Classic Las Vegas vs. the New Kid on the Block
Comparing the Tropicana to Conrad Las Vegas Resorts World
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Las Vegas is like a build your own adventure with countless options for hotels, food, and experiences. You can really build any type of Vegascation that you want. There are classic Las Vegas icons – think the Tropicana, Flamingo, and Golden Gate. Then you have the newer, luxury-focused resorts like Bellagio, Wynn, and now Resorts World on the north Strip. While both options offer loads of fun, the overall experience is very different. I stayed at the Tropicana and the Conrad Las Vegas Resorts World back-to-back, and I’m here to tell you the pros and cons of each.
Read on for the full review or check out the key points in the TLDR section at the bottom.
Tropicana Las Vegas
Tropicana Las Vegas sign on May 25, 2023. (Amanda P./Travel On Awards)
First up is the Tropicana. Opened in 1957, the Tropicana has a rich history and a fantastic location on the strip. In my opinion there are two ways to look at Tropicana. Optimistically, it is a charming throwback to classic Las Vegas with a relaxing pool and adorable photo opportunities (hello, kissing wall across from Oakville Grill).
Less optimistically, it is a little claustrophobic with low ceilings, limited gambling options, and in need of renovation. (That renovation may never come if the A’s stadium deal goes through). The room was pretty spacious, but a little run down. The view was amazing, but the shutters did not offer much light-blocking ability. The shower amenities were not ideal and the showerhead was laughably low, but the bed was extremely comfortable and even the pillows were good (SO rare in hotels for some crazy reason).
Tropicana Kissing Wall on May 25, 2023. (Amanda P./Travel On Awards)
I actually really enjoyed my time here. I played the slots, ate at a few of the restaurants, and hung out by the pool (where there were some adorable baby ducklings). Everyone from staff to other hotel guests was really friendly. The walkability was also great, and I walked up through a lot of the casinos on the strip. Since Las Vegas never sleeps, I walked around until about 4 AM. Although it was still bright, there were fewer and fewer people as I got closer to the Tropicana, so I felt a little uneasy walking back at that time.
Pros: Classic Las Vegas feel, cute photo ops, laid-back vibe, excellent location with great walkability, and free covered parking for guests.
Cons: Low ceilings, limited gambling options, outdated rooms, smokey casino.
Conrad Las Vegas Resorts World
Las Vegas Resorts World on May 26, 2023. (Amanda P./Travel On Awards)
Conrad Las Vegas Resorts World was the second stay for me. Resorts World is a massive resort with three hotels that has absolutely everything you could want from a Las Vegas stay. It is basically a mini city inside of Sin City itself, and it just opened in 2021. There are bars, clubs, shows, practically endless food options, multiple pools, shopping, and of course plenty of gambling and games. You could spend your entire stay at the resort and never leave and still feel like you maxed out your Vegas vacation.
Deciding between Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords was easy because for only 10,000 more points, the Conrad rooms are 150 square feet bigger than Hilton rooms (and Crockfords was sold out). (You can learn more about booking on points here; coming soon). The Conrad room was modern and spacious with an intelligent layout that minimized unwanted light and outside noise. Not to mention the city view was fantastic.
Even though I was there for Memorial Weekend, the resort never felt overly crowded. It was interesting to see how much the resort seemed to change from the weekdays to the weekend, and I’m not sure if it was the holiday weekend or if that is pretty standard. It was a much more casual vibe on Friday daytime with fewer people, but still lively. Saturday morning hit and it was like a whole different resort. At least triple the people. More glitz and glam. Busier everything. Still, I never felt like it was too crowded. The night life was, naturally, a whole different beast. On Friday, the line to the Zouk Nightclub was at least several hours long (DJ Snake was on). Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge was shoulder to shoulder. Even Dawg House – the country-ish casual bar - was packed. Saturday was busy too, but Zouk was way less crazy. (To add to the glam, there is a hidden speakeasy on Level 1 and a cocktail lounge on Level 66). For entertainment and dining, I have to put Resorts World at 10/10.
Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge at Las Vegas Resorts World on May 27, 2023. (Amanda P./Travel On Awards)
Any review of Resorts World is simply not complete without mentioning the infinity pool on level 6. This 21+ pool is the first of its kind on the Strip and is absolutely stunning. There are actually two pools in the adults-only area. The first, larger pool is closer to the bar and has nice views if you rent a daybed, but there is no view when in the pool. The infinity pool is smaller but has a breathtaking view of the Strip. The bar in this area was pretty slow in my opinion, but the service was friendly and the spicy margarita was delicious.
Resorts World is pretty far north on the strip, so I’m glad I did all of my touristy walking around while at the Tropicana. That being said, I did make my way over to the Wynn for dinner and that walk was really not bad. Plus, Tacos El Gordo and a handful of small shops are right across from Resorts World which is convenient. In terms of walkability though, Tropicana definitely wins.
Pros: Modern luxury, very Instagram-able, tons of dining and entertainment, amazing pools, plenty of gambling options, party vibe.
Cons: Walkability, paid parking for hotel guests (but free with their loyalty program).
Overall, I did enjoy my stay at both the Tropicana and the Conrad. The experiences are totally different, so it is sort of comparing apples to oranges. If I was going to go again, though, I would have to choose Conrad Las Vegas Resorts World. It is simply a can’t-miss experience.
TLDR Highlights:
Tropicana is charming, classic Las Vegas – but a little rundown
For LV Strip walkability, Tropicana wins
Resorts World is massive, luxurious, and has everything you need in one
For nonstop fun all in one place, Resorts World wins
Each offers a completely different experience, but if I was going again, I would choose Resorts World