Is Excalibur worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — Excalibur is worth it if you want an affordable, family-friendly stay on the south Las Vegas Strip with easy access to nearby arenas and a large casino. If you prefer modern luxury, quieter rooms, or inclusive extras (room service, no resort fee), there are better options nearby.
In this guide
Who should pick Excalibur
Excalibur suits families, budget-conscious travelers, and visitors attending events at nearby venues like T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Stadium. It opened in 1990 and remains a value-focused, Camelot-themed option on the south Strip.
The property welcomes guests of all ages (the hotel is family-friendly) while reserving one pool area — the Royal Pool — for guests 21 and older. Check-in requires a reservation holder who is at least 21 with matching ID and the original credit card used to book.
- Good for families thanks to arcade (Fun Dungeon), waterslide and family-friendly pools
- Close walk or tram to Luxor, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand Garden Arena
- Affordable rooms and a large on-site casino (around 100,000 sq ft)
| Nearby venue | Approximate walking/travel note |
|---|---|
| MGM Grand Garden Arena | Roughly a 5-minute walk |
| T-Mobile Arena | About 0.5 miles |
| Allegiant Stadium | About 0.9 miles |
Rooms: what to expect
Rooms are practical and aimed at value rather than high-end finishes. Room types include Resort Tower Room, Royal Tower Room, Resort Strip View Room, Royal Superior Room, Resort Superior Room, Royal Luxury Suite and Resort Luxury Suite, and each room includes basics such as an in-room safe and hair dryer.
If you want more space or a jetted tub, consider one of the suite categories; if proximity to the casino and Strip views matter, look for Resort Strip View Room or Royal Tower Room when booking.
- Standard options: Resort Tower Room, Royal Tower Room, Resort Strip View Room
- Higher-end: Royal Superior Room, Resort Superior Room
- Suites: Royal Luxury Suite and Resort Luxury Suite (1 King Bed each)
| Category | Bed options / notes |
|---|---|
| Resort Tower Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Royal Tower Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Royal Luxury Suite / Resort Luxury Suite | 1 King Bed; more space, jetted tub options |
Pools, spa and fitness — family or adult options
Excalibur has four seasonal outdoor pools (Main Pool, Spring Pool, Slide Pool, and the adults-only Royal Pool) across roughly five acres of pool space. Pool access is complimentary for registered hotel guests, though the Royal Pool is reserved for guests 21 and older and may require an entry fee.
The Spa At Excalibur offers treatments, a redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room and a heated whirlpool; the spa is open daily and reservations can be made in advance. A fitness center is on site with hours typically from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and gym access is included with the resort fee.
- Four seasonal pools; Slide Pool includes a waterslide (family-friendly)
- Royal Pool: adults-only (21+) and entry starts at $10; not included in standard resort fee
- Spa: The Spa At Excalibur (13,000 sq ft) with 11 treatment rooms; open daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
| Amenity | Access |
|---|---|
| Family pools (Main, Spring, Slide) | Complimentary for registered guests |
| Royal Pool (adults-only) | Restricted to 21+; entry fee applies |
| Spa & Fitness | Spa treatments by reservation; fitness included with resort fee |
Dining, nightlife and casino
Dining at Excalibur leans casual and family-friendly. On-site options include The Buffet at Excalibur, Dick's Last Resort, Buca di Beppo, Johnny Rockets, Baja Fresh and several quick-service outlets and a food court.
The casino is large (about 96,000–100,000 sq ft) with around 2,000 slot machines and table games, plus a sportsbook. Bars and seasonal poolside outlets provide places to drink and watch sports, including TAP Sports Bar at Excalibur and Vagabond.
- The Buffet at Excalibur serves a daily brunch offering (hours 7:00 AM–2:00 PM)
- Several casual restaurants and a multi-outlet food court for quick meals
- No in-room room service — plan to eat on property or off-site
| Restaurant | Type / Notes |
|---|---|
| The Buffet at Excalibur | International brunch (7:00 AM–2:00 PM) |
| Buca di Beppo | Family-style Italian, open daily with varied hours |
| Johnny Rockets / Baja Fresh | Quick-service American and Mexican options |
Costs and fees to watch
Excalibur charges a mandatory resort fee per accommodation, per night that includes Wi‑Fi, fitness center access and some phone calls. The property also places a security/incidental deposit at check-in and a credit/debit card authorization hold for incidentals.
Parking and optional pool extras add costs: covered self-parking and valet carry daily fees, and some pool cabanas or Royal Pool entry require additional charges. Breakfast and certain spa treatments are additional paid extras.
- Mandatory resort fee (covers Wi‑Fi and fitness access)
- Security/incidental deposit collected at check-in (authorization hold; release timing varies)
- Covered self-parking and valet available for daily fees; oversized vehicle parking and EV charging notes apply
| Charge | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Mandatory; includes Wi‑Fi and fitness access |
| Incidentals deposit | Authorization hold at check-in; domestic holds release faster than international |
| Royal Pool | Adults-only entrance requires additional fee |
Noise, crowding and the Las Vegas Strip location
The south Strip location is convenient for shows and arenas but can be busy and noisy compared with quieter, non-Strip hotels. Expect Strip traffic, crowds in public areas and activity near the casino floor.
If you need quieter nights, request higher-floor rooms or Tower locations when booking; if your main priorities are entertainment and value, Excalibur’s location and on-site offerings make it practical.
- Excellent access to arenas and south-Strip attractions via walking or the free tram to Luxor and Mandalay Bay
- Public areas and casino can be busy — especially during event weekends
- Consider room location (Tower vs. Resort Tower) when booking for quieter stays
| Proximity | Note |
|---|---|
| Luxor / Mandalay Bay | Next door; free tram connects resorts |
| MGM Grand Garden Arena | About a 5-minute walk |
| Bellagio Fountains | About an 18-minute walk |
Ideal trip types and final verdict
Choose Excalibur if you want a central south-Strip address, family-friendly pools and dining, a large casino floor, and budget-focused rooms with straightforward amenities. It’s a good pick for families, groups and event-goers who prioritize location and value over boutique design or high-end room features.
Skip Excalibur if you want quieter, more modern rooms, all-inclusive perks, no resort fee, or upscale on-site dining and service-levels. The resort fee, incidental hold, additional pool or cabana charges and the active casino environment are trade-offs to consider.
- Best for: families, value travelers, people attending arena/Strip events
- Not ideal for: travelers seeking luxury rooms, in-room dining, or a fee-free stay
- Quick decision tip: book if location + price matter; choose a different Strip hotel if you need modern luxury or fewer extra fees
| Good fit? | Why |
|---|---|
| Families | Waterslide, arcade, family pools and casual dining |
| Budget travelers | Competitive rates and many included basics |
| Luxury seekers | Better to pick a higher-end Strip property |
