Las Vegas is known for its over-the-top themes, bold ideas, and unique ability to transport visitors into entirely different worlds. Among all the themed resorts that have come and gone, Excalibur Las Vegas remains one of the most iconic. With its brightly colored turrets, castle gates, and medieval décor, Excalibur brings the fantasy of King Arthur’s Camelot directly to the Las Vegas Strip.
Opened in 1990 and still going strong, Excalibur appeals to families, budget-conscious travelers, and anyone who loves immersive, playful environments. Over the years, the resort has modernized while retaining its classic charm, offering a fun and approachable Las Vegas experience without the high prices of luxury hotels.
This full blog explores everything Excalibur has to offer—from its medieval theme and rooms to its dining, entertainment, casino, pools, and why it remains a standout property on the south end of the Strip.
A Castle in the Desert: The Theme and First Impressions
When you first see Excalibur, it’s impossible to miss. The exterior resembles a massive fairytale castle, with white walls and colorful blue, red, and gold turrets that light up brilliantly at night. It’s bold, whimsical, and undeniably nostalgic—exactly the kind of imaginative architecture that made Las Vegas famous.
The Medieval Theme
While the theme is not as heavily enforced inside as it was in the 1990s, you’ll still notice:
- Castle-style décor in the lobby
- Medieval touches in the architecture
- Dragon, knight, and sword imagery
- The fun and theatrical “Tournament of Kings” dinner show
- A playful, family-friendly vibe
Excalibur feels warm, approachable, and lighthearted—something you don’t always get in Vegas, where many resorts aim for sleek, ultra-modern luxury.
Rooms and Suites: Affordable Comfort with Modern Upgrades
Excalibur offers thousands of rooms spread across its towers. While the castle theme is more subtle in the rooms, recent renovations have brought a cleaner, more contemporary feel to the interiors.
Standard Rooms
The base-level rooms offer:
- 350–400 square feet
- Neutral décor with pops of color
- Comfortable bedding
- Flat-screen TVs
- Modern bathrooms
These rooms are designed for value and convenience rather than luxury, making them perfect for travelers on a budget.
Resort Tower Rooms
These upgraded rooms feature:
- Fresh décor
- Updated bathrooms
- Better views
- More p spacious layouts
They’re a great middle option for guests wanting a more refined stay without a major price increase.
Suites
Excalibur’s suites provide:
- Separate living areas
- Large soaking tubs
- Expanded floor space
- Castle or Strip views
While not luxurious compared to high-end Vegas properties, they offer excellent value and extra space for couples or families.
Who the Rooms are Best For
Excalibur rooms cater especially to:
- Families
- Budget travelers
- First-time Vegas visitors
- Guests who plan to spend more time exploring the Strip than in their room
They’re clean, comfortable, and well-priced—exactly what many visitors want.
Dining at Excalibur: From Quick Eats to Sit-Down Meals
Excalibur offers a diverse range of dining options, from casual eateries and quick bites to full restaurants and themed dining experiences.
1. The Buffet at Excalibur
Once known as one of the most affordable buffets in Vegas, the Excalibur buffet remains a convenient choice for:
- Big breakfast plates
- Omelet stations
- International lunch and dinner dishes
- Family-friendly meals
While smaller than luxury buffets, it offers solid value and variety.
2. Dick’s Last Resort
A quirky, interactive restaurant famous for:
- Rude (but comedic) service
- Oversized portions
- Burgers, BBQ, and comfort foods
- A rowdy, playful atmosphere
It’s a fun place for groups or anyone wanting a unique dining experience.
3. Baja Fresh
Perfect for quick, affordable Mexican food.
4. Popeyes
Great for fast fried chicken without leaving the resort.
5. Buca di Beppo
This Italian restaurant serves family-style dishes in a colorful, lively setting—ideal for groups and families.
6. Castle Coffee Shops and Grab-and-Go
Excalibur also features smaller eateries for snacks, desserts, pizza, and late-night cravings.
Overall, the dining options reflect Excalibur’s identity: fun, casual, and family-friendly.
Entertainment: A Key Reason to Visit Excalibur
Excalibur is home to one of the most popular shows on the Strip, along with other entertainment options that appeal to families and adults alike.
1. Tournament of Kings
This is the resort’s signature show—and one of the last remaining themed productions in Las Vegas.
