I’ve been to each lodge on the Las Vegas Strip — however there are simply 5 that I’ll all the time return to | Invesloan.com

Mandalay Bay may be a bit south on the Strip, but it’s still worth a visit. I love that it offers plenty of activities, such as the on-site Shark Reef Aquarium, a “crazy golf” club, and more.

This hotel’s 11-acre “aquatic playground” is also one of the coolest pool complexes in the entire city. You’ll find a lazy river, a wave pool, and more — but my favorite is the Moorea Beach Club, an adults-only pool complex with cabanas and daybeds for rental.

The real draw for me, though, is that even the most affordable rooms feel big and bright, with 550 square feet of space and floor-to-ceiling windows.

A luxurious “hotel within a hotel,” The Reserve at Park MGM — formerly known as NoMad Las Vegas — spans the top four floors of Park MGM. Compared with Park MGM’s cheery and bright decor, NoMad has a sleeker, moodier aesthetic.

The rooms include original artwork, hardwood floors, and beautiful small touches throughout. Whenever I stay here, I feel like I’m in a luxe, big-city apartment instead of a hotel room.

One of my favorite amenities is the quiet pool reserved for Reserve guests, who can enjoy all of Park MGM’s pools and cabanas even when the pool is closed.

Vdara is a rare Vegas resort without any casinos, making this a great option for non-gamblers, families, and business travelers. (Still, if you’re looking to visit a blackjack table, you can easily visit the nearby casinos at Aria Resort and Casino, the Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan.)

The modern suites with full kitchens provide an apartment-style experience. Plus, Vdara offers large windows with the best views of the Bellagio fountains and bright Vegas sunsets.

This is the best of the budget options on the Strip — and it’s right in the middle of all the action. Whenever I’m here, I can easily walk to the monorail, High Roller Ferris wheel, and shopping hubs, such as the Linq Promenade.

When it comes to the hotel itself, I love the Flamingo’s outdoor garden and Wildlife Habitat (which, yes, features real Chilean flamingos).

I also enjoy visiting the adults-only GO Pool. Offering the atmosphere of a day club, pool enthusiasts line up well before it opens to claim chairs and daybeds. Music blasts all day, and there are waterfalls, small lounging islands, and even outdoor craps tables.

Finally, the Flamingo has several stellar restaurant options. One of my favorites is Bugsy & Meyer’s, a steakhouse with vintage decor and a facade that resembles an old general store.

Wynn Las Vegas (and its sister hotel, Encore) is my absolute favorite hotel complex in all of Las Vegas.

The rooms are modern, spacious, and comfortable. Plus, I love that they include thoughtful touches such as nice stemware and tablets for room controls, room service, and more.

I’m also consistently impressed by the Wynn’s food options. You’ll find tons of high-quality restaurants here, including one of the few buffets on The Strip.

Personally, I always look forward to having a sumptuous dinner at SW Steakhouse — and then, visiting the lakeside patio for a quirky light show.

This story was originally published on June 20, 2025, and most recently updated on May 27, 2026.