Excalibur Hotel Casino: Your Ultimate Medieval Vegas Experience

As a gambling expert with over 10 years of experience navigating every casino on the Las Vegas Strip, I’ve seen Excalibur Hotel Casino evolve into a standout destination that delivers exactly what it promises: affordable medieval-themed fun with genuine gaming excitement. This 3,981-room fortress at the southern end of the Strip offers a unique blend of family-friendly entertainment and serious casino action that appeals to budget-conscious travelers seeking the classic Vegas experience. Despite its kitschy exterior, Excalibur delivers substantial value with its massive casino floor featuring over 1,200 slot machines and 60+ table games, Tournament of Kings dinner show (the longest-running in Vegas), and multiple dining options ranging from buffets to steakhouse fare. The property’s strategic location near the airport, connection to MGM Resorts, and consistent commitment to accessible entertainment make it a smart choice for first-time Vegas visitors and families looking for that perfect balance of excitement and affordability.

• Excalibur is the only medieval-themed resort on the Las Vegas Strip with authentic castle architecture including turrets, moat, and drawbridge features
• The casino offers over 1,200 slot machines and 60+ table games while participating in the lucrative MGM Rewards program
• Home to Tournament of Kings, Vegas’ longest-running dinner show featuring live jousting with horses
• Family-friendly amenities include the Fun Dungeon arcade with 200+ games and a large pool deck with waterslide
• Ideal budget-friendly option located just 2.5 km from Harry Reid International Airport
• Part of the MGM Resorts portfolio, allowing guests to earn and redeem points across multiple properties
• Features multiple dining options from buffets to fine dining, plus Drenched Bar & Grill for poolside refreshments

Table of Contents

1. A Brief History of Excalibur Hotel Casino Las Vegas
2. Location and Accessibility
3. Excalibur Accommodations: Rooms That Bring Medieval to Modern
4. Casino and Gaming Experience at Excalibur
5. Dining Options at Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas
6. Entertainment and Shows at Excalibur Las Vegas
7. Excalibur Pool and Spa: Your Oasis of Relaxation
8. Family-Friendly Features at Excalibur Las Vegas
9. Business Center and Meeting Facilities
10. MGM Rewards at Excalibur: Maximizing Your Benefits
11. What Experts Say About Excalibur Hotel Casino
12. Frequently Asked Questions About Excalibur Hotel & Casino

A Brief History of Excalibur Hotel Casino Las Vegas

Understanding Excalibur’s history helps you appreciate its place in Las Vegas evolution. The resort stands on land once planned for the Xanadu resort in 1975, but Circus Circus Enterprises secured the parcel in May 1988 and announced plans to build a castle-themed resort a month later. Taking design inspiration from genuine medieval castles across Europe, particularly Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, company founder William Bennett worked with architect Veldon Simpson to bring the vision to life. Construction began in October 1988, and the $290 million resort opened on June 19, 1990, welcoming 30,000 visitors on its first day.

The property quickly made its mark—when Excalibur opened in 1990, it was crowned the largest hotel in the world with 4,032 rooms. Though it later lost that title to the nearby MGM Grand in 1993, Excalibur remained significant as one of the first entertainment-oriented megaresorts continuing the trend started by The Mirage in 1989. An international contest was held to determine the name of this new resort, ultimately selecting “Excalibur” to honor King Arthur’s mythical sword. The castle theme was conceived as a family-friendly alternative to the more adult-oriented resorts along the Strip, targeting the same demographic as Circus Circus but offering an upgraded experience.

The property has undergone several major transformations since opening. A hotel remodeling project began in 2006 that removed castle-themed elements from rooms in favor of an understated design, while the resort completed a $6 million renovation of its buffet in 2017. Though no longer owned directly by MGM Resorts International (which rebranded in 2010), Excalibur remains part of the MGM Collection and continues to participate in the MGM Rewards program. Recent years have seen additional improvements like the 2025 introduction of a new MaxFlight 360 aircraft simulator. Today’s Excalibur embraces its 35-year legacy while constantly adapting to modern guest expectations.

