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Should You Stay On The Strip In Vegas? [Advantages And Disadvantages]

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There is no Las Vegas without the Strip. Whatever you’re looking for in Sin City, you’re going to find it here! While staying on the Vegas Strip has obvious advantages, many tourists wonder if it’s worth the higher price tag. If you’re debating whether to stay on the Las Vegas Strip, then you should read the key points we’ve put together below.  

In brief, here are the main benefits and drawbacks of staying on the Las Vegas Strip:

Advantages

  • You’re within walking distance of all the major restaurants, casinos, and other attractions. 
  • You’ll enjoy exquisitely themed rooms with impeccable customer service.
  • It’s perfect for people who want to party all night long. 
  • Higher safety standards than most locations off-Strip.

Disadvantages

  • More expensive than off-Strip hotels. 
  • Many tourists claim gambling is better off-Strip. 
  • It can get noisy at night; not good if you want a quiet retreat.
  • Not as easy to explore the surrounding natural attractions. 

The Strip may be the heart of this mafia-created mecca, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay here to have a phenomenal vacation. Choosing whether to stay on the Strip depends on your budget and preferences. Hopefully, the info below will help you figure out whether staying on the Vegas Strip is worth your hard-earned cash. 

The scenic and panoramic view of the Las Vegas strip with the Las Vegas sign on the foreground, Should You Stay On The Strip In Vegas? [Advantages And Disadvantages]

Worth The Splurge? — Staying On The Vegas Strip 

The scenic and panoramic view of the Las Vegas strip with the Las Vegas sign on the foreground

There’s no denying it: staying on the Las Vegas Strip feels pretty awesome. If you’re a first-time visitor who wants the full Vegas experience, it’s probably worth the higher price tag. However, off-Strip hotels offer a few perks that may pique your interest. Check out these pros and cons for staying on the Vegas Strip before booking your room. 

Convenience & Quality — The Advantages

You’ve got Vegas at your doorstep... literally! 

An aerial view of the Las Vegas strip photographed at night

The most obvious benefit of staying on the Strip is that you’re in the heart of Las Vegas’ tourist district. In most cases, you could walk out of your hotel room and—BAM!—you’re in the center of the action. Las Vegas also has plenty of convenient transit options like buses, taxis, and a monorail system.   

If you’re planning on walking around the Strip, you should pack extra water and sunscreen. Remember, you are in the middle of a desert! 

Click here to see this sunscreen on Amazon.

Hotels On The Strip Offer Impeccable Amenities  

The MGM Grand photographed at night with all the tempting light glowing brightly

All of the Vegas Strip's hotels are the crème de la crème. The ambiance, amenities, and customer service here are unparalleled. Since all of these hotels cater to out-of-town tourists, they are committed to making your experience as memorable as possible.  

You can also rest-assured on-Strip hotels will offer room service, which we can't say about every off-Strip hotel. Plus, some hotels may offer deals on shows, restaurants, or casinos on their property. If you want to feel like Vegas royalty, you can’t help splurging on a Strip hotel. 

Excellent For People Who Want To Party All Night

Poker players taking a toast with their champagne glasses

Few cities come alive after dark like Las Vegas. If you want to stay up late in Sin City, then you should stay on the Strip. By staying on Las Vegas Boulevard, you’ll have an easier time getting to all the hottest clubs, pool parties, and late-night events. More importantly, you won’t have to worry about taking an inconvenient ride out of town in the wee hours of the morning. This is especially important to consider if you’re going to be imbibing a bit more than usual.

The Strip Is Safer Than The Rest Of Las Vegas

The safety standards on the Strip are much higher than anywhere else in Las Vegas. Since millions of tourists spend most of their time here, the city has a vested interest in keeping this area super safe. Not only is the police presence on the Strip high, but there are also plenty of surveillance cameras and bright lights. 

