First time at Luxor coming up next month - tell me all!

I've finally opted for Luxor! With 4 nights comped, it'll also be my first 4 night stay in Vegas. I've read the recent thread https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/luxor-couple-of-questions.187383/page-2 which mostly focused on rooms.

I've got a pyramid king room booked, and I do plan to stick with that, since staying in a pyramid room is kind of the point of being at the Luxor for me.

Questions though, are: how are the pools? The calendar indicates they'll be open, and cabana and daybed prices are really low for my dates. Would it be worth booking something just to have a comfy spot at the pool? I'm not a hang out all day at the pool type, more like 1.5-2 hours, swim, read a book, have a beer, all done.

Best bets for meals? I don't go to chain type restaurants in Vegas - there are too many unique places. But Other than Public House, I've never dined in Luxor.

Which bars would have the best VP experience (and I don't mean paytables necessarily, I know those suck on the Strip. But for example, I enjoy the West Bar in Park a lot -- good bartenders, fun vibe, close to the action etc.) What would be the equivalent at Luxor?

Other than Bodies (which I am not interested in), are there any special things to see at Luxor? I did notice that the King Tut exhibit at the Natural History Museum was sponsored by Luxor!

Thanks for any tips! After Vegas, I go straight to DC to visit my eldest college kid.

 

Overall, I'd say Luxor is, despite the dramatic architecture, fairly generic for a Vegas hotel. It's still a great experience overall, though.

Pyramid rooms were finally re-done a few years ago. They're a bit gimmicky, and people love them or hate them (the tower rooms are nice but pretty much just standard hotel rooms). It's worth trying at least once for the experience.

The pools are great, it's one of my favorite complexes in Vegas, and much as with Mirage, it's disproportionately nice for a resort like that. Just bear in mind that by November it gets pretty cold.

I haven't personally been but people have good things to say about Tender. I also like Diablo's Cantina, which has multiple locations at various MGM properties, but I wouldn't really call it a "chain". I've been a few times to the Mirage location. It's pretty standard Mexican food, but solid. There isn't much else at Luxor, but you can easily walk over to Mandalay Bay, where there are a ton of options both along the walkway and in the resort proper; too many to name, but other than Lupo (where I maybe have just had bad luck), all the restaurants are very good.

As far as special things, if you like AGT, they're doing a sort of best-of show starting on 4 November. And unlike what they do sometimes with shows based on reality competitions, they're bringing the A-team. Lots of finalists -- Preacher Lawson, Brandon Leake, Clairvoyants, Kodi Lee, and Light Balance, to name a few. Lots of incredibly talented performers all on one stage. I'd absolutely love to see it.

 

I would say that if you're not staying in the Pyramid, there's no sense in staying at the Luxor, because that is the most distinguishing feature of the property.

The last time I was there (2019 HGS I believe) the casino floor was "run down" slot machines were, on the average old(er), and the buffet was just "life sustaining".

The steakhouse did offer "game" meats, and I found "Tender" to be the highlight of the trip.

Oh, and the wireless "key" system went inoperative on me during my stay, and required me schlepping down to the front desk to have "real" keys made. It's OK for checking in to bypass the front desk, but get a "real" key the first opportunity that you have.

 

I've only stayed there once but I had a great time!

As I reported in my trip report, I got in quite late (2am) and I was concerned I might not even get a room as it was a busy Saturday night, but I ended up with an amazing upgrade. No attempt to chisel more money from me was made.

I had reservations at Tender but I wasn't feeling hungry so I canceled and got take out from the Public House, which wasn't great. I did use the close proximity to Mandalay as an excuse to get the Border Grill weekend brunch, which was amazing as always. Later in trip I got dinner there, which wasn't stellar, just okay.

At least 2 Starbucks in the resort, which was awesome!

I really enjoyed playing the the Centra bar in Luxor. I used the free shot myVegas reward to spike my moscow mule, and the bartenders were fine with that, I just had to pour it in myself due to some kind of rule. Anyway, they had good keno, and I was comped my second drink - playing multi card keno for a total bet of $1 a spin. Bartenders were friendly and I liked the openness of it.

I'm jealous! I have to wait until 2022 to return! Enjoy!

 

I've stayed there a couple times... I always say if you go to Vegas you have to stay in the pyramid at least once! You won't have a more unique view as you walk to and from your room overlooking the interior. It's cool!

I've always liked Luxor, it's a place I visit at least once every trip. I just wish they had kept more of the theme. If you do want to have an idea on how cool the theming was you should have a meal at the buffet. It's still full on Egyptian themed and its awesome!

