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aerial view of South Beach, MIami

Top 10 Best Hotels in Miami / South Beach

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You’re halfway through planning a trip to Miami, and you already know that you’re one of those destination party animals that wants a memorable experience full of luxury and modern amenities…. and you’re willing to open up the purse strings to get that. So then, it behooves you and your vacation companions to mobilize early in order to lock down a good room rate at one of Miami’s top hotels.  Take it from us experts: there are a handful of magnificent Miami resorts that are head and shoulders above the rest of crowded pack, ones that offer all the trappings you desire in the central location you want and are conveniently right smack dab in South Beach.

What are the best high-end / upscale luxury hotels in South Beach, Miami in 2023?

The Miami that most out-of-town visitors know is the South Beach one: steamy summer weather, sheer opulence, fast money, stylish excess, and glitzy sensory overload.  Of course, the locals and insiders are happy to deliver upon those stereotypes, because that’s the version that tourists pay handsomely to witness and be a part of. So South Floridians play that fiddle in harmonious tune, because more SoBe tourists mean more revenues generated and jobs created for the city’s residents.

Here, in order of our highly experienced and well-traveled Discotech customer service staff’s preferences, is our Top 10 list of high-end hotels you will want to visit – and stay at, if you can – on your next trip to Miami Beach:

1) Fontainbleau

Since opening its doors in 1954, the legendary Fontainebleau has held its place atop many a “Best Hotels in Miami” list. Fontainbleau looms largest among its peers in physical size – 1,504 rooms, most in Miami – but perhaps more importantly in history, reputation, and panache. Early-era entertainment icons Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley registered regular stays there while in town; a who’s who of contemporary stars such as Sean “P-Diddy” Combs, Ariana Grande, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even Miami resident J-Lo have recently booked stay-cations there. With multiple pools, twelve on-site dining experiences, and an endless array of luxury diversion options for visitors, the most stress you’ll encounter is choosing your daily agenda. No worries though, they’ve got a cure for that too: clear your scheduled and spend an entire day at Lapis, Fontainebleau’s 40,000-square-foot spa.

  • Room amenities: smartphone docks, marble showers, ocean-view balconies
  • 11 pools, including a kids’ water area and private cabana rental
  • On-premises nightclub (LIV)
  • World-class spa with hydrotherapy circuit and boutique
  • Three on-premises celebrity chef restaurants (Hakkasan, Scarpetta, StripSteak)
  • Well-equipped, modern gym and free (limited) fitness classes
  • Pet-friendly

2) 1 Hotel South Beach

Formerly Perry South Beach and the Gansevoort Miami Beach, the 1 Hotel South Beach in was renovated and relaunched under its current moniker in March 2015. The 1 Hotel brand is extremely eco-conscious, and sustainability permeates every facet of this jumbo-sized oceanfront resort: salvaged wood, hemp mattresses, organic linens, living walls, and even take-home socks instead of disposable slippers. If you think you’ll be roughing it in the woods like a tree-hugger though, you’ll be sadly mistaken. Airy rooms average 700 square feet – some of the largest in Miami – and are outfitted with Carrara marble soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Make time to check out the 18th-floor pool, an adults-only enclave next to to the hotel’s rooftop bar, which spoils guests with panoramic views of downtown Miami due west, the Atlantic Ocean due east, and the urban sprawl of the South Florida coastline due north and south.

  • Room amenities: Nespresso coffee machine, yoga mat, cotton robes, ocean-view balconies
  • Direct access to Miami Beach with chairs and umbrellas available
  • Four outdoor pools, including a large whirlpool
  • Three bars and on-premises celebrity chef restaurant (Beachcraft)
  • Full-service Bamford Spa
  • Lobby farm stand selling fresh fruit & vegetables
  • 14,000 square-foot Spartan Gym
  • Conference rooms and business center

3) Dream Hotel South Beach

One block from the Miami’s famed beaches in the center of the Art Deco District sits the center of the party: Dream Hotel South Beach. An upscale hotel designed specifically for Miami’s well-heeled party circuit clientele, the Dream boasts 107 rooms plus a guesthouse that doubles as an event space. Room decor is chic and modern, with a focus on the two things that matter to party animals the most: comfortable beds and high-pressure rainfall showers. Families would do well to steer clear of this property, as everything in it caters to freewheeling and hard-charging adults. On-site perks include a Mexican restaurant with an impressively extensive tequila list, a standard spa with any services required for hangover recovery, and a rooftop infinity pool with a bar that stays open late. The Dream Hotel is a party lover’s dream – an upscale, stylish, Instagram-worthy backdrop that is an ideal home base for a wild weekend of adventure in Magic City.

  • Room amenities: large flat-screen TVs, minibars, smartphone docks
  • Guesthouse with covered rooftop terrace available for stays or events
  • On-premise restaurant Naked Taco with cantina & advanced tequila tasting menu
  • Spa with wide range of treatments plus a boutique
  • Rooftop infinity pool with cabanas and pool bar
  • Pet-friendly

4) The Miami Beach EDITION

Ian Schrager’s buzzy Miami Beach EDITION opened in December 2014 with the goal of providing high-end yet hip accommodations to couples, families, and business professionals in search of South Florida sunshine. Along the way, the EDITION gained a reputation for attracting ultra-trendy travelers, including numerous A-list and B-list celebrities who have become fans of its 1950s retro glamor vibe. The 294 spacious rooms and bungalow-like suites are outfitted with an array of unique modern luxuries such as Beats Bluetooth speakers and copies of PAPER magazine; downstairs away from the rooms, the resort wows guests with delightful experiential treats: an on-site restaurant from Jean Georges Vongerichten; a tranquil full-service spa; two pools lined with lush tropical plantings and a hidden hammock garden called The Sandbox; and Basement, an underground nightclub complex that Drake once rented out entirely to skate laps with his celebrity crush Rihanna during Ultra / Miami Music Week. Oh, and did we mention EDITION has 70,000 square feet of pristine white sand and blue waves as its backyard?

  • Room amenities: in-room speakers, flat-screen TVs, balconies with ocean views
  • Beachfront with chairs and umbrellas
  • Two swimming pools with poolside food and drink service
  • On-premises celebrity chef restaurant (Matador)
  • On-premises nightclub, bowling alley, and ice-skating rink (Basement Miami)
  • Multiple bars indoors and outdoors
  • Spa with treatment rooms, hammam, infrared sauna, and salon
  • 24-hour fitness center with free weights and cardio machines
  • Nightly turndown service with free bottled water

5) SLS Hotel South Beach

Another trendy and upscale hotel for the trendy and upscale partying crowd, SLS South Beach boasts 140 beachfront rooms designed by the famous Philippe Starck featuring white, black, and pink hues and mirrors above the beds. The well-known on-site restaurants give the hotel cachet among foodies, while a legendary party pool scene and two bars keep the party going from morning until… the next morning. At night though, Miami’s craziest party people staying here opt for wilder nightclub scenes around the city, and so the scene at SLS Hotel resembles more a cool, hip, chill, low-key European-style ultra-lounge. Between the luxurious retro-inspired indoor areas and the sprawling pool deck, the entire venue has more than 8,000 square feet for partygoers to get their party vibes on no matter the time of day or their mood.

  • Room amenities: minibars, flat-screen TVs, oversized bathrooms with quality Ciel toiletries, couches, espresso machines
  • Serviced beach area with free loungers
  • Two pools, including a guest-only pool
  • On-premises dayclub (Hyde Beach) and nightclub (Hyde Lounge)
  • On-premises celebity chef restaurants (Katsuya, The Bazaar)
  • Two bars with popular happy hours, and a poolside bar
  • Full-service salon and poolside nail treatments
  • Small gym with cardio machines and free weights
  • Free drop-offs within a two-mile radius
  • Pet-friendly

6) The Setai

Erected on the property of the the circa 1937 Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel, the Setai is a superlatively stylish Asian-themed beachfront resort with teak floors, lacquer furniture, and bronze and dark stone accents. While the property doesn’t appear to be much from the outside on the walk up, the hotel lobby is immaculate: jade, bronze, and stone architecture in alignment with Feng Sui practices, while each brick that lines the lobby floors was sourced from Shanghai and dates back to the Asian Art Deco period.  All of the 135 rooms on property are suites, airy and roomy enough to accommodate larger groups (average room size is 600 square feet). Away from the rooms, the theme of “finding one’s zen” stays rigidly on-brand: an indulgent spa features therapeutic indulges from Paris-based Thémaé, and three infinity pools side-by-side offer guests their choice of soothing waters at a precise 75, 80, and 90 degrees.

