|
Las Vegas Casinos
Aladdin
3667 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip
Las
Vegas.
702-785-5555. Toll-free 877-333-9474
Apropos
of the ever-changing world that is Las Vegas, today's Middle
Eastern-themed Aladdin will become tomorrow's Planet Hollywood Resort &
Hotel. The 2,567-room Aladdin went into bankruptcy, and its new owners
plan substantial construction beginning in 2005.
Desert
Passage, the 140-store mega mall surrounding Aladdin, replete with
eight-story mountain and full-sized freighter anchored alongside a
replica of a North African harbor, started remodeling in summer 2004 and
will relaunch in October 2005.
Bally's
3645 Las
Vegas Blvd. S.
Central
Strip, Las Vegas.
702-739-4111. Toll-free 800-722-5597.
Shows include Donn Arden's Jubilee, with a Bob Mackie-gowned
showgirl extravaganza and spectacular effects such as the sinking of the
Titanic. A multimillion-dollar refurbishment added a dramatic
entrance from Las Vegas Boulevard, including four 200-ft. people movers,
along with light, water and sound displays.
Bellagio
3600 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas.
702-693-7111. Toll-free 888-987-3456
An 8-acre
lake provides a choreographed display of fountains, lights and rousing
music every half-hour 3-8 pm, and every 15 minutes 8 pm-midnight. For the
most spectacular visual effects, see the complex after dark. The Via
Bellagio shopping avenue features such famous names as Gucci, Prada, and
Chanel.
Caesars Palace
3570 Las
Vegas Blvd. S.
Central
Strip, Las Vegas.
702-731-7110. Toll-free 877-427-7243.
The
city's first themed casino, it opened in 1966. Two outstanding additions
include the 4,100-seat Colosseum, home to resident performer Celine Dion,
along with "part-timers" such as Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld; and the
Forum Shops, a series of Roman streetscapes with ever-changing "skies"
that move from dawn to dusk to night, filled with haute couture,
restaurants, the unusual and the ornate. There are also two free shows
within the Forum Shops at the Festival Fountain, and Atlantis, with laser
special effects and animatronic Roman characters, plus a new
50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.
Circus Circus
2880 Las
Vegas Blvd. S.
North
Strip, Las Vegas.
702-734-0410. Toll-free 877-224-7287.
The free attraction is the varied daily circus shows, and that's why it's
a must for families. Trapeze artists, tightrope walkers, acrobats and
jugglers from around the world perform every 30 to 45 minutes on the
Midway Stage: 11 am-10:30 pm. The non-free attraction is the
Adventuredome Theme Park, the largest indoor theme park in the U.S., with
a variety of thrill rides, IMAX movies, laser tag and more. The three
casinos feature table games, slot machines, poker and more.
Excalibur
3850 Las
Vegas Blvd. S. (at Tropicana Avenue)
South
Strip, Las Vegas.
702-597-7777. Toll-free 877-750-5464.
The medieval theme is clear from the exterior. It's an imitation castle.
Inside, there are strolling Renaissance entertainers and a stairway
descending to the Fantasy Faire Midway, which includes carnival games and
a Magic Motion Film Ride. Children are entertained at the Court Jester's
stage, which features puppet shows, magicians, storytellers and more.
The
casino has slot machines, electronic games, poker, table games and keno.
Flamingo Las Vegas
3555 Las
Vegas Blvd. S.
Central
Strip, Las Vegas.
702-733-3111. Toll-free 800-732-2111.
Though it no longer resembles the original palm-tree studded low-rise
that Bugsy Siegel built in 1946, the Flamingo is one of the few remaining
Strip properties with a name relating to those days. Now, the Flamingo
comprises a series of six high-rise towers dressed in pink, with a
Caribbean-style pool area, plus a free 15-acre wildlife habitat. It is
located at the famous "Four Corners" of the Las Vegas Strip.
Hard Rock Casino
4455
Paradise Road at Harmon
(two
blocks east of the Strip), Las Vegas.
702-693-5000. Toll-free 800-693-7625.
This
casino is filled with sound! It features rock memorabilia and attracts
the world's hottest music stars to perform in The Joint, which seats
1,400 people. A chandelier with 32 gold saxophones dangles in the entry.
The outdoor hotspot is the lagoon pool, replete with floating craps table
and a waterslide; it also doubles as an outdoor nightclub in warm
weather.
Las Vegas Hilton
3000
Paradise Road (two blocks east of the Strip), Las Vegas.
702-732-5111. Toll-free 800-732-7117.
