Luxor & Monte Carlo Comparison to help you Choose
As you may know Monte Carlo is now Park MGM and the best way to determine if it’s the resort for you, please go to our new page on Park MGM Las Vegas.
Previous: Luxor & Monte Carlo Comparison; they both are, for now at least (before the huge transformation of what will be former Monte Carlo and the new Park MGM, which may be completed by mid 2018) mid-range Vegas resorts, suiting many pockets. Perhaps, due to the new adjacent Arena, the new ‘Park’ and its more central location, the latter is now becoming more expensive. Not sure it’s worth it yet, as it’s still work in progress (you can see our videos on it and read our updates on it). For now: with regards to what’s best between Luxor and Monte Carlo as things are now, we will categorise each choice, taking into consideration the 2018 changes in the location amenities:
1 – The rooms at Luxor are generally really nice and, if you book the tower rooms, very large, especially the corner ones. The Pyramid rooms at Luxor were always the worst ones although they are in the process of being remodeled (always ask before you book, and ask Front Desk); you must enjoy or rather, not mind, overlooking the casino inside just before you get into your room, since the corridor leading to all the pyramid rooms overlook the noisy and somewhat smoke-filled casino area. We prefer the Tower Rooms (more spacious and better appointed generally speaking). Last time we were at Luxor, though, we could hear the music being played loud by our next-door guests through the wafer-thin walls; this issue was not resolved by front desk and we ended up changing rooms, a huge annoyance. (Luxor’s Pyramid King Room depicted in the image)
2 – The nightlife inside is arguably more vibrant at Luxor than at Monte Carlo, especially if you seek a ‘young’ vibe, though things are changing fast; however, Monte Carlo has been ‘revamping’ its image trying to appeal to younger crowds, with new bars and of course it’s ultra noisy wave pool (which is closed for renovation, at least for now). Moreover, the new park, theater & arena area between Monte Carlo and NYNY may make it a hot-spot regardless of age. Generally speaking Monte Carlo would appeal to older couples or even families, though as mentioned, this trend is changing fast; by the time Monte Carlo becomes Park MGM, things will be very different and we will write new updates on this.
Luxor & Monte Carlo Comparison: themes. No matter how modern the new Park MGM will be (because for now it’s a hybrid between a construction site, an old resort and a new modern conglomerate), it will not be a themed resort. So, Luxor will always be Luxor. We prefer themed resorts, although we think that, little by little MGM resorts are stripping away themes and making its resorts look all the same, albeit modern and generally nice.
3 – The pool area is nicer and larger at Luxor and, unless they bulldoze something at the Monte Carlo site, it will always be. The Jacuzzi areas are however extremely busy but they’re certainly ‘lively’; the downside is that there are some really annoying, older, cigar-smoking ‘dudes’ trying to impress young girls with free champagne in a very irritating manner. But you may not care about that at all 🙂 Monte Carlo has a very popular albeit small wave pool, which is extremely lively/noisy especially during high traffic days. It’s packed like sardines, when it’s open; for now, it’s closed for the long-lasting remodeling.
4 – Luxor does have some unique shows and exhibitions, besides its overall themed atmosphere making it a must-go for all Vegas first-timers. However, one can go pretty much anywhere for a show, staying in one’s resort 24/7 is probably not a good idea anyway. Having said this, late 2018 will see new shows and events in the new park, theater and arena area next to Monte Carlo; this will mean the area is going to be a new Strip hot-spot: new events and new restaurants as well as a new visual experience; on the downside, the visitor traffic generated may put off a few. For now, however, despite the very nice modern ‘park’ between NYNY and Monte Carlo (or Park MGM), with lovely waterfalls, the traffic is nothing like the one leading to the High Roller, further up the Strip.
5 – Luxor looks nicer or at least more interesting in general, especially the entrance and the registration areas; however, as we mentioned, Monte Carlo has remodeled its entrance and new vibrant bars are popping up in the area (if this is indeed what you like). However, Luxor is a themed resort and therefore more suitable for a first-timer seeking an unforgettable experience and not just a hotel.
Another note for the Luxor & Monte Carlo Comparison: the outside of Monte Carlo is a bit of a shocker now, more like a building site than anything else. No grand entrance, no restaurants, no waterfalls, no trees… Just a building site. Check out our latest video on it and, of course… Things will change so keep an eye on our updates page.
Luxor & Monte Carlo Comparison: location. Luxor’s may be considered worse for those seeking a buzzing atmosphere just outside the resort, being ‘very’ South Strip; the casino is small (so not as much variety of games as you may want) and just not as fun as the best Vegas casinos (but Monte Carlo’s casino is not much better at all). During busy evenings, such as weekends, it can also get really noisy throughout, especially in the Pyramid area, and extremely smoke-filled. However, if you plan to do some serious Las Vegas shopping at Town Square, go to Fry’s, drive (or even walk if you are brave!) to the famous Vegas sign or to the must-go M Resort Buffet, or spend some time at the beautiful Mandalay Bay resort, Luxor is by far the best choice. Luxor does have a tram service and an easy walkway to Excalibur as a gateway to the rest of the Strip, but you will have to walk somewhat out of Excalibur and onto wherever you want to go; the distances are significant, especially when it’s hot thus near unbearable to be outdoors. Not a big deal if you are fit and don’t mind walking, but something to take into consideration for those who are not and are not renting a car in Vegas.
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