ABOUT THIS REPORT

Every piece of advice found in this Travel Report comes from regular travelers and locals—not paid professionals or PR people—which means pure, unfiltered opinions on what to see (and what to avoid) during your trip. You’ll find first-hand details on attractions and day trips, along with restaurant, nightlife, and activity recommendations in all price ranges and for all interests. You’ll also see our contributors’ original photographs and insider tips on every page—no other travel guide can say that.

CONTENTS

Introduction > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

What Our Members Say > > > > > > > > >

Attractions > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Dining > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

After Dark > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Accommodations > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Go Further > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Additional Resources > > > > > > > > > > > >

Photo Gallery > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Copyright © IgoUgo Inc., 2005.

INTRODUCTION

Never mind how a neon sea ended up in the Mojave Desert. You’re in LAS VEGAS to have fun. Start out on the Strip, where you can tour the Roman Forum, sip coffee in a Parisian café, and ride a roller coaster through Manhattan—all in the same afternoon. Don’t gamble? No worries. Lavish entertainment and endless shops make this section of town fun for the whole family. The older, seedier Vegas of drive-through wedding chapels and penny slot machines is to be found downtown, and worth it if you’d like a taste of days gone by. Yes, it’s crowded, and yes, it’s over-the-top. But it’s Vegas, baby, Vegas. So fasten your seatbelt and let the chips fall where they may. You’re in for a wild ride.

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY

Member: Re Carroll

Journal: Vegas for Non Gamblers “Where else can you watch a volcano erupt, see pirates battle, ride in a Venetian gondola, gaze up at the Eiffel Tower, and experience a laser sound-and-light show all in one day? Only in Las Vegas, of course—and to make it even better, most of these adventures are free! Although it is the gambling hot spot of North America, Vegas has really expanded to become a family destination, with attractions that will appeal to all ages and budgets.”

Member: Karin Leperi

Journal: Las Vegas - Activities & Alternatives “I have an insatiable craving for choices, for a dose of nature now and then, and for the finer luxuries in life—theater, dining, and the arts. Las Vegas offered all three at affordable prices! The wonderful thing about Vegas today is that there is an abundance of alternatives to the traditional casinos, gambling, drinking, and showgirls of yesterday’s fame. It had been over 10 years since my husband and I last visited this mecca, and were we ever amazed at the Disney-like transformation!”

Member: JLK100

Journal: Vegas, baby! “Having never visited Las Vegas at the ripe old age of 27, I felt like a big loser. The Vegas trip has seemingly become an American rite of passage, and somehow, I had missed out. When I finally got the opportunity to go for a weekend, I said to myself, ‘It’s about time,’ and prepped for some full-on debauchery. I wasn't disappointed. Give Vegas a chance, even if you're not into gambling—there's so much to do. Some things are a bit kitschy, but it's all in good fun.”

ATTRACTIONS

Adventuredome Theme Park Circus Circus. 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/794-3939. www.adventuredome.com.“Imagine a giant pink oasis in the desert! Adventuredome is an indoor amusement park behind the Circus Circus casino. This round haven for thrill-seekers manages to accommodate a looping roller coaster, log-flume ride, motion-simulator movie theater, and many other thrill and kiddie rides. It is climate controlled, so you can ride in comfort, and has a pay-one-price option—or you can elect to pay for each ride individually.” Member: joemess Journal: Viva Las Vegas

Aladdin 3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/785-5555. www.aladdincasino.com.“The original Aladdin was imploded in 1998, and this new one built in its place. I just loved it. A Middle Eastern theme runs throughout the hotel. The outside looks like an Arabian palace, with golden domes and turrets. There are plenty of great restaurants here, including Tremezzo, Elements, and the Spice Market Buffet. Another cool thing is the oxygen bars situated in the casino, where you can choose an oxygen mix (from invigorating to relaxing to passion-fueled). I'm not sure if I felt extra invigorated afterwards, but it sure made for great photos!” Member: britgirl7 Journal: What Happens in Vegas...

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“If you have any interest in classic cars, you’ll be amazed by the Auto Collections at the Imperial Palace (702/794-3174; www.autocollections.com). There are cars valued in the millions of

dollars in mint condition. There are cars that were owned by celebrities, such as Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis. There are luxury cars you’ve only read about. And then there are simpler cars that bring back memories, such as early VW Bugs. We loved this place!” Member: Free Spirit

Antique Mall of America 9151 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/933-2791. antiquemallofamerica.net.“This antique mall on the southern end of the Strip is different from your average tourist attraction. Outside, there’s a stunning hand-painted mural of the Las Vegas skyline, 100 feet wide and 23 feet tall. Inside is an eclectic mix of antiques, collectibles, home decor items, and accessories from over 70 different dealers. This is one of the largest antique malls in Nevada, covering over 23,000 square feet of space.” Member: adaadvocate Journal: Antique and Collectibles in Las Vegas

Bellagio 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/693-7111. www.bellagio.com.“The ambience and sheer grandeur of the Bellagio make you feel like royalty. A top attraction here is the Botanical Gardens, filled with fresh flowers that change every season—when we were there in December, there were giant polar bears made out of white carnations. The casino in the Bellagio was also my favorite for ambience, decor, and variety of table games. The tasteful golden tones of the decor create a cozy feeling. However, I don’t recommend gambling here if you’re trying to stretch your money. I had to scour the entire floor to find a single hidden blackjack table with a $10 minimum!” Member: funrun_9602 Journal: Getting the most out of my money in Las Vegas.

