Typically “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” but I will spill the dirt on a stay at New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.
While I’ve stayed at numerous Las Vegas hotels before, this hotel tugged at my heartstrings as a former New Yorker. I wanted to see if it lived up to the “Big Apple” hype.
But first I want to clear the air about Las Vegas. You don’t just visit to play in the casinos. Each major hotel on the four-mile-long “Strip” is like a city within itself, featuring a theme that basically makes you say “wow” as soon as you set eyes on the façade. So, you can only imagine how breathtaking and awe-inspiring it is to see the New York – New York hotel, a mini-New York City set among the far end of the Las Vegas strip. To say I was overwhelmed at its magnificence is an understatement.
Let me tell you about this New York inspired hotel.
Hotel Location: Pro or Con
The New York – New York hotel sits toward the end of the south side of the Las Vegas Strip, minutes away from the Harry Reid International Airport. Near to the MGM Grand and Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the hotels are connected by convenient land bridges, so you don’t have to cross any busy streets. There is also a monorail system across the street from the hotel that can transport you along the Strip.
Visitors may think that the hotel’s far south end location is too far away from other hotels and attractions on the Strip. However, I like the fact that the New York – New York hotel is at the Strip end because its enormity lends itself to the location.
About New York – New York Hotel
Opened in 1997, the New York – New York hotel, part of the MGM Collection of hotels, makes visitors feel like they’re in the middle of Times Square. It recreates the sights, sounds, and foods of New York City. Even from a distance, the famous New York landmarks catch your attention … like the famed Manhattan Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. the details are impressive.
Everywhere you walk you feel like you’re in the Big Apple with authentic-looking street signs, subway station signs and faux New York City buildings and landmarks like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. Just imagine that you can walk the Brooklyn Bridge, dine in “Greenwich Village” or play video games and eat at Nathan’s Hot Dogs at “Coney Island.”
The New York – New York Hotel also features the world’s first rollercoaster to feature a 180° twist and dive maneuver. There’s also an arcade, outdoor pool, whirlpool and cabanas, and get this … 24 onsite restaurants and 7 onsite bars!
If that’s not enough, there is 84,000 square of feet of casino space and live music on the “Brooklyn Bridge” and dueling pianos, plus hilarious comedy and impressive acrobatic acts.
If you’re wondering about the reservation rate, a standard guest room costs $52 per night + the $45 daily resort fee, for a total cost of $97 per night. And, as nice and low as that rate sounds, you must take into consideration that Las Vegas food, beverages, attractions, and shows are on the expensive side, not to mention the money you may spend (and risk) in the casino if you try your luck.
Shows, Attractions, and Amenities
If you’ve never visited Las Vegas before, I’ll explain again that each major hotel is like a city inside a resort. And while travelers to Las Vegas want to visit each hotel, it can feel like a whirlwind of a sightseeing trip. There is so much to see, do, and eat at the New York – New York hotel, you will need at least a two or three night stay.
The New York New York hotel has attractions for all ages, like the indoor/outdoor Big Apple Coaster, Big Apple Arcade, and the world-famous Cirque de Soleil “Mad Apple” show. The Big Apple Coaster is an authentic roller coaster ride that costs $25. You board the ride indoors near the arcade before being catapulted outdoors at speeds up to 65 mph with a 180-degree twist and a thrilling decline.
The popular Cirque du Soleil “Mad Apple” performance is for adults only as it blends cabaret and burlesque. General tickets are pricey, but you can opt for less expensive seats. Other entertainment options include live music, DJ sessions, a piano bar, and weekly events featured on Brooklyn Bridge in addition to two arenas located at MGM Grand and the T-Mobile Arena next door. The dueling pianos show in the Time Square area of the hotel property was the most fun ever! Outstanding piano talent and lots of audience participation.
The pool is basic but nice, on the small side compared to other Las Vegas hotels. You can rent a cabana and enjoy poolside food and beverages. There’s also a gift shop, convenience store, meeting space, and a fitness center. The hotel is pet friendly (fee) and offers parking (fee) and an electric car charging station as well.
