A ritzy lobby with black granite floors and textured glass walls has close to 2,000 back-lit LED bulbs decorating the Planet Hollywood check-in desk, while eight crystal chandeliers line the escalator, which leads up to the main casino floor.

The interior design of the casino itself provides a bright, airy ambience for the 100,000 square foot casino, with glowing, colorful neon lights hanging down from the four-story ceiling and LED lights lining the walls. A hip hangout called the Heart Bar provides ample people-watching opportunities with its black leather go-go clad waitresses and central location on the casino floor.

History

It was a brainchild of Robert Earl, former president of Hard Rock Cafe. Planet Hollywoods were modeled after the Hard Rock formula, so closely in fact that a lawsuit ensued and awarded the Hard Rock millions in damages. Earl recruited many former Hard Rock veterans to open new PH stores. Movie star “owners” received stock options at rock bottom price in exchange for their endorsement, thus they could be billed as legal owners. Planet Hollywood was founded, marketed and branded by Keith Barish, who also served as its Chairman. He left Planet Hollywood in 1998.

Planet Hollywood Restaurants

The restaurant for which the hotel is named has a lot of pressure to top the other locations throughout the country. Luckily this is no problem for the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, which takes the menu towards more high class fare, the sort that you might find in its flagship restaurant. The signature aspect of these restaurants is, of course, assorted Hollywood paraphernalia, and there will be no shortage of it here - maybe even Sly Stallone will show up, for good measure.

The Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino’s Spice Market Buffet is one of the best in town and you should plan to stop in for at least one meal. When the sun goes down Triq is a great place to have a drink and meet people. Also, try the heart bar for a place to start or end your night.

Hotel Features

Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on-site restaurants include Zanzibar Café, open 24 hours and serves Planet Hollywood menu items such as chicken pot stickers and Thai shrimp pasta. Todai, a Japanese restaurant, includes a sushi bar and a seafood buffet. Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino features a business center and conference rooms. High-speed and dial-up Internet access are offered for a fee.

Located on the site of the historic Las Vegas Sands and connected to the Sands Expo and Convention Center, the Venetian’s signature feature is its quarter-mile Grand Canal, a waterway by piazzas and shops on which guests may partake in gondola rides. Performers entertain guests along the Grand Canal’s cobblestone walkways. The Grand Canal Shoppes include 80 international boutiques and name-brand outlets. The hotel’s casino offers table games, a semi-private high-limit salon, slot and video poker machines, and a luxury race and sports lounge.

Food, Drink and Entertainment

The Venetian hosts wonderful restaurants with menus to suit any taste. Now open, Bouchon is the vision of world-renowned chef Thomas Keller, who was named “America’s Best Chef” by Time Magazine. He is also the sole recipient of consecutive “Best Chef” awards from the prestigious James Beard Foundation.

The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino features elegant guest suites overlooking the famous Las Vegas Strip. Award winning chefs prepare unique cuisines from around the world in 17 on-site restaurants. Excellent business venue with more than 1.2 million square feet of meeting and convention space. Full gaming casino with one of the largest poker rooms in Las Vegas.

Casino

Lose yourself in the high-stakes excitement of The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. Classic opulence, state-of-the-art technology, and pulsing energy blend seamlessly inside our impressive Las Vegas casino — a 120,000-square-foot gaming venue, lavishly detailed with marble floors, hand-painted frescoed ceilings, and plush furnishings. Take a seat at one of our winning blackjack tables.

Total Rooms

The new Venezia tower offers the finest in personal service and facilities. As an exclusive facility within The Venetian, Venezia grants guests a separate environment and a distinctive experience with the utmost in comfort and friendly hospitality. Included are Exclusive “Express” check-in with registration on the 10th floor,Three dual line telephones,Fax/copier/printer,High-speed Internet access, Personalized wake-up call,Access to 4th floor pools at The Venetian,Access to private garden pool on Venezia Villa Deck,Complimentary newspaper,Complimentary shoe shine service.

Red Rock Canyon takes its name from the red colored sandstone formations which can be seen from all around the nearby city of Las Vegas. These rocks are distinctive of the southwestern United States and their contrast with the surrounding grey-colored sandstone is striking. Aside from its beauty, Red Rock Canyon boasts a multitude of activities, including rock climbing the red cliffs and hiking the 22 trails.

