The Bellagio officially ushered in a classier Vegas: The hotel is gorgeous in its design and amenities. Low ceilings and gathered fabric over the gaming tables make small canopies, helping create a more intimate space in the gambling area. There are, of course, high-limit slots, Baccarat and the usual table games and slots. But don't expect any quarter machines.

The nicest features have little to do with the casino proper. The Conservatory is a distinct pleasure for desert dwellers--a beautiful array of plants in bloom that changes with the seasons. The Via Bellagio aims to compete with Rodeo Drive and raises retail in Las Vegas to the platinum level. Restaurant choices are also first class, and the guest rooms are spacious and luxurious. But the biggest draw is the facade: Dominated by a 10-acre, man-made lake, Bellagio's entrance boasts fountains that dance to music broadcast through hidden speakers. Save $25 on your next hotel stay

Just before the unveiling of its newest neighbor, Bellagio, Caesars Palace revamped its old look--primarily by laying a new coat of glamour on top of the old. Bacchus and his cohorts continue to come to life inside the impressive Forum Shops, and Caesars itself is still a reminder of how the modern Strip got started. The willingness to take any concept and push it to the limits of good taste has made it the quintessential Las Vegas casino since its opening in 1966.

Recent additions to Caesars have primarily increased the number of rooms and expensive retail shops, though more renovations are on their way (including new high-roller suites). The casino has merely undergone an exfoliation of sorts, though the vaulted high ceilings, fake busts of Roman emperors and pastiches of classical architecture will guarantee its unified theme. Clearly, Caesars Palace doesn't take itself seriously, so no one else has to, either. It's all in good fun--even the gambling, which covers every possible base. As traces of the original Strip fade fast, Caesars is one of the few resorts that harkens back to the city's old pleasure-dome image. Save $25 on your next hotel stay

Like Circus Circus, the Excalibur is a good choice for budget-minded travelers and families, a fact that will automatically cross it off some people's lists. But it's likely that these same people would never have been lured in by the "renaissance fair meets low budget casino" style anyway. The Excalibur's cheesy medieval theme is irresistable to plenty of people; that's why the casino is always densely packed.

Glamour and subtlety are not the goals at the Excalibur. In keeping the theme (with a vengeance), King Arthur's Tournament provides food and jousting. The audience is encouraged to cheer as the good knight battles the bad knight. Other opportunities to participate in the entertainment abound on the second level's Medieval Village, which features puppet shows, small-time magicians, and wandering minstrels. Save $25 on your next hotel stay

At the Four Seasons, located inside the larger Mandalay Bay property, less is more. There are 424 rooms, including 86 suites, which allows the hotel to offer customer service at a level that earns the company the AAA Five Diamond rating, the highest rating possible. And the Four Seasons enjoys all of the benefits of its close proximity Mandalay (the fine restaurants, a massive pool, the House of Blues, gaming) while existing in peaceful seclusion.

Rooms, suites and the conference areas are located on five floors of the Mandalay Bay tower, and can only be reached by a bank of very fast elevators. Spacious rooms feature large bathrooms, and are elegantly and distinctly decorated in natural shades. Not only are there private bars and coffee makers in every room, but toasters: room service doesn't send up toast for breakfast, they send bread. From the bowl of apples at the registration desk to poolside Evian misting, no detail is too small for the Four Seasons' discreet attention. Save $25 on your next hotel stay

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
4455 Paradise Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89109-6574
Phone: (800) 693-7625

Rio All-Suites Casino Resort
3700 W Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (888) 396-2483