Las Vegas Editor Picks

Wynn Las Vegas debuted to much fanfare in April 2005 as the latest in a string of successful hotel concepts brought on by iconic hotelier Steve Wynn, (responsible for such Vegas landmarks as The Mirage and Bellagio). The Wynn's sleek, curved, and bronze-tinted glass tower reaches some 50 stories into the Las Vegas sky and ranks as the most-expensive-ever addition to the Strip. But don't expect to find Mardi Gras beads, pirate battles, or exotic fantasia here - aside from some stylish oriental touches that reoccur throughout, the Wynn's only tangible "theme" is one of elegance and refinement, which, in turn, attracts a successful, smart set. Among its chichi touches, the Wynn counts several soft waterfalls, which cascade down a 140-foot-high man-made mountain; and a high-ceilinged lounge embellished with oversized hanging parasols. Sun-lovers relish the elongated main outdoor pool and its artfully landscaped grounds, while trendier patrons flock to the "European" pool where topless sunbathing is allowed, DJ music blares, and tropical drinks are lapped up on circular "island" lounging areas. The main resort tower itself boasts some 2700 rooms; an additional 317 suite luxury tower has its own separate entrance, check-in, and amenities. The resort rooms (averaging 640 square feet) are tastefully decorated with either soothing corals and Andy Warhol prints, or city-smart, burnt-sienna and brown hues.

There are no longer just two Vegases from which to choose: the Strip or Downtown. Located eight miles from the Strip in Henderson, Green Valley Ranch combines Tuscan charm, high-thread-count sheets, a pool scene that moves day and night, and a gambler-friendly casino into one gotta-try package. Food runs the spectrum from a commendable buffet to the martini-and-rib-steak savvy of Hank’s, with stops along the way in Italy, China, and at the fresh raw fish counter.

Skylofts offer digs unlike any in Vegas, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom double-decker cribs atop the emerald-hued mastiff known as MGM Grand. With butler service, Maybach transport from McCarran Airport, steam showers, a private access foyer, in-villa check-in, priority reservation service, and more in-room electronics than the Pentagon, Skylofts serves up Manhattan chic.

This pedestrian mall is defined by a 90-foot vaulted steel-mesh canopy sprinkled with 12 million LED lamps; the free, technically-striking, sound-and-light extravaganzas here put the glitter back in Glitter Gulch.

Its 129,000 square feet of high-stake slots, high-roller areas, mirrors, and marble columns make it a great spot for wagering – its Sports Book remains the best place for odds-making.

Brick walls, candlelight, classic martinis, salads, and flambés prepared tableside with...more

Don't miss this legendary Canadian group's acrobatics and pyrotechnics as they unfold to the beat of the Vegas stage. Choose from any of their five shows - from old-favorite Mystère at Treasure Island to the new Beatles-fueled marvel Love at the Mirage.

For upscale shopping, stroll on the banks of picturesque, faux-Venice searching the wares of shops that range from Valentino’s fashion house to Houdini’s Magic Shop.

Though many Vegas hotels offer spa services, the Spa at Red Rock is one of the few places that truly understands the art of letting go, with treatments that range from the usual (shiatsu massage) to the unique (try the Thai massage, where the therapist relaxes sore muscles by nudging limbs into yoga-like postures). "Adventure Spa" options include rock-climbing excursions.

Despite its California roots, the menu at Border Grill draws from the many iterations of Mexican...more