A stroll along the Las Vegas Strip delivers sensory overload—towering resorts, neon lighting, and a parade of people from around the world. Among the legendary facades, the Excalibur Hotel & Casino stands out with its castle-like architecture, vivid turrets, and medieval flourish. But beyond its thematic exterior, Excalibur has carved a distinct niche: delivering an affordable Las Vegas resort experience in the heart of the action. As Las Vegas reinvents itself for new generations of travelers, Excalibur’s blend of value, entertainment, and location draw travelers ranging from first-timers on a budget to families seeking a splash of magic without excessive prices.
Location and First Impressions: A Castle on the Strip
Situated at the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, Excalibur occupies a prime corner on the Strip. This location puts guests within walking distance of both classic and new attractions, including sister properties such as Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and other icons like MGM Grand and New York-New York.
The design, reminiscent of King Arthur’s fabled court, is instantly recognizable. While some modern properties chase understated luxury, Excalibur leans into its family-friendly, storybook identity—a strategy that resonates particularly well with value-conscious visitors.
Accessibility and Connectedness
- Proximity to McCarran International Airport: About a 10-minute drive.
- Pedestrian Bridges: Connect directly to New York–New York, Tropicana, and Luxor, enhancing foot-traffic convenience.
- Transportation Options: Ready access to taxis, rideshares, and the Las Vegas Monorail.
Accommodation: Comfort Meets Affordability
Excalibur’s guest rooms—totaling around 4,000—cover a broad spectrum from affordable standard rooms (“Resort Tower”) to upgraded Royal Tower rooms and suites. Although not aiming for the opulence of newer mega-resorts, recent refurbishments have kept accommodations clean, comfortable, and in line with contemporary expectations.
Room Features at a Glance
- Wi-Fi and Workspace: Fast wireless and ergonomic desks in most rooms, meeting business traveler needs.
- Modern Conveniences: Flat-screen TVs, pillow-top beds, and blackout curtains for comfort and relaxation.
- Family Accommodations: Large suite layouts and interconnected bedrooms available.
“Excalibur’s rooms provide solid value—recent updates keep them fresh enough for today’s travelers, while price points remain competitive,” says travel industry analyst Michael O’Neil.
Beyond in-room upgrades, Excalibur’s low resort fees (by Las Vegas standards) and frequent promotions reinforce its value-driven approach, frequently appearing in “budget hotel” rankings published by travel platforms.
Casino and Gaming: Classic Vegas, Modern Experience
Excalibur’s 100,000-square-foot casino delivers the Las Vegas mainstays—slots, table games, poker—as well as a bustling sportsbook. The space leans more ‘accessible fun’ than ‘serious high roller,’ aligning with the hotel’s core demographic.
Gaming Highlights
- Slot Machines: Thousands of the latest and classic slots, with low minimums to suit all levels of play.
- Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, craps, and more, often with approachable table minimums.
- Poker Room: Known for friendly low-limit action and frequent tournaments.
On top of the gaming floors, the connected sportsbook draws NFL, NBA, and UFC fans alike during major events, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
Dining: Diverse Options for Every Palate and Budget
The Excalibur’s dining strategy emphasizes choice and affordability. Its food court—among the Strip’s largest—offers a dependable quick-fix for families and late-night snackers. However, sit-down options cater to those seeking a more memorable meal, with highlights such as:
Notable Restaurants
- Buca di Beppo: Family-style Italian dining with generous portions.
- Camelot Steakhouse: Traditional steakhouse fare, popular for celebratory dinners.
- The Buffet at Excalibur: All-you-can-eat experience with broad international offerings.
- Dick’s Last Resort: Known for humorous, intentionally offbeat service.
Options cover vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free needs—evidence that even budget properties now aim for broader culinary inclusion.
Entertainment and Amenities: Family Fun and Beyond
Perhaps nowhere is Excalibur’s positioning more apparent than in its entertainment lineup and amenities. The property is unique in combining Vegas spectacle with family-friendly fare, allowing multigenerational groups to find activities for all ages.