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“The Bellagio’s biggest attraction for most people is the dancing Fountains of Bellagio outside. During the day, the free show is every half hour; in the evening, it’s every 15 minutes. The fountains

‘dance’ to music, which is different each time. We saw them dance to Elton John, Faith Hill, and Celine Dion. They shoot hundreds of feet into the air. They’re just amazing to watch, especially at night.” Member: Carmen

Desert Passage The Aladdin. 3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 888/800-8284. www.desertpassage.com.“The Desert Passage is a shopping mall within the Aladdin, themed as a North African marketplace. There are about 150 shops, 10 restaurants, and even a nightclub and theater. The ceiling is a sky mural. You’ll see elephants coming out of the walls, ships ‘sailing’ down the corridors, and cobbled streets. There’s even a thunderstorm that takes place every hour—remember, this is indoors! Streaks of lightning flash down from the sky and rain falls over an indoor river. And the shopping is some of the best in Vegas, with a wide variety of specialty shops.” Member: toombsey Journal: My Las Vegas Top Ten

Excalibur 3850 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 877/750-5464. www.excalibur.com.“If you're looking for fairy-tale land, this castle-shaped hotel fits the bill. The outside is bright white with colorful turrets of red, blue, and gold. Inside, there’s a shopping arcade, lots of restaurants, and an extremely large casino. If you hear loud trumpets, it means that King Arthur and his court are in the neighborhood, and you may want to keep an eye out for their procession. The outdoor pool is U-shaped, with a rock ledge and small waterfalls. Naturally, poolside beverage service is available, and this is a great place to relax and recoup your energy for another round of sightseeing or gambling.” Member: Re Carroll. Journal: Vegas for Non Gamblers.

Forum Shops at Caesars Palace Caesars Palace. 3500 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/893-4800. “Here’s a shopper’s dream come true. The Forum Shops is one big mall, essentially, but with specialty stores and Vegas atmosphere. You feel as if you’re shopping in Rome (to an extent), with the faux-sky ceiling and Roman-style architecture throughout. Stores range from the budget-conscious to the max-out-your-credit-card-with-one-purchase, including Emporio Armani, Escada, Ferragamo, Lalique, and Versace. Many of the chain stores, including Gap and the Disney Store, seem to have larger selections than at their regular mall counterparts.” Member: BeTheBuddha. Journal: Bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas!

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“Here are a few of my top Vegas tips and tip-offs:1. Vegas cabbies are a great source of information. They’re quick with tips, opinions, suggestions, and best of all, stories!2. Summer temperatures typically soar over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and dehydration takes a serious toll on many visitors, especially after late-night party indulgences. Be careful.3. Tips are golden in Vegas. Car valets, dealers (if you win), bellmen, doormen, showroom hosts, cocktail waitresses, concierges, even the receptionist when you check in—you’ll be surprised how many favors you get in return.” Member: smmmarti guide

Fremont Street Experience Fremont St. between Main St. and Las Vegas Blvd. www.vegasexperience.com.“Although the Strip is the most exciting part of Las Vegas, the old downtown core has some interesting attractions. Part of Fremont Street has been covered with a canopy and equipped with a state-of-the-art sound-and-light show that makes getting a crick in your neck worthwhile. It's a riot of color, sound, and images. The vendors and outdoor cafés give the whole area a street-party atmosphere. If you want to kill time between shows, pop into one of the many casinos, like the Golden Nugget, and tempt Lady Luck. This area looks like the Vegas you see in 1970s movies.” Member: Re Carroll. Journal: Vegas for Non Gamblers.

Graceland Wedding Chapel 619 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/382-0091. www.gracelandchapel.com.“My cousin and his wife were determined to reaffirm their wedding vows in style, and as avid Elvis fans, they’d chosen the Graceland Chapel as the venue. This simple white chapel, with its bright blue roof and traditional spire, has stood on the Strip for over 50 years. Many famous people have been hitched here, including Jon Bon Jovi and Jay Leno. Inside, it’s a bright room with stained-glass windows. A diminutive Elvis in a red sequined jumpsuit sang my cousin and his wife down the aisle and performed the wedding ceremony. It was a cracking (and hilarious) affair that we’ll never forget!” Member: MichaelJM Journal: A family celebration In Las Vegas

Guggenheim Hermitage Museum The Venetian. 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/414-2440. www.guggenheimlasvegas.org.“The Guggenheim Hermitage contains a laudable collection of masterworks from both the Guggenheim and Hermitage museums. As we are used to the Met and have been to the actual Hermitage, this felt like an enjoyable mini-blip of a museum. This should not discourage frequent museumgoers, however—there were Chagalls and Picassos here we’d never before seen.” Member: hwlrmnky. Journal: Escape to Las Vegas between Major Holidays.

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“Every time you enter a casino, always take the time to join the players’ club. You receive a card that tracks your play every time you gamble and earns you comps in exchange. We usually just play the nickel slots, but we always get free meals, show tickets, and hotel rooms. After you get home, you’ll receive many offers for your next trip. We spend 4 weeks a year in Las Vegas and usually get at least 10 nights comped.” Member: BCody

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 4455 Paradise Rd. 800-HRD-ROCK. www.hardrockhotel.com.“The Hard Rock breaks lots of Vegas rules—and thank goodness for that. You’re frequently reminded that it’s a place geared toward music, but it’s in a cool, not-stuffed-down-your-throat way. The hotel features plenty of food options and nightlife, but nothing defines the HRH like the pool. People go to the pool to sun and swim, yes, but more than anything, they go to show off their beautiful bodies. If you’re young, single, and looking to party, there’s no better place than the Hard Rock. This is not your grandma’s casino!” Member: JLK100. Journal: Vegas, baby!