Barbra
Streisand opened the hotel in the late '60s, when it was known as the
International and was one of the first major off-Strip properties. Then
came Elvis Presley, who dominated the hotel's entertainment roster in the
'70s. Now it is a favorite for meetings and conventions because of the
adjacent Las Vegas Convention Center. The property's most popular draw is
the Star Trek attraction, with the newly opened Borg Invasion in 4-D, the
20,000-sq. foot SpaceQuest casino, Quark's Bar & Restaurant, and the Deep
Space Nine shopping promenade. For gaming fans, the Sports Book is the
largest betting house in town.
Luxor
3900 Las
Vegas Blvd. S.
South
Strip, Las Vegas.
702-262-4000. Toll-free 888-777-0188.
Named
after the ancient city of the same name in northern Egypt, Luxor's
black-glass pyramid is one of the most striking big-casinos from the
outside. At night, the world's brightest beacon shoots straight up, so
that even high-flying planes can see where they are. Inside, Egyptian
artifacts and hieroglyphics line the walls of the 30-story pyramid. The
replica of King Tut's Tomb is interesting and a more thorough re-creation
than most theme attractions in Las Vegas. The Pharaoh's Pavilion has IMAX
theaters that show a variety of features, including some in 3-D.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., South Strip, Las Vegas.
702-632-7777. Toll-free 877-632-7000.
Mandalay Bay has an understated South Seas/Far East feel. The main floor
of the casino has lots of wide walkways and tropical greenery inside and
out. Behind the complex, there's a lagoon, an enormous sandy beach, a
man-made river and a water complex that includes a wave pool. The main
sightseeing activity is the Shark Reef aquarium, which features creatures
sharks, moray eels, stone fish, crocodiles, pythons and piranhas. One of
its key entertainment venues is the legendary House of Blues, playing an
eclectic mix of live music in its 1,800-seat facility. Mandalay Place is
the new shopping complex, located on the bridge between Mandalay Bay and
Luxor. A free tram runs between Mandalay Bay, Luxor and the Excalibur
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
3799 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., South Strip, Las Vegas.
702-891-1111. Toll-free 877-880-0880.
Features the Lion Habitat, with lions trucked in each morning from a
nearby ranch (like other Vegas stars, they're primped and groomed prior
to making an appearance). Other activities center on nightlife (two large
theaters for limited engagements and a smaller showroom that hosts a
revue and the Studio 54 nightclub) and shopping (the Studio Walk shops).
Television City in the Studio Walk area is a free attraction with CBS
videos and logo merchandise. The MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park is now
available only for group events.
The Mirage
3400 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas.
702-791-7111. Toll-free 800-374-9000.
One of the forerunners of the shift to themes and big spectacles, the
Mirage's tropical motif centers on the South Seas. Outside is a gigantic
waterfall topped by a volcano that "erupts" every 15 minutes after dusk,
with elaborate lighting effects simulating the lava flow. The resort also
houses two natural habitats, including a network of dolphin pools and the
Secret Garden, a misted, lush sanctuary with rare white tigers and other
animals that have performed with famed illusionists Siegfried and Roy.
Monte Carlo Resort & Casino
3770 Las
Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.
702-730-7777. Toll-free 800-311-8999.
Extremely glamorous, the Monte Carlo is styled after the opulent Place du
Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with domed ceilings, arches, crystal
chandeliers, fountains and marble floors. But underneath all the glamour,
the resort is family-friendly with a water park and high-tech video
arcade. Its microbrewery is the only one on the Strip. The hotel is also
home to the Lance Burton Theater, where the master magician has performed
since 1997.
New York New York Hotel and Casino
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S., South Strip, Las Vegas.
702-740-6969. Toll-free 800-693-6763.
The
facade is striking, to say the least—the Empire State Building, the
Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building, all
standing along Las Vegas Boulevard. The New York theme is reflected in
the interior, if on a less ambitious scale, with art-deco styling and
some simulated settings such as Times Square and Central Park. Shops and
eateries are styled after neighborhoods in New York, too. The Manhattan
Express roller coaster, with its inverted roll, is the main non-gambling
activity. There is also a large game room.
The Palms
4321 W.
Flamingo Road (one block west of the Strip), Las Vegas.
702-942-7777. Toll-free 866-942-7777.
This casino resort is the new symbol of good times for the 20-30 crowd,
with attractions such as Ghostbar on the 55th floor and Rain dance club.
Young Hollywood jet-setters appear on a regular basis. TV shows film
inside the resort too. If you need a relaxing break from the game floor,
then head to the resort's 14-screen movie theater.
Paris Las Vegas
3655 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas.
