Traveling at a top speed of 50 mph, Las Vegas Monorail consists of nine trains that run on a single rail sitting about 20 feet above ground in most areas. The rail’s highest point reaches around 70 feet above the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Las Vegas Monorail was privately funded, and the $650 million public transportation system opened in July of 2004. It has the distinction of being the first privately-financed transit system built in the U.S.A. since World War II.

The Las Vegas Monorail System is a 3.9 mile dual-beam line that connects the MGM Grand with the Sahara Hotel Casino. Stations are located along the route including: Bally’s/Paris, Flamingo Hilton, Harrah’s/Imperial Palace, the Las Vegas Hilton and lastly, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Cost to ride the Monorail: One-way trip is $5; one-day unlimited access is $12, and a three-day pass is $28

The Las Vegas Monorail runs Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Friday – Sunday, 7 a.m. – 3 a.m.

For more information:  Click Here

Courtesy of: Bellagio Las Vegas

Once again, MGM Resorts International (http://www.mgmresorts.com/) continues to receive industry accolades for their luxury Las Vegas properties.

MGM Resorts International recently received 28 esteemed AAA Four and Five Diamond Awards for its luxury resorts and fine restaurants. These awards continues to solidify the company’s position among the world’s most elite.

The company was the recipient of seven prestigious AAA Five Diamond Awards, including two resorts at CityCenter which opened their doors less than a year ago.

“The AAA awards are the gold standard by which all resorts and restaurants are measured, providing a trusted source to help travelers determine where to stay and dine,” said Corey Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International. “We are honored to receive 28 Four and Five Diamond Awards, acknowledging our company’s continued commitment to excellence and affirming the experience guests can expect to enjoy at these resorts and restaurants.”

The impeccable service, accommodations and fine dining at CityCenter’s ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas have earned both properties Five Diamonds, an exceptional feat only accomplished by a small group of distinguished hotels, and of these, only a select few received the honor within the first year of operation. In addition, Sage at ARIA was named CityCenter’s first Four Diamond restaurant.

Bobby Baldwin, CityCenter’s President and CEO, said, “From inception to operation, our goal with CityCenter was to create a resort destination that provides guests with services and amenities unmatched in the world. To receive the highest honor in the industry with the AAA Five Diamond Award is a reflection of our commitment to this promise and to delivering unforgettable experiences for each guest from arrival to departure.”

Bellagio continues to lead Las Vegas luxury resorts becoming the first hotel and casino in the city to receive its tenth consecutive AAA Five Diamond Award. In addition, Julian Serrano’s renowned restaurant, Picasso, has also been awarded its tenth straight AAA Five Diamond Award and Le Cirque received the distinction for the eighth consecutive year. The honors, once again, make Bellagio the only hotel in the United States to be home to two AAA Five Diamond restaurants. Further adding to its dining accolades, Bellagio’s Jasmine, MICHAEL MINA, Sensi and Prime Steakhouse all earned the AAA Four Diamond Award.

For the fifth consecutive year, AAA has awarded SKYLOFTS and Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand the Five Diamond Award for extraordinary service and decadent cuisine. Additionally, MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, Craftsteak, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Nobhill Tavern, Pearl and Seablue have all earned the esteemed Four Diamond Award.

Impressively, Mandalay Bay, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo also received the respected Four Diamond Award, a testament to the properties’ commitment to quality service and the guest experience. Adding to MGM Resorts International’s award catalog, Aureole, Fleur de Lys, miX and STRIPSTEAK at Mandalay Bay and Andre’s at Monte Carlo also received this coveted distinction.

Michael Geeser, AAA Nevada spokesperson, was quoted, “Once again, MGM Resorts International has set itself apart with its exquisite restaurants and resort hotels that are known for the highest quality and service.”

That double take you did spotting a huge limo in Vegas may be justified. The “Midnight Rider” is the world’s largest and grandest limousine around.

In fact, Midnight Rider is a traveling luxury ground vehicle, cruising Southern California and Las Vegas with an 1,800 watt Sony surround sound in each of her three lounges, large screen televisions, a full bar, two bartenders and yes, a bathroom! Sweet.

