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The quick verdict
The bottom line: New York-New York is my favourite themed hotel on the Strip, full stop. The skyline facade, the coaster ripping around the property, the casino floor that feels like a corner bar in Manhattan: it all works. Rooms are dated and the vibe is loud and young, so it is not for everyone, but if you want maximum Vegas energy for a mid-range price, this is the pick. Book it, ride the coaster, and spend one night wandering the casino with a drink in hand.
Watch: the full video tour
That is the full 4K walkthrough from my trip: the skyline exterior, the casino floor, the coaster POV, and what the rooms actually look like. Everything below is the written version with the details you will want before you book.
Location and first impressions
New York-New York sits at 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, right at the Tropicana intersection on the south end of the Strip. It is directly across from the MGM Grand and next door to the Excalibur, which puts you in solid company: three casinos within a five-minute walk, plus easy tram and monorail access up the Strip.
The first impression is the whole pitch. The facade is a compressed Manhattan skyline: the Statue of Liberty out front, a replica Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, all stacked into one property. At night it lights up and it genuinely looks cool. Cheesy? Sure. But it commits to the bit harder than any other themed hotel in Vegas, and that commitment is why people love it.
Inside, the casino floor leans into the theme without going full theme park. The ceiling is painted like a night sky, the table games area feels like a Manhattan corner bar, and there is a constant low-level energy that never quite tips into chaos. It is loud, it is busy, and it is fun.
The Big Apple Coaster
The coaster is the headline attraction and it delivers. The Big Apple Coaster wraps around the entire property: it launches you out of the building, drops you 203 feet, hits 67 mph, and throws you through a 180-degree twist and a 360-degree loop. It is a real coaster, not a kiddie ride, and the views of the Strip from the top are genuinely spectacular.
As of September 2026, official pricing was a $20 all-day ride pass online ($25 for a single ride), or a $30 all-day pass with a simulator ride thrown in. Walk-up single rides run about $25. It runs daily, typically 11 AM to 11 PM, weather permitting. My take: ride it once during the day for the views and once at night for the lights. The night ride is the better one.
Fair warning: it is not for the faint of heart or weak stomachs. If coasters are not your thing, you can watch it rip around the building from the casino floor, which is honestly half the fun.
Casino floor
The casino is a proper mid-size Strip floor: slots, table games, a sportsbook, and a poker room. Table minimums run higher than downtown but lower than the luxury properties; expect $15 to $25 minimums on weekends, lower on weekday mornings. The vibe skews young and loud, especially at night, which fits the property.
The sportsbook is compact but solid, with plenty of screens and a bar. During football season it gets packed, so arrive early for big games.
One thing I appreciated: the casino never feels empty, even on weekday afternoons. There is always action, always energy. Some themed hotels feel like museums between attractions. This one does not.
Rooms
Here is the honest part. The rooms are dated. Not dirty, not broken, just tired: older furnishings, smaller bathrooms, and decor that has not been refreshed in a while. If you are the type who spends minimal time in the room, you will not care. If a modern, plush room is important to you, look elsewhere or pay up for a renovated room category.
What you do get: comfortable beds, decent water pressure, blackout curtains that work, and windows with real Strip views on the higher floors. Ask for a high floor facing the Strip when you check in. It is worth the ask.
Room types range from standard rooms to suites. The standard rooms are the value play. Suites add space but not enough polish to justify the premium over a luxury property, in my opinion.
Food, drinks, and nightlife
The dining lineup is one of the property’s strengths. Highlights:
- Gallagher’s Steakhouse – the flagship, old-school New York steakhouse. Pricey but legit.
- Il Fornaio – solid Italian in the replica Greenwich Village area.
- Nine Fine Irishmen – the Irish pub, great for a casual night. Good beer selection, lively crowd.
- Shake Shack – yes, there is one. The line gets long at lunch.
- Chin Chin – decent Chinese, convenient location on the casino floor.
The bar scene is strong. The sports bar area is great for games, and the casino bars keep the drinks flowing. Drink prices are standard Strip: expect $10 to $15 for cocktails, more for top-shelf.
Nightlife: the property skews young and the casino floor stays lively late. It is not a club destination per se, but you will not be bored.
The pool
The pool area is fine, not a destination. It is a decent-sized pool with cabanas and a bar, good for a morning cooldown or an afternoon break. If the pool is the centerpiece of your Vegas trip, stay at the Flamingo or Mandalay Bay instead. If the pool is a nice-to-have, this one does the job.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Best themed exterior on the Strip, especially at night
- The Big Apple Coaster is a legit thrill ride
- Great location at the south end, near MGM Grand and Excalibur
- Strong dining lineup for a mid-range property
- Casino floor has great energy without luxury prices
- Good value for the location
Cons:
- Rooms are dated and due for a refresh
- Loud and young crowd, not a relaxing stay
- Pool is average
- Resort fees and parking fees add up (standard for the Strip, but budget for them)
- Can feel crowded on weekends
FAQ
Is New York-New York a good hotel?
Yes, for the right traveler. If you want maximum Vegas energy, a great location, and a mid-range price, it is one of the best picks on the Strip. If you want a quiet, modern, luxurious room, look elsewhere.
How much is the Big Apple Coaster?
As of September 2026, $20 for an all-day ride pass online, $25 for a single ride, or $30 for an all-day pass with a simulator ride. Walk-up single rides run about $25. It runs daily 11 AM to 11 PM, weather permitting.
Where is New York-New York located?
3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, at the Tropicana intersection on the south end of the Strip, across from MGM Grand and next to Excalibur.
Is New York-New York good for families?
It works for families during the day: the coaster, the themed exterior, and the walkable location are all kid-friendly. At night the casino floor skews adult, like everywhere on the Strip. Kids will love the skyline and the coaster.
Does New York-New York have a good casino?
Yes, a proper mid-size Strip casino with slots, table games, a sportsbook, and a poker room. Weekend table minimums run $15 to $25. The energy is young and lively.
Where to stay: more Vegas hotel reviews
- Horseshoe Las Vegas Review – solid mid-Strip value
- LINQ Hotel Review – my top budget pick on the Strip
- Flamingo Las Vegas Review – classic Strip location, great pool
- STRAT Hotel Review – cheapest rooms on the Strip
- Topgolf Las Vegas Review: Is It Worth the Hype? – the best non-gambling night on the Strip
- 5 Best Budget Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip (2026), Ranked – the full ranked rundown