Mandalay Bay Hotel Casino
August 27, 2007
If you are looking for an elegant and classy resort, then Mandalay Bay is perfect. The rates are fair considering the quality and the gambling is great. You never get bored with all the shows and activities and if you do, there is always the great pool area where you can feel like you are in the tropics and listen to some great music from live performers.
Mandalay Bay Accomodations
All 4400 plus rooms are larger than 500 square feet and each features a beautiful bathroom with a large tub and separate shower. The guest rooms are all elegantly designed with gold, browns and beige. The greatest feature of the guest rooms is the floor to ceiling windows where you can watch all the action below on the Strip. Larger rooms have two bathrooms, plasma televisions, and separate living and bedroom quarters in each. As if the beauty of the rooms were not enough, the service at Mandalay Bay is outstanding. Someone is always close to point you in the right direction or help you with any inconveniences you may have encountered. Overall the service at Mandalay Bay is comparable to the Four Seasons in many ways.
Mandalay Bay Entertainment
For something to fill up your time it has it all. Starting with the pool which features waves that are big enough to hang ten. There are waterfalls and the look and feel of the tropics all around. There is also a topless sunbathing area located on the top of the tower just in case you are interested. If hanging out at the pool is not your cup of tea there are plenty of other things to keep you busy. Beach concerts are held when the weather permits. The House of Blues is definitely worth checking out and features top name acts like Sheryl Crow and Cypress Hill. If you like music, particularly from the disco era, then Mama Mia offers Abba music with a whole new twist. You can visit the Mandalay Bay Events Center to see boxing matches and rock shows. As far as entertaining goes, Shark’s Reef is one of the most educational and entertaining places in Vegas. There are several live sharks as well as crocodiles and other man-eating species.
Mandalay Bay Dining
Just as finding entertainment is easy at Mandalay Bay, finding a great place to dine is even easier. From the extensive list of restaurants from the ultra classy to the quick bites, you have practically every cuisine known to man at your fingertips. For an elegant and sophisticated meal, not to mention a pricier one, the Signature restaurants at Mandalay Bay can’t be beat. You have several choices for your fine dining pleasures from Mix to Fleur de Lys, Aureole, China Grill, Shanghai Lilly, Red Square, Trattoria Del Lupo, RumJungle, Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood and Stripsteak. All offer elegant dining with great wine lists and excellent food. Casual dining can be found at Giorgio Ristorante E Caffe, Border Grill, House of Blues, Burger Bar, Red White and Blue, Verandah, Noodle Shop and The Café. If you just need to grab a quick bite and head back to the various activities then Mandalay Bay offers Raffles Café, Bayside Buffet, Turf Club Deli and, of course, a Starbucks.
Mandalay Bay Casino
In the Casino you will find everything from Baccarat to Poker and many games in between. There are more than 100 live action tables to choose from so you are certain to find something that you like. Bet minimums are $10 and there are sometimes Craps games that accept $5 bids. If you like the slots you are in luck. Mandalay Bay Casino offers more than 2,000 slot machines that range from pennies per spin to $100. Again, the service in the casino reflects the overall Mandalay Bay service. Cocktail service in the casino is exceptional. Comps are normally reserved for $100 betters and up.
For Race and Sports Books fans there are sixteen large screen televisions and four super-large screens. There are around 300 seats split up between race and sports. In the poker rooms you will find ten very nice tables and numerous ultra comfortable chairs. There are also free games lessons held on Monday afternoons for those of you who just aren’t sure about your poker face.
Overall, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is one of those places where, if you are in Las Vegas you simply must stay. From the beautiful and elegant rooms to the restaurants and attractions, there is something to keep you busy every second. This is one of those places where you never have to leave the hotel to have a great time. If you want to feel like you are staying in an upscale and high-priced resort, but would rather pay lower prices (room rates start at $150 per night), then Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is a great choice.
Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
August 22, 2007
The Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is highly well known for its family atmosphere and great rates. Located right on the Strip, the Circus Circus offers a family theme park, live circus acts, a lovely wedding chapel, and even an RV parking lot. With 3765 rooms, the Circus Circus offers plenty of amenities and is the perfect spot if you are looking for fun for the whole family.
Circus Circus Accomodations
The tower rooms in the Circus Circus are brightly colored and perfect for those with children. Incidentally, if you do not have children in tow then the Circus Circus may not be what you are looking for. It is designed with children in mind, from the clowns to the brightly colored rooms. The Casino and Main Tower offer muted colors, dark woods, and elegant furniture and bed dressings. For the quality versus price issue, the Circus Circus is a sure winner. Considering the higher priced, classier hotels on the Strip, this one offers a family oriented atmosphere and rates that those with children can afford. The rooms are comparable to those in the nationwide popular Holiday Inn. If you are searching for a low rate and a fantastic show of colors and excitement for children, then the Circus Circus may be right up your alley. If you are looking for a family getaway with all the amenities to keep your children happy, such as swimming pools, arcades and pizzerias, then this one is perfect. Keep in mind that there are children everywhere. Families seem to flock to Circus Circus, which makes perfect sense, since it is geared for families.
