Pampered Weekend

Our Local Expert Says:

Well-appointed rooms and an terrific array of things to do make Mandalay Bay popular with families.

Description:

Mandalay Bay brings the tropics to Las Vegas. Palm trees, a beach, and a hint of coconut in the air give guests the feeling that they've landed in South Pacific instead of the Southwestern United States. It's not just the atmosphere that makes Mandalay Bay a popular Vegas resort. It's upscale but friendly, hip but good for kids. Somehow, this resort manages to really embody the idea of something for everyone, and it does it well.

Deluxe rooms are large-over 500 square feet-and feature upgraded and updated amenities, including pillow-top mattresses and flat screen television. More importantly, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Suites come in seven different styles, and hospitality suites are available. A resort fee covers incidentals like Internet access and phone calls.

Mandalay Bay's pool area is so inviting that a person could easily skip doing anything other than relaxing on its sandy beach. The pool area is just short of a water park and includes a lazy river and a wave pool. Adults-only areas are available, and a European-style (tops optional) is also offered.

Over twenty restaurants are onsite. Choices range from fast food to award-winning places like Aureole. Guests... read more

Description:

Paris, France, may be regarded as the most romantic city in the world, but Las Vegas has managed to recreate the City of Love on a small scale. In addition to the Parisian touches throughout the property--cobblestones, an Arc de Triomphe, and a half-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower.

A ride to the top of the tower takes you 460 feet above the Strip. A glass elevator gives visitors a full view as they rise in altitude. Tour guides are available to answer questions, and once you're at the top platform, you can stay as long as you want to take in the view of Las Vegas. Many consider this to be the best place to watch the Bellagio's Fountains, which are just across the street. Tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tower aren't cheap--$10.50 during the day and $15.50 at night (with discounts for children and seniors)--but that's still much less expensive than a plane ticket to Paris, France.

On the 11th floor of Paris Las Vegas' Eiffel Tower, visitors will find the Eiffel Tower Restaurant and Bar. Consistently picked as one of Las Vegas' most romantic restaurants, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant serves, of course, French food. Across the street, the Bellagio's Fountains dance regularly, a fitting...

Description:

The Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, with its clear-cut, modern décor, and an impressive 35 ton, 70 foot high door plays host to this replica of London's famous attraction - Madame Tussaud's. Velvet walls display art ranging from Picasso to Reubens.

Description:

The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel Casino are a Vegas-ized version of Old Venice. St. Mark's Square is filled with swanky restaurants like Wolfgang Puck's Postrio or upscale Italian food at Canaletto. Upscale retailers like Dooney & Bourke, Kenneth Cole, and Banana Republic fill the village-like mall. Here you'll find "Streetmosphere," the Venetian's term for the wandering, costumed street performers who sing and imitate statues. But without canals and singing gondoliers, Venice would be incomplete.

The Las Vegas Venice's canals travel through the Grand Canal Shoppes and emerge outside in front of the Venetian. Two rides are offered: one inside, one outside (outside dependent upon the weather). Rides are $16 for adults, and be sure to look your best for your photo opportunity (extra for pictures at the end of the ride). Rides last 10 to 15 minutes.

Inside the Grand Canal Shoppes, you can watch the gondolas to get an idea of what the ride is like. Stop at the area next to the Taqueria Canonita (or go inside the restaurant and ask for a table "outside" on the patio, overlooking the canal) and you'll have a great view of the gondoliers singing to their passengers before... read more

Description:

There are many, many steakhouses in Vegas, as if there were some natural law stating that any hotel without one will suffer from entropy and eventually collapse into a black hole. Discerning palates know there can be a significant difference between steakhouses; discerning wallets might not care. If you find yourself among the former, do try Charlie Palmer's, probably the best of the costlier shrines to beef. Those with the latter can be reassured that with entrees weighing in at around 22 to 45 ounces each, diners can legitimately -- and in the name of decency ought to -- share portions, which makes this a much more affordable experience than it might appear at first glance. And why not? Those enormous slabs o' meat are as tender as anything because with the big bucks, you do get the best cuts. We prefer the flavorful rib-eye to the other favorite, the Kansas City. Be sure to try the spinach salad topped with truffled fried egg and warm bacon vinaigrette as a starter (it gets a plus for presentation), and split sides like citrus-braised asparagus or a truffled potato purée (we are such suckers for what we call "gourmet baby food"). Desserts are stylish creations, and the entire thing...

