Las Vegas and the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride
LAS VEGAS AND THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
Concierge.com's Insider Guide:
Sure, a lot of what makes this city so much fun is imported from elsewhere--Jöel Robuchon, Craft, the Statue of Liberty. But it's the homegrown sights that really make the place what it is. We walk you through the icons of Las Vegas, from the world's largest mechanical neon sign to the city's most expensive drink. Only in Vegas, baby
World's Largest Mechanical Neon Sign: "Vegas Vic"
Nevada's most famous cowboy came to town in 1951. The 75-foot-high neon buckaroo no longer smokes, waves, or shouts "Howdy, pardner," but he still welcomes visitors to Fremont Street (702-678-5777; vegasexperience.com).
Tallest Structure: Stratosphere Tower
Soaring 1,149 feet into the desert sky, the Stratosphere is the tallest observation tower in the United States, the fifteenth highest in the world, and the only one crowned with three adrenaline-junkie thrill rides (702-380-7777; stratospherehotel.com).
World's Largest Gold Nugget: "Hand of Faith" One of the few gambling establishments to live up to its name, the Golden Nugget casino displays a heavyweight Australian nugget (61 pounds, 11 ounces) found in 1980 (800-846-5336).
Largest Gift Shop: Bonanza
In a town that revels in kitsch, Bonanza takes the cake on tacky. This is the place to stock up on snow globes, key chains, poker chip-shaped pillows, and Royal Flush pot holders (2440 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-385-7359; worldslargestgiftshop.com/cgi-bin/shop).
Largest Bowling Alley: Red Rock Lanes
Seventy-two lanes, cool blue neon lighting, state-of-the-art electronics--and VIP suites with bottle service--make Red Rock the hottest place to toss your rock in Vegas (702-797-7467; redrocklasvegas.com).
Biggest Spa: Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian
Forget the 69,000 square feet of pampering and 77 treatment rooms--how many other spas offer salsa dancing, nutrition lectures, and a 40-foot indoor climbing wall? But watch out: The next-door Palazzo's SpaClub extension currently under construction will be even bigger (877-220-2688).
Most Expensive Drink: The Ménage a Trois at Tryst
What do you get when you mix Hennessy Ellipse cognac, Cristal Rosé champagne, and Grand Marnier with a 24-karat-gold diamond-studded straw? A $3,000 cocktail at the Wynn's swanky club Tryst (877-321-9966).
Most Expensive Suite: Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms
Forty thousand a night gets you an indoor/outdoor pool that hangs over the edge of the building, a high-tech media room, a fully equipped gym with steam room and spa treatment room, and a round rotating bed. But you'll have to bring your own Bunnies (866-942-7777).
Largest Hotel Complex: Venetian/Palazzo
For years, the MGM Grand was the world's largest hotel, with 5,044 rooms, but the recently completed Venetian/Palazzo complex, with 7,093 suites, is the new king of the Strip (877-883-6423; doubles, $199-$739).
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