Like Cher, who performs regularly in the hotel's major concert venue, Caesars Palace has been around forever—and seems forever new. The resort casino turned 40 in 2006 but has never stood still. Over the past few years, it has expanded the Forum Shops, opened the Roman bath–inspired Qua Spa, launched the celeb-studded Pure nightclub, and in 2008, debuted the Augustus Tower guest rooms—designed in a soothing mustard and white palette with clean lines, granite countertops, and modern amenities such as 42-inch flat-screen TVs. The new stuff makes nary a reference to Caesar, which is refreshing, because the rest of the hotel is covered in columns, toga-clad cocktail waitresses, and other Roman kitsch. The resort is huge, so pack your walking shoes. And be specific when booking: It has almost 3,400 rooms in all, so your options on style, location, and size are virtually endless. If you book in the warmer months, ask to be near the complex of pools, which is laid out like an aquamarine village and includes a pool with swim-up poker tables.—updated by David Tyda

We're not sure Light nightclub at Bellagio needed a rehab, but its owners (who are also behind Jet, Stack, Fix, Bare, and Caramel) apparently thought it did. Thankfully, the simple rectangular layout and overwhelmingly positive energy remain, and efficient doormen and great resident deejays provide all the more reasons to keep loving it. The decor hints at opulence more than the previous incarnation (walls of Cristal flank the entry, strands of crystals drape from the ceiling, and floral motifs are etched into glass around the mezzanine). So does the drink menu: The table minimum has gone up to three bottles (that's over $1,200) on Saturday nights. Try booking Table 20 if a celeb hasn't nabbed it first: You'll have a great view of the entire club, yet you'll still be part of the action—that is, close enough to persuade a passerby to join you for a drink.

Open Thursdays through Sundays 10:30 pm to 4 am.

Since a 2004 expansion, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace are no longer a quick stop. Fashion addicts can spend a full day touring the 160 stores, including Valentino, Escada, Etro, Roberto Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Pucci, Tod's, and Christian Lacroix. The downside is the confusing layout, with curving escalators weaving through the three-story atrium. Despite the high volume of shoppers, employees are pretty attentive. And the best place to eat at the Shops: Spago.

Shops open Sundays through Thursdays 10 am to 11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to midnight.

Chef/owner Jacques Chretien has opened (and closed) other locations around Los Cabos, including a much-loved candlelight, crystal, and linen restaurant in the Corridor. He's now concentrating on this artsy bakery and bistro in San José's historic district. The sweet smells of crusty baguettes and buttery croissants fresh from the oven draw a prework crowd savoring frothy cappuccinos and more leisurely types lingering over egg and chorizo crêpes or huevos rancheros. The menu and pastry displays change during the day, with lobster soup, ricotta ravioli with foie gras foam, burgers, and escargot on the Bistro lunch and dinner menu. Red and white linens cover tables in a casual café setting that encourages lingering, though space can be tight at lunch. Stop in anytime for coffee with handcrafted ice creams, chocolates, and devilishly tempting tarts and tortes.—Maribeth Mellin

Open daily 1 to 4 and 6 to 11 pm.