Brief History of Las Vegas:

Established in May 1905, Las Vegas officially became a city in 1911. With the passage of the “Boulder Canyon Project Act” in 1928, the federal government created thousands of jobs during the Great Depression. Tens of thousands of unemployed workers were absorbed by Las Vegas to seek work with the Boulder Dam Project.

Las Vegas quickly legalized gambling in 1931, and became home to a medley of different characters – including those who were escaping authorities. With an infamous and alluring history, Las Vegas provoked the imagination of good and bad alike. Once known as “sin city,” some of the most infamous gangsters found a haven in Las Vegas, including Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. Entertainers such as Liberace and the Rat Pack found their breakthroughs in Las Vegas and entrepreneurs and visionaries alike saw endless opportunities in the quickly developing city.

Las Vegas emerged as a sensational metropolis during the 1960s after the 1959 creation of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Led by the revolutionary mind of Howard Hughes, corporations started buying into the casino industry emerging in Las Vegas. Gambling became “gaming” and was finally recognized as a legitimate business. Nellis Air Force Base also drew in an influx of military personnel to the area. Due to jobs opportunities presented by both the gaming industry and the military, Las Vegas experienced unprecedented growth during the 1980s.

In a matter of a few decades, Las Vegas has grown to become an internationally renowned tourist destination, only second to Macau. With major attractions constantly being developed in Las Vegas, tourists now enjoy a whole array of luxurious casinos, resorts, high profile entertainment, sporting events, and high end shopping and dining.

Casinos

The Mirage

The Mirage opened in 1989 built with a construction cost of $630 million. The Mirage was the most expensive hotel–casino in history built at a time when Las Vegas tourism was declining. Its immediate success gave way to a sudden rise in tourism in Las Vegas, allowing the casino to establish itself as one of the preeminent hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. With the trademark slogan “Vegas Starts Here”, the Mirage combines Vegas extravagance with glamorous sophistication. Its 3,000 guest rooms and suites recently underwent $110 million in renovations and the new Mirage Spa & Kim Vo Salon features the latest in spa procedures and therapeutic massages. After a long night of fun clients have the option of trying the “Partying Until the Wee Hours” package at the salon a treatment guaranteed to “add hydration, brighten skin complexion and add firmness.” The Mirage also boasts restaurants with cuisines from around the world, with “Japonais”, “Samba Brazilian Steakhouse”, “Kokomo’s”, “Fin”, and Onda Ristorante to name a few.

Included in the attractions at the Mirage is Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat which is home to white lions and tigers, panthers, leopards and of course, dolphins. For the daring, one can participate in the Mirage’s “Trainer for Day” and learn how to train dolphins within a few hours. One can also visit the atrium and experience a lush indoor garden. The Volcano is an exciting show hosted every night, sure to dazzle and sizzle. To cool off, the Mirage also offers a 20,000 gallon aquarium.

The Bellagio

Distinguished by the AAA Five Diamond award, the Bellagio is under the ownership of MGM Resorts. One of the most elegant hotels on the strip, the Bellagio is home to a conservatory, a botanical garden, and a gallery of fine arts; reflecting its taste in classic sophistication and Italian grace.

The Fountains of Bellagio, a large dancing water fountain that is synchronized to light music, is one of the most recognizable images of Las Vegas. Set in a nine acre man–made lake, it is one of the most distinguishing features of the Bellagio.

The Bellagio is located at the heart of the Las Vegas strip and contains upscale boutiques that can be found in the same building with some of the world’s best restaurants. The popular Bellagio poker room with high table limits is attractive to not only the seasoned player but also the World Poker Tour which has held several of its tournaments there.

For those who are in want of different attractions, the Bellagio is also home to the Cirque du Soleil, an international cast of world class acrobats, dancers, and performers. With a European style opera house, the stage is appropriate for the exquisite performers who grace its stage. Tickets for performances can be purchased for Wednesdays through Sundays.

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

The MGM Grand Hotel & Casino opened in 1993, and now boasts the title as the second largest hotel in the world as well as the second largest hotel resort in the United States. Owned by MGM Resorts, it is one of the recipients of Forbes Five–Star Award and the AAA Five Diamond Award.

The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino has over 6,800 rooms, including twenty–nine private villas in The Mansion at the MGM Grand, and the Skylofts in the main hotel which promise to “redefine luxury”. Included with the Skyloft room is a 24–hour Butler service and a dramatic view of the Las Vegas skyline. Designed by Tony Chi, these rooms are available on the top two floors of the MGM Grand ranging from $900 to $4000 a night depending on demand.

