Luxor vs Sahara – Las Vegas Hotel Showdown Ep 3

Two iconic resorts. One clear winner.

In this week’s Las Vegas Hotel Showdown Luxor vs Sahara, I compared the bold, pyramid-themed Luxor with the cool, reinvented Sahara. These two hotels couldn’t be more different, but each brings something uniquely Vegas to the table. I walked through both properties, captured the highlights, and picked a winner based on vibe, location, food, entertainment, and overall experience.

Let’s break it down.

📍 Location & Walkability

Luxor sits on the south end of the Strip, right next to Mandalay Bay and Excalibur. It’s connected by tram, making it easy to navigate that cluster of MGM resorts. It’s close to Allegiant Stadium and the T-Mobile Arena, but if you want to get to mid-Strip spots like Bellagio or Caesars, prepare to walk—or rideshare.

Sahara, on the other hand, is way up on the north end, but don’t underestimate its location. It has its own Monorail station, which gives it direct access to the rest of the Strip. Plus, it’s right next to the Las Vegas Convention Center, Fontainebleau, Resorts World, The Strat, and even Circus Circus. When the Tesla Loop is active, you’re just steps from it. All in all, it’s surprisingly connected for a hotel many people overlook.

🎰 Casino Vibe

Luxor offers a moody, golden-toned gaming floor under its famous glass pyramid. It has a wide-open atrium, Egyptian theming, and a variety of table games, slots, and a sportsbook. It’s nostalgic and dramatic—but definitely shows its age in spots.

Sahara has gone through several renovations, and it shows—in a good way. The casino is clean, modern, and sleek with a boutique feel. There’s a central bar, a sharp William Hill sportsbook, and an upscale vibe that’s great for guests who prefer a quieter, more polished experience.

🍽️ Food & Dining

If you’re looking for quick bites, Luxor has you covered. With a large food court, Starbucks, and casual options like Diablo’s Cantina and Public House, you won’t go hungry. It’s fast, easy, and tourist-friendly—but lacks high-end dining.

Sahara, though, delivers on flavor. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is a world-class steakhouse with theatrical presentation and bold flavors. Add in Uno Más for street-style tacos and Chickie’s & Pete’s for classic sports bar grub, and you’ve got a curated food scene with real quality.

🎭 Entertainment & Amenities

Luxor brings the heat with headline shows like Carrot Top and Fantasy, plus interactive exhibits like Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and Bodies: The Exhibition. And you’re just steps from Excalibur and Mandalay Bay—so it’s never boring.

Sahara keeps it intimate. The Magic Attic hosts rotating magicians and comedians in a cozy space, while Azilo Ultra Pool offers a vibrant pool scene and nightlife energy. It’s not as big, but it’s stylish, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

🧳 Overall Experience & Vibe

Luxor is iconic—there’s no mistaking that black pyramid with the beam of light shooting into the sky. Inside, it still holds onto its strong theme, even if it feels a bit dated. If you’re a fan of classic, themed Vegas, this place delivers.

Sahara is the comeback kid. Once a playground for the Rat Pack, it’s reinvented itself as a sleek, modern boutique resort. It doesn’t scream “Vegas theme,” but it definitely whispers “cool.”

🎞️ Walkthrough Recap

In my video, you’ll see walkthrough highlights of both properties—from the epic scale of Luxor’s atrium to the crisp, polished feel of Sahara’s casino. Each hotel has its moments, but one clearly stood out to me.

🏆 My Final Verdict

Luxor has style, history, and that wild pyramid vibe that’s become Vegas legend. But in 2025, when it comes to comfort, dining, and modern energy, Sahara takes the crown. It’s underrated, it’s connected, and it just feels like a better experience overall.

🔗 More from Helpful Journey

• Join the Journey – YouTube Memberships

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Details may change—please check directly with each hotel for the latest updates. I am not affiliated with Luxor or Sahara, and all opinions are my own.

Gambling Disclaimer: This site and channel do not promote or encourage gambling. Any reference to casino gaming is purely informational. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit ncpgambling.org for support.