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.
Other Attractions
Guinness
World of Records Museum
2780 Las Vegas Blvd S
702-792-3766
Hours: Daily 9-6
Featuring colorful displays, video footage, and computer
data banks of various Guinness world records, this is
a great stop for families. The Las Vegas display includes
information on celebrities married in Vegas, the Stratosphere
and the Hoover Dam.
Imperial
Palace Automobile Museum
3535 Las Vegas Blvd S
702-731-3311
Hours: Daily 9:30 am-11:30 pm
This museum's collection includes more than 200 antique,
classic and special interest vehicles. Among the cars,
trucks, and motorcycles on view is a 1939 Mercedes touring
sedan once owned by Adolph Hitler and the world's largest
Deusenberg collection.
Nevada
State Museum and Historical Society
700 E. Twin Lakes Dr
702-486-5205
Hours: Daily 9-5
From the Spanish exploration to the building of Las
Vegas in the late 1940's, this museum has the skinny
on Nevada. Exhibits touch on the history, archaeology
and anthropology of southern Nevada. The surrounding
parks and ponds make for a wonderful oasis.
Magic
& Movie Hall of Fame
3555 Las Vegas Blvd S
702-737-3846
Experience the history of magic first hand with over
20,000 sf of magic, movie and ventriloquist memorabilia.
Las
Vegas Mini Gran Prix
1401 N Rainbow Blvd
702-259-7000
This 7-acre park has the only banked oval Super Stock
Car track in the West. Racing includes adult Gran Prix
cars and go-karts along with kiddie karts.
Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Encounter Wax Museum
Venetian Hotel
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S
702-367-1847
In "Madame Tussaud's Story" guests will discover
the intensive process and artistry involved in the creation
of the world famous wax portraits by Madame Tussaud.
Red
Rock Canyon
14 miles west of Las Vegas via W Charleston Blvd
702-363-1921
Featuring blazing red rock formations, spectacular views,
great hiking trails and a 13-mile scenic loop. A great
place to experience the beauty of the desert.
Mt
Charleston Recreation Area
35 miles NW of Las Vegas off Hwy 95
702-872-5486
Part of the Toiyabe National Forest at 12,000 feet high
the area is popular year round for hiking, skiing, horseback
riding, camping and even sleigh rides
Star
Trek The Experience
3000 Paradise Rd at the Las Vegas Hilton
702-732-5111
The experience includes a complete re-creation of the
promenade from Deep Space Nine: Quark's Bar and Restaurant,
Zek's Grand Emporium and Moogie's Trading Post. Also
is The Voyage, an interactive ride where visitors are
beamed through time and space to the Transporter Room.
A must for every Trekie.
Titanic:
The Exhibition
Rio Suites Hotel
3700 W Flamingo Rd
702-252-0315
This exhibit features artifacts recovered from the Titanic
wreck site.
Fremont
Street Experience
A pedestrian promenade in downtown Las Vegas with free
entertainment including a one-of-a-kind light and sound
show with more than 2 million lights and 540,000 watts
of sound. This show begins at dusk daily and ends at
midnight. Also along the street are retail carks, kiosks
and entertainers.
Gohres-Hohmann
Foundation
6150 W Palmyra Ave
702-217-3655
Imagine touring through an 8,500 European castle filled
with angelic murals, life-size mythical statues, fine
art and exquisite designs that are one of a kind.
Liberace
Museum
1775 E Tropicana Ave 702-798-5595
The museum features exhibits of Mr. Showmanship's jewelry,
priceless antiques, his wardrobe and rare cars.
Hoover
Dam
25 miles south of Las Vegas on Hwy 93
Considered one of the great wonders of the modern world.
Built in the early 1930's it now offers visitors tours
and an audiovisual show.
