Made famous years ago by "The Rat Pack" and Elvis, today Las Vegas is one of the entertainment capitals of the world and a favorite vacation destination.Once an adult vacation spot, Las Vegas now caters to families, convention goers, romancers, golfers, shoppers, foodies and yes, gamblers.Las Vegas has something for everyone, and you will never run out of entertainment, amusement & nightlife.
The Las Vegas airport is conveniently located just off the strip and there are direct flights available from most major US cities.A rental car is not required in Vegas unless you want to do one of the many popular day trips such as the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead.Most of the major hotels offer shuttle service and a taxi only takes a few minutes.Once you settle in, walking the strip is the main way to get around.There are monorails between a number of hotels, shuttles and buses that run up and down the strip. Experience Paris, Venice, or New York as you travel the strip.
Las Vegas hosts the annual World Series of Poker at the Rio Hotel & Casino.The event runs for the month of June through Mid July and draws the top poker players from around the world to compete in over 50 events.During the World Series many of the other casinos run high quality mini series tournaments that are very popular and have less expensive entry costs.Some of the more popular poker rooms on The Strip can be found at The Venetian, Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, Wynn, MGM Grand and The Mirage.Popular Downtown poker rooms include Binion's Horseshoe and The Golden Nugget.
Be sure to visit the historic original downtown Las Vegas a couple miles from the main strip on Fremont Street. You’ll find some fun old casinos and free entertainment there, as well as great affordable casino dining. The Fremont Street Experience is a long pedestrian mall that attracts thousands of visitors each day. The free Viva Vision light shows are a must-see in Las Vegas. The Viva Vision canopy stretching over Fremont Street is the world’s largest video screen, providing free nightly light shows feature over 12 million lights and 550,000 watts of amazing sound. While there, experience the SlotZilla zip line which features a 12-story, slot machine-inspired launch platform so you can zip over the crowds on Freemont Street under the Viva Vision canopy. At the east end of Fremont Street be sure to visit the nostalgic Neon Museum which hosts some of Las Vegas’ historic neon signs.
Towering 1,149 feet above the Vegas skyline, the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United State. At the top, you can enjoy the world’s highest thrill rides. At 108 stories, the SkyJump is the longest controlled free fall. It’s similar to a Bungee Jump but safer as you are on a wire dropping at a more controlled speed. The ride Insanity is a massive mechanical arm extending out 64 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower and spins you in the air at speeds of up to three 'G's. The ride X-Scream propels you headfirst 27 feet over the edge of the tower. The ride Big Shot will shoot you 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour up the tower's mast to a height of 1,081 feet.
At 550 feet high, the High Roller is the world’s largest observation Ferris wheel. It’s located directly across from Caesar’s Palace next to the Flamingo Resort & Casino at the LINQ open air shops & entertainment center. The ride offers spectacular 360 degree views of Las Vegas and at night the 2,000 LED lights adorning the wheel light up the Vegas Skyline. The High Roller can accommodate 1,120 people at a time. It’s equipped with 28 cabins that each accommodates 40 passengers. It takes 30-minutes to complete one full revolution, so the ride is slow and smooth. You can even enjoy a cocktail while on the High Roller as there is a full bar in the waiting area.
FASHION SHOW MALL
Las Vegas is super
popular with the fashion shopper. High-end fashion stores with the
latest hot trends can be found all throughout the Las Vegas strip. Get
your fill of Louis Vuitton, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Rolex, Cartier
and more at the Forum Shops at Ceasars. Stroll the Miracle Mile Shops
at Planet Hollywood or the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Resort.
Shopping can easily become an all day event. You can even catch a runway
fashion show every hour at the Fashion Show Mall across from the Wynn
Resort. In Vegas you will find unique selections of designers' premium
merchandise, things you just don't see elsewhere. You will even find two premium outlet malls with great bargains.
Along the famous Las Vegas strip (Las Vegas Blvd.) you will find the worlds top mega resort casinos.Each one trying to out do the next and get you in their doors.Enticing you with glitz, glamour, promotional deals, fine dining and over-the-top shows.Even the top hotels will have great affordable promotional deals on a regular basis.They want full occupancy rates in hopes that you will drop some money in the casino.You will particularly find great mid-week deals at most hotels.
There are plenty of free things to see along the famous Las Vegas Strip. At the south end of the strip you can see the live Lions up close at the MGM Grand Hotel. Going north on the Strip you can stop by the Bellagio Hotel and see the magnificent fountains that go off regularly synchronized to music to put on a spectacular water show. Keep going north and you will see the volcano in front of the Mirage Hotel erupt high in the air with explosive flames and spouting water. Next door at Treasure Island Hotel (TI) you can see the pirate show in the lagoon in front of the hotel with its cannons and explosions of flames, and sinking of a pirate ship. Further north stop into the Circus Circus Hotel’s Carnival Midway to see live high flying circus acts and dare devils. These are only a few of the free things to see around Las Vegas.
