2. Planet Hollywood
Taking a gigantic, boring, failed hotel and turning it into something hip, fresh, and exciting is no easy feat but the folks at Planet Hollywood have done it with an energetic revamp of the Strip entrances, casino, rooms, nightclubs, shopping, and restaurants that has turned this into one of the coolest places in town.

3. Green Valley Ranch
At Green Valley Ranch, they make luxury look effortless and keep it accessible. There is probably no other word to use to describe the place than "beautiful" and yet it has enough common-man touches to keep it from feeling austere or snobbish. Terrific service, great restaurants, a fun casino - this one is a no-brainer for this list.

4. Wynn Las Vegas
I really don't want to like Wynn Las Vegas. It's too expensive on just about every level for my budget (and most people's) but it's impossible to deny that they have created a triumph of design and amenities that (almost) make it worth what it costs to stay here.

5. Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas
There are lots of luxurious properties on this list but the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas outdoes all of them when it comes to the level of service you can expect to receive when staying here. Every person is treated as if they are the only person that matters and it makes you feel special to a degree that can't be matched by the hotels on The Strip. The beautiful surroundings are icing on the cake.

6. Golden Nugget
It's amazing what can happen when you throw a couple hundred million dollars at a fading hotel. The owners of The Golden Nugget not only reversed the downward trend this property was going through, they threw the trend away and created a stunning new hotel that still pays homage to its storied past proving that you don't need to implode a classic hotel to make it better.

7. Main Street Station
Every time I describe Main Street Station I keep coming back to the same word: gem. The rooms, the casino, the restaurants, and the overall decor of the place makes this a gem in the Downtown Crown that shouldn't be missed. The fact that it's incredibly affordable only makes it more precious.

8. Caesars Palace
Here's another example of the options that exist for older hotels with the right amount of money and creativity. Caesars has been around since 1966 but instead of a faded, dusty, out-of-date elephant the billions of dollars spent on the joint have kept it not only competitive but winning. History is honored here but with a package that is just as modern and luxurious as the brand new hotels that are being built.

9. Treasure Island
I still miss the Pirate doo-dads and I still hate the Sirens of TI show out front, but what the new Treasure Island may lack in silly fun it more than makes up for with solid, relatively affordable accommodations, shows, restaurants, and gaming. Throw in a great location and you've got an overall package that deserves a spot on this list.

10. Bally's
Once the largest and most luxurious hotel in the world, Bally's suffers only when you try to compare it to the newer resorts that cost four times as much to stay in. Taken on its own, the simple yet entertaining casino and surprisingly fine rooms conspire to make this my first choice for budget travelers. Yes, the concept of "budget" is much more expensive than it used to be, but if you're looking to save some money without sacrificing comfort this is where you should go.

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2. Green Valley Ranch
Classy without really having to try, the Green Valley Ranch casino is not the biggest in town but it is absolutely one of the most enjoyable. The lower limits on the slots and table games are welcome and the staff is much friendlier than what you'll find on The Strip. Throw in the unique, multiple progressive player jackpots and you have a really great place to play.

3. Red Rock Resort
The casino at Red Rock Resort is a retro/modern wonder filled with the kind of subtly gorgeous architectural and design details that make a difference. There's a energetic atmosphere to the entire room and more than enough gaming options to keep even the easily bored entertained.

4. Golden Nugget
The Golden Nugget casino used to be the classiest in the Downtown area but had suffered in years from ownership neglect. A recent top to bottom remodel has turned the space into a warm (albeit crowded) den that makes me feel immediately comfortable. Friendly dealers, too.

5. Bally's
Large enough to provide options yet small enough to not overwhelm, the casino at Bally's is the closest you'll get these days to classic Las Vegas without the kind of grunge factor common in older hotels. Sometimes simplicity is its own reward.

6. El Cortez
Everyone loves a Cinderella story and this one is a classic: rundown casino gets some attention and becomes a beauty. The money and attention paid to the El Cortez recently has turned this once smokey pit into a lively and attractive place to play. The revitalization of East Fremont outside makes walking to the place safer too!

7. Main Street Station
Another Downtown winner, Main Street Station makes the cut by placing the emphasis on customer relations, with one of the friendliest staffs in town. The casino is on the small side but there is still plenty to do here and the table game action is fun and pressure free.

8. New York-New York
I never seem to be able to win any actual money here, but the design of the place (almost) makes up for it. Done, like the rest of the hotel, as a tribute to the Big Apple, the casino at New York-New York is a visual feast and the energy is undeniable.

9. Venetian
As one of the biggest casinos on The Strip, The Venetian certainly has a lot to offer in terms of games and areas in which to play them. Yes, table limits are often on the high side of things and parking is a nightmare but the slots are wide ranging and often rewarding (in my experience) so it is often worth the effort.

10. Wynn Las Vegas
Wynn Las Vegas wins a spot on this list primarily for its simple layout and visual appeal. The decor is rich without being heavy handed about it and the wide walkways make navigation a snap. Bonus points for this expensive of a hotel having this many low-limit (penny and nickel) slots.

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2. Hash House A Go Go
The twisted farm food food served here is a wacky delight, with pancakes the size of large pizzas, waffles the size of a chess board, and signature hashes that will make you never want to eat at a breakfast buffet again. The portions at Hash House are enormous, the prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get, and the fresh and finely prepared meals are memorable. Worth the drive.

