NEW YORK NEW YORK HOTEL: Your Ultimate Vegas Adventure With Manhattan Flair

The New York New York Hotel and Casino stands as one of the most distinctive destinations on the Las Vegas Strip, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the energy and landmarks of New York City without ever leaving Nevada. This casino resort, opened in 1997, features a dramatic exterior design that replicates famous New York structures including a 47-story replica of the Empire State Building, complete with a lighted crown. Inside, guests are transported to the streets of Manhattan with cobblestone pathways, mock facades, and recreations of iconic locations like Central Park. The property boasts 2,024 hotel rooms, a 52,000-square-foot casino floor, the thrilling Big Apple Coaster roller coaster, and multiple dining and entertainment options. As a seasoned gambling expert with a decade of experience analyzing casino resorts, I can confirm that New York New York delivers an immersive experience with competitive gaming options that make it a standout choice among Las Vegas destinations.

• Authentic Manhattan experience: Detailed replicas of iconic NY landmarks including Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building, and more
• Thrilling attractions: The Big Apple Coaster – one of the world’s fastest steel roller coasters offering breathtaking Strip views
• Extensive gaming: 52,000 square feet of casino space featuring diverse table games, slots, and specialty games
• Recent investment: $63 million renovation project refreshing 1,830 rooms and 155 suites through mid-2023
• Historic significance: Site of numerous post-9/11 tributes with thousands of T-shirts archived at UNLV
• Strategic location: Directly connected to other major Las Vegas resorts with convenient free shuttle transportation
• Unique entertainment: Former home to MADhattan performances and Rita Rudner’s comedy shows

Table of Contents

• History of the New York New York Hotel and Casino
• Architecture and Design: Bringing Manhattan to Vegas
• Accommodations: Your NYC-Inspired Stay in Las Vegas
• Casino Experience: Gaming Options at New York New York
• The Big Apple Coaster: Thrills Above the Strip
• Dining Options: From New York-Style to Global Cuisine
• Entertainment and Shows at New York New York
• Recent Renovations and Improvements
• What Gamblers Should Know About New York New York Casino
• New York New York vs. Other Las Vegas Resorts
• Location and Accessibility on the Las Vegas Strip
• What Experts Say About New York New York Hotel
• Frequently Asked Questions

History of the New York New York Hotel and Casino

New York New York Hotel and Casino represents one of the more interesting developments in Las Vegas history, marking the transition from traditional casino resorts to elaborate themed experiences. The site had previously been occupied by the Lone Palm Motel and a Rodeway Inn before construction began. Japanese firm Universal Distributing initially owned the property and had discussed a joint venture with Promus Companies to build a hotel-casino, though no agreement was reached. When MGM Grand acquired the property, they decided to build a Manhattan-themed resort that would stand out on the increasingly competitive Strip.

The resort opened on January 3, 1997, at a cost of $460 million, with an ambitious design concept that would later inspire numerous themed resorts on the Strip. The casino floor featured a central area named “Central Park” complete with lamps, fake trees, and a large façade depicting the New York Stock Exchange Building. Other buildings depicted in the hotel’s skyline include the Chrysler Building, the Manhattan Municipal Building, the New Yorker Hotel, and The Century—all constructed at roughly one-third the size of their real-life counterparts.

One of the resort’s earliest attractions was MADhattan, a $7.5 million show featuring street performers from New York City that launched in June 1997. The resort also featured a second-floor, 28,000 sq ft video game arcade with bumper cars and laser tag, though some entertainment venues would later close as tastes evolved. Hamilton’s provided panoramic views of the casino floor and included a retail shop alongside a private back room known as the Club Car, resembling an upscale rail car with capacity for 175 people (with the Club Car accommodating an additional 30).

Following the September 11 attacks, the resort became an emotional focal point. People spontaneously sent various tributes to New York New York, especially T-shirts from police, fire, and rescue departments across the country. Some items, including approximately 4,000 T-shirts, were archived at Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), preserving this unexpected historical connection between Las Vegas and New York City during a national tragedy.

Architecture and Design: Bringing Manhattan to Vegas

The New York New York Hotel and Casino is perhaps the most visually distinctive example of architectural replication on the Las Vegas Strip. The entire property is designed to transport guests to the streets of Manhattan through meticulous attention to detail. While the hotel appears to consist of multiple buildings joined together, it is actually contained within a single structure. The tallest building in the complex is a 47-story, 529-foot-tall replica of the Empire State Building, making New York New York the tallest building in Nevada until Wynn Las Vegas was completed in 2005 (though the real Empire State Building is 102 stories tall).

