 Psychokiwi's Las Vegas Travelogues | | | |
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| Page Views: 378 Last Visit to Las Vegas: - | Casinos II by Psychokiwi - last update: Sep 5, 2002 |
MGM Grand <body background="http://www.cpcug.org /user/jlacombe/backgrnds/globe.gif">
When billionaire entrepreneur Kirk Kerkorian decided to build a new MGM Grand Hotel (the original has become Bally's Las Vegas), he set out to create something not only unique to Las Vegas, but to the world. Something worthy of the name of one of the most successful entertainment companies in modern history. The 5,009-room, $1 billion resort went from idea to reality in just three years, and today stands proudly over one of the most trafficked intersections in the world, directly across from the Tropicana and New York-New York hotels.
This "city of entertainment" incorporates so much, from dining to resort amenities to megashows to sports events that it approximates a big-budget film. Bright colors and spectacular facades front some of the best dining, shows and services to be found in Las Vegas. Hungry? You have choices that range from the nouveau tastes of Wolfgang Puck to the classic flavors and atmosphere of the Brown Derby, not to mention the acclaimed Coyote Cafe. Their showrooms and Grand Garden Arena have hosted everything from Bette Midler to heavyweight boxing to NBC's "Tonight Show" to EFX, the dazzling musical starring Tommy Tune. And famed discotheque Studio 54 parties on at MGM, with all the glitz and glamour of its namesake.
There's much, much more to see at the MGM Grand, including an amusement park and a world-class spa. Like any big city, the MGM builds its strength from details and diversity. Visit often, and discover them all. |
Harrah's Carnaval time! Harrah's Las Vegas takes one of the longest-running parties on the planet and marries it to the city that never sleeps. Located directly across from Caesars Palace and The Mirage, Harrah's is every bit as distinct as the company it keeps. The celebration starts outside the casino itself. Two giant, 23-karat gold-leaf court jesters support a ten-ton neon globe emblazoned with Harrah's logo. Strolling entertainers and musicians wander around Carnaval Court, an outdoor lounge features some of the hottest bands along with performing bartenders. La Playa lounge bursts with festive activity, giving one of the world's busiest, flashiest thoroughfares a run for its money. Entering the giant casino, one finds the party in full swing. Fiber-optic fireworks burst from the ceiling in striking patterns of light and color. Entertainment includes Clint Holmes, Skintight, the world famous Improv Comedy Club and the Mac King Comedy Magic Show. A number of unique dining experiences compete for attention, including the urbane Claudine's, the Oriental tastes of Asia and the Italian pleasures of Cafe Andreotti, among many others. There's even a coffeehouse, Club Cappuccino, that serves espresso and pastries around the clock-the perfect cap to an evening's fiesta. |
Golden Nugget The Golden Nugget has been the treasure of Fremont Street for more than 50 years. It has seen Fremont turn from a barely-paved road to one of the most photographed thoroughfares in the world, and finally to its newest incarnation, the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall. Through all that time, it has stood as proud and priceless as the Hand Of Faith, the 61-pound gold nugget displayed inside the casino. The rest of the Nugget rivals the gold piece in sheer elegance. Everything, from the 1,907 luxury rooms to the hotel’s gold-leaf facade, is rich with Victorian refinement. The pool terrace is decorated with ornate bronze and marble sculptures of fish and swans. The dining here is some of the most celebrated in town, including the gourmet delicacies of Lillie Langtry's, the world-famous California Pizza Kitchen and a buffet that draws people by the thousands. The 36,000 square foot casino accommodates every kind of gambler, from the neophyte to the seasoned high roller. And the dazzling light show of the Fremont Street Experience is mere steps away. The Golden Nugget puts the shine in "Glitter Gulch," and it’s no mistake that such august travel authorities as AAA and Mobil have given the hotel their respective highest ratings. Downtown Las Vegas would be unimaginable without its venerable charm, dignity and hospitality. This treasure shines for everyone. |
Stardust Nothing better defines the Stardust than an early scene in the film "Swingers": The two protagonists pull up to the hotel in a vintage convertible and Rat Pack suits, sauntering inside as the last notes of Tony Bennett's "With Plenty Of Money And You" die away. "This is old school, baby," raves one to the other. For almost 40 years, the Stardust has been the living embodiment of Vegas style and flash. Chief among the reasons for this longevity was the Stardust's choice not to bend with the times. There are no family-oriented attractions here. The casino is large and filled to capacity with gamblers, not gawkers. Many of them choose to dine in one of several fine restaurants, while the bars and lounges serve cocktails to cigar-smoking high rollers and women in sleek evening gowns around the clock. And Wayne Newton, the quintessential Vegas performer, entertains in the theater named for him. "You are so money, baby," the characters of "Swingers" tell each other loudly and often. It's an apt description of the Sin City institution that probably helped make "money" into an adjective. With its adult charms and proud lineage, the Stardust is indeed the "old school." And it's got one terrific playground. |
Stratosphere At 1,149 feet, the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest observation tower in America. Its uppermost spire is visible from nearly anywhere in the Las Vegas Valley, and the view from the 109th floor observation deck is truly spectacular. Some even choose to climb on board the Big Shot at floor 113, and fly another 180 feet into the heavens on a burst of compressed air, while others prefer to gaze upon Las Vegas' radiance from the quiet elegance of the 108th floor lounge. And yet, the excitement of the Stratosphere Hotel doesn't end at those giddy heights. The Stratosphere's casino is nearly as impressive an entity as the tower. At 97,000 square feet, it's one of the biggest gaming floors downtown. Two shows rock the Broadway Showroom -- the classic "Viva Las Vegas" revue in the afternoon and the dynamic "American Superstars" rock 'n' roll tribute show at night, featuring brilliant impersonators of Elvis Presley, Gloria Estefan, Charlie Daniels, Madonna, Michael Jackson and American Superstar Dancers. A world of dining experiences satisfy every appetite, from the continental pleasures of Top Of The World to the mouth-watering menu of the Montana's Steak House; the sock hop atmosphere of Roxy's Diner. While the tower may be the first thing to impress visitors, once they've sampled the Stratosphere's many other rich pleasures, they could conceivably forget it's even there. The high life, indeed. |
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 Comments for Psychokiwi about Las Vegas | | | | |
hayward68 Sun Feb 25, 2001 05:59 UTC
Excellent guide to the casinos! | utttz Tue Jan 2, 2001 15:19 UTC
a gambling page! | luiggi Thu Dec 28, 2000 20:15 UTC
Really great page ! | Krystynn Tue Dec 19, 2000 09:38 UTC
Yes, I love Vegas too!!! Too cool for words!!! |
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