Las Vegas ? Downtown Vs The Strip

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

I have visited Las Vegas quite a few times over the last several years, and one of the most asked questions I received is whether people should stay on the Strip or Downtown. After I tell them they will enjoy their vacation in Las Vegas no matter where they stay, I tell them the differences between Downtown and the Strip.

Downtown (Old School Vegas)

Downtown is for the budget minded and the serious gambler who do not like all the glitz, glamour, of the strip. All of the casinos downtown are close together and you can easily walk to all of them. Table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and others also have lower bet minimums than the Strip. Slot machines, and video poker are everywhere and you can always find nickel machines. Free cocktails are always available when you gambling downtown.

The rooms downtown are comfortable, clean, and less expensive than their Strip counterparts. The Golden Nugget is the most opulent casino downtown. Outside of the Downtown casinos step outside at night and look up and see a light show called the Freemont Street experience, which connects most of the casinos. If you like a laid back, block party atmosphere then downtown may be the place for you. If you do want to see the casinos, or catch a show on the strip it's only a cab ride away.

The Strip

Las Vegas Boulevard is the actual street name of the Las Vegas Strip and it is one of the most famous streets in the world. If you drive down the strip starting at the airport the first casino you will see is Mandalay Bay and thirty casinos or so, later you will see the Stratosphere, which has a roller coaster on top. The Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, and Mandalay Bay set the standard for luxury in Las Vegas.

If you are a sightseer then you might prefer to stay on the strip, there are hotels for every budget and you will be close to all the new casinos, which are an attraction themselves. The table limits on the Strip can be higher, but you can look around and find lower limits, especially during the week. Of course the cocktails service is always free for gamblers.

Off Strip Properties

We should not forget the off strip properties that range from the budget minded to luxury, and specialty hotel casinos. You can have luxury at places like Green Valley Ranch, which was also the subject of a television show. The Rio Suites are also off strip and where the world series of poker is played. Another favorite is Sam?s Town, which offers a large RV park and comfortable rooms at very good prices, you can even go bowling at their fifty six alley bowling lane.

In summary whether you prefer the mega resort casinos on the strip or the smaller budget minded casinos of downtown you should have a great time. Always check the web for Las Vegas vacation packages. Good deals are always available in Las Vegas, so enjoy your vacation.