Excalibur Hotel and Casino Review

Address: 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Phone: (877) 750-5464 

Website: https://excalibur.mgmresorts.com/en.html 

Excalibur Hotel & Casino Overview

Excalibur Hotel and Casino brings back the legendary heydays of King Arthur to the southern end of the popular Las Vegas Strip. We’re talking about knights in shining armor, castle turrets, drawbridges, and magical shows—pretty much the whole shebang of a medieval castle. Guests can expect royal accommodation from the 3,981 rooms and suites spread across the gigantic casino-hotel complex.

By Las Vegas standards, Excalibur is a 3.5-star mid-upper-range resort hotel well-known for its competitive room rates and strong family-oriented focus. When it initially opened its doors to guests in 1990, it was the world’s largest hotel by room count. And it boasts a massive list of amenities and features to boot, including a full-service spa, four large outdoor pools, and numerous restaurants that range from a buffet to an upscale steakhouse.

When it comes to onsite dining, guests have a choice of 14+ top-notch restaurants. These include a buffet that serves brunch, several fast-food chains, Camelot Steakhouse for fantastic seafood & steak, and Buca di Beppo, a family-friendly restaurant serving delicious Italian dishes. There are also three cafés and coffee shops where you can treat your sweet tooth and enjoy a pick-me-up.

Live entertainment has a home at Excalibur, with some of the greatest comedians, magicians, musicians, and performers plying their trade here. You can marvel at the Australian Bee Gees‘ stage fluidity, let Thunder From Down Under tickle your seductive bone, or relive the tale of mythical King Arthur, thanks to Tournament of Kings. Catch The Mac King Comedy Magic Show if that isn’t entertaining enough.

The rooms at Excalibur are air-conditioned yet basic and don’t offer much to write home about. That is to be expected since the rooms were designed with typical Vegas budget travelers and revelers in mind. Unlike the rest of the hotel, which features the brand’s signature medieval-themed décor, the rooms are rather generic and may remind you of what you’d typically find at chain hotels like Best Western or Hyatt.

In-room amenities and features are also generic. 42-inch smart TVs with pay movies & satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, ironing boards, wired telephones, and safes come standard. Although not unappealing, the bathrooms are a tad dated, with generic toiletries and small wall-mounted hair dryers, while the beds come with premium bedding. As with most mid-range Vegas hotels, the rooms don’t offer any in-room coffee makers, minibars, or fridges, plus the mandatory resort fee covers access to the gym and Wi-Fi for up to two devices per room.

The Vegas hotel would be complete with a casino, and Excalibur is no different. The hotel’s casino floor is huge, boasting 96,656 square feet of gaming space that features all the fan favorites. We’re talking about more than 1,200 slot machines, over 60 table games, a lux-looking poker room for Texas Hold’em enthusiasts, and a high-limit room for whales.

One surprising thing is that children are allowed on the gaming floor, unlike the spa and fitness center, which are adults-only. You can spot the little ones enjoying the medieval décor of the casino floor while their adult companions gamble. Meeting and event spaces are also available for large and small groups, from wedding ceremonies and bachelorette parties to grand galas.

The Excalibur Hotel and Casino is generally more budget-friendly than closer alternatives like the Egypt-themed Luxor Las Vegas and the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, which has a larger roller coaster across the street. Even better, Excalibur operates under the MGM Resorts International umbrella, so frequent and loyal guests can take advantage of the brand’s MGM M-life Rewards membership. Besides, the resort is centrally located within a ten-minute walk of many popular attractions, such as T-Mobile Arena, Excalibur Casino, and the roller coaster at NY-NY.

Pros

  • Family-friendly budget casino-hotel with a fun, enchanting medieval Europe theme
  • The resort has a great location on the Las Vegas Strip, many major attractions, sights, and other popular properties, such as MGM Grand, New York-New York, KA by Cirque du Soleil, and Luxor.
  • The rooms have sitting areas, large smart TVs, air conditioning, and free toiletries & hair dryers in the bathrooms.
  • A full-service onsite spa offers a steam room, a sauna, and an extensive menu of relaxing treatments.
  • The hotel’s casino floor is massive, well-maintained, and packed with slot machines and gaming tables.
  • The amenities and features for the whole family include a games space and a Fun Dungeon arcade for kids.
  • Luxury suites feature large bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and living space.
  • The resort has 4 onsite pools, including one for adults only and one with waterslides.
  • Multiple restaurant options, a casual food court, buffet, and upscale steakhouse
  • A strong, star-studded line-up of live entertainment options that include a medieval-theme dinner show
  • A decent fitness center is available with plenty of free weights, strength training equipment, and cardio machines.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi (covered by the mandatory daily resort fee) is available in public areas throughout the property, including the casino, restaurants, lobby, bars, casino, and pools.

