Las Vegas Hotels - Then and Now

Las Vegas is all about illusion and transformation. While on the strip, and you're walking past palm trees or through a lush tropical gardens, keep in mind that this is the result of some exceptionally creative landscaping. It wasn't that long ago that this area was nothing but sand and cactus. The stark, barren desert provided the blank canvas for everyone from the first Spanish explorers, to Howard Hughes whose vision helped make Vegas what it is today.

Over the years, Las Vegas has seen a lot of change and most of these changes have been substantial. From the 22,500 acre Summerlin master planned community, to the mega-hotels on the Strip. When a Vegas developer begins a project, it often stakes a benchmark for future development, and each one is bigger and better than the next. This is particularly dramatic when new hotels are being constructed. Existing renovations are rare, and in most cases, the old must come down to replace the new.

The most common method of demolition is by implosion. Combine a few hundred pounds of dynamite, a small stage show and a few seconds later, no more hotel.

Here are some of the famous implosions featured on the Las Vegas strip over the years:

Oct. 27, 1993 - Dunes Hotel: Complete with an imposing 35 foot fibreglass sultan on its roof, the Dunes goes back to May 23, 1955. This desert-theme hotel was host to big name entertainers the likes of Frank Sinatra, and was the first club to offer the topless revue, Minsky's Follies. After being purchased by a Japanese millionaire in 1987 for $155 million, Steve Wynn snagged it for a cool $75 million in 1993 and after imploding, used the property to develop what is known today as "Bellagio."

Nov. 26, 1996 - Sands: Open on December 15, 1952, this was the site of the original Oceans 11 movie starring the rat pack. The Sands had many owners, but during the reign of Howard Hughes, the famous 500-room circular tower was added. The impressive Venetian Hotel has now replaced the Sands.

Dec. 31, 1996 - Hacienda: In spite of its proximity to the McCarran International Airport, the Hacienda had rough start and could never really compete with the larger resorts. It began as a modest 240 room hotel, and later expanded to 1,140 rooms, but remained closed for a couple years due to problems obtaining a gaming license. The Hacienda made a flashy exit on New Year's Eve of 1997 and was replaced by the Mandalay Bay. Its famous neon horse and rider sign, lives on at the intersection of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard.

April 27, 1998 - Aladdin: Originating as the Tally-Ho, then the King's Crown, the Aladdin was purchased and completely renovated for only $3 million dollars by Milton Prell. Probably its biggest claim to fame was hosting the wedding of Elvis & Priscilla Presley. After owner Prell suffered a stroke in 1972, he sold the hotel for $5 million. The new owners revamped the Aladdin, to the tune of $60 million, with the addition of a 19-story tower. After being imploded in 1998, a new and improved $1.4 billion Aladdin re-opened, but it too changed hands and is currently known as Planet Hollywood.

Las Vegas Hotels - The Venetian Hotel

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas is situated on the main strip on the Las Vegas Boulevard. It is located in a perfect place, and is situated where previously the Sands hotel used to sit. The Venetian provides its guests with one of its kind dining, shops, a spa, entertainment, art, and complete relaxation and fun. It is also residence for top class casino and gaming core, business center, and more than 4,000 rooms and suites to add ease to anyone's holiday.

The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, especially designed to give the guest an unforgettable renaissance stay, has the world's biggest average suites, and is also the city's most stylish casino. It lets the visitor escape into the romantic impression of this all-suite Las Vegas hotel.

The Venetian Resort gives an uplifting feeling of canals surrounding almost twenty restaurants, out of which six winning chefs, almost eighty international boutiques with tailoring and souvenirs. The Canyon Ranch Spa Club permits one to have a rest and unwind with an indulgent spa, fitness center, and rock-climbing wall. Gondola rides provided along the district mile canals make this the perfect romantic vacation for newlyweds or any couple. All these factors contribute in one reminisce about Italy.

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas provides its guests with sofa, marble entrances, railings, and large beds. Each bedroom offers marble baths, televisions, sunken living rooms and other features that consist of mini bars, private gaming facilities, and fax facilities.