Other than the buffet, we ate at Public House (decent but super slow service) and we had a steak dinner at Tender which we though was good.

I've read the rooms were refreshed with the Bellagio's old decor, and from the pics I've seen they look decent.

I'll be in Vegas about a week behind you and Luxor is on my list to visit on the first day I'm back

 

Let me preface this by saying that we stayed at the Luxor for our first two trips to Vegas in 2008 and 2009, so it always feels like "home" whenever we stay or visit there. Have stayed there many times since then, with our most recent stay for one night last month.

- Pyramid Cafe is a must for breakfast. It is our favorite place for breakfast in Vegas, and we try to eat there at least once every trip to Vegas, even if we aren't staying at the Luxor. The food and service are excellent, and I love the open atmosphere to the casino.
- Carrot Top! Our favorite show in Vegas! Have seen his show 9 times (so far), and it never gets old! Get front row seats if you can! Row A, Seats 9 & 10 are the best seats in the house!
- Public House is good for lunch or dinner.
- The food court has some good options for a quick meal. Nathan's (Hot Dogs), Johnny Rockets (Burgers) and Bonanno's (Sausage Stomboli) are my favorites!
- The Titanic Exhibit is very well done, and worth going through at least once. It only takes an hour, unless you stop to read every plaque along the way.
- The Pearl Factory (read my TRs if you want to know more about this! LOL!) If you visit here, make sure to ask for Aileen. If Joyce is working instead, RUN AWAY!!!
- We are not drinkers, but have hung out at the Aurora Bar a few times. Nice atmosphere, and makes for a change of pace every now and then.
- Have never had the Luxor buffet (which is open now), but have never really heard much good about it. If the Bayside Buffet happens to be open when you are there, give them a try! (At Mandalay Bay)

As mentioned, the Luxor is connected to the Excalibur and Mandalay Bay via internal walkways and a free tram. Opens up a lot more opportunities for places to eat and things to do, all without having to go outside:

- Dick's Last Resort (Excalibur) is a fun place for dinner. Check it out! I believe they have live music at times, but not sure what the schedule is.
- Food Court in the Castle Walk (connection between Luxor and Excalibur) has several options for a quick meal.
- Mandalay Place (the mall connecting Luxor and Mandalay Bay) has more eateries and some good shopping. Unfortunately, the only place we have ever eaten at here was the Burger Bar, which is now closed permanently!!!

If you play myVegas and/or my Konami, you can get $25 myKonami slot play for all three properties.

While staying in the Pyramid is a unique experience, the inclinators are definitely in need of some TLC. I also like that the pyramid rooms are closer to the casino than the tower rooms.

That is about all I can think of for now. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

 

The Pyramid rooms are pretty cool and unique. I've stayed in them a few times over the years. I had one of the remodeled rooms on a high floor during my Oct/Nov 2019 trip. I could see Allegiant Stadium from my window. LOL

I've been to Diablo's Cantina when they were in front of the former Monte Carlo and their food was pretty good. From what I've heard, the one at Luxor is just as good. It's your basic Mexican cuisine, but their Rock Shrimp Tacos were very good. I was going to stop by during my last trip, but they were so crowded that I didn't want to wait for a table. LOL The Pyramid Cafe is okay, but they are only open for breakfast and lunch. They can get pretty busy for breakfast so it's good to get there early.

There are more dining choices over at Mandalay Bay, but I've only been to the restaurant at the House of Blues. They have a lot of southern and New Orleans style dishes on their menu which are pretty good. Their Voodoo Shrimp is one of my favorites.

If you like Carrot Top, his show at the Luxor is hilarious. When I first decided to check out his show, I didn't think I would like it, but that all change after I saw him. LOL It's one of my favorites comedy shows in Vegas now. If you like adult oriented musical/variety shows, Fantasy is very good. They share the same theater as Carrot Top. Fantasy is one of the longest running shows at the Luxor for something like 20 yrs now.

 

I'm spending two nights there in December, so following along.

 

We've stayed at Luxor several times (easier for MLife comps and MyVegas rewards rooms). For coffee in the morning, diagonally opposite the Starbucks (near the lobby) which usually has a lineup, is the Backstage Deli (name?). Much easier to grab a coffee/pastry there.

My avatar is a dealt Royal at the Center Bar. Good times have been had there.

Enjoy your stay!

GG

 

I've stayed at Luxor several times and I like the place for what it is.

One thing I'll add in addition to the other comments, try out the Seabreeze Cafe in Mandalay for breakfast, love that place.

