New York-New York vs SAHARA Las Vegas: Themed Excitement vs Modern Luxury Showdown
New York-New York Hotel & Casino
SAHARA Las Vegas
Location & Accessibility
New York-New York (8/10) sits at the heart of the South Strip, adjacent to MGM Grand and across from Park MGM. Its central location provides walking access to T-Mobile Arena, Aria, and the Park entertainment district. The hotel connects via pedestrian bridges to Excalibur and the Luxor monorail station. SAHARA (7/10) occupies the northern end of the Strip, offering a quieter atmosphere but requiring transportation to reach central attractions. The hotel connects to the Las Vegas Monorail and is near the Stratosphere, but most major casinos require a 10-15 minute drive.
Winner: New York-New York
Room Quality & Design
New York-New York (7/10) features 2,024 rooms with NYC-inspired decor that's showing some age. Standard rooms average 350-500 sq ft with comfortable bedding but dated bathrooms. The hotel offers 150 suites with separate living areas. SAHARA (9/10) boasts 1,615 completely renovated rooms featuring contemporary design, premium linens, and marble bathrooms. Standard rooms start at 450 sq ft with smart technology and luxurious amenities. The resort emphasizes sophisticated, adult-oriented accommodation.
Winner: SAHARA Las Vegas
Dining Options
New York-New York (8/10) offers diverse casual dining including Nine Fine Irishmen pub, Gallagher's Steakhouse, and NYC-style pizza and deli options. The food court provides quick-service choices. SAHARA (8/10) features upscale options including Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, trendy restaurants like Uno Mas, and the CASBAR Lounge. The dining scene focuses on quality over quantity with sophisticated ambiance.
Winner: Tie
Entertainment & Amenities
New York-New York (9/10) features the iconic roller coaster, Big Apple Arcade, and live entertainment at the Brooklyn Bridge replica. The casino spans 84,000 sq ft with diverse gaming options. SAHARA (7/10) offers a more intimate 60,000 sq ft casino, the AZILO Ultra Pool, and the Sahara Theater for shows. The amenities cater to adults seeking sophisticated entertainment rather than family activities.
Winner: New York-New York
Service Quality
New York-New York (7/10) provides reliable but sometimes rushed service typical of large MGM properties. Check-in lines can be lengthy during peak times. SAHARA (8/10) offers more personalized service with higher staff-to-guest ratios and attentive concierge services. The boutique approach allows for more customized guest experiences.
Winner: SAHARA Las Vegas
Value Proposition
New York-New York (8/10) provides excellent mid-range value with rooms typically $100-200/night, numerous included amenities, and central location savings on transportation. SAHARA (6/10) commands premium pricing ($150-300/night) for its luxury offerings but requires additional transportation costs to access main Strip attractions.
Winner: New York-New York
Target Audience Suitability
New York-New York excels for families, budget-conscious travelers, and first-time visitors wanting the classic Vegas experience. SAHARA better serves couples, luxury seekers, and business travelers preferring sophisticated ambiance and modern amenities.