VoyageMonkey recommends any of the following top hotels located on the strip:
Aria Resort & Casino - This 5-star MGM/MIRAGE
luxury resort is located in the new CityCenter at the heart of the Las Vegas
Strip. The Aria is 61-stories and
includes 4,004 guest rooms.Aria is
architecturally spectacular and modern throughout, from its 3-story lobby and
150,000 square-foot casino to each touch-screen-controlled guest room. State-of-the-art in-room technology allows you
to control the room's lighting, curtains, TV, temperature, etc. from a
touch-screen beside the bed.The beds
are super comfortable.Every guest room offers top-of-the-line
amenities including expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, with the 920-square-foot
corner suites offering double your panoramic view. Guest bathrooms are spacious
and include double sinks, separate bathtubs & showers. The Aria staff is
gracious, kind, efficient and helpful.The
service is superb.The Aria features
three beautiful ellipse-shaped swimming pools, including The Liquid Pool Lounge
(an adults-only DJ pool party club), 3 hot tubs, 50 lavish pool cabanas.The resort includes 16 dining restaurants, 10
bars & lounges, a luxury 2-level spa, nightclub, an 1,800 seat theater,
meeting rooms, business center and quality top entertainment, such as Cirque du
Soleil.The resort features a convenient
free TRAM between the Monte Carlo Resort and the Bellagio Resort.Aria is one of the best hotels in Vegas, every
guest is treated like a high roller.
Wynn Resort & Casino - 5-Star luxury resort & casino styled in casual elegance.There are 2716 guestrooms & suites each equipped with advanced technologies.Rooms average 640 square feet and feature panoramic views of Las Vegas.Resort amenities include nightly entertainment, shows, night clubs, 18 restaurants, a shopping promenade featuring designer fashions, an 18-hole golf course, spa & salon, four pools, and many other amenities & services including complimentary valet parking for guests and even a Ferrari & Masarati dealership. Gaming includes 1900 slot machines, abundant table games & poker, poolside cabana bar & casino, and a sports book lounge.This resort is highly rated by VoyageMonkey.
The Venetian Resort & Casino - 5-Star all suite resort & casino featuring an elegant modern European ambiance.A touch of Venice Italy on the strip.Suites range from 650 square feet to 1500 square feet.Resort amenities include a 69,000 square foot health & fitness spa, salon, landscaped five-acre rooftop sun deck with swimming pools, hot tubs & private cabanas, the Grand Canal Shoppes featuring over 100 shops & restaurants and authentic Italian gondola rides.The resort offers airport shuttle service and a business center.Entertainment includes nightclubs (including TAO Beach Pool Nightclub), shows, 19 fine & casual dining restaurants, the Guggenheim Museum, and Madame Tassauds Wax Museum.The Casino boasts an 112,000 square foot poker room, 139 casino games, high-limit salon with 20 table games, and race & sports wagering.This resort is another VoyageMonkey favorite.
The Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino - The 5-Star 50 story, 3042 room Palazzo is actually connected to The Venetian Resort & Casino by shared walks and waterways.Styled in palatial Italian luxury, The Palazzo features luxury 720 to 1,280 square foot suites all with sunken living rooms, marble baths and flat screen TV's.The resort includes a sophisticated state-of-the-art technology casino, 15 restaurants, nightclubs & lounges.Enjoy Broadway shows or The Shoppes at The Palazzo featuring more than 50 international boutiques and the famous Barneys New York.Other amenities include a 134,000 square foot spa & fitness center, 40-foot rock-climbing wall, pool deck overlooking the strip with pools and hot tubs, private cabanas, meeting rooms, business services center and airport shuttle service.
Bellagio - This Mediterranean style 5-Star luxury resort hotel and casino hosts 3933 guest rooms, suites and villas starting at 510 square feet, each with exceptional attention to detail and comfort.The resort includes inviting ground level large pools & courtyards with private cabanas and poolside massages.Relax and rejuvenate yourself at the 65,000 square foot spa & salon.Guest rooms facing the strip can enjoy the famous Fountains of Bellagio that go off regularly throughout the day and night shooting hundreds of feet into the air synchronized to music.In addition to various nightclubs and lounges, no stay at the Bellagio is complete with out attending the famous incomparable "O" Cirque Du Soleil aqua show.The resort features many fine, contemporary & casual dining choices.Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Shadow Creek and Primm Valley golf courses.The main casino bar makes the best lemon drop in town.Other amenities include a botanical garden, gallery of fine art, shopping, business meeting and convention facilities.The extensive casino is always lively with a large variety table games, race & sports book wagering, poker room and more than 2400 slot machines.
