Viva Las Vegas

Description:

The Excalibur looks like dragons and ladies should live there, and its castle design gives it a family-friendly feeling. Aside from the brightly colored towers and the medieval touches, it has moderately priced rooms, a variety of dining options, and a location on the south Strip. A tram connects it to the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and kid-friendly activities like roller coasters, malls, and animal exhibits are nearby.

A portion of the standard rooms have been remodeled, adding plasma screen televisions and pillow-top beds. Accommodations are fairly basic in all rooms, remodeled or not, with two queens or one king. Suites are also available. A resort fee covers high-speed Internet access, fitness center access, phone calls, and other miscellaneous incidentals.

The lower level of the hotel has a medieval midway carnival, motion rides, and the "Tournament of Kings" arena, where knights joust every evening and dinner is served with no silverware. The pool area includes cabanas and a café.

The Excalibur is close to several family-friendly activities, like the roller coaster at New York-New York, the lion exhibit at MGM Grand, and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Other attractions in the area include Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit; Bodies: The Exhibition; and CSI: The Experience.

Description:

The distinctive pyramid shaped hotel is world famous for the gaming, the restaurants, the attractions and the live entertainment that can only be found at Luxor Las Vegas. Below the world's largest atrium, home of fantastic arcades and shopping, is the fit for a Pharaoh casino. Daily free lessons teach you a myriad of poker variations from Hold 'em to Pai Gow. At night, step outside and see the 42.3 billion candlepower Luxor Sky Beam. On a clear night it can be seen from 250 miles away and an astronaut on the International Space Station can read by its light!

Our Local Expert Says:

A great combination of luxury and fun things to do, like the Shark Reef and the real sand beach.

Description:

Find the finest amenities and attractions in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay. Romantic getaways, lounging with a cocktail at the beach, an afternoon of shopping or golf, a spa day or the excitement of rolling the dice in the casino are all yours at Mandalay Bay. Enjoy fine dining then catch a show at the world famous House of Blues. Shark Reef Aquarium is North America's only predator-based aquarium and exhibit; and you'll only find it here. For heaven's sake, don't miss the Wine Angel Stewards as they retrieve wine selections from the four-story wine tower at Aureole.

Description:

One of the largest hotels in the world, this place will overwhelm you with its size. Four 30-storey towers accommodate the guest rooms and luxury suites. Many rooms offer excellent views of the city. The Grand Class Suites are housed on the 29th floor. Deluxe Grand Tower rooms are reminiscent of a Hollywood studio bungalow, complete with a sitting area. The hotel offers various eating choices, including the exclusive L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Craftsteak and Joël Robuchon. You will find a wide variety of other Hollywood-inspired venues including Studio 54, and Farmers Market.

Description:

Luxury, excitement, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty are all a part of New York-New York. Eat a Coney Island hot dog, ride the Manhattan Express Roller Coaster, be amazed at the Cirque du Soleil show, Zumanity. Rock out at Rok Vegas, down a drink at Coyote Ugly or hoist a draft at Nine fine Irishmen. Luxuriate in the Spa, lounge by the pool, or shop at Harley Davidson or Soho Village. Just like the city, New York-New York never sleeps. At the base of the Statue of Liberty replica, the permanent 9/11 Tribute to Heroes display respectfully preserves some of the thousands of heartfelt artifacts and items that were left at the statue to honor the victims and heroes of those tragic events. Those items not on display are preserved by the University of Nevada – Las Vegas.

Description:

This hotel was appropriately christened the 'Tiffany of the Strip' when it was built in 1957 on the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevards. At that time it was truly an island, surrounded by a vast expanse of desert. Now that same location is considered one of the hottest in Las Vegas. Newly remodeled rooms in the Paradise Tower feature king beds or two queens, all with spectacular views. Jacuzzi suites are also available. The resort has a five-acre water park, with lagoons, spas and waterfalls. It even has the city's only 'swim-up' blackjack table. There is also a Wildlife Walk with tropical birds and other animals in their natural settings.