Description:

Other art galleries offer lithographs of the great masters. This unique art gallery has a working lithograph press in the window where visitors can watch as fresh lithographs are printed before their eyes.

Description:

Fashion Show Mall has added a unique experience to the Las Vegas shopping scene, and this fine gallery has to be the star of the show. Director Winifred Addi has outdone herself with a magnificent place to display stellar works of art.

Description:

All auto enthusiasts will love visiting this dealership, where you can get up close and personal with some of the most expensive cars in the world. The display section is housed at the lobby level of the luxurious Wynn. Whether you are a guest of the hotel or not, it doesn't matter; just drop by to ogle at the exotic Ferraris and Maseratis. A minimal fee, charged at the entrance, is nothing compared to what you get in return. And guess what? If you crack the jackpot, you might just find yourself driving one of these magnificent machines!

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Las Vegas' most well-known attractions--and it's free!

Description:

The Bellagio's Fountains sound like a simple concept: shooting jets of water timed to music. But what sounds simple is actually a complex choreography of technology, sound, and water. Designed by WET Design, an international company that specializes in elaborate water displays, the Bellagio's Fountains are spread over the nine-acre lake in front of the Bellagio. Over 1,200 nozzles and 4,500 lights work together to shoot water 400+ feet in the air-but that's not all the fountains do. They sway, they dance, and they wow the crowds that gather to watch them.

Shows start in the afternoon, but the best time to see the fountains is at night. The combination of music and the illuminated dancing water is enchanting. Many people have already seen the fountains on television shows or in movies (most famously, the George Clooney remake of "Ocean's 11"). Romantic, spectacular, and iconic, the Bellagio's Fountains are a free Las Vegas attraction that's appropriate for anyone of any age.

An underground well supplies most of the water for the fountains. Prior to the Bellagio, the Dunes and its golf course were located here-thus, the well, which watered the golf course. The Dunes was imploded to... read more

Description:

After braving the wave pool in the hot Las Vegas sun, take a trip to paradise at the spa. Over 3,000 square feet of exercise facility and private treatment rooms overlook the 11 acres of beach area at Mandalay Bay. Salt and herbal body wraps, aromatherapy, massage, facials, saunas, steam room and a personal trainer will make your visit here refreshing and trouble-free. Try a reflexology session and your tired feet will thank you.

Description:

This is no ordinary automobile rental company, but one which allows the discriminating tourist an elegant and exotic way to tour Las Vegas. Drivers for most cars must be over 25, with certain exclusive vehicles requiring drivers to be over age 30. If you really need speed, the Lamborghini Diablo can be rented. Hotel and airport pick-up are available.

Description:

This tourist attraction draws about 2,000 visitors a day. Ethel Mars began making fine chocolates in a little candy kitchen in the early 20th century. Her small enterprise evolved to produce not only dozens of varieties of superb boxed chocolates, but also some of the world's most famous candies: M&Ms, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, Snickers, and Mars bars.

Alas, the tour lasts only about 10 minutes and consists entirely of viewing stations with an audiotape explaining the chocolate-baking process. You learn very little. But the place does look like a bakery rather than a factory, which is nice, as no one wants to see their chocolates handled without love. Even more sadly, you get only one small chocolate as a sample -- delicious, but hardly satisfying. Surely, this is by design; now overwhelmingly in the mood for sugar, you are more likely to buy some of their expensive chocolate. Note: Come before 2:30pm, which is when the workers start to pack up and go home.

What's really worth seeing is outside: a lovely and extensive 2 1/2-acre garden displaying 350 species of rare and exotic cacti with signs provided for self-guided tours. It's best appreciated in spring, when the cacti are in full...

Description:

This unique experience takes place in the Masquerade Village of the Rio Suites seven times daily from 3:30pm through 10pm. The 15-minute show consists of 36 performers, five floats, elaborate carnival costumes, and and exciting music, singing and dancing. Beads are thrown to on-lookers Mardi Gras style. You can even be a part of the parade if you choose, for an unforgettable experience. If you just want to relax and enjoy the show, it is free for all ages and can be viewed from the main floor and the mezzanine floor balconies.