The most significant geologic feature of Red Rock Canyon is the Keystone Thrust Fault. A thrust fault is a fracture in the earth’s crust where one rock plate is thrust horizontally over another. About 65 million years ago, it is believed that two of the earth’s crustal plates collided with such force that part of one plate was shoved up and over younger sandstones. This thrust contact is clearly defined by the sharp contrast between the grey limestones and the red sandstones.

Exhibit Area

The Exhibit Area features displays funded and created by RRCIA.  Interpreters have created displays depicting the cultural and natural resources of the Conservation Area.    This area has recently been upgraded and is quite nice. There is a small Lizard Lounge where two rescued lizards were lucky enough to find a home.  This is a picture of Chucky, a chuckwalla.  Other desert dwellers are also on display.

Red Rock Canyon was designated as Nevada’s first National Conservation Area.  Red Rock Canyon is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159.  The area is 195,819 acres and is visited by more than one million people each year.  In marked contrast to a town geared to entertainment and gaming, Red Rock Canyon offers enticements of a different nature including a 13-mile scenic drive, more than 30 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and visitor center with exhibit rooms and a book store.

Charleston Boulevard

The canyon is easily reached, as one of the busiest east-west routes through the centre of the city leads directly to the park entrance - this is Charleston Boulevard, which crosses Las Vegas Boulevard (’The Strip’) a few blocks beyond the Stratosphere Tower, northernmost of the large casinos. The look-alike suburbia extends for a long way - the road passes miles of seemingly identical shops and houses, and finally a number of large, luxurious walled estates. More of these are under construction and the most recent development is now just a few miles from the mountains - properties here enjoy sweeping views in both directions, since the whole city of Las Vegas is spread out to the east, and the cliffs and canyons are visible to the west.

Red Rock Canyon Activities

You can go horseback riding in the morning and have a Red Rock wedding in the afternoon; you can bring the family out for a picnic, and pet the wild burros that line the road just at feeding time. The Red Rock Canyon area is, arguably, the most beautiful area in Nevada—perhaps the southwest. Whether you are a rock climber, a hiker, a rock hound, or just appreciate the beauty of wild horses, bighorn sheep, and wild burros roaming free, this part of Nevada is just for you.

Nature

The area plant community is dominated by widely spaced creosote bush, burro bush, and brittle bush. Several cactus species, including beaver tail and cholla, are also common. The springtime bloom of such plants as the desert marigold, indigo bush, and desert mallow are often spectacular along park roads. Resident birds include the raven, house finch, sage sparrow, and roadrunner. a coyote Many migrant birds also pass through the park. Most desert animals are nocturnal and not frequently seen by the passing motorist. Many species of lizards and snakes are common in the park, as well as the coyote, kit fox, spotted skunk, black tailed jack rabbit, and antelope ground squirrel. The desert tortoise is a rare species and is protected by state law. If you are lucky enough to come across one please leave this likable and harmless creature to live its life in peace in its own environment.

Park Features

Although there are petroglyphs spread through the entire park, there are two areas in particular with many petroglyphs that are relatively easily accessible. These are Mouse’s Tank and Atlatl Rock. The park also features three cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Although overnight camping in the cabins is now prohibited, they were previously an important stopping point between Overton and Las Vegas.

Climate

Typical low desert conditions exist. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from freezing to 75 degrees F. Daily summer highs usually exceed 100 degrees, and may reach 120 degrees. Summer temperatures usually do not vary widely from day to night. Average annual rainfall is four inches, coming in the form of light winter showers and summer thunderstorms. Spring and fall are the preferred seasons for visiting the Valley of Fire.

Driving to the park from east or west is equally scenic. There is a good visitor center near the west entrance, although it seems rather excessive for this relatively small park, with a few interesting cacti outside. Various viewpoints and named features along the road, including several short foot paths.

