Luxor vs Excalibur: A Tale of Two Vegas Icons

Las Vegas, the city of lights and endless entertainment, is home to numerous iconic hotels and casinos. Among these, two stand out for their unique themes and affordable luxury: the Luxor and Excalibur. Both owned by MGM Resorts International, these neighboring properties on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip offer visitors a chance to experience the magic of Sin City without breaking the bank. But which one should you choose for your next Vegas adventure? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of these two beloved resorts.

Location and Accessibility

Situated side by side on the southern part of the Las Vegas Strip, both the Luxor and Excalibur enjoy prime locations. The Excalibur, with its fairy tale castle exterior, sits slightly closer to the heart of the Strip. This gives it a slight edge in terms of walkability to other popular destinations like New York-New York and MGM Grand.

The Luxor, with its iconic pyramid shape and powerful beam of light, is just a stone’s throw further south. While this might mean a slightly longer walk to some attractions, it’s by no means inconvenient. Both hotels are connected by a free tram that also services Mandalay Bay, making it easy to zip between properties.

For those concerned about proximity to the airport, both hotels are roughly equidistant and offer quick access via taxi or rideshare services.

Theming and Atmosphere

One of the most striking differences between the Luxor and Excalibur is their theming. The Luxor, inspired by ancient Egypt, boasts a 30-story black pyramid as its centerpiece. The interior continues this theme with sphinx statues, hieroglyphics, and an overall air of mystery and exoticism.

In contrast, the Excalibur embraces a medieval castle motif. With its colorful turrets and fantasy-inspired decor, it often appeals to families and those looking for a more whimsical Vegas experience.

While both hotels have toned down their themes in recent years to appeal to a broader audience, traces of their original concepts remain. The Luxor tends to attract a slightly older, more laid-back crowd, while the Excalibur often sees more families and younger tourists drawn to its playful atmosphere.

Room Options and Quality

Both hotels offer a range of room options to suit different budgets and preferences. Let’s break down the offerings at each property:

Luxor:
1. Pyramid Rooms: These iconic slant-walled rooms start at 420 square feet and offer a unique Vegas experience.
2. Tower Rooms: Located in the hotel’s towers, these rooms are more spacious and offer more traditional layouts.
3. Suites: For those seeking luxury, the Luxor offers various suite options, including two-bedroom suites with panoramic views.

The Luxor has been making efforts to renovate and modernize its rooms in recent years. Many guests report that the Tower Rooms feel more up-to-date compared to the Pyramid Rooms.

Excalibur:
1. Resort Tower Rooms: These standard rooms are comfortable and functional, if somewhat basic.
2. Royal Tower Rooms: Offering more space and updated amenities, these rooms are a step up from the standard offerings.
3. Suites: The Excalibur also offers various suite options for those seeking more space and luxury.

While the Excalibur’s rooms are generally considered comfortable, some guests feel they lag behind the Luxor in terms of modern amenities and decor.

Both hotels offer “Stay Well” rooms, which include features like air purification systems, aromatherapy, and special lighting to promote better sleep and overall well-being.

Pricing and Value

One of the main draws for both the Luxor and Excalibur is their relatively affordable pricing compared to many other Strip hotels. Generally speaking, the Excalibur tends to be slightly cheaper than the Luxor, especially for standard rooms.

Luxor’s room rates typically start around $35-$50 per night for a Pyramid Room, with prices increasing for Tower Rooms and suites. The Excalibur’s rates often begin around $30-$40 for a Resort Tower Room.

However, it’s important to note that these base rates don’t include the mandatory resort fees, which can add $30-$40 per night to your total. Always factor in these fees when comparing prices.

Both hotels frequently offer promotions and package deals, especially during off-peak seasons. It’s worth checking their websites or contacting them directly to find the best deals.

Casino Experience

No Vegas hotel would be complete without a casino, and both the Luxor and Excalibur deliver on this front. However, there are some notable differences:

Luxor Casino:
– Over 120,000 square feet of gaming space
– More than 1,100 slot machines
– Extensive table game options, including $5 Blackjack
– A more spacious and open feel due to the pyramid structure

Excalibur Casino:
– Approximately 100,000 square feet of gaming space
– Around 1,000 slot machines
– A good selection of table games
– A more traditional casino layout

While both casinos offer a full range of gaming options, many visitors find the Luxor’s casino to be slightly more upscale and less crowded. The Excalibur’s casino, while still enjoyable, can get quite busy, especially on weekends.

Both casinos participate in MGM’s M life Rewards program, allowing guests to earn points and perks across all MGM properties in Las Vegas.

