Best Resorts in Las Vegas: Unique Features and Experiences
Lavish travel experiences and thrilling nightlife at the top casino resorts in Las Vegas Nevada.
The Bellagio
The Bellagio, located on the Las Vegas Strip, is a luxurious resort and casino that's almost a quarter of a mile long. It's owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, which also runs several other casinos on the Strip. The Bellagio opened in 1998 and has quickly become known for its opulent style. The resort is reminiscent of the East; its stunning architecture and beautiful landscaping are a far cry from the desolate stretches of the Mojave. The arrival experience at the Bellagio prepares the guest for the five-star treatment that follows. First, visitors to the Bellagio must navigate through a long driveway, giving the entrance some semblance of exclusivity. Once parked (self-parking and valet options are available) and inside the resort, guests immediately come face-to-face with an almost overwhelming sparkling display of exquisite floral arrangements. These appear in what is referred to as the Garden Lobby, even though the enormous space clearly features more than just gardens. Gigantic trees draped with Spanish moss define the entrance, and these trees blend seamlessly (at least for the moment) with the lavish floral arrangements that appear throughout the lobby. In sum, the Bellagio is a welcoming experience—a moment of personal growth in a space that truly feels like a gallery. Throughout the Bellagio, the guests arguably receive 24/7 service that is at least close to the five-star standard. The freshly turned-out staff functioning perfunctorily from behind the scenes and within the guest's immediate sight fulfill the resort experience.
Introduction
Las Vegas is famous for its lavish hotels and casinos that do more than just provide accommodation; they offer a total entertainment experience. If you're seeking opulence, merriment, or one-of-a-kind attractions, the following top hotels in Las Vegas are notable for their individuality. Here's a closer look at the best hotels in Las Vegas and what makes each truly remarkable.
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace is not just a hotel and casino; it is an unmistakable symbol of luxury and entertainment in the very heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Built in 1966, this enormous resort has become one with opulence and extravagance, pulling millions of visitors from around the globe each year into its well-tailored embrace. The look of Caesars Palace is all about the greatness of ancient Rome, with an architectural style that simultaneously evokes and channels the real feel and spirit of the Roman Empire. While it is very true that the resort (and attached hotel) offers well over 4,000 rooms and suites, my favorite part about this establishment is how the guest rooms are all quite large, well-furnished (and even elegantly so), stacked with modern amenities, and many with heavenly views overlooking the badass Las Vegas skyline at night or the stunning surrounding scenery in broad daylight. And to be sure, the attention to detail with all the lavish decor (as well as the secret sauce that makes it work) creates a super-comfortable environment that makes you want to call it home, at least for a week or so before heading back to reality. It's kind of like being a resident of some gated, palatial subdivision that statistically doesn't exist in the real world. And yes, the community space is a plush haven, with all kinds of bizarrely comfortable chairs and a good bunch of staff tending to the needs of the guests. So, what about this casino? Well, it's big. Like, really big. Spanning over 124,000 square feet, the gaming floor here has all kinds of wonderfully vibrant colors and lights, plus an unmistakable air of excitement (that'll be your first clue that you're in a casino). The gaming space features (hold onto your hats, folks) 4,000 slot machines and 240 table games (including the high-test poker room). The Eye of the Tiger (or whatever running-on-empty hit by Survivor your insurance company don't want to cover) could be the tagline for the unimaginably fun prize just waiting to be won. Oh, and in many ways, the casino is just one part of the unbelievably customizable playground that is Caesars Palace. But all of that is a discussion for another time.