Paris Las Vegas is a hotel and casino located on the famed Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, USA , that is owned and operated by Harrah’s Entertainment. As its name suggests, its theme is the city of Paris in France; it includes a half-scale, 540-foot-tall (164.6 m) replica of the Eiffel Tower, a neon sign in the shape of the Montgolfier balloon, a two-thirds size Arc de Triomphe and a replica of La Fontaine des Mers. The front facade of the building suggests the Paris Opera House and the Louvre.

Its hard to imagine you are not in France as you approach the Paris Hotel. Scaled versions of all the famous landmarks of Paris make this one of the most appealing hotels on the Strip. The Eiffel Tower takes pride of place and houses one of the finest restaurants in the area high on its second plateau, giving the diners superb views of Vegas.

Hotel

The Paris Las Vegas mid priced among the Center of the Las Vegas Strip’s high profile resorts. The Paris Las Vegas actually offers more elegant rooms, even in its standard units, which have marble baths with separate tubs and showers, than some of its pricier and more talked about competitors. Every room has custom designed furniture with Franco inspired decorative elements and artwork, and east facing rooms overlook the magnificent fountains and lagoon across the street at Bellagio. Otherwise, your room may overlook the pleasant pool area. Suites add more space, of course, plus considerably more dashing red, beige, and gold furniture and rich fabric

Location: Paris Las Vegas Hotel is conveniently located in the entertainment capital of the world. Placed in the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the hotel transports you to one of Europe’s most romantic cities.

Rooms: The comfortable rooms and suites have the French feel with distinctive European furniture and warm decorations. All the accommodation units are spacious and well equipped with an array of modern facilities.

Entertainment

Hypnotist Anthony Cools takes the stage Thursday - Tuesday at 9PM with his racy and uninhibited brand of adult comedy.  Cools is noted for his bawdy comedy and entertains his audience through hypnosis, leaving skeptics longing for more.  The evolving nature of the show and the unpredictability of the guests make every show dramatically different.  “Ooh La La” is the latest and by far the sexiest topless female revue to hit Las Vegas. Bringing seduction to the Paris Las Vegas nightly, this sultry show is stepping beyond the norm and will tantalize the senses, appealing to every man, woman and couple.

The Old Mormon Fort shows how the town of Las Vegas came into existence through faith, hope, determination and the ability to overcome adversity. It’s hard to imagine now, but Las Vegas, Spanish for The Meadows, once was an oasis in the desert, with free-flowing water and an abundance of lush grass as far as the eye could see. It became a popular resting point for the native Paiute, traders, miners and others passing through the region.

History

Ownership of the old mormon fort and around it changed hands many times and it had several close calls with destruction. Protection finally seems assured when the state acquired the site as a state park in the 1990s. While the fort was called Fort Baker during the Civil War, this was only as a deception by the Union Army since no troops were ever stationed there. The fort was named after Edward Dickinson Baker.

Before Bugsy Siegel made it to town, the Mormon Church created this tiny settlement in 1855. It boasts the oldest European-American building in Nevada. The site was purchased by the State of Nevada in 1990 and restored as a state park. Tours are now available that outline the harsh life that the first settlers endured. The place was one a rest stop for those heading to California to seek their fortune during the gold rush. Admissions: Adults (over 13) $3; Ages 6-12 $2; Under 6 free. No credit cards are accepted.

The discovery of lead ore in the vicinity led to Nathaniel V. Jones being sent to set up a lead mining mission. Conflict of authority arose between Bringhurst and Jones which led to the removal of Bringhurst as mission president and included his disfellowshipment from the Church. In early 1857, due to problems with the natives and discouragement among the brethren, President Young made the decision to close the two missions. In his words he described that “this station becomes an expense to the kingdom, and as at prisent seems, not to add any honey to the hive.”

The Ranch House

In 1865 Octavious D. Gass, a miner from El Dorado Canyon acquired the Mormon fort site and used part of the foundation and walls to build a ranch house. Gass also bought out other landholders to assemble a sizable ranch, and built a store and blacksmith shop to supply travelers. Later the ranch was taken over by Archibald and Helen Stewart. Mrs. Stewart occupied the ranch house until she sold it to the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Slat Lake Railroad. The building shown above right was used for various purposes until it was demolished in 1966.

