Walking into Excalibur feels like stepping onto a movie set for a medieval fantasy—but does the experience deliver beyond the themed décor? If you’re planning a trip to the Las Vegas Strip and wondering whether this castle-shaped resort is worth your time and bankroll, you’re in the right place. This review breaks down the gaming floor, the player rewards, the dining, and the overall value proposition so you can decide if it’s a royal flush or a joker.
The Gaming Floor Atmosphere and Layout
Excalibur sits at the busy intersection of Tropicana Avenue and the Strip, anchored by its iconic turreted facade. Inside, the casino floor is surprisingly spacious, spreading over 100,000 square feet. Unlike some of the darker, maze-like casinos on the Strip, Excalibur tends to be brighter, leaning heavily into the castle theme without it feeling tacky. You won’t find the high-end exclusivity of a Wynn or the chaotic energy of a Casino Royale here; it’s a middle-ground spot that attracts a mix of tourists and casual gamblers.
The table games pit is centrally located. You’ll find all the standards: blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. Minimum bets here are generally more forgiving than at the luxury resorts next door. While Bellagio might have $25 or $50 minimums on a busy weekend night, Excalibur often runs $10 or $15 tables, making it a solid entry point for players who want to stretch their budget. However, always check the rules on the felt—some lower-limit blackjack games pay 6:5 on a natural blackjack rather than the traditional 3:2, which significantly increases the house edge.
Slot Machines and Video Poker Selection
For slot enthusiasts, the floor houses over 1,100 machines. The selection ranges from older reel-spinning classics to the latest video slots featuring progressive jackpots. You’ll see plenty of recognizable titles like Wheel of Fortune and Lightning Link. The denominations start as low as a penny, though keep in mind “penny slots” often require max bets across multiple lines to activate bonuses, effectively making them dollar-per-spin games.
Video poker players need to be selective. While the casino offers a dedicated video poker area, the paytables can vary. It’s not uncommon to find 8/5 Jacks or Better mixed in with tighter 6/5 games. If you are a serious video poker player, hunting for the full-pay machines is essential, as the return-to-player (RTP) percentage drops significantly on the tighter schedules.
MGM Rewards: Earning Status at Excalibur
Excalibur operates under the MGM Rewards program (formerly M life), which connects it to a massive network of properties including Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, and Aria. This is a significant advantage if you plan on hopping between casinos during your Vegas trip.
When you play slots or tables here, you earn Slot Dollars and Tier Credits. The conversion rates are standard for the MGM portfolio. One often overlooked benefit is that betting on sports via the BetMGM app while in Nevada can also contribute to your rewards status, bridging the gap between land-based and digital play. For frequent visitors, reaching Pearl or Gold status unlocks perks like dedicated lines at the buffet and discounts on hotel stays, which can add real value if you visit Vegas more than once a year.
Hotel Accommodations: Royal Tower vs. Resort Tower
The room product at Excalibur is distinctly split. The Resort Tower rooms are the ones to target—they have been renovated recently and offer a more modern, cleaner aesthetic with updated bathrooms and dark wood furnishings. The Royal Tower rooms, while functional, feel dated. They often feature the old floral patterns and worn carpets that many travelers complain about in reviews. If you book a “Widescreen Room,” you are generally booking into the updated sections, which is worth the small upcharge.
One thing to note is the resort fee. Like almost every property on the Strip, Excalibur charges a daily resort fee (currently around $45 plus tax) which covers Wi-Fi and fitness center access. It’s an unavoidable cost to factor into your budget.
Dining Options Beyond the Food Court
You don’t go to Excalibur for Michelin-star dining, but the options are reliable. The Buffet at Excalibur is a decent mid-tier option, particularly for breakfast, though it doesn’t compete with the Bacchanal at Caesars or The Buffet at Wynn. For a quick bite, the food court offers standard fast-casual chains.
For dinner, Steakhouse at Camelot is the hidden gem here. It offers a classic steakhouse experience—dark wood, white tablecloths, and solid cuts of prime rib and filet mignon—at prices that are lower than the celebrity-chef steakhouses found up the street. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors who want a sit-down meal without the $150 per person price tag.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Excalibur is famous for Tournament of Kings, a dinner show that involves jousting, knights, and eating with your hands. It is incredibly touristy, but also genuinely fun and one of the longest-running shows in Vegas for a reason. If you have never seen it, it’s worth the ticket price for the spectacle alone.
Nightlife is quieter here. There isn’t a massive nightclub like Omnia or Hakkasan. Instead, you have the Buffalo Bar and Lounge at Excalibur, which feature live music and a more relaxed vibe. It’s a place to unwind with a drink after a session at the tables rather than a destination for dancing until dawn.
Comparing Excalibur to Neighboring Properties
Location is Excalibur’s strongest asset. It is connected via walkways to New York-New York and the Luxor, and directly across the street from the T-Mobile Arena and Park MGM. This puts you in the heart of the south Strip action.
| Feature | Excalibur | NYNY (Neighbor) | Luxor (Neighbor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theme | Medieval Castle | New York City | Egyptian Pyramid |
| Table Minimums | Low to Mid ($10-$15) | Mid ($15-$25) | Low to Mid ($10-$15) |
| Room Vibe | Family/Dated Mixed | Younger/Hip | Quiet/Dark |
| Pool Scene | Family Friendly | Seasonal/Party | Relaxed |
Compared to its neighbors, Excalibur is often the most budget-friendly option. If you are deciding between the three, Excalibur is the play if you want lower gambling limits and plan to spend most of your time out of the room exploring the Strip.
FAQ
Does Excalibur charge for parking?
Yes, like all MGM properties on the Strip, Excalibur charges for self-parking and valet. For locals, there is often a grace period or free parking with higher tier status, but tourists should expect to pay daily rates which can fluctuate based on events happening at the nearby T-Mobile Arena.
Is the pool at Excalibur adults-only?
No, the main pool deck at Excalibur is family-friendly. While there are designated areas for relaxation, it generally lacks the dayclub/party atmosphere found at properties like MGM Grand or The Flamingo. It is better suited for families or those looking for a quiet swim.
Can I use the MGM Rewards app at Excalibur?
Absolutely. You can link your slot play and use digital wallet features through the MGM Rewards app. This allows you to track your points and even unlock your hotel room door in many cases, bypassing the front desk check-in lines.
Are the blackjack rules at Excalibur good?
It depends on where you sit. You will find both 3:2 and 6:5 blackjack games. The lower minimum tables almost always pay 6:5, which is a bad rule for the player. If you are betting $25 or more per hand, look for the tables that pay 3:2 on a blackjack to keep the house edge down.
