Encore

DESCRIPTION: You may not be a Saudi prince, but you'll feel like one at Encore -- if only for a moment; with gardens more beautiful than The Wynn, you'll want to cut a flower off for a souvenir; Steve Wynn spared no expense creating this fantasy resort of carnal pleasures with dazzling red chandeliers above each gaming table and butterfly imprints on marble floors to provide a unifying motif; the extic lounge opens to the focal point of the resort -- the fantasy European pool; Tiffany designed lighting fixtures compliment natural sunlight above the superb gallery of designer shops at the Encore; luxuriant XS Nightclub is the ultra-lounge of power brokers; a cilinary tour de force, Encore features Sinatra Italian restaurant, Switch seafood, Botero steakhouse & lounge, Wazuzu Pan-Asian restaurant and Society Cafe Encore for inventive light fare; the gaming and spa staff are first rate and friendly; Encore, the second tallest resort on the Strip, is connected to the Wynn, across from Fashion Show Mall, and walking distance to both Las Vegas Convention Center and Sands Expo Center

ROOMS: 2,034 suites with floor to ceiling windows and dramatic views

STATUS: AAA 5 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk 5 blocks to behind Harahs for Las Vegas Monorail station

PHONE: 888-320-7123

WEBSITE: 

Wynn Las Vegas
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 2005 at a cost of $2.6 billion, this sonorous resort is designed to excite the senses from 50 stories above the Strip to the lowest levels of its stage floors – no wonder this landmark complex of hotel, casino and upscale shops is already the talk of the town; a trophy named after Steve Wynn who built the Mirage, Treasure Island and Bellagio (all of which he sold), the Wynn ups the ante for Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace and The Venetian as the most expensive and elegant resort in Vegas; the gifted theatrical visionary of many Cirque du Soleil shows, Dragone created La Reve which alters the theatrical experience with a new world of dreams; walking distance to both Las Vegas Convention Center and Sands Expo Center

ROOMS: 2,720

STATUS: AAA 5 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk 3 blocks to behind Harahs for Las Vegas Monorail station

PHONE: 888-320-7123

WEBSITE:

Palazzo
DESCRIPTION: Palazzo joins The Wynn, Treasure Island, and Fashion Show Mall in creating one of the the most prominent intersections on the Strip; although by mutual agreement, the 40/40 Club left the Palazzo, dining options are still numerous and include Carnevino steahouse, CUT Steakhouse, LAVO Mediterrean, Morels French steakhouse, Table 10, Sushisamba, Woo Pan-Asian, and Restaurant Charlie; entertainment includes a Jersey Boys Theater, Double Helix Bar whose specialty is fine wines, LAVO Nightclub, SugarCane Boutique Nightclub, and Salute Louge; private to guests is the large Concierge Lounge on the 23rd floor, overlooking The Strip; there are 383 Concierge Level Suites located on floors 24-28; as one of the newest casino resorts on the strip it ws the first to go Green and uponf opening, was the largest building project in the world to receive a LEED certification; each suite has a sunken living room decorated with a modern European design, marble-appointed baths and high thread count cotton sheets and duvets toped with remote-control Roman shades

ROOMS: 3,025

STATUS: AAA 5 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3325 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk 2 blocks to behind Harahs for Las Vegas Monorail station

PHONE: 702-607-7777

WEBSITE:

Venetian
DESCRIPTION: features landmarks such as Campanile Bell Tower, Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark's Square are faithfully replicated, canals, strolling costumed performers and even singing bellman who fetch you a taxi inform that its theme is well executed; though it’s the largest casino resort, every detail is beautifully rendered; exquisite fresco covers the arched ceiling from registration to the casino; Grand Canal Shoppes, an upscale mall, has a winding canal with gondolas rides under a muted blue sky; five-star restaurants by Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Joachim Splichal and Zeffirino will delight your palate; Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Wax Museum is possibly the best of its kind in the world; rooms are refined with Italian marble in the bathrooms; restaurants include: Pinot Brasserie, Delmonico Steakhouse, Grand Lux Cafe, Canaletto, Zeffirino, Italian Grill, Tintoretto's Bakery, Postrio, Valentino, Canyon Ranch Cafe, and renowned Lutece; family are the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, Time Traveler: The 3D Ride and Gondola Rides; nightly entertainment includes Lord of the Dance and V: The Ultimate Variety Show

ROOMS: 4,000 suites

STATUS: AAA 5 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3355 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk 1 block to behind Harahs for Las Vegas Monorail station

PHONE: 800-851-1703

WEBSITE:

