The Cromwell vs Caesars Palace: Which Strip Hotel Wins?

Choosing where to stay in Las Vegas can shape the entire trip. Few comparisons are as interesting as The Cromwell vs Caesars Palace.

These two hotels sit on the same famous intersection and share the same parent company. Yet they offer completely different experiences.

One is a small, stylish boutique hotel, now reborn as The Vanderpump Hotel. The other is a legendary Roman-themed megaresort marking six decades on the Strip.

The sections that follow compare their rooms, dining, pools, nightlife, gaming, and overall value. The goal is to help you decide which property best matches your travel style.

What is the Main Difference Between The Cromwell and Caesars Palace?

The main difference between The Cromwell and Caesars Palace is that The Cromwell is an intimate, 188-room boutique hotel focused on style, nightlife, and a personal feel. It was rebranded as The Vanderpump Hotel in 2026. Caesars Palace is a sprawling, Roman-themed megaresort with nearly 4,000 rooms, world-class entertainment venues, and almost every amenity a Las Vegas visitor could want under one roof.

What is The Cromwell and What is Caesars Palace?

The Cromwell is a boutique hotel and casino at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road, in the heart of the Center Strip. It opened in 2014 on the site of the former Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon.

From the start, it set itself apart as the Strip’s first standalone boutique hotel. It offered a compact, design-forward alternative to the giant resorts around it.

In 2026, Caesars Entertainment completed a full transformation of the property into The Vanderpump Hotel, created with television personality and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump. The address, the size, and much of the core identity stayed the same.

Today the hotel offers 188 rooms and suites and a 40,000-square-foot casino. It is also home to GIADA, the first restaurant from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.

Its rooftop space, formerly Drai’s Beachclub, now operates as Soleia, an 11-story-high pool and event venue. Drai’s After Hours still runs in its original home beneath the hotel.

Caesars Palace is one of the most famous resorts in the world. It opened in 1966 and is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.

Built around a Greco-Roman theme, it spreads across several hotel towers, including the separate Nobu Hotel inside the resort. Together, they hold roughly 4,000 rooms and suites.

Caesars Palace is known for The Colosseum theater, The Forum Shops, the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, and the Bacchanal Buffet. Its restaurants include several celebrity-chef venues.

It also has a massive casino floor, a full-service spa, and extensive convention space. In short, it works as a self-contained destination.

Key Differences Between The Cromwell and Caesars Palace

1. Size and Scale: The Cromwell has just 188 rooms, which makes it one of the smallest hotels on the Strip. Caesars Palace has roughly 4,000 rooms spread across multiple towers. The two properties offer completely different experiences in terms of crowds, distance, and pace.
2. Overall Atmosphere: The Cromwell feels like an upscale boutique hotel, with a curated design and a social, lounge-style energy. Caesars Palace feels grand and theatrical, with marble statues, fountains, and sweeping Roman-inspired architecture.
3. Dining Variety: The Cromwell’s dining centers on GIADA plus a bar and a coffee option. Caesars Palace offers dozens of restaurants, from fine dining and celebrity-chef concepts to casual cafes and one of the most famous buffets in Las Vegas.
4. Pool Experience: The Cromwell’s pool sits on the rooftop as part of Soleia, with panoramic Strip views. Caesars Palace offers the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, a large complex of pools, cabanas, and lounging areas at ground level.
5. Entertainment Options: Caesars Palace hosts headline residencies at The Colosseum, along with OMNIA nightclub and many lounges. The Cromwell’s entertainment is mainly nightlife-driven, anchored by Drai’s After Hours.
6. Shopping: Caesars Palace connects to The Forum Shops, one of the highest-grossing shopping centers in the country. The Cromwell offers only a small retail store, so guests must walk elsewhere for serious shopping.
7. Meetings and Events: Caesars Palace has large-scale convention and ballroom space for major conferences. The Cromwell offers boutique event options, such as its rooftop venue and lounge, which suit receptions and smaller groups.

Key Similarities Between The Cromwell and Caesars Palace

1. Same Parent Company: Caesars Entertainment owns and operates both properties. Guests can expect familiar booking systems, service standards, and policies at either hotel.
2. Caesars Rewards Program: Both hotels participate in Caesars Rewards. Guests can earn and redeem points for rooms, dining, and gaming at either property and across the wider Caesars portfolio.
3. Center Strip Location: Both sit at the iconic Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection. Each places guests within walking distance of many of the Strip’s most famous attractions.
4. Full Casino Floors: Each property has a working casino with table games, slots, and a Caesars Sportsbook. Gamblers have options at both, even though the sizes differ greatly.
5. Celebrity Partnerships: Both properties lean on star power. The Cromwell carries the Vanderpump name and Giada De Laurentiis’s flagship restaurant, while Caesars Palace features celebrity-chef restaurants and headline performers.
6. Upscale Positioning: Neither hotel targets the budget traveler. Both aim at guests who want a polished, stylish Las Vegas stay, though they deliver it in very different ways.

