I pulled together the Las Vegas spots I'd actually send to a friend, plus a few spacious stays for different kinds of trips. There's plenty of classic Vegas energy here, but I also included quieter, characterful options and a few Chicago standouts wo...
Map
I'd choose Historic Downtown Las Vegas when I wanted a livelier, more old-school evening than the Strip. Fremont Street has live music, performers, vintage casinos and that enormous glowing canopy overhead, with plenty of memorable bars and local res...
Historic Downtown Las Vegas
This remodeled three-bedroom, two-bathroom house feels made for a group trip where everyone wants a little breathing room. I'd pick it for families or friends who would rather have a proper home base than squeeze into separate hotel rooms.
New beautifully remodeled home in Las Vegas
Millennium Park is one of those places that really does live up to the photos, especially when you finally see Cloud Gate in person. I'd give myself a few unhurried hours to wander between the gardens, public art, fountains and skyline views instead ...
Millennium Park
For a group of up to eight, this four-bedroom house is a seriously practical Las Vegas base. I like that it puts you close to the Strip, the Arts District and Main Street, so you can mix big Vegas nights with more local-feeling food and art outings.
Entire Vacation home blocks to the Strip, ARTS Dist, Main Street Sleeps up to 8 - Four-Bedroom House
Willis Tower is the kind of Chicago stop I'd still make even on a packed itinerary. Before heading up, the interactive Chicago experience adds a fun layer with stories about the city's food, neighborhoods and architecture, plus a playful chance to “m...
Willis Tower
That balcony is the reason I'd save this one for a Strip stay: a king suite with views you can enjoy without leaving your room. With pools and parking included in the setup, it suits travelers who want a little retreat around their Vegas sightseeing.
Mulyosari Central Park Hotel
Mystic Falls Park sounds wonderfully over-the-top in the best possible way. The free show is impressive enough to revisit, while the lush trees and quirky animal displays - including a beaver, deer, wolf, bear and bobcat - make the surrounding park s...
Mystic Falls Park
The one-bedroom king suite with a sofa bed makes this a flexible pick for a couple, a small family or anyone who likes having a separate place to relax. I'd also appreciate the easy morning rhythm here: an American buffet breakfast, a pool, fitness f...
Element by Marriott Las Vegas Airport
The Strip is best experienced after sunset, when the neon around places like Bellagio and the Venetian turns the whole walk into a glowing spectacle. I'd leave time to wander rather than rush between casinos - the grand interiors, restaurants and eve...
Las Vegas Strip
I'd choose this queen suite with a sofa bed for a convention trip or a longer stay when a little extra functionality matters. The fully equipped kitchen, hot American buffet breakfast, outdoor pool and barbecue areas make it feel more comfortable tha...
Residence Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
The Fall of Atlantis is one of those delightfully classic Vegas surprises hiding inside the Forum Shops. I'd stop for the free mix of animatronic figures, dramatic lights, fire, water and sound - it's family-friendly, wonderfully nostalgic and much m...
Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Forum Shops
Pampas House gives a group plenty of room to settle in, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious living room. I'd pick it for friends or family who want a relaxed apartment-style base between outings rather than a compact hotel room.