Treasure Island
DESCRIPTION: Nightly traffic-stopping frigate battles with thrilling stunts and gorgeous sirens festoon this pirate-themed resort; don’t get too close to the canons which make real explosions or the pyrotechnics; inside, diversions range from gourmet restaurants to Mystere, the magnificent show in an arena optimized for performances by the world-renowned troupe Cirque du Soleil; Francesco's restaurant features murals by celebrities such as Tony Curtis and Tony Bennett; other dining options include: Buccaneer Bay Club, Kahunaville and Treasure Island Buffet features Pan-Asian cuisine; The Terrace Cafe is great for views while you dine and ice cream lovers will particularly enjoy Ben & Jerry's on hot Vegas days

ROOMS: 2,885

STATUS: AAA 4 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3300 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: behind Treasure Island there's Monorail to the Mirage; do not confuse this station with Las Vegas Monorail

PHONE: 800-851-1703

WEBSITE: http://www.treasureislandcasino.com

Mirage
DESCRIPTION: This Polynesian-theme resort built was in 1989 and sparked a building boom on the Strip; although the 90-foot-high atrium filled with royal palms and orchids reamins, it has magnificently upgraded in 2008 with more polished gaming areas, several new restaurants, upgraded aquarium behind the reception counter and most importantly a $110 million room remodeling complete with flat screen TVs that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated; Love by Cirque du Soleil, is now the Mirage's marquee show; restaurants include BLT Burger, Kokomo's, Mikado, Caribe Café, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, Renoir, California Pizza Kitchen, Roasted Bean, Paradise Cafe, Noodle Kitchen;even the show stopping Mirage Volcano has been renovated; The Street of Shops offers an exclusive collection of designer boutiques for women the outdoor tropical pool environment is surrounded by waterfalls, lush foliage, private cabanas and a café with two pools and three saltwater spas; the remodeled Spa at The Mirage has new treatment rooms and a world-class menu of treatments

ROOMS: 3,044

RATES: $109-$699 rooms; Suites $275-$5000

STATUS: AAA 4 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free parking structure in the back

TRANSIT: behind Mirage there's Monorail to Treasure Island; do not confuse this station with Las Vegas Monorail

PHONE: 800-851-1703

WEBSITE: http://www.mirage.com

Imperial Palace
DESCRIPTION: Home to the award-winning celebrity tribute show Legends In Concert, The Dealertainers and Auto Collections, billed as the World’s Largest Classic Car Showroom; famous for Five Star Friendly Service for patrons of its 2,700 rooms and suites; the resort’s motif is that of the Imperial Palace in Japan; the resort features a race and sports book, a seasonal poolside Luau, 10 restaurants, 10 bars and lounges, a state-of-the-art spa, fitness center, concierge service, medical center and 2 wedding chapels with reception facilities; in the middle of the Strip, Imperial Palace is the most central stop on the Las Vegas Monorail, which makes it one of the best locations to walk or ride north or south on the Strip

ROOMS: 2,635

STATUS: AAA 2 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk behind Harahs/Imperial Palace for Las Vegas Monorail station

PHONE: 702-731-3311

WEBSITE: 

Harrah’s
DESCRIPTION: One of the older resorts on the Strips that emphasizes service in its 2,500 rooms and suites, 7 restaurants, a luxurious spa, Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art health club; rooms feature high-speed Internet, video games, double sound-proofed walls, blackout draperies and hotel floors for non-smoking guests; Calvin Brooks jazz guitarist/vocalist appears in the Range Steakhouse Lounge; Skintight is a popular adult show and The Improv may the best comedy club in town

ROOMS: 2,576

STATUS: AAA 3 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3475 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk behind Harahs/Imperial Palace for Las Vegas Monorail station

PHONE: 702-369-5000

WEBSITE: 

Flamingo
DESCRIPTION: With its brilliant pink neon marquee on the Strip, the Flamingo screams “Las Vegas” more than any other icon; today the Toni Braxton and George Wallace shows are the prime soulful headliners in this historic resort, which established the Las Vegas Strip reputation for elegant casinos, celebrity patrons, headliner shows, beautiful pools and showgirls; this history is well portrayed in the movie Bugsy; the original Flamingo structure is long gone, but its spirit remains in a touching memorial to Bugsy Siegal, located in the resort gardens; the lush gardens also feature African penguins, Chilean flamingos, Mandarin ducks and Koi fish ponds and under a dramatic waterfall; Paradise Garden Buffet serves delicious food at a good price

ROOMS: 3,565

STATUS: AAA 3 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3555 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk behind the Flamingo for Las Vegas Monorail station

PHONE: 888-308-8899

WEBSITE:

