Excalibur Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Review: Why I’d Stay Here Again in a Heartbeat

Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas Review

Las Vegas has some of the nicest hotels in the world.

Bellagio has the fountains. Cosmopolitan has the balconies. Wynn has luxury that makes you forget you’re even in a casino.

Then there’s Excalibur.

A giant medieval castle with stained glass, slot machines, and a dragon out front.

If you listen to a lot of Vegas influencers, they’ll tell you Excalibur is old, dirty, outdated, and not worth your time.

After spending five nights here with my wife and two sons, celebrating my birthday, our wedding anniversary, and one of our favorite family vacations, I couldn’t disagree more.

No, Excalibur isn’t the nicest hotel on the Strip.

But it might be the most fun.

Why This Trip Was Different

This wasn’t just another Vegas getaway.

My birthday and my wedding anniversary actually fall on the exact same day.

The reason is pretty special.

My grandparents, who both absolutely loved Las Vegas, were married on the same day I was born. After they passed away, Nikki and I decided to get married in Las Vegas on my birthday as a way to honor them.

So every year, we’re celebrating my birthday, our anniversary, and remembering two people who helped make me love this city.

For this trip, we brought our two boys, who were 14 and 11 at the time.

Instead of trying to squeeze in every luxury experience on the Strip, this vacation was about making memories together.

Looking back, I honestly can’t think of a better hotel for that than Excalibur.

Arriving in Style… Kind Of

This was the only trip where we rented a car.

Not because we needed one.

Because I had this idea that my kids needed to experience driving down Las Vegas Boulevard with the top down in a convertible.

So we rented a 2018 Mustang convertible.

Worth every penny.

Well…

Almost.

The first memory of the trip wasn’t pulling up to Excalibur looking cool.

It was sitting in the parking garage for five minutes while I watched a YouTube video trying to figure out how to put the convertible top back up.

None of us had any idea how it worked.

The kids were laughing.

Nikki was laughing.

I was pretending I totally knew what I was doing.

It set the tone for the entire vacation.

Just a family having fun together.

One nice bonus was that I have MGM Rewards status, so parking at Excalibur was free. If you’re renting a car, that can save you a decent amount over a five-night stay.

Renting a car worked out great for this trip, but I’ve made plenty of Vegas mistakes over the years. Before you book your vacation, read about the Las Vegas mistakes I keep making so you don’t repeat them.

Check-In Was Surprisingly Easy

This trip happened before mobile check-in became common.

Because of my MGM Rewards status and credit card, I used the VIP check-in line.

We arrived around 9:30 or 10:00 in the morning expecting to leave our luggage and come back later.

Instead…

Our room was ready immediately.

I also tried the famous $20 trick.

I politely asked if there were any complimentary upgrades available and slipped the front desk agent a $20 bill.

Not only did we get checked in early, but we were also upgraded to a Strip-view room in the Royal Tower without paying an early check-in fee.

Right away, the trip was off to a great start.

Our Royal Tower Room

Let’s be honest.

Nobody books Excalibur expecting Bellagio.

If you’re looking for luxury instead of value, my Cosmopolitan Las Vegas review shows what it’s like staying in one of the most upscale resorts on the Strip, complete with a balcony overlooking Las Vegas.

Our room wasn’t luxurious.

It wasn’t modern.

It wasn’t Instagram-worthy.

It had two queen beds, a decent-sized bathroom, and everything our family needed for five nights.

Most importantly…

It was clean.

It was comfortable.

It was quiet.

The air conditioning worked perfectly, which is something you really appreciate after spending hours walking around Vegas in triple-digit heat.

My biggest complaint was actually the window.

Compared to every other Vegas hotel I’ve stayed in, the windows felt tiny.

I love taking photos overlooking the Strip with my family, and it was difficult to get those dramatic skyline pictures because the windows just weren’t very big.

Was it a deal breaker?

Not even close.

The Strip view was still nice, overlooking the castle and MGM Grand.

It just wasn’t the panoramic view I’d hoped for.

Sleeping Inside a Castle

I’ll admit it.

I’ve been to Vegas enough times that the castle theme doesn’t really fool me anymore.

But watching my youngest son experience it?

That was something special.

To him, we weren’t staying in a hotel.

We were staying in a castle.

He absolutely loved every second of it.

The stained glass.

The medieval decorations.

The towers.