Dining and Cocktails: A “Taste of New York” in Las Vegas
Among the 24 restaurants, you’ll find food court options as well as fast food. From Nathan’s Hot Dogs in Coney Island to the all you can eat Chin Chin Café & Sushi Bar buffet, there is something for everyone. The food is not cheap but you can always find dining deals displayed on big signs outside the restaurants like the $23.95 Ribeye special at the America 24-hour café. Other New York inspired dining options include Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Il Fornaio, 48th and Crepe, and Broadway Burger Bar and Grill.
The Village Street Eateries food court in New York City inspired Greenwich Village area offers sidewalk dining at Sirrico’s Pizza, Fulton’s Fish Fry, and Greenberg’s Deli. Fast food options include Shake Shack, New York Pizzeria, Wing Zone, and Capriotti’s. Room service is available 24/7 and New York – New York hotel offers dinner and show packages as well.
You can also get your favorite New York-style desserts like cheesecake and pastries or stick to your favorite treats at Cinnabon and Hershey’s Chocolate World. And don’t worry, there’s a Starbucks for you to get your daily fancy coffee, tea, and refreshers.
Speaking of beverages, if you’re looking for cocktails and other libations, be sure to take advantage of the many “happy hours” hosted at the various bars. Happy hours allow you to save some money on overpriced cocktails.
One favorite is The Chocolate Bar, a bar that offers classic and specially crafted cocktails like fancy martini’s, nonalcoholic drink options, and sweet treats, located next to Hershey’s Chocolate World.
Other bars include:
:: Bar at Times Square – No. 1-rated dueling piano show in Las Vegas.
:: Beerhaus – Craft beers, snacks, and bar games.
:: Big Chill – frozen cocktails in fun souvenir cups.
:: Coyote Ugly – Live DJs, dancing, drink specials, and non-stop fun.
:: Center Bar is located in the heart of New York-New York’s casino floor.
:: High Limit Bar is near the High Limit gaming tables and slots.
:: Nine Fine Irishmen Pub
:: Pour 24
:: Tom’s Watch Bar – Serves food and drinks, ultimate sports bar area.
Eccentric, NYC-Inspired Guest Room Designs
The New York – New York hotel features over 2,000 renovated guest rooms with décor that also plays off the New York City theme. The guest room was colorful, bright, and appreciatively unique as the room-design mimicked a New York City loft with exposed brick facade, hardwood floors, and graffiti-like designs on the wall.
The hotel offers several categories of rooms and suites appropriately named after New York avenues or landmarks. Guest room windows (narrow shape) provide outstanding views of the hotel property and the Las Vegas Strip.
The SoHo double queen room beds were very comfortable as was the brightly colored red plush couch. In-room amenities include a mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, a safe, and a hairdryer. The Wi-Fi is technically not complimentary since it’s included in the daily resort fee. The bathroom was small, didn’t look renovated, but not a deal breaker. The room had a cool view of the Big Apple Coaster. And yes, you can hear the rollercoaster from the room, but it was more like background sounds that didn’t affect falling asleep.
Other room amenities include daily housekeeping, 24-hour room service, wake-up calls, and same day dry cleaning service.
Note: The mandatory daily resort fee covers property-wide Wi-Fi, local calls, airline boarding pass printing, two-for-one roller coaster passes, and access to the gym.
Visiting Las Vegas is a “Win-Win” Experience Without Even Gambling
There is no shortage of outstanding activities and entertainment at the New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, from the live music to the edge-of-the-seat Cirque de Soleil acrobatics. I think the hotel is located perfectly on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, across the street from the monorail and within easy walking distance of other hotels, entertainment, casinos, shops, restaurants, and bars. This hotel makes a noticeable statement over the Strip, featuring the impressionable sights and sounds of New York City.
My toughest decision during the trip was deciding which of the gazillion restaurants to eat at. The dining options were off the chart. From pizza and burgers to Mexican and Asian, frozen drinks, and Hershey’s chocolate treats, you never have to leave the New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel.
One of my first impressions of the hotel outside of the magnificent New York City skyline, Big Apple Coaster, and the city-inspired décor down to the finest details, was the kiosk check in! You can avoid the long line of guests checking in at the front desk and print your own guest room key. It’s quick, simple, and lets you head right up the elevator to your guest room or suite.
So, the next time you visit Vegas, consider staying at the New York – New York hotel. As the Frank Sinatra song says, “I want to be a part of it New York, New York.”