Features of The Cromwell vs Features of Caesars Palace

1. Accommodations: The Cromwell offers 188 newly redesigned rooms and suites with a consistent Vanderpump aesthetic. Caesars Palace offers roughly 4,000 rooms across several towers, from standard rooms to luxury villas and the Nobu Hotel.
2. Dining: The Cromwell centers on GIADA, plus a bar and a coffee shop. Caesars Palace features a large restaurant collection with celebrity-chef venues, steakhouses, Asian concepts, casual spots, and the Bacchanal Buffet.
3. Pools: The Cromwell offers Soleia, a rooftop pool 11 stories above the Strip. Caesars Palace offers the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, a multi-pool complex with cabanas and spacious decks.
4. Nightlife: The Cromwell is home to Drai’s After Hours, a late-night institution. Caesars Palace offers OMNIA nightclub along with multiple bars and lounges throughout the resort.
5. Gaming: The Cromwell has a 40,000-square-foot casino with a Caesars Sportsbook. Caesars Palace has one of the Strip’s largest casino floors, including high-limit rooms and a large sportsbook.
6. Entertainment and Shopping: The Cromwell has no showroom and only a small retail store. Caesars Palace offers The Colosseum and The Forum Shops.
7. Wellness and Extras: The Cromwell keeps its focus on rooms, dining, and nightlife. Caesars Palace adds a full-service spa, fitness facilities, wedding chapels, and extensive event space.

Final Verdict

For most travelers, Caesars Palace is the winner.

Its combination of dining, entertainment, pools, shopping, spa services, and room choices is hard to match anywhere on the Strip.

It works well for couples, families, business travelers, and groups alike. Ongoing renovations through its 60th anniversary period make the experience even stronger.

The Cromwell remains an excellent option for travelers who value intimacy, style, and nightlife over sheer scale. Still, Caesars Palace delivers the more complete Las Vegas vacation for the widest range of visitors.

Pros of The Cromwell Over Caesars Palace

1. Intimate, Crowd-Free Feel: With only 188 rooms, The Cromwell avoids the long check-in lines and packed hallways common at large resorts. Guests often feel more like individuals than numbers.
2. Shorter Walking Distances: Getting from the room to the casino, restaurant, or street takes minutes rather than a long trek. Caesars Palace’s vast layout can require significant walking just to leave the property.
3. Fresh, Newly Renovated Rooms: The 2026 transformation brought fully redesigned rooms with a cohesive, modern look. Guests get a new-hotel feel without the uneven room quality that large, multi-tower resorts sometimes have.
4. Rooftop Pool Views: Soleia sits 11 stories above the Strip and offers panoramic views that ground-level pools cannot match. It suits guests who want a striking, social pool setting.
5. Standout Signature Restaurant: GIADA is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the area. Guests staying at the hotel have easy access to it, including through in-room dining.
6. Unbeatable Corner Location: The hotel sits on one of the busiest corners of the Strip. Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Horseshoe, and the LINQ Promenade are all close.
7. Distinct Personality: The Vanderpump design gives the property a clear, playful identity. Travelers tired of generic resort décor often appreciate a hotel with a recognizable sense of style.

Cons of The Cromwell Compared to Caesars Palace

1. Limited Dining Choices: Outside GIADA and a few casual options, guests have little on-site variety. Most meals will likely mean walking to neighboring resorts.
2. Fewer Resort Amenities: The Cromwell lacks the large spa, extensive shopping, and full range of facilities found at Caesars Palace. Guests who want everything under one roof may feel limited.
3. Smaller Casino: The 40,000-square-foot gaming floor has far fewer tables and machines. Serious gamblers may find less variety in games and limits.
4. Nightlife Noise Potential: The hotel’s nightlife roots mean late-night energy is part of the package. Light sleepers may notice more activity than at a larger resort with dedicated quiet towers.
5. Limited Room Inventory: With so few rooms, the hotel can sell out quickly during conventions, holidays, and major events. Last-minute bookings can be harder to secure or more expensive.
6. No Major Entertainment Venue: The property has no theater or showroom for headline residencies. Guests who want big-name concerts or shows must go elsewhere.

