ARIA in CityCenter
DESCRIPTION: without a doubt, $11 billion CityCenter is the pinnacle of activity on the Strip and Aria is the straw that the stirs the drink; designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli, it is one of the few hotels in the world to debut with a AAA 5-Diamond rating; ARIA features Viva Elvis, a Cirque du Soleil show celebrating the life and music of Elvis Presley; 16 restaurants by acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs provide cuisine for every taste, 10 chic bars and lounges, and a 150,000 square foot state-of-the-art casino; the two-level 80,000-square-foot spa features 62 treatment rooms, a Shio Salt Room, Japanese Ganbanyoku Stone Beds, a Fire Lounge, co-ed balcony with an infinity edge pool, full-service salon, barber shop and advanced fitness center; the jaw-dropping 215,000-square-foot pool deck features three primary pools and Liquid, an adults-only pool; a pleasant surprise amongst the glittering architecture is the Fine Art Collection showcasing works by Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others; the hotel tower, convention center and theater have received LEED® Gold certification, making ARIA the world’s largest LEED Gold certified building; attached to ARIA, Crystals is a 500,000-square-foot journey through couture, cuisine and entertainment; it features hanging gardens, a lush flower carpet and a three-story sculptural Tree House housing Mastro's Ocean Club; retailers include Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, TOM FORD, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Kiton, Marni, ASSOULINE, H.Stern, Tourbillon, Porsche Design and de Grisogono; Dining concepts include Eva Longoria’s Beso, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina, The Pods by Wolfgang Puck and Todd English P.U.B.; Crystals has also received LEED® Gold certification

ROOMS: 4004

STATUS: AAA 5 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3730 Las Vegas Blvd  MAP

PARKING: free self parking and valet parking

TRANSIT: Bellagio-Aria-Monte Carlo monorail

WEBSITE: http://www.citycenter.com

 

Vdara in CityCenter
DESCRIPTION: an internationally inspired all-suite hotel and spa designed for those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming and smoke-free environment; Vdara Health & Beauty is an 18,000-square-foot, two-level spa, salon and fitness facility that spotlights holistic health and well-being in an intimate environment; Bar Vdara is a sophisticated lobby lounge that will apeal to couples prefering a quiter setting than ARIA, Silk Road is a fantstic breakfast and lunch restaurant for ; the Pool & Lounge features 19 cabanas, one primary pool, semi-secluded plunge pools and a high-energy pool lounge will catch your eye; Vdara also received a LEED® Gold certification; it may surprise you to learn Vdara is also home to one and two story condo-hotel units, including penthouses; each room features state-of-the-art technology control panels, plasma-screen televisions, entertainment system and wireless internet -- if you like geeky features, you'll love Vdara

ROOMS: 1495; including 250 corner-end units that are up to 1,650 square feet

STATUS: AAA 3-4 Diamond equivalent

ADDRESS: 2600 West Harmon Avenue  MAP

PARKING: free valet parking, but tips appreciated

TRANSIT: Bellagio-Aria-Monte Carlo monorail

WEBSITE: http://www.citycenter.com

 

Mandarin Oriental in CityCenter
DESCRIPTION: a 47-story, non-gaming hotel and residences, delivering spectacular accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa, legendary service by a renowned hotel group, and art by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Jun Kaneko, Jack Goldstein and Masatoshi Izumi; The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is a two-level, 27,000-square-foot oasis with 17 treatment rooms inspired by 1930’s Shanghai glamour; the signature element is  Mandarin Bar and Tea Lounge on the 23rd floor sky lobby -- definitely a place for power-lunches before or after conventions; the magnificent pool features 20 cabanas, two lap pools and the Pool Cafe; top floors are occupied by 225 luxury condominiums

ROOMS: 392 rooms and luxurious suites

STATUS: AAA 3-4 Diamond equivalent

ADDRESS: 3752 Las Vegas Blvd  MAP

PARKING: valet parking

TRANSIT: Bellagio-Aria-Monte Carlo monorail

 