  • Room amenities: Duxiana beds, black granite baths, jacuzzi tubs, Acqua di Parma toiletries, flat-screen TV’s, minibars
  • Multiple award-winning restaurants plus a world-class wine cellar
  • Luxury spa
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Free yoga classes on the beach

7) W South Beach

Like many of the W Hotel properties around the world, the 401-room W South Beach is a high-energy luxury hotel with a sophisticated look and relaxed atmosphere popular with young professional twenty-somethings and new-family thirty-somethings with toddlers. Its lobby boasts eclectically designed interiors with an enviable collection of high-end contemporary art from famous names like Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, and Kenny Scharf (as well as a giant Instagram-worthy Hello Kitty fountain greeting visitors at the entrance). The Miami Beach sand and surf is just a stone’s throw away from the property, which cordons off a private area for W South Beach guests. The pool scene is everything and anything one could want from South Beach: tight bodies, six packs, cabanas, and a gorgeous crowd sipping mojitos to DJ-spun tunes.

  • Room amenities: kitchenettes, coffeemakers, minibars, outdoor spaces, hot tubs, balconies, Bliss toiletries
  • Two pools, including a semi-private adult-only pool
  • Two on-premises restaurants (Mr. Chow, RWSB)
  • On-premises nightclub (Wall at the W)
  • Bliss Spa with steam room, treatment rooms, and sauna
  • 24-hour gym with free fitness classes
  • Luxury car rental available
  • Pet-friendly, plus dog kits available

8) Faena Hotel Miami Beach

An ambitious design collaboration between hotelier Alan Faena and power couple costume designer Catherine Martin and film director Baz Luhrmann, the eponymous 179-room Faena Hotel Miami Beach is a prime oceanfront luxury resort and cultural complex showcasing stylish extravagance. This resort opened to a well-heeled crowd during Art Basel 2016, and its opulent and chic interior decor – including a Damien Hirst sculpture in the lobby – is a lasting homage to its roots. Faena has retained a cadre of loyal high-end clients – including a few celebrities – with luxe, colorful, well-decorated rooms boasting furnished balconies and spectacular shoreline vistas. In addition to exquisite decor, guests are wowed by two five-star restaurants, four bars, and immaculately serviced pool and beach areas.

  • Room amenities: minibars, flat-screen TVs, furnished sea-view balconies, large tubs, butler service (for suites)
  • Free loungers and umbrellas on beachfront
  • Outdoor pool with cabanas for rent
  • Huge spa has hammam and treatments with a holistic and high-tech edge
  • Four on-premises celebrity chef restaurants (Los Fuegos, Pao, Veranda, Gitano)
  • Four bars with great cocktails and stunning interior decor
  • Kids’ club with high-brow activities

9) Hotel Delano Miami Beach

The Delano South Beach has long been regarded as one of Miami’s top luxury hotels, its iconic white-on-white design making it a South Beach playground favored by glitterati since it was first designed and built by Philippe Starck in 1947. With one of the most envied locations within the South Beach entertainment hub, this beachfront boutique hotel paradise is just steps from some of South Beach’s most popular restaurants, shops, sites, and streets. A stay in one of its 195 all-white rooms doesn’t come cheap; for the price you pay though, Delano will live up to your expectations and its reputation of having an impeccable standard of luxury. The heated pool with its trendy bar/lounge scene is a household name among local and international upscale partiers.

  • Room amenities: white marble bathrooms, wraparound windows, walk-in closet, sofa chair, desk, minibar
  • Direct access to beach with comfy loungers
  • Large high-energy infinity pool
  • Two on-premises restaurants (Leymia, Umi)
  • On-premises dayclub (Delano Beach Club) and evening lounge (Delano Beach At Night)
  • Agua Spa with full-service therapeutic treatment menu
  • Fitness center with weights and cardio
  • Free bike rentals

10) Shelborne Wyndham Grand

Shelbourne Hotel Miami Beach

Thank to a 2014 overhaul to combine its Art Deco roots with modern luxury, the Shelborne South Beach has risen to become a popular pick for those seeking a less opulent (and slightly less expensive) but still stylish, upscale experience right on Collins Avenue. Standard rooms are smaller than those of the other hotels on this list; however, amenities are top-notch and include all the most important staples including beach access and a heated pool. The two best amenities by far are location and value for dollar spent: no matter the time of the year, room rates at this property are always competitive for an upscale beachfront option in South Beach. Most of its neighbors, including the Hotel Delano right next door, are consistently two to three times pricier. 

  • Room amenities: flat-screen TV, smartphone dock, coffee maker, minibar, balconies
  • Heated pool with cabanas available
  • On-premises restaurant (The Sarsaparilla Club)
  • Beach service includes chair and towel
  • Business center and meeting spaces

OK, so you’ve just scrolled through and wrapped up all your research to maximize your high-end South Beach hotel accommodation experience! What’s the next step? Maybe head over to one of the famous Miami pool parties? Line up your day or night party plans for your Miami trip well in advance, and set aside the appropriate budgets using our Discotech app. Our app – available in both the App Store and Google Play and featured on BBC Travel and highly reviewed on Yelp! – will put you and your crew another huge step closer to your hassle-free Miami vacation!

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aerial view of South Beach, MIami

Top 10 Best Cheap Hotels in South Beach Miami

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Headed to Miami on a budget? These affordable hotels on the main South Beach drag that is the center of entertainment offer the most bang for your buck, not to mention prime location and plenty of upside.

The Miami that most out-of-town visitors know is the one of steamy summer weather, sheer opulence, fast money, gluttonous excess, and glitzy sensory overload.  Of course, the locals and insiders are happy to indulge all those “Magic City” stereotypes, because that’s the version that many tourists pay handsomely to be a part of. And South Floridians play the fiddle in tune because “a fool and his money are soon parted” as the old saying goes – more revenues generated and jobs created for the city’s residents.

That being said, having a blast in Miami on a budget is actually much easier than you think. With the right hotel choice, you can save A TON money for all the fun stuff: shows, attractions, and of course…. reasonably priced (aka “Ballin on a Budget”) nightlife.  But, first things first: if you’ve already told yourself that you’re one of those party animals that only needs a room to shower and nap pretty much, then you should to move early to lock down a good room rate at one of the best cheap (3-star or lower) hotels in Miami.

Take it from us experts: there are indeed a handful of budget-conscious resorts that offer all the amenities you need in the central location you want – right smack dab on South Beach – and at a ridiculously reasonable price point.   Here,  in order of our highly experienced customer service staff’s preferences, is our Discotech Top 10 List of best cheap – ahem, “affordable” – hotels smack in the center of Miami’s primary entertainment district, all within walking distance of the city’s world-famous nightclubs:

1) Hotel Victor

Entrance to Hotel Victor, Miami Beach

Located next to the Versace Mansion, the Victor was designed by Jacques Garcia (the man behind Paris’s Hôtel Costes), who adapted the “retro” 1930s Art-Deco feel into the Victor’s modern architecture. Garcia splashed the interiors with bold reds, magentas, and emeralds against warm and soothing beige tones. The Victor’s mosaic-tiled pool is tiny but equally beautifully decorated, as are the spa and the on-site restaurant Bice Ristorante. Comfortable guest rooms are outfitted with walk-in showers and infinity bathtubs for you to relax to the fullest while scrubbing the South Beach sand off your newly tanned body.

  • Sharp rooms with Keurig coffeemakers and 42-inch flat-screen TVs
  • Bungalow Rooms with direct pool access and outdoor rainfall showers
  • Casual outdoor pool with bar and stylish daybeds
  • Fitness center with a wide selection of cardio and weight machines
  • Lobby bar and independently owned/operated restaurants on-site
  • Free bike rental
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi plus free iPad use (hour per day)

2) Freehand

lobby of Freehand Hotel, Miami Beach

Set in a 1930s Art Deco building just two blocks from the beach, the Freehand features amenities, a guest kitchen, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast with Cuban pastries and locally roasted Panther Coffee, a happy hour for shared-room guests, and a chic hotel pool. One of the best budget hotels in Miami, the Freehand is not short on quirky character than many of its South Beach competitors, with vintage pieces from flea markets adorning the lobby and its 63 guest rooms. Because the property started out as a hostel – and technically still is – guests can opt to book shared “dorms” for four or eight in addition to private rooms for two. This hotel attracts mostly international clients, who are drawn by both the congenial atmosphere it exudes and its proximity to the South Beach eye candy.