Representative of the luxury days of railroad travel, she is classified as a “Tractor-Trailer Limousine”, and is the only one ever built. The air-ride suspension makes for a ride so comfortable, it allows you to stand up and move from lounge to lounge, mingling and partying with your group.

Photo: Elizabeth R. Mitchell

Enjoy a taste of Paris at the Rue de la Paix. The Rue de la Paix shopping promenade comprises numerous exciting shops.

The Paris Hotel & Casino also has a gift and convenience store. If you’re seeking superlative shopping, the hotel’s superb location puts you close to some of the finest shopping adventures in the world.

Hand in hand, you can stroll down the cobblestone sidewalks of the Rue de la Paix shopping district. The Rue de la Paix, a mini replica of Paris France’s famous shopping district, is a shopping promenade that comprises numerous exciting shops.

You’ll find an array of authentic French boutiques, including a garden shop, wine and cheese shop, and high-end clothing stores.

RMS Titanic coal – $500,000

If you are looking for one of the most expensive gifts found on the famous Las Vegas Strip, then stop in the Luxor Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

The Luxor Hotel & Casino is hosting the incredible Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and you can purchase the half million dollar, 55 lb piece of coal salvaged from the Titanic – Ship of Dreams.

Can’t afford to drop $500,000 on a chunk of coal? Well you can also buy smaller, authentic pieces of coal for only $25 and $50.

These coal keepsakes were part of the 5,892 tons of coal loaded onboard Titanic when it left England almost a century ago and is the only artifact that can be sold to the public.

The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor is an amazing 25,000-square-foot exhibit that features many items from the Titanic.

A small example of items on display include: the ship’s whistles, passenger luggage, floor tiles from the first-class smoking room, a window frame from the Verandah Cafe and an unopened bottle of champagne with a 1900 vintage.

Other items found at the exhibit are: a piece of Titanic’s hull, a full-scale re-creation of the Grand Staircase, in addition to a newly expanded outer Promenade Deck, complete with the frigid temperatures felt on that fateful April night.

If something that sparkles is more appealing, walk away from The Exhibition wearing a stunning replica of the 15 inch filigree necklace.

How about a replica of the the original necklace, that was hand constructed of platinum and set with small diamonds? This stunning piece of jewelry was one of the many recovered pieces of jewelry that Titanic’s first-class ladies brought to wear in the evening while at sea.

For only $20 , you can buy a beautiful replica of the “Heart of the Ocean” necklace which was made famous in the James Cameron film “Titanic.”

Enjoy the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor, view historical artifacts and learn all about the the mighty RMS Titanic.

Find the perfect gift at the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition retail shop, located  inside Luxor Hotel & Casino or online at TheTitanicStore.com.

Near the reception area at the luxurious Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, the Via Fiore houses a collection of housewares, mid-priced clothing stores, a newsstand, and a Bellagio logo shop.

Like beautiful gems thoughtfully placed in their destined settings, the shops of Via Fiore gracefully outline the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

Below is a listing of the stores:

Dale Chihuly:
Dale Chihuly pioneered a demanding new art form blending performance art, sculpture and environments into creations of spectacular and colorful works.

Essentials:
Bellagio logo apparel, accessories, gifts, and souvenirs.

Giardini Garden Store:
Offering a wide array of garden-oriented gifts and decorative items for the home and garden.

Newsstand:
Logo items, magazines, newspapers, refreshments, sundries, wine, and wine accessories.

Alize at the Top of the Palms

If you are looking for one of the most romantic spots in all of Las Vegas, then look no further than the luxurious Alizé at the Top of the Palms.

The Alizé at the Top of the Palms was named after the gentle trade winds that sweep the French Caribbean Islands and features world-class cuisine, service and wine list, boasting the most dramatic view of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Chef and Proprietor André Rochat of the respected and award winning Andre’s Restaurant, opened Alizé – the crown jewel of his culinary empire in 2001 on the top floor of the Palms Casino Resort.