The Venetian
The Venetian is an esteemed high-end hotel, casino, and resort located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. The property opened in 1999 and was developed by the Las Vegas Sands corporation. Architectural inspiration for the hotel came from the city of Venice, Italy, and its stunning canals, romantic atmosphere, and captivating architecture. Guests first catch sight of The Venetian's magnificent exterior, which includes such details as a miniaturized version of St. Mark's Basilica and The Campanile. These prelude to the Venetian's interiors, which are replete with more beautiful objects and structures designed to astonish. The guest rooms, in something like 4,000 suites, are as well adorned—with every possible 5-star comfort and luxury—as any visitor might expect. Carpeting that rivals any fine product from an Italian mill; marble that we've yet to find fault with: there's no such thing as a bad bathroom. Scattered throughout the property are several bars and restaurants helmed by some of the best chefs and personalities in the business. From first-rate Italian cuisine to serious sushi, there's simply no excuse to eat poorly. The Venetian is committed to the idea that fun and not being cooped up in your hotel room is part of a good vacation. If you find yourself at The Venetian, you must partake in its casino. It is, after all, one of the best in Las Vegas. And if you wish to do something other than gamble and still not be stuck in your room, you could attend one of the many performances, concerts, or shows that regularly take place within the property. The Venetian is also home to high-end shopping. Don't even think of poking your head into a department store (or any store for that matter) unless you want to be tackily photographed. You're better off making like Audie Murphy and getting some personal shopping time. The picture of relaxation that The Venetian presents to its guests is more a part of your imagination than a Luxor beam spotting the hotel from the 15 freeway. Prioritize the time you've spent in the resort, and it'll be hard to find a more tranquil or luxurious setting in all of Las Vegas.
Aria Resort
The Aria Resort is a premier destination in the heart of Las Vegas. It opened in the CityCenter complex, notable for modern architecture and a vibrant atmosphere, in December 2009. A glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly greets guests in the breathtaking lobby. The expansive glass façades reflect the surrounding desert landscape, showcasing architectural marvels and sleek lines. Rooms and suites, more than 4,000 in total, boast technology that allows for personalized comfort and convenience. The resort serves as home to an impressive array of restaurants and bars that provide an experience unto themselves. In over a dozen venues, diners can enjoy a dizzying variety of culinary delights spanning the globe. Fine dining? Check. Casual meals? Check. An oasis of international dining experiences that can match the resort's diverse and vibrant bar scene? Double check. That's the Aria Resort. And then there's the spa, the fitness center, and the pools. All provide wellness and relaxation experiences that defy description. With such a focus on physical, spiritual, and culinary wellness, you might think that the Aira Resort gives no thought whatsoever to the environmental wellness of Mother Earth; after all, energy-use reduction is not a sexy topic. But the Aria Resort is serious about sustainability, folks; in 2011, it was the first hotel in Las Vegas to be awarded LEED Gold certification.
The Luxor
The Luxor Resort and Casino is a prominent hotel and entertainment complex situated on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. Its pyramid shape makes it one of the most easily recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas. The resort, with its unique architecture and powerful beam of light shooting up into the night sky, creates a stunning visual presence. Rooms range from standard to themed suites and penthouses. Dining is highlighted by Tender Steakhouse and a buffet that seemingly has no limits. For thrilling entertainment, guests can enjoy the various shows hosted at Luxor, as well as take in the intoxicating ambience of the expansive casino. The swimming pool and full-service spa give guests the chance to cool off and to relax in between the exhilarating fun of Las Vegas. For those who want to shop, The Luxor has plenty of options that are perfect for buying unique souvenirs. Promotions and packages that give guests discounts and credits make for a better Vegas experience. Located near the edge of the Strip, The Luxor has great access to public transportation and is within easy walking distance of Mandalay Bay and Excalibur. Overall, the Luxor Resort is a fantastic destination that features stunning architecture, lots of terrific dining options, and an abundance of thrilling entertainment.
Conclusion
In the overall experience of your final destination, the proper selection of a resort plays a key role. All the top resorts in Las Vegas offer something that caters to your taste and style, be it the upscale, luxurious atmosphere of the Bellagio; the aquatic, whimsical weirdness of The Venetian; or the mind-bending visuals and good times promised by Mandalay Bay. These places have the kind of sensory overload that makes for an awesome home base before you head out to take in all the sights and sounds of Sin City.