Pyramids, pirates and palaces: Sin City has world's highest concentration of theme hotels
Few places on Earth can match the spectacle of the Las Vegas Strip, a 6.8-km (4.2-mi) stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard where reality gives way to fantasy. With at least 13 themed resorts squeezed into less than 7 km (4.2 miles), this glittering artery offers visitors the highest concentration of theme hotels anywhere in the world – and a rapid-fire trip through time, culture and sheer excess.
So, join us on a stroll from south to north, starting at the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, and see just how much of the world we can cover without leaving the boulevard.
Mandalay Bay & Luxor
The first themed landmark you hit is Mandalay Bay, a tropical paradise with a 4.5-ha (11-acre) pool complex, complete with a wave machine and lazy river. Next door stands the unmistakable Luxor, a gleaming black pyramid rising 30 stories high. A spotlight beaming from its apex is so bright it can be seen from aircraft flying over Los Angeles, more than 430 km away. And while there’s admittedly not a lot of competition for the record, the Luxor does rightly claim to have the most inclined elevators inside a pyramid, thanks to its four 39-degree corner lifts.
Excalibur & New York-New York
From ancient Egypt, you jump straight into medieval fantasy at Excalibur, with turrets and towers straight out of King Arthur’s court. A short walk takes you to New York-New York, a slice of the Big Apple with its own Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and even a rollercoaster looping through the skyline.
Planet Hollywood, Paris & Bellagio
Next – after passing the formerly Wizard of Oz-themed MGM Grand – is Planet Hollywood, celebrating movie culture with memorabilia at every turn. Across the street, the half-scale Eiffel Tower rises from Paris Las Vegas, paired with cobblestoned streets and a replica Arc de Triomphe. Just beyond, the Bellagio brings Italy’s Lake Como to the desert. The hotel’s 1,200 dancing water features – the most fountains in a hotel – are a Vegas icon, performing choreographed shows every 15 minutes in the evenings.
Caesars Palace & Harrah’s
No Strip walk is complete without a dip into Caesars Palace, one of the most famous themed resorts of all. Its Roman Forum shops, statues and columns make you feel like a modern-day gladiator. Nearby, the more subtly themed Harrah’s whisks you off to New Orleans with it Mardi Gras vibe, complete with a live jazz soundtrack and vibrant carnival colours.
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Venetian & Palazzo
A little further north, The Venetian transports you to Venice, where you can take a gondola ride along indoor canals under a painted blue sky. Its sister property, The Palazzo – the tallest occupied building in Nevada – continues the opulent Italian theme. Sandwiched between them is non-themed Casino Royale, with its tasteful Europe-inspired façade - it’s less James Bond and more Grand Theft Auto... indeed, gamers might recognize it as the inspiration for the Hotel Royal in GTA: San Andreas!
Treasure Island, Circus Circus & Rio
Crossing over, you’ll find Treasure Island (or “TI”), once famous for its pirate battles staged nightly in front of the hotel. Further along, Circus Circus remains a family favourite, featuring live circus acts daily since 1968. Close by is the Rio, named for Brazil’s carnival city, once famous for hosting Penn & Teller’s long-running magic show. It will come as no surprise to learn that Vegas holds the GWR title for the highest population of magicians in the world; at the last count, there were 351 resident prestidigitators – that’s one for every 1,363 people!
The STRAT
Finally, at the northernmost end of the Strip, you’ll find The STRAT - not a theme hotel but home to Sky Jump Las Vegas: the world’s highest decelerator ride. Strap in, because if you’re brave enough, you’ll be stepping off a ledge 260 m (855 ft) in the air and falling 252 m (829 ft)! Talk about ending your trip on a high!
By the time you reach The STRAT, you’ve passed through ancient civilizations, European capitals, American icons and tropical oases – that's a themed venue every 400 m (1,300 ft). It’s no wonder the Strip attracts over 40 million visitors a year. Nowhere else on the planet can you globe-trot, time-travel and visit so many fantastical worlds - without ever leaving the street!
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