Chef André Rochat has combined two key ingredients in making an ideal recipe for romance – an exquisite meal and spectacular view.

The Michelin-awarded Alizé at the Top of the Palms offers both a superb meal amidst a breathtaking 280-degree panoramic view, 56 stories above the famous Las Vegas Strip and surrounding majestic mountains.

As Valentine’s Day nears, legendary chef André Rochat has prepared an amazing prix fixe menu to please the palate, as well as the heart.

Alize at the Top of the Palms – Valentine’s Day dinner

The delicious Valentine’s Day menu at Alizé at the Top of The Palms, will be served on Monday, February 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. This exclusive celebratory meal is priced at $125 per person plus an 18 percent gratuity.

For February 14th, restaurant guests begin their fine dining experience with an amuse bouche of Belon oyster with Oscetra caviar and lemon mignonette followed by a choice between the Roasted King Crab and Celery Root Bisque flavored with crab leg, Fugi apple and fresh Perigord truffle or Andre’s foie gras terrine with duck confit, toasted brioche and endive marmalade.

The incredible meal continues with a choice of Arugula and Citrus Marinated Hearts of Palm Salad with apricot confiture, red endive and candied pecans or Seared Diver Scallop with roasted salsify purée, grapefruit emulsion and minced chives.  Next up, cleanse and refresh the taste buds with a lemon kiwi sorbet prior to a main course featuring a choice of Macadamia Crusted Northern Halibut with roasted mushroom, smoked bacon strudel and sautéed spinach with a bordelaise sauce or roasted free range chicken with a chive and potato croquette, braised leeks, foie gras and black truffle jus. Other entrée selections include sautéed filet of beef with jumbo green asparagus, red onion confit, potato purée and cognac green pepper corn sauce or a Veal Loin Chop with Chamonix potato, browned-buttered cauliflower and veal jus.

The prefect way to top off a romantic holiday dinner is by enjoying a fabulous dessert.  Chef André Rochat offers a choice of passion fruit and Milk Chocolate Bavarian terrine or fresh long stem strawberries with chocolate fondue and shortbread cookies or salted honey-milk caramel cake with crispy almond praline.

To make reservations for the amazing Valentine’s Day meal at Alizé at the Top of the Palms, please call (702) 951-7000.

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas offers “Hollywood Hip” premium quality accommodations in a contemporary modern style complete with all the latest and greatest names in fine dining and entertainment.

Planet Hollywood is located at the center of The Strip across from the Bellagio, next to the Paris Hotel. Planet Hollywood features the Miracle Mile Shops, an endless circle of over 170 specialty stores including H&M, White House/Black Market, and BCBG MAXAZRIA along side 15 restaurants.

Clients can sip their favorite cocktail in the ultra-chic Living Room, or dance the night away at Prive.

In the mood for entertainment? Our 1,500-seat Showroom hosts Stomp Out Loud, the new production from Britain’s favorite rhythm troupe. The 7,500-seat Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts annual extravaganzas including the Miss America Pageant; it’s also a regular Las Vegas stop for some of the biggest names in music and live performance.

Plus, your clients are able to receive Starwood Preferred Guest points and benefits. For travel professionals, there’s nowhere quite as majestic. Or as famous. Welcome to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino!

Planet Hollywood Hotel has three solid acres of gaming excitement, including slots, table games, the Race and Sports Book, and new non-smoking poker room.

Dine at one of eight restaurants, including KOI from Beverly Hills and Strip House from New York. Catch the Off Broadway hit show “Stomp Out Loud” or splurge at the Miracle Mile Shops with over 170 stores and 15 restaurants.

Rejuvenate at the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara. And relax in one of our 2,500 plush and stylish rooms and suites — each one with its own piece of Hollywood history — actual memorabilia from famous films.

All of the Planet Hollywood Casino’s private hotel areas – including guest rooms with marble bathrooms, and the swimming pools which are located on the roof top 6 floors above the Las Vegas Strip, are all accessible directly. Guests do not have to pass through the casino to reach their rooms – or any other destination within the resort. Maximum occupancy is 4 people.