702-946-7000. Toll-free 888-266-5687.
A scaled-down (though still quite tall) replica of the Eiffel Tower is
eye-catching. You can take an elevator to the top, but it's not a free
ride (in fact, it costs almost as much as if you were ascending the real
tower). Back on the ground, push past the casino area inside the main
entrance to find the indoor Parisian streetscape. The cobblestone lane is
lined with boutiques, restaurants and clubs. You'll hear accordion music
and perhaps see a man in a striped shirt and beret bicycling by, a
baguette under his arm. Parisian landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe
and facades of the Paris Opera House and the Louvre line the streets. The
Eiffel Tower is open Monday-Friday 10 am-midnight, Saturday and Sunday 10
am-1 am. Admission charged.
The Rio
3700 W.
Flamingo Road (at Valley View), Las Vegas.
702-252-7777. Toll-free 800-752-9746.
You have
to venture a short way off the Strip to get to the Rio. The attraction
(aside from the usual array of gaming, restaurants and bars) is the Show
in the Sky—Mardi Gras floats move along a track attached to the ceiling,
while costumed revelers throw beads to the casino players and onlookers
below. The Bevertainers, a new addition to the casino, serve cocktails
one minute and perform the next. The free 12-minute Mardi Gras shows take
place daily at 3, 4, 5, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 pm.
The Sahara
2535 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., North Strip, Las Vegas.
702-737-2111. Toll-free 888-696-2121.
When the Sahara opened
in 1952, it was crowned the "Jewel of the Desert." Over the years, its
legendary performers included Johnny Carson, George Burns and the
Beatles. Now the Sahara's lounges boast names such as the Coasters, the
Drifters and the Platters, plus Lena Prima, the daughter of late, great
Louis Prima. Even the steak house is a Vegas classic: the venerable House
of Lords. Its more modern-day attractions include the NASCAR Cafe, the
Las Vegas Cyber Speedway and a roller coaster called Speed: The Ride,
which hurtles passengers forwards and backwards at speeds up to 70 mph.
Stardust
3000 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas.
702-732-6111. Toll-free 800-634-6757.
If you
want to get a feel for what Las Vegas used to be, visit the Stardust,
whose light-shower marquee has been a symbol of Sin City since its
opening in the mid-'50s. The casino has been enlarged innumerable times
and now feels as though it stretches on forever, but that's not a bad
thing, especially given the endangered species that still exist there in
the form of US$2 craps, US$5 blackjack and low-limit poker. Another
oldie-but-goodie: performances by Mr. Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, in his
own showroom.
Stratosphere Las Vegas
2000 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., North Strip, Las Vegas.
Phone
702-380-7777. Toll-free 800-998-6937.
At 1,149 ft. high, the Stratosphere Tower is America's tallest
freestanding observation tower and the tallest building west of the
Mississippi River. Take a 100-story trip to the top for breathtaking
360-degree views. You can add to your high-altitude experience on three
thrill rides: The High Roller/roller coaster makes several rotations
around the top of the tower, the Big Shot is a 160-ft. free-fall
experience, and the new X Scream is a teeter-totter ride that hangs 29
ft. over the edge of the building and 866 ft. above the Strip. Various
price packages are available that combine the ride and tower admission
fees, including an all-day unlimited pass.
TI-(formerly Treasure Island)
3300 Las
Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas.
702-894-7111. Toll-free 800-944-7444.
Adjacent to the Mirage, this resort started off using Robert Louis
Stevenson's novel of the same name as its jumping-off point. Now,
however, it has adopted the name "TI" in an attempt to revamp itself. The
overall theme is changing from pirates to a hip and trendy resort. The
highlight for those on a walking tour of the Strip is the free new
“pirates and sexy ladies” show that takes place in Siren's Cove,, at 7,
8:30, 10 and 11:30 pm. Inside is the original Cirque du Soleil production
of Mystere, with clowns who mingle with the audience, roving
devils, compelling music and,mind-boggling acrobatic performances.
The Venetian
3355 Las
Vegas Blvd.
S.,
Central Strip, Las Vegas.
Phone
702-414-4100. Toll-free 877-857-1861.
Billing
itself as one of the more upscale Vegas properties, the Venetian immerses
visitors in a luxurious European ambience. Gracefully arched bridges,
flowing canals, vibrant piazzas and stone walkways faithfully re-create
Venice's Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and Campanile. St. Mark's Square,
lined with restaurants and shops, is the scene of street-style
entertainment. You can take a gondola ride through the canals while being
serenaded by a singing boatman.
| 
Las Vegas Casinos