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas takes its guests security and comfort very seriously. The facilities it offers include a 24-hour security, safety deposit boxes, cleaning services, and valet Parking and ATM machines.

In addition this Las Vegas hotel has a gaming casino, which has more than 2000 games and slot machines. Offering more that 122 various gambling tables, there games also vary from Craps to Blackjack and so on. In addition, for those who love horseracing, the hotel has licensed betting office that accepts bets on any type of sport that is happening.

The live theater that opened in Las Vegas a couple of years ago had made Venetian Hotel's name internationally popular as well. Shows from New York, London and other theatrical capitals come here to put on a show to which is highly appreciated by the Messe. As the host for rock, jazz and other concerts, this hotel also dancing, talking to keep his guests. The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas has a reputation as the top entertainment for all ages, of every language and every culture.

The newly opened Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, with renowned museums in New York and St. Petersburg together, display a permanent collection in a huge structure designed Dutch. The Vegas editionthe Madame Tussauds Wax Gallery accommodates American icons from Las Vegas and across the rest of the United States, everlasting wax figures of celebrities like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.

For the daring family, the Treasure Island is a different and thrilling resort destination. Shows, shopping, restaurants, and a variety of entertainment found within walking distance of the Venetian Las Vegas hotel.

Treasure Island joins The Mirage by means of a tram and has bridges to the Palazzo at The Venetian on the east. The casual environments at Treasure Island give confidence so you feel right at home. Treasure Island is an amusement adventure for the family as a whole. The atmosphere of pirates that created can entertain the kids.

For those who just want to unwind, the Venetian has a huge swimming pool on five acres, located on its fourth floor, along with an enormous luxury spa, and one of the most excellent fitness centers along the Strips. It also has elegant gardens created by a proposal from Venice to them with high quality beauty salon.

The hotel ended his night by jamming a house full of party. Make sure that the Venetian would have every expectation of a customer is enough of this hotel is designed to take advantage of what it was.

The Venetian Hotel is one of the first-class hotels in Las Vegas, which promise more comfort, luxury, entertainment and much more. With the aim of ensuringthat their customers come back, this hotel meets every expectation that one could set.

Hotels in Las Vegas

If you are planning on visiting Las Vegas for the first time, there are a few hotels that you should definitely check out which offer something different depending on your requirements. These are great hotels that are within walking distance from each other and have some great features and attractions that you do not want to miss out on.

The New York New York is located on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue. It is a recreation of the New York City skyline. A main feature of the casino is the roller coaster that runs on the outside. Within the hotel, there is a midway game area and an entire recreation of the New York city streets, with shopping, cafes, and fast food restaurants to entice you along the way.

The MGM Grand Las Vegas is across the street from the New York New York and exhibits a huge lion at the front of the casino. From the inviting entrance of the Lion, you can imagine the live shows that the hotel boasts as well as concerts, musicians and live, broadcast award ceremonies. The MGM Grand Las Vegas is a hotel you wouldn't want to miss.

The Bellagio is a few blocks down from the MGM Grand on Las Vegas Boulevard and features a huge fountain, water display at the front of the casino that plays every hour and includes lights and music. Within the casino there is a live garden that is changed periodically and an ever changing art museum. The Bellagio is one of the main casino resorts that have appeared on a number of Hollywood films including Oceans Eleven.

Caesar's Palace is located on Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road. Caesar's Palace is known for their Forum Shops and the Atlantis shows within the forum shops that run hourly, featuring moving statues that tell a tale of the Gods and Goddess from Greek mythology. There is also a game area, restaurants, gambling, cafes and coffee shops to enjoy with the comfort of this invigorating hotel.

Planet Hollywood is located right off the main part of Las Vegas Boulevard. Based off of the Planet Hollywood restaurant, the hotel casino features an entire shopping plaza within the casino, with different free comedy and magic shows that take place making Planet Hollywood hotel on of the most entertaining hotels with the best shopping to die for.

Las Vegas possesses some of the best casinos and hotels in the world. Wherever you decide to stay, all the casino hotels reviewed have something different to offer so choose wisely as you're spoilt for choice. You definitely want to make sure you visit each of these casinos even if you don't stay at them as you will not be disappointed with what they have to offer.