The Cosmopolitan
DESCRIPTION: perhaps the signature element of this resort is the floor-to-ceiling windows of the 100,000-square-foot Boulevard Casino facing the Strip; the upper floors of the 50-story East and West towers boast sweeping views of the Las Vegas skyline; it features oversized hotel and condominium-style rooms ranging in size from 730 square feet to over 5,400 square feet in addition to 10 three-story bungalow-style suites adjacent to the west pool deck. contemporary room décor in spacious living areas, hundreds of small unique touches, and many with expansive terraces with dazzling views of the Strip; each room features state-of-the-art technology control panels, plasma-screen televisions, entertainment system, wireless internet and a custom in-room bar; oversized bathrooms that in some cases also offer Japanese soaking tubs, rain showers and marble floors; Sahra Spa, three unique pool experiences at The Pool District, the multi-level Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub and a diverse restaurant collection and retail boutiques round out the visitor experience

ROOMS: 2,995 rooms and suites

STATUS: AAA 3-4 Diamond equivalent

ADDRESS: 3708 Las Vegas Blvd  MAP

PARKING: valet parking

TRANSIT: The Deuce sightseeing bus

Mandalay Bay & THEHotel
DESCRIPTION: A flagship in the chain of MGM Mirage casino resorts, Mandalay Bay represents a well-polished Vegas experience on several dimensions -- sports, dining, swimming pool, nightclubs, concerts and shopping; it is well known for featuring  Broadway shows and championship boxing and it even has a quirky nature to it -- Red Square has a headless statue of Lenin and there’s a futuristic China Grill; night-time attractions include the hugely popular Rumjungle nightclub with its wall of fire and hot bodies on the dance floor -- eye-candy deluxe; the darkly decorated House of Blues is home to many of the hottest and most intimate concerts in Vegas and Southern cuisine and Sunday Gospel Brunch often draws top gospel choirs; the top of the hotel's tower features the members-only House of Blues Foundation Room; the spectacular Shark Reef will have your kids spellbound as they walk through the Reef Tunnel; the lush tropical fauna and a 6-foot high wave pool, which reinforce the resort’s tropical theme, attracts plenty of hot bodies and celebrities; restaurants include: Trattoria del Lupo, Border Grill, Shanghai Lilly, Raffles Cafe, The Noodle Shop, Bay Side Buffet, Turf Club Deli; Aureole is a stand-out restaurant on the Strip -- the service, atmosphere and cuisine are impeccable and you’ll love seeing the wine angels retrieve your favorite bottle of vino; considering all the on-site benefits that compliment its large, nicely decorated suites, you will conclude that Mandalay Bay represents a good value the Strip -- so good, many guests never venture beyond the resort

ROOMS: 4,408

STATUS: AAA 4 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3950 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Mandalay Bay parking structure

TRANSIT: Mandalay Bay monorail station to Luxor and Excalibur on The Strip; do not confuse this monorail with the Las Vegas Monorail

PHONE: 800-851-1703

Luxor
DESCRIPTION: Once you get past the historically inaccurate blue-eyed Sphinx, you enter of the world’s largest pyramid’s at 30-stories tall; the blackened glass does a good job reflecting light in the daytime and with the light at its pinnacle generates the brightest light on the planet; inside, a daunting look up reveals the world's largest atrium; this Egyptian themed casino resort is an architectural and technological wonder in every sense; families enjoy the IMAX Theater for immersive film and sound experiences; the theme restaurants and nightclubs are undergoing a major makeover targeting adults with LAX nightclub leading the way; watch for more updates soon

ROOMS: 4,332

STATUS: AAA 3 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3900 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Luxor parking structure

TRANSIT: Luxor monorail station to Mandalay Bay and Excalibur on The Strip; do not confuse this monorail with the Las Vegas Monorail

PHONE: 800-851-1703

Excalibur
DESCRIPTION: located on Las Vegas' famous "four corners" intersection of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard, the Excalibur has a striking external presence and well executed medieval theme throughout; visitors can revel in the jousting and sport of the Tournament of Kings or catch The Thunder from Down Under in Merlin's Theater; two wedding chapels indicates that part of the business stays busy; dining options include The Steakhouse at Camelot, Sir Galahad's Prime Rib House, Sherwood Forest Cafe, Round Table Buffet and Krispy Kreme; family attractions include Merlin's Magic Motion Machines, King Arthur's Arena and Catch a Rising Star featuring comedians on the rise; consistent with its theme, Fantasy Faire features strolling medieval costumed performers, carnival games, jugglers and magicians; no health club or spa

ROOMS: 3,991

STATUS: AAA 3 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3850 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Excalibur parking structure