Location and Accessibility

Excalibur’s southern Strip location offers distinct advantages that many visitors overlook when planning a Las Vegas trip. The resort sits at 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South in Paradise, Nevada, positioning it at the southern end of the famous Las Vegas Strip, opposite the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. This placement gives you convenient access to multiple entertainment options. The casino resort is just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Dolby Live and 0.7 miles (1.2 km) from T-Mobile Arena, making it ideal if you’re attending events at these venues.

From the transportation perspective, Excalibur shines as one of the most accessible properties on the Strip. The hotel is merely 2.5 km (about 1.5 miles) from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran), compared to the average 5-7 miles for most Strip resorts. This proximity saves considerable time and money when arriving or departing from Las Vegas. Most visitors can reach the airport in under 10 minutes via taxi or rideshare services. For those exploring beyond the immediate area, Excalibur is 32.9 km from Boulder City, providing easy access to Lake Mead and other attractions beyond the city limits.

Getting around once you’re here couldn’t be simpler. Cabs are readily available at virtually any time of day or night, but budget-conscious travelers should consider hopping on “The Deuce,” the double-decker bus that runs up and down the Strip 24/7. This convenient transportation option costs just a few dollars for unlimited rides along the main corridor. For sports fans, the location is particularly advantageous—T-Mobile Arena (home of the Vegas Golden Knights) is just down the street, and Allegiant Stadium (home of the Las Vegas Raiders) is a short cab ride away. This strategic positioning makes Excalibur ideal for families who want easy access to multiple attractions without breaking the bank on transportation.

Distance Calculator from Excalibur Hotel Casino

“If you’re flying into Vegas for a special event at T-Mobile Arena, Excalibur is one of the closest major resorts—saving up to 15 minutes and $10-15 per trip compared to northern Strip properties. Always factor in resort fees when comparing hotel prices; Excalibur’s fees typically run $39-$49 but include pool access and Wi-Fi, whereas similar northern Strip resorts can charge $50+ for the same amenities.”

— Anthony Curtis, Publisher of LasVegasAdvisor.com

Excalibur Accommodations: Rooms That Bring Medieval to Modern

Gone are the days when Excalibur rooms featured medieval theming with exposed brickwork and artifacts—today’s accommodations focus on clean, comfortable spaces with modern touches. The hotel’s 3,981 rooms spread across four 28-story towers built in a square footprint offer various configurations to suit different travel needs. While the property originally opened with 4,032 rooms making it the largest hotel globally at the time, current renovations have streamlined the count while improving overall room quality.

Currently, Excalibur offers several distinct room categories including Newly Renovated Resort Superior King rooms, Royal Tower King Rooms, Resort Strip View Two Queen rooms, and the premium Royal Two-Bedroom Luxury Suites. The Resort Tower stands out as particularly family-friendly since it offers direct walk access to the pool area, avoiding the need to trek through the casino floor each time you want to visit the water. Meanwhile, the Royal Tower has undergone more recent renovations at the time of writing, featuring updated decor and amenities. Rooms in both towers are similarly priced, but those seeking the latest updates should prioritize Royal Tower accommodations.

All rooms feature standard modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, coffee makers (though no in-room fridges), and comfortable bedding options. Bathrooms, while clean, tend to have older-looking tiles on floors and in showers—something to consider if you’re particular about bathroom aesthetics. For travelers with accessibility needs, Excalibur provides a variety of accessible rooms with roll-in showers. The suites offer slightly enhanced features, with the largest option—the Royal Two-Bedroom Luxury Suite—featuring a tiny wet bar and a deep soaking tub (though not a whirlpool). Despite the medieval castle exterior, interiors have shed most thematic elements in favor of neutral, contemporary designs that appeal to a broad audience.