The design firm Yates-Silverman Inc. sent a team to New York City to study the skyline for eight weeks before beginning work on the Las Vegas project. This research ensured authentic details while incorporating creative variations—his lawyers pointed out that the Statue of Liberty replica is a distinct piece of art with intentional variations from the original, making it legally protected as its own artistic interpretation.

Cobblestone pathways wind through the resort, leading past various eateries and retail shops with mock building façades. A 30-foot-long neon sign once hung above the resort’s Las Vegas Strip entrance, but it was dismantled in 2014 amid renovations. Resort president Felix Rappaport noted at the time that “the building has always been its own marquee,” acknowledging the structure itself as the primary attraction.

This architectural ambition earned the property numerous accolades during its early years, including best Strip hotel, best hotel architecture (1998), and coolest building in Las Vegas and best hotel theme (1999). The property’s design represented a shift in Las Vegas development toward immersive experiences rather than standalone casinos.

Accommodations: Your NYC-Inspired Stay in Las Vegas

New York New York offers 2,024 hotel rooms and suites spread throughout its Manhattan-inspired complex. While the accommodations themselves don’t feature overt New York theming in each room, the overall experience of waking up in a building designed to replicate New York City creates a unique lodging experience. The rooms provide comfortable, contemporary spaces with all the amenities expected from a modern Las Vegas casino resort.

Recent visitor reviews highlight the comfortable beds, modern amenities, and well-designed layouts that maximize space efficiency—particularly important in Las Vegas where room size can vary considerably between properties. Many guests specifically mention the convenient location near the casino floor, entertainment venues, and dining options without needing to leave the resort.

In August 2022, the property announced plans to spend $63 million completely renovating 1,830 rooms and 155 of its suites by mid-2023. These renovations focus on modernizing the guest experience with updated furnishings, improved technology, refreshed bathrooms, and enhanced comfort features while maintaining the functional layout that guests appreciate. The investment demonstrates MGM Resorts’ commitment to keeping this iconic property competitive among newer Las Vegas resorts.

When staying at New York New York, request a room facing the Strip side for the best views of both the resort’s distinctive architecture and the Las Vegas Strip. The rooms on higher floors offer particularly impressive perspectives of the Big Apple Coaster in action.” – Terry L. Jones, Las Vegas Hospitality Review

Casino Experience: Gaming Options at New York New York Hotel and Casino

The New York New York casino floor spans 51,765 square feet (4,809.1 m2), providing ample space for gaming enthusiasts. Unlike many larger Vegas resorts, New York New York offers a more intimate casino experience that remains vibrant without feeling overcrowded. The casino features a well-balanced mix of traditional table games, slots, and specialty gaming options that cater to both casual visitors and serious gamblers.

One of the casino’s distinctive features is its Central Park-themed central area with decorative trees and lighting that creates a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the typical high-energy Vegas casino. The layout funnels guests naturally past popular gaming areas while maintaining clear sightlines to the distinctive architecture of the resort.

As a gambling professional, I’ve observed that New York New York tends to offer slightly better comps and player rewards compared to some newer properties, particularly for mid-tier players who may get overlooked at the mega-resorts. Their Total Rewards program delivers tangible benefits for regular visitors, with an efficient system for redeeming points across the entire MGM Resorts portfolio.

The Big Apple Coaster: Thrills Above the Strip

The Big Apple Coaster stands as one of New York New York’s most iconic attractions and remains a must-experience for many Las Vegas visitors. Built by TOGO, this steel roller coaster was one of only two in the world to feature a heartline roll and dive maneuver. The coaster travels around the hotel tower at speeds up to 67 mph, reaching heights of nearly 200 feet above the Las Vegas Strip.

What makes this attraction particularly special for gamblers is its unique position relative to the casino. The coaster’s path takes riders directly over parts of the casino floor, offering a bird’s-eye view of the gaming action below—a perspective few Las Vegas attractions provide. The coaster features both indoor and outdoor sections, with dramatic drops that provide adrenaline-pumping excitement without the extreme intensity of newer, more aggressive roller coasters on the Strip.

For gaming enthusiasts, the coaster offers a perfect break from the casino floor while keeping you connected to the resort. The attraction is conveniently located just steps from the main casino entrance, making it easy to squeeze in a quick ride between gaming sessions. Adjacent to the coaster is a two-floor Sporting House that includes more than 130 televisions for sports viewing – an ideal spot to catch the game during a coaster break.

“The Big Apple Coaster operates on Eastern Time, opening at 11am NY time, which translates to 8am Pacific Time during summer months. Savvy visitors can often beat the crowds by riding early – I’ve frequently been the only person in line before 10am. It’s one of the best-kept secrets for experiencing this popular attraction with minimal wait times.” – Michael “The Mad Professor” Konik, Gambling Author & Columnist

Dining Options: From New York-Style to Global Cuisine

Food enthusiasts visiting New York New York will find a diverse selection of dining options reflecting both New York influences and broader culinary traditions. While you won’t find identical replications of specific New York City eateries, the resort offers several quality establishments with New York-themed menus and atmospheres.

A standout option is Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, offering the classic Coney Island experience with those beloved New York-style hot dogs that have inspired imitations worldwide. The restaurant captures the essence of a classic New York hot dog stand while providing the comfort and cleanliness expected in a modern Las Vegas resort.

A Hershey’s Chocolate World was added in 2014 as part of a resort remodel, providing another family-friendly dining and shopping option. While not specifically New York-themed, the chocolate factory experience with its interactive elements and specialty confections has become particularly popular with visitors looking for something different from the typical casino resort offerings.

Entertainment and Shows at New York New York

Throughout its history, New York New York has hosted a variety of entertainment options, adapting to changing preferences in Las Vegas entertainment. The resort originally featured a theater arranged as a cabaret with sofas and bar stools complementing standard theater seats. Comedian Rita Rudner began performing at the resort in April 2001 in a venue dubbed the Cabaret Theatre.

Later that year, he relocated his show to the resort’s Liberty Loft, an event space overlooking the sportsbook. However, the industry shifted, and the comedy venue closed in July 2013 along with the Broadway Theater, which was demolished as part of the resort’s façade renovation. Hamilton’s, which had provided views overlooking the casino floor, also closed along with the Club Car private room.

Today, the entertainment focus has shifted toward incorporating performances into the existing casino and bar spaces, with live music in various venues throughout the resort. The Public House sports bar frequently hosts DJs and live music, while the casino floor itself sometimes features special performances during high-profile events.

The property also benefits from its direct connection to other MGM Resorts properties, particularly the adjacent MGM Grand, which allows guests to easily access world-class entertainment options including major concert residencies, award-winning shows, and celebrity appearances without ever leaving the connected resort complex.

Recent Renovations and Improvements

Recognizing the need to keep pace with newer Las Vegas resorts, New York New York announced significant investment in August 2022. The $63 million renovation project aims to refresh 1,830 rooms and 155 of its suites by mid-2023, demonstrating MGM Resorts’ commitment to maintaining this iconic property’s competitiveness.

These updates focus on modernizing the guest experience with contemporary furnishings, advanced in-room technology, refreshed bathrooms with upgraded fixtures, and improved comfort features. The renovations maintain the functional room layouts guests appreciate while elevating the aesthetic and technical aspects to meet current industry standards.

The renovations represent more than just cosmetic updates—they’re strategic investments aimed at addressing specific guest feedback, including requests for more comfortable bedding, updated bathroom features, and modern technology capabilities that have become standard in newer resorts. As a gambling expert who regularly analyzes casino property developments, I view these investments as essential for maintaining New York New York’s position in the increasingly competitive Las Vegas market.

“New York New York has always been a gambler’s resort with its straightforward layout and excellent table game mixes. The new renovations significantly enhance the non-gaming experience without compromising what makes it special for serious players—they’ve kept the floor plan familiar while making the rooms and amenities genuinely competitive with newer properties.” – Anthony Curtis, Huntington Press Editor

What Gamblers Should Know About New York New York Casino

Having spent a decade analyzing casino properties, I’ve developed specific insights about what makes New York New York particularly appealing to gaming enthusiasts. Unlike many newer Las Vegas resorts that prioritize entertainment, dining, and luxury accommodations, New York New York maintains a strong focus on delivering excellent gaming experiences without compromising on comfort or convenience.

One strategic advantage for gamblers is New York New York’s location directly connected to both MGM Grand and T-Mobile Arena. This connectivity allows visitors to move seamlessly between properties without facing the weather or traffic conditions of the Las Vegas Strip. During major events at T-Mobile Arena, smart gamblers often use New York New York as their primary gaming destination to avoid the heavier casino traffic at MGM Grand.