Henderson—although quieter and more reserved than Las Vegas, its neon neighbor to the north—offers visitors an experience they won’t soon forget. The city, situated in Green Valley, south of Las Vegas, got its start during World War II, producing magnesium to supply ammunition and airplane parts for U.S. forces. Today, Henderson is Nevada’s second largest city.

History

The City of Henderson celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2003. The township of Henderson emerged in the 1940s to supply the country with magnesium, the “miracle metal” of World War II. Although “born in America’s defense,” Henderson’s future after the war was uncertain until April 16, 1953 when city incorporation papers were signed. The PEPCON disaster took place on May 4, 1988 near the town. Henderson was “born in America’s defense” ten years prior to its incorporation during World War II with the building of the Basic Magnesium Plant.

Henderson is working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) to provide special wetland features at one of the ponds at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Such features will include nesting islands for water fowl and plant species that are important for food and shelter for wildlife. The three public agencies are working together to improve wildlife habitat and protect the environment in the Las Vegas Wash area.

During the winter and early spring you can expect to see many species of duck such as the northern shoveler, green wing, cinnamon and blue wing teal, pintail, bufflehead, and one of the most beautiful of all North American ducks, the wood duck.  Winter is also an ideal time to see geese (Canada, snow and Ross) and returning tundra swan.  The Preserve also features golden eagles, peregrine falcons and northern harriers.  Resident desert species include verdin, Abert’s towhee, Gambel’s quail, greater roadrunner and crissal thrasher.

As the site’s owner and steward, the Las Vegas Valley Water District works with the Springs Preserve Foundation to protect the area and create a community gathering place—a gateway through time where people can learn about the valley’s rich history and explore methods to ensure sustainability for our future.

History

The Springs Preserve was developed to create a sense of place, a sense of identity for Las Vegas, said director Francis N. Béland, whose prior gig was designing the Shark Reef aquarium at the Mandalay Bay hotel casino. We’re such a great metropolis now, but we think they grew so fast that the social and cultural fabric for a city of this size is missing. It don’t think it’s missing because people don’t want it or don’t want to invest in it — it’s simply missing because we grew too fast.

The Springs Preserve is the site of a natural oasis. Over 10,000 years ago, springs broke through the desert floor, creating grassy meadows (called las vegas by Spanish explorers). The bubbling springs were a source of water for Native Americans living here thousands of years ago. It also sustained travelers of the Old Spanish Trail & Mormons who came to settle the West. American traveler John C. Fremont camped at the springs in 1844. The springs stopped flowing to the surface in 1962 as the water table dropped as more water was pumped out to meet the demands of a growing population than was being replaced by rainfall & snow melt.

Green building efforts

The Preserve shows people how to live in the desert environment and how to take advantage of what is available. Part of this project showcases a dual use concept. For example, the parking area is actually the roof of the reservoir and the shade structures in various areas are photovoltaic cells used to generate power for the site. The gardens also use a fleet of hydrogen powered utility vehicles. The vehicles are refueled on site by a solar powered hydrogen fueling station.

The preserve itself is free; the galleries cost between $10.95 and $18.95, free for children under 5. Locals receive a discount. Visitors can experience a living bat cave (watch your hair) and enter a simulation of what it would feel like to be in a flash flood. The Desert Living Center (pictured above) offers a look at how it was built, showing careful consideration to making it the most environmentally friendly building in Nevada.

An educational experience

Education about the past is a key component of the Springs Preserve and visitors can expand their knowledge at the Origen Experience. This area was designed to teach visitors about the early inhabitants who made the springs in the Las Vegas Valley their home. There are galleries, a theater, interactive children’s exhibits and much more.

There are several areas of Mount Charleston for you to enjoy. Kyle Canyon is where you find Mount Charleston Hotel, Mount Charleston Lodge and Resort, Mount Charleston National Recreational trail, and the residential villages of Rainbow, Old Town and Echo Canyon. Lee Canyon is the home of the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort. Deer Creek is a pass that connects Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon, and is where you can see the Nevada Test Site and some of the oldest trees in the world, the Bristlecone Pine.

Mount Charleston is a great place to get away from the business and the lights of Vegas (and they do grow on you!) It takes between 40 minutes and a hour to get there. It is the big mountain you can see from the strip. Once you get to the top, the hotel/resort sits about 9,000+ feet high. Be careful, it gets cold sometimes! We came from the Strip which was in the seventies and by the time we got up most of the mountain, it was snowing hard.