Description:

This restaurant at Mandalay Bay is the closest thing you can come to a blues revival without going to Louisiana. Live music has been presented by some of the all-time great rhythm and blues personalities, with Dan Aykroyd sometimes serving as opening act. Nightly entertainment usually starts around 7:30p. Everyone will love the fried catfish and succulent barbecued ribs. On Sunday, a brunch buffet is punctuated by some of the greatest gospel singers in the country.

Description:

The Excalibur looks like dragons and ladies should live there, and its castle design gives it a family-friendly feeling. Aside from the brightly colored towers and the medieval touches, it has moderately priced rooms, a variety of dining options, and a location on the south Strip. A tram connects it to the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and kid-friendly activities like roller coasters, malls, and animal exhibits are nearby.

A portion of the standard rooms have been remodeled, adding plasma screen televisions and pillow-top beds. Accommodations are fairly basic in all rooms, remodeled or not, with two queens or one king. Suites are also available. A resort fee covers high-speed Internet access, fitness center access, phone calls, and other miscellaneous incidentals.

The lower level of the hotel has a medieval midway carnival, motion rides, and the "Tournament of Kings" arena, where knights joust every evening and dinner is served with no silverware. The pool area includes cabanas and a café.

The Excalibur is close to several family-friendly activities, like the roller coaster at New York-New York, the lion exhibit at MGM Grand, and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Other attractions in the area include Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit; Bodies: The Exhibition; and CSI: The Experience.

Description:

Above the main gaming area at the new casino Aladdin, the high-stakes player will find a world dedicated to pleasing the most sophisticated gambler. The 35,000-square-foot club has a 15,000-square-foot gaming area with Pai Gow, Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker tables and premium slot machines. Smaller, private gambling rooms are also available. Complete privacy is assured with the club's own entrance, elevators and valet service. An attached lounge and private dining areas offer spectacular views, as well as diverse menus and impeccable service.

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 make way for the Bellagio.

Description:

The Bellagio Las Vegas is the epitome of luxurious casinos world-wide. The world class casino, offering slots, table games and wagering in the Race and Sports Book, is the top flight gaming experience of Las Vegas. Home of the World Poker Tour, the casino even offers daily No Limit Hold'em Poker Tournaments. The Spa at Bellagio is among of the finest in the world. Add a bevy of five-star restaurants, sophisticated nightlife, the romantic theatrical "O" by Cirque du Soliel, the Botanical Garden with its seasonal theme and the Gallery of fine Art and you'll never want to leave. But to see the world famous Fountains of Bellagio, you'll have to at least venture out at least once.

Description:

Imagine finding everything you love about Paris in Las Vegas! Fine European dining is standard fare at Paris Las Vegas. The Eiffel Tower Restaurant serves the best French cuisine in Las Vegas and is perhaps the best location from which to watch the Fountains at Bellagio! In the main casino, look up to the sky where you can see the legs of the tower coming down through the clouds. Enjoy a smooth Espresso while people watching at Mon Ami Gabi, the best bistro on the Strip.

Description:

The Excalibur looks like dragons and ladies should live there, and its castle design gives it a family-friendly feeling. Aside from the brightly colored towers and the medieval touches, it has moderately priced rooms, a variety of dining options, and a location on the south Strip. A tram connects it to the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and kid-friendly activities like roller coasters, malls, and animal exhibits are nearby.

A portion of the standard rooms have been remodeled, adding plasma screen televisions and pillow-top beds. Accommodations are fairly basic in all rooms, remodeled or not, with two queens or one king. Suites are also available. A resort fee covers high-speed Internet access, fitness center access, phone calls, and other miscellaneous incidentals.

The lower level of the hotel has a medieval midway carnival, motion rides, and the "Tournament of Kings" arena, where knights joust every evening and dinner is served with no silverware. The pool area includes cabanas and a café.

The Excalibur is close to several family-friendly activities, like the roller coaster at New York-New York, the lion exhibit at MGM Grand, and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Other attractions in the area include Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit; Bodies: The Exhibition; and CSI: The Experience.

Description:

Kids of all ages can go nuts at FAO Schwartz. This place is jam packed with all manner of unique toys and gadgets. Drop in the nursery and adopt a new born baby doll, or maybe you'd like a Thomas the Tank Engine track with your name on it. Store closed in February 2010.