Shows and Experiences
- Tournament of Kings: A dinner show with jousting and medieval pageantry, consistently one of Las Vegas’s most popular family events.
- Thunder From Down Under: An adult-oriented Australian revue, showing Excalibur’s ability to appeal to varied audience segments.
- Arcade and Fun Dungeon: One of the Strip’s largest arcades, popular among kids and teens.
Alongside the entertainment, four distinctive pool areas (including one with a waterslide), a spa, and a fitness center round out the amenities—ensuring that Excalibur serves not just as a basecamp, but an experience in itself.
Affordability and Value: Is Excalibur Really a Budget Gem?
Las Vegas’s resurgence over the past decade has come with rising prices, but Excalibur’s mission to keep rates accessible continues to resonate. Frequent discounts, bundled packages (often with show tickets or dining credits), and competitive loyalty programs (MGM Rewards) provide add-on value.
While “luxury” is relative, industry data places Excalibur at the lower end of Strip nightly rates—often under $100 before taxes and fees during off-peak periods. Travelers weighing accommodation costs versus resort amenity access have placed Excalibur in top spots in budget-focused traveler reviews.
Real-World Guest Perspectives
To get a sense of Excalibur’s genuine appeal, consider reviews from independent platforms like TripAdvisor and Booking.com. Many visitors praise the combination of location, price, and ease-of-access to attractions.
One repeat guest captures it succinctly:
“You know you’re not booking the Bellagio, but at Excalibur you get everything you really need—prime location, clean rooms, and a dose of fun, without draining your wallet.”
Some reviewers do note the age of certain facilities, and the lively nighttime atmosphere may not suit every traveler seeking tranquility—but for those prioritizing value, Excalibur hits its mark.
Competitive Position Among Vegas Resorts
Within a crowded field of Strip resorts, Excalibur’s distinctive visual identity stands alongside other themed icons like Luxor (Egyptian) and New York-New York (Manhattan skyline). But what truly differentiates Excalibur is its capacity to serve families and frugal travelers without sacrificing connection to the Strip’s excitement.
Unlike off-Strip or mid-market alternatives, guests at Excalibur enjoy both a budget rate and a short walk to marquee shows, major casinos, and sporting venues—making it a practical base for event-driven trips or spontaneous getaways.
Conclusion: Who Should Choose Excalibur Hotel & Casino?
In an era when Las Vegas hotels increasingly segment by luxury tier or niche audience, Excalibur holds firm to its democratic, open-arms ethos. Its greatest strengths remain affordability, a location at the very heart of the Strip, and unique entertainment that appeals to all ages. While discerning travelers seeking ultra-modern luxury will find greater satisfaction elsewhere, the Excalibur Hotel & Casino stands as one of Las Vegas’s best values for visitors who want the full Strip experience—magic, laughter, and savings included.
FAQs
How much does it cost to stay at Excalibur Hotel & Casino?
Nightly rates at Excalibur are typically among the lowest for Strip resorts, often starting under $100 per night before taxes and fees, especially during off-peak times. Prices fluctuate with demand, events, and room types.
Is Excalibur Hotel & Casino family-friendly?
Yes, Excalibur is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering amenities like large pool areas, an arcade, and shows suitable for all ages, including the popular Tournament of Kings.
Does Excalibur have free parking?
Excalibur participates in MGM Resorts’ parking program, which means parking for hotel guests and visitors is subject to fees, though loyalty program members at higher tiers may qualify for complimentary parking.
Can you walk to other attractions from Excalibur?
Absolutely. Excalibur’s location on the Las Vegas Strip means many major resorts, restaurants, shows, and even the T-Mobile Arena are within easy walking distance or connected via pedestrian bridges.
What dining options are available at Excalibur?
Guests can choose from a range of options, from quick-service outlets in the large food court to full-service restaurants like Camelot Steakhouse and Buca di Beppo. There are options for various diets as well.
Is Excalibur Hotel & Casino good for first-time visitors?
Excalibur is a practical choice for first-time Vegas travelers due to its affordable rates, central location, and easy access to both classic attractions and newer venues on the Strip.
