attracts families with its indoor amusement park, midway games, and free circus acts. However, many recent guests describe the rooms, hallways, and casino as dated or inconsistent in cleanliness. Low advertised rates remain appealing, but resort fees can weaken the value. Families may enjoy the attractions while feeling less satisfied with the hotel itself.

Flamingo Is Losing Appeal Despite Its Great Location

Flamingo hotel exterior at night in Las Vegas, brightly lit with neon lights. Palm trees, statues, and a fountain are visible in the foreground, with cars and people on the street nearby.
Gummy Bone / iStockphoto

Flamingo has one of the most convenient locations on the Strip, close to Caesars Palace, Paris, and The LINQ. Guests also enjoy the gardens, wildlife habitat, and pool. However, reviews often mention long check in lines, tired rooms, maintenance problems, and uneven service. Travelers booking the lowest room category may enjoy the location more than the accommodation.

Luxor Is Losing Favor as Its Rooms Show Their Age

A large Sphinx replica and a glass pyramid hotel at the Luxor Las Vegas, with palm trees and a golden building nearby under a partly cloudy sky.
Nicola Patterson / iStockphoto

The pyramid remains one of the most recognizable sights in Las Vegas, and guests still appreciate the shows and affordable rates. However, many reviews describe aging rooms, long walks through the resort, and inconsistent air conditioning. Its southern Strip location can also feel far from Bellagio and Caesars Palace. Tower rooms may be more practical than rooms inside the pyramid.

Excalibur Is Losing Ground to More Modern Resorts

Colorful castle-themed hotel with tall blue, red, and gold turrets, surrounded by modern white high-rise buildings under a bright blue sky, with trees and cars in the foreground.
FotoVoyager / iStockphoto

Excalibur continues to appeal to families with its castle design, pools, arcade, and nearby tram. However, the medieval theme feels less impressive than it did in the 1990s. Reviews frequently mention worn furniture, noisy rooms, crowded common areas, and basic accommodations. Once resort fees are added, the price difference between Excalibur and newer nearby hotels may be smaller than expected.

The LINQ Is Losing Appeal With Longer Stay Guests

Las Vegas skyline at night featuring the illuminated High Roller Ferris wheel, brightly lit hotels, and a parking lot with numerous cars in the foreground.
Aneese / iStockphoto

The LINQ works well for travelers who want a central location near restaurants, nightlife, and the High Roller. Its rooms can be suitable for short visits when guests spend little time inside. However, reviews often mention compact layouts, limited storage, noise, and self service check in problems. The surrounding promenade frequently receives more praise than the hotel itself.

OYO Is Losing Guests With Uneven Room Quality

A modern, glass-walled convention center is brightly illuminated at night. Its striking white roof features bold curves and geometric patterns. The building stands along a quiet street lined with small trees.
Expedia.com

OYO often advertises some of the lowest room rates near the Strip, which can attract travelers on tight budgets. However, reviews vary greatly and commonly mention maintenance problems, cleanliness concerns, and unexpected charges. Some guests report finding a simple and acceptable room, but others leave disappointed. Comparing the final cost with Excalibur or nearby chain hotels is important.

The STRAT Is Losing Appeal Outside Its Famous Tower

Las Vegas city skyline at sunset, featuring the Stratosphere Tower surrounded by buildings and colorful clouds in the sky.
Mvp64 / iStockphoto

The observation tower and thrill rides give The STRAT a strong identity, and some renovated rooms offer reasonable value. However, guest reviews often mention maintenance issues, odors, service problems, and added charges. Its location north of the busiest Strip resorts can also require buses or rideshares. Travelers may enjoy visiting the tower while choosing another hotel for their stay.

Harrahs Is Losing Attention to Stronger Nearby Options

Harrah’s Las Vegas casino at night, brightly lit with neon lights, palm trees in front, and a decorative sign featuring stars and gold statues on the roof.
Tobiasjo / iStockphoto

Harrahs offers a central location near The Venetian, Caesars Palace, The LINQ, and a monorail station. Some guests find the rooms clean, comfortable, and practical. Others describe dated furnishings, noise, inconsistent service, and a final cost that feels high for the experience. It can still offer value when priced well below neighboring resorts, but careful comparison is necessary.