Dining Options

Las Vegas is renowned for its culinary scene, and both the Luxor and Excalibur contribute to this reputation with a variety of dining options:

Luxor Restaurants:
1. Public House: A gastropub offering craft beers and elevated pub fare
2. Diablo’s Cantina: Lively Mexican restaurant and bar
3. Pyramid Café: Casual dining with a diverse menu
4. Food Court: Featuring familiar fast-food options

Excalibur Restaurants:
1. Camelot Steakhouse: Upscale dining featuring prime cuts and seafood
2. Dick’s Last Resort: Known for its irreverent atmosphere and comfort food
3. The Buffet at Excalibur: A classic Vegas buffet experience
4. Food Court: Offering a variety of quick-service options

While both hotels cover the basics from quick bites to sit-down meals, the Luxor generally receives slightly better reviews for its dining options. However, the Excalibur’s Dick’s Last Resort is a unique experience that many visitors enjoy for its intentionally sassy service and fun atmosphere.

It’s worth noting that both hotels are within walking distance of several other MGM properties, greatly expanding your dining options without having to venture far from your hotel.

Entertainment and Nightlife

When it comes to entertainment, both the Luxor and Excalibur offer a variety of options to keep guests entertained:

Luxor Entertainment:
1. Carrot Top: The popular prop comedian performs regularly
2. Blue Man Group: A long-running favorite combining music, comedy, and technology
3. Fantasy: An adult revue show
4. HyperX Esports Arena: A multilevel gaming and competition venue

Excalibur Entertainment:
1. Tournament of Kings: A dinner show featuring jousting knights and medieval pageantry
2. The Australian Bee Gees Show: A tribute to the famous pop group
3. Thunder From Down Under: A male revue show
4. Fun Dungeon: An arcade featuring carnival games and prize redemption

For nightlife, the Luxor offers several bars including Centra and Flight, while the Excalibur has options like The Lounge and the Lobby Bar. However, neither hotel is particularly known for its nightclub scene. For more vibrant nightlife, guests often venture to other nearby properties or take a short trip to the center of the Strip.

Pool Areas

Both hotels feature pool complexes that are popular with guests:

Luxor Pool:
– Four pools spread across 19,000 square feet
– Cushioned lounge chairs and daybeds available
– Poolside bar and food service

Excalibur Pool:
– Four pools including one with a water slide
– Cabanas available for rent
– Drenched Bar & Grill for poolside dining

While both pool areas are enjoyable, the Luxor’s tends to get slightly better reviews for its more relaxed atmosphere. The Excalibur’s pool can get quite busy, especially with families enjoying the water slide.

Additional Amenities

Both hotels offer a range of additional amenities to enhance your stay:

Luxor:
– Nurture Spa and Salon
– Fitness center
– Bodies… The Exhibition (a museum-like attraction)
– Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Excalibur:
– The Spa at Excalibur
– Fitness center
– The Fun Dungeon arcade
– Wedding chapel

Both hotels also offer free parking for guests, a valuable perk on the Las Vegas Strip where parking fees can add up quickly.

Guest Reviews and Satisfaction

While individual experiences can vary greatly, overall guest reviews tend to favor the Luxor slightly over the Excalibur. The Luxor is often praised for its more modern feel, especially in the renovated Tower Rooms, and its slightly more upscale atmosphere.

The Excalibur, while still receiving many positive reviews, is sometimes criticized for feeling a bit dated. However, it’s often highly rated by families who appreciate its kid-friendly atmosphere and affordable pricing.

Both hotels receive compliments for their friendly staff and convenient location. Complaints at both properties often center around long check-in lines during busy periods and the additional resort fees.

Making Your Choice: Luxor or Excalibur?

Choosing between the Luxor and Excalibur ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and the type of Vegas experience you’re seeking.

Choose the Luxor if:
– You prefer a slightly more upscale atmosphere
– You’re interested in a unique room experience (Pyramid Rooms)
– You want a more relaxed pool scene
– You’re a fan of Egyptian theming or enjoy a more “grown-up” vibe

Choose the Excalibur if:
– You’re traveling with family and want a more kid-friendly environment
– You’re on a tighter budget and looking for the most affordable option
– You enjoy medieval theming and don’t mind a more whimsical atmosphere
– You want to be slightly closer to the center of the Strip

Remember, regardless of which hotel you choose, you’re never far from all the action Las Vegas has to offer. Both the Luxor and Excalibur provide comfortable bases for exploring the city, with easy access to other MGM properties and the wider delights of the Las Vegas Strip.

In the end, the magic of Las Vegas isn’t confined to any single hotel. Whether you’re gazing up at the Luxor’s beam of light or admiring the Excalibur’s colorful turrets, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories in the Entertainment Capital of the World.