We Stayed at the 3 Worst Hotels in Las Vegas — So You Don’t Have To
Circus Circus, Luxor, and Excalibur: Which One is the Best of the Worst?
Planning a trip to Las Vegas and trying to find the perfect hotel? You’re not alone. Every year, millions of travelers search “Where should I stay in Las Vegas?” hoping to strike the perfect balance between price, location, and comfort. But when you’re traveling on a budget, it’s easy to fall into the trap of booking a hotel that looks decent online but turns out to be far from it in reality.
That’s why we did the hard work for you. We booked and stayed at three of the lowest-rated hotels on the Las Vegas Strip—Circus Circus, Luxor, and Excalibur—to see if any of them are actually worth your time and money. Here’s our full breakdown of what to expect, and which one surprisingly came out on top.
Circus Circus, Luxor, and Excalibur Las Vegas hotel and casino reviews.
🎪 Circus Circus: Budget-Friendly, Family-Oriented… and It Shows
Circus Circus is often one of the cheapest hotels on the Strip, and for families traveling with kids, it might seem like a solid pick. The hotel is home to the Adventuredome, an indoor theme park, and a fairly decent pool area. You’ll also find a surprisingly good steakhouse, and ultra-cheap food and drinks at the nearby Slots of Fun.
Some of the rooms have been recently renovated, which is a plus. However, the rest of the property still feels stuck in time. Expect dim hallways, outdated interiors, and a general lack of upkeep. And while the low rates are attractive, its location at the far north end of the Strip means you’re far away from the more luxurious casinos and attractions.
Best for: Families on a tight budget who care more about kid-friendly entertainment than modern accommodations.
Searches to consider: “Is Circus Circus worth it in 2025?”, “Best cheap family hotels Las Vegas”
🏺 Luxor: All Style, No Substance
The Luxor Hotel is a Las Vegas icon, with its striking pyramid shape and skyward beam of light. The Egyptian theme still makes it one of the most recognizable resorts on the Strip. Attractions like the Titanic Artifact Exhibit, live shows, and a large pool deck add to its appeal. Plus, the location is great—connected to other MGM properties and close to Mandalay Bay with free tram access.
But once inside the rooms, the story changes. We found the accommodations to be dated, dusty, and in desperate need of repairs. The pyramid rooms in particular use inclined elevators that are slow and awkward to use. On top of that, the hotel carries a somewhat eerie vibe, likely due to its age and history.
Best for: Nostalgic travelers drawn to Vegas icons—but be warned, charm doesn’t equal comfort.
Searches to consider: “Is the Luxor haunted?”, “Luxor Las Vegas room reviews 2025”
🏰 Excalibur: The Best of the Worst
Excalibur looks like a medieval castle from the outside, and it leans hard into the theme on the inside too. While the theming might seem gimmicky, it’s actually fairly well maintained. Surprisingly, our room here was clean, quiet, and comfortable—a step above what we experienced at Circus Circus and Luxor.
The property features a decent pool, a family-friendly arcade known as the Fun Dungeon, and a great location on the southern end of the Strip. You’ll also be within walking distance of major resorts like MGM Grand, Tropicana, and New York-New York. The main downside? Excalibur doesn’t offer much in the way of high-end dining or entertainment, and it still has some minor cleanliness issues in the common areas.
Best for: Budget travelers who want a reliable stay in a good location without breaking the bank.
Searches to consider: “Best cheap hotels Las Vegas Strip,” “Is Excalibur a good hotel in Vegas?
🏆 Final Verdict: What’s the Best of the Worst Las Vegas Hotels?
After staying in all three, Excalibur came out as the best of the worst. While none of these resorts offer luxury or modern Vegas glam, Excalibur provided the best balance of comfort, cleanliness, and convenience.
Here’s how we rank them:
Excalibur – Best overall experience for budget travelers
Circus Circus – Best for families, but seriously outdated
Luxor – Cool to look at, but disappointing inside
✨ Bonus Tips for Booking Vegas Hotels in 2025
Avoid hidden resort fees by checking the fine print—some budget hotels charge over $40/day in fees.
Location matters more than you think—staying in the center of the Strip gives you better access to shows, restaurants, and attractions.
Renovated rooms are worth asking for. Many older hotels are slowly upgrading rooms but not all renovations are advertised clearly
📽️ Want to See Inside These Hotels?
We documented the full experience, including room tours, food reviews, and first impressions of each property in our latest video