Paris Las Vegas - Visit Europe's most romantic city while in Vegas, complete with Eiffel tower.This 4-Star resort & casino offers 2916 guestrooms with 295 suites.Rooms are luxuriously decorated in distinctive French European style, including custom European furniture, and marble bathrooms with both tub & stand alone shower.Guests will enjoy the two-acre rooftop pool located at the base of the Eiffel tower, with whirlpools, private cabanas and poolside cafe.Perfect for those hot days.Other resort amenities include the 26,000 square foot Paris Spa & Fitness Center, two shopping promenades, ballrooms, 11 restaurants, nightclubs, 7 bars & lounges, live shows and business meeting facilities.The casino features 90 table games, poker room, race & sports book and more than 1700 slot machines.Hotel guests have golfing privileges at the Cascata Golf & Rio Secco Golf Course.
Luxor Las Vegas - (4-Stars) The infamous Egyptian Style Pyramid soaring 350 feet into the desert sky encompasses over 2200 deluxe rooms and more than 200 luxury suites.The pyramid shaped building contains 29 million cubic feet of open space.The twin 22-story towers include over 1700 rooms and more then 230 luxury suites.The Premier Suites are 1050 square feet.Each guest room is contemporarily appointment with modern amenities like high-speed Internet access and includes over-sized bathrooms with separate tub and shower.Guests enjoy four large swimming pools, whirlpools, private cabanas, poolside beverage service and a spacious spa & fitness center.Other resort amenities include a variety of fine & casual dining choices including a buffet and burger bar, several nightclubs & lounges, first-rate shows & entertainment including a 7-story IMAX theatre. Shoppers can enjoy the Luxor Galleria Stores.Let's not forget the 120,000 square foot casino with its 87 table games, over 1500 hi-tech slot machines, sports book and poker room.VoyageMonkey rates the Luxor 4-stars.
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino - This 4-Star resort is a great place for nightlife and poolside fun.The resort has spacious rooms starting at 550 square feet and large suites, some as large as 2000 square feet.Guest rooms are decorated in casual modern elegance and comfort using relaxing warm tones & textiles.Standard rooms feature 42 inch plasma TV's and other high tech conveniences.Throughout the resort you will find over 20 fine and casual dining choices.Mandalay Bay provides excellent nightlife with its nightclubs, music venues & lounges and the famous House of Blues.You will also find live hit Broadway shows in addition to top name headliners at the 12,000-seat events center.One of the best features of this resort is its 11 acre aquatic playground that includes 3 pools, sandy beach, 100 cabanas, wave pool, lazy river, open-air beach bar & grill, 3-story beachside casino, and adults only Moorea Beach Club.During spring through fall guest can enjoy the resort's beach concert series featuring top name entertainment.Other amenities include the Shark Reef Aquarium, bathhouse, spa & fitness center, and the Mandalay Place shopping promenade.The casino boasts a 135,000 square foot casino floor in a tropical setting and offers a full selection of table games, poker and slots.The resort offers nearly 1.5 million square feet of meeting space for corporate events, parties and conventions.VoyageMonkey likes this resort.
The Mirage Hotel & Casino - The 4-Star tropical South Seas
theme resort is conveniently located at the heart of "The Strip" at 3400 Las
Vegas Boulevard South.The 30-story
resort has 3044 chic guest rooms contemporarily decorated and featuring modern
high-tech amenities like wall mounted flat screen TVs and data ports.Rooms include safes, work desks, pillow-top
beds and fully stocked mini-bars. The lobby's
100-foot atrium houses a tropical rainforest while the registration desk
features a 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. At the resort entrance you'll find a lagoon
with towering waterfalls and a 54-foot high volcano that erupts fire 100 feet
above the water once an hour nightly.The Mirage pool is a weekend favorite with its lush tropical setting, multiple waterfalls, and good music.European topless
sunbathing can be enjoyed at their adults only pool club "Bare" for a fee.On-site family attractions include the Dolphin
Habitat and White Tiger Habitat that houses Siegfried and Roy's White Tigers and exotic cats. The large casino offers poker tables, table
games, a high-limit lounge, a race and sports book, and plenty of state-of-the-art
slot machines.You"ll find plenty of
on-site live entertainment, shows, lounges, bars and night clubs, including "Jet"
(one of the top clubs on The Strip), and the rocking BB King's Blues Club.The
Mirage features several fine and casual dining restaurants including Cravings
Buffet, which is consistently voted one of the best buffets in Las Vegas.The service at the resort is attentive,
friendly and professional.Your stay at
The Mirage will be enjoyable.
CEASAR'S PALACE
Other recommended hotels along the strip include: Ceasar’s Palace, Vdara, Encore, Monte Carlo, Treasure Island, the MGM Grand, New York New York, Excalibur, the Flamingo, Mandarin Oriental, and the more intimate Cromwell.
Book your Vegas vacation now. Stay in 5-Star luxury at 3-Star rates. Check our regular Las Vegas bargains at VoyageMonkey.
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