  • Convivial atmosphere in lobby lounge
  • Chic outdoor pool with poolside table service
  • Broken Shaker cocktail bar draws locals and visitors
  • Excellent value for style and location
  • Free breakfast
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

3) President Hotel

Location, location, location: the recently renovated three-star President Hotel is well-located in the Art Deco district of Collins Avenue, just a mere 15-minute walk from Ocean Drive. The hotel has fresh and modern wood-floored rooms – 64 guest on-site plus 20 villa annexes next door – decorated in minimalist nature motifs. The hotel has a small front terrace and a cocktail and smoothie bar in the lobby, plus a casual full-service on-site restaurant for you to grab a quick 10-minute bite…. before taking 2-3 hours to get ready for your epic night out at the Miami nightclubs.

  • Short walk to the beach and Ocean Drive
  • Guest rooms with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs
  • Casual lobby restaurant and lobby bar serving cocktails and smoothies
  • Continental breakfast with upgraded hot options
  • Front porch terrace with tables and chairs

4) Colony Hotel

Colony Hotel, Miami

Launched in 1939 and last renovated in 2008, the Colony Hotel is a bustling, not-so-quiet party pad that offers 50 clean and modern rooms with picturesque views of Lummus Park. Across from the beach and in the middle of the all-night Ocean Drive chaos, this hotel relishes its niche role catering to younger spring breakers, with free Wi-Fi and a bar that serves fishbowl-size mojitos. For guests who aren’t going to be bothered by dingy yet safe hallways and tiny guest room bathrooms, the Colony is a wonderful way to stretch your dollar

  • Prime location across street from South Beach
  • 37-inch flat-screen TVs
  • Clean, modern bedrooms
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

5) Clinton Hotel

lobby of Clinton Hotel, Miami Beach

The Clinton is an affordable, comfortable, clean hotel that’s only two blocks from the beach while surrounded by the swarm of South Beach bars and restaurants.. The upholstery is aging and the rooms are small, but the property make up for that by offersingmore amenities than most small-scale budget boutiques in the area. And the best part: it’s actually tucked away in a much quieter location than most South Beach hotels, so your night’s sleep – or day’s sleep, you party animal! – will be more peaceful and less subject to noise interruptions.

  • Sunny enclosed courtyard
  • Large hot tub on-site
  • On-site French restaurant (with room service)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and in-room Netflix

6) Kimpton Angler’s Hotel

front of Kimpton Angler's Hotel, Miami Beach

With its lush tropical gardens buffering its guests from the white-hot bustle of the South Beach streets, The Kimpton Angler’s Hotel has all the feel of a serene desert oasis. This low-key 46-room property also has a top-notch restaurant and a small but well-groomed and always peaceful pool and courtyard. Other surrounding properties in the neighborhood do offer more features and amenities, but the Angler should be your go-to choice if the only thing you really care about – other than your party plans – is having a hotel room that is more adult than college dorm.

  • Spacious Wallace Tutt-designed rooms
  • HDTVs plus surround sound in each room
  • Central location to main South Beach drag
  • Free passes to Miami Life Center’s yoga classes (1 block away)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

7) Marseilles Hotel

In the heart and soul of Miami Beach, the 111-room Marseilles Hotel combines historic art deco charm with modern sophistication and comfort. It is elegant yet unpretentious, and bursting at the seams with vibrant color patterns. Proximity to the beach is the main selling point of Marseille, but a relatively large outdoor pool with lots of seating is certainly a plus. Brightly decorated rooms come with coffee makers and electronic safes, and some of the rooms even have small balconies to take in Miami cityscape views and jetted tubs. For a higher energy experience, you can check out the best pool parties in Miami here.

  • Beach loungers and umbrellas (included in resort fee)
  • Contemporary, rooms with hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, and AC
  • Attractive pool lined by loungers and daybeds
  • Casual all-day American restaurant and a backyard bar
  • Daily happy hour with free cocktails
  • Meeting room and business center
  • On-site gymnasium

8) National Hotel

Front of National Hotel, Miami Beach

Designed by Roy France, one of the Art Deco period’s foremost architects, National Hotel was one of the grandest luxury hotels on Miami Beach when it opened in 1940. In 1997, new owners and management restored and reopened the hotel, which today stands asa historical landmark and treasure in the heart of ritzy South Beach. The National Hotel is hard to beat when it comes to location – a stone’s throw from the sand and rolling waves – but it’s got plenty of style and amenities as well. The tower’s 116 rooms provide sweeping views of downtown Miami across to the Atlantic Ocean, with cabanas and artist-inspired suites lining Miami’s longest infinity-edge party pool. The poolside Aqua Club is a prime pre-game prelude to a long night of South Beach partying, with specialty cocktails and classic favorites available.

  • Expansive pool deck and swimming pools
  • Direct beach access
  • 24-hour concierge
  • Great on-site fitness center + yoga classes
  • On-site restaurant

9) Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel

Pool at Surfcomber Hotel, Miami Beach

Built in 1948 and acquired by the Kimpton hotel chain in 2011, the 186-room Surfcomber Hotel is more affordable and more casual than most of its swankier neighbors. It’s always been more hip with the cool kids: with its giant rectangular pool and direct beach access, the hotel has become world-famous for its high-energy pool parties during big Miami weekends (it served as the headquarters for MTV during the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards and for Bud Light during 2010 Super Bowl XLIV). On the inside, the rooms are small but trendy with colorful surf-themed decor and a host of modern amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, smartphone docks, and in-room yoga equipment.

  • Large pool with waterfall and cabanas
  • 2 stylish restaurants and a poolside bar
  • Rental chairs, umbrellas, and bar service on the beach
  • Rooms have flat-screen TVs, iHome docks, and cool surf-inspired decor
  • Fitness center with modern equipment
  • Free morning coffee, evening wine hours, in-room yoga equipment
  • In-room and cabana massages available

10) Townhouse Hotel Miami

Patio Deck of Townhouse Hotel Miami

Where beach house charm meets old-fashioned comfort in the heart of South Beach. Located steps from South Beach, the Townhouse is quite the minimalist property that offers guests bright, stylish rooms with little to add in terms of amenities. Still, it’s a property that’s cleaner, more modern, and less sketchy then some of the other South Beach hotels at the same price point. It’s also a great fit for clubheads and well-behaved party people, as it attracts a younger, hipper, and good-looking global crowd that takes advantage of the venue’s proximity to the famed Miami nightlife spots.

  • Direct beach access
  • Rooftop bar The Cape (managed by SBE)
  • On-site restaurant Ramen Baby Burger
  • Free continental breakfast
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Free coffee and water in the lobby

Miami is definitely a place where things can escalate quickly in terms of expenses, especially when the party picks up and the food and drink are flowing  Nevertheless, it is still a magical landscape where fun can be had on the cheap if you know the lay of the land; your our friends and budget nightlife guides here at Discotech are an essential part of that equation.  What are you waiting for? Download our app now – featured on BBC Travel and highly reviewed on Yelp! – in the App Store or Google Play.

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haas logo

[Case Study] UC Berkeley Haas School of Business

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Discotech helped a world-renowned graduate business program – UC Berkeley Haas School of Business – plan their annual pre-graduation Las Vegas getaway weekend. Along with our preferred local hospitality partner Stupak Las Vegas, our client was able to get the full Las Vegas experience.

  • Total months of planning: 7
  • Total attendees: 400
  • Total hotel rooms booked: 127 (Mandalay Bay Resort)
  • Total budget: $300,000 USD

Planning a Vegas Trip for Large Groups With a Budget

Why is planning Vegas for large groups so difficult?

  • Dinner reservations – limited number of places that can seat large groups, people have different cuisine preferences
  • Hotel rooms / suites – need to decide on location, negotiate a discount deal, and make sure that it can accommodate the group within budget
  • Activities – people have different preferences, not all activities can accommodate large groups
  • Nightclubs / pool parties – getting 10 people into a Vegas club can be a huge headache – getting 50+ would be a nightmare without a host.

Discotech is your subject matter expert when it comes to planning corporate events and large group trips to Vegas. We were able to create an unforgettable guest experience for all UC Berkeley Haas attendees, thanks to the following core principles:

  • Responsiveness: Immediate, informative, and thorough communication with the Haas leadership planning committee early on in the process
  • Transparency: Constant and accurate information disclosure in real-time, both in the week leading up to the event and over the course of the weekend
  • Presence: Highly experienced on-site host staff to greet all attendees on the day of their arrival, debrief them on their upcoming weekend itineraries, and ensure they were on schedule and provided an on-site guide for all itinerary events
  • Knowledge: With over two decades of experience held by Discotech and its Vegas local host partners, we know every in and out of Vegas nightlife and can provide input on any and every proposed idea, as well as build out best-fit itineraries for groups with little or no experience in Vegas party planning based on what’s worked for our previous clients.
  • Execution: Flawless, mistake-free execution according to the agreed-upon and finalized plan and pricing – as well as rapid solutions to any unexpected itinerary and/or budget changes – has allowed Discotech to showcase that we are experts in our field and our service is unrivaled.

