Is New York-New York Hotel & Casino Still Worth It in Las Vegas 2026?

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Las Vegas has slowly been tearing down its classic themed resorts in favor of sleek, modern glass towers. However, standing proudly on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue is one of the last great holdouts: the New York-New York Hotel & Casino.

With its unmistakable skyline, Chrysler Building replica elevators, and immersive “street” corridors, it offers an atmosphere you simply cannot find anywhere else on the Strip. But beneath the incredible theming, is it actually a good place to stay in 2026?

We recently booked a stay to experience the resort firsthand. From hidden conveniences to a few frustrating room omissions, here is our full, unvarnished review of the New York-New York Hotel & Casino.

1. The Ultimate Convenience: Secret Arena Access & Zero Lines

If you are traveling to Las Vegas for a concert at T-Mobile Arena, a Golden Knights hockey game, or a UFC fight, New York-New York is arguably the best hotel on the entire Strip.

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The Secret Escalator: If you park in the New York-New York garage on Level 2, you have access to a direct escalator that deposits you right at the doorstep of T-Mobile Arena and The Park. This is an absolute lifesaver if you are wearing heels or traveling with older family members, allowing you to bypass the massive crowds walking from the Strip.

Additionally, MGM properties have perfected the arrival experience. You no longer have to wait in the notoriously long Las Vegas front desk lines. You can check in entirely on your smartphone, scan a QR code at a lobby kiosk to print your physical room keys, and head straight to the Chrysler-themed elevators without speaking to a single person.

2. Hidden Dining Deals & Buffets

New York-New York is surprisingly packed with high-value dining specials if you know where to look.

  • Chin Chin Breakfast Buffet: This hidden gem offers an American-style breakfast buffet every morning for $28. But the real secret? The spread also includes excellent dim sum, sushi, and fried rice alongside made-to-order omelets and eggs benedict.
  • America (24-Hour Cafe): Late-night diners can score a $24.95 Rib Eye Steak special, available from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM daily. They also offer a massive $35 3-Pound Pancake Special if you are up for a challenge!
  • Il Fornaio Happy Hour: Located right off the casino floor, this Italian restaurant offers a fantastic Happy Hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily, featuring $10 cocktails (like their Milano Mule) and pizzas for $15.

3. Dining Hits & Misses: Hershey’s Paradise vs. $40 Pizza

When you wander the faux-cobblestone streets of the casino floor, you will be tempted by the famous New York-style pizzerias, like Sirrico’s Pizza. While the Sicilian slices feature a wonderfully chewy and crispy crust, be prepared for intense “Vegas pricing.” A quick grab-and-go meal of three slices of pizza and two Gatorades will easily set you back over $40. It’s tasty, but a bit basic for the price tag. Alternatively, if you cross the street to the food court, you’ll find Rock N’ Potato and Dirt Dog. They offer incredible, inexpensive eats—in fact, they made our list of the 5 Viral & Instagrammable Las Vegas Foods You Must Try in 2026!

However, the undisputed culinary star of the property is Hershey’s Chocolate World. This isn’t just for kids; it is a multi-level paradise for adults as well.

  • The Chocolate Bar: Need a break from the crowds? Grab a seat at the adult-only bar and order a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini or a Hershey’s Kisses Chocolate Signature Martini.
  • Custom Treats: Head upstairs for a fully customizable s’mores station, featuring limited-edition Kit Kats and massive Reese’s cups. It is the ultimate late-night sugar rush.

4. Room & Resort Realities: The Brutal Truths

We stayed in the entry-level “Soho King” room to see what budget travelers can expect. The room itself is very comfortable. The king-sized bed is excellent for sleeping off a long night, and the room features a massive mirror perfectly positioned for checking your outfit (or filming content) before heading out.

However, there are a few brutal truths you must prepare for before booking:

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The Drawbacks:

  1. Tiny, Outdated Bathrooms: While the bedrooms were renovated with modern furniture and hardwood-style floors, the bathrooms were completely untouched. They remain incredibly small with old tile.
  2. No Fridge: The room lacks a personal mini-fridge for storing leftovers.
  3. The Crowded Pool: For a hotel with over 2,000 rooms, the pool area is shockingly small. It features just one pool and one hot tub, which gets overwhelmingly crowded with a severe lack of seating during the summer months.
  4. A Tiny Sportsbook: If your goal is to sit and watch the games, look elsewhere. The sportsbook here is one of the smallest on the Strip, with limited seating and small screens.

5. Thrill Seekers & Gamers: The Coaster & Classic Arcade

You cannot review New York-New York without mentioning The Big Apple Coaster. The coaster cars famously dive and twist around the exterior of the hotel, providing intense thrills and unique views of the Strip. (Insider Tip: If you are traveling with a local, Nevada ID holders get a discount on ride tickets!)

Before you board the coaster, you are funneled through the hotel’s arcade. Unlike many modern, sterile arcades, this one feels like a love letter to the ’90s. It features old-school claw machines, Dance Dance Revolution, and the legendary (and increasingly rare) sit-down Jurassic Park arcade shooter.

As a bonus, the ride lockers here are only $1—a rare bargain in a city that usually nickel-and-dimes tourists at theme parks.

6. Nightlife & Entertainment

You don’t even need to leave the property for a great night out. The resort features a fantastic central casino bar with a live DJ, the high-energy Coyote Ugly nightclub, and wild dueling pianos at the Bar at Times Square.

For shows, they host Mad Apple, an incredible Cirque du Soleil production blending acrobatics and comedy. (Insider Tip: Check the MyVegas app before booking, as they frequently offer half-off tickets!) If you prefer something free, head outside to the Brooklyn Bridge replica on the Strip for free live music in the evenings.

For more great entertainment options, check out our guide to the 5 Best Family-Friendly Las Vegas Shows to Book in 2026.

7. Family Favorites & The Best Photo Spot

Because New York-New York is so centrally located on the South Strip, it’s an incredibly convenient basecamp for families. My daughter absolutely loves that both M&M’S Las Vegas and the Coca-Cola Store are just a short walk away. Plus, walking across the Tropicana Avenue pedestrian bridge connects you directly to the free express tram leading right into Mandalay Bay and its world-famous 11-acre wave pool beach!

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The Ultimate Nighttime Photo Op: Right outside the doors exiting New York-New York, you’ll find the pedestrian bridge connecting the property to the MGM Grand. This bridge offers a stunning, unobstructed vantage point of the Las Vegas Strip. It is one of the absolute best places to take photos, especially at night when all the neon lights are glowing!

The Final Verdict

Is it worth it? Yes.

If you want a sterile, ultra-modern luxury suite, look elsewhere. But if you value unbeatable convenience to T-Mobile Arena, immersive and nostalgic theming, and a centralized Strip location at a generally reasonable price point, New York-New York is a fantastic choice in 2026.

Looking for an ultra-budget castle-themed resort right across the pedestrian bridge? Check out our comprehensive Excalibur Las Vegas Review (2026): Rooms, Dining & Is It Still a Budget Steal?!

Looking for a tropical beach resort just across the pedestrian bridge on the South Strip? Read our comprehensive Mandalay Bay Las Vegas Review (2026): Rooms, 11-Acre Beach & Is It Too Far South?!

Looking for more budget-friendly accommodations? Check out our guide to the 5 Best Cheap Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip (2026 Deals & Reviews)!

Looking for more insider tips before your trip? Don’t miss our guide to the 7 Insider Las Vegas Hacks You Need to Know in 2026!