For all of you who have been to Las Vegas, you already know the magnificence of the Strip. For all of you who haven’t, there’s nothing like it. When each hotel tries to outdo the next, what you get are grand and beautiful masterpiece designs. The problem is, with all the choice, which one is the best? There is the price, the location, the star level, the shows and many other things that you have to take into account. Here is my list for you based on star levels, keeping in mind that this is based on your return on investment. Anything less than 3 stars on the strip is basically not worth staying so I won’t review them.

3 to 3.5 stars

At this level, there are many hotels that you can automatically deny. The Riviera, Circus Circus, Imperial and many others are so run down you wouldn’t even stay there for free. Others, like Excalibur or Stratosphere, are too extreme in location and would be terrible to move through. At this level, it all boils down to Flamingo and Bally’s, both Harrah’s properties. In addition to not having resort fees, which many hotels do these days, both are conveniently located right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. Both hotels are a bit dated, as you would expect from a lower star hotel. The costs are also very similar, both have special offers starting at $35 per night. In the end, I would choose Bally’s. The casino is bigger, the interior is fancier, and the location is a bit better for walking, and if you spend the clerk $20 when you sign up, you’ll most likely get a free upgrade to the new tower, which has significantly better rooms. Plus, it’s right across from the Fountains of Bellagio, a must-see on any Vegas vacation. Also, you can check “The price is right!”

4 to 4.5 stars

At this level, if cost weren’t a concern, Caesar’s Palace would definitely be the place to be. It’s a huge complex of columns and sculptures, great food, Pure nightclub and all in all a wonderful experience. However, its price is closer to 5 star hotels. With that in mind I would have to say that Treasure Island or TI would be the best hotel at this level with the Mirage coming in second. With its triple-A rating, four diamonds since 1998, Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere and TI’s sexy sirens, why would you want to stay anywhere else? Combine that with the fact that the beds are the most comfortable beds in Vegas, and what you get is a fun, relaxing, and satisfying hotel room. The rate here starts from around $50 as well, which is quite a bargain for a hotel of this caliber.

5 stars

At this level, hotels are a bit more difficult to differentiate. You can automatically deny TheHotel for being too far south, and also remove the ones that don’t have casinos like Vdara and Trump, and Encore. However, you still have some of the best hotels in the world left. Aria, being the newest of the group, doesn’t really have a 5-star feel. It’s dark, the rooms are small, and the hotel and casino are generally difficult to navigate. The Venetian and the Palazzo are basically a hotel as they are interconnected and have the same owners. They, along with the Wynn, are all spectacular hotels, with world-class services and amenities, wonderful rooms and suites, but entertainment you won’t find anywhere else, but what sets the Bellagio apart from any other hotel is its location and the sources. The buffet is exquisite (though not as good as it used to be), it’s home to Cirque Du Soleil’s best show at “O,” and with the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens under roof, every step is a moment to remember. There is nothing better than looking out the window and listening to a classic while watching the fountains dance in harmony. Try the $20 tip trick at the front desk and you might get a free upgrade to a room with a fountain view.