Luxury Hotels - Las Vegas

Gambling mecca Las Vegas is home to some of the most showy hotels and casinos in the world. Here are a few that should be considered five-star on any stay.

The Artisan

Just off the infamous strip, the Artisan goes one further than just being a hotel: it is an experience. From the minute the valet greets you upon arrival to the heavily gilded gothic front doors, this is what Las Vegas is all about. Surreal, quirky and completely out of the ordinary, the hotel blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Sparkling chandeliers, flickering candles and decadence leave you feeling a little like you have arrived in early 20th Century Paris.

MGM Grand

Upon its opening in 1993, the MGM Grand held the accolade for the largest hotel in the world. With over 5000 rooms, five outdoor pools, 16 restaurants, and the largest casino in the State of Clark County featuring a glass-sided lion habitat inside the casino area. The large lion, Leo, looms large outside the front of the imposing green glass building.

Bellagio

The crème de la crème of hotel accommodation, the Bellagio is a classic five star jewel amongst the themed Las Vegas luxury hotels that dominate the strip. A wealth of timeless furnishings decorate over 3900 rooms making for a super relaxing place to retreat to once the casino becomes too much. The fountains a the front of the hotel draw in the crowds for the daily shows as water leaps high up in the air to the sounds of Elton John amongst others.

Luxor

Named after the city of Luxor in Egypt, the striking black pyramid facade of the Luxor Hotel and Casino is one of the first hotels to greet you as you begin the drive along the Strip. Unmissable, the design adds a quirky edge to an already eclectic skyline. This Las Vegas luxury hotel has a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza. Getting to lift is exciting as guest rooms are situated on the outer walls of the pyramid and are reached by the inclinators that travel along the inner surface of the pyramid at a 39-degree angle

Wynn

The flagship hotel of the Wynn brand, The Wynn Las Vegas is often deemed to be one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Conveniently situated opposite the large Fashion Mall on the strip, it is one of the only hotels that has no obvious gimmicks such as a rollercoaster or life size Eiffel Tower to invite guests in. The hotel has its own 18-hole golf course as well as a salon, casino (of course) and an extensive collection of the world's finest shops. Home to the infamous Tryst nightclub, which has a waterfall and lake in the middle of it. Only in Las Vegas.

The Best Hotels in Las Vegas on TV

Montecito Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is known to millions as one of the best hotels in Las, but no one is able to stay somewhere. Why? As the hotel is completely fictitious. After appearances in eight different television series, has quickly become a household name on the screen, equivalent to the trials and tribulations of many favorite TV characters. Some of the higher performance of Montecito. Just remember if you are notbe able to rent a room there!

Las Vegas

The series that first introduced the Montecito Hotel to our screens, 'Las Vegas' features storylines centring around the team operating the hotel. They include mundane tasks such as valet parking issues, restaurant management, and casino security amidst the more dramatic episodes. With many instalments following lead character Ed Deline, an ex-CIA officer working as Head of Security at the Montecito, 'Las Vegas' often managed to include a surprising amount of action and intrigue in its plots. In order to fully portray one of the best hotels in Las Vegas, many famous people appeared as hotel guests - Jean-Claude Van Damme, Rihanna, Penn and Teller, Jon Bon Jovi, Hugh Hefner, and even the Blue Man Group were all spotted in the Montecito's rooms.

Heroes

The Montecito became a pivotal location in science-fiction drama 'Heroes', and was owned by the eccentric and cold-blooded businessman Mr Linderman. Though the villainous Mr Linderman was often mentioned but rarely seen in episodes of the series, the Montecito was chosen by hero Nathan Petrelli as one of the best hotels in the city to stay at while he visits contacts, campaigning to become a New York Congressman. It is also notable as the casino where hapless Hiro first marshals his time-stopping superpowers to cheat at a game of roulette.

Monk

The detective comedy based around the cases of obsessive-compulsive investigator Adrian Monk holds the record for the most-watched scripted drama episode in cable television history for it's finale in 2009. The series featured one prior, memorable episode titled 'Mr Monk goes to Vegas', where Monk is called to investigate a wealthy casino owner's murder at one of the best hotels in Las Vegas - but not quite the Montecito. Though the Montecito's name was changed for the episode, the distinctive logo was prominently shown throughout.