Expect:
- Knights on horseback
- Jousting battles
- Sword fights
- Special effects
- Medieval costumes
- A three-course feast you eat with your hands
The arena-style show is full of energy, making it perfect for:
- Families
- First-time Vegas visitors
- Medieval and fantasy fans
- Anyone seeking something different from Vegas nightlife
It’s a true throwback to the themed entertainment era and remains one of the Strip’s most memorable experiences.
2. Thunder from Down Under
An iconic male revue show that’s:
- Fun
- Energetic
- High-production
- Extremely popular for girls’ trips, birthdays, and bachelorette parties
It’s one of the longest-running adult shows on the Strip.
3. The Fun Dungeon Arcade
Perfect for kids and families, this arcade includes:
- Dozens of games
- Carnival-style prizes
- Air hockey and basketball
- Whimsical medieval décor
This is one of the most family-friendly attractions in the area.
The Pool Complex: Relaxation and Fun in a Tropical Setting
Excalibur has a surprisingly spacious and enjoyable pool area, especially considering its price point.
Pool Features
- Multiple pools
- Water slides
- A small lagoon-style pool
- Hot tubs
- Private cabanas available for rent
- Plenty of seating and shade
Families love the water slides, while adults enjoy the relaxation areas.
Cabana Rentals
Cabanas include:
- Chairs
- TVs
- Drink service
- Shade and privacy
It’s a great way to enjoy a full day at the pool.
Spa and Fitness Center
Excalibur offers a solid spa experience for its resort category.
The Spa Features:
- Massages
- Body treatments
- Facials
- Steam rooms
- Saunas
- Hot tubs
While not as extravagant as spas at luxury resorts, it’s relaxing, clean, and affordable.
The Fitness Center
Includes:
- Cardio machines
- Free weights
- Strength equipment
- Stretching areas
Perfect for guests who want to stay active on vacation.
Shopping at Excalibur
The shopping options are modest but practical, perfect for:
- Souvenirs
- Clothing
- Snacks
- Gifts
- Convenience items
Most shops are located along the Castle Walk level, connecting to Luxor.
The Ideal Location on the South Strip
Excalibur is located at one of the best intersections in Las Vegas. Its prime spot on the south Strip places it next to major attractions and resorts.
You can easily walk to:
- Luxor (connected by walkways)
- Mandalay Bay
- New York-New York
- Tropicana
- MGM Grand
The free tram between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay makes navigating this section of the Strip easy and convenient.
Nearby Attractions
- The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
- Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- T-Mobile Arena (concerts and sports)
- Allegiant Stadium
- Showcase Mall
Whether you’re traveling with kids, sports fans, or friends, the location is excellent.
Why Excalibur Las Vegas Still Stands Out Today
Even as Las Vegas shifts toward modern luxury, Excalibur remains beloved for several reasons.
1. Affordability
Excalibur is one of the most budget-friendly hotels on the Strip. This makes it appealing to:
- Families
- Students
- First-time visitors
- Groups on a budget
- Travelers who want to spend money on shows and attractions instead of rooms
2. Nostalgia and Theme
It preserves the charm of classic themed Vegas—a fun contrast to the modern, sleek resorts nearby.
3. Family-Friendly Environment
Between the arcade, pools, and shows, Excalibur is one of the best hotels in Vegas for families.
4. Convenience
From food courts to walkways, everything is easy to access.
5. Entertainment
Tournament of Kings and Thunder from Down Under are huge draws.
Who Should Stay at Excalibur?
Excalibur is a great match for:
- Families with kids
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Groups and friends
- Fantasy, medieval, and themed-resort fans
- First-timers who want a fun, approachable Vegas experience
It’s also ideal for guests attending events at:
- Allegiant Stadium
- T-Mobile Arena
- MGM Grand Garden Arena
If you prefer ultra-luxury or a quieter environment, you may want something like Aria or Wynn. But for fun, affordability, and nostalgia, Excalibur is perfect.
Final Thoughts
Excalibur Las Vegas is more than just a themed hotel—it’s a piece of Vegas history and a beloved landmark on the Strip. With its colorful castle exterior, medieval touches, family-friendly atmosphere, and excellent location, it continues to attract millions of visitors each year.
Whether you’re visiting for the Tournament of Kings, enjoying the arcade, relaxing by the pool, or simply looking for an affordable stay with plenty of character, Excalibur delivers a fun and memorable experience. It’s a resort that embraces the playful, fantasy-driven spirit that once defined Las Vegas, offering a charming contrast to the modern luxury hotels that surround it.
For travelers seeking an adventure filled with value, nostalgia, and entertainment, Excalibur Las Vegas remains a shining castle in the desert.