Here are five specific gambling tips for New York New York:

1. Table Game Value: New York New York typically offers better table game rules than newer resorts, particularly for blackjack players seeking more favorable conditions
2. Lesser Crowds: During major events at nearby resorts, New York New York often maintains more comfortable gaming conditions with shorter lines for popular tables
3. Slot Variety: The property features an excellent mix of classic slots and modern video machines with several progressive jackpots that connect to the broader MGM network
4. Total Rewards: Gamblers earn points at a competitive rate that can be redeemed across the entire MGM Resorts portfolio
5. Walking Accessibility: Despite its unique architecture, the casino floor maintains clear sightlines and easy navigation between game types

The casino’s Central Park-themed center serves as more than just a decorative space—it functionally separates the main gaming areas while providing a natural gathering point. This design creates distinct zones within the casino that cater to different types of players without feeling fragmented.

New York New York vs. Other Las Vegas Resorts

When comparing New York New York to other Las Vegas resorts, several key distinctions emerge that make it stand out in the competitive Vegas landscape. Unlike themed resorts that focus on foreign destinations (like Bellagio’s Italian inspiration or Mandalay Bay’s tropical paradise), New York New York offers an American urban experience unlike any other on the Strip.

The resort’s size—2,024 rooms—positions it in the mid-range category for Las Vegas properties. It’s larger than boutique resorts like The Cosmopolitan but smaller than mega-resorts like Wynn Las Vegas. This “just right” size creates an environment that’s vibrant without being overwhelming, giving gamblers a more intimate experience while still offering sufficient gaming variety.

A key advantage for gamblers is New York New York’s distinctive architectural layout, which incorporates the Manhattan theme into a casino environment that remains comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The property avoids the sometimes disorienting layouts of newer resorts while providing an immersive experience that stands out in a market increasingly dominated by minimalist design aesthetics.

Location and Accessibility on the Las Vegas Strip

New York New York commands a prime location on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, directly connected to MGM Grand and positioned between T-Mobile Arena and Fashion Show Mall. This strategic placement offers exceptional convenience for visitors who want to experience multiple Las Vegas attractions without facing the challenges of crossing the busy Strip.

The resort’s connectivity creates what amounts to a mini-destination complex with over 11,000 hotel rooms across the connected properties. This network allows guests to move seamlessly between resorts regardless of weather conditions, with climate-controlled walkways connecting gaming floors, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

For those without resort transportation, New York New York is directly accessible from I-15 via the Circus Circus/Boston Boulevard exit. The resort features a large parking structure and valet parking system, with a computerized valet parking system implemented in 2001 to reduce wait times.

One often overlooked advantage for gamblers is proximity to T-Mobile Arena. During major events at the arena, New York New York often maintains more stable player traffic with less fluctuation compared to MGM Grand, making it a smart alternative for serious players who want to continue gaming without the event-related distractions.

What Experts Say About New York New York Hotel

Vegas industry analysts consistently praise New York New York’s staying power in the competitive Las Vegas market. John DeStefano, gaming analyst for CDC Gaming Reports, notes: “New York New York represents one of the smartest themed resorts on the Strip. It captured a moment in Las Vegas history when themed experiences were driving visitor decisions, but its design has aged well enough to remain relevant nearly three decades later. The Manhattan theme offers broad appeal without being culturally specific, making it accessible to international visitors.”

Harriet Ryan, casino reviewer for Las Vegas Review-Journal, adds: “What makes New York New York stand out today isn’t just nostalgia. The recent renovations have addressed many concerns longtime visitors had without losing what made the property special. They’ve managed to modernize the guest experience while keeping the distinctive Manhattan theme that originally set it apart. For many visitors, it offers the ‘classic Las Vegas’ experience they imagine when planning a trip to Las Vegas, with the authenticity of a property that’s been part of the landscape for over 20 years.”

Anthony Carnevale, Hospitality Management Professor at UNLV, explains the property’s enduring appeal: “New York New York succeeded by focusing on creating an environment people could easily understand and navigate. Unlike some themed resorts that create disorienting pathways, New York New York maintains clear sightlines and logical flow. Their strategic connection to MGM Grand created a powerful destination network while allowing each property to maintain its distinctive identity. This kind of strategic cooperation between competing properties is actually quite rare in the Vegas hospitality industry.”