MGM Grand also promotes attractions such as the lion habitat located within the casino area (the casino housing tables games as varied as blackjack to pai gow poker, slots, and a 5,300 square foot betting arena). The Cirque du Soleil’s production of Ka can be found at the MGM Grand but the production of Crazy Horse Paris is also located at MGM Grand. These productions are held in the Grand Garden Arena which has hosted names such as Madonna and the Rolling Stones and smaller productions are held in the Hollywood Theater. One can also visit Studio 54 for an exciting club experience. One of the most renowned attractions at the MGM Grand is the Grand Pool complex which sprawls across 6.6 acres of swimming pools, whirlpools, waterfalls, and a lazy river along with the Grand Spa Salon & Fitness Center.

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino

Built on the old Sands Hotel, it is one of the “all suite” hotels, built to model Venice – down to the last detail. At The Venetian one can admire frescoes in the Great Hall and enjoy a ride on a gondola on the Grand Canal.

The classic architecture and the opulence of The Venetian along with the 112,000 square foot poker room are to be noted. The Casino contains state–of–the–art video poker and slot games. The nightlife at the Venetian includes La Scena Lounge, V Bar, and the Tao Nightclub. Also there are many shows at The Venetian Blue Man Group at the Blue Man Theater, Phantom – the Last Vegas Spectacular, or any of the high profile shows that are features at the Venetian.

For those looking for something other than nightlife attractions, plan on visiting the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum which features several different art exhibits including “Masterpieces and Master Collectors: Impressionist and Early Modern Paintings”, “Art Through the Ages: Masterpieces of Painting from Titian to Picasso”, “American Pop Icons”, and “A Century of Painting: From Renoir to Rothko”. For those who’d like something a bit more eclectic, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is also featured within the Venetian Hotel.

The Venetian also has a wedding chapel, along with an additional tower that upon its construction added 1,012 suites (Venetian now totaling 4,049).

Restaurants at the Venetian include classic Italian restaurants such as B&B Ristorante, Canaletto, Valentino, and Zeffirino. The Venetian is also home to the famous “Canyon Ranch Café and Grill”.

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino An MGM Resorts International luxury hotel casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino has everything for the average tourist, the business traveler, and the VIPs. Opening in 1999, the Mandalay Bay was constructed with 3,309 hotel rooms and a 135,000 square feet casino. One can choose from rooms at the 43 story Mandalay Bay of course, but also available is the Four Seasons Hotel located on the 35th to 39th floors of the Mandalay Bay tower or next door at the recently added tower, THEhotel.

The Mandalay Bay Beach stretches along 11 acres of land and provides a playground of wave pools, lazy rivers, three swimming pools, a jogging track, and 2,700 tons of real sand. For those who can afford it, Mandalay Bay has premium seating for those who wish to participate in the exclusive Beachside Casino. For further relaxation, the world class Spa Mandalay not only services to those entering the spa but provides poolside service as well. Further attractions include: Shoppes at Mandalay Place and the Shark Reef Aquarium featuring North America’s only predator based aquarium.

The Mandalay is not only perfect for leisure travels as it is equipped with one of the largest meeting and convention places in Vegas. Since the opening of the casino, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (a space of almost 1,000,000 square feet) was also added and offered the largest unobstructed ballroom space in the country.

Caesar’s Palace

Caesar’s Palace is surrounded by Roman landscapes, fountains, and columns, in the style of ancient Rome. One of the most well know hotels and casinos, Caesars Palace has 3,348 rooms in its Augustus, Centurion, Roman, Palace, and Forum towers.

Entertainment Options at Ceasers Palace include shows at the Plaza or at show at the Coliseum which has hosted names such as Celine Deon and Elton John. For fine dining there are world famous restaurants such as Flay's Mesa Grill, Bradley Ogden, and Restaurant Guy Savoy. For those with a sweet tooth, Payard Patisserie & Bistro is home to some of the best chocolates and pastries. For a truly amazing shopping experience – there are over 160 high end boutiques and designers located at The Forum Shops at Caesars and at the Appian Way Shops. Roman Plaza features the Italian trattoria Viale, which overlooks the Strip as well as an outdoor event amphitheatre.

The pool at Caesar’s Palace is the "Garden of the Gods, Pool Oasis”. For Las Vegas nigh night clubs at Caesar’s Palace the A–list Pure Nightclub, Shadow Bar, Cleopatra’s Barge, Galleria Bar, Spanish Steps, or the Seahourse Lounge, the Qua Baths & Spa and at the salon COLOR.