Pros of Caesars Palace Over The Cromwell

1. Vast Dining Selection: Caesars Palace offers dozens of restaurants across nearly every cuisine and price point. Guests can eat well for days without leaving the resort.
2. World-Class Entertainment: The Colosseum hosts headline residencies from major music stars. OMNIA nightclub and multiple lounges provide nightlife options every evening.
3. Expansive Pool Complex: The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis offers multiple pools, cabanas, and plenty of lounging space. It suits both relaxing and socializing.
4. Premier Shopping: Direct access to The Forum Shops means luxury boutiques, popular brands, and attractions are just steps away. Shopping becomes part of the stay.
5. Wide Range of Room Types: With several towers, Caesars Palace offers everything from standard rooms to luxury villas and the separate Nobu Hotel. Guests can choose a stay that matches their budget and style.
6. Full-Service Spa: Qua Baths & Spa offers a broad menu of treatments, thermal rooms, and relaxation areas. The Cromwell has no comparable facility.
7. Iconic Status: Caesars Palace is one of the most recognized names in hospitality. Many travelers value the sense of occasion that comes with staying at a Las Vegas legend.
8. Ongoing Investment: The resort continues to invest heavily in renovations and new venues. Guests benefit from upgraded towers, refreshed suites, and new amenities.

Cons of Caesars Palace Compared to The Cromwell

1. Overwhelming Size: The sprawling layout can be confusing and tiring to navigate. Guests may spend a lot of time just walking between their room, the pool, and the exit.
2. Crowds and Lines: Large volumes of guests can mean busy check-in desks, crowded casino floors, and waits at popular restaurants. Peak periods can feel hectic.
3. Inconsistent Room Experience: Room quality and style vary by tower and renovation status. Some guests may end up in areas that feel less fresh than others.
4. Ongoing Renovation Work: Upgrades continuing through 2027 bring long-term benefits. In the short term, they may cause closures, detours, or construction activity in some areas.
5. Less Personal Service: At such a high volume, staff interactions can feel transactional. Boutique-style recognition is harder to achieve at a resort this large.
6. Higher Costs Across the Board: Dining, drinks, and premium experiences at a flagship resort often come at a premium. Total trip spending can climb quickly.

Situations When The Cromwell is Better Than Caesars Palace

1. Short Weekend Getaways: For a quick two- or three-night trip, The Cromwell’s compact layout saves time. Guests spend less of their limited stay walking through hallways.
2. Couples Wanting a Stylish Escape: The intimate setting and design-led rooms create a more romantic, personal atmosphere. It suits couples who prefer charm over spectacle.
3. Nightlife-Focused Trips: Guests planning late nights benefit from Drai’s After Hours right downstairs. The hotel’s social energy fits a nightlife-centered itinerary.
4. Strip-Hopping Itineraries: Travelers who plan to visit many resorts can use The Cromwell as a convenient base. Its corner location makes it easy to head in any direction.
5. Small Group Celebrations: Bachelorette parties, birthdays, and small gatherings can enjoy a more exclusive feel. Rooftop and lounge spaces suit private receptions.
6. Fans of the Vanderpump Brand: Guests who enjoy Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants and style will appreciate the fully branded experience. The décor and amenities reflect her signature look.
7. Travelers Who Dislike Crowds: Anyone who finds giant resorts stressful will appreciate the calmer, more manageable environment. Check-in and getting around are typically quicker.

Situations When Caesars Palace is Better Than The Cromwell

1. Family and Multigenerational Trips: A wide range of room types, dining options, and pool space makes it easier to please different ages and tastes. Everyone can find something to enjoy.
2. Large Conventions and Conferences: Extensive meeting space and on-site convenience make Caesars Palace the practical choice for business travelers attending events there.
3. Concert or Residency Weekends: Guests attending shows at The Colosseum benefit from staying steps away from the venue. They avoid traffic and long walks after the performance.
4. Longer Vacations: On stays of five nights or more, the variety of restaurants, pools, spa, and shopping keeps things fresh. Guests are less likely to tire of the property.
5. Serious Gaming Trips: The large casino offers far more tables, machines, and high-limit options. Players who want variety and premium gaming rooms will be better served.
6. Luxury and Milestone Celebrations: For anniversaries, honeymoons, or VIP experiences, upscale suites and villas offer a level of luxury that a boutique hotel cannot match.

FAQs

How far are The Cromwell and Caesars Palace from Harry Reid International Airport?