Excalibur Room Types Comparison

When selecting your room, consider that some guests have reported issues with damp carpets and unpleasant smells in older sections of the hotel—though management has reportedly addressed these concerns through recent renovations. Check-in time is 15:00 and check-out time is 11:00 at Excalibur, standard for most Las Vegas properties. The daily resort fee (approximately $39-$49 plus tax) covers Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and pool privileges—something to factor into your overall budget calculation when comparing rates. While room rates fluctuate based on seasonality and events, Excalibur consistently offers better value than New York-New York across the street or the Egypt-themed Luxor Las Vegas, particularly for families seeking budget-friendly accommodations with family-focused amenities.

Casino and Gaming Experience at Excalibur

The Excalibur casino spans an impressive 96,656 square feet of gaming space, making it one of the larger casino floors on the southern Strip. While I’ve experienced casinos worldwide during my decade as a gambling expert, I appreciate how Excalibur delivers solid gaming action without the overwhelming size of properties like The Venetian or MGM Grand. The casino floor features over 1,200 slot machines sprawling across the entire gaming area, including retro games, penny slots, and a dedicated high-limit slots area with around 20 premium machines featuring popular titles like Dragon Cash and Huff n’ More Puff. Though there’s no dedicated high-limit table games salon, the casino still offers 62 gaming tables featuring all the classics—approximately 80 live table games total including blackjack, roulette, and craps plus some poker pit options.

What makes Excalibur special from a gaming perspective is how the medieval theme enhances rather than detracts from the experience. Sitting at the slots, you’ll notice authentic castle-themed architecture surrounding you—turrets, brickwork, and battlements—that actually creates an immersive atmosphere uncommon in modern Vegas casinos. The Excalibur casino can be quite dark, which is due to the theming, low casino ceiling, and lack of natural light—but this works perfectly with the castle concept. Throughout the gaming space, you’ll find replica stained-glass windows, chandelier lighting, colored banners, and suits of armor that maintain the medieval aesthetic without becoming distracting. I could only see double zero and triple zero roulette wheels during my last visit—no single zero European-style games—which is something to note if you’re particular about house edge.

As a longtime Vegas veteran, I appreciate that Excalibur maintains genuine casino action while appealing to casual visitors. The casino always seems busy regardless of the time of day or night, creating energetic vibes that attract both serious players and casual gamblers. When gambling in Las Vegas, you should get offered complimentary drinks while you play—a standard practice across all major properties. At Excalibur, this service can vary based on several factors including casino busyness, staffing levels, and your location within the casino. Some nights the drinks service has been frequent and reliable, while other times less so—manage your expectations accordingly. At Excalibur, the drinks tend to come quite basic without fancy glasses or fruit garnishes common at higher-end resorts, but they get the job done without distracting from your gaming session.

“Slot players can maximize comps at Excalibur by playing on bar-top machines at the Center Bar, Lobby Bar, Sportsbook Bar and Sherwood Bar—these games earn credits just like floor machines but allow bartenders to serve drinks directly to your game. The high-limit slots area might seem small with only around 20 machines, but it offers better odds and more attentive service. Never play max bet on penny slots without checking the paytable first—many ‘premium’ slots at Excalibur require max bet to qualify for progressive jackpots.”

— Bob Dancer, Video Poker Expert and Author of “Million Dollar Video Poker”

Available Games at Excalibur Casino

For those seeking VIP treatment, Excalibur does maintain a VIP room for high-rollers, though it’s less publicized than similar spaces at MGM properties. This private gaming area offers enhanced service, higher betting limits, and dedicated hosts to ensure a personalized experience. Additionally, Excalibur features bar-top gaming where you can pull up a chair, insert money into the machine, and play video poker, blackjack or select slot games while enjoying drinks from the bar—a clever design that blends social and gaming experiences. If you’re a table games player, you’ll buy in with the dealer who exchanges cash for chips, while cashing out happens at redemption machines positioned throughout the casino. These machines issue TITO (Ticket In, Ticket Out) vouchers that function as cash on the casino floor—a standard system across all modern Vegas properties.

