Vegas!

As I just returned form a sleepless weekend in Vegas, I thought I'd blog about some of the hotels/casinos to be found there with my thoughts on some of the best and worst the city has to offer.


My favorites:
1. Bellagio: Love this place. Great pool, great tables, nicest leather chairs in Vegas, and fanciest buffet.
2. Palazzo: This is the new sister hotel to the Venetian just built in January. One word: Wow. It's clean, well done, enormous rooms, and for the price, you won't find something nicer anywhere. On top of that, their pool area is a lot of fun. It connects with Venetian's pool (and Tao Beach) and provides hours of entertainment.
3. Wynn: Very similar to the Bellagio in that their furnishings, shops, and overall ambiance is top notch. I haven't explored this hotel a ton, but from what I've seen it's definitely in my top three. Steve Wynn is constructing a similar hotel next store named Encore that is due in December.
4. The Mirage: I know this one doesn't really fit with the others, but I like the overall feel and what they've done with the floor space. Lot's of room, well taken care of, and plenty to do.
5. Imperial Palace: If you're looking for cheap eats and tables, head straight to the IP. Their champagne pit tables, and rocking impersonators are worth the trip.

My least favorite:
1. Circus Circus: How this dilapidated casino is still up and running, I'm not sure.
2. New York New York: Most overrated casino on the strip. Crowded, and cheap knock-offs everywhere... Such potential.
3. The Palms: The only things this place has going for it are the eateries Nine and Little Buddha, and Ghostbar. Other than those, you may as well tear the whole place down. For a newer property, the casino is small, the decor lame, and the poker room looks like someone converted an old broom closet. Disappointing.
4. Las Vegas Hilton: Nothing at all redeeming about this place. It's a million miles from everything, and thinks it's a fancy place (not even in the realm of any of the places that are). Table minimums are way too high, boring decor, and charging way too much for where it's situated.