Valentine's Day in Las Vegas

Description:

The Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is about as close as you can get to seeing the real City of Lights without the hassle of international customs. The designers of this mega-hotel successfully incorporated unique Parisian architecture seamlessly into the Las Vegas environment, transporting travelers to a mini-Paris. A scaled version of the Eiffel Tower is attached to the hotel, and three of its legs actually jut in to the floor of the hotel. The rooms are French-themed and highlight the country's different provinces. Adding to its authenticity, the majority of the staff speaks French, allowing guests to get total immersed in their Parisian fantasy.

Don't forget to check out Paris' many on-site facilities, including the Paris Spa by Madera, Le Boulevard, which is a faux Parisian streetscape lined with chic shops, and, of course, its fantastic restaurants. Paris's Eiffel Tower Restaurant, which is located in the landmark replica, is one of Las Vegas's signature dining experiences.

Our Local Expert Says:

This Las Vegas-style Venice is a must-see. The Venetian offers first-class accommodations and amenities, along with canals and gondoliers.

Description:

One of the most elaborate hotel spectacles in town, The Venetian falls squarely between an outright adult Disneyland experience and the luxury resort experience currently dominating the Vegas landscape. The big draw here is the rooms, all suites, and all successful examples of that same luxury resort mindset, though the commitment to theme in the Grand Canal Shoppes is certainly appealing.

The hotel's exterior, which re-creates most of the top landmarks of Venice (the Campanile, a portion of St. Mark's Square, part of the Doge's Palace, a canal or two), ranks right up there with New York-New York as a must-see, and since you can wander freely through the "sights," it even has a slight edge over New York-New York. This may be the only hotel in Vegas where it seems inviting to wander around outside in the front. As stern as we get about re-creations not being a substitute for the real thing, we have to admit that the attention to detail here is impressive indeed. Stone is aged for that weathered look, statues and tiles are exact copies of their Italian counterparts, security guards wear Venetian police uniforms -- all that's missing is the smell from the canals, but we are happy to let that one slide.

Inside, it's more of the same, particularly in the lobby area and the entrance to the extraordinary shops, as ceilings are covered with hand-painted re-creations of Venetian art. With plenty of marble, soaring ceilings, and impressive pillars and archways, it's less kitschy than Caesars but more theme park than Bellagio. The lobby says classy hotel, if "classy hotel on steroids." The lobby, casino, and shops can all be accessed from outside through individual entrances, which helps avoid that irritating circuitous maneuvering required by most other locations. This is all the more appreciated because the casino seems to have a most confusing layout, with poor signage; perhaps it's just our problem with spatial navigation, but we consistently got lost on the way to the guest elevators.

A room makeover has pared down the previously over-the-top fussy decor, which is a good thing, but then again, apart from the size it's not as dreamily romantic on the eye. Now the suites have the same sleek new look as The Palazzo, though the beds lack The Palazzo's fluffy comforters. The towels are nicer here. You still can't see the bathroom TV from the tub. The marbled bathrooms rocketed virtually to the top of our list of favorites, in a tie for second place with those at Bellagio. (Mandalay Bay's THEhotel are the best.) Devices for the hearing-impaired (ranging from door-knock lights to vibrating alarm clocks and telecaption decoders) are available upon request.

Despite the niceties, there is a certain amount of price gouging at this hotel that unpleasantly reminds one of the real Venice. There is a charge for that in-room faxing and printing, and the minibar is automated so that if you so much as rearrange items inside, you are charged for it.

And all this is even before the Venezia Tower, with over 1,000 more rooms, with the same large and lush footprint and style as the originals. The tower has its own check-in and gestalt -- somehow, it comes off even more lush than the original hotel, which is pretty frilly to start. It's like a Four Seasons on human growth hormones, with over-the-top opulence. The gas lamp-lit lobby hallway slays us, as do the flatscreen TVs in the bathrooms. Rooms here cost about $35 more a night (in theory -- in practice, anything goes with hotel pricing in Vegas) and we would spend it. The trend toward casino hotels adding additions that are away from a casino -- "Nope, no slot machines here. We are just a luxury hotel. Really!" -- is a disingenuous stance that is actually entirely genius. There are many who prefer their Vegas at arm's length, whose finest compliment for a hotel is, "It doesn't seem like it's in Vegas." These people are willing to spend extra to stay in a grown-up atmosphere, and certainly are more inclined to want a comfortable room -- and nothing says "comfortable room" like "plasma TV in the bathroom."