Caesar’s Palace
DESCRIPTION: Since opening in 1966, this elegant resort has been in constant state of expansion and enhancement – every year there’s something new; it’s signature art piece is an exact replica of Michelangelo's masterpiece, David; the massive resort features 2,418 guest rooms & suites, 3 pools, 2 spas, a spa and fitness center laced with Roman gardens, elegant casinos, world-class entertainment, two-story suites, and opulence that draws the high-rollers and Average Janes with equal aplomb; Forum Shops feature some of the best shopping just east of Beverly Hills; if you’re feeling prosperous, consider these outstanding options among the 24 restaurants & cafés inside: Cafe Lago, Terrazza, Neros, Bertollini's, Cafe Caesar's II, Chinois, Forum Cafe, The Palm, Spago; and for lighter budgets try Planet Hollywood, Empress Court, Cafe Express and Cheesecake Factory; the Coliseum is the Las Vegas home to several mega-stars, including Celine Dion's "New Day" produced by the artistically-gifted Franco Dragone; Cleopatra's Barge nightclub and OPM nightclub compete for party crowd late each night; one of the most interesting quirks in the casino area are the playful Roman statue eyes that follow your movements

ROOMS: 3,349

STATUS: AAA 4 Diamond

ADDRESS: 3570 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: none

PHONE: 800-851-1703

WEBSITE:

 

Stratosphere
DESCRIPTION: One of the best values on the Strip is anchored by the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower; Stratosphere thrill rides are the world’s three tallest: the Big Shot, X-Scream, and the new Insanity; try the 360 degree rotating Top of the World restaurant & lounge or get the big hook-up at the Chapel in the Clouds, over 100 stories above the Strip; shows include American Superstars celebrity tribute, Viva Las Vegas variety show and Bite, the vampire-themed adult revue; Tower Shops retail mall and a spa round out the offerings

ROOMS: 2,446

STATUS: AAA 2 Diamond

ADDRESS: 2000 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: none

PHONE: 
800-998-6937 or 702-380-7777

WEBSITE:

Sahara
DESCRIPTION: This Moroccan-themed 1720 room resort is one of Las Vegas’ oldest; other than its narrow escalators, you can’t tell its age due to many upgrades, newer facade and expansions; this resort specializes in patrons on a budget -- rooms are reasonably priced and a Las Vegas Monorail station is in the back; House of Lords, Paco's, and NASCAR Cafe restaurants and the famous Casbar Lounge have well-deserved appeal; the main casino is featured in the classic movie Ocean's 11; a magician performs in the Sahara Theater while the Platters, Drifters and Coasters perform in the Congo Room nightly; Las Vegas Cyber Speedway thrill ride puts you behind a virtual Indy race car; a unique roller coaster, Speed: The Ride, propels you 70 mph through a 72-foot loop, forward and backward; no health club or wedding chapel

ROOMS: 1,720

STATUS: AAA 2 Diamond

ADDRESS: 2535 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: Las Vegas Monorail station in the back

PHONE: 800-851-1703

WEBSITE:

 

Fontainebleau
DESCRIPTION: (construction hold) A 63-story, $2.9-billion hotel-condo-casino development that extends the boundary of ultra-luxury and striking architecture further north on the Strip and one-ups  its sibling on Miami Beach; on the casino resort menu when it opens are a 60,000-square foot spa, a dramatic, large rooftop poolscape, 3200-seat performing arts center, retail space as large and refined as the Wynn, plus more ultralounges and fine restaurants than you can count in one visit

ROOMS: 3,812

STATUS: AAA 4-5 Diamond likely

ADDRESS: 2535 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk 4 blocks to the Las Vegas Hilton Monorail station

PHONE: 800-851-1703

WEBSITE: 

Riviera
DESCRIPTION: This resort is scheduled for a major overhaul by its news owners, but will remain open during its multi-phase upgrade; its delightful marquee and critically acclaimed Splash, La Cage, Riviera Comedy Club, and the Amazing Jonathan shows are first rate; Syn City nightclub featuring celebrity DJs, and two outstanding restaurants (Ristorante Italiano and Kristoffers) nevertheless, its room prices, except during big conventions, are reasonable, and its walking distance of Las Vegas Convention Center and Sands Expo Center; the recently revamped World’s Fare Buffet features Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Barbeque and American cuisine and Mardi Gras Food Court has lots of choices for fast food

ROOMS: 2,286

STATUS: AAA 3 Diamond

ADDRESS: 2901 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: walk 4 blocks to the Las Vegas Hilton Monorail station 

PHONE: 800-634-6753

WEBSITE:

Circus Circus
DESCRIPTION: One of the best values on The Strip with over 3,700 rooms and suites, plus an RV Park; restaurants include the Steakhouse, voted best in Las Vegas 17 years in a row, The Garden Grill, Mexitalia X-Press, The Pink Pony, Barista Café, The Pizzeria, and the Circus Buffet; check out their free circus acts performing every half-hour from 11 AM to midnight and free clown shows in the AdventureDome, the only 5-acre indoor theme park on The Strip; has a full-service wedding chapel, with packages to fit any budget; MGM Mirage recently purchased the property for a TBD upgrade

ROOMS: 3,773

STATUS: AAA 2 Diamond

ADDRESS: 2880 Las Vegas Blvd, South  MAP

PARKING: free structure in the back

TRANSIT: none

PHONE: 702-731-6523

WEBSITE: