Let’s be real for a second. When you think about the hotel inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, you probably picture neon lights, Britney Spears (well, her residency ghost), and maybe that massive Miracle Mile Shops mall that feels like it never ends. It is loud. It is energetic. It’s also one of those places that people either absolutely love because they want to be in the middle of the chaos, or they avoid because they’d rather have a quiet spa day at the Wynn.
If you’re looking for a library atmosphere, walk away now. This place is basically a playground for adults who still want to feel like they’re at the center of the universe.
The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino—owned by Caesars Entertainment—occupies a very specific niche on the Strip. It sits right between the upscale Paris Las Vegas and the somewhat more budget-friendly Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s). It’s the middle child that decided to dye its hair purple and stay out until 4:00 AM. But there is a lot more to the hotel inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas than just the movie memorabilia in the lobby. Honestly, the way the rooms are laid out and the way the property connects to the rest of the city makes it one of the most functional stays on the Strip, provided you know which towers to book and which elevators to avoid during peak checkout times.
The Room Situation: Ultra Hip vs. Ultra Luxury
One thing most people get wrong is assuming all the rooms are identical. They aren't. Not even close. You have the standard "Ultra Hip" rooms, which are the bread and butter of the property. These were renovated a few years back to get rid of that dusty "old Hollywood" vibe and replace it with something sleeker. Think bold patterns, pops of pink and neon, and large soaking tubs that actually fit a human being.
Then you have the suites. The Apex Suite is arguably one of the best views for the price point in the entire city. Because of the way the hotel is angled, you get a panoramic look at the Bellagio Fountains without having to pay Bellagio prices. It’s a bit of a life hack.
However, you've got to be careful with the "Resort Vista" rooms. While they sound fancy, sometimes the "vista" is just the roof of the North 40 or a very close-up view of the Eiffel Tower’s legs. If you want the fountains, you have to be specific at check-in. Just asking for a "good view" usually gets you a view of the parking garage or the back of the Cosmopolitan.
The furniture in the hotel inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas is designed to be "Instagrammable," but it’s surprisingly sturdy. You won’t find the delicate antiques of the Encore here. Instead, you get massive headboards and desks that can actually withstand a laptop and three empty yard-long margarita glasses. It’s practical.
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Location: The 100% Walkability Factor
If there is one reason to stay at the hotel inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, it’s the location. You are at the "50-yard line" of the Strip.
Directly across the street is the Cosmopolitan and Bellagio. To your left is Paris. To your right is the Elara. You are essentially in the heart of the pedestrian-heavy zone. This is a blessing and a curse. It means you don’t need a rental car. Ever. It also means that if you’re trying to get an Uber at 10:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to be waiting in a ride-share line that looks like a Coachella entrance.
The Miracle Mile Shops wrap around the entire base of the hotel. This is actually a huge perk that people overlook. Most Strip hotels force you to walk through a smoky casino for 20 minutes just to find a bottle of water that costs $9. At the hotel inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, you can slip out a side door and find an ABC Store or a CVS within minutes. You can get a cheap breakfast at Ocean One or a massive slice of pizza without depleting your gambling fund.
The Casino Floor and the "Vibe"
The casino at Planet Hollywood is loud. There is no other way to put it. They pump in music, the lighting is dark and moody, and they often have "Pleasure Pit" dealers (essentially go-go dancers who also deal blackjack). It’s not for everyone. If you’re a serious poker player looking for a silent, focused environment, this isn't it. But if you want to drink a beer and listen to Top 40 hits while losing twenty bucks on a slot machine, it’s perfect.
The sportsbook is tucked away in the back. It’s decent, but it feels a bit dated compared to the "Stadium" style books at Circa or Caesars Palace. Still, for a casual bettor staying in the hotel inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, it’s perfectly functional.
One nuance people miss is the smell. Every Vegas hotel has a signature scent pumped into the HVAC system. Planet Hollywood’s is... aggressive. It’s a mix of citrus and "cool guy" cologne. You’ll either love it or want to sneeze for three days straight.
