Las
Vegas, If you arrive by plane, the first landmark you
may see is the Luxor Hotel and Casino, sitting almost at the
end of the airport runways. It's a fitting introduction --
a huge pyramid in the midst of a modern city -- impressive,
almost incredible. But crouched outside the hotel is a Sphinx
that looks so phony, it would be more at home on a miniature
golf course. Welcome to Las Vegas, where fantastic things
are real and where some things are not very real at all.
Authentic or not, the Las Vegas Strip is completely fascinating.
A miniature New York City stands across the street from a
giant castle; a naval battle takes place beside a busy city
street; Venetian-style gondolas sail along indoor canals.
The resorts are full of lavish stage shows and big-name performers
and restaurants owned by every celebrity chef to pick up a
spoon. Of course, the gaming tables and slot machines accompany
(and underwrite) the spectacles. For many, the thrill of winning
and losing makes the casinos the most exciting show in town.
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Paris Las Vegas
Half-scale
versions of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe rise 50
stories above the Las Vegas Strip, drawing visitors into
this USD785 million resort. Your elegant guest room or suite
is decorated in a French Regency style and is both opulent
and comfortable. Guests will enjoy Le Boulevard district
for their shopping pleasure. The Mandara Spa is the perfect
place to relax and unwind. Two attractive wedding chapels
are located on site. The hotel is connected to Bally's and
MGM via a monorail system
Stratosphere Tower
This
is America's tallest observation tower, rising 1,149 feet
above the city streets. Located at the Stratosphere Hotel,
it houses two hair-raising rides. The "Let It Ride
High Roller" is the world's highest coaster and is
guaranteed to provide the ride of a lifetime. The "Big
Shot" shoots riders 160 feet into the air where they
experience zero gravity then free fall to the platform,
which is 800 feet above the street.
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
This
truly amazing state-of-the art aquarium has sharks, alligators,
monitor lizards and other amazing creatures living in more
than 1,000,000 gallons of salt water at the Mandalay Bay
Resort. You will enjoy a beautiful display of blue sharks,
stingrays, sea turtles, eels and a remarkable jellyfish
display with black lights.
Fremont Street Experience
Encompassing
Fremont Street in the center of downtown Las Vegas is a
light and musical show like none other in the world. A permanent
canopy has been constructed to cover the casino-lined street
with two million lights and a state-of-the-art sound system.
This USD70 million attraction provides shows in the evening
hours and is a popular area for filming motion picture scenes.
There is no charge for entrance except on New Year's Eve.
The special shows projected on the canopy ceiling last for
approximately seven minutes.
Four Seasons Hotel
Words
alone cannot describe the elegance of this superb hotel
located on the top five floors of the famous Mandalay Bay
Resort & Casino. After entering the ornate lobby, you
are whisked to your room or suite, accessible only by private
express elevators. One can enjoy fine dining at the Veranda,
which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. High Tea is a
lovely choice in the restaurant. The in-room dining option
is offered around the clock for your privacy and convenience.
Gondola Rides at the Venetian
O
Sole Mio! You will be the recipient of a vocal performance
as your personal gondolier, trained by masters in Venice,
Italy, takes you on a trip you will never forget. These
crafts navigate the canals that run through the Grand Canal
Shoppes located at the Venetian Hotel Casino.
Star Trek--The Experience
Find
yourself transported into the 24th century at the Las Vegas
Hilton as you are beamed on board the bridge of the USS
Enterprise. Walk in the footsteps of your favorite Star
Trek characters. For USD2,000, if you are so inclined, you
can be married on the bridge. The "History of the Future"
Museum features more than 200 objects of interest. Voyage
through space for a 22-minute journey to the stars. Stop
in Quark's Bar for a nice blue drink or snack.
Desert Passage at the Aladdin
More
than 130 unique retail shops and 14 first-class restaurants
are located in this delightful, 500,000-square-foot land
of magic housed in the Aladdin Hotel Casino. The marketplace
has four design zones authentically representing ancient
trade routes across North Africa. Just a sample of the shops
include Addi Gallery for exquisite art and Henna Designs
for fun tattoos. The Blue Note Jazz Club, the Beluga Bar
and Commander's Palace have also found homes in this unique
facility.
Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
This
is a tropical paradise dedicated to the wild things. You
will find many exotic animal breeds housed here, from elephants,
panthers and leopards to Siegfried and Roy's rare and enchanting
white tigers. This exhibit is presented in an effort to
spotlight the need to protect vanishing breeds. Along with
the land-based residents, visitors are invited to visit
the intriguing Dolphin Habitat. You will thoroughly enjoy
watching the antics of these amazing creatures that love
to show off for onlookers. This attraction is located at
the Mirage Hotel Casino.
Buccaneer Bay Pirate Show
Las
Vegas' entry into Disney-like spectacular outdoor productions
started here at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, and has
been going strong since it opened in 1993. This spirited
battle between British officers and swashbuckling pirates
takes place daily, starting at 5:30pm and continuing every
90 minutes (weather permitting) until 11:30pm. Don't miss
it! It's free, exciting and memorable. The kids will love
the adventure; be sure to bring your camera.
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