Las Vegas

Concierge.com's insider take:

Like Elton John, 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. It has expanded the Forum Shops, opened the Roman bath–inspired QUA Spa, launched the celeb-studded Pure nightclub, and debuted the new 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 redesign 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, and some older ones still look dated with flowered bedspreads. These rooms are being renovated to match the modern look of the newer rooms—and go for around $100 a night less—but reserve one only if you plan to spend very little time in it.