Whether you stay on or off the Strip, it’s always a good idea to take preventative measures to avoid petty theft. For instance, we’d recommend investing in a wrap-around wallet to keep all your valuables safe.

Click here to see this handy wrap-around wallet on this Amazon. 

Noisy Nights & Nosebleed Prices — The Cons

More Expensive Than Off-Strip Hotels 

A slot machine hitting the work jackpot

The big downside of staying on the Strip is that it costs more money. Even with the reduced transit fees, you’re going to shell out more dough for those fancy rooms and high-quality service. Plus, all of the dining, entertainment, and shopping centers on the Strip will cost you a pretty penny. 

Sure, you’ll get impeccable service at most Strip hotels, but you can’t fool yourself and say you’re getting a good deal. Even with transportation fees, you’ll save a lot more money if you book a room in a decent off-Strip hotel. 

Off-Strip Hotels Offer Better Gambling - Maybe

Poker chips and playing cards on the poker table

We’ll admit, this point is a slightly contentious issue. However, many repeat tourists argue off-Strip hotels offer better gambling options than on-Strip casinos. The reason? Most off-Strip hotels have lower minimum fees. 

Some tourists also claim that it’s easier to win in off-Strip casinos. While the stakes may be less, there’s also not as much competition off-Strip. Of course, the decks are never stacked in your favor, but you may have a bit of a competitive advantage off-Strip. 

Prepare For Noisy Nights

People come to the Strip every night and usually stay there till the morning. So, if you’re someone who needs a quiet retreat, you may be disappointed with the bright lights and elevated noise level on the Las Vegas Strip. Indeed, some tourists enjoy the relative quiet and calm offered by off-Strip hotels. While it might be an inconvenience to drive in and out of the Strip, you’ll have an easier time falling asleep in one of these hotels. 

Not As Easy To Explore Outside Of Las Vegas

An aerial view of hoover dam

While there’s enough to see on the Strip, some tourists like to explore the many natural treasures nearby. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you may enjoy staying off-Strip for easier road trips. It’s way cheaper and easier to drive from off-Strip hotels to surrounding attractions like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Red Rock Canyon. 

If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, you could check out our post on the “12 Best Self-Drive Trips From Las Vegas.” For those planning a road trip, be sure to read our “Detailed Guide To Driving From Las Vegas to Yosemite.” 

Where Should You Avoid In Las Vegas?

The Las Vegas Metropolitan police car

The Las Vegas Strip is often considered the safest area in Sin City. While petty theft is somewhat common on the Strip, most of Las Vegas’ violent crime takes place far from the tourist center. Please be extra vigilant the farther you travel from the Strip, especially after dark. 

Here are a few areas that tourists should avoid if possible:

  • Berkley Square
  • Rancho Charleston
  • Huntridge
  • Downtown
  • East Las Vegas
  • West Las Vegas 

Is It Safe To Walk The Vegas Strip At Night? 

The scenic view of the Las Vegas Nevada strip photographed at dawn

According to most expert tourists, the Vegas Strip is safe after-dark. It’s less likely you’ll get involved in a serious crime on the Strip than off of it.

Although it’s generally safe to walk the Vegas Strip at night, please don’t throw all caution to the wind. If possible, travel in a group when walking around Vegas at night. You should also leave all of your valuables in a locked safe before heading out.

What Is The Best Part Of The Strip In Vegas? 

The fountain of the Bellagio photographed at dusk

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the Vegas Strip has to offer. Since everyone comes to Vegas for different reasons, it’s impossible to say what the best part of visiting this area is. 

However, here are a few of the most popular attractions you may want to add to your itinerary: 

Enjoy Your Stroll On The Vegas Strip! 

While staying on the Las Vegas Strip costs more, it’s more convenient, more luxurious, and safer than booking a room off-Strip. If it’s your first time in Las Vegas, you should seriously consider staying on the Strip for a stress-free experience. However, if you’re going to stay off the central Strip, be sure to research the safety standards in your chosen area. 

 
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