Looking for an honest review of the Horseshoe Las Vegas from someone who’s actually stayed there?
We recently spent a few nights at the Horseshoe Las Vegas hotel, right on the corner of the Strip where the Flamingo intersection sits at what locals call the “50-yard line.” It’s the rebranded version of the old Bally’s, and it’s become one of the better budget-friendly picks on the central Strip, mostly because of where it sits.
But is it actually worth booking over something like Excalibur or a proper luxury stay next door?
In this honest Horseshoe Las Vegas review, I’m breaking down everything: the rooms, the rebrand, the food nearby, the casino, and exactly who this hotel is (and isn’t) a good fit for.
Short on Time?
You can find solid rates for the Horseshoe Las Vegas hotel right on Expedia. They price match, so you’re not left wondering if you could’ve gotten a better deal, and their flexible cancellation policy is a lifesaver if your Vegas plans change at the last minute.
Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
If you’re staying at Horseshoe, you’re basically staying in the middle of everything, so it’s worth planning a few Strip essentials into your trip! Because Horseshoe sits so close to Paris Las Vegas and Miracle Mile Shops, you can genuinely walk to most of central Strip’s biggest attractions without much planning.
These are a few experiences I’d add to your itinerary:
- High Roller Observation Wheel – The tallest observation wheel in the world, with incredible panoramic views of the Strip, especially at sunset.
- The Bellagio Fountains – Free, iconic, and beautiful, especially at night!
- Fremont Street Experience – A totally different, more local side of Vegas, worth at least one evening.
- Miracle Mile Shops – Right outside the hotel, and great for a walkable afternoon of shopping and people-watching.
Arrival & Check-In
Check-in at Horseshoe is straightforward, and the staff were friendly and helpful when we arrived. One thing worth knowing ahead of time: Caesars properties, Horseshoe included, have a hard 4 PM check-in time. This is different from MGM properties, where the app will often let you into your room early if it’s ready, even if you show up at noon.
It’s a small thing, but if you’re the type who likes to drop bags and start exploring right away, it’s worth building that 4 PM cutoff into your plans so you’re not stuck waiting around the lobby.
The Rooms
The rooms have clearly been through the renovation that came with the shift from Bally’s to Horseshoe. Everything felt fresh, clean, and well-maintained, not like a hotel that’s just riding on an old reputation.
The one thing I’ll flag: the bed wasn’t the most comfortable, and the sheets had kind of a cardboard-y feel to them. That could just be the specific room we were in rather than a hotel-wide issue, but it’s worth knowing going in.
On the plus side, we had an in-room fridge, which is a nice bonus on the Strip and not something every hotel in this price range offers.
The Horseshoe Rebrand & Atmosphere
Horseshoe Las Vegas officially took over from Bally’s on December 15, 2022, after a multi-million dollar renovation that touched the casino floor, the exterior, and the dining lineup.
The name is a nod to the original Binion’s Horseshoe downtown, where the World Series of Poker got its start back in 1970, and the rebrand brought WSOP back to the Strip alongside Paris Las Vegas.
The result feels less like a cosmetic sign swap and more like an actual refresh. Locals still sometimes just shorten it to Horseshoe Vegas, but officially and on the signage, it’s Horseshoe Las Vegas.
The shops out front have been updated, too, and there are a few hidden gems tucked in among them that are worth a stop, more on those in the dining section below.
➡️ Click here to book a stay at Horseshoe Las Vegas!
The Casino
The gaming floor carries the rebrand through in its design, with the leather and gold Horseshoe touches that the brand is known for elsewhere in the country. It’s got a solid mix of table games and slots, and it never felt overly stuffy or exclusive, more like a comfortable, mid-Strip gaming floor.
Given the Horseshoe name’s roots in poker, it’s no surprise the poker room gets a lot of attention here, and this is the property that now hosts the World Series of Poker alongside Paris next door. Even if you’re not a serious player, it’s a fun floor to wander through and get a feel for that poker history.
Horseshoe Las Vegas Restaurants & Bars
The dining scene at Horseshoe itself is solid, but the real win of staying here is what’s within a five-minute walk. Between the hotel’s own restaurants and the food options just outside its doors, you don’t have to eat out at a sit-down restaurant every single day, which is a nice break when you’re spending a lot of money on food on a Strip trip.
Jack Binion’s Steak
Jack Binion’s Steak is Horseshoe’s signature steakhouse, named after the son of Benny Binion, the man behind the original Horseshoe brand. It leans into that old-school Vegas steakhouse feel, and it’s the spot to book if you want a proper sit-down dinner without leaving the hotel.
Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Sports Kitchen
For something more casual, Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Sports Kitchen is right on property, serving up American comfort food alongside plenty of screens for catching a game. It’s a good pick if you want a laid-back meal with drinks rather than a formal dinner. I really liked their chili, and the portions are huge! Definitely share.
Other Restaurants & Quick Bites
Just outside the hotel, the updated shops out front have some real standouts. Ramenya is there if you want something warm and fast, though I’ll be honest, it reads more like a chicken noodle soup than a properly flavorful bowl of ramen. Still a decent option if you’re feeling a little under the weather and want broth in a hurry.
