Las Vegas Casinos

The MGM Grand, named after the popular movie studio, is unsurprisingly movie-themed, and is the second-largest casino in Las Vegas. The Grand features a "modern interpretation of the original" New York Studio 54 nightclub, and is also the host casino to the Cirque du Soleil performance "KA." As the mascot for MGM is a lion, there is also a fantastic lion display within the Grand for visitors to check out.

The Bellagio is one of the more famous casinos in Las Vegas, and was the most prominently featured of the three casinos involved in the cinematic robbery in the modern remake of "Ocean's Eleven." In addition to its appearances on the silver screen, the Bellagio is most known for its fountain display, in which massive geysers erupt in a choreographed routine, made to match music. Nature lovers can stop in on the Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where a collection of gorgeous plants, flowers and trees is maintained by 140 expert horticulturists and is changed five times a year to fit the season.

Once considered the cream of the themed-casino crop, the Luxor has been moving away from its Egyptian theme, although the re-creation of the Sphinx remains. Even if you don't visit the Luxor while in Las Vegas, you can still find enjoyment in the bright beam of light which extends from the pyramid's apex at night.

Those looking to take their gaming downtown must stop by Binion's Gambling Hall. While the name may not jump out at you, poker players will recognize it by its former name, Binion's Horseshoe Casino, the casino's moniker while it played host to the world's biggest poker tournament, the World Series of Poker. While the Series has moved on, outgrowing Binion's, the Gambling Hall still is loaded with displays of poker's finest, as well as the Gallery of Champions and Poker Hall of Fame, and features the famous Million Dollar Floor.

Caesar's is the casino to visit for nightlife activity, as it is home of the famous Pure Nightclub as well as the adjacent Pussycat Dolls Lounge. There also free shows to check out, in the form of the Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain shows. For those seeking a themed feel, there is also the Colosseum, a modern-day recreation of the famous Roman building, where many popular musicians perform.

The Hard Rock is located just off the famous Las Vegas Strip, and is a great place to stop for the visitor looking to do a little bit of everything. As the name implies, the Hard Rock focuses on a rock 'n' roll theme, and like all Hard Rock establishments is a great place to see famous memorabilia. The Hard Rock offers a spa, five restaurants and the opportunity to relax in its swimming pool-bar combination.

If you're looking to stay in the convenience of the Strip, but don't want to stay at one of the larger, more famous casinos, Bill's Gamblin' Hall and Saloon is an excellent alternative. While a part of the Harrah's umbrella, Bill's maintains its smaller feel, utilizing its own players club reward system, unaffiliated with other Harrah's casinos. Be sure to stop off at The Steakhouse at Bill's for dinner.