Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Planet Hollywood opened in 2007 and its guest rooms were renovated in 2017. In the property's previous life, it was the Aladdin Hotel, where Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married. Today, the hotel's vibe is more attuned to the loud and flashy, with interiors that are modern, bordering on futuristic in spots. We spotted details like metallic sconces resembling a solar eclipse, walls textured with color-changing bubbles, and cascading ceiling-to-floor crystal chandeliers during our visit. The hotel’s casino, arguably it’s chiming heart, is a brash space, with lit-up walls and go-go dancers to accompany the clubby music. Like any good property on The Strip, Planet Hollywood knows its demographic, and hosts everything from bikini contests and big-name musical performances. However, its aspiration to be a true Strip hot spot doesn't quiet hit the mark (the place to be seen and party is actually at the Cosmopolitan Hotel across the street). Still, the hotel attracts all manner of guests, from young partiers to families (although we heard grumblings that it's not a very family-friendly property). Planet Hollywood's convention spaces are also a big draw. During our 2017 visit -- in addition to the poker tournament players doubling down -- packs of tweens were dancing their hearts out in a competition across the hall.  

This hotel's central location is a perfect base for exploring the Las Vegas Strip. A pharmacy and tons of shops, bars, and restaurants surround the hotel. Bellagio’s fabulous fountains are across the street a seven-minute walk away) while nearby destination hotels with fantastic interiors to explore include the Paris, Caesar’s Palace, and the Venetian (eight- to 20-minute walks). The Linq, a shop- and restaurant-filled promenade with a 550-foot tall Ferris wheel, is a 15-minute stroll from the hotel. The Mob Museum and Neon Museum, plus downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience, all take about 15 minutes to reach by car. Outside of town, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are a 50-minute drive away. McCarran International Airport is a quick eight-minute drive from the hotel. 

Planet Hollywood’s air-conditioned rooms have monochromatic interiors with an urban-by-way-of-the-mall style. White walls are accented with huge brush strokes and edgy photos of models accented with Rauschenberg-inspired color scribbles. The black and gray furniture, including cafe tables, chairs, and lounge chairs, have clean, modern lines. Beds are either one king or two queens with tufted plush headboards and gray and cayenne-colored bed runners. Brass bedside lamps include integrated plugs and USB ports. Big flat-screen TVs with cable channels are standard and situated above chrome-handled desks and dressers and tucked away mini-fridges. Wi-Fi is included with all rooms due to the hotel's resort fees, and coffeemakers come standard. Bathrooms feature gray granite vanities with big soaking tubs and separate showers. Standard toiletries are included, as are hairdryers, irons, and ironing boards. The hotel’s upgraded suites are a big standout, and include full-size living rooms, kitchenettes, and design-conscious elements like brass chandeliers and amoeba-shaped coffee tables. Across the board, views from Planet Hollywood’s guest rooms are gorgeous. Some overlook the pool and The Strip while others have stunning views of the mountains surrounding Las Vegas. Pet-friendly and ADA-compliant rooms are available upon request. 

Features are numerous here and many are exceptional when compared to many of the hotel's competitors. Even so, the lack of a true nightlife scene here may disappoint some. Planet Hollywood’s sprawling casino has lots of video slots, table games, and a race and sports book. There are also two big pools -- one for adults over 21 and a family-friendly pool. Both have cabanas to rent (for a fee), but not enough lounge chairs, so get there early to secure a seat. Otherwise, there’s a big sundeck between the two pools with tons of lounge chairs. Both pools also have hot-water whirlpools, wheelchair lifts, and lifeguards on duty. Next to the adult pool is a double FlowRider, a wave-generating surf simulator that can be used for a fee. There’s also a casino area with table games near the pools. 

Food-wise, the property has a total of 11 restaurants, including four run by Planet Hollywood. Gordon Ramsay Burger is the top-draw, so plan ahead as it often has a wait. Spice Market is the tasty buffet restaurant that serves an international menu. Pin-Up Pizza is a quick grab-and-go pizza spot with huge slices. Near the sports book, Ringer serves up bar food. Other food options include Japanese, Mexican, American, Chinese, a steakhouse, a sandwich shop, and hot dog restaurants. For a caffeine fix, the hotel has multiple Starbucks outlets. Bars are also scattered throughout the hotel and near the pool. It’s worth noting the pool bar has ping-pong tables, a foosball table, and billiards tables. 

Planet Hollywood’s theater draws big-name performers and musicians' residencies that include Jennifer Lopez, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Pitbull. For some thing more low-key, the hotel's full-service spa provides massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. It also has a steam room and sauna. The resort’s gym is stocked with Life Fitness weight machines, stationary bicycles, recumbent bicycles, elliptical machines, treadmills, free weights, and dumbbells. Retail therapy is also available, and the hotel has a strip of international-brand stores within its complex as well.

Other amenities include a UPS Store, car rental office, multiple ATMs, meeting rooms and convention spaces, and a wedding chapel. The hotel concierge can assist with arranging show tickets, tours, tee times, and renting slingshots (three-wheel motorcycle-car hybrids). Self-parking is surprisingly free, but there’s a fee for valet parking. Laundry and dry-cleaning services are available. A mandatory resort fee is charged for all stays and covers amenities like the Wi-Fi, gym access, and local calls.