Our client was able to accomplish all of their large group goals within their budget while surpassing the discerning expectations of each attendee, in the process garnering a positive lasting impression among one of the world’s most elite business school brands.

Case Details

With Las Vegas nightlife services being such a competitive landscape, we needed to show this high-priority client why they should partner with us. The UC Berkeley Haas planning committee needed assistance with simplifying a complex task: booking large-scale dayclub and nightclub events and hotel room blocks. More importantly, they needed this task executed quickly and comprehensively, from a proven company with considerable experience and access to a variety of options to ensure best-fit final choices and no unexpected snags or hiccups for any of their individual attendees.

After months of working to win their business, we immediately set out to define – then blow through – the expectations for all of the attendees in their group. We knew that many of these attendees could become future repeat customers after graduation as they rapidly ascended the corporate ladders of their respective white-collar industries. Our most important strategic decision in the process occurred early on: to lean heavily on the expertise and know-how of our preferred local host partner Stupak Las Vegas, a renowned hospitality company with over four decades of large group logistics planning in Las Vegas and a stellar reputation within the Vegas entertainment industry.

UC Berkeley Haas Business School celebrating @ Light Nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2017

Part I: UC Berkeley Haas 2017 Las Vegas Party Planning

We first worked with this client on a limited scope engagement – 175 guests – in 2017; on that initial experience we put forth a considerable early effort to discuss and uncover their goals, budgets, and priorities. Our successful execution of that first go-round – combined with periodic check-ins over the next year – was instrumental in Discotech winning the much bigger repeat business in 2018.

In 2017, after gathering all information from the array of itinerary ideas presented by the Haas planning committee over a two-month window, we addressed all of their leadership’s concerns and then helped narrow down to the handful of best possible options, then presented and walked our client through multiple proposals. Even though our client continued to conduct dialogue with multiple competing Vegas nightlife companies, they decided to work with us again because of our demonstrated expertise working with large organizations, our strong relationships with each venue and hotel, and most importantly our proven ability to provide excellent service while staying within their budget.

The first step in the process was to secure hotel accommodations for the large group. With the help of Stupak’s high-level connections, we were able to secure exclusive hotel rates for far less than the rates available to the general public. We arranged for the group to stay at one of the best hotel resorts on the Vegas Strip – the Mandalay Bay Resort – in 65 Double Queen rooms and two large luxury penthouse suites. The nighttime venue they chose for the group’s party was Hakkasan Nightclub at the MGM Grand, where they did a buyout of half of the Main Room Mezzanine, a private and roped-off intimate balcony section overlooking the DJ booth. The group loved the energy and vibe inside of Hakkasan and were treated like super VIPs, thanks to the exclusive nature of the mezzanine setup, but more importantly to the strong personal relationships, our assigned door host has held and maintained with the Hakkasan door and podium staff since the day the venue opened.

The group spent the following day at Daylight Beach Club, the daytime pool party at the Mandalay Bay resort where they were staying. Out of all of the best pool parties on the Strip, we had selected and proposed Daylight to them for the following reasons:

  • Location: Knowing the group had gone pretty hard at Hakkasan the previous night, we wanted to make it as quick and easy as possible for all of the attendees to wake up, pull themselves together, and get where they needed to be on time to enjoy the festivities.
  • Layout: For a party as big as theirs, we knew that Daylight – one of the Vegas pool parties with the largest layout in terms of square footage – would offer the most spacious amount of real estate to allow the large group to mingle comfortably, while still staying within their budget.
  • Loyalty: We knew that Daylight would go above and beyond to treat the large group like royalty, since they were already staying on the Mandalay Bay property and spending a large percentage of their group and individual budgets at business on the resort premises.

As expected, Daylight offered the group a buyout of their elevated Grand Cabana section at far below their general list price, with private roped-off VIP access and a private service staff hand-picked from the best of their employee pool. We also arranged a dedicated no-wait, no-hassle expedited entry line exclusively for UC Berkeley Haas that each attendee could access regardless of their arrival time at the pool, with VIP wristbands secured for each member to ensure no confusion among Daylight’s door staff. With this top-flight setup, the group showed little signs of fatigue and splashed their way to a wet, wild, and epic Saturday afternoon of business school networking.

Part II: UC Berkeley Haas 2018 Las Vegas Party Planning

During our second year with the client, the Haas planning committee had gained full faith in our services and thus entrusted us with an ambitious goal: make their 2018 Las Vegas trip one of the best in the history of their business school. We were able to deliver on this ask because of an early start to planning, an acute understanding of the group’s timeline and dynamics, and of course the knowledge we had previously gained of the client’s goals, preferences, and pain points.

This year’s UC Berkeley Haas group was up to 225 attendees. Once again partnering with Stupak, were able to negotiate a highly discounted hotel net rate, a whopping 70 percent off the retail rate; not only were the rates cheaper than the previous year, we secured 700-plus-square-foot suites for each and every attendee at the Delano Hotel, Mandalay Bay’s luxurious higher-end resort-within-a-resort. Our client’s group stayed at the Delano in 60 double queen suites and two large penthouse suites. Our long-standing relationships with the executives of Mandalay Bay and Delano allowed us to secure room discounted inventory well in advance, as well as additional discounts and perks for the group being a valued return customer.

Diplo @ Intrigue Las Vegas, 2018

For the group’s signature evening activity, they opted to reserve a private area on the terrace of Intrigue Nightclub at Wynn Resort. Intrigue was selected because of our ability to secure a large yet private space within the group’s limited budget; the openness of the covered terrace patio area and the proximity to the DJ booth offered the best bang for their buck. Superstar electronic music artist Diplo was performing this evening; not only did the group receive a larger space close to the DJ, we were able to save them a ton of money and while still providing the same amount of alcohol and high-energy experience as they had the previous year at Hakkasan. The spring evening weather couldn’t have been better, and the group enjoyed the unique beautiful outdoor layout and pristine modern architectural features for which the Wynn properties are known.

As for the daytime fun, Daylight was such a massive hit the past year that it was an easy sell for the sequel, and so we locked down the same area for our clients at an even better price. We made some slight modifications to the logistics, which resulted in an even smoother VIP entry experience and the group’s VIP bottle service credits lasting an hour longer than it did the previous year. As the cherry on top, we highlighted the group’s afternoon with an Instagram-worthy customized “Berkeley Haas” bottle presentation as well as multiple DJ shoutouts for the hard-partying group.

We are extremely pleased with the support we offered to the UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business on its back-to-back Vegas trips, and even more so given that Discotech’s founders are proud Cal alums. We look forward to working with this highly valued client again in the near future. ROLL ON, YOU BEARS!!!!!

UC Berkeley Haas (Cal Bears) celebrating at Daylight pool party, Las Vegas

Is your graduate business school, law school, medical school, or other program planning a group Vegas trip soon? Discotech is your ultimate solution for lining up your big plans. We’ve already built our reputation helping THOUSANDS of satisfied clients around the world with their standard small group party needs.

  • We’ve been featured on BBC Travel and we are also highly reviewed on Yelp! and in both the App Store and Google Play.
  • 6+ years experience in the Vegas nightlife game, we’ve also successfully serviced dozens of corporate entities and large groups of 50 or more clients.
  • What we know from our experience is this: like Sin City itself, large group planning is NOT for the lazy nor for the faint of heart.

Planning a large group trip to Las Vegas? Reach out to us directly at +1 (415) 735-6716 or info@discotech.me. You can also reach us on WhatsApp at +1-323-405-8824.

Failure to plan ahead – even if it’s just days or hours ahead – is one of the biggest mistakes that we see countless groups make on a weekly basis, and it inevitably results in financial and logistical headaches – and embarrassing moments at the velvet ropes of entry – that could easily have been avoided.

Even if you’ve partied in Vegas many times in the past in smaller groups, and you’ve got numerous friends in high and low places who are willing to offer sound and not-so-sound recommendations – for large groups you NEED to have a true professional to guide you.  Discotech can take all your custom inputs (group size, music preferences, nightclub/pool party, budget, location, food preferences, etc) and crank out your group’s perfect weekend itinerary to turn you and your planning committee into Sin City superheroes.

welcome to las vegas sign

Ultimate Guide to Planning Las Vegas Trips for Large Groups

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Planning a large group trip to Las Vegas? Reach us directly at +1 (415) 735-6716 or info@discotech.me. You can also reach us on Whatsapp at +1-323-405-8824.

