Las Vegas is a city of spectacle, where themed resorts transport guests to far-off places or immerse them in glamorous fantasies. Two standout properties, New York-New York Hotel & Casino and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, offer distinct experiences that capture the city’s vibrant spirit. While both resorts sit in the heart of the South Las Vegas Strip, they cater to different vibes: New York-New York channels the energy of the Big Apple with its urban charm, while Planet Hollywood exudes Hollywood glitz and star-studded allure. This article dives deep into a comparison of these iconic resorts, focusing on their accommodations, dining options, fitness facilities, pools, entertainment, and overall atmosphere, providing a comprehensive guide for travelers seeking the perfect Vegas getaway without emphasizing the casino element.
The Atmosphere: Urban Energy vs. Hollywood Glam
Stepping into New York-New York is like wandering into a stylized version of Manhattan. The resort’s exterior, with its miniature skyline featuring replicas of the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge, sets the stage for an immersive experience. Inside, the design mimics New York City’s bustling streets, complete with faux brownstones, street signs, and a Greenwich Village-inspired area with cobblestone paths. The vibe is lively yet nostalgic, appealing to those who love the idea of a city adventure infused with Vegas flair. Families, couples, and first-time visitors often gravitate toward this playful, approachable atmosphere.
Planet Hollywood, by contrast, is all about celebrity culture and red-carpet energy. The resort’s aesthetic is sleek and modern, with a nod to Hollywood’s golden cinema age. Movie memorabilia, vibrant lighting, and a polished, upscale feel dominate the public spaces. The Miracle Mile Shops, directly connected to the resort, add a layer of retail and dining excitement, making it a hub for those who want to feel like A-listers. Planet Hollywood attracts a slightly younger, trendier crowd, including solo travelers and groups looking for a glamorous, high-energy stay.
While New York-New York’s theme is more cohesive and immersive, Planet Hollywood’s Hollywood motif feels broader, sometimes blending into a generic luxury vibe. Both resorts succeed in creating a sense of escapism, but New York-New York’s urban charm feels more grounded, while Planet Hollywood’s glitz leans into fantasy.
Accommodations: Room Types and Comfort
New York-New York offers a range of room types designed to blend Big Apple aesthetics with modern comfort. The resort’s 1,832 rooms were recently renovated, introducing a fresh, contemporary look while retaining thematic elements. Standard options include the Park Premier King and Soho Premier Double Queen, both around 350 square feet, featuring sleek furniture, bold artwork, and views of the Strip or the resort’s iconic roller coaster. For those seeking more space, the Stay Well Marquis Suite offers wellness-focused amenities like air purifiers and aromatherapy, while the Spa Suite includes a hydrotherapy tub. The One-Bedroom Penthouse Suite, at over 1,000 square feet, provides a luxurious option with a separate living area and dining space. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and minibars, though some guests note the bathrooms, while functional, can feel compact.
Planet Hollywood’s 2,494 rooms, known as Ultra Hip Rooms, lean into a cinematic theme with movie-inspired decor. Standard rooms, such as the Ultra Resort King and Ultra Hip Double Queen, are slightly larger than New York-New York’s, averaging 400–450 square feet. They feature 42-inch Smart TVs, iPod docks, and bold furnishings with red accent linens. Upgraded options include the Ultra Panorama Suite, offering floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning Strip views, and the Ultra Boulevard Suite, which includes a wet bar and separate living area. Some suites offer refrigerators and kitchenettes, a rarity in standard Vegas rooms. However, recent reviews mention occasional maintenance issues, such as faulty faucets or inconsistent Wi-Fi, which can detract from the experience.
Both resorts cater to a range of budgets, with New York-New York’s rates often slightly lower, especially for standard rooms. Planet Hollywood’s rooms feel more spacious and modern, but New York-New York’s recent renovations give it an edge in freshness and thematic consistency. For families, New York-New York’s Double Queen rooms are a practical choice, while Planet Hollywood’s suites appeal to those seeking a touch of luxury.
Dining: A Culinary Clash of Cultures
Dining at New York-New York reflects its urban theme, offering a mix of casual and upscale options that evoke New York City’s diverse food scene. The resort boasts nine restaurants, with highlights including:
- Gallagher’s Steakhouse: A classic New York institution, serving dry-aged steaks and seafood in a refined setting with dark wood and leather accents.
- Il Fornaio: An Italian eatery known for its wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and extensive wine list, offering both indoor and outdoor seating.
- Shake Shack: The iconic burger joint delivers fast-casual favorites like juicy burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and creamy shakes, perfect for a quick bite.
