The South Strip extends northward from the airport and is home to several massive, distinctly themed resorts. If it’s your first time in Vegas, staying in this area is actually quite convenient — close to the airport, relatively affordable room rates, and each hotel has its own unique attraction: Mandalay Bay has a shark aquarium, Luxor is a pyramid, Excalibur resembles a medieval castle, New York-New York brings the Manhattan skyline to the desert, and Delano is a quiet, boutique-level choice.
The biggest advantage of this area is the free tram that connects to the MGM resort system to the north, letting you hop between properties without walking. The downside is that it’s a bit far from the core Strip — if you want to visit the Bellagio fountains or Cosmopolitan bars at night, you’ll still need a ride. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a few extra minutes of transit.
South Strip vs Central/North Strip: How to Choose?
| Area | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| South Strip | Near airport, affordable rates, large themed resorts | Budget-oriented travelers, families, aquarium and theme park fans |
| Central/North Strip | Core Strip, fountain views, nightlife hub | First-time visitors, classic landmark seekers, bar hoppers |
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Mandalay Bay is the most iconic large resort on the South Strip. The entire building follows a Southeast Asian style, and its biggest draw is the Shark Reef Aquarium — where you can watch sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish swim overhead up close. The summer pool area is set up like a beach resort, complete with a wave pool and lazy river. The room sizes are among the larger in Las Vegas, with basic room types starting at over 40 square meters. Only a 10-minute drive from the airport, ideal for travelers who want to check in right after landing.
- ⭐ Agoda Rating 8.5 | Booking Rating 8.4
- 💰 Ref. price from USD 123/night
- 👥 Best for: Families, aquarium and pool lovers
- 🚶 Location: 10-minute drive from airport, free tram to other MGM hotels
- 🔗 Agoda | Booking
Luxor Hotel & Casino
Luxor is the most recognizable building in Las Vegas — the black glass pyramid reflects the entire Strip in the sunlight. Step into the lobby and look up at the 30-story atrium, with a beam of light shooting straight down from the apex — a truly stunning visual effect. The rooms feature an Egyptian theme with hieroglyphic wall decor. Its biggest highlight is the rooftop observation deck, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Las Vegas. Room rates are affordable for this area, ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to stay in a themed resort.
- ⭐ Agoda Rating 7.8 | Booking Rating 7.9
- 💰 Ref. price from USD 77/night
- 👥 Best for: Budget-oriented travelers, photography enthusiasts
- 🚶 Location: 8-minute drive from airport, free tram to Excalibur/Mandalay Bay
- 🔗 Agoda | Booking
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Excalibur is like stepping into a Disney medieval castle — colorful turrets, knight statues, and murals in the lobby create a fairy-tale atmosphere. This is one of the few Strip hotels that caters specifically to families, with a Fun Dungeon game area designed for kids. The rooms have a retro style — clean but the decor isn’t particularly new. Its biggest advantage is the affordable rates — sometimes under USD 65 a night on weekends. The free tram takes you directly to Luxor and Mandalay Bay without walking.
- ⭐ Agoda Rating 7.6 | Booking Rating 7.7
- 💰 Ref. price from USD 65/night
- 👥 Best for: Families, budget-conscious travelers
- 🚶 Location: Free tram to Luxor/Mandalay Bay/MGM Grand
- 🔗 Agoda | Booking
New York-New York Hotel & Casino
This hotel brings the Manhattan skyline to the desert — miniature versions of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Chrysler Building are all packed together, making the exterior alone spectacular. The interior follows a New York subway style, with rooms featuring retro decor. Its biggest draw is the Big Apple Coaster downstairs — a roller coaster that loops around the entire building. Room rates are mid-range for this area, ideal for travelers who want a themed resort experience without staying too far out.
- ⭐ Agoda Rating 8.0 | Booking Rating 8.1
- 💰 Ref. price from USD 90/night
- 👥 Best for: Theme park atmosphere lovers, roller coaster enthusiasts
- 🚶 Location: Free tram to Excalibur/Mandalay Bay
- 🔗 Agoda | Booking
Delano Las Vegas
Delano is a boutique hotel within Mandalay Bay, with its own dedicated lobby and elevators, but sharing all of Mandalay Bay’s facilities. Its biggest feature is the all-suite design — even the smallest room type is over 50 square meters, significantly larger than most Strip hotels. The rooms take a low-key luxury approach, with cream tones, wooden furniture, and marble bathrooms. There’s no casino, making it ideal for travelers who want to avoid casino noise. Room rates are slightly higher than Mandalay Bay’s, but the room quality and space justify the premium.
- ⭐ Agoda Rating 8.6 | Booking Rating 8.7
- 💰 Ref. price from USD 145/night
- 👥 Best for: Those who value room space, prefer a non-casino environment
- 🚶 Location: 10-minute drive from airport, shares Mandalay Bay facilities
- 🔗 Agoda | Booking
South Strip: 5 Hotels at a Glance
| Hotel | Agoda | Booking | Ref. Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandalay Bay | 8.5 | 8.4 | USD 123 | Agoda | Booking |
| Luxor | 7.8 | 7.9 | USD 77 | Agoda | Booking |
| Excalibur | 7.6 | 7.7 | USD 65 | Agoda | Booking |
| New York-New York | 8.0 | 8.1 | USD 90 | Agoda | Booking |
| Delano | 8.6 | 8.7 | USD 145 | Agoda | Booking |
🎟️ Top Things to Do in Las Vegas — Book the best tours, skip-the-line tickets, and local experiences:
Further Reading
- Las Vegas Hotel Guide: Central Strip — 7 Top Picks
- Las Vegas Hotel Guide: North Strip — 8 Top Picks
- Las Vegas Hotel Guide: Downtown — 6 Top Picks
- Las Vegas 26 Hotels Complete Overview
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