The Hotels of Las Vegas

If you are thinking about a trip to Las Vegas but believe that the only thing available there is gambling then it's time to think again. Each hotel has a little something for everyone and you could literally spend a week or more exploring them all without ever gambling a dime. I'm going to start and one end of the strip and itemize each hotel in order (as best I can remember) highlighting the attractions and shows available in each one.

Mandalay Bay - Definitely one of the classier hotels on the strip, it's easily recognizable by its simmering gold color. Inside you can visit the Shark Reef which is a pretty large indoor aquarium featuring a wide variety of ocean life. There is always live music playing at The House of Blues and if you want to catch a show then "Mama Mia" plays there year round.

Luxor - This Egyptian themed hotel with its distinctive pyramid is absolutely amazing inside and is home to a really fun 3-D IMAX ride and the King Tut Museum. For shows you can catch Carrot Top, ventriloquist Ronn Lucas or an adult-themed show that the men would enjoy called "Fantasy"

Excalibur - This hotel looks like a giant, white wizard's castle and is home to Medieval Times Tournament of Champions themed dinner show. You can also catch comedian Louie Anderson as well as Vegas legendary singer Clint Holmes, and for the ladies there is a Chippendale's type show called Thunder From Down Under.

New York, New York - The main highlight here is the rollercoaster that starts inside the hotel and winds its way between the towers before finishing up back inside. An incredible thrill ride. You can also watch all the major sporting events at the ESPNZone or chill out with a cold pint of Guinness at the Nine Fine Irishmen pub. They also have a Coyote Ugly bar inside and for a show you can see Cirque Du Soleil's Zumanity.

MGM Grand - There is always lots going on at the MGM. There is a stage in the middle of the casino where there is always live musical entertainment and the Hollywood Theater has a number of big name acts passing through. There is also a beautiful live lion display and if you are looking for something to eat then check out The Rainforest Cafe. If you are looking for a great club experience then you have to try Studio 54.

Monte Carlo - Not one of the flashier hotels but they have a very good microbrewery pub where you can catch Purple Reign, a Prince Tribute band, every Thursday night. It's a great show but get there early if you want a decent seat as it fills up quickly. Magician Lance Burton plays year round at the hotel if you are looking for live entertainment.

Bellagio - It can be a little intimidating inside as it's all very upscale shopping and dining but it's worth waiting around out front as there is a spectacular water show set to music every 15 minutes.....a must see.

Caesars Palace - The hotel and the grounds it sits on are absolutely massive and there is a lot to see and do inside. There are a number of restaurants, clubs, and lounges to suit all tastes and budgets and for a little shopping there are the Forum Shops which are set up like a huge outdoor market. For entertainment you can see Celine Dion, who is now in the final year of her stint, Elton John, or Cirque Du Soleil's "O". There is a very cool 3-D Ride called "The Race for Atlantis".

Mirage - The Mirage is famous for a couple of things. They have an outdoor volcano which "erupts" every night on the half hour and it's also home to Siegfried and Roy's white tigers which are on display inside. To see even more of their animals you can visit their Secret Garden. Live entertainment come in the form of yet another Cirque Du Soleil show called "Beatle's Love"

Treasure Island - This hotel has undergone a bit of a transformation in the last couple of years trying to capture the younger crowd. Gone is the extravagant pirate's show to be replaced by another show called "Sirens" which features scantily clad young women fighting against the men on two giant ships. All this takes place out in front of the hotel. If you want a good seat for the show then try and get there early and get a seat at "Tangerine", their club that overlooks the action. Be prepared to pay big for drinks though.

Venetian - Lots of fun stuff here. You can take an indoor or outdoor Gondola ride, visit Madame Tussaud's wax museum, or if you are in the mood for a show, The Blue Man Group performs there year round. This one really is a must see show. Also lots of really good shopping inside too.

Paris - Impossible to miss this hotel as there is a replica model of the Eiffel Tower attached to it. A lot of the fountains and buildings are modeled after actual Paris locations and if you don't mind heights you can take a trip up the tower.

A couple that I skipped here are Wynn, the newest big hotel, and Planet Hollywood (formerly the Aladdin). They are both fairly new and I haven't seen either so don't know what they are like.
A couple few that are a little off the strip but worth visiting are...

Stratoshpere - Sit's away at the far end of the Strip and is a tall tower that has a viewing spot up top as well as a number of thrill rides perched on top of the tower. Definitely not for the faint of heart.

Las Vegas Hilton - Not to be confused with the Flamingo Hilton, t boasts arguably the best sportsbook in Vegas and also has a fun Star Trek attraction that is worth checking out.

Rio - A real party place with a Mardi Gras theme. There is an hourly masquerade parade through the hotel that everyone is encouraged to get involved with. For a drink at a cool spot, check out the Voodoo Lounge which is high up in the hotel and has an outdoor bar with great views overlooking the city. Magicians Penn & Teller perform year round in the theater.

Palms - The best place to go if you want to do a little celebrity spotting. Owned by the Maloof brothers it's definitely geared towards the younger crowd. If you want to get a tattoo while visiting, then Hart & Huntington (featured in the TV how "Inked") is inside the hotel. Get there early though as it's always busy. There is also a new Playboy tower which just recently opened.

So there you have it, hopefully a little something for everyone and a guide that will help you choose which hotel best suits your interests.