Las Vegas Hilton

Given that it has the biggest stake in Vegas's convention business, it's no surprise that the Hilton is as self-sufficient as resorts come. There are 3,000 rooms, a smörgåsbord of fine restaurants and an endless list of amenities - a full-service spa, a rec deck with tennis courts, wedding facilities (at the only place where Elvis himself got married), a Star Trek theme park… Accommodation Just east of the Strip, the Hilton is perfect for those who want to be close to, but not in the middle of, the bustle. (The on-site monorail station can connect you to that in a hurry.) The seven room 'levels' each have their own decor, more than just increasingly plush renditions of the standard look. Park Avenue, for instance, is classic Manhattan style, while Classic goes for 1920s Hollywood. Some standard rooms are dark and claustrophobic. In addition to the standard ('deluxe') room, there are six 'levels' of suites. Eating & drinking Teppanyaki chain Benihana has an impressive 'Japanese village' setting, though the food is costly. Three other Asian spots (Garden of the Dragon, Teru Sushi, 888 Noodle Bar) join Andiamo (Italian), and the Hilton Steakhouse. Entertainment Dating back to Elvis and his 837 straight sold-out performances in the 1970s, the Hilton has a longstanding reputation for its headliners. The current king is Barry Manilow, whose regular engagement is called Music & Passion. The Shimmer Cabaret is anchored by Menopause: the Musical and a music-and-dance show called Sunset Strip. Gambling Aside from the kitschy Space Quest Casino, which has $5 tables and sci-fi slots that offer the singular experience of starting the game by passing your hand though a laser beam, this is a high-roller haven, where class divisions are more conspicuous than at most casinos and minimums go through the roof when there's a big convention in town. The baccarat pit and high-limit tables are detached from the main gaming area, and the Platinum Plus slot machines, $5 and up per pull, have their own space. High limits dominate the main floor: the $100 tables are jumping year-round. Managers will only bring out a single-zero roulette wheel if you agree to bet $25-plus per spin. Sports bettors still flock to the 400-seat Super Book, where explanations on how to bet on various sports are posted up to help novices.