Horseshoe Is Losing Appeal Because It Lacks a Clear Identity

Aerial view of a hotel pool area with palm trees, lounge chairs, and hot tub, surrounded by tall buildings in Las Vegas. The High Roller Ferris wheel is visible in the background under a blue sky.
Expedia.com

Horseshoe has a useful central location near Paris Las Vegas, the monorail, restaurants, and major attractions. Its rooms are often larger than expected, and weekday rates can be competitive. However, reviews mention worn areas, housekeeping problems, long service lines, and confusing charges. The property is practical, but some travelers may prefer the atmosphere at Paris when prices are similar.

Rio Is Rebuilding After Years of Losing Traveler Confidence

Tall palm trees in front of a large, curved building with blue and red reflective glass under a clear blue sky. The building features a colorful sign on the top.
Ffooter / iStockphoto

Rio is improving through renovated rooms, refreshed restaurants, and upgrades to its pool area. However, travelers still report uneven room quality, dated sections, and inconvenience caused by its location west of the Strip. The large rooms can provide good value, but guests should check the exact tower before booking. A renovated Ipanema room may feel very different from an older option.

Wynn Is Preferred for Service and Well Maintained Rooms

Two tall, gold-colored hotel towers reflecting sunlight, surrounded by trees and a golf course, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
Trekandshoot / iStockphoto

Wynn and Encore appeal to travelers who value polished service, spacious rooms, comfortable beds, attractive landscaping, and high quality public areas. Guests often praise the bathrooms, restaurants, and calmer atmosphere. The major drawback is price, since meals, rooms, spa visits, and entertainment can become expensive. The premium makes more sense for travelers planning to spend significant time at the resort.

The Venetian Is Preferred for Its Spacious Suites

A tall, brightly lit hotel with palm trees in front, photographed at night against a dark sky. The building’s lights highlight its symmetrical architecture and grand entrance.
BalcansCat / iStockphoto

The Venetian and Palazzo provide more space than many standard Strip hotels. Entry level suites include separate sitting areas, which can be useful for couples or families sharing a room. Guests also appreciate the large restaurant selection and central location. Downsides include crowds, long indoor walks, and premium prices. Palazzo is generally quieter, while Venetian is closer to the busiest attractions.

Fontainebleau Is Preferred for Its Newer and Cleaner Feel

A tall blue glass skyscraper with a curved top is seen against a clear sky. A digital billboard on the building displays “OWN YOUR SUMMER.” Part of a white structure and another building are visible in front.
BalcansCat / iStockphoto

Fontainebleau attracts travelers with modern rooms, polished interiors, comfortable beds, restaurants, and public areas that still feel new. Recent guests often praise the design and cleanliness. Its main disadvantage is the north Strip location, which is less convenient for walking to Bellagio or Caesars Palace. It works especially well for convention visitors and travelers comfortable using rideshares.

Bellagio Is Preferred for a Classic Las Vegas Experience

Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas at night, illuminated with water fountains in front, spraying high into the air, reflecting lights on the water.
Pavliha / iStockphoto

Bellagio remains popular for its fountains, conservatory, pools, restaurants, central location, and famous entertainment. Fountain view rooms can make a visit feel especially memorable. However, the resort is often crowded, food is expensive, and standard rooms may not feel much larger than those at cheaper hotels. Guests are paying partly for the location, atmosphere, and recognizable name.

Park MGM Is Preferred by Travelers Avoiding Casino Smoke

Park MGM hotel in Las Vegas, a tall white building with green accents, stands against a clear blue sky. The Park Theater entrance and palm trees are visible in front.
Michael Vi / iStockphoto

Park MGM stands out because its rooms, casino, restaurants, and public spaces are smoke free. Guests also appreciate its location beside T Mobile Arena and near ARIA, Bellagio, and New York New York. The resort is easier to navigate than many larger properties. Common complaints include plain rooms, small bathrooms, limited amenities, and noise in some lower priced accommodations.

Meet the Writer