Description:

While you may not be running on a treadmill next to Cher or pumping iron with Ozzy Osbourne, this spa is definitely a trend setting work out joint. Featuring the latest free weights, stair climbers, treadmills, cross-trainers and cardio-equipment, you'll also find peace and tranquility with a massage, facial, aromatherapy, rubs and scrubs, hydrotherapy and whatever your sweating heart will desire. There is also a full-service beauty salon. This is a more modernized and hip spa than some would prefer, but then again, why else would you be at the Hard Rock!

Description:

This fun place has won the Critic's Award for Best Place to Dance and Best New Hotel Restaurant given by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The Mandalay Bay Resort houses a refreshing two-story jungle complete with waterfalls and the world's largest rum bar. The Lava Flow is a flaming volcano-bowl filled with dark rum, crushed pineapple, mango, brandy and orange juice. Try the Fire Pit, an eight-course meal including skewered kabobs of meat.
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Description:

Dedicated bargain hunters (we stop here every time we drive by) may want to make the roughly 40-minute drive along I-15 to this big outlet complex, right on the border of California and Nevada. There's also a shuttle from the MGM Grand or the mall at Planet Hollywood. Round-trip fare is $15 and includes a savings book for discounts at the outlets. Also, check the website for a shuttle discount coupon. On your left is a large factory outlet with some designer names prominent enough to make the trip worthwhile -- Kenneth Cole, Versace, Coach, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, even a rare Williams-Sonoma, among several others. Why so far out of town? Our guess is because some of these companies have full-price boutiques in various hotels and malls, and they don't want you ignoring those in favor of discounted items. Open daily from 10am to 8pm.

Our Local Expert Says:

Well-appointed rooms and an terrific array of things to do make Mandalay Bay popular with families.

Description:

Mandalay Bay brings the tropics to Las Vegas. Palm trees, a beach, and a hint of coconut in the air give guests the feeling that they've landed in South Pacific instead of the Southwestern United States. It's not just the atmosphere that makes Mandalay Bay a popular Vegas resort. It's upscale but friendly, hip but good for kids. Somehow, this resort manages to really embody the idea of something for everyone, and it does it well.

Deluxe rooms are large-over 500 square feet-and feature upgraded and updated amenities, including pillow-top mattresses and flat screen television. More importantly, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Suites come in seven different styles, and hospitality suites are available. A resort fee covers incidentals like Internet access and phone calls.

Mandalay Bay's pool area is so inviting that a person could easily skip doing anything other than relaxing on its sandy beach. The pool area is just short of a water park and includes a lazy river and a wave pool. Adults-only areas are available, and a European-style (tops optional) is also offered.

Over twenty restaurants are onsite. Choices range from fast food to award-winning places like Aureole. Guests... read more

Description:

Designed by Geoffrey Beene, this is a hip place to dine at Mandalay Bay Resort. Entering the restaurant, you walk over a drawbridge, which is directly above lighted waterfalls. The food is a fusion of tastes and very Pacific Rim. Appetizers include Duck Pancakes with shitake mushroom sauce. Recommended main entrees include Tasmanian Spiced Lamb Loin with citrus hearts of palm salad, or Sizzling Whole Fish with Chinese black bean and red chili sauce.

Description:

Located atop the 800-foot high Stratosphere Tower, this restaurant offers a view of Las Vegas that is unmatched. The room rotates slowly at 360 degrees per hour so you can see the entire city from every angle. The service is superb and the excellent menu features steaks, fresh fish and lobster. Cocktails and a moderately priced wine list are available. Truly, this is an unforgettable dining experience. Afterwards, you can ride the rollercoaster at the top.

Description:

If there were an Olives in our neighborhood, we would eat there regularly. A branch of Todd English's original Boston-based restaurant, Olives is a strong choice for a light lunch that need not be as expensive as you might think. Here's how to enjoy a moderately priced meal here: Munch on the focaccia bread, olives, and excellent tapenade they give you at the start, have a lovely salad (maybe of Bibb lettuce, Maytag bleu cheese, and walnut dressing), and then split a flatbread -- think pizza with an ultrathin crust (like a slightly limp cracker), topped with delicious combinations such as the highly recommended Moroccan-spiced lamb, eggplant purée, and feta cheese, or our other favorite, fig, prosciutto, and Gorgonzola. They are rich and wonderful -- split one between two people, and you have an affordable and terrific lunch. Or try a pasta; we were steered toward the simple but marvelous spaghettini with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, and were happy with it. The constructed, but not too fussy, food gets more complicated and costly at night, adding an array of meats and chickens, plus pastas such as butternut squash with brown butter and sage.