The two spots I’d actually recommend going out of your way for are Chilango Tacos and Istanbul Mediterranean. We got six tacos between the two of us at Chilango for around $33 total, which is unbeatable value for the Strip, and you can load them up with sauces to keep things fresh and a little healthier.
Istanbul Mediterranean is a great first-timer stop too, with salad bowls, vegan falafel, and rice bowls, and it stays open until 5 AM, which is a genuine steal when you’re out late. It’s one of the best affordable restaurants in Las Vegas.
And if you don’t feel like sitting down anywhere, there’s a CVS right outside the hotel that’s always busy with people grabbing water, snacks, fresh fruit, and even yogurt. It’s an easy way to stock up and head back to your room instead of eating out for every meal.
The Pool & Amenities
Horseshoe Las Vegas Pool
Horseshoe’s Blu Pool is a good, straightforward Strip pool experience. It’s seasonal, typically open from spring through fall, and it’s not the sprawling, multi-pool complex you’d find at somewhere like Mandalay Bay, but it does the job if you want a few hours in the sun with a drink from the poolside bar.
Fitness Center & Other Amenities
The resort fee here covers fitness center access along with in-room WiFi, so if you’re planning to keep up a workout routine while you’re in town, that’s included rather than an extra add-on. There’s also a video game arcade on the property, which is a fun surprise if you’re traveling with kids or just want a break from the casino floor.
Location on the Las Vegas Strip
This is where the Horseshoe Las Vegas earns its keep. You can walk straight from the hotel into Paris Las Vegas, which has great food stops like Dominique Ansel and plenty of solid coffee options along the way. Step outside, and you’re immediately in Miracle Mile Shops, with easy access to The LINQ and classic central-Strip Vegas energy.
Compared to a true Las Vegas budget hotel like Excalibur, which sits further down the Strip, Horseshoe puts you right in the thick of things. You might pay a bit more for the room than you would at a purely budget property, but the location trade-off is well worth it if you don’t want to be shuttling back and forth to reach the good stuff.
What to Watch Out For
A few things worth knowing before you book:
Hard 4 PM check-in. Caesars properties, Horseshoe included, don’t offer the early check-in flexibility you’ll find at MGM resorts, where the app will often let you into your room early if it’s ready. Plan your first day around that 4 PM cutoff so you’re not stuck waiting in the lobby.
The bedding could be more comfortable. Our sheets had a bit of a cardboard-y feel to them, and the bed wasn’t the softest. It might just be the room we were in, but if you’re sensitive to that, it’s worth checking recent reviews before booking a specific room type.
It’s a Caesars property, not MGM. If you’re used to MGM’s rewards perks or app features, know that Horseshoe runs on the Caesars Rewards system instead, so some of those conveniences won’t carry over.
Who Is This Hotel For?
This one hits a specific sweet spot. Here’s who I think it’s really built for:
Great for:
- Budget-conscious travelers who still want to be in the center of the action rather than tucked away at the far end of the Strip
- Anyone who wants easy walking access to Paris Las Vegas, Miracle Mile Shops, and The LINQ without paying luxury-property prices
- Poker fans and casino players who want to be close to the WSOP action
- First-timers who want a central home base without overthinking the location
Maybe skip if:
- A top-tier, plush bed is non-negotiable for you
- A sprawling, resort-style pool day is a top priority
- You want MGM’s early check-in flexibility rather than a hard 4 PM cutoff
But for location, cleanliness, and overall value, it holds up well against other mid-range Strip options.
Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel: Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Horseshoe in Las Vegas?
The current Horseshoe Las Vegas is actually a rebrand of the former Bally’s Las Vegas, completed on December 15, 2022, by Caesars Entertainment. The Horseshoe name itself dates back to the original Binion’s Horseshoe downtown, which Caesars sold off years ago while keeping the brand name for use elsewhere.
What is Horseshoe Las Vegas known for?
Horseshoe is best known for its ties to the World Series of Poker, which originated at the downtown Binion’s Horseshoe in 1970 and has since returned to the Strip, hosted jointly between Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. It’s also known for its central Strip location and its poker-forward casino atmosphere.
Is Horseshoe Las Vegas connected to Paris Las Vegas?
Yes, Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas are sister properties sitting right next to each other, connected by a walkway and the Grand Bazaar Shops. You can easily walk from your room at Horseshoe into Paris for dining, and both properties jointly host the World Series of Poker each year.
Does Horseshoe Las Vegas charge a resort fee?
Yes, like nearly every major Strip hotel, Horseshoe charges a mandatory nightly resort fee, which typically covers fitness center access and in-room WiFi for two devices. It’s worth factoring into your budget on top of the advertised room rate, since it’s collected separately at check-in or check-out.
Final Thoughts: Is Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel Worth It?
For budget travelers who don’t want to sacrifice location, Horseshoe Las Vegas is worth it. The rooms are clean and freshly renovated, the staff is friendly, and you’re within walking distance of some of the best food and entertainment on the central Strip.
The bed situation and the strict 4 PM check-in are minor annoyances, but they’re not dealbreakers against everything else this hotel gets right for the price.
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
