Las Vegas Casino-Hotels

By Bob Burch

Where can you ride a gondola on a Venetian canal, visit ancient Rome, explore the marvels of Egypt, experience medieval Europe, eat atop the Eiffel Tower, see the white lions of Timbavati and take a photo of the Statue of Liberty all in one day? Las Vegas, of course!

Las Vegas is no longer just for games of chance - in the quest to become the Entertainment Capital of America there has been an explosion of new and refurbished Casino-Hotels over the past decade.

Bally's
Nearing the two decade mark, Bally's mega-stage "Jubilee" production features 100 performers in a seven-act extravaganza that includes "The Sinking of the Titanic" and "The Destruction of the Temple of Samson."

MGM Grand
Headliners at MGM's theatres include Rodney Dangerfield and Penn & Teller. The Arena regularly features rodeos, pro tennis and big name concerts. The thrills continue with a ride on the SkyScreamer -- the world's largest skycoaster. With free admission, a Lion Habitat is home to five of MGM's famous signature cats.

The Mirage
If you like big cats, you can see rare white lions and tigers around the clock at The Mirage. When it's "showtime," Siegfried & Roy continue to amaze and startle audiences with their illusions. And illusion becomes reality when the famous Mirage volcano erupts.

Take a walk in a tropical rain forest with soaring palms and sparkling waterfalls, peer into a giant aquarium where live sharks glide on an underwater reef and delight at the pools built for a family of six bottlenose dolphins.

Excalibur
Step back in time at Excalibur and relive days of old when knights were bold. The "Tournament of Kings" dinner show features jousting knights, invading armies, dragons and fire-wizards.

Luxor
With Meticulous detail, the Luxor has reconstructed the Egyptian legacy of Tutankhamun's tomb, and offers a thrilling IMAX RideFilm. "In Search of the Obelisk" which recounts the construction of the Luxor within the fantasy of an archaeological dig, complete with villains, a harrowing chase and a tumble into the unknown.

Treasure Island
Pirates and clowns are the order of the day at Treasure Island. The Cirque de Soleil continues to wow capacity crowds with its production of Mystere, a blend of music with 72 acrobats, gymnasts, dancers, clowns, singers and musicians from 15 countries.

Venetian
Striking statuary, hand-painted frescoes, graceful arched bridges, flowing canals, vibrant piazzas and stone walkways capture the spirit of Venice in faithful detail.

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