Luxor 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 888/777-0188. www.luxor.com.“The atmosphere in the Luxor takes you back to ancient Egypt. The pyramid, the Sphinx, and the recreated statues are amazing. In the pyramid, there’s a whole attraction level not to be missed. The motion-simulator rides, King Tut’s tomb, and the IMAX theater present a whole day of activities to keep you busy. There is even an expansive arcade for the downtime between shows. This is a definite ‘must’ experience in Vegas.” Member: marrymeagain Journal: Las Vegas with Children 101

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“The best place to get a sunset photo of Las Vegas is from the top of the Stratosphere Tower (702/380-7711). We watched from high above as the Strip began to light up in all its neon glory, one

hotel at a time. While you’re at the Stratosphere, take some time to play the slots—it’s a Vegas secret that the Stratosphere offers better odds on their slots to attract visitors to their slightly-more-remote location.” Member: Carmen

Mac King Comedy Magic Show Harrah’s. 3475 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 800/392-9002 x5222. www.mackingshow.com.“This outrageously funny magic act is performed twice a day in the afternoon. Free tickets are easy to obtain at Harrah’s, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also purchase reserved seating. My entire family of four were in tears with laughter at all of Mac King’s magic antics. Six months later, my kids are still reciting some of his more memorable jokes. It was definitely one of the highlights of our family’s Las Vegas vacation. If you’re looking for a fun afternoon with your kids, in a city more known for adult entertainment, the Mac King show will be a hit.” Member: 4X4Play Journal: Las Vegas Summer

Madame Tussauds The Venetian. 3377 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/862-7800. www.mtvegas.com.“If you’re dying to see your favorite Las Vegas stars up close and personal, this may be your best opportunity. Madame Tussauds displays over 100 wax replicas of famous people. The accuracy of the replicas may very well astound you. Some are so realistic, you expect the figure to start talking to you! But the best part about visiting Madame Tussauds is that there are no ropes, no barriers of any kind. You can stand right next to your favorite figures, take your picture with them, even give them a hug if you’re so compelled!” Member: ammawe Journal: A First Timers' Guide to Las Vegas

Mandalay Bay 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 877/632-7800. www.mandalaybay.com.“The decor here is very high-end, but you can still find the nickel and penny slots. The casino floor is not as smoky as some of the others in Vegas, and there seems to be more space between the slot machines for easy traveling. Besides the casino, some of the other draws at Mandalay Bay are the fantastic pool, the Aureole restaurant and wine bar (where ‘wine angels’ are lifted on pulleys to fetch bottles down from the towering rack), and the Shark Reef, a faux sunken temple where you’re surrounded by sharks, rays, and fish.” Member: Carmen Journal: Las Vegas - You Can Sleep When You're Dead

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“After spending a whole day navigating the Strip, we found the old-school atmosphere of downtown Las Vegas refreshing. The lack of crowds—and the elbows, crushed toes, and bad manners that go along with them—was a pleasant relief. The area has undergone a sort of urban renewal, and we enjoyed the cleaned-up streets and retro-kitsch feel. The gambling was also more relaxed.” Member: ideagirl

MGM Grand 3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 877/880-0880. www.mgmgrand.com.“The MGM Grand is everything you would expect of Vegas—ritzy, glamorous, and huge. The floors are marble. The place just smells of money. It tries to be everything to everyone: a place for recreational gamblers and high rollers, kid-friendly, upscale, trendy, laid-back, sexy... As far as one place can succeed in this, the MGM Grand does. It has one of the largest casinos on the Strip, and also boasts five pools and a lazy river.” Member: kinaida Journal: Vegas Alternatives

New York-New York Hotel & Casino 3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/740-6969. www.nynyhotelcasino.com.“New York-New York has a stunning facade replicating the Manhattan skyline at one-third of life size. The Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty are there, with a roller coaster linking them together. It’s absolutely cracking, especially at night. Surrounding the gaming tables and slot machines in the casino are superbly decked-out shops set into New York scenes. The sounds of the casino are complemented by the strains of jazz music, the chatter of people enjoying a coffee, and the hiss of steam rising from manhole covers. All in all, there’s a truly authentic feel to this no-expense-spared tourist attraction.” Member: MichaelJM Journal: A family celebration In Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 877/796-2096. www.parislasvegas.com.“The French theme is implemented very well. The cobblestoned ‘streets’ are lined with shops and patisseries, and everything looks very French provincial. The casino is in the center, with one ‘foot’ of the replica Eiffel Tower coming down through the roof—and the hotel does a pretty good job of filtering the air so it isn’t too smoky. The wrought iron reminded me of the métro signs in Paris. It’s a little on the cheesy side at times—they put ‘le’ in front of everything (Le Reception, Le Ticket Counter, etc.)—but you can overlook that to get into the spirit of things.” Member: Carmen Journal: Vegas Baby! (Again)

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“For a spectacular view of the Strip, go to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Yeah, it’s cheesy, but your camera will love it. The tower provides 360-degree views of the Strip and a

spectacular overhead view of the Bellagio water show. You can even hear the music! The nighttime neon made for quite a sight.” Member: c_rau

Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat The Mirage. 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/791-7188. www.miragehabitat.com.“The dolphins are housed in pools with transparent walls. They swim very close to the glass, and it’s as if they know you’re there! From the dolphin habitat, you head to the Secret Garden, which consists of a large U-shaped sidewalk surrounded by animal enclosures. On my visit, there was an elephant, a gorgeous black panther, white and golden tigers, lions, and a cougar. It was dusk, and all the animals were very lively: play-fighting, walking around, drinking water. We were entertained for almost 2 hours.” Member: lisanti Journal: 54 Hours in Vegas

