Las Vegas is consistently one of the most-visited US cities and earlier this year Airbnb shared that it was trending as a summer destination. After the Sphere opened late 2023, there’s also been a resurgence of shows and concerts. But is the city worth the hype? We decided to test out how Las Vegas holds up in 2024. Here is our honest assessment of Las Vegas and advice for making the most of the city.

When it comes to experiencing the heart of Las Vegas, staying on The Strip is hard to beat. The top two hotels you should consider for the all-out experience are the Wynn and Encore. These connected luxury resorts offer everything you need for an unforgettable stay - from spa & wellness services, to on-site shops, to a wide range of fine dining, to high-tech room amenities. In particular, we loved that everything in our room was voice-controlled. 

Pro-tip: stay on a top floor if you can. The night life on the Strip is loud and with in-hotel clubs, Wynn and Encore are no exception. Staying on a top floor will not only give you a great view of the Strip, you’ll also be able to get some peace and quiet. You have the option to get a view of the Sphere, which we also recommend. 

For those seeking high-energy vibes, the Encore Beach Club is the place to be. This vibrant hotspot is known for its lively atmosphere and frequent appearances by celebrity DJs. It’s not every day that you can sit by the pool in the middle of the day watching David Guetta perform. It’s the perfect venue if you’re looking to mix and mingle while enjoying some top-notch entertainment. This is particularly true if you’re traveling in a large group. This can be a pro or a con for different travelers but the beach clubs in particular are full of Bachelor and Bachelorette parties.

Las Vegas is home to an impressive roster of celebrity chefs, and dining here can be a delightful adventure. From gourmet meals to inventive dishes, there’s plenty to savor. However, while the culinary scene is exciting, we honestly think that it doesn’t quite rival the dining experiences of other large cities. We know we’re biased towards Miami, New York, and London but we expected Las Vegas to compete a bit more than it did.

And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the shows. From concerts to Cirque du Soleil, there is a great variety of family-friendly fun to be had. And the Sphere hosts a variety of concerts alongside the resident Sphere Experience interactive show.

If you’re after a more laid-back experience, consider the Red Rock area. A short car ride away, Red Rock offers a calmer tone with a touch of nature. It's another fantastic option for families or for those wanting a quieter trip. While there might not be as much to do as on The Strip, the beautiful landscapes and tranquil environment provide a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of central Vegas. Or, if you want a full on natural experience, consider a day trip outside of the strip to the Grand Canyon.

We have to say that we did not gamble during this trip. Being a midlionnaire is all about intentional luxury and principles like the 95/5 spending rule. We prioritized experiences that we believed would have more lasting value. But this is a personal choice. If you do go to Vegas, the casinos are undoubtedly iconic and it may be where you want to invest. Whatever you decide, we just ask that you make the decision with intention.

So, where are we landing? Should you start planning a trip to Vegas? We had an absolute blast in Las Vegas and based on our experience, we think there are certainly highlights (like the world-class accommodations) but areas where we expected more from the city (like the culinary scene). Ultimately, we’d say that Vegas should be on your list if you’re looking for a luxury nightlife scene, but otherwise there are other spots you should consider first.