Where To Stay In Las Vegas: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Picking a place to crash in Las Vegas is trickier than it looks. Most people assume everything cool sits on the famous Strip. Plot twist: the actual Strip isn’t even in the city of Las Vegas. It sits in an unincorporated town named Paradise.

Fun facts aside, your choice of neighborhood is important here. You can drop top dollar for giant resort pools. You can head Downtown to Fremont Street, where Vegas actually started back in 1905. You can even set up camp near the Arts District for local craft beer and vintage shops. Every corner of Sin City brings a totally different energy.

Here are the best Vegas areas and neighborhoods to consider.

In this travel guide:

Downtown

Best area for: nightlife, culture, hipster

Downtown Las Vegas feels like the city before the mega-resorts took over. This is where Vegas started. Fremont Street dates back to 1905, and for decades it was the center of town. Today, the area still has plenty of that old-school Vegas character, just with a few more cocktails and a lot more neon.

We usually start around the Fremont Street Experience. The five-block pedestrian area is packed with casinos, bars, street performers, and flashing signs. Look up and you’ll see the huge Viva Vision canopy covering the street. At night, it turns into a giant light show. There’s also the SlotZilla zip line if you’re feeling brave enough to fly over the crowd.

Downtown is also a good place to dig into Vegas history. The Mob Museum tells the story of organized crime and law enforcement through interactive exhibits. It’s surprisingly entertaining. We’d also make time for the Neon Museum, where old casino signs have been given a second life. The collection is basically a graveyard for classic Vegas neon.

For a quieter break, head into Fremont East. There are small bars, local restaurants, public art, and plenty of spots to sit outside. For breakfast or coffee, we’d stop at PublicUs on Fremont Street. It’s a handy place to recharge before diving back into the neon jungle.

Best place to stay in Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino. Address: 206 North 3rd Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States of America.

The Strip

Best area for: nightlife, casinos, entertainment

The Strip is the iconic four-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard. It started simple enough in 1941 when El Rancho Vegas opened as the area’s first real resort resort. Back then, it was just a quiet highway outside city limits. Now, it stands as the absolute glitz-and-glam entertainment capital of the world.

It is completely a tourist corridor, packed wall-to-wall with massive casino resorts, neon lights, and sprawling shopping malls. We love catching the dancing Bellagio Fountains, taking in the grand scale of the replica Eiffel Tower, and seeing high-flying Cirque du Soleil shows.

When we want something a little different, we head to coolest cultural spots right along the boulevard. You can check out real historical artifacts at the Titanic exhibition, or marvel at preserved specimens inside the REAL BODIES display at Horseshoe.

For a killer meal, we recommend the patio at Mon Ami Gabi inside Paris Las Vegas. They serve fantastic classic French bistro fare like steak frites and fresh crepes. You get amazing food along with an unbeatable, prime view of the Bellagio water show right across the street.

Best place to stay in The Strip

ARIA Sky Suites Resort. Address: 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA.

Lake Las Vegas

Best area for: lakeside, quiet life

Lake Las Vegas feels like someone dropped a little Mediterranean resort into the middle of the Nevada desert. We’re only about 17 miles from the Strip, but it feels much calmer here. The centerpiece is the 320-acre man-made lake, surrounded by palm trees, golf courses, resorts, and the waterfront Village.

The whole place has an interesting backstory. The idea dates back to the 1960s, but the lake itself didn’t appear until the 1990s. Around 3 billion gallons of water were diverted from Lake Mead to create it. The project later went through a major boom, a painful crash during the 2008 financial crisis, and a slow comeback.

We usually start around The Village at Lake Las Vegas. The cobblestone streets, little piazzas, and waterfront restaurants give it a very different feel from the Strip. There are also seasonal concerts and events here.

For something more active, we can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or electric boats. The lake also has a floating Aqua Park and a cable system for wakeboarding. Golfers have two championship courses nearby, including Jack Nicklaus-designed Reflection Bay.

For lunch or dinner, check out Mimi & Coco Bistro in The Village. It’s right by the water, which makes the setting almost as tempting as the food. For coffee, Waterfront Coffee Café & Wine Tasting is another easy stop in the Village.

Best place to stay in Lake Las Vegas

Hilton Lake Vegas Resort & Spa. Address: 1610 Lake Las Vegas Parkway, Henderson, Las Vegas, NV 89011, United States of America.

Summerlin

Best area for: families, parks, golf

Summerlin is a massive master-planned community sitting along the western edge of the Las Vegas valley. Reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes actually bought the raw desert land back in 1952 for just three dollars an acre. Developers named the area decades later to honor his paternal grandmother, Jean Summerlin.

It is primarily a wealthy residential enclave, but visitors come for the outdoor lifestyle. You get sweeping mountain views and direct access to world-class hiking right next door at Red Rock Canyon.

We like to catch minor league baseball games at Las Vegas Ballpark or ice skating practices at City National Arena, where the NHL’s Golden Knights train. Downtown Summerlin serves as the open-air hub for shopping and dining. For culture, we visit the Nevada Ballet Theatre or explore the interactive exhibits inside the nearby Nevada State Museum.

