NOTES: : New York-New York Hotel & Casino re-creates traditional New York City Landmarks, including a classical Manhattan skyline with 12 New York-style skyscrapers, housing 2,034 rooms and suites. Other famous Big Apple icons include a Central Park-themed casino; a 150-ft. replica of the Statue of Liberty; Manhattan Express, a Coney Island-style roller coaster; and a 300-ft.-long replica of the Brooklyn Bridge. Rooms in the oddly shaped towers come in a variety of styles and sizes, but all are stunningly done in an art-deco style and start at around $89 weekdays.

Riviera

ADDRESS: 2901 Las Vegas Blvd S; Las Vegas, NV 89109

NOTES: With more than 2,100 beautifully appointed rooms including 170 suites, the Riviera's offers many that with pool-side patios or balconies, and afford guests spectacular views of the pool area, Strip and Las Vegas Valley. Prices start in the $79 range for slow weekdays and go up from there. Several showrooms featuring adult themed shows, a bunch of restaurants, shopping, a large casino, and a pool complete this legendary Strip hotel.

Sahara Hotel

ADDRESS: 2535 Las Vegas Blvd S; Las Vegas, NV 89109

NOTES: Located at the northernmost end of The Strip, The Sahara has over 2,000 guest rooms and suites, a huge pool, a recently remodeled casino featuring an Arabian Nights theme, shopping, restaurants, bars, a showroom, and a NASCAR themed attraction with motion simulator rides, a roller coaster, and a restaurant. Rooms range in size but most are smaller than normal, however you can often get them for rock bottom prices -- as low as $28 during the slow weekdays.

Stardust

ADDRESS: 3000 Las Vegas Blvd S; Las Vegas, NV 89109

NOTES: The Stardust offers more than 2,200 rooms including 160 suites, all of which contain comfy furnishings and plenty of amenities to keep you happy. The large, rambling casino is bright and energetic and their race and sports book is one of the best in town. There are plenty of restaurants (including a branch of Tony Roma's), several bars and lounges, a shopping arcade, pools, and a showroom featuring Mr. Wayne Newton. Prices usually start at around $50 and go up from there.

Stratosphere

ADDRESS: 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S; Las Vegas, NV 89104

NOTES: The Stratosphere and its landmark 110-story tower, which is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the U.S., define the top of the Las Vegas Strip. The Stratosphere features many fine restaurants (including a revolving one at the top of the tower), bars and lounges, a pool and spa, a mall, rides and attractions both on ground level and at the top of the tower, observation decks, and a pleasant, low-key casino. Expect prices for their 1,500 rooms (with more under construction) to start at around $69 for a standard-double.

The Venetian Hotel and Casino

ADDRESS: 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South; Las Vegas, NV 89109

NOTES: Famous landmarks from Venice, Italy, including the canals and gondolas, have been replicated here, creating what is undeniably one of the most romantic hotels in Las Vegas. In September, 2001, the hotel plans to open two new museums: The Guggenheim and Hermitage collections. The rooms are the biggest in town, with separate sleeping and sitting areas and rich, plush furnishings. The casino is huge at over 100,000 square-feet, and there are a ton of restaurants, clubs, lounges. A fine pool area and a world-class spa are among the bonuses. Don't miss the Grand Canal Shoppes, featuring shopping amongst a Venice street scene, complete with a canal up the center. Expect prices to start at $179 per night.

Treasure Island

ADDRESS: 3300 Las Vegas Blvd S; Las Vegas, NV 89109

NOTES: This adventure resort is centered on the Las Vegas Strip and linked by monorail to the fabulous Mirage. At the entrance to Treasure Island, excitement abounds every 90 minutes when a fiery sea battle erupts between the British frigate HMS Brittania and the pirate ship Hispaniola. Once inside, Treasure Island offers tastefully appointed guest rooms, dining in several fine restaurants, a tropical swimming pool, and an elegant spa and salon. For those wanting more entertainment, Treasure Island features Mystere by the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil; Pirate's Walk, a small shopping arcade; and Mutiny Bay, the adventure amusement center featuring arcade, midway, virtual reality and interactive games. Prices begin around $139 per night.

Tropicana

ADDRESS: 3801 Las Vegas Blvd S; Las Vegas, NV 89109

NOTES: The Tropicana is a tropical-themed resort and casino that includes five-acre water park with lagoons, spas, waterfalls and the one of the world's largest indoor/outdoor swimming pool complete with a swim-up blackjack table. The rooms come in several different configurations including basic motel-style "Garden" rooms and large "Tower" rooms with fine French Provincial furnishings. The property includes a sizeable casino with a jungle-motif, many restaurants and lounges, a showroom featuring one of the last remaining topless shows in town, and the Casino Legends Hall of Fame Museum, a must-see attraction. Prices start at around $59.

Vacation Village

ADDRESS: 6711 Las Vegas Blvd S; Las Vegas, NV 89119

LOCAL PHONE: (702) 897-1700
CALL TOLL-FREE: (800) 658-5000
FAX NUMBER: (702) 361-6726

NOTES: The hotel and casino showcases Southwest architecture. Facilities include 317 rooms, restaurants, lounges, bars, sports book, entertainment and games, swimming pools, spas and shops. Free airport shuttle service; 91,000-sq.-ft. casino.

---

NOTES: The Westward Ho's amenities include 777 rooms, the "friendliest" casino, lounge with entertainment; 24-hour restaurant and deli; 12,169 total sq. ft. banquet rooms; seven pools and Jacuzzis; lots of fun; great food; bright lights; live entertainment and continuous casino action. It's all Las Vegas, and it's all at the Westward Ho.