traveldk.com

Whether or not the Venetian really evokes accurate images of Venice is beside the point: the sum of the hotel’s parts adds up to an aesthetically pleasing whole.

Caesars Palace opened in 1966 and was long the Strip’s most opulent and, some would say, most ostentatious hotel. Times change, though, and Caesars recently was forced to put millions of dollars into renovations in order to keep up with newcomers. Cleopatra’s Barge – a floating lounge – is still as it was, and the cocktail goddesses still wear toga-like costumes, but new statues have been erected on the front lawn, and the former show theater, Circus Maximus, has been updated.

With its theme of Southeast Asia, Mandalay Bay has lush tropical foliage, dotted with tiny pagodas and temples. In the lobby area, exotic birds call from wooden cages. The huge swimming complex as well as several of the shops and the popular “rumjungle” lounge emphasize the theme. There is also an events center (see Mandalay Bay Events Center).

The Statue of Liberty raises her torch over the busiest intersection in Las Vegas. Nearby the Empire State, CBS, and Chrysler buildings rub shoulders with the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Station, and the New York Public Library. Despite the architectural license, New York–New York is an exciting place with all manner of well-observed details.

The huge guitar sign outside and an enormous chandelier with saxophone pendants clearly identify this as a Hard Rock enterprise. Throughout the public rooms are displays of rock-and-roll memorabilia. And you’ll hear only one kind of piped music, of course.

The sidewalk outside is wooden decking, with rope railings along the waters of Buccaneer Bay. Skull-and-crossbone door handles lead to the casino, where treasure chests, old maps, and other pirate gear continue the theme. In the shopping arcade, specialty candies are sold at the Candy Reef. Pirates pose for photos at Buccaneer Bay when they’re not doing battle with HMS Britannia.

A carnival atmosphere pervades this upbeat hotel-casino (see Casinos, Casinos and Hotels and Motels). Its huge neon sign is unarguably the best in town. The only departures from the theme – special events such as a visiting “Treasures of Russia” exhibit – are so fabulous that no one seems to mind.

Alas, the City of Light has to lose something in translation to the City of Bright Lights. Even so, the Eiffel Tower model is impressive; the bicycle-riding delivery boy, and a cheery “bonjour” from valet-parking attendants are nice touches, too.

Fans of the Thousand and One Nights will enjoy the new Aladdin. The adjacent Desert Passage shopping area extends the theme to ancient Arabian trade routes.

One of the first theme hotels (built in 1990), this is still a favorite with children. The legend of King Arthur and his Knights is the theme through the games arcade and on into the wedding chapel on the “Fantasy Faire” floor.