Star Trek: The Experience Las Vegas Hilton. 3000 Paradise Rd. 888/GO-BOLDLY. www.startrekexp.com.“First, you can wander at your leisure through the History of the Future museum, which is full of Star Trek memorabilia. Even if you’re not a true fan, you’ll still find it entertaining to see all the strange stuff they have on display: various costumes worn by Captain Kirk and his crew, masks worn by the baddies, phasers, guns—and the famous ‘Beam me up, Scotty’ communication devices. You then enter the bridge of the Starship Enterprise, where you can enjoy a rather good simulator ride through the galaxy, avoiding enemies and shooting them down.” Member: toombsey Journal: Star Trek - The Experience

Venetian 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/414-1000. www.venetian.com.“The Venetian gets my vote for the hotel with the overall most beautiful decor. When you enter the shops through the front door, the size and detail in the ceiling paintings is absolutely breathtaking. Chandeliers, domes with skylights, and forced-perspective murals are scattered throughout. The shops are built along both sides of a canal, with occasional bridges crossing over and restaurants with decks, and it does make you feel like you are walking through the Venetian streets. Strolling street performers and living statues add to the atmosphere.” Member: funrun_9602 Journal: Getting the most out of my money in Las Vegas.

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“To experience a nearly authentic gondola ride (702/414-4500), go to the Venetian. People along the canal will watch and take pictures of you. If you’re a newlywed couple dying for public attention, keep

your wedding clothes on and go in the early evening on a weekend—you’re guaranteed to be treated like Prince Charles and Princess Di. The gondoliers are trained vocalists and have a fairly good repertoire, so don’t be afraid to request your favorite Italian song.” Member: PDJ

DINING

All-American Bar & Grille The Rio. 3700 W. Flamingo Rd. 702/777-7923. “The restaurant was beautiful and upscale, decorated in gleaming polished wood. Everybody had either the French onion or potato cheddar ale soup as a starter—both were delicious. Then it was on to the entrées, and between us, we hit most of the major categories: Black Canyon filet mignon; bacon-cheddar cheeseburger; baby back ribs; salmon au poivre; and my own selection, the seafood salad. The food was fabulous, Food and Wine beautiful with generous proportions. It’s easy to get sidetracked by all the big-name chefs in town, but remember that there are lots of great, lesser-known restaurants like this in the big casinos as well.” Member: Sierra Journal: Low-Key in Las Vegas

Aureole Mandalay Bay. 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 877/632-1766. www.aureolelv.com. “Aureole was perhaps one of my most enjoyable dining experiences ever. We had dinner at the bar. Wine lovers will be amazed by the electronic wine list, which allows you to sort your options by country, grape, price, or vintage, then present your choices to the sommelier for final analysis. We had exquisite ravioli and scrumptious foie gras, half served warm and half cool. Service was friendly, and we weren’t rushed. We concluded with cheesecake and fresh raspberries. Although not for the economically squeamish, this experience is worth splurging on!” Member: Seano Journal: Long Weekend in Vegas

Buffet at Bellagio Bellagio. 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/693-7111. “This was our one and only buffet of the week. That’s probably a good thing, because had we come here first, we might never have ventured out to any other restaurants! The wait was about 30 minutes, and the spread was enormous. We were like kids in a candy store! There was a salad bar, a soup area, a seafood bar, a sushi bar, a meat section, and a dessert area. I tried the tomato-and-mozzarella salad, king crab legs, shrimp cocktail, sushi, roast beef, pork tenderloin, corn on the cob, and then wrapped it up with key lime pie.” Member: kinaida Journal: Vegas Alternatives

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“Café Gelato, in the Bellagio, is home to the best gelato in the United States. It’s almost as good as the real thing in Italy. If you’re a gelato lover, this is a mandatory stop in Vegas. As I understand it, the Bellagio hired the best gelato chef in the world to make the gelato here. If you close your eyes, you can imagine you’re sitting in front of the Duomo in Milan!” Member: ryenquinn

Burger Bar Mandalay Bay. 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 877/632-1766. “You’d think that a burger bar in Mandalay Bay would be outrageously expensive, but surprisingly, this was great value. Service was a little indifferent, but the food made up for it—the menu was great. First you choose what type of beef you want, be it Black Angus or prime sirloin, or even kobo. You then choose which type of bun you would prefer, such as onion, plain, or sesame. Finally, you have a huge list of toppings: bacon, spinach, pineapple, peppers, onions, at least five different cheeses... They also do salads. We shared a Caesar, which was really good.” Member: noushi Journal: Viva Las Vegas

Ellis Island Casino & Brewery 4178 Koval Ln. 702/733-8901. www.ellisislandcasino.com/Restaurant.htm. “We asked a hotel employee where the locals go for a quick, inexpensive, but good meal. He told us to go to Ellis Island, sign up for the free casino card, and then go to the restaurant and get the barbecue chicken and ribs. So, off we went. We played a few slot machines, then sat down to order the meal. With the casino card, not only did we get a delicious barbecued half chicken, but also a rack of baby back ribs, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and a beer—all for $6.95! There was so much food that we couldn’t finish it. It was absolutely delicious, and the service was excellent. If you like barbecue, you’ll love Ellis Island!” Member: Beauchemin Journal: A Wonderful Alternate Vacation

Fellini’s The Stratosphere. 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/383-4859. www.fellinislv.com. “Each room is painted with a different Italian scene. We were seated right next to a painting of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. After dinner, we walked into the next room just to check out the painting of the Spanish Steps in Rome. I ordered chicken alfredo, which was top-notch, though way more than I could eat. My friend gave her sausage pizza the highest possible compliment—she said it was on par with the pies she’d eaten at the base of the Accademia Bridge in Venice. So come treat yourself to some amazingly authentic Italian food—and take a stroll through the restaurant to get your Italy fix!” Member: Carmen Journal: Las Vegas - You Can Sleep When You're Dead

