What to pack for a stay at Ellis Island Hotel (seasonal checklist)
Pack ID, a credit card in the primary guest’s name, and the credit card you’ll use for incidentals (the hotel requires a government photo ID and a matching card at check-in). Bring season-appropriate clothing and sun protection for the seasonal outdoor pool and Las Vegas heat; budget for the mandatory nightly resort fee and a refundable deposit charged at the property.
In this guide
Arrival essentials and hotel policies
At check-in you must present a government-issued photo ID and a credit card in the name of the primary reservation holder for incidentals; cash may not be accepted for incidentals. The property also charges a refundable deposit (reported as USD 100 per stay) in addition to the nightly resort fee — plan to have a card with available hold.
Standard check-in time is 3:00 PM and standard check-out is 11:00 AM; contactless check-out is available. Minimum check-in age is commonly listed as 21 on many booking platforms, though some sources differ, so confirm directly with the hotel if that matters for your party.
- Government-issued photo ID
- Credit card in primary guest’s name (for incidentals and deposit)
- Reservation confirmation
| Policy | What to bring |
|---|---|
| ID & payment | Photo ID + matching credit card |
| Refundable deposit | Card with available credit for hold |
| Check-in/out | Arrive after 3:00 PM; depart by 11:00 AM |
What to pack for Las Vegas weather (season checklist)
Las Vegas weather changes sharply by season: spring (March–May) and fall (Sept–Nov) are generally the most comfortable for walking and day trips; summer is very hot and winter is cool. Pack layers so you can handle cool mornings/evenings and warm afternoons.
If you plan outdoor excursions (Red Rock, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon) bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Pools are seasonal — check current pool hours and opening dates with the hotel before you travel.
- Spring / Fall: light jacket, long sleeves, day layers
- Summer: lightweight breathable clothes, hat, sunglasses
- Winter: warm jacket for evenings (temperatures can drop)
| Season | Key items to pack |
|---|---|
| Spring / Fall | Layered shirts, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Shorts, sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, lots of water |
| Winter | Light-to-medium jacket, long pants, closed shoes |
Pool, hot tub and cabana items
Ellis Island Hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool with an adjoining hot tub and free cabanas/sun loungers reserved for registered guests. Pools in Las Vegas typically close for the winter season, so confirm pool availability and hours before packing.
Pack standard pool items and plan for strong sun exposure on pool decks and the Strip: bring your own sunscreen and a hat even though the hotel supplies bottled water as part of the resort fee.
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel (hotel provides towels, but many guests bring a second)
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Waterproof phone case and sunglasses
- Flip-flops or sandals and a light cover-up
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen (SPF 30+) | Strong desert sun at pool and on the Strip |
| Hat & sunglasses | Extra protection for eyes and face |
| Waterproof pouch | Protect electronics poolside |
Electronics, documents and in-room needs
Free WiFi is included with the resort fee, but bring chargers, a power bank, and any adapters you use. If you need to work, note there are rooms with desks; bring headphones for quiet and consider a portable hotspot if you need guaranteed bandwidth.
Carry printed or offline copies of reservations and tickets for shows or day trips (monorail station and many Strip attractions are walkable). If you’ll rent a car, have your license and rental confirmation accessible.
- Phone, chargers, and power bank
- Printed reservations and ID copies
- Headphones and laptop/tablet (if needed)
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chargers & power bank | Hotel rooms have desks and outlets; power banks help on the Strip |
| Paper copies of reservations | Handy if mobile battery dies or for offsite tours |
| Earbuds/noise-cancelling headphones | Useful for casino noise and flights |
What families should pack
Ellis Island Hotel is family-friendly and children of all ages are welcome (kids 17 and under can stay free using existing bedding). Pack whatever kids need for comfort and day trips — stroller, favorite snacks, and small first-aid items.
Since some on-site dining and entertainment areas are 21+ (for example, Ellis Island BBQ is an adults-only dining room), plan alternative dining options for younger guests — Village Pub & Café, Metro Pizza, and Via Focaccia are family-friendly choices on the property.
- Children’s medications, snacks, and comfort items
- Stroller or carrier for walking the Strip and nearby attractions
- Copies of child IDs or birth certificates if required for travel
| On-site family dining | Notes |
|---|---|
| Village Pub & Café | Open 24 hours; family-friendly American menu |
| Metro Pizza | Pizza by the slice — good for grab-and-go |
| Via Focaccia | Fast-casual Italian sandwiches and options |
Packing for entertainment and dining
Ellis Island has on-site options including The Front Yard brewpub, Bar 1968, a karaoke lounge, and several casual restaurants; most dining is resort-casual. You don’t need formal clothes for most on-site venues, but bring a smart-casual outfit if you plan to visit rooftop venues or nicer restaurants nearby.
If you plan to use the casino, bring a valid ID (required for gaming); if you expect to spend money at bars or shows, plan payment methods accordingly since some services require a card for incidentals at check-in.
- Smart-casual outfit for evenings or rooftop spaces
- Comfortable shoes for walking to the Strip (roughly 10–15 minutes)
- ID for casino access and age-restricted venues
| Venue | Type / Hours (facts vary — confirm with hotel) |
|---|---|
| The Front Yard | Two-story brewpub and venue; bar hours listed as roughly 9:00 AM–2:00 AM |
| Village Pub & Café | Casual American restaurant open 24 hours |
| Ellis Island BBQ | BBQ restaurant (21+ dining room) with evening hours |
Practical extras
The hotel provides free self-parking (including space for larger vehicles) and WiFi via the resort fee; bring any vehicle paperwork you need if driving. Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome, so plan alternatives if you travel with a pet.
Confirm any airport shuttle availability directly with the property before arrival — sources disagree on whether a free 24-hour airport shuttle is currently offered.
- If driving: license, car rental paperwork, and parking notes
- If traveling with a pet: arrange boarding or pet care (pets are not allowed)
- If you require a shuttle: confirm current availability directly with Ellis Island Hotel
| Amenity | Packing reminder |
|---|---|
| Free self-parking | Bring vehicle documents if renting |
| Resort fee inclusions | WiFi, bottled water, pool access — still pack chargers and refillables |
| Pet policy | No pets allowed; service animals accepted |