Planet Hollywood Las Vegas is also the central departure and drop off point for many of the Las Vegas Tours of the surrounding area.

Planet Hollywood Amenities

* Pool
On the 6th floor, the Planet Hollywood Pool has fantastic strip views, poolside food and beverage service. Pool is heated and seasonal.
* Spa By Mandara
Massages, facials, hair and nail treatments, tanning and more.
* Fitness Center
Visit the gym at Planet Hollywood. Equipped with treadmills, cross-trainers, steppers, recumbent bikes, upright bikes and free weights. Open daily from 6am to 7pm. (operating hours subject to change without notice) Must be at least 18 to use Fitness Center. Other restrictions may apply. Inquire at Front Desk for more information.
* Wedding Chapel
The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Wedding Chapel hosted one of the world’s most famous Las Vegas weddings. Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married in the chapel at the Aladdin in 1967.
* Convention and Meeting Facilities
The first Las Vegas resort designed specifically to meet the needs and requirements of corporate, incentive and convention planners.

Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: 702-785-5555
Toll Free: 1-866-919-PHRC (7472)

The Sirens of TI — Treasure Island Hotel and Casino’s latest “adult-oriented” show is a modern musical – meets – action – movie spectacular.

The Sirens of the TI takes place in the same location as the previous “Pirate Battle” show Buccaneer Bay — now called Sirens’ Cove at the front entrance of TI Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.

The word “Sirens” presumably was taken from Greek mythology. They lure a ship full of pirates to their cove, capture them, sink their ship, and then … have sex with them?

The Sirens show was created by award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, the production features a clash between a group of beautiful, tempting sirens and a band of renegade pirates.

The show features sword-fighting, dancing, music, high-diving acrobatics and spectacular pyrotechnics

Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
3300 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
800-288-7206

CityCenter Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers “over the top” glamor and ultra-luxury in everything they do. Why should the holiday season be any different?

CityCenter is an incredible complex in the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip that includes: luxury hotels, retail shopping at Crystals, restaurants, convention center, art museum and much more! CityCenter was developed by MGM Resorts International and is located between the two of Las Vegas’ luxurious resorts – Bellagio and Monte Carlo. There is no place like CityCenter in all of Las Vegas for the holidays.

Visitors will be able to experience the continent’s only $1 million Advent calendar by Porsche Design, a grand holiday feast created by legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, get pampered with a Candy Cane Scalp Treatment, and don’t miss an incredible fireworks display! Here’s a sample of the many holiday activities available at CityCenter in Las Vegas:

• Eat, Drink and Be Merry – Indulge in an incomparable holiday feast at ARIA Resort & Casino. Jean Georges Steakhouse invites guests to enjoy an indulgent meal December 25 including char-grilled prime rib, creamy horseradish potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and pan gravy. Another ARIA gem, Sirio Ristorante, is offering a five-course tasting menu featuring its robust Italian flavors artfully blended with contemporary tastes such as pomegranate and black truffle – perfect to pair with a bold Barolo from the restaurant’s exceptional wine list.

• Deck the Halls – Crystals retail & entertainment district goes beyond simply piping in Christmas carols by truly “decking the halls.” The shopping mecca has been transformed into an elaborate floor-to-ceiling winter wonderland, complete with shimmering icicles, jewel-toned ribbons, a potpourri of spectacular flowers and a dazzling galaxy of custom-designed candy twists overhead.

• Shopping in a Winter Wonderland – Crystals also provides the discerning shopper a lavish selection of exclusive holiday goods. For the truly hard-to-please, Porsche Design has unveiled a one-of-a-kind interpretation of the classic Advent calendar – valued at $1 million and limited to only one per continent! As the holiday nears, doors open each day to reveal incredible Porsche Design products ranging from a unique P’6910 Indicator wristwatch by Swiss watchmaker Eterna to keys to your own RFF28 Motor Yacht! Luxury retailers Prada and Fendi will offer Crystals-exclusive handbags and Yves Saint Laurent will introduce a Crystals-exclusive Trib Too pump with a crystal-studded heel. Outlets including Miu Miu, Donna Karan, Kiki de Montparnasse and de Grisogono feature special holiday lines to treat the trendy traveler.

