When planning a Las Vegas getaway, choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip. Travel Ruby, a seasoned Las Vegas travel vlogger, has stayed at nearly every major hotel along the Strip—and she’s here to save you from some serious disappointments. Here’s her list of the top five Las Vegas hotels to avoid in 2024, including key insights and tips for where else to book.
1. Excalibur Hotel & Casino: Nostalgia Over Comfort
Room Rates: $60–$70/night
Location: On the Strip
Excalibur’s medieval theme might lure you in, but inside, it’s a different story. Ruby’s stay at Excalibur was marked by shabbiness: rough sheets, scratchy towels, and an unclean odor. Although the casino floor is lively, the air often carries a smoky, stale scent. Excalibur’s appeal lies in affordability and family-friendliness, yet for just a bit more money, travelers can find cleaner, better-kept options nearby.
2. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino: Ghost of Vegas Past
Room Rates: Around $80/night
Location: Off-Strip
Once a Vegas hotspot, the Rio now feels neglected. Ruby describes the eerie emptiness of its casino and closed restaurants, giving it an “abandoned mall” vibe. The rooms are spacious and clean but dated, stuck in a ‘90s time warp. With its fading pool area and remote location across the highway, Rio isn’t ideal unless it’s renovated. For better off-Strip options, consider nearby hotels with easier Strip access.
3. Hotel Apache at Binion’s: Not Quite Up to Par
Room Rates: From $50/night (no resort fee!)
Location: Downtown Las Vegas
Hotel Apache, nestled in Downtown Vegas, lacks the modernity that other local hotels boast. The room Ruby stayed in was cramped, had minimal furniture, and even lacked a closet. The vibe? “Cell-like.” The attached casino is oddly bright and silent, lacking the usual Vegas atmosphere. While the property has historical significance, Downtown offers plenty of other updated, lively options.
4. Circus Circus Hotel & Casino: Family Fun Meets Shabby Atmosphere
Room Rates: Less than $50/night
Location: North Strip
Circus Circus is popular for families thanks to its indoor theme park, live circus acts, and arcade, but Ruby’s experience suggests it’s showing serious wear and tear. The rooms are outdated, and public areas, including the pool and buffet, have an abandoned look. Circus Circus may offer family attractions, but the atmosphere feels unsettling—some parts seem more suited to a horror movie set than a vacation spot. Families seeking fun should check out more updated family-friendly spots.
5. Oyo Hotel & Casino: A Comedy of Horrors
Room Rates: Around $70/night
Location: Off-Strip
Oyo takes the top spot as Ruby’s absolute worst Vegas hotel experience. She encountered broken furniture, clogged sinks, a malfunctioning elevator, and a less-than-sanitary pool. With the casino crowded by patrons seeking cheap beers and $1 blackjack, the place is a recipe for chaos rather than comfort. Given the price, travelers can easily find more comfortable and clean options without settling for Oyo.
Consider Your Alternatives
If you’re looking for Vegas hotels that combine quality, location, and affordability, Travel Ruby recommends checking out her guide on the best Las Vegas hotels for your money. In the meantime, avoid these less-than-stellar properties to ensure your Vegas trip is everything you’ve dreamed of.
Still wondering if there are more pitfalls in the Las Vegas Strip or want to get a feel for yourself. Check out 4 more PATHETIC hotels that are not recommended by Travelers.
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