Circus Circus Casino
The casino is filled with table games and slots. From blackjack, craps and roulette to slot machines that run from a penny to $25, there is plenty of gambling going on. Many of the slot machines have a circus theme, which is great if you love the atmosphere that a circus creates. Overall, the slots are good, the tables are better, and it is all done with clowns and circus animals, which makes it that much more fun. There are eight game tables and Circus Circus offers bad bet jackpots as well as hand of the day jackpots and single table tournaments. There is also a daily tournament with no limit. For betting, there are about 23 televisions. Most are for race betting, however, there is one big screen. Seats are readily available and horse betters have televisions attached to their seats.
Circus Circus Dining
For your dining pleasure, Circus Circus offers a wide variety of cuisine. The Casino Café is a small coffee shop nestled in the corner of the casino floor. From the ever popular Circus Buffet, which is known for being one of the largest in Las Vegas to the Steakhouse, there are many eateries at your disposal that offer many different tastes. Other places to dine include Garden Grill which offers Italian, Mexican and Chinese, as well as American favorites, Mexitalia X-Press which has Mexican and Italian foods and, of course, the Pizzeria which is more geared toward the family crowd. Pizza in a circus setting and very popular with children of all ages.
Circus Circus Entertains
As for shows, Circus Circus offers a wide variety of shows that are filled with fun and excitement for the whole family. Adventuredome is a mini-theme park and features a small roller coaster, a water ride, bumper cars and clowns who offer face painting and simply wander around to add to the circus effect. Circus Acts by the main casino are performed under the big top daily. Acts feature trained dogs and Chinese acrobats. If you are thrilled by the circus, then Circus Acts will definitely be something that you want to see, and acts are performed every 20 minutes from 11 a.m. until midnight.
There is also Midway with many carnival games and video games located on the upper deck. You can play carnival games at Midway and walk away with stuffed animals or other carnival type prizes.
The atmosphere is strictly circus. From the ringmaster costumes on the cocktail waitresses to the clowns found in every corner, Circus Circus offers trapeze artists, wild animals, and a circus related gambling theme. If you are traveling with family, then this is the place to be. For those with children particularly, Circus Circus offers something that will amuse and excite, no matter what age you are. Circus Circus Hotel and Casino is the best choice on the Strip if you are looking for lower rates with a family appeal. If you are traveling alone, or looking for a romantic getaway, then this is probably not the spot for you. However, if you have children or simply loved the circus when you were young, then Circus Circus offers the best deal for those looking for thrills and spills.
Bellagio Hotel and Casino
August 22, 2007
From the moment that you gaze at the beautiful and majestic Fountains of Bellagio to the last minute when you head back home, your experience at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino will be one that is imprinted forever in your memory. The beautiful Fountains, with their Las Vegas styled water show set to wonderfully relaxing music, barely prepare you for what you will find inside this grand establishment.
If you are planning a trip to the lap of luxury, then there is none better for your stay than the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. With the wide selection of shopping and restaurants available, every imaginable game, and the ultimate in exciting shows, the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is definitely one of the grandest and most elegant of all hotels. The Bellagio is not simply a place to stay while away from home, it is the ultimate experience in fine living.
Bellagio Accomodations and Relaxation
Even the simplest of rooms in the Bellagio, such as the Bellagio King Room, are wonderfully and elegantly designed and decorated. The King Room features beautiful marble flooring, as well as a marble shower, triple sheeted linens, a flat-screen television, and a fully stocked mini bar, among many other amenities. In addition to guest rooms, the Bellagio also offers guest suites and villas. If you are searching for a truly luxurious stay, then the villas with their 6,500 square foot, two-bedroom/five-bathroom features are truly the lap of luxury. Larger villas are available and all feature a massage room, private kitchen, formal dining room, duel fireplace, and a wonderful private terrace and garden with a pool and whirlpool.
As if the elegant and luxurious room amenities were not enough, there are also world renowned restaurants and attractions featured within the Bellagio. For those searching for the ultimate in relaxation, there is a spa and salon that offers the very finest in Poolside massages and a simply delightful Caviar Fusion Facial. You may also want to treat yourself to a couple’s manicure and pedicure or a coconut milk bath.
Bellagio Restaurants
For your dining pleasure, there are several restaurants located within the Bellagio. For casual dining, there really is no equal to The Buffet, which offers a wonderful variety of delectable foods and a great family atmosphere. Other casual dining experiences include Olives for a Mediterranean flair, Fix, Sensi, Noodles for the Asian taste, Café Bellagio and of course the Pool Café, where you can dine al fresco. There are also places where you can grab a bite on the run such as the Snacks at the Race & Sports Book, Café Gelato, Palio, Palio Pronto, or again the Pool Café. Fine dining is, of course, a very popular way to enjoy the cuisine while visiting the Bellagio and fine dining abounds at the Circo, Jasmine, Le Cirque, Michael Mina, Picasso, and Prime Steakhouse. Each fine dining facility offers wonderful food and atmosphere. Whether you want to dine in high style or simply grab something on your way to one of the great attractions, the Bellagio offers a wide range of culinary experiences that is sure to please everyone.