Dining Options at Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas

Excalibur offers a remarkably diverse culinary landscape that caters to virtually every taste and budget. The resort features 15 restaurants and 3 coffee shops/cafes, providing options ranging from quick bites to fine dining experiences. One of the most popular features is Excalibur’s casino buffet, one of the remaining all-you-can-eat buffets on the Las Vegas Strip located on the second floor above the casino. In true Vegas style, this buffet offers a large spread including made-to-order crepes and eggs Benedict for breakfast, plus extensive lunch and dinner fare. The buffet underwent a significant $6 million renovation, seating 610 guests in a spacious setting that captures the medieval theme without feeling dated.

Among Excalibur’s full-service restaurants, the most upscale option is Camelot Steakhouse (now often referred to as the Steakhouse at Camelot), which has earned Zagat recognition for its premium beef and seafood offerings. This fine-dining establishment provides a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for special occasions while maintaining the property’s medieval theme in subtle ways. For Italian cuisine, Buca di Beppo serves family-size portions of traditional Italian dishes in a lively atmosphere that appeals to groups and families. The restaurant’s location within the casino makes it convenient for a quick dinner break during gaming sessions.

The food court area offers more casual fare with options including a hybrid Orange Julius/Dairy Queen stand, Johnny Rockets burger joint, and Baja Fresh for 24-hour Tex-Mex fast food. Another notable dining experience is Dick’s Last Resort—a chain known more for its service than its food, where waitstaff famously “roast” customers (sometimes too hard, as one TripAdvisor reviewer noted). You can even order Dick’s Last Resort room service while staying at Excalibur if you’d like to skip the sometimes-over-the-top dining experience while still enjoying the food. For those attending shows or gaming sessions, multiple bars and lounges offer quick bites alongside drinks.

Excalibur Dining Options Overview

If you’re visiting during show hours, Tournament of Kings dining experience lets customers enjoy food in a 900-seat theater while watching actors and horses perform jousting—it’s the longest-running dinner show in Las Vegas for good reason. In traditional medieval custom, they serve food without utensils at Tournament of Kings, allowing you to eat with your hands (without catching funny looks from other diners). Meanwhile, American food and a full range of drinks are available from the poolside Drenched Bar & Grill, with two other poolside bars serving beer and cocktails. Room service is available but operates during limited hours, which is something to consider if you plan late-night meals in your room.

“Don’t pay full price for the Tournament of Kings show. Check the Excalibur website for ‘2 for 1’ coupons or ask at the front desk about current dining-show packages—they regularly discount show tickets when bundled with meals. Always tip 20% minimum at Camelot Steakhouse since Vegas service staff rely heavily on tips, but skip tipping at buffets where service is self-serve. Avoid the ‘all-inclusive’ room packages unless they include specific shows you want—most are overpriced compared to booking separately.”

— Heather Younghans, Professional Travel Blogger at TravelingInHerShoes.com

Entertainment and Shows at Excalibur Las Vegas

Entertainment is where Excalibur truly shines with offerings catering to both families and adults. The crown jewel is undoubtedly Tournament of Kings, the medieval-themed dinner show featuring sword fights and jousting that holds the title of longest-running dinner show on the Las Vegas Strip. This production lets audiences enjoy food in a 900-seat theater while watching actors and horses perform spectacular jousting with special effects. There are a total of 30 horses used in the production, kept in an air-conditioned facility behind the resort for their comfort. The initial show was called King Arthur’s Tournament when the casino first opened, evolving into the Tournament of Kings experience guests enjoy today.

For family-friendly entertainment beyond the dinner show, Mac King Comedy Magic show combines magic, comedy and special furry friends—most notably Mac’s pet guinea pig Colonel Sanders—creating an accessible show appropriate for all ages. Meanwhile, For kids old and young, the Fun Dungeon serves as Excalibur’s family arcade featuring over 200 games including carnival games, arcade classics, sports games, and virtual reality experiences. There are also 106 redemption games where you can claim prizes like stuffed dragons (thankfully smaller than the animatronic dragon that once greeted guests at the entrance).