Description:

Siegfried & Roy's famous white tigers went from famous to infamous when one of them either did what tigers all do eventually and attacked his beloved owner/trainer, or -- depending on whether you buy the following story -- helped said beloved owner/trainer when the latter was having a medical emergency. Either way this saga is played, it explains why the Secret Garden attraction is still up; no matter what, the tiger is not to blame. We hope this attraction, a gorgeous area behind the dolphin exhibit, stays put for a long time. Here, white lions, Bengal tigers, an Asian elephant, a panther, and a snow leopard join the white tigers. (The culprit, Montecore, may sometimes be on exhibit.) It's really just a glorified zoo featuring only the big-ticket animals; however, it is a very pretty place, with plenty of foliage and some bits of Indian- and Asian-themed architecture. Zoo purists will be horrified at the smallish spaces the animals occupy, but all the animals are rotated between here and their more lavish digs at the illusionist team's home. What this does allow you to do is get safely very close up to a tiger, which is quite a thrill -- those paws are massive indeed. Visitors are given little portable phonelike objects on which they can play a series of programs, listening to Roy and former Mirage owner Steve Wynn discuss conservation or the attributes of each animal, and deliver anecdotes.

The Dolphin Habitat is more satisfying than the Secret Garden. It was designed to provide a healthy and nurturing environment and to educate the public about marine mammals and their role in the ecosystem. Specialists worldwide were consulted in creating the habitat, which was designed to serve as a model of a quality, human-made environment. The pool is more than eight times larger than government regulations require, and its 2.5 million gallons of human-made seawater are cycled and cleaned once every 2 hours. It must be working because the adult dolphins here are breeding regularly. The Mirage displays only dolphins already in captivity -- no dolphins are taken from the wild. You can watch the dolphins frolic both above and below ground through viewing windows, in three different pools. There is nothing quite like the kick you get from seeing a baby dolphin play. The knowledgeable staff, who surely have the best jobs in Vegas, will answer questions. If they aren't doing it already, ask them to play ball with the dolphins; they toss large beach balls into the pools, and the dolphins hit them out with their noses, leaping out of the water, cackling with dolphin glee. You catch the ball, getting nicely wet, and toss it back to them. If you have never played ball with a dolphin, shove that happy child next to you out of the way and go for it. There is also a video of a resident dolphin (Duchess) giving birth (to Squirt) underwater; her fourth calf (30 lb. and 3 ft. long) was born just before Mother's Day in 2003. You can stay as long as you like, which might just be hours.

Description:

The Venetian Las Vegas, located at the site of the legendary Sands Hotel, is a world-class destination, the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. The Venetian resort features luxurious rooms, deluxe spa services, world-class dining and upscale shopping among the 80 stores in the Grand Canal Shops. Exhibits of fine art and architecture have made The Venetian a world famous example of contemporary Las Vegas architecture. The attention to detail is amazing. Look for the live doves that are released in St. Mark's Square as the sun sets every hour and don't forsake a gondola ride with your very own singing gondolier!

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:

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:

The Excalibur looks like dragons and ladies should live there, and its castle design gives it a family-friendly feeling. Aside from the brightly colored towers and the medieval touches, it has moderately priced rooms, a variety of dining options, and a location on the south Strip. A tram connects it to the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and kid-friendly activities like roller coasters, malls, and animal exhibits are nearby.

A portion of the standard rooms have been remodeled, adding plasma screen televisions and pillow-top beds. Accommodations are fairly basic in all rooms, remodeled or not, with two queens or one king. Suites are also available. A resort fee covers high-speed Internet access, fitness center access, phone calls, and other miscellaneous incidentals.

The lower level of the hotel has a medieval midway carnival, motion rides, and the "Tournament of Kings" arena, where knights joust every evening and dinner is served with no silverware. The pool area includes cabanas and a café.

The Excalibur is close to several family-friendly activities, like the roller coaster at New York-New York, the lion exhibit at MGM Grand, and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Other attractions in the area include Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit; Bodies: The Exhibition; and CSI: The Experience.

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.