Description:

The Stratosphere is America's tallest observation tower (1,149 feet) and one of the tallest structures west of the Mississippi River. At the very top, the daring get their adrenaline going on one of the thrill rides: The Big Shot, which shoots its riders into the air; the X-Scream, a teeter-totter that dangles you over the side; the Insanity, which spins you over a thousand feet of thin air; and the Sky Jump, where you can free-fall your way to the bottom.

You don't have to be a thrill seeker to visit the top of the Stratosphere. A rotating restaurant, the Top of the World Restaurant, takes advantage of the view to offer a memorable meal. You'll also find bars and lounges here.

Tickets to the top of the Stratosphere are $16. An indoor and outdoor observation deck are available. The Stratosphere's wedding chapel also offers services at the top.

Description:

The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is an attraction that appeals to adults and kids. Tucked away in the back of Mandalay Bay by their conference rooms, the Shark Reef is a small exhibit, but stocked with a very unusual combination of creatures.

The jungle-ish feeling of the Shark Reef is enhanced by mist and faux stone artifacts, which go well with the giant reptiles and crocodiles. You'll see piranhas, eels, and jelly fish, and the baby sting ray display gives you the chance to touch the animals.

The star attraction is the shark tank, but you'll see more than sharks here. This is where a ship wreck and a submarine meet. Large windows into the aquarium are all around, and you'll see more than one type of shark swimming past. Giant sea turtles are also drifting around in there, and the best way to see everything is to stop and take a while to watch what's swimming above and below you. Don't be afraid to wander back into the galleries before; it does feel like the ride comes to an end too soon, so to speak, so you can go back and take a second look.

The wands that are offered are worth the time it takes to stop and listen to each presentation. You'll learn more than you expected--and... read more

Description:

Everyone (ourselves not nearly least among them) scoffed when then-Bellagio owner Steve Wynn opened an art gallery on his fabulous property. Sure, Wynn's been a serious and respected fine-arts collector for years, and consequently there was good stuff on display (though there are no masterpieces, there certainly are serious works by masters), but who would go see art in Las Vegas? Tons of tourists, as it happens, so many that they had to almost immediately relocate the gallery to a larger space.

When the MGM MIRAGE company bought Wynn's empire, the future of the gallery, which did rely on his collection (he took most of it with him), was in doubt. Surprise again, you scoffers (and that again includes us). The gallery is not only open again, but it's also getting written up by real art critics, thanks in part to such well-chosen shows as Warhol, Monet, Picasso ceramics, and Ansel Adams retrospectives, and an exhibit from the collection of none other than Steve Martin -- yes, we mean the stand-up-comedian-turned-actor-turned-playwright/author. See, he's a longtime, well-respected collector, too, and, consequently, there were real-life reviewers, hushed with happy reverence, who took the...

Description:

Home of the Playboy Club (on the 52nd floor of the Fantasy Tower), the Las Vegas Film Festival and the playground of the rich and famous, the Palms Casino Hotel is where the action is. Whether enjoying glamorous nightclubs like the Ghostbar, 55 stories above Vegas, great dining at one of Chef Andre Rochat's fine restaurants, or watching the premier of another great movie at one of the 14 Brenden Theaters, the Palms Casino is where it's at!

Our Local Expert Says:

Well-appointed rooms and an terrific array of things to do make Mandalay Bay popular with families.

Description:

Mandalay Bay brings the tropics to Las Vegas. Palm trees, a beach, and a hint of coconut in the air give guests the feeling that they've landed in South Pacific instead of the Southwestern United States. It's not just the atmosphere that makes Mandalay Bay a popular Vegas resort. It's upscale but friendly, hip but good for kids. Somehow, this resort manages to really embody the idea of something for everyone, and it does it well.

Deluxe rooms are large-over 500 square feet-and feature upgraded and updated amenities, including pillow-top mattresses and flat screen television. More importantly, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Suites come in seven different styles, and hospitality suites are available. A resort fee covers incidentals like Internet access and phone calls.

Mandalay Bay's pool area is so inviting that a person could easily skip doing anything other than relaxing on its sandy beach. The pool area is just short of a water park and includes a lazy river and a wave pool. Adults-only areas are available, and a European-style (tops optional) is also offered.

Over twenty restaurants are onsite. Choices range from fast food to award-winning places like Aureole. Guests... read more