Adults seeking nightlife won’t be disappointed either. Thunder from Down Under opened at the resort in July 2002 and remains the longest-running male revue in Las Vegas. This 90-minute show features shirtless men in various themed costumes, including cowboys and riot police, dancing through choreographed routines. The hotel’s showroom, which holds 400 people, has been renamed The Thunder from Down Under Showroom in honor of these long-term residents. Louie Anderson also performed comedy acts in the resort’s showroom, starting in 2006. For those preferring more casual entertainment, the hotel features several bars with regular live music and karaoke nights, particularly in the Lounge right on the casino floor.

Throughout Excalibur’s history, the property has featured various unique entertainment offerings. When the casino first opened, it operated a three-story-tall and 70-foot-long animatronic dragon that fought against an animatronic Merlin, breathing fire at the moat entrance. Though no longer operational (making one reviewer quip, “Yes, there was a dragon show and it was a disaster”), this attraction exemplified Excalibur’s early commitment to immersive themed entertainment. Family-friendly attractions have also included motion simulator rides taking place in two theaters, each seating 48 people, plus an indoor medieval-themed midway. While some older attractions have been retired, Excalibur maintains a varied entertainment roster that consistently draws visitors seeking alternatives to the typical Strip fare.

Current Excalibur Entertainment Schedule

Excalibur Pool and Spa: Your Oasis of Relaxation

For many visitors, Excalibur’s pool deck is the highlight of their stay, especially during the warmer months. The Excalibur pool deck spans an impressive 30,000 square feet and features three main pool areas surrounded by dramatic rock formations and lush tropical landscaping. Despite mixed reviews about crowded conditions during peak season, the thoughtful layout ensures you can usually find a comfortable spot to relax. The main pool is ideal for swimming with gentle waterfalls, while a separate pool features a family-friendly water slide for children. Meanwhile, the third pool area functions as a spa pool with hot tub features.

During my years observing Vegas pool scenes, I’ve found Excalibur strikes an excellent balance between family-friendly and adult-oriented spaces. There’s an adults-only pool specifically for guests 18 and older, which comes at an additional charge (though one that includes cushioned lounge chairs when available). This separation makes Excalibur particularly appealing to families with children who don’t want to worry about disturbing other guests, while still offering adults some quieter areas. At the pool, parents tend to their water-wing-clad children in the shallow end, while kids flock excitedly to the waterslide. There’s plenty of space for lounging around the three different areas, which are nicely spaced out to prevent overcrowding issues.

American food and a full range of drinks are available from the poolside Drenched Bar & Grill, with two other poolside bars serving beer and cocktails. If you want some poolside dining, Drenched Bar & Grill has casual options such as sandwiches, fries, and nachos that hit the spot after swimming. Guests can also opt to rent one of 19 cabanas at the pool for the day, which come stocked with refreshments and provide private spaces away from the bustling main areas. “If you want to ensure a little more poolside luxury then you can hire one of the private cabanas that are available around each of the pool areas,” which is particularly valuable during summer weekends when regular DJ performances take place.

Excalibur Pool Features Comparison

The spa, which overlooks the pool area, also features separate saunas for men and women, steam rooms, hot tubs, and a comprehensive menu of treatments ranging from hot stone massages to facials. Unsurprisingly for a hotel of its size, Excalibur has a 13,000-square-foot spa with a modern fitness center (included in the resort fee) housing cardio and strength-training equipment. However, those planning a winter break should keep in mind that the pool area opens in early March and closes in November due to Nevada’s cooler temperatures. Accessibility remains good throughout the pool areas, with plenty of seating options and assistance available if needed.

Family-Friendly Features at Excalibur Las Vegas

Among Las Vegas casinos, Excalibur stands out as genuinely family-friendly while still delivering authentic gaming excitement for adults. The castle motif tends to be a hit with children, who can be seen bustling around the casino floor and the mezzanine-level food court experiencing the themed environment. Signboards throughout proclaim, “Welcome to Excalibur. You Rule,” creating an engaging atmosphere that transforms the typical Vegas experience into something special for younger visitors. The family-friendly, medieval-themed Excalibur Hotel and Casino functions as a fortress-shaped hotel-casino on the southern end of the Strip that successfully bridges the gap between traditional adult-focused Vegas properties and true family destinations.