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“Canaletto (702/733-0070) is not the finest place to dine in the Venetian, but it is the most romantic. It occupies the most prominent location in St. Mark’s Square, and I found the ‘outside’

seating particularly pleasant. The restaurant is distinctly Italian, serving authentic northern Italian cuisine. Chef Luigi Bomparola is known as a master of the rotisserie and grill, but I found his seafood dish, which was almost like a soup, quite delightful.” Member: PDJ

Harley-Davidson Cafe 3725 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/740-4555. www.harley-davidsoncafe.com. “I’m not a biker or a particular fan of biker regalia, but after a few minutes in this place, I found myself succumbing to the ambience. This isn’t just somewhere to eat—it’s verging on a living museum. Seven classic Harley-Davidson models are displayed on a massive conveyor belt. There are also dozens of beautiful, intricately painted gas tanks on display, all signed by celebrities. Hanging from the ceiling is the world’s heaviest American flag, made from tens of thousands of chain links! The cafe offers a couple dozen beers and an extensive menu of quality American fare, from steaks to sandwiches, fajitas, pizzas, and chicken wings.” Member: MichaelJM Journal: A family celebration In Las Vegas

La Creperie Paris Las Vegas. 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd. “La Creperie is a walk-up bistro, located ‘on the street’ in Paris Las Vegas. They make the crepes to order while you wait (and wait, and wait—the crepes are delicious and inexpensive, so the place draws a crowd). There is a variety of sweet and savory ingredients, everything from prosciutto and béchamel sauce to Nutella and strawberries. And just like in the real Paris, it’s fun to watch the crepe makers at work. This place is good for a snack or a light meal.” Member: KatFox Journal: Quick Hop to Vegas

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“Every Sunday at 10am and 1pm, the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay hosts the Gospel Brunch (702/632-7600), a great, Southern-style brunch buffet accompanied by some good old gospel music. The singers encourage the audience to clap, sing along, raise their hands, and stand up and dance. What a blast! Church has never been so fun. Amen and pass the biscuits!” Member: Carmen

Le Village Buffet Paris Las Vegas. 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/946-7000. “Offering a wide variety of French specialties, Le Village is one of the best buffets in Vegas—and one of the priciest, but the quality and selection of food is worth it. As a seafood lover, I was pleased to discover a large variety of fresh seafood dishes, ranging from peel-your-own shrimp and crab legs to regional dishes such as an excellent bouillabaisse. There are plenty of meats as well—and a whole fondue bar. For dessert, there are crepes, ice cream, fresh fruit, and pastries. At several locations, food is even cooked to order, ensuring the freshest taste possible—one of the many reasons this buffet gets consistent raves.” Member: Sierra Journal: Doubling Down, Dining Down in Vegas

Lotus of Siam 953 E. Sahara Ave. 702/735-3033. www.saipinchutima.com. “‘The best Thai restaurant in North America’? According to Gourmet magazine and throngs of worshipful fans, the answer is a resounding YES. Despite its unassuming location in a modest strip mall, Lotus of Siam’s northern Thai menu has attained cult status. Standout dishes include nam kao tod (crispy rice with sausage, lime, peanuts, ginger, and chili), nua dad deaw (marinated beef, fried and succulent), tom kah kai soup (the best I’ve ever had), and anything with catfish. You can’t go wrong. This is amazing, flavorful, aromatic, bright, intense, gorgeous food. It is made with love and served with delight. Go there. Go now.” Member: Tana B. Journal: Las Vegas: psychedelic kitsch, yeah, baby!

Mon Ami Gabi Paris Las Vegas. 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd. www.monamigabilasvegas.com. “Sip fine French wine and savor crepes, quiche, bouillabaisse, steak frites, and salad nicoise on a street-level patio while viewing the sights against a beautiful lake backdrop. No, this isn’t the bank of the Seine, it’s Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas. We decided to sit outside, enjoying the view of the Strip and Lake Bellagio. The food was exceptional and moderately priced—simple yet outstanding French comfort food—and the service was friendly. We had the house steak with frites and herb butter; the portions were huge. All in all, it was an outstanding dining experience.” Member: noushi Journal: Viva Las Vegas

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“At Mix, perched atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, the sky-high daytime views are spectacular—but the nighttime views, 360 degrees of neon and electricity exploding in the middle

of the desert, are unbelievable. A glass sculpture with over 15,000 mouth-blown ‘bubbles’ encircles the dining area, giving it the feel of an undersea futuristic vision. The ambience is truly otherworldly—if only my fairy godmother had dressed me for the occasion!” Member: smmmarti guide

N9ne The Palms. 4321 W. Flamingo Rd. 702/933-9900. “Expect great meat at N9ne—but don’t expect your father’s dinner club. Here, hipsters lounge amid haute-Zen decor and subdued lighting. Although the menu boasts temptations from lobster to chops, try the giant rib eyes, so delectable you may find yourself recollecting the meal weeks later as you try to button your miniskirt. Served on a sizzling platter swimming with natural juices, they are easily the most mouthwatering steaks ever served outside a Texas patio. Side orders of mushrooms, onions, and wilted spinach round out the classic bill of fare, with portions so large you’ll wish you’d brought along a friend or five.” Member: smmmarti guide Journal: Best of $$Vegas$$

Spice Market Buffet The Aladdin. 3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd. “This was by far the best buffet we tried. The selection alone made it worth the price. The best dishes I had were the tempura shrimp, large and fried lightly; the salmon; the stuffed sole with spinach and cheese; the chicken and shrimp paella; the tuna sushi; and the best chocolate cream pie I’ve ever had in my life! Whether you like Asian, sushi, Italian, seafood, Mediterranean, or American, you’ll love this buffet.” Member: mimi2005 Journal: And You Thought Vegas Was Just For Gamblers?

