The Venetian
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino has a 120,000-square-foot casino that offers sports betting, slot machines and table games. There are also 19 restaurants, four bars and lounges, over 4,000 suites (no standard rooms) and a Canyon Ranch SpaClub. The Venetian is part of a complex that includes the adjacent Palazzo Hotel and Casino Resort and Sands Expo Convention Center. Together, they form the world's largest casino and resort complex.
The Venetian, as the name indicates, is built to resemble the famous Italian city. Outside the casino is a large lagoon used for gondola rides and offers impressive views of the Strip. As visitors step in, they find a lobby that resembles old-style European palaces and includes marble floors and columns, painted ceilings and large crystal chandeliers. The main attractions here are the Grand Canal Shoppes, a complex of stores, cafes and restaurants built around a series of canals. Gondola rides can be taken around the canals and under bridges and tunnels and next to glorious reproductions of Italian architecture and design.
The Venetian
3355 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-3888
venetian.com
Luxor
The Luxor Hotel and Casino offers one of the most impressive fronts of all casinos on the Strip. Following an Ancient Egyptian motif and completely encapsulated within a black glass pyramid, the Luxor also has interior ziggurat towers, a large obelisk and other Egyptian-themed décor details. The most impressive sight, however, is the exterior Great Sphinx of Giza, which measures 350 feet at its highest point. During the night, a beam of blue light emanates from the top of the pyramid, which can be seen from over 275 miles away.
Inside the Luxor, hotel guests and gamblers can move from floor to floor using an "inclinator." an elevator that travel at a 39 degree angle against the inner sides of the pyramid. The elevator also reaches a series of themed rides, including an IMAX motion simulator and a virtual archeological dig, as well as live shows that include comedy, a topless revue and a replica of the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Luxor offers free poker lessons, 87 different table games, over 1,500 slot machines and a chance to win cars and other grand prizes.
Luxor
3900 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 262-4444
luxor.com
Circus Circus
Circus Circus is a chaotic entertainment complex that offers much more than just gambling and a place to sleep. Somewhat smaller than other top casinos in the area, it has several entertainment areas as well as the only RV park in the area. The ground floor resembles a circus tent, full of lights and neon signs. Inside the building, visitors will find The Midway, a large arcade, as well as a permanent circus performance that is always free and includes contortionists, magicians, trapezee acts and high-wire walkers.
Next to the hotel is AdventureDome, the world's largest indoor amusement park, complete with roller coasters, thrill rides and carnival-style games.
Circus Circus
2880 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(800) 634-3450
circuscircus.com
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