When morning rolls around, we usually meet up at Honey Salt. It is a bright, cozy neighborhood spot that pulls off an incredible farm-to-table brunch. We always order the monkey bread to share before diving into their buttermilk fried chicken and waffles. It hits the spot every single time.

Best place to stay in Summerlin

JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa. Address: 221 N Rampart Blvd, Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV 89145, United States of America.

North Strip

Best area for: attractions, entertainment, budget-friendly

Back to the crowds in central Vegas. The North Strip offers a taste of Vegas history mixed with huge modern megaresorts. Decades ago, this stretch was home to iconic haunts like the Stardust and the Sahara, where the legendary Rat Pack hung out.

It has evolved into a total hot spot for tourists. Huge mega-resorts like Resorts World and the massive Fontainebleau now dominate the skyline. You will not catch many local residents here. It is built strictly for entertainment, action, and visitors looking for a good time.

We usually swing by the STRAT for the wild observation deck views and thrill rides high above the city. For something quirky, we pop into the nearby Pinball Hall of Fame to play classic arcade games. You can easily sink a whole afternoon in there.

When morning rolls around, we grab brunch at La Fontaine inside Fontainebleau. Their French toast and specialty coffee cocktails are unreal. It gives you that upscale Vegas dining fix right in the heart of the strip.

Best place to stay in North Strip

SLS Hotel & Casino. Address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA.

Where travel critics stay in Las Vegas

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Las Vegas? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Las Vegas.

Budget

The LINQ Hotel.

“Launching onto the Las Vegas Strip in late 2014, LINQ, formerly the Quad, has cemented its position as a solid all-rounder. Its fresh, white rooms have fun splashes of color and sleek Euro-styled furniture.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA.

Mid-range

NoMad Hotel.

“NoMad Las Vegas is a hotel within a hotel; specifically, the Park MGM, the completely re-thought former Monte Carlo. It’s all old-world luxury here, with sexy dark corners and a grand, library-inspired restaurant.” — CN Traveler.

Address: 3772 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States of America.

Luxury

Hotel Bellagio.

“The Bellagio was the premier option on the Las Vegas Strip when it opened in October 1998, and it has maintained a luxurious, high-class atmosphere and experience ever since.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA.

FAQ: Las Vegas hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Las Vegas-or maybe your travel plans require an excellent hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Las Vegas.

Best time to visit Las Vegas

The best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and from September to November. These months offer the perfect combination of comfortable temperatures, lighter tourist crowds, and an abundance of events that make it a fantastic time to explore everything the city has to offer.

In the spring and fall, Las Vegas boasts an average temperature ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s, which is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities like pool parties, golfing, or strolling along the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Visiting Las Vegas during these months also means you’ll be able to experience some truly unforgettable events! In the spring, gear up for Vegas Uncork’d, a culinary extravaganza featuring the world’s top chefs, or check out the Electric Daisy Carnival, a massive electronic dance music festival that draws fans from all around the globe.

Fall visitors can’t miss the Life is Beautiful music and art festival, as well as the Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival, where you can indulge in a variety of delectable dishes and fine wines.

Another reason why this is the best time to visit Las Vegas is the opportunity to take advantage of lower hotel rates and fewer tourists. With lighter crowds, you’ll have an easier time scoring tickets to some of the most sought-after shows, like Cirque du Soleil or a mesmerizing magic performance.

Plus, you’ll be able to explore popular attractions, such as the High Roller observation wheel or the Mob Museum, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by masses of people.

Best things to do in Las Vegas

There are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Las Vegas:

Grand Canyon National Park Bus Tour

Join us for a journey to the Grand Canyon South Rim! Along the drive to the canyon, you will get to stop along historic Route 66 to see the Grand Canyon Caverns. Price: $105. More info.

Helicopter Flight at Night over the Las Vegas Strip

Enjoy panoramic views of Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world! Spectacular views of the Bellagio fountain, the laser beam at the Luxor and the dazzling Stratosphere Tower on your helicopter flight over the Las Vegas Strip. Price: $89. More info.

The High Roller at The LINQ

At more than 550 feet (167 meters) tall, the High Roller in Vegas isn’t your county fair Ferris wheel. See for yourself during a 30-minute revolution in one of the High Roller’s 28 air-conditioned compartments. Price: $21. More info.

More things to do in Las Vegas

Deciding where to stay in Las Vegas

To summarize, this travel guide has covered the best areas of Las Vegas, as well as some hotel tips and things you can do. It’s now up to you to decide which area you prefer.

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Las Vegas

• Downtown
• The Strip
• Summerlin
• Lake Las Vegas
• North Strip

As you have seen in this article, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Las Vegas is important. Whether you stay in Downtown, The Strip, Summerlin, Lake Las Vegas or North Strip, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas overview

More Las Vegas tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Las Vegas:

Hotels in Las Vegas

Boutique hotels in Las Vegas

Luxury hotels in Las Vegas

Cheap hotels in Las Vegas

Sustainable hotels in Las Vegas