Ten Sin City Hotels That Desperately Need Major Renovations
While Las Vegas has transformed into a world-class destination for fine dining, professional sports, and cutting-edge entertainment, many of its iconic hotels are lagging behind in the modernization race. The city’s evolution has been remarkable—from budget buffets to Michelin-starred restaurants, from anti-sports sentiment to hosting major league teams, and from traditional shows to revolutionary venues like The Sphere. Yet some casino resorts seem frozen in time, offering guests accommodations that feel more like relics than retreats.
I believe this disparity creates a jarring experience for visitors who expect the same level of innovation in their rooms as they find on the casino floors and in the restaurants. Here are ten properties that, in my opinion, need immediate attention to match the city’s elevated standards.
The Pyramid Resort’s Aging Infrastructure
This distinctive triangular hotel at the southern end of the Strip was once a marvel that drew curious visitors from around the world. Today, I find it represents missed opportunities more than architectural wonder. While roughly half of the 4,400 rooms received updates in 2021, the results feel disappointingly generic for such a unique structure.
The real issue lies with the inclined elevators that travel up the pyramid’s corners. These distinctive transport systems frequently malfunction, creating frustrating delays for guests. For budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind quirky accommodations, the pyramid rooms might suffice. However, anyone seeking reliability and modern comfort would be better served by the twin towers, which offer more conventional—and functional—amenities.
The Hollywood-Themed Resort’s Inconsistent Identity
This property underwent a comprehensive transformation that concluded in 2017, briefly making it one of the Strip’s most sophisticated destinations. The renovation successfully captured old Hollywood glamour in both the 2,496 guest rooms and public spaces. However, the attached shopping mall tells a different story entirely.
What frustrates me most is the jarring contrast between the modernized areas near the Strip entrance and the unchanged sections deeper in the mall, which still feature outdated Moroccan theming from the property’s previous incarnation. This inconsistency would confuse any visitor unfamiliar with the hotel’s history and undermines the otherwise successful renovation effort.
The Medieval Castle’s Room Lottery
Recent room refreshes using hand-me-down furniture from other properties have improved nearly 2,000 accommodations in the Resort Tower. Unfortunately, over 2,000 rooms in the Royal Tower remain untouched since 2017, making them among the Strip’s most outdated accommodations.
This creates an unfortunate gamble for guests—you might get recently updated rooms or significantly dated ones. The pool area presents another challenge, with its barren concrete deck that becomes scorching hot under the desert sun. While the property offers one of the Strip’s few water slides and maintains an entertaining dinner show, I’d recommend staying elsewhere and visiting for the attractions only.
The Timeshare Time Capsule
Squeezed between two major Strip resorts, this 348-suite property operates primarily as a timeshare, leaving few rooms available for nightly bookings. The accommodations that are available feel like stepping into the early 1980s, complete with dark wood furniture, pale walls, and appliances that would fit perfectly in a vintage home.
For travelers prioritizing space and kitchen facilities over style, these massive one- and two-bedroom suites might work. However, anyone expecting modern amenities and contemporary design will find the experience disappointing. The rooftop pool provides some redemption, but it’s not enough to overcome the dated interiors.
The Split-Personality Property
This resort’s recent division created an interesting situation where part of the property was renovated and rebranded under a neighboring hotel’s banner, while the remaining Resort Tower awaits its turn. Rooms in the unrenovated section show clear signs of aging, with worn furniture, damaged trim, and bathrooms that reveal their 2018 renovation date through visible wear.
The spacious accommodations and retro charm might appeal to visitors seeking a nostalgic Vegas experience. However, most modern travelers would likely prefer the renovated tower, even if it means paying premium rates at the neighboring property.
The Strip’s Center of Neglect
Despite occupying prime real estate in the heart of the Strip, this property has largely ignored room maintenance since its 2015 transformation from previous incarnations. Chipping paint, stained walls, and deteriorating window treatments create an unwelcoming environment that contrasts sharply with the pristine casino floor.
The pool situation is equally problematic, with overcrowded conditions during peak season creating an unpleasant experience. While innovative room concepts like bunk bed accommodations and pool-view patios show promise, they represent isolated bright spots in an otherwise neglected property. Budget travelers might tolerate these conditions for the central location, but I believe most visitors deserve better.
The North Strip’s Inconsistent Experience
This property’s three-tower configuration creates a confusing hierarchy of accommodations, with significant quality variations depending on which tower houses your room. The newest renovations in the Marra and Alexandria towers offer luxury amenities including high ceilings, marble accents, and designer touches that justify premium pricing.
However, the Blanca Tower’s minimalist approach feels more like cost-cutting than intentional design. This inconsistency means guests are essentially gambling on their room assignment, which I find unacceptable for a major Strip property. The resort needs a unified renovation approach that brings all towers to the same standard rather than maintaining this confusing tiered system.
What troubles me most about these properties is that they’re missing opportunities to capitalize on Las Vegas’s evolution. While the city has elevated its dining, entertainment, and sports offerings, these hotels seem content to coast on location and brand recognition. Savvy travelers should research specific tower assignments and recent renovation dates before booking, or consider newer properties that offer consistent quality throughout their facilities.