Many celebrity chefs and high-profile restaurants are in residence at The Venetian. Eateries include Bouchon (by Thomas Keller, perhaps America's top chef), Delmonico Steakhouse, Canaletto, Valentino, Mario Batali's B&B Ristorante and Pinot Brasserie. Nightlife options include the Blue Man Group and a special production of the long-running Phantom of the Opera. And, of course, there is an elegant but confusingly laid-out casino.

The Venetian has five pools and whirlpools, but its pool area is disappointingly sterile and bland. Pools are neoclassical (think rectangles with the corners lopped off), and the fourth-floor location probably means that more dense foliage is not going to be forthcoming. The Venezia Tower has a courtyard pool area that is amusing, but the water space is tiny.

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub is run by a branch of arguably the finest getaway spa in America. This is an unbelievably lavish facility, certainly the finest hotel spa in town. From the Bed Head and Bumble & Bumble products on sale in the shop to the nutritionists, physical therapists, and acupuncturists on the staff to the vibrating massage chairs that you rest in during pedicures -- geez, what more could you want? Well, we want our own home gym to be as nice as the one here, with ample equipment, racks of big TVs, and a staff eager to help you with advice and bring you bottled water. The $35-a-day fee is high, but it does include a full day's worth of classes, ranging from regular aerobics to yoga, Pilates, and dance. Did we mention the rock-climbing wall, which, because this is Vegas, costs extra?

The Grand Canal Shoppes rank with the Caesars Palace shops as an absolute must-see. Like Caesars, the area is a mock Italian village with a blue, cloud-studded, painted sky overhead. But down the middle runs a canal, complete with singing gondoliers. (The 10-min. ride costs about $15, which seems steep, but trust us, it's a lot more in the real Venice.) The entire thing finishes up at a small re-creation of St. Mark's Square, which features glass blowers, traveling musicians, flower sellers, and the like. Expect to run into famous Venetians such as a flirty Casanova and a travel-weary Marco Polo. It's ambitious and a big step up from animatronic figures. Oh, and the stores are also probably worth a look -- a decent mixture of high-end fashion and more affordable shops.

Facilities: 18 restaurants; casino; showroom; wedding chapels; 6 outdoor pools; health club; spa; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center; extensive shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms

Description:

Dream Car Rentals is so much more than your average rental car agency. Located on The Strip, they've got Detroit's hottest muscle cars, Europe's speediest sports coupes, pimped-out luxury SUVs and even Easy Rider-worthy motorcycles. Rent the vehicle of your choice and hit the open road. Motor out to Hoover Dam and picnic by Lake Mead. Tour past Red Rocks, then loop back around and cruise The Strip at night.

Description:

This is highly revered French chef Alain Ducasse's first Vegas venture, and such a Big Deal needs a Big Deal setting, in this case, on the 64th (by their counting) floor of THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. It's yet another spectacular restaurant space in a hotel full of them, this one white on white on silver, a futuristic fantasy including a set design sort of like a giant beaded curtain made of blown-glass balls, which envelopes a curving stairway plopped down in the middle. Some tables are set in silver "pods" that remind one of Woody Allen's Sleeper. It looks like where the Jetsons might eat. It also has drama outside, thanks to top-of-the-tall-hotel Strip views.

The playful yet hip attitude is reflected in the food, which is a little self-conscious. Still, it's hard to resist a place that starts with bread flavors such as ketchup or bacon, with a side of homemade peanut butter. But it's the sort of meal that grows progressively less "wow" as the evening wears on; early courses of melting amberjack sashimi topped with osetra caviar and a little lemon and salt are superb, as are the lovely foie gras terrines with nifty accompaniments. The signature Ducasse pressed chicken with foie gras in black truffle sauce probably would be just that much better if Chef himself were making it. Fish dishes are solidly good but not transcendent, and by the time the meal gets to, say, the rack of lamb, you may be thinking "Well, this is excellent, certainly, but not mind blowingly so." Which sounds like terrible nitpicking, but given the remarkable things going on in some other kitchens around town, and given the prices here, it's a fine line worth delineating. Still, the setting may make up for it.

Description:

This charming bistro is one of our favorite local restaurants. It has it all: a delightful setting, better-than-average food, and affordable prices. Sure, it goes overboard in trying to replicate a classic Parisian bistro, but the results are less cheesy than most Vegas attempts at atmosphere, and the patio seating on the Strip (no reservations taken there -- first-come, first-served, but a recent addition of 70 more seats probably helps matters) actually makes you feel like you're in a real, not a pre-fab, city. You can be budget-conscious and order just the very fine onion soup, or you can eat like a real French person and order classic steak (the filet mignon is probably the best cut, if not the cheapest) and pommes frites (french fries). There are plenty of less expensive options (which is why we listed this place in the "moderate" category, by the way). Yes, they have snails, and we loved 'em. Desserts, by the way, are massive and should be shared (another way to save). The baseball-size profiteroles (three or four to an order) filled with fine vanilla ice cream and the football-size bananas-Foster crepe are particularly recommended.

Description:

This is a 90-minute, intermission-free, heavy-on-the-special-effects, costly staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber's ubiquitous musical, The Phantom of the Opera. The show's fans (and they are legion) will doubtless yowl, but they survived the movie adaptation, while the rest of us might be a little happier with some of the fat trimmed away, though somewhat befuddled by the plot. The lowdown: There's a guy in a mask, and he loves a girl who sings, and she loves him, but she also loves another boy, and there are caverns and canals and romance and tragedy and mystery and murder and light opera. Staged on the former site of the failed Guggenheim Museum (transformed into a $40-million theater), the musical is even more high-tech than the original Broadway staging, with increased special effects and whatnot (like anything can top that chandelier crash). Phantom is over the top, but then, so is Vegas, and this seems like a good fit. Monday through Saturday at 7pm, Monday and Saturday also at 9:30pm.

Description:

This romantic spot, located at the casino level of Bellagio, features live music. The venue offers fantastic views of the lake and also features an al fresco section. Let your feet tap and your body sway to the beats while you sip a well-mixed concoction. One drink that is especially delicious is the Bellini and the Casino Cocktail.

Description:

Chef André Rochat has three Las Vegas restaurants, but only one on the Las Vegas Strip. Andre's at the Monte Carlo brings the award-winning talents of this local chef to the Monte Carlo Las Vegas. The food is French, and the atmosphere is classy and modern--and romantic. 

The menu offers both traditional and new items: bison carpaccio, pan-seared foie gras, escargots,  cervena venison, and lobster thermidor, for example.

A cigar and cognac lounge is located on the second floor. An extensive list of cognac is offered.

Andre's at the Monte Carlo has received the AAA Four Diamond Award twice, as well as numerous other awards and accolades. The restaurant's elegant and charming atmosphere lends itself to intimate dinners, and the award-winning food ensures a memorable evening.

Description:

Another Las Vegas hit for restaurateur Wolfgang Puck, this place presents an eclectic offering of globally inspired dishes in a romantic atmosphere. Freshly baked breads start off the meal, as well as wonderful appetizers. For an entree, try the famous wood-fired pizzas or the more exotic quail with spinach. The lamb chops are also exquisite. Two options include the relaxed bistro cafe or a dining room for more formal meals. Both restaurants feature complete wine and bar services. Located inside the Venetian Hotel. Private dining is available.

Description:

The Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon ride is the most romantic way to fly over Las Vegas. Gently floating over the hustle and bustle of the Strip, travel wherever the wind takes you for approximately 1 hour before landing to enjoy a champagne breakfast.

As you float in the sky, enjoy the feeling of peace and tranquility as you experience unobstructed 360-degree views of Las Vegas and the gorgeous surrounding landscape.

Your balloon flight begins in the southwest valley, with scenic views of Las Vegas' residential areas, the renowned Las Vegas Strip to the east and the majestic Red Rock Mountains and Red Rock Canyon to the west. Floating in silence, you will hardly realize you're moving as you move with the wind.

Your Las Vegas balloon ride is sure to be the highlight of your Vegas vacation!

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 they turn around to head to the dock.

A special wedding gondola is available for wedding ceremonies. Old Venice inspires romance, and the Venetian Las Vegas hasn't missed this. It's the perfect Las Vegas resort for the Las Vegas production of "Phantom of the Opera," an abridged version of the original production.
 