3. Hannah's
Another one you have to go out of your way to get to, but once you do you'll wonder why you were spending so much time on The Strip anyway. The Asian fusion cuisine at Hannah's is a knockout with a menu that takes days to read, much less pick something from the tempting array. Fantastic service, an whimsically inspired decor, and a cocktail menu that beats most in town turn this neighborhood joint into a must-visit destination.

4. Austins
The best steaks in town, period, end of story. Don't argue with me - your pleadings will fall on deaf ears. Over the years I have sent hundreds of people to Austins through recommendations on this site and every single one of them has come away raving about the finely prepared cuts of beef, the service, and the prices, which are not cheap but are significantly lower than what you'll pay for a similar, inferior meal on The Strip. If you like steak, you owe it to yourself to visit Austins.

5. M&M Soul Food
Awhile back I took a road trip through the American south and experienced some of the best barbecue and down-home cooking in the world. M&M brings that magic touch to the Vegas desert and serves soul food that speaks for itself without needing the fancy decor that most restaurants spend their money on. Cholesterol be damned - go for the gravy smothered fried chicken. Your doctor may not like it, but you will!

6. Company American Bistro
Restaurants created by celebrities make me itch, generally speaking, but Company American Bistro at Luxor does a fantastic job of creating a hip and upscale dining experience without being all snobbish about the whole thing. The menu is American diner delightful, with everything from fine steaks and seafood to chicken and waffles or schnitzel, all done with a flair that makes eating here a special experience. Watch for a full review of Company American Bistro coming soon.

7. The Cupcakery
Yes, yes... technically this is supposed to be a list of the best restaurants and since The Cupcakery only serves cupcakes, I'm stretching the definition of "restaurant" but one bite of the remarkably moist cakes topped with the delectable buttercream frostings will tempt you to skip the main courses elsewhere and go straight for the dessert.

8. Capriotti's
Forget Subway and Quizno’s and head to this local Las Vegas institution, a wonderful Italian deli with sandwiches that will knock your proverbial (or literal) socks off. I have a friend who actually makes me stop at Capriotti's to pick one up for her before I come back to Los Angeles. It’s that good. Throw in the fact that you can get a sandwich big enough for two meals for about $10 and I don’t know what you’re waiting for.

9. Fellini's
Before visiting Fellini's, I always thought that Las Vegas was not very good at doing Italian food. One taste of their remarkable pastas changed my mind about all that and turned this classic, old-world experience into one of my favorites in town.

10. Chocolate Swan
See my note above regarding the definition of restaurants and then go eat some chocolate at The Swan. But not just any chocolate - finely constructed creations that I would place high on the list of the best chocolate in the world.

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2. Tryst
Although I have to tip my hat for the #1 spot to Polly Esther's, Tryst comes a very close second and if you are looking for a more traditional club going experience this is the one you will probably enjoy more. Certainly a winner for most improved, the club at Wynn has a dramatic room, an infection party atmosphere, fantastic music, lots of pretty people, and a gorgeous outdoor patio highlighed by a giant waterfall. Watch for a full review of Tryst coming soon.

3. LAX
It would be too easy to dismiss LAX's instant popularity as people seeking the "next big thing." But underneath the recent opening flash of the new club at Luxor there is a lot of substance, namely a gigantic, darkly moody space with an appropriately hedonistic vibe, an amazing sound and light system, and a staff that seems slightly less growly than most. Watch for a full review of LAX coming soon.

4. Forty Deuce
The burlesque movement seemed like it would be the next big thing in Vegas, but after Tangerine and the Pussycat Dolls Lounge, it pretty much stalled. No worries, Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce at Mandalay Bay is all you really need in the genre with a cool ultra-lounge vibe (and slamming sound system) mixed with live-jazz backed stripteases. Fun and grown-up in a good way.

5. Body English
Although overshadowed often by the big boys on The Strip, Body English at the Hard Rock still reigns and rocks hard at the Hard Rock with an enjoyably moody design and decor plus enough pretty people to look at that you'll never want to leave.

6. JET
Although the three unique club spaces inside JET at The Mirage are all focused on the youth market, they are still distinct enough that guests who get bored in one place can easily wander to another for their entertainment.

7. Cherry
Probably the friendliest, funkiest club in town and only partly due to its location far away from the attitudes of the Las Vegas Strip. Cherry at Red Rock Resort has an over-the-top design that is a blast to look at and a non-threatening party vibe that is hard to resist.

8. Coyote Ugly
It should be a disaster - a bar modeled after a loud, slightly vulgar movie. But instead Coyote Ugly at New York-New York is loud and vulgar in all of the ways that a real bar should be, with ass-kicking bar mistresses and an infectiously raucous atmosphere.

9. Pure
As the biggest nightclub in Las Vegas, Pure at Caesars Palace is another example of short-attention span nightlife providing a slamming dance floor area, a cool ultra-lounge, a naughty burlesque bar, and a stunning outdoor patio.

10. Tao
The young, the beautiful, the famous, the wealthy, and the well-dressed would most likely put Tao at The Venetian at the top of this list if they were writing it. Since I'm none of those things it isn't my favorite but it still makes the cut for the best-of since no one knows how to do the trendy club scene better.

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