TRANSIT: Excalibur monorail station to Mandalay Bay and Luxor on The Strip; do not confuse this monorail with the Las Vegas Monorail

PHONE:  800-851-1703

Tropicana
DESCRIPTION: One of the early resorts on the Strip and then made-over as one of the first mega-resort on the Strip (presently 1,800+ rooms), the “Trop” has been continuously modernized; the ample size suites in its 22 story tower offer some of the best views of the southern end of the Strip and are great for hosting parties; it seems the Trop has always had a reputation for hosting a variety of the best shows in town; Dirk Arthur’s Xtreme Magic show is a fantastic family entertainment value; The Trop’s most the glamorous and award-winning show, Les Folies Bergere, is a must see dance spectacle for classy adult entertainment that couples will enjoy; The Comedy Stop rounds out the major entertainment a this resort; fine dining options include Pietro’s, Savanna Steakhouse, and Mizuno’s; the Island Buffet, Tuscany Italian Café and Calypsos also satisfy the palette

ROOMS: 1,880

STATUS: AAA 2 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3801 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Tropicana parking structure

TRANSIT: Las Vegas Monorail Station behind MGM Grand

PHONE:  888-826-8767

MGM Grand
DESCRIPTION: The first $1 billion resort on the Strip, and situated on one of the busiest intersections in the world – Las Vegas Blvd at Tropicana; MGM Grand is a major venue for boxing and sometimes hosts NBC's "Tonight Show”; it features numerous top shelf restaurants: Emeril's New Orleans Fish House, Rainforest Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Mark Miller's Coyote Café, Grand Wok and Sushi Bar, Ricardo's, Studio Cafe, and Grand Buffet; Family attractions include a Lion Habitat where you can watch lions feed and play, as well as the CBS TV Research Center; KÀ, the newest Cirque du Soleil show, is inspired by the ancient Egyptian belief in the "ka," an invisible spiritual duplicate of the body that accompanies every human being throughout this life and into the next; the KÀ Theatre is an astonishing Cirque du Soleil optimized performance space; La Femme celebrates the art of the nude and Studio 54 Nightclub jams nightly

ROOMS: 5,044

STATUS: AAA 4 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3799 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Tropicana parking structure

TRANSIT: Las Vegas monorail station in back

PHONE:  800-851-1703

New York-New York
DESCRIPTION: Fine detail in the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building icons plus the a roaring Manhattan Express rollercoaster immediately catch your eye outside; once inside, the casino interior modeled after Times Square and Central Park; a Coney Island-style arcade is attractive for teenagers; includes a memorial to the victims of 9-11 near the front of its Statue of Liberty; Big Apple Bar grooves nightly; restaurants include: America, Nathan's Hot Dogs, Haagen-Dazs, Gallagher's Steakhouse, Greenberg's Deli, ESPN Zone and the Village Eateries; New Yorkers generally like the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at Times Square; single guy and some women like the party at Coyote Ugly nightclub; Ladies, there plenty specialty shopping to be had at Houdini's Magic Shop, I Love NY-NY Signature Shop, Park Avenue Collections, and The News Stand

ROOMS: 2,023

STATUS: AAA 3 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3790 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at New York-New York parking structure

TRANSIT: walk across Las Vegas Blvd, through MGM Grand to Las Vegas Monorail station in the back

PHONE:  800-851-1703

Monte Carlo
DESCRIPTION: Master magician Lance Burton headlines at this resort of 3,014 rooms and suites; with a photogenic fountain out front has an spa, fitness center, pool, tennis courts, wedding chapel, and Backstreet Arcade, featuring 60 current video games the kids will enjoy, this resort has much to please a wide range of interests; Street of Dreams contains upscale designer shops set within a tree-lined cobblestone avenue; restaurant options include Andre’s French Restaurant (completed a $2 million renovation), Blackstone’s Steakhouse, a buffet, a brew-pub, and Market City Caffe; fans of magic should visit the Lance Burton Magic Shop for take-home thrills

ROOMS: 3,002

STATUS: AAA 4 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3770 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Monte Carlo parking structure