The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino

The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino opened in 2007. The Palazzo also has the “St. Regis Residences at the Palazzo”, a condominium tower currently under construction. The sixth largest building in the world and the second largest building in the Western Hemisphere the Palazzo, although a newcomer to the strip, has gained respect as a prominent and distinguishing landmark in Vegas.

Dining options at the Palazzo include CarneVino by Mario Batali, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Table 10 by Emeril Lagasse, as well as Dos Caminos, Grand Lux Cafe, Zine Noodle Dim Sum, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, SUSHISAMBA and Woo.

The Shoppes at The Palazzo rival the Forum Shops at Caesars with 60 luxury boutiques including Barneys New–York. There is a Lamborghini dealership located at the Palazzo. Admission to the showroom is only $10. For further entertainment the Palazzo features Jersey Boys, the award winning musical which has made a home in the new 1,800–seat custom–built theater. Nightlife includes the Lavo Nightclub, the Lounge at Dos Caminos, the Salute Lounge, the Fusion Mixology Bar, the Laguna Champagne Bar, and the Double Helix Wine Bar. For sports fans, Lagasse’s Stadium has held some of the most epic games and sporting events.

Las Vegas Hilton

A hotel located a block away from the strip – next to the nightlife and fun of the Vegas strip and adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Although it is not on the strip, the Hilton provides for a selection of entertainment available right on the premises.

Attractions include the Shimmer Cabaret or the Tempo Lounge. Play a game of tennis on a lighted course, or enjoy a day at “The Spa” at the Las Vegas Hilton. Enjoy a show at the 1,600–seat theater showroom or enjoy the 97,500 square feet of faming fun and the famous “Super Book”.

Seven restaurants are featured at the Hilton including the Benihana, Casa Nicola, the Garden of the Dragon, TJ’s Steakhouse, Teru Sushi, The Buffet, and Paradise Cafe. For those who prefer to take their meals while betting on sports, try the legendary “Vegas Sub”.

A monorail is available on the premises of Las Vegas Hilton to explore the rest of Las Vegas.

Sahara Hotel & Casino

The Sahara Hotel & Casino opened on the Vegas Strip in 1952 and is one of the last remaining “Rat Pack” hotel casinos. Located on the north end of the strip, this Moroccan themed casino–hotel has been a constant fixture in the Las Vegas landscape. With 1,700 rooms, the Sahara is a smaller hotel. The Alexandria tower suites include parlor area with wet bar and balconies, plus a pool with cabanas.

With 85,000 square feet worth of casino space, there are many gaming options, between poker, blackjack, keno, Pai Gow, and a race and sports book. There are also over 1,200 reel slots or video poker.

For entertainment options, check out the Magic & Tigers of Rick Thomas or Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show. For those who want some live music check out the Casbar Theater Lounge. One of the Vegas Life magazine’s choice for outstanding lounge venue, this lounge features “Latin Vida” on Sunday nights. For those who want to enjoy a few laughs, Sahara Hotel & Casino features the Comedy Stop.

The 3 Lions Tattoo is a tattoo shop and the Las Vegas Cyper Speedway and the SPEED – are also at the Sahara. The 7/8th scale stock cars and Indy cars are all mounted on hydraulic bases to simulate a genuine driving experience. The cars are launched from inside the NASCAR Café, SPEED. The recent addition of the NASCAR Café has also allowed the Sahara Hotel & Casino to be home to the world’s largest stock car –– Carzilla, the centerpiece of the Carzilla Bar.

Stratosphere Casino, Hotel, and Tower

The “Stratosphere Casino, Hotel, and Tower” is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States at 1,140 feet and one of the most prominent landmarks of Las Vegas.

In less than 35 seconds, you will reach the top of the Stratosphere tower. At the top of the tower, there are the Big Shot or the X Scream rides. The tower also has Level 107 Lounge with a 360–seat revolving restaurant at the top of the tower. Reservations are required a few weeks to a few months in advance though, as the “Top of the World” restaurant is by far one of the most popular restaurants.

Also at Stratosphere there is a lounge by the 67,000 square–foot resort pool and a recreation deck. The casino also provides for 80,000 square–foot worth of gaming area. Stratosphere has 2,427 hotel rooms and suites. Available are the Spa Suite, the Player Suite, the Star Suite, including the Presidential Penthouse, VIP, or Premier suites. For entertainment, the Theater of the Stars features "American Superstars" – with a celebrity impersonators show in Vegas and “Bite” a sensual show that incorporates members of the audience.

