10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos - AOL Travel News
Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

by Amber DeGrace


Posted Oct 19th 2010 11:03 AM

Whether it is your first time in Las Vegas or you visit every few months for a fix of Las Vegas casinos, Sin City is awe-inspiring and amazing. There is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

In this oasis of excess and luxury, what are the top Las Vegas casinos for you to spend some time and win some money? Get ready to hear the constant music of chips hitting the tables, slot machines happily ringing, and the rapid ticking of the roulette wheels as they spin in whatever casino in Vegas you walk into. Here are our picks for the top 5 Las Vegas Casinos:





MGM Grand ? Las Vegas casinos are known for their recognizable design and d?cor and the MGM Grand is no exception. Enter the building by passing near an 88-foot gold lion and enjoy a massive gaming area including Majestic Lions progressive slots that pay out three-quarters of a million dollars daily. Sit down at a table and play some Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, or even Casino War. Don't worry if you aren't sure how to play or what the rules are! Have a seat and the knowledgeable and friendly dealers will help you get started. If placing bets on races and sports is more your speed then you will feel right at home in the Race & Sports Book arena. Grab a bite to eat at a variety of fine dining restaurants (such as Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak or the Nob Hill Tavern by Michael Mina) or relax in one of the five pools in the Grand Pool Complex when you need a break from the tables. Be sure to check out The Lion Experience at MGM Grand, where you can view lions in a custom habitat inside this unique Las Vegas casino.


Bellagio ? With one of the world's most incredible choreographed fountain displays outside, the beauty of the Bellagio continues as you enter one of the most refined of all Las Vegas casinos. Known for Bobby's Poker Room, the highest limit poker action in the world, this Las Vegas casino is a mecca for high rollers and elite players. There is also a high-limit area, Club Prive, for the big boys and girls to play in privacy in an art deco-inspired lounge. If you aren't a high roller, you will still find plenty of opportunity to test your luck at table games like Baccarat or Roulette and over 2,300 slot machines. With your winnings, enjoy a luxurious spa treatment like a Caviar Fusion Facial, or catch the breathtaking show "O" by Cirque de Soleil.

Venetian ? When entering Las Vegas casinos, you may expect glitz and grandeur, but the Venetian hotel casino will still make your jaw drop. Play poker at one of the 39 tables in one of the largest poker rooms found in any Las Vegas casino, or see if Lady Luck is with you as you sit down and play one of the more than 139 other table games. Take some time while at the Venetian to step away from the casino and enjoy a gondola ride through the canals and under romantic bridges with your special someone. This is one casino in Vegas where you will want to bring your camera!

Mandalay Bay ? As you've already seen, Las Vegas casinos offer more than just gaming in the buildings you'll visit. At Mandalay Bay, you have the opportunity to view North America's only predator-themed aquarium, the Shark Reef. There is even a tattoo studio on the property, Mario Barth's Starlight Tattoo, where you can get some new ink before heading to the Burger Bar for one of the most delicious burgers you may ever eat. When you're ready to get some gaming in, head to this fine Las Vegas casino floor and play any number of table games with calming water flowing around you in a tropical atmosphere. If you are a first-time poker player and aren't ready to jump in the game, we recommend taking advantage of the free poker lessons offered at 2:00pm Monday through Thursday.

Caesars Palace ? If you want to experience one of Las Vegas' casinos inspired by ancient Rome, then Caesars Palace will suit you perfectly. Spend your day soaking up the sun at the spectacular Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, dine in Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, then head down to one of the most exciting of all Las Vegas casinos. If slots is your game, you'll enjoy a wide variety ranging in denomination from a penny to $500. If you prefer the tables, you will have plenty of opportunity to test your skill at one of the many regular or high-stakes tables available at Caesar's Palace.
 

pvcpipe

EOG Master
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

Not a bad list but I wouldn't have Caesar's in my top 5.
 
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

Nice list. If i've ever given a chance to visit Las Vegas, I will go to Bellagio. Looks like pretty cool hotel and casino to me. :)
 

Murph

EOG Member
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

Not a bad list, but the omission of the Wynn is mind boggling....I'm also a big fan of the Cosmopolitan
 

Murph

EOG Member
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

Nice list. If i've ever given a chance to visit Las Vegas, I will go to Bellagio. Looks like pretty cool hotel and casino to me. :)

I love the Bellagio--one of the most beautiful properties in town, great dining including IMO the best buffet in Las Vegas.
 

Murph

EOG Member
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

I'd also put the Mirage on the 'best casinos' list. It's where the new era of Las Vegas began and has become downright iconic. What amazes me is that its over 21 years old now and it doesn't look the least bit dated. In fact, most of the new properties copy a lot of the architectural and design characteristics of the building. I do miss Steve Wynn's narration as you enter the building though...
 

railbird

EOG Master
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

The M blows away the other 5 Steve Wynn owned SEWERS.