TRANSIT: Bellagio-Aria-Monte Carlo monorail

Bellagio
DESCRIPTION: A Beverly Hills-like feast of glamour, shops and prices whose centerpiece is a spectacular computer-controlled fountain with music and light show on a man-made lake; the fountains spout as high as 240 feet; O, a refined and inspiring Cirque du Soleil show always seems to be sold out, so book early; the splendid Botanical Garden and Fine Arts Museum are a bit of nirvana – you can while away an hour just hanging out here; Bellagio expresses detail in all of its creature comforts, art, tile work, horticulture, and even the way it permits natural light to flow into a portion of the building, a rarity for casinos; enchanting glass flower sculpture on the lobby ceiling features 2,000 individually-blown glass pieces; fresh flowers in the Conservatory change with holidays and seasons; restaurants include: Aqua, Cafe Bellagio, Cafe Gelato, Circo, Le Cirque, Jasmine , Olives, Palio, Petrossian Bar, Picasso, Prime, Nectar, and Shintaro; Light nightclub features world-class DJs and a bustling dance floor; Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art now offers Art Advisory Services to novice art buyers and collectors; the Services educate and consult based on private showings that access to their own collection of Impressionist, Modern, Post-War and Contemporary paintings, fine prints, sculptures, and ceramics; one of only two hotels on the Strip with a 5 diamond rating

ROOMS: 3,933

STATUS: AAA 5 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Paris parking structure

TRANSIT: Bellagio-Aria-Monte Carlo monorail

PHONE: 800-851-1703

Planet Hollywood Resort
DESCRIPTION: Each week more of the old Aladdin Arabian Nights theme is replaced with Hollywood theme as resort morphs into one of the hippest spots on the Strip; by 2007-end, the transformation should complete for a floor-to-ceiling makeover that is already a celebrity fav’ and to those who want to feel like celebrities; distinctive amenities begin with two pools and spas overlook the Strip – only resort who can make this claim to date; formal dining options include Koi (Japanese), P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Strip House (Steak), and Alfredo of Rome (Italian); casual dining options are led the Spice Market Buffet (2007 best buffet award-winner), Planet Dailies (a sports theme restaurant ladies can also enjoy), Earl of Sandwich and Pink’s Hot Dogs (coming late 2007); the lounges and bars also have a confident vibe, but each with its own character: EXTRA Lounge, Heart Bar, and The Living Room; a center of Vegas concerts is the 7,000-seat Theatre for the Performing Arts, which boasts the largest proscenium arch stage in the country; featured  regular entertainment includes the Stomp Out Loud (a Broadway-quality must see) and Beauty of Magic featuring Hans Klok and Pamela Anderson; The Chapel offers a wide variety of wedding packages; lastly, Miracle Mile has a strong suit catering to the shopping desires of 21-40 year olds

ROOMS: 2,567

STATUS: AAA 4 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3667 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Planet Hoolwood Resort parking structure

TRANSIT: short walk to Las Vegas Monorail station in back of Paris

PHONE: 866-919-7472

Paris Las Vegas
DESCRIPTION: Anchored by large scale replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, and the façade of the Paris Opera, this the resort really gives a sense of Paris’ great attractions; a vaulted blue sky ceiling with muted lighting, fountains with statuary, gaming tables under Art Nouveau Metro arches and shops and restaurants on Le Boulevard are reached by cobblestone street will definitely put you in the mood to speak French; and of course their is world class French dining at Le Notre; other French-inspired restaurants: Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Les Artistes Steakhouse, Le Provencal, Le Village Buffet, and Le Cafe ile St. Louis; entertainment in its five lounges leans towards French headliners, as delightfully expected but the nightclub Risque is one of the best hot spots for dancing and celebrity sight-seeing

ROOMS: 2,916

STATUS: AAA 4 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3655 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Ballys/Paris parking structure

TRANSIT: Las Vegas Monorail station is in back

PHONE: 800-851-1703

Ballys
DESCRIPTION: At the time it opened, this structure was the world’s largest hotel, then MGM Grand moved across the street; still large with over 2800 rooms, the resort features a large pool with private cabanas available, spa, tennis courts, wedding chapels and for your convenience, airport registration and a Las Vegas Monorail station; Jubilee is the critically acclaimed headliner show at this distinguished resort; Elton John has created an attractive career overview show with most of his signature songs that lead to selling 200 million albums

ROOMS: 2,814

STATUS: AAA 3 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3645 South Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free at Ballys/Paris parking structure

TRANSIT: Las Vegas Monorail station is next door, in back of Paris

PHONE: 888-742-9248