 

As mentioned prior, Carrot Top is really really funny! Unless you know him and totally despise him his show is a riot!

 

I really enjoyed my stays at the Luxor and have stayed in both the tower and pyramid rooms. Honestly, I only prefer the tower because it has a closet for me to put my golf clubs in so they are not in the way. If it don't have the clubs, I would choose the pyramid because it's cool walking out the door and being in the pyramid and much closer to the casino. I have never had an issue with the key on my phone not working.

The pool is actually pretty nice, but I wouldn't bother getting a cabana or daybed if you weren't staying all day. There were plenty of chairs on my June and July visits. I would recommend going to the pool just as you come in as there are usually less kids. One thing I will note, the snack bar actually has a pretty good chicken sandwich. Pro-tip: you can order booze at the snack bar if you buy a snack and skip the booze line which takes forever it seems. There is also a tent between the pools that serves drinks on weekends.

Restaurants: I'm a fan of Public House. They make a mean burger and have a great beer cheese for the fries you can add for a buck. Pyramid Cafe is a solid steak and eggs/hash browns. Diablo's is ok, but I found the portions to be tiny. Tender is an underrated steak. If you want some good pizza, Slice of Vegas on the way to Mandalay Bay is a good option. There meat pizza has this ground veal that is really good and the wings are good too. Original Chicken Tenders Co. in the food court is a great snack.

Bars/VP: My favorite is Flight by Public House. Mike is a good bartender and will keep them coming all night long. It's a really good place to get in the zone or casually watch a game. I watched a lot of the British Open at night there on my last trip. Centra is just ok. It's in the middle of the casino, but it's hard to get in the game there. Another solid option is the bar by the sports book. It's got newer machines and the most seats. It has a good view to the sports book and more TVs than other bars. Haha I hit a 12x on 4 Aces playing ultimate X last trip, so I have fond memories.

Personally, I think Luxor is an underrated property. It's a good spot for me because it has plenty of bartop VP. It's one of those spots that is good for a trip staying put in one area and relaxing for a few days.

 

Taking notes, as I have a week at Luxor next summer

 

Couldn't have put it better myself. It does what it says on the tin, it has decent (if a bit unremarkable -- nothing is bad, but I wouldn't go from Cosmo to Luxor for a burger or Mexican food) restaurants, and a great pool area. I stayed in the tower for my second trip to Vegas with the guys, and it reinforced my belief that there is no better deal out there than Vegas.

Regarding @rhnelson's suggestion of Dick's Last Resort, I know some people who love it, but make absolutely sure you read up on it beforehand so that you know what you're getting into. It's... let's just say, not for everyone.

@SMG's comment reminded me, in terms of events, you should check the House of Blues concert calendar. They have some pretty cool bands there, and it's one of my favorite venues in the country. It reminds me a lot of Irving Plaza or Terminal 5 in NYC, but with much nicer decor.

 

It’s Vegas. I hope you are not confining yourself to Luxor. It doesn’t matter if it disappoints or the pool is closed because wind or it’s out of season or whatever, there’s so much more to Vegas. Be open and flexible.

If you play the myVEGAS apps and are part of M life you can get discounts on food and shows. Magically it seems to make the food and experience better. You do not need to buy chips to get enough loyalty points for rewards.

 

@bull0120 , very helpful tips on where to find bartop VP! That’s one of my fave pastimes in Vegas.

I have actually seen Carrot Top (almost close enough for the Shot O’ Crown) and while it was sure a funny show, I don’t need a repeat.

 

That said, 60mph gusts today. If it's cold out, I can grab a jacket; if it's raining, I can take my umbrella. But there's no defense against the wind!

 

It's my first time staying at Luxor, but it'll be my 14th trip to Vegas.

I have a few hundred thousand MyVegas coins, but thus far have struck out getting much. I'm not on the game every day. I don't qualify for the freeplay offers there since I get comped rooms.

These are great tips; keep 'em coming. I've got a whole list of notes going.

 

Fun property

No need to pay for a Cabana if you only plan to spend 2 hours at the pool, its November and it will be empty(thats if the pool is even open)

Fantasy and Carrot top are good shows with very fair ticket prices

Always enjoyed their buffet i used to do the all day pass and get my 3 meals there.
Original chicken tender in the food court is also a must for me

 

Yea, terrible on our last visit before covid. Sushi and a lot of things were dried out/bad. Though did like the space as it still has a lot of the theme.
The Excalibur is worth the slight walk if you want a lower end buffet.