The Fun Dungeon represents Excalibur’s centerpiece for family entertainment—a dedicated arcade area featuring over 200 games including 60 arcade games, 10 sports games, 10 carnival midways, and 10 kiddie land games. This covered entertainment space allows children to play safely regardless of weather conditions, making it particularly valuable during summer heat or occasional rain. There are also 106 redemption games where kids can claim prizes like stuffed dragons (thankfully smaller than the animatronic dragon that once greeted guests). Unlike some Vegas properties that merely tolerate families, Excalibur actively courts them with targeted amenities including the Tournament of Kings dinner show (appropriate for kids) and Mac King Comedy Magic show.

Additional family-friendly attractions have historically included motion simulator rides taking place in two theaters, each seating 48 people, though current offerings may vary. What truly sets Excalibur apart is how it allows families to enjoy the Vegas experience together without feeling out of place. The casino floor isn’t off-limits to kids like the fitness center or spa, and little ones can be spotted taking in the castle-themed decor while their parents play slots or table games. At the pool, parents tend to their water-wing-clad children in the shallow end, and kids flock to the waterslide. For travelers with multiple children, the various room configurations—including options with two queen beds—provide practical accommodations for family groups.

Family Features Comparison of Southern Strip Resorts

While Vegas may be best known as an adults-only playground, Excalibur convincingly proves it can also be a place for family fun. “The pool area was nice and the hotel is in a great location but we won’t be back,” said one TripAdvisor reviewer, highlighting how individual experiences can vary. For families willing to overlook dated bathroom tiles and occasional reports about damp carpets, Excalibur delivers exceptional value with genuinely family-oriented amenities. When comparing options on the Strip, Excalibur represents one of the most authentic family-friendly experiences at a budget-friendly price point that won’t break the bank while visiting Las Vegas.

Business Center and Meeting Facilities

Despite its medieval theme, Excalibur offers substantial business facilities suitable for small to medium-sized corporate gatherings. Event facilities at this resort consist of a conference center and 9 meeting rooms with a total of 60,000 square feet of flexible event space. The property has evolved significantly since its opening, when it featured more limited business capabilities, making today’s offerings particularly impressive given the resort’s family-friendly reputation.

The conference center features modern audiovisual equipment and dedicated event staff trained to accommodate both corporate and social gatherings. When requested in advance, the venue can transform spaces to better suit business aesthetics, temporarily de-emphasizing the medieval theme for more professional-looking events. The largest meeting space can accommodate up to 2,000 guests theater-style, making it suitable for conferences, corporate training sessions, and industry-specific events. Smaller boardrooms and breakout spaces provide intimate settings for executive meetings or focused workshops.

Business travelers will appreciate the property’s proximity to the airport and convention centers. While Excalibur might not have the same prestige as Caesars Palace for major corporate events, it offers significant cost advantages with comparable amenities. The resort features a proper business center with computer workstations, printing capabilities, and administrative support services for guests who need to handle last-minute business tasks. Wi-Fi is included in the resort fee, providing reliable internet access throughout the property. When staying for business purposes, the Resort Tower provides direct pool access while avoiding unnecessary casino foot traffic, though business guests typically prefer the more recent renovations found in the Royal Tower.

Excalibur Business Facilities Overview

“When booking Excalibur for corporate events, negotiate the resort fee waiver—most hotels automatically charge this to all rooms, but business groups of 10+ rooms can often get this eliminated. Always request ‘neutral decor’ during the booking process to minimize the medieval theming in meeting spaces. For tech-heavy events, bring your own IT support since Excalibur’s A/V staff, while friendly, aren’t as specialized as those at dedicated convention hotels like Mandalay Bay.”

