3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
The new kid on the block struts its stuff, emerging victorious in its first year of eligibility for the Best of Las Vegas crown. And it's tough to argue with the choice, considering Bellagio's many claims to fame, from its expansive fake lake to its impressive art collection -- the real thing, by 19th- and 20th-century masters. (But put the gallery in a bigger room -- please?) Everything about Steve Wynn's pleasure palace, from its inlaid marble floors to its conservatory, whispers world-class. (Shouting would, after all, be far too crass.) However, Review-Journal readers haven't forgotten an old favorite, making the venerable Caesars Palace a respectable runner-up.
Our Pick: CAESARS PALACE
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South
As for us, we'll take the gaudy splendors of ancient Rome-via-Vegas over Bellagio's tasteful Tuscan towers any day. Quiet luxury may have its place, but it lacks the dash of flash that, in our view, characterizes Strip supremacy. Whether it's break-the-bank games of chance, credit-max shopping or sumptuous dining, Caesars augments its extravagant amenities with an irresistible touch of tongue-in-cheek humor that makes it a classic Las Vegas trip.
