The new 21st century
Las Vegas is nothing like the Vegas of old. Amazing
new hotels have sprung up in recent years setting
new standards in service and facilities.
The cheesy entertainers of yesteryear were shown
the door, as permanent theatres show world class
entertainers such as Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man
Group and Celine Dion. The best magicians, singers,
impressionists and tribute acts in the world are
here too.
There are brand new thrill rides, sumptuous pool
complexes with wave machines, lots of golf courses
and amazing shopping from designer boutiques to
out-of-town factory outlet stores. The world's
best restaurants have new branches here, and entertainment
venues like the House of Blues are thrilling the
crowds night after night.
Twenty four hours a day, this really is the entertainment
capital of the world. And if, after all that,
you're still not satisfied, well, don't forget
those casinos!
Opinion:
Looking down over the Strip from the top end,
the Stratosphere's tower is a Vegas icon. On the
106th floor is the revolving Top of the World
restaurant. Thrill rides include the Big Shot
reverse bungee (launching upward from the top
floor!) and the world's tallest roller coaster.
Amazing impersonations of Ricky Martin, Michael
Jackson and co. make the American Superstars show
a popular ticket.
Location: Towards the top of 'The Strip'. Next to
Wet 'n Wild.
Opinion:
The Sahara has excellent rooms that have been recently
renovated, plus a roller coaster that takes you
through a 72ft loop at 70mph (it deserves to be
called 'Speed'). There's virtual reality Indy Car
racing too, and in the Sahara Theatre the alternative
reality of Steve Wyrick's amazing magic show is
still wowing the crowds - he actually makes a twin-engined
jet disappear!
Opinion:
The super-glamourous entrance hides a secluded world
of tropical gardens, koi fish swimming in ponds.
The wildlife habitat includes ducks, penguins and,
of course, flamingos, stretching their wings in
the sun beside huge waterfalls. There's plenty of
watery fun for humans too, and a state-of-the-art
spa if you fancy a massage or body treatment.
Opinion:
The grandiose exterior makes way for a chic shopping
arcade in the lobby, and the brilliant Monte Carlo
Brew Pub and restaurant - all kinds of ales are
available (you can even share a 'yard') and there's
a DJ and live music nightly. Master Magician Lance
Burton does his inimitable thing in the theatre
built for him - for more intimate, close-up magic,
head for the Houdini Lounge.
Opinion:
Everywhere you turn there are awesome spectacles
to behold in this $970 million wonderland, the newest
being a 1.5 million gallon aquarium complete with
sharks! World class nightlife includes the House
of Blues which has booked everyone from Bob Dylan
to Underworld and Rum Jungle, where you can dance
to Latin music, hypnotised by the rum volcano!
You'll be ordering more wine in Aureole just to
see the antics of the cat-suit clad woman who is
hoisted up a four storey wine tower.
Opinion:
Six times a night, there's an animatronic feast
as HMS Britannia slugs it out with the pirates in
front of the hotel. We kept watching, but the pirates
won every time! Cirque du Soleil's stunning 'Mystère'
consistently wins the 'best show in Vegas' award,
and we reckon the lovely pool area deserves some
plaudits too
Location:
On the Strip, in the centre of all the action.
Opinion:
What a unique place! The lifts ascend diagonally
up the pyramid wall, and the light that shines
from the top can be seen from ten miles up in
space. All of the restaurants are top quality,
and Isis is listed in America's top ten.
Opinion:
The huge bronze sculpture isn't the only MGM lion
in evidence. Meet more at the thrilling Lion Habitat
- they live at a huge ranch out of town as part
of a programme supporting lion conservation in Africa.
Over the years the MGM Grand has played host to
many visiting superstars including Elton John, The
Rolling Stones and Barbara Streisand, performing
in one of the 3 fabulous venues.