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Dining: Beyond the Buffet
Planet Hollywood doesn't have a traditional buffet anymore, which is a bummer for some. But they have Gordon Ramsay Burger.
Is it overrated? Maybe a little.
Is the line always 45 minutes long? Yes.
Is the Hell’s Kitchen Burger actually good? Honestly, yes.
If you’re staying at the hotel inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, you also have easy access to Strip House, which is a top-tier steakhouse that doesn't get enough credit because it's overshadowed by the flashier places. The 24-layer chocolate cake there is a literal hazard to your health, but you should eat it anyway.
Then there’s the Earl of Sandwich. It’s a cult favorite for a reason. It’s cheap (by Vegas standards), it’s open late, and the "The Holiday Turkey" sandwich is basically Thanksgiving in a bun. It’s the ultimate "I just spent four hours at the craps table" meal.
The Pool Scene: FlowRider and Sun
The pool at Planet Hollywood—The Scene Pool Deck—is unique because of the FlowRider. It’s a wave simulator where you can try to surf. It’s hilarious to watch people wipe out, and it’s a genuine workout if you actually try to do it.
The pool itself is split into two sections. It gets very crowded. If you aren't down there by 10:00 AM, good luck finding a chair that isn't in the splash zone of a bachelor party. The music is loud, the drinks are expensive, and the sun reflects off the glass towers in a way that makes you feel like an ant under a magnifying glass. Wear sunscreen. Seriously.
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What Most People Get Wrong About PH
The biggest misconception is that it’s "trashy." People compare it to the high-end luxury spots and dismiss it. But "trashy" isn't the right word. It’s "high-energy." It’s a 3.5 to 4-star hotel that knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be the Waldorf Astoria.
Another misconception is that the "Hollywood" theme is everywhere. It used to be. You used to have actual movie props in every room—like a dress from Titanic or a prop from Die Hard. After the recent renovations, most of that is gone. The rooms are more modern and less "museum-y." The memorabilia is now mostly confined to the common areas and the lobby.
Technical Details You Should Know
- Resort Fees: They are real and they are annoying. Expect to pay around $45–$50 per night on top of your room rate. This covers the Wi-Fi and the fitness center.
- Parking: Caesars charges for parking now. If you have Diamond status or higher with Caesars Rewards, it’s free. Otherwise, budget for it.
- Check-in: The kiosks are your friend. The line for the human front desk agents can be soul-crushing on a Friday afternoon. Use the digital check-in on the app or the kiosks in the lobby to save an hour of your life.
- Elevators: They use a destination dispatch system (you press your floor on a screen before you get in). It’s efficient, but it confuses people who have had one too many drinks at the Heart Bar.
Is the Hotel Inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Right for You?
Stay here if:
- You want to be in the center of the Strip.
- You like loud music and a party atmosphere.
- You want easy access to cheap food (Miracle Mile).
- You’re looking for a modern, clean room without the $400/night price tag.
Skip it if:
- You want a quiet, relaxing retreat.
- You hate crowds and long walks through malls.
- You’re traveling with people who need a "refined" experience.
- You have a low tolerance for the "Vegas" smell and noise.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Stay
- Join Caesars Rewards first. Even if you don't gamble, you often get a lower "member rate" just for signing up on the website.
- Request a North Tower room. Generally, these have slightly better access to the casino and the Strip exit, though the South Tower is closer to the Miracle Mile Shops.
- Book the FlowRider in advance. If you actually want to surf, don't just show up at the pool. Slots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Download the Caesars app. You can use it as your room key, which means you can bypass the front desk entirely if your room is ready.
- Check the Bakkt Theater schedule. Formerly the Zappos Theater, this is one of the best concert venues in Vegas. If a big act is playing while you’re there, the hotel will be twice as crowded, but the energy is unmatched.
At the end of the day, the hotel inside Planet Hollywood Las Vegas is a solid, reliable choice for anyone who wants the "classic" Vegas experience—lots of lights, lots of people, and just enough luxury to feel like you're on vacation without breaking the bank. Just don't forget where you parked; the garage is a labyrinth designed by someone who clearly hates cars.