Bellagio Entertainment
If gambling is what you are looking for, then the Bellagio offers a spectacular casino that has Five Diamond Award-winning action in a sophisticated and elegant setting. There are a wide variety of slot machines, table games, and even a Race & Sports Book for the World Poker Tour. Poker rooms feature 24 hour tableside dining, a complimentary beverage service, safe deposit boxes, and several television monitors as well as many 42” plasma televisions for your enjoyment.
The shows that Bellagio offers are spectacular as well. The water show from the Fountains of Bellagio in the hotel’s front is free for anyone to enjoy. For a spectacular evening, be sure to check out “O” presented by Cirque Du Soleil. The acrobats and gymnasts are amazing and “O” is definitely a show worth seeing. You can catch all the high-flying action each evening at 7:30 p.m. and again at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays. If you are looking for an exciting end to your evening, then “O” is absolutely the way to go.
Bellagio Shopping
For shopping, there is a wonderfully large shopping area located at the Via Bellagio. Designer finds include those by Armani, Chanel, Prada, and Gucci, among many others. For the ultimate shopping experience, there really is no substitute for Via Bellagio.
MGM Grand Hotel Casino
August 19, 2007
If you asked someone their idea of a great Las Vegas hotel, most would probably tell you that MGM Grand comes to mind. With the more than 5,000 rooms available, MGM Grand is one of the most well known and popular resorts on the Strip.
MGM Grand Accomodations
The rooms offer at least 350 square feet of space with the suites offering more than some homes. The MGM Grand offers some of the best hotel service in the industry. From friendly concierges to wonderful room service amenities, everything here is fit for a king, without paying a king’s ransom for it. Room rates begin at a very acceptable $100 per night. Of course if you want really high classed living, the Penthouse Suites offer up to 6,000 square feet of living space and more amenities than you can imagine. You will be paying considerably higher for a suite, but if you can afford it you won’t find a more luxurious or grander room on the Strip. The terrace suites have beautiful and spacious 786 square foot outdoor patios that overlook the Strip. These will run you at least $900 per night, but well worth it. If you are looking for a resort that really provides everything that you need under one roof, then MGM Grand is definitely a good choice.
MGM Grand Entertainment
For entertainment you have a choice of bars and lounges like Tabu, Studio 54 and Centrifuge Bar that all offer beautiful atmosphere and great service. Shows like Crazy Horse Paris and KA, the Cirque du Soleil production, are wonderful and very reasonably priced. You could visit the Hollywood Theater where Penn and Teller, Tom Jones and Carrot Top are frequent performers, or glide through the Lion Habitat to see lions and tigers up close and personal. MGM Grand Garden Arena offers a 15,000 seat arena that features heavyweight title fights and performers like Barbara Streisand on a regular basis.
MGM Grand Dining
For food, MGM Grand’s collection of eateries is among the finest on the Strip. For classy and elegant dining, you can’t beat the sophistication and atmosphere of CraftSteak. Along the same pricing range are Joel Robuchon, Nobhill, Pearl, L’Atelier, Fiamma, Seablue, and Shibuya. For a more casual dining experience, be sure to check out Emeril’s, Wolfgang Puck, Diego, and The Grand Wok and Sushi Bar. If you are looking for a quick bite then you have choices of the MGM Grand Buffet which offers food at all times of the day, Studio Café, Stage Deli, Rainforest Café, ‘Wichcraft, Cabana Grill and of course a Starbucks. No matter what you have in mind, there is a restaurant or café for every taste.
MGM Grand Casino
The casino at MGM Grand offers games for every player. As the largest casino in Las Vegas, MGM Grand has something for everyone. There are hundreds of tables that offer blackjack, craps, roulette, Let it Ride, Caribbean Stud, and too many more to mention. Bet minimums are around $10 and up. Slot machines run from pennies to $500. There are a few full-pay video poker games. You can find virtually every variety of game imaginable at MGM Grand. If you are looking for comps, be prepared to spend a little betting money. Normally $50 down at the tables will get you free food. $150 per hand will get you a free room.
For Sports and Race betting, there are 36 60-inch plasma screen televisions and around eight smaller ones, as well as three really large ones. You will find around 100 seats in the sports book with four more seats surrounding a table in the back. There are 50 in the race room and each has its own monitor. There are also skyboxes that are reserved for the better players.
There are about 22 poker tables with games going on constantly. The chairs in the poker rooms are exceptionally comfortable in case you plan to stay a long time at the tables. You can get in on a Texas Hold-Em for under $5. There are some tables that offer no-limit games and the room is fairly large so you don’t feel crowded while playing.
Overall, MGM Grand is one of those “lap of luxury” stays where you honestly feel like you have been pampered until you lose all reasoning. From the beautiful rooms to the exceptional shows and restaurants, you may just want to never leave.
