It’s presumably impossible to exhaust your choices while visiting Vegas. And not only your choices for where you’ll sleep, but also options for dining, drinking, shopping, gambling and entertaining. There is something enjoyable for each expectant visitor. While all hotels offer unsurpassable luxury experiences, there are a few extraordinary retreats that really impress.
As this year’s Best of Las Vegas readers’ pick for best hotel, Bellagio is the premier Vegas destination for those seeking opulent décor and heavy pampering. Complete with its very own lake, mesmerizing fountains, botanical gardens and “O” Cirque du Soleil, this luxury hotel has it all. Best of Las Vegas readers also chose Bellagio for best attraction, the Fountains of Bellagio, best poker room and best lounge, Fontana Lounge. Agreeably praising the lounge, Best of Las Vegas highlighted the live performers and view of the lake. Bellagio’s environmental commitment to energy and water conservation and recycling is also a huge plus, though obviously not a deal breaker when choosing a Vegas destination.
Bellagio Las Vegas
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
888-987-6667
bellagio.com/
With newly remodeled rooms and suites, the theme at Mandalay Bay is less about luxury and more about “casual elegance and comfort.” Best of Las Vegas hoists Mandalay Bay as its pick for best hotel. If you’re in the mood for a thrilling experience, check out the Shark Reef Aquarium, which is filled with a variety of ocean predators. Or enjoy Best of Las Vegas’ selection for best show, "The Lion King." Hungry for a bite of authentic Italian food? Lupo, Wolfgang Puck’s first Italian restaurant, is Best of Las Vegas’ number one for this rich, fulfilling cuisine.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 8911
877-632-78009
mandalaybay.com/
Don’t be scared away by Steve Wynn’s voice urging you to “go find the surprises” on the website. Wynn is a five star, five diamond resort and claims to be the only one in Sin City. Catch Le Reve or Garth Brooks after enjoying French Riviera cuisine at Alex, Best of Las Vegas readers’ pick for best gourmet restaurant. There are also plenty of nightlife choices. Wynn was this year’s second runner-up for best cocktail waitresses, described as “speedy” and “eye-appealing.”
Wynn Las Vegas
3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-770-7000
877-321-WYNN (9966)
wynnlasvegas.com/
It’s no surprise that The Venetian won best architecture by Best of Las Vegas’ readers. The statuesque white columns, cobblestone walkways and blue-sky ceilings are completely unforgettable. There are plenty of entertainment choices here. Enjoy a gondola ride while shopping or strap on your gambling shoes. Best of Las Vegas chose The Venetian for best poker room. If you’re not a gambling woman or man, hit up the popular Tao Nightclub or grab tickets to see the intense Blue Man Group or the hilariously sarcastic David Spade.
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hotel: 702-414-1000
Reservations: 866-659-9643
venetian.com/
Judging by the fact that MTV’s “The Real World” braved a season here, the Palms is definitely a go-to destination for party people. Pretty please? With the Playboy Club on top? Also perched on top is Moon, an exclusive penthouse nightclub with a retractable roof. Accommodations range from your standard rooms and suites to the Bungalows, SkyVillas and extravagant Fantasy Suites. Drift Spa, complete with more than 20 treatment rooms, is voted the best spa by Best of Las Vegas. They also chose Garduno’s, which serves up tasty authentic New Mexican fare, as the best brunch spot, complete with bottomless house margaritas.
Palms Resort and Casino
4321 West Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
702-942-7777
palms.com/
If you watch the Food Network, Caesar’s Palace will be on your dining list. Several gourmet culinary gems exist here, such as Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill and the award-winning Bradley Ogden. Sadly, Bette Midler’s “The Showgirl Must Go On” ended its run on January 31, 2010, but others entertainers who have played here include Cher, Celine Dion and Jerry Seinfeld. Qua Baths and Spa uses the healing power of water to relax and calm the body. Best of Las Vegas readers chose it as their favorite this year.
Caesar’s Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-227-5938
caesarspalace.com/
While MGM is a luxury hotel, the rooms maintain a wonderfully welcoming feel thanks to the earth tones and warm lighting. If you require a personal butler, opt for the Skylofts. These two-story lofts have received flattering attention and awards such as Forbes Five-Star Award and AAA 5-Diamond Award. Ask Alfred to make you a reservation at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Best of Las Vegas’ pick for gourmet restaurant. There’s also plenty of fabulous nightlife to explore, like Studio 54 and Tabu Ultra Lounge.
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
702-891-7777
877-880-0880
mgmgrand.com/
There really is something for everyone in Vegas, and if a rollercoaster zipping around your hotel is your ideal vacation spot, bingo! It’s a little pricey at $14 for an individual ticket, but the thrill is worth it. The rooms shout sophistication just like the Big Apple and are cleverly named after some of the city’s most well known streets. Zumanity, Cirque du Soleil’s sexual spectacle, shows here and is one you cannot miss. But leave the kids at home. Also check out the bar-stomping ladies at Coyote Ugly, then hit up the dazzling casino. An additional plus is that the hotel has “gone green” and made big changes to help reduce water and power usage and increase recycling materials. Even their room key cards are biodegradable.
New York New York Hotel & Casino
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866.815.4365
nynyhotelcasino.com/
Europe’s most romantic city meets America’s most enabling city. This is definitely a prime location for a romantic visit to Vegas. The towering golden image of La Tour Eiffel is amorous on its own, and once inside the hotel you’re reminded of the charming details that make Paris so instantly lovable. Rooms are decorated with marble, and the new Red Rooms are at the height of luxury. While Paris lacks the high entertainment of most of the top Vegas hotels, it definitely makes up for it in class and style. Napoleon’s Dueling Piano Bar is a nice evening alternative to clubs and lounges. One of the best features is the majestic pool where you can practically swim right up to the base of the tower. Ce que l’amusement!
Paris Las Vegas
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
877-796-2096
parislasvegas.com/
Situated at the south end of the strip, the Four Seasons rests on the 35th to 39th floors of the Mandalay Bay towers. While the entire city is hustling and bustling 24 hours a day, guests can choose when they want to spring back into the madness. There’s no nightlife, zero casinos, just eloquent rooms, scenic window views and gourmet dining choices. If you are looking for a calmer visit to Vegas, enjoy the spa packages solo, with friends or with a loved one.
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-632-5000
fourseasons.com/lasvegas/
