"The medieval castle on the Strip. The cheapest rooms in the south Strip cluster. The free tram to Mandalay Bay is the reason to stay here."
Overall Rating
Excalibur opened in June 1990 as a medieval castle-themed resort — turrets, drawbridge, and all. It was the largest hotel in the world when it opened. The Tournament of Kings dinner show is still running. The rooms are the cheapest in the south Strip cluster.
Excalibur is what it is: a budget resort with a distinctive exterior, dated rooms, and a free tram to Mandalay Bay. If you are on a tight budget and want a south Strip address with access to Mandalay Beach, Excalibur is the answer. Do not expect more than that.
Excalibur has the cheapest rooms in the south Strip cluster and a free tram to Mandalay Bay. This means you can access the best pool in Vegas for the lowest room rate on the Strip.
Excalibur has not had a significant room renovation in years. The rooms are clean but dated. This is a budget play, not a quality play.
Dated. The rooms have not been significantly renovated in years. Clean and functional but not impressive. The views from upper floors are good.
How this resort holds up in peak Vegas summer (June–September)
The indoor tram network connecting Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay is the best summer infrastructure on the south Strip. The pool complex is large and less crowded than center Strip pools. Budget travelers get genuine value here in summer.
Excalibur opened June 19, 1990, developed by Circus Circus Enterprises. It was the largest hotel in the world when it opened. MGM Resorts acquired the property in 2005.
Budget travelers. Families. Guests who want the cheapest Strip address available.
Uber / Lyft
Rideshare — fastest option
Taxi (Metered)
Metered. Excalibur is very close to the airport.
Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttles available ($10–$15/person).
Excalibur is the cheapest Strip address with access to Mandalay Beach via the free tram. If budget is the primary constraint, it works. Manage your expectations on room quality.
None
MGM Rewards
Tournament of Kings
Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur Tram
100,000 sq ft
2010 (partial)
The most technologically sophisticated resort on the Strip. The rooms are exceptional. The casino is serious. The pool is excellent. The location is slightly south of center.
The biggest casino resort in Vegas. The biggest casino floor. The most restaurants. The most rooms. The most everything. Also the most walking.
The Manhattan skyline replica is the best exterior on the Strip. The interior is a labyrinth. The roller coaster is still running.