Cons

  • Most rooms are generic and need an upgrade.
  • The medieval castle-themed décor can be tasteless and tacky for some guests.
  • Guests are charged a steep daily resort fee at check-out, although this is pretty common in most Vegas resorts.
  • Guests have reported a musty or cigarette smell throughout the hotel, especially on the casino floor and hallways.
  • There are no in-room refrigerators, minibars, or coffeemakers (typical of Las Vegas)
  • Parking can be a huge hassle, particularly if traveling with large luggage and people with physical disabilities. Plus, M life members may be charged a parking fee.

Rooms & Suites at Excalibur Hotel and Casino

The guest rooms at Excalibur Hotel and Casino are generic, if not downright basic, but not necessarily unappealing. They’re rather small yet cozy, while the general décor is a tad tacky and dated — perhaps you can imagine yourself in one of the standard rooms of chain hotels. That’s not to say they’re too basic or dingy—an entry-level room at Excalibur sits somewhere between what you’d find at Motel 8 and Marriott.

The resort offers a staggering 3,981 rooms and suites on the 26-story building complex, all featuring two queen-sized beds or one king-size bed. Some rooms come with a pull-out bed, making them ideal for budget travelers, groups, and families. All beds in these units are dressed in premium linen and other high-quality bedding.

Room Décor

In-room décor at Excalibur Hotel & Casino does vary a little from one room type to the next. The bright color palette varies from room to room but has the same generic look and vibe. We love that the bright hues and painted accent walls help make the rather small rooms feel brighter, more spacious, and airier.

The accent walls are painted grayish-blue, beige, or both: most rooms sport wooden desks and patterned carpets. The white bedding creates the perfect backdrop for the multicolored or blue patterned throw cushions, helping enhance the liveliness and sophistication of the bedroom. The overall décor is generic, not to mention the medieval castle-inspired theme doesn’t stretch to the rooms.

In-Room Amenities & Features

The generic guest rooms at Excalibur feature basic features and amenities, including 42-inch flat-screen smart TVs with pay movies, satellite channels, and cable. The beds are top-range with white premium bedding and colorful throw cushions on top. Some rooms have sitting areas, wooden desks, and dressers topped with TVs.

As you can see, the amenities here are pared down. There are no in-room fridges, no minibars, and no coffee makers in most rooms. The bathrooms come with all the basic toiletries – but no full-length mirrors, walk-in showers, or other fancy amenities you’d expect from top-tier Vegas resorts. Besides, the tiles in the bathrooms and on the floors look dated and dirty.

Note that suites bring a few extra amenities, such as deep soaking tubs, small wet bars, and larger lounge areas. Other standard amenities in rooms at Excalibur include wall-mounted hair dryers (low voltage), safes, desks, and irons with ironing boards. Let’s not forget that all rooms are air-conditioned and well-kept.

The few features and amenities make the room feel organized and neat. Some accessibility features are available in most rooms, including roll-in showers.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are also uninspiring and look fairly dated in most rooms. Don’t get us wrong, though— they’re generally squeaky clean and will get the job done. Nonetheless, there are no frills or fancy features inside the bathroom.

Almost all bathroom floors and showers have mundane and tired-looking tiles. Meanwhile, guests will find free toiletries, a low-voltage wall-mounted hair dryer, and a frozen-glass-enclosed walk-in shower. The bathroom mirrors are small, not like the full-length versions you’d find in most Vegas hotels.

Expectedly, the higher-end suites have fancier and larger bathrooms with better amenities and features. Expect to find a few extras like a deep soaking tub (not the kind with a whirlpool) and upscale toiletries.

Room Types

There are 12 types of rooms and suites at Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Units are divided into multiple categories: Resort Tower, Resort Superior, Resort Strip, Royal Superior, Royal Tower, Royal Luxury, and Stay Well. 