— John Healy, Event Planner with Vegas Meeting Group

MGM Rewards at Excalibur: Maximizing Your Benefits

As an MGM resort, Excalibur is part of the MGM Rewards program, widely regarded as one of the best loyalty programs in Las Vegas. Though Excalibur isn’t owned by MGM Resorts International anymore (the resort’s new owner was subsequently renamed MGM Resorts International in 2010), anytime you play a casino game at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, you can earn loyalty points. The key advantage for gamblers is how seamlessly this program integrates across multiple properties—if you’re planning to visit other MGM resorts like Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, or the MGM Grand, points earned at Excalibur contribute to your overall status.

Registering as an MGM Rewards member is free and easy—just take along some photographic ID to any MGM resort and go to the rewards desk. Once you’ve signed up, simply present or use your card whenever you spend money at any MGM resort, whether gambling, paying for food and drink, shopping, or booking attractions. This includes Excalibur, where your membership card can be inserted directly into slot machines, and for table games, you just hand it to your dealer. When gambling, points are awarded based on both how much money you stake and how much time you spend gambling, with Excalibur’s rewards structure following the same formula as other MGM properties.

In terms of points, you receive four tier credits for every dollar spent on rooms, food, drink and retail at any MGM Rewards property. Gold tier members (requiring 75,000 tier credits) enjoy zero resort fees and free room upgrades where available—a compelling reason to pursue this status through strategic play at Excalibur and other MGM casinos. Because MGM operates multiple resorts in Las Vegas and across the US, the MGM Rewards Program provides ample opportunities to earn and redeem points regardless of where your travels take you. For players focused on maximizing value from their gambling experience, understanding the precise conversion rates between wagering amounts and tier credits can significantly enhance your overall experience on the Las Vegas Strip.

MGM Rewards Tier Structure at Excalibur

The conversion rates at Excalibur follow standard MGM structure but with important nuances that casual players might miss. On slot machines, you typically earn 1 tier credit for every $2-5 wagered depending on the game type and denomination. For table games, the calculation becomes more complex—casinos use a formula that considers bet size, time played, and number of players to determine theoretical loss, which then converts to tier credits. High-limit players receive more favorable comp rates, making it worthwhile to speak with a host if your play exceeds $25-$50 per hand/spin consistently. The daily resort fee at Excalibur (approximately $39-$49) is waived for Gold-tier status and above, representing significant savings during extended stays—another compelling reason to pursue status through strategic play at this and other MGM properties.

What Experts Say About Excalibur Hotel Casino

Industry experts consistently highlight Excalibur’s unique position in the Las Vegas market. Anthony Curtis, publisher of LasVegasAdvisor.com, notes: “Excalibur remains one of the best values on the Strip for families, with its combination of affordable rates, family-friendly shows, and genuine themed experience. While it lacks the luxury of newer properties, it delivers consistent quality that’s held up remarkably well over its 35-year history.” Curtis particularly praises Tournament of Kings as “the most authentic medieval experience available anywhere on the Strip.”

Heather Younghans, travel specialist with expertise in Vegas accommodations, observes: “What surprises most first-time visitors is how spacious and well-maintained Excalibur feels despite its age. The pool deck is larger than most guests expect, and the proximity to the airport is a major advantage travelers overlook. If you’re attending a T-Mobile Arena event, Excalibur’s location makes it far more convenient than northern Strip properties.” Younghans also highlights the strategic advantage of Excalibur’s placement opposite New York-New York, “giving you easy access to two distinct themed experiences within walking distance.”

John Healy, Las Vegas-based event planner with over 20 years of experience, focuses on the business angle: “Excalibur gets overlooked by many corporate planners who don’t realize its 60,000 square feet of meeting space can accommodate substantial events. It’s particularly valuable for companies wanting to combine business with family-friendly elements, since employees can enjoy Tournament of Kings or pool time with their families after business hours. The cost savings compared to Caesars Palace or Bellagio can be significant without sacrificing essential amenities.”