Luxor Hotel & Casino

The Luxor has a total of 4,407 rooms lining the walls of a pyramid styled tower and the two ziggurat towers – the Luxor Las Vegas is one of the best know themed hotels on the Vegas strip. One of the most recognizable casino–hotel on the strip, its pyramid is also one of the only man–made structures that can be seen from space with a spotlight at the tip of the pyramid with the brightest beam in the world. Named after the city of Luxor, known in ancient Egypt as “Thebes”, the Luxor Hotel and Casino is the second largest hotel in Las Vegas.

The Luxor has the world’s largest open atrium and has many entertainment options. Criss Angel’s production office and store is located within the Luxor. The “Criss Angel: Believe” grand illusion production (a collaboration between the renowned magician and Cirque du Soleil) is set to run at the Luxor until 2018. The Luxor also has “Fantasy” one of the well known adult shows on the Strip. Carrot Top, another top attraction, brings laughs to the Luxor, Menopause the Musical is also at the Luxor.

Luxor also offers LAX Nightclub, CatHouse, Noir Bar, Aurora, Liquidity, Flight, High Bar, and Playbar, Nurture Spa and TENDER steak & seafood, T&T, Pyramid Café, and the Backstage Deli, all are located within the Luxor.

Excalibur Hotel & Casino

A Camelot themed casino hotel, the Excalibur has a castle façade that houses a little over 4,000 rooms and 100,000 square feet of gaming space. Set in the style of King Arthur, with draw bridges, turrets, and armor.

Excalibur hosts its signature dinner show “Tournament of Kings” where you can watch jousting knights, evil wizards, and fire breathing dragons. For those looking for other family oriented entertainment, Excalibur is home to the Spongebob Squarepants 4D ride and Midway (a carnival and arcade). Castle Walk provides for shops of every taste and the Excalibur pool is a great place for the family.

Other shows at the Excalibur include “Thunder from Down Under”, “Louie Anderson”, and “Defending the Caveman”. Excalibur is also occasionally home to “Criss Angel Believe”, “Fantasy”, “Carrot Top”, and “Menopause the Musical” as it is also under the same ownership as Luxor Hotel and Casino. Dining options including the Roundtable Buffet, The Steakhouse at Camelot, Sherwood Forest Café, Village Food Court, Dick’s Last Resort, and Baja Fresh.

New York – New York Hotel & Casino

This New York, NY themed hotel brings New York City to Las Vegas. There is a 300 foot Brooklyn Bridge, and 12 New York–style skyscrapers including the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, and end at the Statue of Liberty positioned at the lake representing New York Harbor (all built at 1/3 scale). Landmarks also inlcude Grand Central Station, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Whitney Museum of American art, Ellis Island, and the September 11 tribute.

With other 2,000 guest rooms (including Park Avenue deluxe guest rooms), a pool, spa, and salon; the New York, New York Hotel and the hotel mimics Manhattan’s Park Avenue, Central Park, Times Square, and the Financial District and also inlcudes a Coney Island–style roller coaster that wraps around the casino–hotel.

There is an erotic cabaret show "Zumanity” put on by the famous Cirque du Soleil. ROK Vegas, Dulce Latin Night at Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, Bar at Times Square, Center Bar, Coyote Ugly, Pour 24, Big Chill are all other entertainment attractions along with Nine Fine Irishmen, Gallagher’s Steakhouse, II Fornaio, Chin Chin Café, Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, America, Nathans, or Quick Bites.

Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

Located at the heart of the Vegas Strip, this AAA Four Diamond Award winning casino–hotel mimics Monte Carlo in Las Vega and provides baccarat, poker, race and sports book, 1,600 slot and video poker machines.

Entertainment includes magician Lance Burton at the Lance Burton Theater, comedians Frank Caliendo and Gabriel Iglesias, and Zowie Bowie – one of the best known lounge acts on the strip. There is a Lazy River and Wave Pool.

Dining options Andre’s Restaurant, Brand Steakhouse, Diablo’s Cantina, D. Vino, the Pub, Dragon Noodle, The Buffet, the Café and Food Court are all located within the Monte Carlo.

For the VIPS, the 32nd floor of the Monte Carlo Hotel, known as “Hotel 32” will welcome you with a personal concierge and private elevator and lounge.