Rooms and suites across all categories come with either a king-size bed or two queen-size beds. Even so, most parents traveling with children tend to prefer a stay in the Resort Tower, which has direct walking access to the family-friendly pool. They don’t have to strut through the casino floor each time they want to go to the pool.

Entry-level two-queen rooms, although small at 352 square feet, have a sleeping capacity of up to four people. Meanwhile, standard King rooms are rather basic, with muted-colored modern furnishings but not much in the way of in-room tech. Their bathrooms have old-looking granite, but they’re expectedly affordable and effective.

Guests looking for more luxury can choose from 4 types of suites. The Royal Two-Bedroom Luxury Suite – the largest room type here at 682 square feet – boasts a small array of extra features and amenities, including a deep soaking tub and a small wet bar.

Room Check-in Process

Checking into your room at Excalibur Hotel and Casino should be pretty straightforward. The front desk is open 24 hours to help you with any check-in issues, and luggage storage is available between arrival and check-in.

You must be at least 21 years of age to check in on your own. You can check in from 3 PM and check-out lasts until 11 AM. As you can expect from most Vegas theme and mid-range hotels, the check-lines at Excalibur can be brutally long, especially during peak times. Thankfully, the staff members are usually helpful and friendly and will handle check-in delays with a touch of humor.

The first thing you’ll notice in the lobby is that the décor doesn’t conform to the Arthurian theme, which isn’t a bad thing. Rather, the lobby features a more contemporary feel for your convenience.

There are elevators that’ll take you to your room from the lobby level. If you’re coming with numerous large pieces of luggage, contact the front desk for help beforehand. The same goes for guests with disabilities who need assistance.

Room Status and Conditions

Nearly half of the rooms at Excalibur were refreshed in 2016. Most rooms feel outdated, although they’re usually very clean, neat, and well-groomed. Some guests have complained of the presence of grime and stains in bathrooms.

Almost all rooms could use a refresh. The tiles in the bathroom and on the floors have seen better days. Whereas all rooms are non-smoking, some smell horrible of musty odor, cigar smoke, and cigarette smoke. 

If you’ve allergies that can flare up because of a smoky environment, steer clear of rooms near the casino and lobby level. Meanwhile, if you smoke, keep in mind that you’re responsible for all liabilities, damages, and costs caused by your smoking.

Bottom line – The rooms at Excalibur are perfect castles for budget-minded guests (aka kings and queens) who don’t mind basic/generic amenities. The rates are near-unbeatable.

Restaurants & Bars at Excalibur Hotel and Casino

Variety is the name of the game at Excalibur Hotel when it comes to dining, drinking, and snacking. On top of multiple bars and lounges, the property is home to a host of restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops to suit all cuisine preferences and budgets. The menu options range from classic Vegas buffet to a la carte.

Room service is also available but during limited hours. 

Restaurants

Here’s a quick breakdown of the popular dining options at Excalibur:

Camelot Stake

If you’re looking for something upscale but stay on theme, you should look no further than Camelot Steakhouse. This upscale restaurant is an ideal spot if you’re craving some seafood or beef.

Buca di Beppo

Easily the crown jewel of Excalibur, Buca di Beppo is a family-friendly restaurant right at the heart of the hotel property. It specializes in authentic Italian cuisines. It’s definitely a good place to join your friends or la familia for an Italian meal in an ambiance packed with laughter, lively music, and lots of fun.

Baja Fresh

This branch of the popular Tex-Mex fast-food chain is open 24/7 at Excalibur. It serves the brand’s full menu of dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Dick’s Last Resort

This fun chain restaurant is known for its wild and wacky vibe—and it couldn’t have found a better home than Excalibur. It serves classic American dishes for lunch and dinner.

Food Court at Excalibur

Not sure what to get? The food court here has plenty of eateries and quick-bite joints to choose from, including Johnny Rockets and a hybrid Orange Julius/Dairy Queen. There’s definitely something for all.

Excalibur Buffet Hotel

The buffet at the hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare in true Las Vegas style. It boasts a massive brunch spread, including made-to-order eggs Benedict and crepes, served weekdays from 7 AM to 10 AM and on weekends from 7 AM to 1 PM. All-day passes are available at a fee for the buffet, allowing holders to come, eat, and go as they please.