Description:

Once a family-friendly resort, TI (formerly Treasure Island) has been updated to a more adult theme--now the pirates battle sexy dancing sirens, and the kid-friendliness has been toned down. You'll still find plenty of skulls and eye patches, but not of the cartoonish sort.

The casino area has the standard array of table games, slot machines, and a sports and race book. A $65 million renovation updated the guest rooms and suites at the TI, keeping this hotel casino's rooms current. The hotel offers the full scale of accommodations, from standard rooms to penthouse suites; it's a AAA Four Diamond award winner, which means the TI pays attention to its rooms and guests.

The TI brings in a steady stream of headline acts, and has its own Cirque show, Mystere. Guests have several on site dining options, and the TIs location puts it within walking distance of a huge selection of restaurants--the Mirage is next door, and the Venetian is across the street.

The TI has a pool with cabanas, a spa, and a wedding chapel. Pirate-loving couples can be married on board one of the TI's pirate ships. Ahoy there, Matey and Mrs. Matey!

Description:

The Excalibur looks like dragons and ladies should live there, and its castle design gives it a family-friendly feeling. Aside from the brightly colored towers and the medieval touches, it has moderately priced rooms, a variety of dining options, and a location on the south Strip. A tram connects it to the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and kid-friendly activities like roller coasters, malls, and animal exhibits are nearby.

A portion of the standard rooms have been remodeled, adding plasma screen televisions and pillow-top beds. Accommodations are fairly basic in all rooms, remodeled or not, with two queens or one king. Suites are also available. A resort fee covers high-speed Internet access, fitness center access, phone calls, and other miscellaneous incidentals.

The lower level of the hotel has a medieval midway carnival, motion rides, and the "Tournament of Kings" arena, where knights joust every evening and dinner is served with no silverware. The pool area includes cabanas and a café.

The Excalibur is close to several family-friendly activities, like the roller coaster at New York-New York, the lion exhibit at MGM Grand, and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Other attractions in the area include Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit; Bodies: The Exhibition; and CSI: The Experience.

Description:

Las Vegas has managed to keep a few connections with the stage shows of the past and this show, the longest running ever, keeps visitors coming back. Featuring music and dance numbers, Folies has modernized the original show, but kept its heart and soul. Feathers and fancy costumes are displayed with the fervor of the 1950s reviews. Audiences will be delighted while watching the beautiful showgirls. Call ahead for reservations.

Description:

The Excalibur looks like dragons and ladies should live there, and its castle design gives it a family-friendly feeling. Aside from the brightly colored towers and the medieval touches, it has moderately priced rooms, a variety of dining options, and a location on the south Strip. A tram connects it to the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and kid-friendly activities like roller coasters, malls, and animal exhibits are nearby.

A portion of the standard rooms have been remodeled, adding plasma screen televisions and pillow-top beds. Accommodations are fairly basic in all rooms, remodeled or not, with two queens or one king. Suites are also available. A resort fee covers high-speed Internet access, fitness center access, phone calls, and other miscellaneous incidentals.

The lower level of the hotel has a medieval midway carnival, motion rides, and the "Tournament of Kings" arena, where knights joust every evening and dinner is served with no silverware. The pool area includes cabanas and a café.

The Excalibur is close to several family-friendly activities, like the roller coaster at New York-New York, the lion exhibit at MGM Grand, and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Other attractions in the area include Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit; Bodies: The Exhibition; and CSI: The Experience.

Description:

The hottest nightclubs in Vegas are at the Hard Rock! In addition to a great casino, the Hard Rock Hotel features one of the best intimate music venues in the country – The Joint at the Hard Rock. From May to September, the best nightlife is during the day at the Rehab Pool Party every Sunday. Add world famous dining, comfortable guest suites and great shopping, you get a one-of-a-kind experience at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino!

Description:

Time Magazine called this the "Show of the Century." These talented entertainers showcase rare white tigers and white lions in their extraordinary illusions. The cast of 88 colorful performers delight the audience in this 1,500-seat theater built specifically for their act. The showroom is located at the Mirage Hotel. Confirmed guests of any Mirage property may reserve tickets up to 90-days in advance; all others, up to 30-days prior to performance.