Crossing Jordan and Passions

For the crime drama and soap opera fans, television series 'Crossing Jordan' (following the investigations of medical examiner Jordan Cavanaugh), and 'Passions' (a long-running and off-the-wall soap about the residents of a fictional town named 'Harmony'), featured characters from the casts visiting the Montecito, and interacting with characters from the 'Las Vegas' cast. The best hotels in the city can't limit themselves to just one television crossover, fictional or not!

So, next time you're on the lookout for a room in one of the best hotels in Las Vegas, spare a thought for the wonderful locations that only exist on television screens across the globe. Though there are many real hotels to stay in for a visit to Vegas, the Montecito would be an interesting place to reserve for a night!

Las Vegas Hotels With the Best Family Oriented Pools

Every year my boys can't wait for our annual family Vegas vacation. This year it will be our 7th year. Lots of people disagree that Vegas is a good place for families with children, but we love it. My husband and I are not gamblers or drinkers and we truly enjoy spending our free time with our two boys.

Las Vegas has so much to offer beside the gambling and the nightlife. Every year there is more stuff to see and experience.

We usually visit Las Vegas every September right after Labor Day weekend. The weather is great and we can't wait to lounge by the pool sipping cold drinks. We always pick a hotel with the best pool that is family friendly and we won't get dirty looks by bringing our boys down. The top 3 picks of our family are The MGM Grand, The Monte Carlo and The Mirage.

#1 The MGM Grand
The MGM Grand has an amazing pool complex. In my opinion one of the best in Vegas. You feel like you entered an exotic paradise with lots of lush greenery, beautiful flowers, fountains and little island connected with bridges. This massive over 6 acre paradise offers 5 swimming pools, 3 whirlpools and lazy river. The lazy river was a hit with my family. It floats under bridges, through waterfalls and ends in a little Lagoon with waterfall which is perfect wading pool for babies and little ones.

I must admit this paradise has a few drawbacks. One of the drawbacks is that you need to rent a tube or a raft to truly experience the lazy river . I believe the rental is $15 per tube per day. The MGM Grand is known to run special promotions where you can get the rental cheaper, free or 2 for 1. Before you book your room you should check out websites with coupons for MGM (just go to Google and type coupons MGM Las Vegas in to the search - early vegas is a good one). The second drawback is that the pool complex is located quite far from the guest elevators. You need to walk through the promenade with stores and restaurants to get to the pool, but the walk is well worth it.

#2 The Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo pool is much smaller in comparison to the pool complex at The Grand , but we enjoyed it regardless. They are kids friendly and that's all that matters.

The Monte Carlo offers 3 swimming pools, whirlpool and kids pool. If you are visiting Las Vegas with little kids you will love the enclosed kiddie pool with kids size beach chairs. The wave pool with 3ft waves was designed to simulate the ocean and is a blast for the whole family. If you want to have a swim then try the Lagoon pool. It is a nice and relaxing square pool with a waterfall. My favorite was the relaxing 400 feet of Easy River Ride. There is a tube rental as well, but you can purchase a tube inside their beach shop for around $12.00 and the rental shop will even blow it up for you. This is a real money saver for larger families or longer stay like us. After you done with it , why not pass the tube onto a new family.

#3 The Mirage
The pool at the Mirage is a series of pools connected by bridges and lagoons with cascading waterfalls in tropical setting. They used to have a waterslide , but to a big disappointment of my children they closed it down. They offer raft rental to float around, but we never needed one. You can ask for complimentary life jackets for children. The pool is located close to the guest elevators just down a little promenade with few stores, coffee bistro and ice cream shop. If you will decide to order a drink take my advice and order small size. If you don't specify they will bring you a huge drink with even bigger price tag.

Just a tip: Most of the pools in Vegas say that you are not allowed to save lounge chairs at the pool, but everybody does it. If you don't you won't get a good spot because hundreds of people before you ignored the rule. Live and Learn.

Enjoy Las Vegas with Kids.

Stay tuned for more articles about family friendly Las Vegas.