Other popular restaurants and dining spots at the property include Hot Dog On A Stick for classic American delicacies, Pick-Up Stix, Pizza Hut, and Popeyes.

Bars/Lounges

Guests and non-guests looking to party and have some drinks should check out the hotel’s choice of three bar/lounges, namely:

The Lounge

Enjoy an unforgettable Vegas nightlife at The Lounge. It’s a great spot to chill with pals or cheer on your favorite team. The atmosphere here is electric and fun, with an eclectic selection of cocktails and beers. It stays open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday.

Sherwood Bar

If you wish to play a few hands of video poker while enjoying drinks served by some of the most beautiful and friendliest cocktail waitpersons, head to Sherwood Bar. Their citrus crush and rum punch will blow you away. It usually stays open until 1.30 AM on weekdays and 3 AM on weekends.

Thunder Bar

Part of the pre-show and post-show tradition at Excalibur, Thunder Bar opens from 7 PM to 3 AM Wednesday through Sunday. Be sure to hit this spot before watching Thunder From Down Under or the Australian Bee Gees do their thing.

Amenities and Features at Excalibur Hotel and Casino

Amenities and guest-friendly features abound at Excalibur Las Vegas. Despite being a mid-range resort property, it offers everything from spa treatments to golf. Let’s take a closer look at the hotel’s niceties, pampering, and extras.

Spa

The Spa at Excalibur is the right spot if you want to kick back and relax like royalty for a day. The 13,000-square-foot world-class spa overlooks the pool area. It’s a full-service spa facility offering a wide range of massages, facials, body scrubs, and many other relaxation services in 11 treatment rooms.

Whether you want to enjoy the hotel’s signature 50-minute massage, customize your massage experience, or opt for an expectant mother massage, you can expect to be treated like a king or queen. However, there have been instances where guests felt that the masseuses were not up to the bar, at least by Vegas luxury standards.

Although the spa has a cold plunge, Jacuzzis, sauna, steam rooms, and rain showers, they’re off-limits at the moment due to the hotel’s ongoing measures to limit the spread of coronavirus within the facility. You can get in touch with the spa help desk at (702)-597-7772 for further clarification.

Fitness Center

The gym is on the ground level adjacent to the Spa at Excalibur, near Resort Tower. The state-of-the-art fitness center also overlooks the pool area. It’s well-equipped with free weights, climbers, recumbent bikes, treadmills, and several 42-inch flat-screen TVs, plus an array of other cardio and strength training equipment.

The fitness center opens on weekdays from 6 AM to 6 PM, and on weekends from 6 AM to 7 PM. Every guest with a valid room key gets complimentary access to the facility.

Pools

If there’s one thing that Excalibur nailed 100%, it’s the pool area. The property is home to 4 heated outdoor pools available for guests, including an adults-only gem. It comes at an extra fee if you manage to get the cushioned lounge chairs.

There’s also a heated spa pool and another pool with a waterslide. The Excalibur’s main pool area spans a whopping 30,000 square feet of deck space for ample lounging, seating, and soaking up the Vegas sun. It has a striking stage that hosts regular live DJ performances in the summer on weekends.

A haven fit for kings and queens, the pool area boasts a lush tropical paradise with many cabanas, each coming with all the essentials to keep you comfortably cool for a full day of fun in the sun. There are a couple of whirlpool spas, two waterslides, and two waterfalls, making the pool area one of the most family-friendly in Vegas.

You can rent out any of the 19 cabanas, each stocked with refreshments to keep you and your loved ones cool and happy for the day. Located a few steps from the pool is the Drenched Bar & Grill, which offers a wide menu of drinks and American classics. Moreover, there are a couple of other poolside bars that serve up delicious cocktails, mixes, and beer.

Note that the pools are open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM. They stay closed for the winter from November through March, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit Vegas during the cold weather.

Business Amenities

Excalibur Hotel and Casino has a full-service business center offering the following services:

  • Photocopying
  • Computer workstations
  • Faxing
  • Printing
  • Scanning
  • Office Supplies
  • Package processing, holding, and mailing with USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL

The business center is sandwiched between the Concierge Services and the Bell Desk. Just switch to the left when facing the front desk towards the Bell Desk. It’s within walking distance of Royal Garage, Resort Garage, and the Parking Garage Area at the Rotunda Entrance.

