Luxor Las Vegas is a famous casino hotel on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. Known for its ancient Egyptian theme, this striking pyramid shaped resort offers a massive gaming floor, over 4,000 hotel rooms, and endless entertainment. As an experienced gambler, I consider this iconic destination a must-see. The resort features incredible attractions, a lively casino, and top dining spots.
Construction and opening
Groundbreaking for this massive project took place on April 21, 1992. Builders temporarily called it “Project X” before choosing the name Luxor. It was named after the ancient Egyptian city.
The resort was mainly financed using internal cash flow from other properties. It did not include outside financial investors. President and owner Charles L. Silverman traveled to Egypt three times. He wanted to study the country’s unique atmosphere.
Standing 30 stories high, the pyramid was one of the largest metal and glass projects ever built. The property hosted a grand pre-opening event for hundreds of guests on the night of October 14, 1993.
A $300 million renovation and expansion began in 1996. The company added two 22-story hotel towers situated just north of the pyramid. This huge project also brought Nevada’s first 3D IMAX theater to the property.
Unique Pyramid Rooms at the Most Iconic Hotel
The resort originally opened with 2,526 rooms located entirely within the pyramid. The rooms line the pyramid’s outer interior walls. Walkways outside these rooms overlook the massive center space. Experience floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views in their remodeled suites.
The pyramid features the largest atrium in the world by volume. It measures an astounding 29 million cubic feet.
Guests reach their rooms using special inclined elevators. These unique elevators travel at a 39-degree angle up the interior of the pyramid structure. There are eight elevators in total, with two located at each corner.
Luxor Sky Beam
The tip of the pyramid features a beam of light known as the Luxor Sky Beam. It shines bright into the night sky. It is recognized as the most powerful man-made light in the world.
The light system uses curved mirrors to collect light from 39 xenon lamps. It focuses them into one intense and highly narrow beam. The beam originally measured 42.3 billion candela.
It shines straight up seven miles high. On a clear night, aircraft can see it from up to 275 miles away at cruising altitude. This includes aircraft flying high over Los Angeles.
The lights generate massive amounts of heat. The lamp room sits about 50 feet below the top of the building. It can reach temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded just above the pyramid tip.
Moths are naturally attracted to this massive light. The bugs then attract larger bats and owls. The beam was activated on October 14, 1993, and has operated reliably ever since.
LUXOR HOTEL & CASINO, MGM COLLECTION
Parent company MGM Resorts International operates the property. The overall atmosphere combines unique Egyptian decor with dynamic, modern gaming action.
You can find a massive variety of slot machines and plenty of live action. The casino originally included 82 table games, a poker room, and race and sports books.
Work is underway to improve the pool areas as part of major property upgrades. Crews have demolished the old south pool to build a brand new pool area. The new space will offer a much bigger deck size for sunbathing.
MGM Resorts states that guests will have access to at least one pool while the remodel takes place. Guests are also permitted to use pool areas at nearby Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, and MGM Grand at no extra charge.
Shows and other activities in your all-inclusive Vegas vacation
Las Vegas is known for top tier entertainment, and this resort sits right at the center. They recently launched an all-inclusive option for guests staying at Excalibur or Luxor.
Packages start at $330. This covers a two-night stay, food, drinks, some classic Vegas activities, and parking. Once you know what is included, the massive savings become easy to appreciate.
The casino has hosted various legendary entertainers. You can leave your expectations at the door and let the Blue Man Group take you on a spectacular journey. The show bursts with loud music, magic, laughter, and incredible surprises.
Other famous resident performers include comedian Carrot Top and magician Criss Angel. Nearby at Excalibur, you can watch The Mac King Comedy Magic Show. You could also plan a fun night out with the Thunder From Down Under show.
- Blue Man Group
- Carrot Top Comedy Show
- America’s Got Talent Superstars Live
- Fantasy Cabaret
Restaurants and clubs
The resort opened with seven distinct restaurants. A large food court was also added during the 1997 expansion.
Food options have evolved drastically over the years. Over time, the resort added more adult-oriented lounges, modern restaurants, and nightlife clubs. The hotel was even named among the top 50 resorts in the country by Gourmet magazine due to its food.
Notable past eateries included the Luxor Steakhouse and a French gourmet restaurant known as Isis. Isis was later replaced by CatHouse, a popular nightclub and restaurant led by chef Kerry Simon. Another famous spot was Tender, which specialized in aged steaks and fresh seafood.
