Over the years, I've spent most of my vacation time on the Las Vegas Strip. Why? Because I love the neon lights, the hustle and bustle of the people, the constant activity going on around me 24/7, the open access to each of the hotel/casinos, and the beautiful "fake" architecture everywhere.
So I started wondering: if I wanted to tell someone not to miss five hotel/casinos on the Strip when they visit, which ones would I choose, and why?
Here are my top 5 picks for must-see hotel/casinos on the Las Vegas Strip:
The Bellagio - With its lake of dancing fountains facing the Strip and a beautiful conservatory that changes with the seasons just off the hotel lobby, this is my top pick for favorite hotel/casino to visit in Las Vegas. In addition to the fountains and the conservatory, the casino is a great example of excessive luxury. A fantastic buffet is available for a reasonable price, and the Fontana Bar is a great place to listen to music, have a drink, and enjoy the fountains while you relax.
The Venetian - Sheldon Adelson had this hotel built for his wife after a visit to Venice. The recreated Italian streets, statues, and paintings look good enough to be the real thing. Being able to take a gondola ride through the shops and out toward the Strip with a gondolier singing behind you is an experience that seems to be an "only in Vegas" moment. Strolling musicians and "living statues" are everywhere, and many of the shops offer Venetian jewelry, blown glass, and other items imported from Venice.
Wynn and Encore - I consider these two hotel/casinos to be one and the same, and lump them together for my fourth choice. Both were built by Steve Wynn and mirror each other in architecture and interior design. Wynn was built first and has a fantastic open feel, with plenty of red accents and a theme of flowers throughout. Encore was completed last year and has even more red in its design and a theme of butterflies throughout. The two are connected by a promenade of shops, and they compliment one another very nicely.
Caesars Palace - Caesars continues to grow every year as new hotel towers are built to expand the empire, and Roman excess is seen in every corner of the property. The hotel/casino is attached to the Forum Shops seamlessly, and the Roman design continues within almost 800,000 square feet of shops and restaurants under an ever-changing sky. The casino area has recently been renovated and is much lighter and feels more open than it did in years past. The shopping area has wide walkways and plenty of benches to allow you to sit and relax if you get tired of trying to see everything. Use the maps to find your way, because it's easy to get lost in here.
Paris - This beautiful hotel is fronted by a 50-story recreation of the Eiffel Tower, and two of its four legs can be seen when you walk into the casino. The ceiling is painted with clouds and blue skies, and you feel like you're outside everywhere you go. Cobblestone streets and old-fashioned street lights line the shopping promenade, and all of the employees greet you with a "Bon jour!" and wish you "bonne chance" when you head for the casino. Take a trip up to the Eiffel Tower observation deck for a great view of the city day or night, and be sure not to miss a chance to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Mon Ami Gabi for a great Strip view while you eat.
Wynn and Encore - I consider these two hotel/casinos to be one and the same, and lump them together for my fourth choice. Both were built by Steve Wynn and mirror each other in architecture and interior design. Wynn was built first and has a fantastic open feel, with plenty of red accents and a theme of flowers throughout. Encore was completed last year and has even more red in its design and a theme of butterflies throughout. The two are connected by a promenade of shops, and they compliment one another very nicely.
Caesars Palace - Caesars continues to grow every year as new hotel towers are built to expand the empire, and Roman excess is seen in every corner of the property. The hotel/casino is attached to the Forum Shops seamlessly, and the Roman design continues within almost 800,000 square feet of shops and restaurants under an ever-changing sky. The casino area has recently been renovated and is much lighter and feels more open than it did in years past. The shopping area has wide walkways and plenty of benches to allow you to sit and relax if you get tired of trying to see everything. Use the maps to find your way, because it's easy to get lost in here.
These are my favorites, but pick your own favorites to share with others. Las Vegas is ever-changing and always exciting, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Las Vegas! what an amzing place!there is nothing like enjoy the fountains while you relax.i go there in a week after my agent booked me a ticket via last minute tavel.
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