Your absolute circus of a group Zoom chat has just wrapped up, and the powers-that-be have just drawn the figurative “X” on your forehead. All eyes are on you: you’ve just been delegated to plan your company’s “social agenda” (read: non-work activities) for its upcoming business conference in Vegas. It’s a pretty big group – exact number unknown as of yet, but as of right now it’s somewhere between 50 and 500 – and it’s an eclectic mix of veterans and first-timers. It’s a tall order for sure, and your bosses want it to go off without a hitch AND more importantly within the set budget. Your ears are hot and beads of sweat begin to form and run down your slightly bewildered face; if it had been a literal “X” drawn on your forehead, that magic marker would surely be smudged by now.

We’ve also prepared several case studies on events we’ve helped plan. Feel free to skip directly to the studies to see the real world application of everything mentioned below:

Planning a Vegas Trip for Large Groups With a Budget

Why is planning Vegas for large groups so difficult?

  • Dinner reservations – limited number of places that can seat large groups, people have different cuisine preferences
  • Hotel rooms / suites – need to decide on location, negotiate a discount deal, and make sure that it can accommodate the group within budget
  • Activities – people have different preferences, not all activities can accomodate large groups
  • Nightclubs / pool parties – getting 10 people into Vegas hip hop night clubs can be a huge headache – getting 50+ would be a nightmare without a host.

You know you’re not totally a lost puppy – you’ve partied in Vegas many times in the past in smaller groups, and you’ve got numerous friends in high and low places who are willing to offer sound and not-so-sound recommendations – but of course you (and your budget-conscious bosses) certainly wouldn’t mind having a true professional to guide you.  You know, someone who can take all those inputs (group size, music preferences, nightclub/pool party, budget, location, food preferences, etc) and spit out your perfect itinerary – turning you into the hero of the group.

Enter Discotech – your ultimate solution for lining up your big plans. We’ve built our reputation helping THOUSANDS of satisfied clients around the world with their standard small group party needs.

  • We’ve been featured on BBC Travel and we are also highly reviewed on Yelp! and in both the App Store and Google Play.
  • 6+ years experience in the Vegas nightlife game, we’ve also successfully serviced dozens of corporate entities and large groups of 50 or more clients.
  • What we know from our experience is this: like Sin City itself, large group planning is NOT for the lazy nor for the faint of heart.

Failure to plan ahead – even if it’s just days or hours ahead – is one of the biggest mistakes that we see countless groups make on a weekly basis, and it inevitably results in financial and logistical headaches – and embarrassing moments at the velvet ropes of entry – that could easily have been avoided.

There IS a tried-and-true method to the madness – a method which our Discotech platform and customer service team has down to a step-by-step science, along with the critically important door connections for pull off your group’s custom itinerary in line with your discerning standards. Enough talk, shepherd boy (or girl): let’s delve into what you and your flock of sheep need to know about the lay of the land.

Where do large groups stay in Vegas – get discounted hotel rates

Penthouse suite at Delano

They say a stitch in time saves nine, and the pre-arrival planning is the part of the process that requires THE MOST attention to detail.

  • Remember the 100-Day Rule: to take advantage of favorable pricing for flights, hotels, shows, nightclubs, and anything else related to Vegas that requires tickets or reservations, you MUST start planning the festivities no less than 3-4 months in advance of your planned arrival date.
  • The larger the group, the more advance planning is required to ensure “convenient inventory” on hand – by that, we mean things like seats on the same flight or hotel room blocks in the same resort and perhaps (fingers crossed) even in the same resort tower or on the same floor.
  • If your large group is around 100 guests or so, then 100 days – 4 months – out is the latest we would recommend to lock in reservations.
  • For a 200-500 person group we would recommend at least 6 months of lead time; for any group above 500 persons, we strongly advise you to make your initial reservation inquiries 12-18 months in advance.
  • The earlier you start looking into things, the more options and wiggle room your suppliers in Vegas have, and thus the more willing they are to work with you to provide custom solutions and group discount rates.

Good news for you: Discotech and its local partners hold longstanding affiliate agreements with every major hotel group operating in Las Vegas and can get you access to lowest room rates available as well as other amenities. Some of the itinerary items we can help you line up are as follows:

  • Discounts on individual hotel rooms & hotel suites
  • Discounted hotel blocks for groups
  • Exclusive suite rental
  • Premium transportation for groups – party buses / limos
  • Special Request Amenities (e.g. beauty packages, in-room spa/massage treatments)

If your big group does not have the means of charging all planning expenses to one central account, then have its members divvy up into smaller pods of 4-6 in order to book hotel rooms and coordinate sharing expenses.  Also, if you’re booking too late in the game to get an entire block of rooms within your preferred, then pick a region of the strip – North, Center, or South – and make sure everyone coordinates to stay in a hotel in that area.

Where To Work – Company Events, Meetings, etc

Businesspeople Enjoying Drinks

If you and your big group are coming to town on business and looking to close big deals, then you might develop a need to host side meetings away from the main conference agenda and locations. These extracurricular gatherings while in Vegas can be internal team-building or team morale events, or they can be client-facing with the goal of winning new accounts or preserving standing relationships. Discotech has the tools and expertise to assist you with lining up venues that best fit your large-scale meeting needs, from hosting an exclusive invite-only company event at one of the hottest nightclubs in the world to a arranging a low-key recognition ceremony in the quiet private back room of one of the best sushi restaurants on the Strip. More specifically, we can assist with planning the following elements:

  • Meeting & Event Planning
  • Meeting Space Reservations
  • Team Building Experiences
  • Group Dining Reservations & Kitchen Tours
  • Corporate Branding Events
  • Training Modules / Learning Events
  • Executive & Corporate Golf Packages 

And one more thing: even if your large group’s business in Vegas for the weekend is not so “businesslike” – in other words, strictly of a recreational nature rather than commercial – Discotech can still be of assistance. Our customer service support team can offer expert guidance on the ways and means of uniting your group for a few hours for whatever common purpose your group holds, and before its members scatter to the wind for Vegas to chew them up and spit them out in a few days.

Large Group Events that Discotech Has Helped Facilitate:

  • Fraternity/sorority Vegas Trip: Why not throw together a Friday afternoon Welcome-to-Vegas mixer? A group beer pong tournament at O’Sheas is the perfect social activity to catch up with the homies and get the ball rolling (pun intended) on a wild weekend.
  • Grad school / Business school Vegas trip: C’mon, we know you went to graduate school for the “networking” and not for the academics. Have your social chair line up the group’s private networking event in a giant luxury suite overlooking the Strip. Or, if your group is too large to fit in one or two suites you can rent out deck space at one of the best resort pools on the Strip and have your open-bar soiree in the open air under the stars.
  • Family reunion: This one’s an easy call. Family always revolves around food, so reserve a block of adjacent tables for your clan at one of the best-bang-for-your-buck buffets in the city. Our favorites for the more budget-conscious are the ones at Flamingo, The Orleans, and Rio. Aunt Karen and Grandma Ruth will definitely approve.
  • Corporate Outings: Whether you’re looking to plan a team building Vegas trip for high achievers, an end of summer get away for your interns, or taking some clients out for a night on the town, we’ve got you covered!
  • Class reunions: We’ve helped plan a reunion for over 80 people – including hotel rooms, dinners, discounted tickets, free group guest list, and a block of 6 tables at Marquee Nightclub.
  • Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties: A Vegas staple, stag / hen parties are our bread and butter. We’ll help you make sure your bachelor / bachelorette is sent off in style. We can help with hotels, activities,
  • Convention after party: In town for a convention and looking to impress clients or after party with your coworkers? Hit us up and we’d be happy to set things up for you!
  • Wedding weekend: Yes, Discotech could assist you with reserving a last-minute wedding chapel if your nuptials are awash in spontaneity. And yes, we’ve got the hookups to some of the coolest spaces in Vegas for a post-ceremony reception. However, we’re obviously more adept at planning the wedding afterparty. Which gives us the perfect segue into the next step….

What do Large Groups Do in Vegas? – Vegas Activities + Nightclubs

Ah, now THIS is our bread-and-butter. Big groups move like a big elephant, and when you’re in a fast-paced city like Vegas with only a handful of days to make magic happen you want to make damn well sure that the elephant is at least turned in the right direction before it starts to lurch forward.

You and your crew are in luck: Discotech handles this sort of thing on a daily basis, AND we’ve got tons of hands-on experience managing large groups. You see, not only have we ridden this elephant before, we’ve taught him how to stand on the ball on one leg while shooting water out of its trunk! Grabbing the reins on the party plans for a 500-person behemoth is second nature to us – think of Discotech as the ringmaster, here for your entertainment and to guide you through the Vegas circus. Here’s how we can help:

  • Free or Discounted Club Guest Lists (free or discounted admission, plus dedicated private line with no wait and expedited entry for large groups)
  • Discounted Club Tickets (discounts offered for large groups, dedicated private line + host to ensure that you get in)
  • Nightclub & Pool Party Club Crawls (discounts offered for large groups, party host + party bus transportation provided)
  • Nightclub & Dayclub / Pool Party Bottle Service packages (preferred location, group discounts, booking multiple VIP tables together)
  • Concert, Festival, or Show Tickets, Suites, and VIP Seating (discounts offered for large groups)
  • Sporting Events Tickets, Suites, and VIP Seating (discounts offered for large groups)
  • Unique Excursions & Activities (e.g. exotic car racing, top golf, gun shooting, helicopter tours, day trips to Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam)

Not only can we help you lock down all your plans in advance and custom tailor a party plan for your group size and budget, but we will also provide a host on the ground to make sure your experience goes smoothly – everyone gets in quickly, all your bottles arrive, you aren’t over charged, etc.

In conclusion: Discotech is your subject matter expert for planning your next group visit to Vegas. Whether you’re coming into town for business or pleasure, hunting or grazing, a large flock or a just a handful of wayward strays, we are here to “rein in the elephant” and make sure everyone in your group stays, works, and plays like world-class animals. Step right up, folks… the circus is coming to town!

Planning a large group trip to Las Vegas? Reach us directly at +1 (415) 735-6716 or info@discotech.me. You can also reach us on Whatsapp at +1-323-405-8824.

luxury hotel suite interior Las Vegas

Top 10 Best Luxury Hotel Suites in Las Vegas

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If you’ve already convinced yourself that your next visit to Las Vegas is an ultra-special occasion – the kind of occasion that necessitates a baller suite with a bottomless budget – then you’ll have plenty of amazing options awash in ridiculous head-spinning luxury from which you and your crew can select. Hey, you can’t take money with you to the next life, and Sin City has no shortage of once-in-a-lifetime accommodation experience to make sure that the money comes and the money goes.  There’s a reason why there’s no state income tax paid by Las Vegas employees: millions of visitors a year foot those locals’ tax bills via hotel taxes, entertainment taxes, sales taxes, and all other taxes on general debauchery (and stupidity). Las Vegas is not all about nightclubs, pool parties, or strip clubs it’s a city of luxurious hotels too. To whet your appetite for excess and get you in the mood to spend, here is Discotech’s Top 10 list of high-end luxury hotel suites on the Las Vegas Strip:

Sky Villas at Aria – Center Strip

Aria Sky Suites villa interior

Where the desert meets the sky, the sublime views warrant unparalleled luxury. Such is the essence of the Aria Sky Suites, the crown jewel in Aria’s treasure chest of sparkling accommodation options. Even before you lay eyes on your five-diamond suite, you get luxury airport transfer, private check-in, and in-villa spa treatments scheduled for the weekend. The 2,000-7,000 square-foot villas – ranked by Forbes Travel Guide as one of the Most Luxurious Hotels in the World – come with their own kitchen units, saunas, and pool tables, as well as access to the gorgeous private Aria Sky Pool overlooking the strip. And perhaps best of all, you can order in-villa dining from any of Aria’s restaurants, which are arguably the best collection of upscale dining options  – CATCH, Javier’s, Lemongrass, Carbone, Din Tai Fung, and Sage, to name a few – of any Strip resort.

Closest nightclub to Aria: Jewel (first floor)
Closest pool party to Aria: Liquid (second floor)

Fairway Villas at Wynn/Encore – North Strip

interior of Wynn fairway villa

If the Fairway Villas were good enough for Steve Wynn himself, then they’ll surely be good enough for your sophisticated taste. Yes, the former owner of Wynn/Encore with his name on the building once lived in one of these stunning villas. Including Stevie Boy’s old haunt – now vacated – Wynn Resorts has 36 villas; the one-bedroom villas are 2,411 square feet and the the two-bedroom villas cover 3,224 square feet. Villas offer guests spectacular balcony views, dual marble bathrooms (with rain shower and bathtub, private massage rooms); bedrooms (with king-sized bed and 60-inch LCD high-definition TV); powder rooms, and living rooms with seating for eight and an 80-inch high-definition TV. As a final (or is it a beginning?) perk to set you apart from the masses, the Fairway Villas get their own private entrance and registration lobby, as well as a personal concierge. You’ll have plenty of room to get some rest and relaxation before heading to a Las Vegas hip hop nightclub.

Closest nightclub to Wynn Encore: XS (on first floor)
Closest dayclub to Wynn Encore: Encore Beach Club (on resort property outdoors)

Boulevard Penthouses at Cosmopolitan – Center Strip

Penthouse bungalow interior, Cosmopolitan Las Vegas

The top four floors of Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard tower are dedicated to precisely twenty-one (in honor of Blackjack good luck) swanky penthouse suites masterfully decorated by a trio of world-renowned interior designers (Daun Curry, Richmond International, & Tihany Design). Spectacular unimpeded views of Las Vegas landmarks from the penthouse balconies include the Bellagio’s dancing fountains, every dazzling light on the Strip from north to South, and the colorful Red Rock mountains and cliffs far out on the horizon. Inside the palatial property the view is even better: you’ll enjoy one-of-a-kind amenities such as birdcage swings, marble statues, and full bars stocked with top-shelf cigars and liquor.

Closest party venue(s): Marquee Dayclub / Marquee Nightclub (in resort on second floor)

Chairman’s Suite at Venetian – North Strip

interior of Chairman's Suite at Venetian las vegas

The Chairman’s experience begins when your flight touches down at McCarran – a stretch limousine with an obnoxiously large Venetian logo on the window whisks you away, to the disgust of the onlookers in the airport’s 45-minute taxi line. A private check-in concierge and 24/7 dedicated staff gets you from arrival to the cavernous master bedrooms (yes, the unit has two!) of your 8,000 square foot “office” in less than ten minutes. Also coming in twos are jaw-dropping bathrooms: mini-spas equipped with whirlpool tubs, steam showers, and his-and-her facilities. Alas, you only get one living room, so you’ll have to settle for one with an L-shaped bar, solarium, fireplace, conference room for Chairman “business” of course, and… an indoor garden for finding your moment of zen. You’re all set, boss – time to get to “work” on mapping out your ultimate Vegas weekend adventure.

Closest nightclub to Venetian: Tao (in Venetian on second floor)
Closest pool party to Venetian: Tao Beach (third floor)

Hardwood Suite at Palms – Off-Strip

Interior of Palms Hardwood Suite in Las Vegas

Billionaire real estate moguls and former NBA franchise owners Joe and Gavin Maloof conceived this “Only in Vegas” idea once upon a time (nearly 20 years ago) when they simultaneously owned and operated the Sacramento Kings and the Palms Hotel. This unforgettable signature suite at the Palms spans two levels and 10,000 square feet and is outfitted with an oversized jacuzzi, a pool table, a professional-style locker room for your squad’s ridiculous Vegas wardrobe changes, and of course a 100% necessary indoor basketball court complete with an electronic scoreboard, varnished hardwood floors, and pro-quality fiberglass backboards. With a master bedroom for each of the two captains and “NBA-sized” luxury foldout beds for the role players, two five-man pickup b-ball teams can make this suite their raucous home court for a championship Vegas weekend. Vegas might be a grueling road game, but who says you can’t have home-court advantage for it?

Closest nightclub to The Palms: Apex Social (in resort on 55th floor)

Chairman Suite at Bellagio – Center Strip

chairman suite at bellagio resort & casino, las vegas

The Roman-style Bellagio Resort & Casino is instantly identifiable by its marvelous fountains and eight-acre lake that surround the property, and theatrics abound once you step inside. The hotel has dozens of restaurants and bars, the casino, premier shopping, and even botanical gardens and a conservatory with rotating art each season. The Chairman Suite is located in a private corner of the hotel, and the 4,075-sq-ft suite can host up to six guests. Enter through the mosaic- and marble-floored foyer into the suite’s lofty living room, with double-height ceilings and a large fireplace. Dramatic views over the Bellagio’s iconic fountains and the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip delight from large windows in each room. The contemporary suite is the ideal space for entertaining: There’s a solarium, indoor garden and fountain, fireplace and L-shaped bar. You’ll also have access to VIP seating for ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil and premium seating at any MGM restaurant or club. But let’s admit: on this particular Vegas trip you really need a little pampering and a lot of drinks… so you’re more interested in your villa’s accompanying 24/7 on-call butler/bartender, aren’t you?

Closest nightclub to Bellagio: Mayfair After Dark (first floor)

Nobu Villas at Caesars’ Palace – Center Strip

Nobu Villas at Caesar's Palace

OK, so you don’t really aspire to be like that Steve Wynn guy. But hey, we heard you sing in the shower and so we know that you DO aspire to be like Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, or P. Diddy. In that case, Nobu Villa is the spot if your head is in the clouds and you’re shooting for the stars. Here smack in the center of Sin City you can stay in the villa where many entertainment stars like to shack up – a place where tranquil elegance pours cold water on the hissing in-your-face overabundance running rampant out on the Strip. You’ve got over 10,300 square feet of expansive freedom, luxuriously outfitted with refreshingly minimalist decor that pushes zen and meditative arts (without being too pushy, of course). Just woke up from your nap and have a few hours to kill before your full-body massage next nap? No problem, the Nobu has its own game room, sauna, steam shower, and a 4,700-square-foot outdoor terrace for you to engage in, um “relaxation techniques” of both the tame or risque variety.

Closest nightclub to Caesars’ Palace: Omnia (first floor)

Ultra Panorama Suite at Planet Hollywood – Center Strip

Ultra panorama suite at planet hollywood, las vegas

If you’re the high-energy type that didn’t come to Vegas to sleep and want to lose yourself in the blur, Planet Hollywood’s ultra-hip Ultra Panorama Suite is for you. From your wraparound room with floor-to-ceiling windows you’ll have a front row seat – long, curvy, supple leather couch seats to be exact – to the Strip’s non-stop flashing, blinking light show and the hordes of passing foot traffic below. The room decor and color tones are bright and bold, conveying – nay, screaming – a tone of contemporary elegance and confident luxury. PH knows you came here to go hard or go home, so it’s given you a home base for you to go hard: luxury bedding, a soaking tub, and an oversized fridge for storing your favorite post-party recovery (or re-up). What hangovers may come, this party suite will make them disappear in short order.

Closest nightclub to Planet Hollywood: Chateau (@ Paris next door)

MGM Grand – The Mansion – South Strip

Outdoor courtyard entrance, The Mansion, MGM Grand Las Vegas

A marvelous architectural masterpiece inspired by an 18th-century Florentine countryside villa, The Mansion – on the MGM Grand property but largely invisible to passersby on the Strip – is a hidden fortress of luxury, privacy, and pleasure. As exquisite as the service is – complimentary airport pick-up in a Rolls Royce or Maybach, “dream butlers” at your beck and call, and personal concierges to plan any conceivable Vegas experience is just the start – the sheer grandeur mixed with careful attention to each minute detail is what will really blow you and your guests away. The largest of The Mansion’s villas – a four-bedroom behemoth pushing close to six figures a night to rent out – comes equipped with steam/sauna showers, a separate jacuzzi bathtub, private elevator access, indoor swimming pool, salon, media room, study, exercise room, bar, and billiard room. The Mansion is a playground for the wealthy and uber-famous to let their hair down and have Vegas-style debauchery without the risk of prying eyes and camera phones. Case in point: a certain Hall of Fame fighter is a Mansion regular, and on major fight weekends he throws epic parties where guests are invited to drink unlimited top-shelf liquor while attempting to stuff themselves into carry-on suitcases to win the legend’s money. #OnlyInVegas

Closest nightclub to MGM Grand: Hakkasan (in resort on first floor and offers bottle service in Vegas)
Closest dayclub to MGM Grand: Wet Republic (on resort property outdoors)

Mandalay Bay – Penthouse Superior Suite at Delano – South Strip

interior of Penthouse Superior Suite, Delano Mandalay Las Vegas

The Delano brand epitomized white-hued South Beach style and splendor for nearly a decade before making its way to Las Vegas. This trademark splendor has been uprooted from beach to desert and painstakingly replicated in its sprawling 1,642-square-foot Penthouse Superior Suite within the Mandalay Bay resort. Not-so common “common area” features include a spacious living room layout with plush lounge seating, a gold tree-trunk coffee table, bronze-accented lighting fixtures, and a separate cocktail room for hosting parties or just enjoying the high-life balcony views with friends. The “see and be seen” vibe definitely made it from Delano East over to Delano West… but we certainly don’t blame you if you wanted to just hole up in your sparkling hideaway all weekend and do neither of the two.

Closest dayclub to Mandalay Bay: Moorea (on resort outdoors) / Daylight (on resort outdoors)
Closest nightclub to Mandalay Bay: Light (in resort on first floor

Already figured out your preference for where to indulge in the suite life? OK, the next step in a baller Vegas weekend is to line up your day or night party plans well in advance, and extend the “Good Life” deep into the night by utilizing our Discotech Concierge. Our platform – featured on BBC Travel and highly reviewed on Yelp! – and our dedicated customer service team will put you and your crew another huge step closer to your hassle-free Vegas vacation!

Disotech app screenshots

Top 10 Best Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip

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If you’ve already told yourself that you’re indeed one of those party animals that wants a memorable experience full of luxury and modern amenities – and you are willing to spend coin to get it – then you should to move early to lock down a good room rate at one of the top Las Vegas hotels.  Take it from us experts: there are a handful of magnificent Strip resorts that are head and shoulders above the rest of them, ones that offer all the trappings you desire in the central location you want and are conveniently right smack dab on The Strip.  

There are many reasonably priced and solid options on and off the Vegas Strip, but the Las Vegas that most out-of-towners want to experience is the one of sheer opulence, fast money, gluttonous excess, glitzy sensory overload, and high-stakes swings in fortune.  And of course, Las Vegans (hilarious, but yes that’s what they’re called) play the fiddle in tune because “a fool and his money are soon parted” as the old saying goes. 

Here,  in order of our highly experienced customer service staff’s preferences, is our Discotech top 10 list of hotels you want to visit – and stay at, if you can – on the Las Vegas strip in 2020:

1) Aria – $$$$ – Center Strip

Aria glitters like a new jewel in the desert night

A glittering center-strip jewel rising from the desert floor, Aria is one of the largest hotels on Planet Earth: 4,004 rooms, including 568 suites and two distinct AAA Five Diamond hotel products. State-of-the-art rooms and suites are a given; for the more discerning client the exclusive Sky Suites – 1,000-7,000 square-foot villas with private check-in and elevator, dedicated lounge, goodie bags, and Sky Pool access – offer even more opulence and white-glove service. Even better, Aria houses arguably the best collection of upscale dining options  – CATCH, Javier’s, Lemongrass, Carbone, Din Tai Fung, and Sage, to name a few – of any Strip resort.  They know that the way to your heart… and your wallet… is through your stomach, don’t they?

Closest nightclub to Aria: Jewel (inside resort on first floor);  
Closest dayclub to Aria: Liquid (inside resort on second floor)

2) Wynn/Encore – $$$$$ – North Strip

Wynn/Encore details capture Steve Wynn's meticulous vision

With its ubiquitous red and gold interior decor – lucky colors to the wealthy Asian clientele that often frequent its casino floor tables – the Wynn and Encore have always been on of the most luxurious properties on the Vegas strip. In recent years, they’ve traded in their elitist vibe – without sacrificing any of the luxury – for a more high-energy fashionista cool to target those aspirational Millennials of the aughts and teens that now have money to burn in 2020. Sleek, modern rooms showcasing Steve Wynn’s famed attention to detail start at 640 square feet and offer floor-to-ceiling windows, signature Wynn Dream beds, luxe linens and marble bathtubs. But the big draw for the hipper, younger set remains the on-site entertainment options, including nightlife venues that continue to showcase the hottest musical talent in the world including The Chainsmokers, Drake, and Diplo.

Closest nightclub: XS (inside resort on first floor)
Closest dayclub: Encore Beach Club (on resort property outdoors)

3) Cosmopolitan – $$$$$ – Center Strip

Cosmo casino floor

A popular hotel choice and rendezvous point for the beautiful twentysomethings and thirtysomethings of the world since the day it opened, The Cosmopolitan continues to stand out from all other high-end resorts on the Strip by maintaining its modern style and sophistication while consistently adding new attractions. The choice of well-traveled and well-heeled young foreigners as well as in-the-know locals, Cosmo attracts the cool kids crowd with its buzzy pool/bar scenes and its cadre of Instagram-worthy restaurants. (Our favorites: Eggslut, Momofoku, Beauty & Essex, and of course the Secret Pizza speakeasy.) Spacious, boldly decorated rooms with amenities like Japanese soaking tubs and spectacular views from outdoor balconies – it’s one of the only Strip properties to have them, for safety reasons – await wide-eyed and deep-pocketed hotel guests. It’s a resort you often never leave upon arrival, because the five-star experience is to be had whether you’re chillin’ in your room or wildin’ out in the 24-hours-a-day party atmosphere on the Cosmo casino floor.

Closest nightclub to Cosmopolitan: Marquee Nightclub (in resort on second floor)
Closest dayclub to Cosmopolitan: Marquee Dayclub (second floor / Las Vegas bottle service available)

4) Venetian – $$$$ – North Strip

Canals at Venetian Las Vegas

Now one of the oldest four-star-and-up properties on the Strip, Venetian has aged gracefully: it’s every bit as fetching, well-maintained, and fun-loving as a botox-blessed Italian cougar. Grandeur and opulence inspired by the charming canals of the great city of Venice (duh!) is the overriding aesthetic, from grand white marble columns to blue-hued painted cloud ceilings to the trademark canal that winds through the Shops at Venetian, complete with singing gondoliers and hawking merchants. Venetian originally pioneered the now common “all-suite” accommodations with rooms featuring separate sitting areas, grand bathrooms and spacious layouts larger than most Milanese apartments. If money’s no object, book your stay at Prestige at the Palazzo – a massive spread which comes with continental breakfast, a live piano player on request and complimentary wine – and secure the Stage Cabana at the newly renovated Tao Beach for an epic and indulgent Saturday afternoon scene.

Closest nightclub to Venetian: Tao (in resort on second / third floor)
Closest dayclub to Venetian: Tao Beach

5) The Linq – $$$ – Center Strip

Linq - Vegas Strip's best kept secret

Surprised to see this 3-star property on the list? Don’t be. Much like that of a Vegas Fight Weekend headliner, the Linq’s penchant for punching above its weight when it comes to luxury has long been known among hardcore Vegas insiders and locals, and you’re likely still in the dark. The youngest sibling in the Caesars family – and perhaps the one with the most spunk – the Linq was renovated, rebranded, and relaunched in 2014 with an emphasis on targeting fresh-faced Millennials.  As a result, the rooms are very modern, contemporary, and ultra-clean and the casino floor still has a bit of that “new car” smell and look.  The “affordable luxury at its finest” extends to the fabulously comfortable rooms; there are also room options for a crowd that have two queen beds and an extra lofted bunk, which is good if you’re hoping to make new friends or one of your crew decides to join the Vegas jaunt last-minute. On-site luxurious spa treatments and hangover IV services are great perks; there are also in-room fitness carts stocked with yoga mats and foam rollers available to guests free of charge.  But what sets this hotel head and shoulders above the rest: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.  It’s right smack in the center of action, walking distance or a $6-8 Uber / Lyft from practically every Vegas Strip resort where you’d want to party and meet friends (or strangers).   And if you’re too partied out to wander far from your bed?  No problem, you can step right outside the hotel and spend your hard-earned paycheck enjoying numerous award-winning restaurants and bars at the Linq Promenade, or even getting some fresh air and sun onto your face by flying high above the strip on either the High Roller ferris wheel or the FLY LINQ zipline.

Closest nightclub to LINQ: Omnia (@ Caesars Palace across the street)

6) Bellagio – $$$$ – Center Strip

Bellagio fountains at dusk

With its world-famous Bellagio fountains out front-and-center mesmerizing Las Vegas Strip visitors with dancing water light shows every 15 minutes, the Bellagio is the epitome of understated elegance. Visitors with refined tastes and a preference for decades-old wine over stiff cocktails will enjoy a stay here: Bellagio lavishes visitors with spacious rooms and suites that are classic in look and feel yet referbished with all modern trappings (fast wi-fi, mood lighting, and soaking tubs). The magnificent horticultural gardens on the first floor near the main lobby rotate seasonally and are worth a visit and a few pictures on every Vegas trip. Insiders tip #1: Bellagio has the most luxurious sports book in Vegas, and demand for seating is through the roof every Saturday and Sunday during football season. Insiders tip #2: Bellagio also has the liveliest yet most friendly poker room on the strip, with games at all levels running 24/7 and chatty regulars who will smile and tell you great stories in between competitive hands.

Closest nightclub to Bellagio: Mayfair After Dark (in resort on first floor)

7) Caesars’ Palace – $$$ – Center Strip

Caesars Palace Forum Shops

The casino resort that defined Las Vegas luxury for baby boomers was re-introduced to and lionized by the 40-and-under set via the 2009 smash-hit movie “The Hangover.” A decade later, Caesars’ Palace continues to be a must-visit resort on the Strip, owing to proximity features like a sprawling pool area, the hottest club in town (Omnia), a massive shopping center (Forum Shops), and nearly 4,000 comfortable rooms and suites. Architecturally, guests are transported back to the time of Maximus via impressive sights such as the Forum Tower, the Augustus Tower, and eloquently carved statues of historical figures offering bold welcomes (and can’t-miss selfie moments). Feeling extra baller this weekend? Grab your entourage and follow in the famous footsteps of Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, or Drake to rent out the 10,300-square-foot Nobu Villa with its massive terrace, steam shower, and game room.

Closest nightclub to Caesar’s Palace: Omnia (in resort on first floor)

8) Sahara – $$$$ – North Strip

SLS hotel is now Sahara

Formerly the SLS Casino, this resort is under new ownership and relaunches as the Sahara in early 2020 (funny enough, it had been called the Sahara for decades prior to SLS taking over). Once again, the property has been fully gutted and carefully remodeled to make way for a hip, modern, luxury-oozing hotel halfway between Downtown and center Strip. Discerning guests will opt for a room in ultra-posh the all-suite Lux Tower with its French motifs and exclusive in-room dining menu. For regular guests, one of the 1,500-plus Philippe Starck-designed standard rooms with numerous artistic touches will suit them just fine. The casino floor eatures a 50,000-square-foot casino floor with 600 slot machines and 60 table games, as well as a visually arresting giant LED cube in the ceiling and some of the most underrated mid-level dining options in all of Vegas (Northside Cafe is one of our personal favorites).

Closest nightclub to SLS: XS (@ Wynn next door)
Closest dayclub to SLS: Encore Beach Club (@ Encore next door)

9) Mandalay Bay – $$$$ – South Strip

Mandalay Bay shines in broad daylight

The giant Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is every bit as luxurious as the other resorts on this list, it just no longer exudes that “exclusive” feel as do many of the others. It offers a ton of family-friendly amenities (wave pool, streaming lazy river pool, shark reef aquarium, kid-friendly eateries), and that mainstream appeal is what brings constant crowds and long lines especially in the summer. Add in intermittent air traffic noise (it’s across from McCarran) and inconveniently long rides to center or south Strip locations, and the venue can take on the feel of Disneyland instead of Sin City. Which is fine if you’re with young ones and don’t want to (or can’t) stray too far from home base: all of the hotel’s 3,209 rooms underwent renovations in 2016 with TVs, minibars, bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and ultra-comfy beds, so why not “staycation” and lord over your temporary castle?

Closest nightclub to Mandalay Bay: / Light (in resort on first floor)
Closest dayclub to Mandalay Bay: Moorea (on resort property outdoors) / Daylight (on resort property outdoors)

10) Park MGM Hotel – $$$ – South Strip

Park MGM from Strip at dusk

Formerly the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, the upscale Park MGM Las Vegas opened in 2018 after a multimillion-dollar renovation, providing a casual and cool atmosphere catering to younger travelers (mid-twenties to early-thirties). The rooms and pool are slightly above average but so new that you’ll be happy with them; the true stars of this resort are the restaurant offerings. The goal from the get-go was for Park MGM to be a foodie haven, and with ultra-hip(ster) offerings such as Eataly and Roy Choi’s Best Friend that box has been checked. The speakeasy and nightclub On the Record – the upscale brainchild of LA-based Houston Hospitality, one of the most successful nightlife brands in Hollywood – blasts 80s, 90s, and 2000s hip-hop and is packed nightly with nostalgic millennials (and older millennial wannabes) from open to close (also check out more Vegas hip hop night clubs here). On top of that, you can go gaga for Lady Gaga, turn back time with Cher, or kick off your golden night watching NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights (next door at T-Mobile Arena). For those of you that love that new new, this is the walk in the Park that you want to take.

Closest nightclub to Park MGM: On The Record (In resort on first floor)
Closest dayclub to Park MGM: JEMAA (in resort on fifth floor);

OK, so you’ve just scrolled through and wrapped up all your research to maximize your Vegas hotel accommodations experience! What’s the next step? Line up your day or night party plans for your Vegas well in advance, and set aside the appropriate budgets using our Discotech app. Our app – available in both the App Store and Google Play and featured on BBC Travel and highly reviewed on Yelp! – will put you and your crew another huge step closer to your hassle-free Vegas vacation!

Disotech app screenshots
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