5 reasons to pick the Delano Las Vegas -- especially for a short stay

It's a destination synonymous with over-the-top opulence and show-stopping entertainment. While Las Vegas has dialed that down a notch (or two) during the pandemic, you should expect Sin City to be back in full force in the coming months.

However, for visitors looking to stay somewhere a bit less flashy, you'll be pleased to know there are options for you, too. After all, Vegas isn't just about the dazzling lights of the Strip.

Earlier this year, I had an overnight stay at the Delano Las Vegas before embarking the next morning on a 2,000-mile Southwestern U.S. road trip through four national parks. I found the Delano to be an understated, elegant option that can be an incredible value, particularly for a brief visit.

Here are five reasons why the Delano Las Vegas is a solid choice — especially if you're staying just a night or two.

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It can be a great value

Despite sub-$100 room rates at some properties, Las Vegas can be very expensive.

One way to reduce costs, especially if you have a short stay as I did, is to consider booking the Delano through American Express' Fine Hotels and Resorts program. This is exclusively available to Amex cardmembers with a Platinum or Centurion-branded card, including The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

For my one-night stay, I paid $160 for a standard king suite, including a mandatory $39 resort fee. However, the perks you receive on an FHR stay can make hotel elite status benefits look trivial — and may even fully offset your nightly rate. Here's how.

Related: Your complete guide to the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts program

First, let me break down some of the top perks of FHR. These include a room upgrade (depending on availability), daily breakfast for two, guaranteed late checkout and a one-time unique property amenity of $100 or more.

At the Delano, the FHR amenity is a $100 food-and-beverage credit that can be used at any MGM restaurant in Las Vegas. In addition, daily breakfast is a $30 credit for each guest (up to two). That's a total of $160 to spend on food and beverages — exactly how much I paid for the one night itself.

The $100 food-and-beverage credit is per stay, not per night. Therefore, you can really only break even or come out ahead for one-night stays on certain dates, especially midweek and during shoulder season.

Before booking, know that you are also not eligible to earn hotel points or earn elite credit on these stays, as FHR stays are considered third-party bookings.

Related: How I use my card benefits to take advantage of hotel perks

You can earn and redeem Hyatt points

If you don't have access to FHR, or simply want to leverage hotel points or elite status, there are opportunities to do so.

Related: Why Hyatt elite status is so valuable in Las Vegas

MGM and Hyatt have a reciprocal point-and-elite-status partnership. Since the Delano is an MGM property, that means you can redeem World of Hyatt points for stays at the Delano and earn points and elite night credit when booking direct.

The Delano charges 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night, which TPG values at $425, so be sure to compare the cost of the Delano in cash (such as through Amex FHR) before making a booking.

Related: TPG’s guide to Las Vegas casino loyalty programs

Additionally, Hyatt elite members, including those who earned status through the World of Hyatt Credit Card, can status match directly to MGM's M Life program.

Every guest gets a suite

The Delano isn't just a solid deal, it's also a five-star hotel — one in which every single room is actually a suite. That means booking even the cheapest rate gets you an expansive, 725-square-foot one-bedroom suite with a spa-style bath and separate living room.

Although the furniture in my particular king room appeared slightly worn, the suite still felt modern, airy and bright with premium finishes befitting a luxury hotel.

Bathrooms are all-marble everything with double sinks and a soaking whirlpool tub. Best of all, the entire room felt worthy of a high-end hotel without seeming too extravagant.

It's a classy Vegas hotel

By now, you've probably gotten the gist: The Delano is an understated, all-suite retreat that doesn't exactly feel like your typical Vegas property. The best way to describe the decor is classy. There's a certain elegance to the Delano that caters to a slightly more mature crowd.

Related: First adults-only resort and casino in Vegas is now open with the world’s largest sportsbook

The lobby is sleek with a runway-style carpet. And best of all, there is no casino maze to walk through to get to check-in. For my short one-night stay, this was precisely the type of hotel I was looking for while still being on the Strip.

Casino action is right next door

While the Delano lives in its own casino-free bubble, it's not like you're far from the action. Casinos and shows are right next door at Mandalay Bay, less than a five-minute walk from your room.

Related: Getting to Las Vegas on points and miles

Bottom line

I found the Delano Las Vegas to be ideal to get a taste of Sin City during the pandemic without fully immersing myself in it completely.

If you're looking for a casino-free ambiance that feels the part of a five-star Vegas hotel, the Delano is one of my top choices. It's an even better pick if you are only staying for a night or two and can leverage Amex's Fine Hotels and Resorts program.