Anciant Bristlecone Pine

Earth’s oldest living inhabitant “Methuselah” at 4,767 years, has lived more than a millennium longer than any other tree. Discover how these trees were found and where they live. Learn of their unique strategies for survival. The focus will be on the White-Inyo mountain range of California.

Camping

Mount Charleston offers 6 campgrounds which are open May 1 through mid-September. Camping is limited to 5 days and is $10 per night for single-family sites and $20 for group sites. Site facilities include either a barbecue grill or open fire ring. Restrooms, drinking fountains and picnic tables are on site. Campsites are available on a first-come, first served basis. Call (800) 280-2267 for more information.

Directions:

To get to hiking trails that lead into the Mt. Charleston Wilderness Area, take Nevada State Highway 95 to State Route 157 west. Travel approximately 17 miles to access the South Loop, Trail Canyon, and Fletcher Canyon Trails. To get to the Griffith Peak Trail take the Harris Springs Road south off of State Route 157. Travel on the Harris Springs road to Forest Road 104. The terminus of Forest Road 104 is the beginning of the Griffith Peak Trail. To access the North Loop Trail, take State Route 158 north from State Route 157.

Arguably one of the hippest joints in town, the Hard Rock Hotel houses some of Vegas’ hottest entertainment, restaurants and nightspots. It’s all about the music. And the world’s first “rock ‘n’ roll hotel and casino” knows it. From light fixtures created out of drum cymbals and Fender guitar-shaped door handles to the leather-and-steel walls of the parking garage elevator, every aspect of the Hard Rock worships at the altar of rock. Forget Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso, the artwork decorating the Hard Rock leans more toward painted leather, denim suits and feathered boas.

Hotel

The guest rooms are spacious and well decorated with striking, marble bathrooms and French doors that open up to magnificent views of the pool area, “The Strip” or the surrounding mountain ranges. As with the rest of the hotel, the décor of the rooms has a musical motif. The Hard Rock has an extravagant pool area, with a sand beach, two large swimming pools, waterfalls, whirlpools and blackjack tables on nearly five tropically landscaped acres. Having been described as a beautiful pool for beautiful people, the pool at the Hard Rock is probably the only one anywhere with an underwater sound system. For relaxation beyond the pool, there is a spa with a complete fitness center at the Hard Rock.

The Casino

Slots have guitar-neck handles, blackjack layouts are customized with rock-related art, craps tables are adorned with Grateful Dead lyrics, and the rock music plays nonstop. The machines not only look good, but the player’s club is surprisingly generous with bonus programs that are more like a locals-oriented casino than a tourist trap. There’s a fun pickup bar in the middle that’s designed for eyeballing the miniskirts walking by. Though you have to look for the tables with the best rules, it’s usually a lively place to play, and the young and good-looking dealers often have as much fun as the players.

Music enthusiasts will enjoy all of the rock memorabilia proudly displayed throughout the resort: artifacts, clothing, and instruments used by Elvis, Nirvana, KISS, Aerosmith, and several other rock superstars. Guestrooms include plasma TVs, Bose Wave radios with CD player, high-speed Internet access, first run movies on-demand, French doors, safes, bathrobes, 310-thread count linens, and feather pillows and blankets.

The main gaming area of the Hard Rock Casino Las Vegas has more than 600 slot machines and multiple gaming tables, including craps, blackjack, pai gow and roulette. In the main gaming lounge, guests will find that if you stay long enough in one place, a cocktail waitress will find you and offer you a free drink. As with most casinos on the Strip, drinks are free for gamblers at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino. The Hard Rock Casino also has a Race and Sports Book. At any one time, the casino can provide live feeds of more than 40 racetracks and games on its multiple plasma and high definition screens.

Amenities offered

The pool area is unlike any other featuring different levels, views, even sandy beaches with youthful patrons and cabanas that emphasize the experience rather than the Las Vegas heat. It’s a great place to catch some sun or a catnap between the scenes of that long weekend stay. The Hard Rock also hosts a number of big name performers.