Seeing Vegas through your kid’s eyes reminds you why you fell in love with it in the first place.

Honestly…

I became a big kid too.

I mean…

How often do you get to sleep inside a castle that also happens to have blackjack tables?

Gambling at Excalibur

This is where Excalibur really won me over.

The blackjack rules aren’t great.

Most of the tables were 6:5 blackjack with $15 minimums, which isn’t ideal.

If you’re a serious blackjack player, you’ll probably spend time at other MGM properties looking for better rules.

But here’s the thing…

I kept coming back.

Not because of the rules.

Because of the atmosphere.

Every time I sat down, I ended up at a table full of fun people.

Drink service was quick.

The center bar always had energy.

The casino felt busy without feeling overwhelming.

It’s hard to explain.

Some casinos just have good vibes.

Excalibur is one of them.

Since we had the kids with us, Nikki and I usually took turns gambling while the other stayed with them.

Later at night, when the boys were relaxing in the room watching movies or playing PlayStation, we’d head downstairs together for a little while.

Having everything just an elevator ride away made that incredibly easy.

The Dumbest Bet of the Trip

Every Vegas trip has at least one moment where you immediately know you’ve made a mistake.

Mine happened because I listened to my oldest son.

We walked over to one of the virtual roulette machines.

He looked at me and confidently said…

“Dad… put $100 on black.”

I don’t know why I listened.

Maybe because I’m his dad.

Maybe because we were having fun.

Maybe because that’s what Vegas does to you.

I hit the button.

The ball landed…

Red.

Thanks, Aydin.

I’m still bringing it up years later.

The Pool

The pool wasn’t perfect.

Actually, it was probably my biggest disappointment.

The water slide was closed during our entire stay, which was a huge letdown since we specifically wanted the kids to experience it.

The pool area also felt a little older and more industrial than some of the newer MGM properties.

The good news?

Finding chairs was easy.

It never felt ridiculously crowded.

The kids still had fun.

Sometimes that’s all that matters.

Meanwhile, Nikki got one of her favorite vacation memories.

She spent an afternoon relaxing by the pool by herself while I took the boys on one of our own adventures.

Looking back, I think she enjoyed the quiet almost as much as she enjoyed Las Vegas.

The Fun Dungeon

If you’re bringing kids…

This is one of Excalibur’s biggest advantages.

You can check the current attractions, hours, and entertainment options directly on the official Excalibur website before your trip.

My boys absolutely loved the Fun Dungeon arcade.

They spent hours in there.

Did they win anything amazing?

Not really.

Just a bunch of little prizes that have probably disappeared by now.

But they weren’t talking about the prizes.

They were talking about how much fun they had trying to win them.

That’s what matters.

Our Anniversary Dinner

Some people celebrate anniversaries with fancy steakhouses.

We celebrated ours at Buca di Beppo.

With our kids.

Honestly…

I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

The family-style Italian food was fantastic.

Everyone shared everything.

Everyone left full.

It wasn’t some romantic dinner for two.

It was a family celebrating together.

That’s exactly how we wanted it.

The Best Thing About Excalibur

Most people will tell you it’s cheap.

I disagree.

The best thing about Excalibur is the location.

During our stay we walked to:

• New York-New York
• Luxor
• Mandalay Bay
• House of Blues
• The Titanic Exhibition
• The Big Apple Coaster

One day, Nikki and Logan went through the Titanic exhibit while Aydin and I rode the roller coaster at New York-New York.

Afterward, we all met back up by simply using the indoor walkways connecting the resorts.

It’s incredibly convenient.

If you’ve never stayed on the south end of the Strip before, you don’t realize how connected everything is until you’re there.

One of my favorite things about staying here is how easy it is to walk over to MGM Grand. If you’re thinking about staying there instead, check out my MGM Grand Las Vegas review where I break down the rooms, casino, restaurants, and whether it’s worth the extra money.

One of My Favorite Vegas Hacks

Here’s something I do almost every morning in Vegas.

Skip Starbucks.

Walk into the casino bar.

Order a coffee.

There are hardly any people sitting at the bar early in the morning, so the bartender usually gets to you immediately.

Seven out of ten times, I don’t even get charged.

I always leave a generous tip anyway, and I have my coffee in two minutes instead of standing in a 30-minute Starbucks line.

Try it sometime.

What Surprised Me Most

I expected to dislike Excalibur.