Description:

Tropical lagoons, sandy beaches and island landscaping await at this premier vacation spot. The standard guest rooms are tastefully decorated and spacious. You will enjoy a large bath with imported stone accents and a soaking tub. The 135,000 square-foot casino is lush with foliage and flowing water. Dining choices include the Border Grill, Rock Lobster, Aureole, Fleur de Lys and Trattoria del Lupo, a Wolfgang Puck experience. Rumjungle provides an exciting and unique night on the town. The Moorea Beach Club located in the premises is open only to guests and offers lots of amenities.

Description:

Madame Tussauds's waxworks exhibition has been the top London attraction for nearly 2 centuries, so even if you aren't a fan of wax museums, this, its sole branch west of the Mississippi, is probably worth a stop -- if you can stomach the price. Figures here are state-of-the-art, painstakingly constructed to perfectly match the original person. Truth be told, though some are nearly identical to their living counterparts -- Brad Pitt gave us a start -- others look about as much like the celebrity in question as a department-store mannequin. All the waxworks are free-standing, allowing, and indeed encouraging, guests to get up close and personal -- there's interactive fun! Go ahead, lay your cheek next to Elvis's or Sinatra's and have your photo taken. Or put on a wedding dress and get "married" to "George Clooney" (you know you want to). Or fondle J. Lo's butt (you know you want to). Live performers make the Haunted House section more stimulating than expected in a facility dedicated to statues. Exhibits change, but someone sheepishly enjoyable ought to be on display when you go through. There's also a behind-the-scenes look at the lengthy process involved in creating one of these figures.

Description:

You may recognize this establishment from many movies filmed here, including Honey I Blew Up the Baby. The standard guest accommodations are tastefully decorated and comfortable. Petite Suites offer many amenities including a sitting and dining area. Deluxe Jacuzzi Suites also offer a refrigerator and wet bar. The 50,000-square-foot casino offers a myriad of table games including single-deck blackjack, Pai-Gow and three-card poker. Restaurants available include Magnolia's Verdana with 24-hour dining and Hugo's Cellar for a romantic evening.

Description:

A really neat idea, in that Vegas way, in a really bad location. At 1,149 feet, it's the tallest building west of the Mississippi. In theory, this should have provided yet another attraction for visitors: Climb (okay, elevator) to the top and gaze at the stunning view. But despite being on the Strip, it's a healthy walk from anywhere -- the nearest casino is the Sahara, which is 5 very long blocks away. This, and possibly the hefty price charged for the privilege of going up to the top of the tower, may have conspired to keep the crowds away.

And although the crowds might have been justified before, they -- and by "they," we mean "you" -- might reconsider, especially if you are looking for a friendly place to hang your hat, but nothing more. The smaller-size rooms here are basically motel rooms -- really nice motel rooms, but with that level of comfort and style. Then again, you can often get such a room for around $49 a night. And do join the casino's players' club -- they tend to offer free rooms with more or less minimal play. Perfect if you are coming to Vegas with no plans to spend time in your room except to sleep (if even that). Of course, the place just sold, so who knows what's in store for it?

That isn't to say there aren't other elements to like in place already, including the aforementioned casino, a midway area with kiddie-oriented rides, a pool with a view, and some of the friendliest, most accommodating staff in town. You can still ride the following incredible thrill rides (provided the wind isn't blowing too hard that day) on top of the tower: the Big Shot, a fabulous free-fall ride that thrusts passengers up and down the tower at speeds of up to 45 mph; X-Scream, a giant teeter-totter device that gives you the sensation of falling off the side of the building; and Insanity: the Ride, a whirly-gig contraption that spins you around more than 900 feet above terra firma, and another yet-to-be-announced ride to replace the closed roller coaster. Indoor and outdoor observation decks offer the most stunning city views you will ever see, especially at night. For the price, this might be the right place for you. Just remember that you need a rental car or a lot of cash for cabs to get to the true thrills down the Strip.

In addition to the casino, the hotel sports two production shows: American Superstars (an impression-filled show) and BITE.

Facilities: 9 restaurants; several fast-food outlets; casino; showrooms; wedding chapel; large pool area w/great views of the Strip; children's rides and games; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; executive-level rooms