AFTER DARK

Blue Man Group The Luxor. 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/262-4400. www.blueman.com. “We take our seats, the theater darkens, and three blue men come onstage! They begin to play the drums. Then people come through the audience passing out crepe paper. ‘We want audience participation. Make a hat!’ We all wrap crepe paper around our heads and everyone begins to laugh, then we all look at each other and laugh even harder. The show continues. Music, dancing, comedy (silent, of course), acrobatics, and more audience participation. One person is hung upside down, doused in paint, and ‘paints’ a picture with his body. At the end of the show, the lights go out and the strobe lights begin. What happens next, I can’t spoil for you. I will say, however, that this is a definite must-see!” Member: Beauchemin Journal: A Wonderful Alternate Vacation

Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère Treasure Island. 3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/894-7722. www.cirquedusoleil.com. “What a wacky show! The comic relief was hysterical. It involved some audience participation, which made it that much more delightful and appealing. And the acrobatics were amazing, to say the least. High up in the air, deep down below... the technical difficulty of some of the stunts was just astonishing. The arena was large enough to seat a good-sized crowd, but small enough to retain an intimate feeling. The costumes were wacky and weird, but then again, so was the show!” Member: BeTheBuddha Journal: Winter in Las Vegas

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“An authentic Irish pub in the midst of Vegas’s glitzy neon? Hard to believe, but the Nine Fine Irishmen (www.ninefineirishmen.com) in New York-New York is quite literally that. The pub’s interiors were built in Ireland, disassembled, and shipped to Vegas. Even the staff is predominantly Irish. This was our favorite watering hole—we loved the atmosphere, the band, and the fantastic food. Sláinte!” Member: Sierra

Cirque du Soleil’s “O” Bellagio. 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/796-9999. www.cirquedusoleil.com. “From the moment the curtain opened... oh! What a feast for the eyes. There was so much to take in. If you’ve ever seen a Cirque du Soleil show, this is the same, yet different. All of the acts take place in and around a huge pool of water. We kept trying to figure out how they could change the depth of the water so quickly. ‘O’ is a pun on ‘eau,’ the French word for water—but it’s also ‘oh!’ It’s almost overwhelming to the senses.” Member: Marty04 Journal: Off season in Las Vegas

Danny Gans The Mirage. 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/792-7777. “There are people who can do impersonations, but Danny Gans is remarkable. I loved going to his show because I could feel as if I’d seen dozens of my favorite performers in one night. I had never heard of Danny Gans before coming to Vegas, and I figured his billing as ‘Entertainer of the Year’ was just hype—but he actually delivered. We were amazed by his ability to sound like so many people, and his selection of songs and comedy was wonderful. The theater was filled the night we were there. It was a very good show, filled with energy.” Member: Free Spirit Journal: Shows, Shows, Shows: A Reason to Go

David Copperfield: An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion MGM Grand. 3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 877/880-0880. www.dcopperfield.com. “When I found out that David Copperfield was going to be appearing at the MGM Grand while I was in Vegas, I just had to go see his mind-blowing show for myself. And what a magical experience it was! I don’t want to spoil any moments for you, but I will say that we had a sensational time. By the time the show ends, I guarantee you will be scratching your head in amazement trying to figure out how he was able to do all of those astonishing things right before your eyes. You probably won’t figure it out, but you’ll leave the show with a smile on your face and indelible memories.” Member: smileygirl Journal: Everchanging Las Vegas- Definitely A Change For The Better

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“Vegas is an explosion to the senses, with so much to see that you can’t possibly see it all. My advice to you is this: look up. The astounding ‘sky’ ceiling at Caesars Palace morphs from morning to

noon to dusk to dark—all in an hour’s time. Mandalay Bay’s lobby ceiling features a botanical garden of glass flowers, Paris Las Vegas has cathedral-like ceilings, and the Venetian has all the splendor of a Renaissance masterpiece.” Member: Carmen.

ESPN Zone New York-New York Hotel & Casino. 3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/933-3776. espnzone.com/lasvegas. “If you love sports, consider this place paradise. There’s nothing better than placing a few bets on the big sports events of the day and then heading over to the Zone to watch the games over buffalo wings and a cold beer. There’s a restaurant area, two bar areas, and a game area. Most tables in the restaurant have their own TVs, and there are plasma TVs hanging all around the bar. Every seat is a good seat. And I haven’t even mentioned the food, which is surprisingly good bar food. I suggest the buffalo wings or the nachos—but be sure to save room for the chocolate-chip-cookie sundae.” Member: colby73 Journal: Labor Day in Vegas

Ghostbar The Palms. 4321 W. Flamingo Rd. “This lounge on the 55th floor of the Palms has a space-age feel to it, with modern furniture and funky, futuristic chairs strung up like hammocks. Three of the walls are glass, and the view alone is worth the cover charge. There’s also an outdoor patio with a glass floor—don’t venture out there if you’re afraid of heights, though plenty of folk were dancing away on it without a care! Ghostbar was often featured on The Real World: Las Vegas and has supposedly been a favorite spot for Britney (pre-baby) and the Hilton sisters. Of course, I bet they don’t have to wait for hours to get in like everyone else!” Member: britgirl7 Journal: What Happens in Vegas...

