Caesars Palace

Since 1966, Caesars has stood simultaneously as the ultimate in Vegas luxury and the nadir (or pinnacle, depending on your values) of Las Vegas cheese. It's the most Vegas-style hotel you'll find, covering all the bases, from the tacky fabulous schmaltz of the recent past to the current trend in high-end luxury.

When Caesars was originally built to reflect Roman decadence, its designers probably had no idea how guffaw-inducing this would be some years later. It's the level of kitsch all should aspire to: Roman colonnades, Roman pillars, gigantic faux-marble Roman statues, staff attired in gladiator outfits -- it's splendidly ridiculous. It's what Vegas ought to be.

Accommodations occupy five towers (a sixth is under construction but has been delayed until at least late 2012), and there are too many decorating schemes to describe here. Rooms in the newer Augustus tower are done in the sleek, unfussy neutrals that are all the rage, plus whirlpool tubs, marble and wood sinks, and little flatscreen TVs in the bathrooms. If you like elbow room, it's worth it. If you are looking for old-time Caesars romance, ask for rooms with a Greco-Roman theme (some have classical sculptures in niches); furnishings tend to neoclassic styles; Roman columns, pilasters, and pediments are common. Some newer rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a hypnotizing panoramic view and, better still, older ones have lavish tubs in the middle of the room (which can be uncomfortable, if you wish to shower and don't want your shower to be a spectator sport).

One of the oldest towers, the Centurion built in 1970, is being converted to a boutique hotel within the hotel called Nobu after the Japanese restaurant group that is taking it over. It will have a subtle Asian theme, its own check-in, and amenities. This should be open by late 2012.

Caesars has a well-deserved reputation for superior in-house restaurants. There are quite a few in the hotel, plus dining facilities in The Forum shopping area. All are highly recommended. The hotel's sushi restaurant, Hyakumi, its Southwestern-themed Mesa Grill, and a replica of New York's famous Rao's are reviewed under 'Restaurants,' as are the hotel's food court and buffets. Restaurants in The Forum Shops arcade include Spago and The Palm. In the newer Atlantis section is a Cheesecake Factory. Caesar's also hosts the nightclubs PURE and Cleopatra's Barge.

Having spent over $160 million renovating its Garden of the Gods, Caesars has created a tasteful, undeniably Caesaresque masterpiece. With eight pools on three levels there is plenty of space for frolicking in the hot sun. Each has the classic granite columns and intricately carved sculptures that you'd expect from an area that names each of its pools after Roman deities or words that lend context to its unique mission (Fortuna has swim-up blackjack, Bacchus is for VIP guests only, and Apollo gets the most sun of any of them). To feel even more regal, snatch one of the shaded cabanas that offer a phone, TV, and air-conditioning; they start at $150 a day (reserve early). Several amenities are also available by the pool area, including massage, four whirlpools, the Neptune Bar, swim-up blackjack, and food service.

Other amenities (really, do you need more?) include a knockout spa; a fully-stocked fitness center; The Forum Shops are in the grandest mall you can imagine (think of the La Dolce Vita walk on the Via Veneto), with stores ranging from the pedestrian (Gap) to the exclusive (Dolce & Gabbana); and a 4,000-seat Colosseum, a replica of the original building in Rome that is home to pop diva Céline Dion.

Facilities:
25 restaurants; nightclub; casino; concierge; executive-level rooms; health club; 8 outdoor pools; room service; spa; 4 wedding chapels

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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