Years of watching travel influencers convinced me I’d be checking the days until checkout.

Instead…

I loved it.

Sure, it’s older.

Sure, it could use some updates.

But it was clean enough.

Comfortable.

Affordable.

Full of energy.

Most importantly…

It was fun.

What I Didn’t Like

No hotel is perfect.

Here are the biggest negatives I found.

• Small room windows.
• Water slide closed.
• 6:5 blackjack.
• Pool area could use some updating.

Honestly…

That’s about it.

Final Verdict

People who say Excalibur is gross have probably never stayed at Circus Circus.

Is Excalibur luxurious?

No.

Is it modern?

Not really.

Would Nikki stay there again?

Probably not.

Would I?

In a heartbeat.

Because when I think about that trip…

I don’t remember the size of the room.

I remember driving a Mustang convertible down Las Vegas Boulevard with my family.

I remember laughing in the parking garage because none of us knew how to put the top up.

I remember my youngest son’s face when he realized we were staying inside a castle.

I remember celebrating my birthday and anniversary with the people I love most.

I remember my oldest talking me into losing $100 on one spin of roulette.

I remember walking through Fremont Street with my boys because, unlike a lot of people, we’re perfectly comfortable being surrounded by the weirdos.

We’re weirdos too.

That’s what Vegas is all about.

If you’re looking for marble bathrooms and five-star luxury, spend the extra money and stay somewhere else.

But if you want one of the most fun hotels on the Strip, a great location, plenty of food, a casino with awesome energy, and a place where you’ll naturally end up exploring half of Las Vegas…

Book Excalibur.

You won’t regret it.

And if you happen to hear someone complaining that it’s old…

Just smile.

You’ll probably be too busy having fun to notice.

Excalibur is one of the reasons I recommend budget-conscious travelers spend less on their hotel and more on experiences. If you’re planning a trip, here’s exactly how much money I think you need for five days in Las Vegas.

If you’re deciding between Excalibur and another classic Vegas property, be sure to read my Flamingo Las Vegas review. Both hotels offer great value, but they’re completely different experiences depending on the type of trip you’re planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Excalibur a good hotel in Las Vegas?

Yes. If you’re looking for an affordable hotel with a great location, plenty of dining options, and easy access to other MGM resorts, Excalibur is one of the best values on the Las Vegas Strip. It isn’t a luxury resort, but it’s clean, comfortable, and a lot of fun.

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Is Excalibur good for families?

Absolutely. Excalibur is one of the most family-friendly hotels on the Strip thanks to attractions like the Fun Dungeon arcade, the pool complex, and its castle theme. It’s also within walking distance of attractions at Luxor, Mandalay Bay, and New York-New York.

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Are the rooms at Excalibur nice?

The rooms are simple but comfortable. Don’t expect luxury finishes or floor-to-ceiling windows, but the beds are comfortable, the rooms are quiet, and they have everything most travelers need for a Vegas vacation.

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Is Excalibur connected to other casinos?

Yes. One of Excalibur’s biggest strengths is its location. You can easily walk to Luxor, Mandalay Bay, New York-New York, MGM Grand, and T-Mobile Arena using bridges, indoor walkways, and the free tram.

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Is Excalibur worth staying at?

In my opinion, yes. If you’re traveling on a budget, visiting with kids, or planning to spend most of your time exploring Las Vegas instead of sitting in your room, Excalibur delivers excellent value for the price.

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Does Excalibur have good blackjack?

The atmosphere is fantastic, but the blackjack rules aren’t the best. During my stay, most tables were 6:5 blackjack with $15 minimum bets. Serious blackjack players may want to visit nearby MGM properties for better rules, but I still enjoyed playing here because of the fun crowd and quick drink service.

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Is the Excalibur pool worth visiting?

The pool is enjoyable, especially for families, with plenty of seating and a relaxed atmosphere. My biggest disappointment was that the waterslide was closed during our visit, and the pool area could use some updates, but we still had a great time.

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What is the best thing about staying at Excalibur?

For me, it’s the combination of value and location. You can walk to several major casinos and attractions without needing an Uber, making it one of the best home bases on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip.

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Would I stay at Excalibur again?

Without hesitation. It may not be the fanciest hotel in Las Vegas, but it’s one of the most fun. Between the lively casino, family-friendly atmosphere, great location, and affordable rooms, I’d happily book another stay there.