“The Bellagio has an incredible pool,” says Jan Wade of American Express. “And the facilities are great: big, comfortable locker rooms and nice changing rooms that come fully stocked with hair dryers and toiletries.” The Bellagio also courts its high rollers very seriously—entire sections of the gaming area are devoted to the roughly 500 or so players worldwide who have credit lines of up to $5 million.
For more information: Bellagio Las Vegas
MGM Skylofts
“The MGM SkyLofts offer the ultimate in pampering on a special penthouse floor,” says Anthony Adler of Cruise and Resort Inc. “Every personal need is catered to.” The Skylofts is a member of the prestigious Leading Small Hotels of The World group, and fosters an intimate, boutique atmosphere. Personal concierges call guests in advance to arrange with transfers, as well as restaurant and show tickets.
For more information: Skylofts at MGM Grand
Wynn Las Vegas" />From the Mirage to the Bellagio and beyond, Steve Wynn has always courted the whales (high rollers). “I don’t think anyone is better at building hotels and has the quality of service that Steve Wynn has,” says Janice Bykofsky of Rainbow Travel Service. “When you stay at Wynn, you don’t realize you’re in Las Vegas. I don’t know how he does it. You just feel the difference when you get there.” The featured attractions here include Broadway hits like Spamalot, an on-site Maserati dealership, and the only golf course on the strip ($500 per round).
For more information: Wynn Las Vegas
Seventeen miles from the action but a world away, this Tuscan-inspired resort operates regular shuttles for guests who might like to start their day fly fishing before hitting the Strip. “The children can attend day camp, while the parents can enjoy some alone time,” says Janice Bykofsky of Rainbow Travel Service. “They have a great beach, arts and crafts lessons, and hiking tours. It’s wonderful.”
For more information: Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas
“The greatest city in Las Vegas” gets the nod for its family-friendly, romper room-like atmosphere. “The Manhattan Express Roller Coaster is a huge draw,” says Maria Guerrieri of Linden Travel. Location is also a plus—the M&M Store is nearby, and there’s a rock climbing gym across the street. And after the kids are in bed, parents are invited to enjoy Zumanity, the first adult-themed Cirque du Soleil production.
For more information: New York, New York
MGM Grand" />“Every time there’s a big boxing match, you know it’s going to be at the MGM,” says Janice Bykofsky of Rainbow Travel, “They’ve got that arena garden, which is huge.” And how big is the MGM sportsbook? It has skyboxes. The vast circular space resembles a cross between theater-in-the-round and NASA Mission Control.
For more information: MGM Grand
Caesars" />Every self-respecting fan should watch a game at the legendary sports book at Caesars Palace. Particularly beloved by horse racing fans (the Kentucky Derby Party is an impossible ticket), this temple of wagering is the original “mega book.” Ali, Frasier, Hagler, and Hearns have all fought in the nearby arena, and during the NCAA tournament the place looks like a refugee camp.
For more information: Caesars
Mandalay Bay" />Not so much a pool as a sprawling “beach environment,” this minor ecosystem includes three pools, a “lazy” river with artificial current, and a 1.6 million galloon minor ocean, replete with waves and a sand beach. This summer the casino promises to debut “the only climate-controlled poolside gaming in the city”—a freestanding glass casino just steps away from the beach. Formal attire will not be required.
For more information: Mandalay Bay
Four Seasons " />For the couple that wants some alone time, the Four Seasons aims to calm. Occupying five floors of the Mandalay Bay Tower, Four Seasons promises a “serene, non-gaming atmosphere” just steps away from all the action. Guests enter through a private entrance off Las Vegas Boulevard, and have access to a “great, very private pool area with water spritzing over them as they relax in lounge chairs on warm days,” according to Corinne Foley of American Express.
For more information: Four Seasons
Venetian" />“For romance, Venetian has it hands down,” says Corinne Foley of American Express. “Nothing like riding in a gondola under beautiful blue skies (painted on the ceiling though they may be). You might even get one of them to sing to you.” The Venetian is home to the Canyon Ranch Spa, which offers a variety of couples treatments. And for the art lover who wants to impress, there’s also an offshoot of the Hermitage Museum.
For more information: Venetian