Both hotels sit roughly four miles from Harry Reid International Airport, so the trip usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes by taxi or rideshare, depending on traffic. Travel times can stretch noticeably during peak check-in hours, major conventions, and big event weekends when Strip traffic slows. Because Caesars Palace is so large, it helps to confirm which entrance or tower your driver should use. Arriving at the right door can save a long walk with luggage. At The Cromwell, the compact layout means drop-off is simple and the front desk is close to the entrance.

Do The Cromwell and Caesars Palace charge resort fees and parking fees?

Like most Las Vegas Strip hotels, both properties typically add a nightly resort fee on top of the room rate. This fee usually covers items such as Wi-Fi and fitness center access. Parking fees also generally apply at Caesars Entertainment properties, although certain Caesars Rewards tier levels may receive free or discounted parking. Since fee amounts and policies change from time to time, travelers should check the total price, including taxes and fees, before confirming a booking. Comparing the all-in nightly cost, rather than just the advertised rate, gives a much clearer picture of real value between the two hotels.

Can Caesars Rewards points be used at both hotels?

Yes. Because Caesars Entertainment operates both properties, Caesars Rewards members can earn credits through gaming, hotel stays, dining, and many other eligible purchases at either hotel. Those credits can then be redeemed for room nights, meals, and other experiences across the wider Caesars network in Las Vegas and beyond. Higher tier status can also unlock perks such as priority check-in, parking benefits, and special room offers. Members who split their spending between the two hotels still build toward the same account, which makes it easy to enjoy both properties during a single trip.

What is the minimum age to check in at either hotel?

Caesars Entertainment properties in Las Vegas generally require the primary guest on a reservation to be at least 21 years old at check-in. A valid government-issued photo ID and a credit or debit card for incidentals are typically required. Younger guests can usually stay in a room when an adult who meets the age requirement is the registered guest. Casino floors, nightclubs, and many bars are restricted to guests 21 and older at both properties. Travelers should confirm the current policy directly with the hotel before booking, especially when planning a trip with younger adults.

When is the best time to book for lower rates?

Rates at both hotels tend to be lowest from Sunday through Thursday, when weekend leisure demand drops. They also fall during slower stretches, such as the peak of summer heat and the weeks between major holidays. Prices often spike during large conventions, holiday weekends, major boxing or UFC events, New Year’s Eve, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Booking several weeks in advance and staying flexible with travel dates can lead to meaningful savings. Watching Caesars Rewards member offers is another smart strategy, since the program regularly releases discounted or complimentary room deals.

Is it worth splitting a stay between both hotels?

Splitting a trip can be a smart way to enjoy the strengths of each property, especially on longer vacations. A traveler might spend the first nights at The Cromwell for its intimate atmosphere and nightlife, then move to Caesars Palace for spa days, shows, and dining variety. Because the two hotels sit so close together, switching takes only a short walk or ride, though guests should plan around check-out and check-in times. Luggage storage at the bell desk can help bridge the gap between properties. For a short trip, however, staying in one place usually makes more sense to avoid losing time.

What should guests expect during Las Vegas Grand Prix week?

The Las Vegas Grand Prix course runs along parts of the Strip, so hotels in the Center Strip area feel a strong impact during race week. Guests should expect higher room rates, heavier security, road closures, and changes to pedestrian bridges and walkways. Getting around by car or rideshare can become slow and unpredictable, especially in the evenings when track activity takes place. Some guests enjoy the energy and the views, while others prefer to avoid those dates entirely. Anyone booking that week should review the hotel’s event notices and plan transportation well ahead of time.

When are the pools typically open?

Las Vegas hotel pools tend to see their peak season from spring through early fall, when temperatures make outdoor lounging most enjoyable. During cooler months, hours may be shortened, some pools may close, or only part of a pool complex may stay open. Rooftop venues and party-style pools may also have seasonal schedules or be booked for private events. Daybeds and cabanas at both properties often sell out on summer weekends, so reserving them in advance is a good idea. Guests should check current pool hours shortly before arrival, since schedules can change with weather and special events.

The Cromwell vs Caesars Palace Summary

The Cromwell and Caesars Palace prove that two hotels on the same corner can deliver very different Las Vegas stays.

The Cromwell, now operating as The Vanderpump Hotel, offers an intimate, design-focused experience. It suits couples, small groups, nightlife lovers, and travelers who dislike crowds.

Caesars Palace offers scale, variety, and spectacle. It brings top-tier entertainment, abundant dining, a huge pool complex, premier shopping, and a full range of luxury accommodations.

Both hotels share Caesars Rewards benefits, a prime Center Strip address, and an upscale feel.

For most visitors, Caesars Palace remains the more complete choice. Those seeking a personal, stylish base will find The Cromwell a rewarding alternative.