This is now the best Las Vegas hotel to stay at for conventions. Period.
As convention business returns to Las Vegas after years of delays and cancellations, the landscape for attendees has changed.
In the past, there was no clear-cut best hotel for convention-goers. Some hotels represented luxury, others value, others a closer location. Attendees just had to choose what was most important to them.
But convention-goers no longer have to pick one attribute over another. A year after Resorts World opened its doors, it's now the clear convention winner.
The most expensive casino construction project in Vegas started out with promise but had a number of missing pieces when it officially debuted.
There were dining choices when the doors opened in 2021, though not many. Shopping and shows were in much shorter supply than at other large resorts in Vegas. And, one of the most promising attributes, an underground tunnel to the convention center, was substantially delayed.
Fast forward to mid-2022: all of those problems have been solved.
Let's look at why Resorts World is now clearly the best option for convention attendees in Vegas.
The Resorts World Loop station is now open
If you've ever been to the Las Vegas Convention Center for a convention, you've waited in line. In fact, you've probably waited in a number of lines.
Whether you're driving to the convention center, taking a taxi, Uber or Lyft, or even hopping on the monorail, there is rarely enough capacity to move people around at peak times. This can mean waiting in long lines just to get to your convention. Similarly, if you try to leave at one of the peak times you may not make it to your dinner reservation.
Enter the Las Vegas Loop, a tunnel system being created by Elon Musk's Boring Company.
The Loop had previously opened stations underneath the convention center, making it much easier for attendees to get from one end to the other of the massive complex via Tesla vehicles. But now, the first station outside of the convention center opened up right underneath Resorts World.
The Loop doesn't cover much ground, but it has the essential stops if you're staying at Resorts World.
The first stop after leaving Resorts World is the Riviera Station, located under the newest extension of the convention center. Three more stops serve all the key spots at the convention center, easily saving a nearly 30-minute walk from one of the massive halls to the other.
The Las Vegas Loop does charge a fee but it may be the cheapest thing you buy during a Vegas trip.
An all-day pass will set you back a whopping $3. You'll find plenty of signs with QR codes that will lead you to the website where can purchase your ticket (or just bookmark this site). Note that the website does say you'll have to show proof that you're a conference attendee to actually ride a Loop vehicle.
Choose your level of luxury
Resorts Worlds employed a unique concept when designing its hotel towers.
Partnering with Hilton, the resort has three separate brands and price points. The most affordable option, and also the largest of the three hotels, is the Las Vegas Hilton with over 1,700 rooms. Rooms can frequently be found for less than $100 per night, though not during busy periods such as the Consumer Electronics Show (or CES, as it's referred to by attendees).
Related: These are the best Hilton credit cards
If you're looking for a bit more luxury, the Conrad Las Vegas features almost 1,500 rooms with a higher degree of comfort. Conrad rooms can frequently be found for under $200 per night (before the hefty $45 resort fee charged nightly for all rooms).
Conrad features spacious, comfortable rooms, though the rooms aren't as big as other Vegas casino standard rooms such as at the Venetian. Frequent Vegas visitors also will notice that the Conrad is much quieter than other Vegas resort casinos — that is to say, you're unlikely to hear folks screaming in the hallways.
The nicest rooms at Resorts World are part of Crockford's Las Vegas, a boutique Hilton label.
The private entrance and tea service at check-in immediately let you know you're at a luxury hotel. The rooms are understated but very comfortable. While the technology isn't over the top, you can still open and close your drapes and turn off the lights without leaving the bed.
Related: Book this, not that: Las Vegas points hotels
Ramping up its restaurant game
When Resorts World first opened, the number of restaurants operating was a bit paltry for the number of rooms. The only saving grace was the fact that the food court at Resorts World is like nothing you've seen in a Vegas casino. Famous Foods Street Eats is an interesting mix of mostly Asian choices, all of them quite good.
A year later, Resorts World boasts 10 fine dining choices and over half a dozen casual dining options, along with another 15 options in the food court. On top of that, you'll find another half dozen bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge.
With a nod to the Asian roots of the Resorts World brand, Genting Palace is a solid choice for Chinese while Kusa Nori is a can't-miss Japanese spot. You'll also find steak, seafood and caviar choices, among others.
Related: 9 exciting new things in Las Vegas that will make you want to book a trip right now
Did we mention there's a Speakeasy?
Located in the food court, Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den is a small but great place to grab a drink.
The catch? You'll need to find it. The speakeasy has no exterior signage — you'll have to hunt for the hidden entrance. You can find it in the back of Fuhu Cha Chaan Teng, one of the restaurants at Famous Foods Street Eats. You'll thank us for the recommendation.
More to come for entertainment and shopping
While Resorts World does have some shops open, it still has more work to do.
Katy Perry and Luke Bryan have stopped by, along with Journey. But, you can still see construction on the backside of the massive complex, which is rumored to include both more conference space and an arena that will likely feature more shows.
The pool complex at Resorts World is understated and potentially undersized, though we have yet to see it overflowing with people. The fitness center has plenty of choices including a small fleet of Peloton bikes.
Related: Betting on a stay at Circa, the first all-new hotel in Downtown Las Vegas in 40 years
Bottom line
Resorts World is an ambitious project on the old Stardust site in Las Vegas.
While its initial opening was in the midst of the pandemic and held up by construction delays and the myriad of effects of the pandemic, the resort has truly started to pick up steam. It's located at the far end of the Strip near the Las Vegas Convention Center, making it a very convenient location for convention-goers. And now -- it's by far the best option for those looking in town for conventions.
Of course, folks don't come to Vegas conventions just for the meetings.
They want great food, shows, gaming and luxury hotel rooms. Resorts World now checks all those boxes and offers the coolest and easiest way to get to the convention center via the Las Vegas Loop. You can even earn Hilton Honors points and elite status while enjoying great meals at Resorts World after a long day at a convention.
The only question left is whether there are enough Teslas available to keep you from waiting in any pesky lines.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.