Moved there for work within the last seven weeks, but have been multiple times.
Honestly, proximity to the strip isn’t that important. I live outside the strip in West Vegas near Summerlin (which I would liken to Coral Gables of Miami I guess, just different in terms of desert vibe and mountains compared to green and humidity), and I’m still 15 min by car from there. Very easy to navigate, plus the Durango is a new modern sportsbook that’s more boujee per se and has phenomenal amenities (large pool, solid selection of dining like a Prince St. Pizza and some other options, nice bar that’s half outdoors and half covered canopy). Saw Devin Booker playing roulette a couple weeks ago lol.
Circa has been my favorite place to watch a game. Large sportsbook with at least 30 difference screens for viewing, I’m sure it’s amazing for football season. They also have Circa Swim, large outdoor pool area with massive TVs.
On the strip, Bellagio is very nice and Caesars has a great mix for the all-around experience (nice Sportsbook, $100 wager = a couple free drink tickets but that’s relatively standard around most books, the Caesars famous shops with designer brand stores and the fountains, good restaurants, etc.)
Honestly for price, MGM Grand isn’t bad for a room, it’s pretty cheap…but the sportsbook sucks for viewing and the hotel itself is usually packed. Proximity to the rest of the strip is great, however…walking distance to pretty much everything Strip-related.
Aria like
@htownkidd mentioned is very good combo of a luxury feel without the astronomical price. The Wynn and Cosmopolitan is also supposed to be great, but I admittedly haven’t checked out those properties yet.
Surprisingly enough, Fontainebleau might have the overall best selection of restaurants within a hotel property and they have free parking for four hours (underrated aspect if you’re looking to dine in a casino property, those fees will add up quick if you’re driving around). Miami Slice is pretty close to the OG back home, then they have a Komodo and Papi Steak as well…Liv generates a decent crowd, but again they’re getting killed with the lack of casino traction + their sportsbook sucks. And they’re off the strip, so they miss out on business generated from people walking up and down those properties
I’ll keep updating this thread based on what I experience, as I’m pretty much learning on the fly as well. A lot of rambling but I hope it somewhat helps, and it sort of depends on what you value more.
I’ve been to both Planet Hollywood and Mandalay Bay, PH isn’t bad. Not luxurious or anything but it gets the job done, I’d go elsewhere to gamble though personally. Mandalay Bay had the whole concert shooter rap they’re getting over, but it’s nicer than PH imo.