Top 10 Las Vegas Hotels

Recommended hotels, resorts and casinos on and off the Las Vegas strip.

1) Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

One of the few hotels (and the only one on this list) with no casino of its own, the Four Seasons is an elegant oasis from the busy Las Vegas strip. The hotel itself is located on the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay building, and guests have full use of those facilities. The Four Seasons also has its own pool with private, complimentary cabanas and a spa featuring "Asian Rituals."

2) Venetian Resort, Hotel and Casino

With an indoor shopping area modelled after St. Mark's Square, a replica of the canals and gondolas of Venice, and sixteen restaurants by the likes of Wolfgang Puck and Emeril Lagasse, put this huge resort into the category of "must see it to believe it."

3) Bellagio

Classically romantic, this resort is styled after a small town in Tuscany. The fountains out front dance a ballet of sorts throughout each day. Inside, a botanical garden with a matching glass ceiling sculpture provide more sustenance for your senses.

4) Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

One of my favorites for the buffet alone, which covers all the regions of France (don't miss the cheese bar). Paris added a near-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomph to the skyline of the Strip.

5) Caesar's Palace

The first of the mega-resorts, Caesar's is still a classic. The Forum Shops is one of the top malls in the country, with designer shops at every turn. Talking fountains and a "blue sky" above enchant even those who shy away from shopping.

6) Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Slightly off the strip (a short cab ride away), the Rio is nonetheless worth the trip. The seafood buffet is a bargain in a town of food bargains, with all-you-can-eat lobster tails. Over 2500 suites are favorites with both visitors and locals.

7) Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas Resort, Spa & Casino

A few minutes off the Strip on Lake Las Vegas, but you won't be missing a thing. An on-site casino, two pools and a spa keep guests busy, and a complimentary shuttle ferries adventure-seekers to the Strip.

8) Mandalay Bay

Filled with aquariums, this resort is perfect for water lovers. Out back, four swimming pools (including a wave pool) and 11-acre beach are waiting if you get the urge to jump in yourself. The resort also offers a 30,000 square foot spa, restaurants, clubs, and a theater.

9) MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

Glitzy mega-entertainment center at a busy corner of the Strip. The casino is the size of four football fields. Outside, gold lions stand guard, and inside is an actual lion habitat.

10) Mirage

Outside, a volcano erupts every hour. Inside, Siegfried and Roy's show may no longer play, but the white tiger habitat is still a must-see. The casino and lobby feel like a tropical rain forest.