Skylofts is the luxury section of MGM Grand, offering some of the most exclusive accommodations not just within the hotel but in Vegas. All of the rooms are one-, two-, and three-bedroom duplex lofts (they start at 1,400 square feet) with big living areas and sophisticated but understated urban decor; prices are usually upwards of $1,000 a night. High-end extras include airport transfers in a Rolls-Royce Ghost limousine; a calm, private reception area for Skylofts guests with a separate entrance; in-loft check-ins (no waiting in line!); and access to Skylounge on the 29th floor for cocktails and appetizers. But most facilities, such as the main fitness center and the spa, must be shared with MGM guests.

Occupying the 35th through 39th floors of the Mandalay Bay Resort, the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is an oasis of calm in a city known for its frenetic energy. Guests at the Four Seasons can look forward to decadent Art-Deco inspired rooms with huge marble bathrooms, sophisticated on-site dining, a renowned spa, and the luxury hotel brand’s signature “anticipatory service.” Though there's no dedicated casino here, the Mandalay Bay's is an elevator ride away. The only downside is the hotel's location on the Strip’s southern end. Travelers who’d prefer a more central Strip location should check out the equally luxurious Mandarin Oriental.

Trump International Hotel Las Vegas is a pleasant four-pearl property located across from Fashion Show Mall, a not-insubstantial walk from The Strip. It's 1,232 air-conditioned rooms have tons of built-ins, kitchenettes, velvet-chaired sitting areas, and fabulous city views (some of The Strip). Unfortunately, the two restaurants -- a poolside snack shop and a fine-dining eatery that serves American food -- are only mediocre, and the property lacks a casino. Other features include a pool, a fully-stocked 24-hour gym, a spa, and a gift shop loaded with Trump-branded merchandise. The property’s otherwise serene ambience is disrupted throughout the day (and night) by rumbling trains and their blaring horns, though. For quieter stay with luxurious rooms and equally numerous features it’s also worth pricing out Wynn Las Vegas.

Like the Paris and New York-New York hotels, the 5,030-room Venetian is an enormous and extravagant tribute to a place far from the desert, complete with gondola rides and a replica of Saint Mark's Square. Compared to the other theme-driven Vegas properties, the Venetian distinguishes itself with enormous guest rooms, a world-class spa with 90 treatment rooms, and heaps of premier restaurants.

These elegant condominium towers behind the MGM Grand give guests easy access to great restaurants and shows, the biggest casino in town, and a huge, fun pool complex -- plus the option to chill out away from the fray. The luxurious rooms, all suites, are among the best Vegas has to offer.

This non-gaming timeshare property has 1,201 stylish rooms, all with kitchens or kitchenettes (although some are not fully equipped), and some with washer-dryer units. It's a solid value, but it’s short on amenities, with just a pool with cabanas, a lobby bar, and a fitness center. Its location right by the Miracle Mile and the Planet Hollywood Resort means guests have a wide array of dining and shopping options nearby, but you’ll have to trek through the shopping complex to reach the Strip.

Attracting mostly time-share members, the Polo Towers has a prime location about a block from the central Strip. All 479 apartment-style rooms come with balconies and either kitchenettes (in the Studios) or full kitchens (in the Suites and Villas), which is convenient, since the property lacks a restaurant. The 22nd-floor rooftop deck with a pool, whirlpool, cabanas, barbecue area, and excellent Strip views is the hotel's top feature, though the ground-level children's pool, fitness center, computer area, and mini mart are nice perks, too. The Best Western Plus Casino Royale is another basic, middle-of-the-Strip hotel, but one without overbearing time-share salespeople and plus on-site dining options.

Tucked behind the storied Flamingo, this popular time-share hotel gives guests both the quiet, laid-back feel of apartment living and quick access to the high-energy entertainment of the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel has a casual, family vibe, but nothing in the way of fine dining or entertainment on the grounds.

This 1,228-room hotel has a relaxing, family-friendly vibe with a great pool, spa, fitness center, and game room -- all a cut above most Vegas time-share hotels, including other Hilton Grand Vacations Club properties. But there's no casino or sit-down restaurant, and it's a long, 20-minute walk from the action.

Paris Las Vegas is a four-pearl hotel and casino situated in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Its 2,916 spacious rooms have Baroque-inspired decor, plus air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and large flat-screen TVs. The huge property -- including the casino -- is meant to evoke an evening in Paris, complete with an Eiffel Tower that draws visitors from across Vegas. There are 14 restaurants that get mostly positive reviews, including French and Italian options. The huge pool has a laid-back vibe and entertainment includes fire and circus shows. Other amenities include a spa, gym, free Wi-Fi, and parking (for a fee). Travelers wanting an on-Strip stay with a clubbier vibe and fun extras like a Flowrider Wave-in-a-Box surfing pool, it’s worth checking out Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino instead.

An elder statesman among the Strip's megaresorts, the 3,044-room Mirage relies less on thematics and a booze-fueled party scene for its appeal -- opting instead to emphasize comfortable, well-designed rooms, an enormous pool, diverse dining options, and attentive service. Attractions, from a giant volcano to Cirque du Soleil's "Love" to a wildlife sanctuary, are aimed at a multigenerational clientele.

This 2,000-room-plus property has the requisite theme (New York City) and some kid-friendly features (roller coaster, big arcade). Low rates and inexpensive dining options make it a reasonable choice for families looking to stay cheaply on the Strip, but it's worth comparing prices at Treasure Island.

The giant Mandalay Bay offers a ton of features for kids (wave pool, streaming lazy river pool, shark reef aquarium) and adults (lively bars, world-class restaurants, a large spa), but the constant crowds, long lines, and airport noise can make it a slightly less attractive mid-tier luxury option. All of the hotel's 3,211 rooms underwent renovations in 2015 and 2016, resulting in some of the most visually appealing accommodations in Vegas (which is saying a lot). If the Mandalay's slightly cut-off-from-the-Strip location presents a problem, travelers could check rates at the Cosmopolitan, which is in the heart of the Strip (but is not even slightly kid-friendly).

For travelers who need a cheap place to stay in Vegas, the upper-middle-range Harrah’s is a no-brainer. It’s conveniently located in the middle of the Strip, has a mid-size casino, an OK pool, and a few restaurants and bars. But for anyone who expects to be wowed, Harrah’s is no showstopper. Most of the 2,530 rooms are heinously dated and reek of cigarette smoke. And compared to its neighbors, Harrah’s casino is small, its pool is boring, and its entertainment options are lackluster. A more modern and cleaner Strip pick is the slightly more expensive Tropicana, though it lacks Harrah’s prime location. 

The upscale, 1,300-room SLS Las Vegas is in the building that once housed the iconic Sahara Resort & Casino. Designed by acclaimed French designer Philippe Starck, in collaboration with Gensler Architects, the property mixes elements of the property's past with strikingly modern decor. The casino area isn't huge but all the typical gaming options are available, and there are a wide array of restaurants to fit anyone's budget -- including the trendy Bazaar Meat by José Andrés. Three nightclubs and a gorgeous outdoor pool area lure a younger crowd. It's located on the far north end of the Strip, so travelers wanting a more central location may want to consider Aria Resort & Casino or Caesars Palace (though prices may be higher).