For the classic Vegas experience visit The Las Vegas Hilton, where both business and leisure travelers are offered gourmet and themed restaurants, top-of-the-line entertainment and out-of-this-world attractions, as well as easy access to the Strip via the Las Vegas monorail.
With a long history in the city, The Las Vegas Hilton (so named in 1971) originally opened as the International Hotel in 1969 and served as the venue where Elvis Presley broke all Vegas show attendance records. The Hilton continues today to attract groundbreaking entertainers, including the man who writes the songs, Barry Manilow in the Hilton Theater.
This bustling hotel has undergone some major transformations in recent years. Many of the rooms have been renovated and refurbished and the porte-cochere remodeled. Sparkling tile floors and a series of water features behind the front desk add a touch of class to the hotel's updated lobby, where guests can check in, have their shoes shined or pick up show tickets.
Accommodations at the Hilton are elegantly appointed offering several modern amenities. The Premium Room offers plush pillow-top mattresses and bed linens, flat screen televisions, high speed internet access, MP3 ports for digital players and other high-end amenities.
A simple upgrade gives guests access to the exclusive executive experience of the Resort Club lounge, located on the 24th floor of the hotel's North Tower. Resort Club guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon snacks, and an evening wine and cheese reception as well current newspapers and magazines, concierge services and flat screen televisions.
In the hotel's main casino, crystal chandeliers run the length of the ceiling, while natural light from the hotel's front entrance permeates the gaming floor, which includes an array of games, from baccarat to slot machines. There is a glass-enclosed high limit table area as well as high limit slots. The race and sports book is enormous at more than 30,000 square feet, and even includes a VIP section for high rollers. Additional slots can be found off to the side of the main casino, in the Space Quest Casino.
While inside Space Quest, the Hilton may beam you up for Star Trek: The Experience, an attraction based on the television and film phenomenon that has influenced generations. Hardcore Trekkies can even dine in the 24th century at Quark's Bar and Restaurant or set their phasers to "I Do" in a wedding ceremony aboard a replica of the bridge of the USS Enterprise 1701-D.
Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike may want to indulge in a relaxing body treatment at the spa, play a game of tennis or lay out by the hotel's palm tree-lined roof-top pool with its up-close and personal views of the Strip.
Offering more than 15 restaurants, the Las Vegas Hilton truly has something to suit every taste. An enchanting Zen-inspired Asian garden, where a tranquil rain splashes down into a fish-filled pond, sits outside the entrance to the award-winning Benihana. Nearby, Casa Nicola and TJ's Steakhouse offer guests some choices in fine dining, while across the casino, Paradise Café and Hacienda Margarita Cantina provide casual options. Grab a quick cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a snack at Fortuna, located near the lobby.
In addition to the big-name entertainers found in the Hilton Theater, the Shimmer Cabaret offers a more intimate setting for entertainment, including Menopause The Musical and The Scintas. The walls of the 300-seat cabaret can open up, allowing those on the casino floor to enjoy non-ticketed shows like Sunset Strip.
After an evening of entertainment, unwind inside the hip Tempo Lounge, or sit by the bar outside the lounge at a table overlooking the gaming floor. Guests may also want to shop in one of the Hilton's many gift shops, offering everything from shoes to jewels. Fanilows will most certainly want to indulge in a souvenir from the Manilow store.
The business savvy traveler will be pleased to find that at more than 200,000 square feet, convention space is plentiful at the Las Vegas Hilton. A skywalk actually links the Hilton's convention space to the neighboring Las Vegas Convention Center. The Las Vegas monorail, meanwhile, links the hotel to just about any other Strip location.
-- Review by Aleza Freeman