- Tom’s Watch Bar: A sports bar with a massive 360-degree video wall, serving elevated pub fare like wings and loaded nachos.
- New York Pizzeria: A grab-and-go spot for authentic slices, capturing the essence of a Manhattan pizza joint.
The dining area, centered around the Greenwich Village-inspired Village Street Eateries, adds a fun, casual vibe with options like deli sandwiches and street tacos. While the variety is solid, some guests find the upscale options limited compared to other Strip resorts, and breakfast-specific venues are absent, requiring reliance on nearby coffee shops or room service.
Planet Hollywood, with 12 restaurants, offers a broader range of cuisines, emphasizing celebrity-driven and globally inspired dining. Notable venues include:
- Gordon Ramsay Burger: A casual spot by the celebrity chef, featuring gourmet burgers cooked over an open flame, with unique options like the Hell’s Kitchen Burger.
- Strip House Steakhouse: An upscale steakhouse with a sultry ambiance, serving prime cuts and decadent sides like truffle creamed spinach.
- Koi: A Japanese restaurant with a serene vibe, offering sushi, sashimi, and signature dishes like miso-glazed sea bass.
- Cabo Wabo Cantina: Sammy Hagar’s lively Mexican grill, known for fresh margaritas, tacos, and live music on the Strip-side patio.
- Spice Market Buffet: A diverse buffet with global flavors, from Middle Eastern to Asian, though recent reviews note inconsistent quality.
The Miracle Mile Shops add further dining variety, with spots like Ocean One Bar & Grille for budget-friendly meals. Planet Hollywood’s dining scene feels more dynamic, with stronger celebrity branding and a wider range of international flavors. However, some guests report long waits at popular venues like Gordon Ramsay Burger, and the buffet has received mixed feedback.
New York-New York’s dining is more cohesive, leaning into its theme with New York staples, while Planet Hollywood’s broader selection caters to diverse tastes but can feel less unified. For casual dining, New York-New York’s Village Street Eateries are hard to beat, but Planet Hollywood’s upscale options, like Strip House, offer a more sophisticated edge.
Fitness Facilities: Gyms for Every Goal
New York-New York’s fitness center, located on the second floor, is modest but functional, catering to guests who want a quick workout. The Las Vegas gym is equipped with cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals), free weights, and strength-training equipment. Natural light from large windows brightens the space, and towels and water are provided. Access is included in the daily resort fee ($45 plus tax), but the facility is relatively small, and some guests note it can feel crowded during peak hours. Those seeking a spa experience can book treatments at the nearby Spa at Excalibur, accessible via a tram, as New York-New York lacks an on-site spa.
Planet Hollywood’s fitness center, housed within the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara, is more robust but comes with caveats. Described as having an “Okay GymFactor,” it offers a range of equipment, including cardio machines, weightlifting stations, and functional training areas. The gym is part of the spa complex, which adds a luxurious feel but requires navigating a paid access system unless covered by the resort fee ($49.95 plus tax, sometimes waived for Caesars Rewards elites). Recent reviews mention an outdated vibe and occasional air quality issues due to the casino’s proximity, which may bother sensitive guests. The spa itself offers extensive treatments, from four-hands massages to body wraps, making it a draw for wellness-focused travelers.
Planet Hollywood’s gym is better equipped for serious fitness enthusiasts, but New York-New York’s simpler setup suffices for casual workouts. The lack of a spa at New York-New York is a drawback, while Planet Hollywood’s spa integration elevates its wellness offerings.
Pools: Sun, Surf, and Strip Views
New York-New York’s pool area, known as the Pool at NY-NY, is a seasonal outdoor oasis open from March to October. The single pool is surrounded by a spacious deck with lounge chairs, cabanas, and a hot tub. The design is straightforward, with palm trees and a relaxed vibe, offering views of the resort’s roller coaster and partial Strip vistas. The pool is heated, and a poolside bar serves cocktails and light bites. While family-friendly, the area can feel compact, and cabana rentals are pricey, starting at $100 per day. Guests appreciate the cleanliness but note the lack of unique features compared to larger resort pools.
Planet Hollywood’s Scene Pool Deck, located on the sixth floor, is a standout with two distinct pools, two hot tubs, and the Strip’s first FlowRider Wave-in-a-Box Double, a wave simulator for surfing enthusiasts. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the pool area features 31 cabanas, daybeds, and two pool bars, creating a lively, party-centric atmosphere with DJ entertainment Thursday through Sunday. The FlowRider adds a thrilling element, appealing to adventurous guests, though it requires an additional fee. Views of the Strip are a highlight, but some travelers report overcrowding and limited chair availability during peak seasons.