Bob Dancer, renowned video poker expert, particularly appreciates Excalibur’s gaming offerings: “Among the lower-priced Strip properties, Excalibur maintains surprisingly good video poker pay tables compared to some higher-end resorts that have slashed their payouts. While it won’t match the premium game selection of The Cosmopolitan, it delivers solid options at better value. Slot players should focus on the newer machines in the high-limit area for the best return percentages.” Dancer advises slot enthusiasts to “avoid the older penny slots near the entrance—these typically have lower RTP than the machines deeper in the casino.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Excalibur Hotel & Casino

Is Excalibur Hotel & Casino family-friendly?

Absolutely. Excalibur is widely regarded as one of the most family-friendly resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. Unlike many properties that focus exclusively on adult entertainment, Excalibur offers multiple family-oriented attractions including the Fun Dungeon arcade (with 200+ games), Tournament of Kings dinner show (appropriate for children), Mac King Comedy Magic show, and a pool area with a waterslide specifically for kids. The casino floor permits children, and families can often be seen exploring the castle-themed decor together.

What time is check-in and check-out at Excalibur?

Check-in time is 15:00 (3 PM) and check-out time is 11:00 (11 AM) at Excalibur, which aligns with standard Las Vegas hotel policies. Early check-in or late checkout may be available based on room availability but isn’t guaranteed. The resort fee is charged daily regardless of check-in or checkout time.

Does Excalibur have a pool?

Yes, Excalibur has a large pool deck spanning 30,000 square feet featuring three main pool areas. These include a large swimming pool with waterfalls, a pool with a family-friendly waterslide for children, and a spa pool. There’s also an adults-only pool area available for an additional charge. The pool area opens seasonally, typically from early March through November.

How far is Excalibur from the Las Vegas airport?

Excalibur is approximately 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran), making it one of the closest major resorts to the airport on the Las Vegas Strip. Most visitors can reach the property in 7-12 minutes by taxi or rideshare service.

What are the best rooms to stay in at Excalibur?

The Resort Tower rooms offer direct access to the pool area, making them ideal for families with children who want to avoid trekking through the casino each time they visit the pool. The Royal Tower has undergone more recent renovations, featuring updated decor and amenities for travelers seeking the latest room designs. Both tower types offer similar room configurations including king rooms, two queen bed rooms, and suite options.

Is there a fee to use the pool at Excalibur?

No, access to the four Excalibur hotel pools is included in the resort fee that’s added to all reservations. This fee (approximately $39-$49 plus tax) also covers Wi-Fi access and fitness center admission. There is an additional charge for the adults-only pool area and for private cabana rentals.

Does Excalibur participate in MGM Rewards?

Yes, despite no longer being directly owned by MGM Resorts International, Excalibur remains part of the MGM Collection and fully participates in the MGM Rewards program. When gambling at Excalibur, you can insert your membership card directly into slot machines, and for table games, simply hand your card to the dealer. All spending at Excalibur contributes to your MGM Rewards tier status.

What shows are available at Excalibur?

Excalibur features several notable productions including Tournament of Kings (the longest-running dinner show on the Strip featuring live jousting with horses), Thunder from Down Under (the longest-running male revue in Las Vegas), and Mac King Comedy Magic Show. The hotel also hosts regular live music and karaoke nights at the Lounge on the casino floor.

Is the Excalibur buffet worth it?

Yes, the Excalibur buffet remains one of the most popular dining options at the resort and is among the few remaining all-you-can-eat buffets on the Las Vegas Strip. The $6 million renovation created a spacious dining area seating 610 guests with diverse food stations including made-to-order crepes and eggs Benedict. While not the most luxurious buffet in Vegas, it offers good value considering the extensive menu options and themed dining environment.

What parking options does Excalibur offer?

Excalibur provides both self-parking and valet parking options. Self-parking is typically complimentary for hotel guests, while valet parking incurs a daily fee. The resort’s location at the southern end of the Strip means it’s generally easier to access by car than northern Strip properties with less traffic congestion around the property.