Gladys Knight The Flamingo. 3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/733-3333. “Gladys Knight puts on a heck of a show at the Flamingo Showroom almost every night. She has tons of energy and loves to talk to the audience, which I like, because she makes us feel like we’re all friends. Her brother, Bubba, is the comic relief. Playing the role of oddball relative, he shows up when you least expect him and adds his particular spin on whatever song Gladys happens to be singing. And can Gladys sing! She performs for an hour and a half straight with a live band and four talented backup singers, and they do a Motown tribute that will have you grooving in your seats. And she still looks fabulous!” Member: c_rau Journal: 48 Hours to Go

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“The pool at Mandalay Bay is touted as one of the top pools in Vegas for a reason. An 11-acre faux beach serves as a sitting area around the fantastic wave pool. A new wave comes about every 5 minutes, and everyone waits in anticipation so they can either jump the wave or bodysurf it. Honestly, I’ve never had more fun at a pool! There’s also a lazy river that runs under a waterfall.” Member: Carmen

House of Blues Mandalay Bay. 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/632-7600. www.hob.com. “If a good time is what you’re after, put on your dancing shoes and your best club clothes and head on over to the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay. Every Friday night, the DJ spins the vinyl and the house rocks out to old-school ’80s music. The likes of Flock of Seagulls, Blondie, Michael Jackson, and Madonna bring back memories and bring out the dancing machine in almost everyone. This is one of the few things I do every time I go to Las Vegas. It’s just a great time with great music. Plan to stay up late—you’ll dance till the sun comes up!” Member: Carmen Journal: Las Vegas - You Can Sleep When You're Dead

Margaritaville The Flamingo. 3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/733-3302. margaritavillelasvegas.com. “The place is huge, with three full bars and a tiki-hut soundstage where bands play at 10pm nightly. Booths are designed to look like the backs of fishing boats, and across the restaurant, tables are set up on a wooden deck that overlooks the harbor of booths. For the real views, however, walk up to the second-story deck that overlooks the Strip. The views up here are spectacular. And let’s not forget the fabulous margaritas! I can’t imagine why you would drink anything else at Margaritaville. They’re the smoothest you’ll ever have. Margaritaville is definitely the place to go for a laid-back good time.” Member: c_rau Journal: 48 Hours to Go

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“The Las Vegas Motor Speedway (www.lvms.com) is one of the newest and best NASCAR tracks around. It’s packed on race days. Once a month, amateur racers can take their cars out there and drive

on the track. You can also take lessons and learn how to drive like a NASCAR driver.” Member: whirledtraveler

RA The Luxor. 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/262-4949. www.ralv.com. “RA is my favorite nightclub in Vegas. I’ve been here quite a few times, and the resident DJs are great. It also hosts big-name international DJs sometimes. RA has much less glitz and glitter than Rain or Rumjungle, but it’s certainly not without its special effects. There’s a gigantic Ra god whose eyes light up with lasers. The sound system is fantastic, and the DJ stand is right by the dance floor, which allows the DJs to interact more. There are also cages and podiums with sexy go-go dancers. RA is more intimate than most clubs. It gets crowded quickly, but if you stay through 2 or 3am, the pretty people leave, and the true clubbers remain to finish off the night rave-style.” Member: britgirl7 Journal: What Happens in Vegas...

Rain The Palms. 4321 W. Flamingo Rd. 702/942-6832. “Since MTV featured it on The Real World: Las Vegas, Rain has become one of the in spots for dance-floor action. As well as being a nightclub, Rain also hosts major concerts. I loved the setup; the club is 28,000 square feet, with a huge dance floor that’s always packed. You enter through a long, mirrored tunnel. Inside, along with the dance floor, there are smaller areas and podiums set along moats, with gigantic sheets of water that fall from the ceiling. At intervals through the night, these walls of water become huge walls of fire, and giant fireballs shoot from the sky. It’s a great place to come to with a group and party the night away.” Member: britgirl7 Journal: What Happens in Vegas...

Rumjungle Mandalay Bay. 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/632-7408. “Your senses are immediately overwhelmed as you enter this restaurant-by-day, club-by-night oasis of hedonism. First you see the Mountain of Rum, a glowing two-story tower of liquor bottles. The hypnotic rhythms of African conga drums beckon you further inside. Any remaining inhibitions are ripped away as you notice the lithe and beautiful professional dancers grinding away in cages and performing gravity-defying acrobatics on trapezes. Top DJs spin an eclectic mix from the raised booth towering below the ruby-red ceiling, while the hot and hip spin, twist, and bump provocatively below.” Member: Wayne Mason Journal: Mandalay Bay 2005: Desert Beach Destination

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“We splurged on a nighttime helicopter ride over Vegas. The helicopter took us over downtown Vegas and the Strip. The view from above was amazing, and we were glad we’d chosen the night flight; we saw Vegas as it should be seen—dazzling lights, laser shows, and all the rest. If you can afford it, you must take a helicopter ride. There are quite a few companies offering this service, and costs vary, so shop around.” Member: toombsey

Thunder From Down Under Excalibur. 3850 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/597-7600. www.thunderfromdownunder.com. “The men in this Australian troupe don’t accept tips—no stuffing dollar bills into these boys’ G-strings. But boy, what a show they put on. Even though there may be 200 women in the room, they make each one feel as if she is being danced to personally. And there’s no telling who will get selected for a one-on-one dance, so be prepared for the possibility of being in the spotlight and in very close interaction with a single dancer. The troupe has a loyal following—there are women who have seen the show hundreds of times. The men are all beautiful, and each one contributes to the show in a unique way. It’s definitely worth the money—I’m certain I’ll be seeing them again and again.” Member: celtgirls Journal: Girls weekend in Vegas

ACCOMMODATIONS

Bellagio 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/693-7111. www.bellagio.com.“You don’t need to be a guest of the Bellagio to partake of its sumptuousness, but to fully enjoy it—go ahead, indulge! The Bellagio is all about relaxation, refinement, and pampering without being pretentious. Colors are subtle and natural, a massive contrast to the glitz and gilt of other Strip hotels. Staff remember your name and greet you personally. Although our room was smaller than others we’d had, it was much more beautifully decorated. One wall was mirrored, making the room seem larger. The bath was incredibly spacious, with a separate shower and large soaking tub. A single floor-to-ceiling window looked out on the best show on the Strip: the fountains and Lake Bellagio. Magnificent!” Member: Sierra Journal: Viva Las Vegas