Nightlife has always been a key focus. LAX nightclub opened in 2007 with a massive party hosted by Britney Spears. LAX was highly popular among celebrities. It also included Christina Aguilera and DJ AM as rich investors.
Video gaming and esports
Video gaming remains a huge draw for younger travelers. Upon its initial opening, the resort included the massive 18,000 square foot VirtuaLand video game arcade. This popular attraction was created in partnership with Sega.
In March 2018, a brand new dedicated gaming space opened. Known as Esports Arena, it is part of a larger famous chain.
This venue became the very first dedicated esports facility directly on the Strip. The multi-level arena measures 30,000 square feet. It features a massive two-story video wall for watching gaming tournaments.
Attractions
The exterior features a massive recreation of the Great Sphinx of Giza. It faces directly toward the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel structures use sleek black glass panels to create a striking look.
Historically, the resort leaned heavily on Egyptian attractions. It originally opened with the 300,000-gallon Karnak Lake. More than 100 computer-controlled fountains would spray water into the air.
Early attractions included a dramatic Pharaoh’s Dinner Theater that seated 900 people. It featured real chariot races, belly dancers, and even a trained elephant. An indoor Nile River ride was also popular before the theme was scaled back.
The resort’s unique shape makes it an icon in pop culture. Will Smith filmed a famous 1998 music video right in the hotel lobby. The pyramid even appears as a futuristic abandoned ruin in the iconic sci-fi film Blade Runner 2049.
Access 40+ Las Vegas attractions
Exploring Nevada is easy when you stay at this central location. From dazzling production shows to neon-lit nights out, you can experience it all using a bundled Las Vegas attraction pass. These passes often grant rapid entry to over 40 different regional attractions.
Map of Las Vegas Strip Hotels and Casinos
Navigating the busy streets requires knowing a few simple directions. The Las Vegas south strip area strictly starts at Planet Hollywood resort. It then runs south down to Mandalay Bay.
The mid strip area is the massive busy zone located just south of Sands Avenue. It runs all the way down to Planet Hollywood just before Harmon Avenue.
How long is the Las Vegas Strip?
The Las Vegas Strip length is exactly 4.2 miles. That is about 6.8 kilometers. The route spans from Sahara Avenue at the northern tip straight down to Russell Road at the southern end.
Is there a free shuttle on the Las Vegas Strip?
Yes, there are connected tram services. You can easily travel between Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur. From other hubs, venues can be quickly accessed via pedestrian bridges connected to major spots like The Venetian Resort.
| Starting Location | Destination | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Reid International Airport | Las Vegas Strip | 15 minutes |
| Los Angeles, California | Las Vegas Strip | 4 hours |
| City of Henderson | Las Vegas Strip | 20 minutes |
For Guests
Checking into the hotel brings a few important financial details. An incidental deposit of $75 per room, per night is strictly required at check-in. This covers room charges and minor damages.
Always review your casino hotel rewards accounts. Checking your player card offers helps you get room comps, free slot machine play, and dining credits.
What Experts Say About Luxor Las Vegas
Travel and casino experts consistently praise the property as a vital piece of gaming history. Casino floor veterans highly rate its mid-tier betting limits. It gives casual gamblers better odds than the ultra-luxury resorts.
Architecture experts view it as a prime historical example of 1990s Postmodern design magic. The property’s massive sphinx even appeared right on the cover of famous architecture scholar James Steele’s book.
Gaming experts love the relaxed atmosphere. “The combination of the massive esports venue and reliable classic table games makes the pyramid a perfectly balanced destination for mixed age groups,” says a leading gambling analyst.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Luxor Las Vegas open?
The resort officially opened its doors on October 14, 1993, with a massive celebration.
How many rooms does the pyramid hotel have?
The property features over 4,000 hotel rooms. The original pyramid building held 2,526 rooms, before adding the large twin towers in 1996.
What is the bright light on top of the casino?
It is called the Luxor Sky Beam. It ranks as the most powerful man-made light in the world, shining straight into outer space.
Can I use pools at other MGM Resorts properties?
Yes. While the main south pool is currently under heavy reconstruction, guests can enjoy full access to the pools at Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, and Excalibur.
Does the casino have an esports gaming area?
Yes. The property features a massive 30,000 square foot multi-level venue known as Esports Arena for competitive video gaming.