1. The M
2. South Point
3. Golden Nugget
4. Red Rock
5. Green Valley Ranch
 

Tripjacks

EOG Veteran
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

Nice list. If i've ever given a chance to visit Las Vegas, I will go to Bellagio. Looks like pretty cool hotel and casino to me. :)

Bellagio is a beautiful place but imo not worth the price. Wynn should have made the top five.
 

FISHHEAD

EOG Master
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

for once i agree with railbird..The M and GVR are my spots

It disappoints me that SUNSET always recieves no respect........still the best place in town to view games in my opinion.

Good restaurants also.........

Also, SAM'S TOWN continues to fly under the radar, nice spot for a variety of reasons.
 

pvcpipe

EOG Master
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

I love the Bellagio--one of the most beautiful properties in town, great dining including IMO the best buffet in Las Vegas.

I remember being astonished at seeing Beef Wellington at the buffet. Worth every penny.
 

FISHHEAD

EOG Master
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

EVERYTHING considered, my TOP FIVE casinos in Vegas.............................



The M
GREEN Valley Ranch
SUNSET Station
SAMS TOWN
VENETIAN

Contending...........

BELLAGIO
The PALMS
SOUTHPOINT
EL CORTEZ
FIESTA HENDERSON
WYNN
LV HILTON
 

JAKEPEAVY21

EOG Dedicated
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

EVERYTHING considered, my TOP FIVE casinos in Vegas.............................



The M
GREEN Valley Ranch
SUNSET Station
SAMS TOWN
VENETIAN

Contending...........

BELLAGIO
The PALMS
SOUTHPOINT
EL CORTEZ
FIESTA HENDERSON
WYNN
LV HILTON

I like this list as I prefer the local and off strip casinos...and The Venetian is the top strip casino in my opinion..
 
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

Here's some random thoughts on my favorite casinos though my reasons are often unique to my needs--I'll start with the off strip properties and add to this list as I think of things:

--M Resort: Love it. Cool design, nice Cantor run sportsbook, good food. My only gripe is that they need to move it to the other end of the valley closer to my house.

--The Rio: Spent my honeymoon here. Still like the place despite that fact. Hot cocktail waitresses. Good food. If I was married and had a mistress I'd take her here.

--El Cortez: Has been re-designed and is going for a hip quotient. Downtown has been a great place for pure gambling forever but has otherwise been a train wreck for years. With a few breaks, it could be heading in the right direction. They've had a lot of cool concerts and events downtown, there's quite a few bars in the area that non meth addicts would patronize, etc. There's still plenty of sleazebags downtown but there's finally some signs of hope and the El Cortez could be at the middle of it.

--Westin Casuarina: Generally not much to write home about but has one of the easiest to access 24 hour Starbucks locations in the Las Vegas Valley. I haven't tried this but based on my brief observations it looks like a great place to pick up bored Cougar businesswomen on trips. Being a Westin property that would make sense.
 

DJDalamar

EOG Dedicated
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

I haven't checked out GVR or M yet, but Red Rock and The Cortez are my fave. To me RR is the best looking casino in Vegas.
 

pvcpipe

EOG Master
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

I haven't checked out GVR or M yet, but Red Rock and The Cortez are my fave. To me RR is the best looking casino in Vegas.


Stopped by the M last month for breakfast. Really clean, contemporary look.
 
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

Vegas casino lists probably would be better framed in terms of "best for [this] . . . , best for [that]."

Vegas serves at least a 1000 different type markets and demographics all at the same time.

Heck, the Western down on Fremont might well qualify as "the best dive casino with cheap slots, dollar Tecates, and highly questionable, often-flaked-out denizens."

If I were listing the Top 5 High End Casinos, MGM Grand & Mandalay wouldn't make the cut. Caesars would be on the bubble at best.
 
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

VIP sky boxes are nice there, too. And poker room is well placed right beside the book with games on flat screens also in the poker room.

A good viewing book, although I usually watch multiple monitors at home these days.
 

The Seer

EOG Dedicated
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

I would like to have part of the review read "...XXX casino is great because it allows 100X behind the pass line at craps. Since this is true odds, the house is almost playing for tips. AND

It also allows doubling down for less on split aces, early surrender and double on any number of cards"

With free drinks poured down so many players, the house would still make money as players keep hitting their stiffs vs. the dealers 4, 5,6.
 

Apple

Banned
Re: 10-2010: Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

It disappoints me that SUNSET always recieves no respect........still the best place in town to view games in my opinion.

Good restaurants also.........

Also, SAM'S TOWN continues to fly under the radar, nice spot for a variety of reasons.


I love Sam's town. Great sports and racebook there.
 
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