Planet Hollywood’s pool complex is more dynamic and feature-rich, ideal for those seeking a vibrant, social scene. New York-New York’s pool, while pleasant, is better suited for low-key relaxation. Both are seasonal, but Planet Hollywood’s extended amenities give it an edge for pool enthusiasts.
Entertainment and Attractions: Shows, Shops, and Thrills
New York-New York’s entertainment lineup is anchored by its iconic Big Apple Coaster, a roller coaster weaving through the resort’s skyline, offering thrills and stunning Strip views. Tickets start at $25, and it’s a hit with families and adrenaline junkies. The resort also hosts “Mad Apple” by Cirque du Soleil, a high-energy show blending acrobatics, comedy, and New York-inspired music, with tickets from $69. For a more intimate experience, the Bar at Times Square features dueling pianos nightly, creating a lively, sing-along atmosphere. The Hershey’s Chocolate World and M&M’s World stores add quirky retail fun, while the pedestrian bridge to MGM Grand and tram to Excalibur enhance connectivity.
Planet Hollywood’s entertainment is star-driven, with a 7,000-seat theater hosting major acts like Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull in the past, though current headliners vary. The resort’s “PEEPSHOW,” a modern burlesque production, offers a sultry, adult-oriented experience. The Miracle Mile Shops, with 170 stores and 15 restaurants, are a major draw, offering everything from H&M to live entertainment venues. The spa’s immersive treatments and the FlowRider provide additional activities, making the resort a self-contained hub.
New York-New York’s entertainment feels more family-friendly and theme-driven, with the coaster and Cirque show as highlights. Planet Hollywood’s broader offerings, from concerts to shopping, cater to a trendier, adult crowd. Both resorts deliver Vegas-style excitement, but Planet Hollywood’s scale is larger, while New York-New York’s charm lies in its specificity.
Practical Considerations: Location, Fees, and Accessibility
Both resorts enjoy prime Strip locations, but their positioning offers different advantages. New York-New York, at the southern end near MGM Grand, is ideal for exploring properties like Excalibur and Luxor via tram or pedestrian bridges. Its proximity to T-Mobile Arena (a 10-minute walk) is a plus for concertgoers. Planet Hollywood, in the center opposite Bellagio, is steps from the Fountains of Bellagio and Cosmopolitan, making it a hub for casino-hopping and nightlife. Both are roughly 10 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport, with taxi fares around $30–$35.
Resort fees are a reality at both: New York-New York charges $45 plus tax daily, covering Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and local calls, while Planet Hollywood’s $49.95 fee includes similar perks but may be waived for Caesars Rewards elites. Parking is an additional cost, with self-parking at $18–$23 daily and valet at $35–$40, though rates vary by day. Both resorts offer military and first responder discounts, and Planet Hollywood participates in Marriott Bonvoy’s All-Inclusive program for select bookings.
Accessibility is comparable, with ADA-compliant rooms, pool lifts, and service animal accommodations. However, Planet Hollywood’s larger footprint and Miracle Mile integration can make navigation more complex, especially for mobility-impaired guests. New York-New York’s compact layout is easier to traverse, though elevator wait times can be long during peak hours.
Which Resort Wins?
Choosing between New York-New York and Planet Hollywood depends on your travel style. New York-New York excels for those seeking a cohesive, family-friendly experience with a strong thematic identity. Its renovated rooms, iconic roller coaster, and New York-inspired dining make it a nostalgic, approachable choice, though its pool and fitness facilities are basic, and upscale dining options are limited. It’s ideal for first-time Vegas visitors, families, or those who love a lively yet grounded atmosphere.
Planet Hollywood, with its glamorous vibe, diverse dining, and robust entertainment, suits trendier travelers, couples, or groups craving a high-energy, celebrity-driven experience. The FlowRider, expansive Miracle Mile Shops, and spa amenities add versatility, but inconsistent room maintenance and crowded pools can be drawbacks. It’s perfect for those who want to feel like stars and prioritize variety over theme.
Both resorts deliver memorable Vegas stays, but they cater to different fantasies: New York-New York brings the city that never sleeps to the desert, while Planet Hollywood offers a taste of Tinseltown’s sparkle. Whether you’re craving a slice of pizza under a faux Brooklyn Bridge or a gourmet burger in a Hollywood-inspired hotspot, these resorts ensure your Vegas adventure is anything but ordinary.