Parking

If you wish to drive your own car, the hotel has numerous onsite parking garages for optimal convenience. The daily parking fee is $18 for self-parking. Valet services are also available at the hotel at an additional charge.

Golf

Excalibur Hotel doesn’t have an onsite golf course. However, it has partnered with several courses on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond for your golfing pleasure. These include the DragonRidge, located in McCullough Mountains, and the Paiute Golf Resort, which lies in the Southern Nevada desert.

Live Shows and Entertainment at Excalibur

Excalibur Hotel and Casino strongly focuses on entertainment, with an impressive line-up of concerts, one-off acts, and live shows available to guests. You can also sample regular shows at the resort, such as Tournament of Kings, a medieval castle-themed show complete with knights in shining armor, King Arthur, and drawbridges. The Australian Bee Gees tribute performances are also a regular hit with guests, alongside Thunder From Down Under, a seductive performance and dance show performed by chiseled shirtless hunks.

Wedding Amenities

We’ll say this for Excalibur – it’s the most popular destination on the Las Vegas Strip for couples looking to get hitched. However, the resort provides various wedding venue options, including nine meeting rooms. The Great Hall, the largest of the bunch, has an ample capacity of up to 850 seated guests.

Wi-Fi (Internet Connection)

Wi-Fi is included in the daily mandatory resort fee and is available in almost any public place throughout the hotel. That means you can expect to enjoy free Wi-Fi in your room and areas like restaurants, lobby, casino, pool, and much more. You can ask for an upgrade if you need higher bandwidth for whatever reason.

Casino at Excalibur Hotel

In true Vegas bliss, the casino at Excalibur is a mammoth, spanning more than 96,600 square feet of gambling space. And it has all the major casino games to match the sheer size and keep guests trying their luck happy.

Slot machines rule the roost on the casino floor, numbering around 1,200. Fans of table games will find a healthy selection of 62 gaming tables for fan favorites like blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette. 

There’s also a poke room for fans of the card games like Texas Hold’em, as well as a high-limit room for VIP and high-roller players. If you’re a sports bettor, you’re in for a special treat, thanks to the modern BetMGM Sportsbook at Excalibur, complete with huge TV screens for watching your favorite sports games in a non-smoking setting. Besides, mobile sports betting is available via the BetMGM app.

One of the best news is that you can earn comp points for your spending at the casino if you’re a member of the MGM M life Rewards. What’s even better is that you can comp. Or discount your hotel stay, meals, drinks, and much more with the reward points.

Unlike the spa or fitness center, the casino gaming floor at Excalibur doesn’t bar minors. That’s unheard of in Vegas, as most casinos would rather see kids play by the pool or visit the amusement parks.

Excalibur Hotel and Casino Review: The Verdict

Allow Excalibur Hotel and Casino to transport you back to the legendary days of King Arthur with knights in shining armor, castle turrets, and drawbridges. Beyond the cheesy medieval castle-inspired theme, this is a budget-oriented, family-friendly resort that forms an ideal home base for exploring the best and brightest of the Las Vegas Strip. 

The resort features a decent amount of amenities, including four heated outdoor pools with cabanas, waterfalls, and waterslides, a full-service spa with a fitness center, and a large casino stocked with all essential games. Live shows, multiple restaurants, bars/lounges, and business amenities round out the highlights of this property.

On the flip side, some rooms are dated and could use a refresh, not to mention they lack fridges, coffeemakers, and other common in-room amenities. There’s also no shortage of complaints of musty or cigarette smells throughout the hotel.

Overall, Excalibur Hotel and Casino is the ideal choice for budget travelers and families that don’t mind generic accommodation and amenities.

Does Excalibur have free breakfast?

Yes, Excalibur offers a free buffet, continental, and à la carte breakfast if it’s included in your room rate. If not, you will pay $20 per adult and $12 per child.

Does Excalibur waive resort fees?

Yes, getting your Excalibur resort fee waived or discounted is possible.

Is Excalibur owned by Caesars?

No, Excalibur Hotel and Casino is owned by MGM Resorts International.

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