A gondola ride may be romantic, but it's also fun for families. Rides are free for children under two. The Grand Canal is fun for kids, especially the "Streetmosphere." Whatever your age, the faux architecture, ever-changing sky, and charming little bridges across the canals are fun to look at.

Description:

Located atop the trendy Palms Hotel Casino, Ghostbar's views of Las Vegas will probably have you snapping pictures to try and capture all those lights on the Strip. Unless, of course, you take a look down through the glass panel in the outdoor area's floor and decide that you'd be more comfortable inside.

Inside, the retro-futuristic décor gives customers plenty of places to sit and enjoy the club. Ghostbar isn't as dance-oriented as other Vegas nightclubs—maybe it's because of that incredible view. As with most trendy Vegas lounges and clubs, you may spot a few celebrities here. Stylish nightclub attire is required.

Passes and packages for the Palms nightclubs include entry to Ghostbar and other clubs at the Palms (Playboy Club, Rain, and Moon), and/or a selection of premium drinks. Their signature drink, the "ghostini," is Absolut, Midori, and a splash of sour.

Regular cover, without any passes or packages, is $20 - $30.

Description:

VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub at the Rio is perched atop the Rio Hotel Casino, which is just off the Las Vegas Strip. The view from 51 stories up is eye-popping and photograph-inspiring. You can dance and drink, of course, but the incredible view may steal your attention from the dance floor and the bar.

VooDoo is two stories and offers guests a large outdoor area. People come here to dance, drink, and gaze at the view, but dancing isn't as much of a center attraction as it is with many other Vegas nightclubs. Guests may want to try the "witch doctor" drink, which mixes up seven different kinds of liquor. With that much alcohol, the drink is well-named. VIP Tables and bottle service are available. The cover charge is $20-$30.

The Rio is located just off the Strip, so you're less likely to wait in long lines or deal with a crowded club. VooDoo is open seven days a week.

Description:

Nestled within a garden atop the Venetian Hotel, this 69,000-square-foot facility offers complete fitness, wellness and beauty facilities for the mind, spirit and body. A typical treatment is the Rasul Ceremony, featuring medicinal muds and steamed herbs, with alternating rinsing treatments. The King's Bath offers a relaxing bath in exotic oils, with floating rose petals and candlelight, followed by a massage. The Canyon Ranch Cafe, offers tasty and healthy foods prepared in gourmet style.

Our Local Expert Says:

Romantic, French restaurant at the top of Paris Las Vegas' Eiffel Tower.

Description:

Just above the Strip, on the 11th floor of the Paris Las Vegas' Eiffel Tower replica, Chef J. Joho's Eiffel Tower Restaurant offers French cuisine and breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip. The Eiffel Tower Restaurant's combination of ambiance and gourmet food set it apart from other restaurants on the Strip. Yes, other Las Vegas restaurants may have a view and great food, but they're not at the top of a miniature Eiffel Tower. This is a great place to see the Bellagio's Fountains do their dance, but with this kind of romance in the air, you'll probably be more interested in what's going on at your table than anything else.

Chef Joho has artfully updated a French classic menu. Highlights include a grand seafood platter with lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters and clams; lobster thermidor; a terrine of foie gras and marinated figs; tournedos rossini with foie gras and truffle sauce and banana souffle. Chef Joho combines classic French fare with a modern twist; look for dishes like the roasted rack of lamb with tarragon jus and glazed turnip.

Lunch and dinner menus are available, and reservations are strongly suggested. The dinner menu offers a la carte items and a tasting menu for a six-course meal. Lunch includes appetizers, sandwiches (Spicy Moroccan style lamb burger, for instance), and entrees. The bar also has a menu, which might be the least expensive way to sample the food at The Eiffel Tower Restaurant. A meal here will set you back--the regular lunch hamburger, for instance, is $16.00. Presumably, if you're eating at The Eiffel Tower Restaurant, you're more concerned about romance than finance.

This is a great place to pop the question, and special packages are available for wedding proposals. The "Propose in Paris" plan will give you a window table, a special menu, champagne, photographs, and a dozen long-stem red roses ($500 per couple).

Description:

In the exquisite atmosphere of the Bellagio, you'll experience a fragrant conservatory garden, tranquil pools and the outdoor music and fountain show. The chapels themselves are serene and elegant, with Venetian amethyst glass windows traced with gold leaf. If money is no object, this is a worthy place to spend it, for a wedding you will never forget.