Excalibur 3850 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 877/750-5464. www.excalibur.com.“Although not as upmarket as its neighbors, Excalibur is unquestionably the best value on the Strip. The standard rooms are above average, with most offering great views of the Strip, though they only come with shower—no bath. It’s also in a great location, only a walk away from New York-New York and the MGM Grand. Circus Circus has always been touted as the place to stay with children, but Excalibur is much more pleasant and just as family-oriented. Another advantage of Excalibur is the size of its casino floor—and unlike the neighboring casinos, it has $5 tables for all the classic casino games. It also has excellent spa and gym facilities and a perfectly adequate pool area. Unbeatable value!” Member: noushi Journal: Viva Las Vegas

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“Vegas’s monorail (www.lvmonorail.com) is pretty slick. It runs from one end of the Strip to the other, stopping at the Sahara, Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas Convention Center, Harrah’s/Imperial Palace, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas, and MGM Grand. From these stops, you can get to pretty much any of the other hotels. We never had to wait more than 5 minutes. It was an inexpensive and fabulous alternative to the busy street.” Member: kimntrent

Lady Luck Casino Hotel 206 N. Third St. 702/477-3000. www.ladylucklv.com.“High rollers do not stay at the Lady Luck. With rack rates under $50, even on weekends, this downtown Vegas hotel and casino attracts locals, young partygoers, and gamblers looking for a deal. That said, the room we stayed in was clean and comfy. We had a standard king-size bed with plenty of space and a functioning TV. But the Lady Luck focuses on gambling, not posh rooms or amenities. Many people seem to be repeat customers, and for good reason. Members of the Lady Luck players’ club get offers for even lower rates. Lady Luck’s location near the Fremont Street Experience makes it a very good budget choice—there’s an inexpensive bus that runs from Fremont Street to the Strip.” Member: angelsil Journal: 48 HOURS IN SIN CITY

Venetian 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702/414-1000. www.venetian.com.“We weren’t sure if we wanted to splurge on a suite in the Venetian, but it ended up being well worth it. The standard king suite is large and divided into two parts by a sunken floor. The living room/desk area is near the window, while the bed is closer to the bathroom. The bathroom was fabulous, with a walk-in shower, a separate toilet area, a Jacuzzi, and a separate vanity with a stool. The furnishings were a notch above the standard Vegas fare, and the service was wonderful. A long wait for check-in is standard in Vegas, but the Venetian obviously makes an effort to cut down on wait time, and we were quickly checked in by a friendly desk agent. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.” Member: soleil17 Journal: Long Weekend in Vegas, Baby!

GO FURTHER

Grand Canyon www.nps.gov/grca.“The Grand Canyon is a very doable trip from Las Vegas—don’t miss the chance to see this spectacle of spectacles. There are jeep, bus, airplane, and helicopter trips to the Grand Canyon that can be arranged in Vegas. You’re sure to be stunned by what awaits you. Words are totally inadequate to describe this huge chasm in the earth’s surface, produced over millions of years. The total length of the canyon is over 270 miles. It varies in width from a mile to 18 miles, and it’s about a mile deep. See it, enjoy it, experience it!” Member: EPearl Journal: Day or Night - Bright Lights

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“Even if you aren’t a hiker, the drive to and around Red Rock Canyon (www.redrockcanyonlv.org) is a must—especially if you’ve just spent a week inside a casino

without seeing sunlight. I’m looking forward to going back and exploring more. I’ll let my photo speak for itself!” Member: idaho4

Hoover Dam U.S. Highway 93, Nevada/Arizona border. 702/294-3517. www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam.“About an hour’s drive from Vegas, the Hoover Dam is one of the engineering wonders of the world. It offers extraordinary views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead, which is America’s largest man-made reservoir. There is a guided tour, though you might need to allow an hour or more for this, depending on the lines. There are also photographs and short videos that you can view at your own pace. I loved the view, the marvelous weather and blue desert sky, and the pleasant drive to the dam.” Member: Free Spirit Journal: Las Vegas for a Special Anniversary

Valley of Fire State Park 702/397-2088. parks.nv.gov/vf.htm.“Located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is a wonder to behold. The first thing you notice is the color of the rocks. They are, as the name implies, crimson like fire. This is about as far from Las Vegas as you can get. No neon, no ringing slot machines, no pedestrian traffic; the Strip seems centuries away. Except for the roads, the only evidence of man is the petroglyphs that can be found among the rock formations. Do some hiking and take photos of all the amazing scenery. During the summer, it can get very hot, so come prepared.” Member: dswett1 Journal: Las Vegas--Disneyland for Adults

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Use the links below to get up-to-the-minute local festival, arts, sports, and nightlife listings. Or, post messages to fellow travelers and get their personal recommendations on what to see and do during your stay. Want to share your travel experiences? Join our community and create your own travel journals.

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PHOTO GALLERY

Paris Las VegasMember: dswett1

Bellagio ConservatoryMember: Sierra

Fountains of BellagioMember: dswett1

Desert PassageMember: smmmarti guide

The StripMember: Carmen

Fremont StreetMember: whirledtraveler

Copyright © IgoUgo Inc., 2005. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information and storage retrieval system, without express permission in writing from IgoUgo Inc. Travel information is subject to change at any time, especially when it comes to prices. IgoUgo Inc. shall not be held responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by any traveler as a result of information or advice contained in this report.