Vegas Vacation

In the last 2 decades, the largest casino grand opening in Las Vegas was the Bellagio, Venetian, and Wynn. In different ways, all 3 casinos re-shaped the expectation of gaming, entertainment, dining, and luxury for the Las Vegas traveler. Now, MGM has redefined “Sin City” and all Las Vegas Hotels as it unveils the extraordinary and somewhat overwhelming heart of Las Vegas, City Center. City Center resides on Las Vegas Boulevard between Monte Carlo and Bellagio. Known as a “city within a city”, the Aria, Mandarin Oriental, Vdara, Harmon Hotel, Veer Towers, and Crystals shopping district sits on 76 acres. The residential Veer Towers and non gaming Harmon Hotel are set to open in 2010.

Aria is a hotel and casino with a very modern décor boasting 4004 rooms, 16 restaurants, and 10 bars. Aria has a world class spa, 3 sparkling swimming pools with 50 poolside cabanas. Las Vegas Shows are still a huge tourist attraction to most casinos and the Aria is no exception. Cirque du Soleli provides entertainment for Aria with the production show “Viva Elvis” a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. As of January 2010, performances of “Viva Elvis” are 7pm and 9:30pm Friday thru Tuesday. Shows will be dark Wednesday and Thursday.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas is a non-gaming 47 story hotel with sleek contemporary design and subtle oriental touches. The hotel has 392 guestrooms and 227 exclusive residences. Mandarin has 6 restaurants and bars featuring Twist by Pierre Gagnaire. The main lobby is on the 23rd floor where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Sky Lobby.

Vdara is a non gaming smoke free all suite hotel. Featuring 1495 suites, a full service wellness spa, salon, and fitness center. VDARA is a Gold Certified Green Building.

Crystals is a retail and entertainment experience. A collection of the world’s most famous and elite retailers. More than 500,000 square feet of retail, entertainment, and restaurants. Featuring Wolfgang Puck and Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso Vegas.

One could argue that the architecture of City Center Las Vegas ranks with the best of Chicago, San Francisco, and New York. But its’ extravagant design comes with a whopping $9 billion dollar price tag with $40 Million going to the public Fine Art Collection featuring works by Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer and Henry Moore.

Regardless of the price tag, the City of Las Vegas is truly the biggest winner, City Center now employs approximately 12,000 staff making it the single largest hiring effort in the country today.