• Relax-mas – Relax-mas means relax more, and the place for relaxation is at CityCenter’s luxurious spas. Vdara’s decadent Candy Cane Scalp Treatment stimulates your scalp and revives your hair, while invigorating Candy Cane Mani/Pedis finished with luscious holiday hues are one indulgence you won’t feel guilty about. The Spa & Salon at ARIA also is launching a brand-new Gemstone Gemology Facial during its Fabulous Facial Glow event from December 28-30. This diamond-dust firming mask and gemstone facial massage will make your face sparkle like the real thing.

• Grown-Up Sugarplums – Jean Philippe Pâtisserie’s meticulous chocolate creations will be dancing in guests’ heads well after the holidays. Miniature replicas of cherub-like Santas, intricate 3D chocolate gingerbread houses, and even edible holiday puzzles make exquisite gifts to impress any sweet tooth.

• (Not So) Blue Christmas – After holiday shopping and rejuvenating spa time, guests can enjoy Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil. The show’s fantastic mix of acrobatics, hip-shaking, dance and live music celebrates the life and music of Elvis Presley and will put any guest in a festive spirit.

• Stay a Little Longer – This holiday season; stay a little longer… for auld lang syne. New Year’s Eve at CityCenter will surely be a night to remember – assuming you’re able. A spectacular fireworks display will be launched off of the ARIA rooftop, ringing in the New Year as part of America’s Party. Before the champagne, guests can see the year out with one of the extravagant tasting menus available for New Year’s Eve at Jean Georges Steakhouse and Sirio Ristorante in ARIA Resort & Casino. Always the hot spot, Haze Nightclub will host a party for the masses or head over to Crystals to enjoy signature hors d’oeuvres and an open bar at Eve Nightclub above Beso. Bar Moderno at ARIA offers the perfect morning-after concoction for too much champagne. Try the “Morning Remedy” cocktail menu featuring cure-all blends with witty names like “Hair O’ the Salty Dog” and “Really Hung-Over!”

• Make the New Year Even Suite-r—Guests can opt to toast 2011 with glasses of Veuve Clicquot’s Yellow Label and enjoy the first meal of the New Year at Silk Road’s decadent brunch—all complimentary with the special Vdara Hotel & Spa New Year’s Suite Package.

Palms Place Hotel & Spa

From the day it opened (March 2008) in Las Vegas, Palms Place quickly became one of the “it” places to be anywhere in Sin City.

Palms Place Hotel & Spa is a luxury, 47-story hotel and spa featuring 599 units that range in size from spacious studios and one-bedroom suites up to most spectacular penthouses.

The lavish and luxurious, Palms Place is synonymous with elegance and chic. The Palms Place Pool is another of Vegas’ newest hot spots.

Palms Place also features a 50,000 square-foot pool and spa enclave, nestled amongst lush landscaping and beautiful manicured gardens. In addition, the area offers the first hammam in all of Las Vegas, bringing back the ancient traditions of a Turkish bath and offering a decadent blend of ancient and contemporary treatments.

Palms Place Hotel & Spa has just received the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award.

Palms owner George Maloof was quoted, “I am extremely proud of our team at Palms Place. They continue to work hard every day to exceed our customers’ expectations.  Receiving this award is a direct reflection of our dedication to creating an outstanding experience for all guests by delivering unique, personalized service. We look forward to future recognitions at this property.”

The exclusive award is given properties meeting all the criteria that have been established by AAA, including – excellence in comfort, cleanliness and hospitality. In addition, properties must offer an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.

Guests of Palms Place Hotel & Spa will experience the superior service elements and sophistication at Palms Place while still enjoying the exciting features at Palms Casino Resort.

Palms Casino Resort is located a short indoor walk from Palms Place, offering guests top-notch entertainment from the Pearl Concert Theater.

In addition, there are world-class nightlife options including ghostbar, Rain, Moon and the celebrated Playboy Club.