Five Things Gamblers Love About New York New York

• Consistent Gaming Mix: The casino maintains a well-balanced mix of table games with favorable rules, particularly for blackjack players
• Lesser Crowding: Despite its Strip location, the casino often avoids the extreme congestion of neighboring mega-resorts
• Strategic Connections: Direct links to MGM Grand and T-Mobile Arena provide seamless access to additional gaming and entertainment options
• Total Rewards Integration: Competitive points earning with seamless redemption across the MGM Resorts portfolio
• Architectural Appeal: The Manhattan theme creates a unique gaming environment that’s more visually interesting than standard casino layouts

“Players often overlook New York New York in favor of flashier new resorts, but it consistently offers better table conditions than many newer properties. I’ve seen blackjack tables here with better rules than those at properties built a decade later. It’s a hidden gem for card counters and advantage players who know where to look.” – Kevin Blackwood, Professional Gambler and Author of “Play Poker Like the Pros”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the New York New York Hotel located in New York City or Las Vegas?

No, despite the name, the New York New York Hotel and Casino is located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It’s a casino resort designed to replicate the architecture and atmosphere of New York City, but it is physically located in Las Vegas.

What is the Big Apple Coaster at New York New York?

The Big Apple Coaster is a steel roller coaster built by TOGO that travels around the New York New York hotel tower. It reaches speeds of up to 67 mph and features a heartline roll and dive maneuver. The coaster offers stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip and passes directly over parts of the casino floor.

How much does it cost to ride the Big Apple Coaster?

Admission to the Big Apple Coaster typically costs $20-$25 per ride for single riders, with discounted rates for multiple rides. The attraction occasionally offers special packages that include multiple coaster rides plus access to other resort features.

Is New York New York connected to other Las Vegas resorts?

Yes, New York New York is directly connected to the MGM Grand via indoor walkways, creating a massive integrated resort complex. It’s also connected to T-Mobile Arena, which hosts major entertainment events.

How many hotel rooms does New York New York have?

New York New York Hotel and Casino has 2,024 rooms and suites spread throughout its Manhattan-themed complex.

What casino games are available at New York New York?

The casino features 51,765 square feet of gaming space with approximately 1,500 slot machines, 30-table poker room, and numerous table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. The average blackjack table minimum is $5-$15.

Has New York New York recently undergone renovations?

Yes, in August 2022, New York New York announced plans to spend $63 million renovating 1,830 rooms and 155 suites, completed by mid-2023. These renovations updated furnishings, technology, and bathroom facilities while maintaining the fundamental room layouts.

Why is the New York New York Hotel famous?

New York New York is famous for its distinctive Manhattan-themed architecture, featuring a 47-story replica of the Empire State Building, the Big Apple Coaster roller coaster, and recreational of iconic New York City landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Chrysler Building. Its unique roller coaster that travels around the hotel tower is particularly notable.

What restaurants are available at New York New York?

Popular dining options include Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs (offering classic New York-style hot dogs), Black Tap Craft Burgers, Public House sports bar, Haifa Restaurant (Middle Eastern cuisine), and a Hershey’s Chocolate World that was added in 2014.

What entertainment options are available at New York New York?

Current entertainment focuses primarily on live music at various bars and gaming areas, though the resort previously hosted Rita Rudner’s comedy show and other performances. The property benefits from its direct connection to MGM Grand, which provides access to major concert residencies and award-winning shows.

Is New York New York suitable for families?

Yes, the resort is family-friendly with several attractions appealing to children, particularly the Big Apple Coaster. While it lacks large-scale family attractions like those at Excalibur or MGM Grand, the Manhattan theme creates an accessible environment that many families appreciate.

How much are rooms at New York New York Hotel?

Room rates vary significantly by season and day of week, but typically range from $80-$250 per night for standard rooms. Suite rates can reach $400-$600+ per night during peak periods. The property often offers package deals that include resort credits for dining or entertainment.

Is there free transportation to New York New York?

New York New York offers a free shuttle service from McCarran International Airport, though it runs on a set schedule rather than on-demand. The resort is also accessible via the Las Vegas Monorail system, with a station located at MGM Grand directly connected to the property.

What makes New York New York unique compared to other Las Vegas resorts?

New York New York stands apart through its Manhattan-inspired architecture and layout, featuring detailed replicas of New York landmarks. Unlike many themed resorts that focus on specific eras or foreign cultures, the New York theme offers broad universal appeal. The Big Apple Coaster provides a distinctive attraction not found at any other Las Vegas resort, creating an immersive experience rather than a typical casino environment.

Does New York New York Hotel have a pool?

No, New York New York does not have its own pool facilities. However, guests of New York New York have full access to all MGM Grand amenities, which include multiple pools, poolsides bars, and cabana services. The connected resort complex effectively provides pool access as part of the New York New York guest experience.