Top 10 Newest Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip

The property long known as the Mandarin Oriental is now rebranded as the Waldorf Astoria. Not much has changed, but the rooms are being redesigned to minimize the Asian theme. The resort is one of the most luxurious on the Strip and the best option for those who want to avoid the chaos of a noisy casino. Most of the action is on the 23rd-floor Sky Lobby, where you’ll find the check-in counters, tea lounge, Sky Bar and Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, one of the best restaurants for French fusion on the Strip. The views are incredible and everything on site is upscale, from the pool deck and fitness center to the stylish collection of suites. There’s even a Moet & Chandon vending machine for Champagne. You may like the property so much, you can buy one of the 225 units in the separate condo tower.

The Monte Carlo, originally built in 1996, spent about two years slowly transforming into the Park MGM. No implosion. The 550-million renovation made the resort feel brand new, replacing sterile whites with warm pastels and rustic touches, including a tree-root ceiling fixture that hangs over the check-in lobby.

The 2,600 rooms were all given a much-needed makeover with quirky, modern decor. They’re still on the small side for the Strip, but that keeps prices reasonable. More compelling suites can be found on the floors dedicated to MoMad Las Vegas, a New York-inspired hotel-within-a-hotel concept that includes its own dedicated lobby, bar, restaurant and pool.

The sweeping renovations can be felt throughout the entire casino, lobby and pool deck. The restaurants are fantastic. Enjoy prime cuts of beef at Bavette’s Steakhouse or a playful fine-dining twist on Asian street food with Roy Choi’s Best Friend. Park MGM is also home to the first Eataly in Las Vegas. The retail and dining hybrid includes grab-and-go food stations and two sit-down restaurants.

Ultimately, Park MGM will be defined as an entertainment destination. It’s next door to the T-Mobile Arena and houses the 5,000-seat Park Theater, home to high-profile residencies by Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Cher and Aerosmith. On the Record is a different kind of nightclub, combining a lounge with karaoke rooms, a speakeasy-style bar and a retro theme.

This Caesars Entertainment property has been known by a number of identities over the years, from Flamingo Capri and Imperial Palace to The Quad. The resort seems to have finally found its groove as The LINQ, a name inspired by its outdoor promenade of shops, restaurants and attractions like the High Roller observation wheel and Fly LINQ zipline.

Though the rooms still fill the footprints of Vegas vacations past, the redesign ushers in a colorful, hip boutique vibe that buries its old look and feel for good. The biggest surprise is the 21+ pool deck, which features lily pads and daybeds flanked with bold colors that will awaken even the worst hangovers. The Influence pool party is free and open to non-hotel guests. Poolside cabana suites bring the boutique interior to the outside, impressing with cobalt blue and lime exterior walls.

The LINQ doesn’t rest on its laurels. Small changes continue to develop. The latest example is an update to the casino floor that includes The Book, a modern refresh of the sportsbook with living room-style VIP areas and automated self-serve beer taps.

Delano is a smoke-free, gaming-free resort for the sophisticated traveler. The tower, formerly known as THEhotel, is part of the Mandalay Bay complex on the south end of the Strip. The lobby has a chic lounge feel and the rooms follow an all-suites format. Even basic accommodations include a bedroom, master bath, powder room and private living area. Even your pets can feel like royalty in dog-friendly suites. Rates start at $119 in the off-peak season.

Escape the heat of Vegas at the private Delano pool deck or crank up the heat at Mandalay Bay Beach or Moorea Beach Club, a tops-optional European-style pool for adults only. When the sun goes down, head to the top floor with spectacular Strip views from both Rivea restaurant and SkyFall cocktail lounge. If you still have the urge to gamble, visit the adjoining Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino to play tables or slots.

It’s hard to find a resort that better represents the Vegas shift from old neon to fresh modern design. Previously known as Bill’s Gambling Hall & Saloon and the Barbary Coast, the Cromwell is sleek and contemporary with touches of retro decor. The boutique hotel has less than 200 rooms, but each one is full of character with hardwood floors, vintage lamps and wallpaper that pay homage to the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age.

The hotel also features Giada, the first-ever restaurant by celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis. It serves a Californian take on Italian classics with  large windows that open wide to the Strip with great views of the Bellagio fountains.

The main party spot is Drai’s, a luxury rooftop nightclub and dayclub. The 65,000-square-foot venue is heavy on rap, hip-hop and R&B residencies and no matter when you go, the views are incredible. Head to the basement for Drai’s After Hours, a more intimate club in which the party goes well into the early morning hours.