I left choosing my favorite hotels in Las Vegas for the last Top 10 List for a reason: it’s really hard. I could be sailing along with an opinion about a hotel and then something could happen – a good run of luck in the casino, a bad experience with room service, an inept PR person – something that would change my mind in a heartbeat.

So take this list with a grain of salt. Although I am basing it somewhat on these hotels’ track records, a lot of it has to do with my experiences over the past year, which may be completely different from your experiences. To be fair, I’ll give you the upside and the downside to each of these places.

10) Bellagio – I hate this place for how outrageously expensive it is and for the fact that it almost single-handedly ushered in an era of higher prices all over town, but there is no denying that this is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world with stunning rooms, peaceful public areas, a commitment to art and architecture, and service that rivals that of any hotel on the planet.

9) Arizona Charlie’s East – It’s small, too far from The Strip, and the word luxury is not one that springs to mind, but AC East offers clean, comfortable lodging at rock-bottom prices with a friendly staff and a charming little casino. Rent a car and put the $150 a night you’ll save into a slot machine.

8) Harrah’s – They’ve lost a little bit of the fun and frivolity that were so endearing when they remodeled a few years ago, but Harrah’s still offers a festive gaming environment, nice rooms at relatively reasonable rates, and great service. Plus they are home to The Range, my favorite steakhouse in town so they have to get extra credit for that.

7) Caesars Palace – The Palace is undergoing a major renovation that, while necessary to remain competitive, is still a little sad. I hate to see history get plastered over like this. Having said that, if you’re looking for a classic Las Vegas experience with luxurious over-indulgence at the top of your menu, Caesars is the place to go.

6) Mandalay Bay – The prices here often make my head hurt, especially when you don’t get anything more than a nice, but basic Las Vegas hotel room for it. But the casino, beach/pool/surf area, lobbies, restaurants, bars, and nightspots more than make up for it with a hip blend of sassy elegance.

5) Golden Nugget – The top of the line in downtown hotels also rivals anything else in town. Gorgeously appointed rooms at very reasonable rates, a funky casino, and one of the nicest spas around would put this one higher on my list if it weren’t for the fact that this downtown Las Vegas hotel is… well… downtown.

4) New York-New York – Some of the rooms are ridiculously small and the prices have been shooting up here, but NYNY is still the most outrageous, ridiculous, and silly example of “only in Las Vegas” fun in town. I dare you not to be at least a little bit in awe of this Gotham replica.

3) Paris – Can a gigantic hotel/casino with thousands of rooms and a kitschy theme be romantic and charming? It sure can if the theme is turn-of-the-century Paris and they do it as well as they did here. Everything but the bill makes me smile here.

2) Luxor - A wacky and entertaining Egyptian theme in a giant pyramid with a lively casino, tons of restaurants and entertainment, beautiful rooms that are unique and comfortable, and terrific service. I'm having a hard time finding a downside to this place.

1) Mirage - It has always been my favorite and probably always will be. The Mirage offers everything you want in a Las Vegas hotel and more including stunning and luxurious rooms, a low-key but fun casino, world-class service, some of the best restaurants in town, two great shows, dolphins, white tigers, a zoo, a volcano.... stop me!

5) Siegfried & Roy – The dynamic Austrian illusionist duo are a Vegas institution and their show, while a bit predictable and over-rehearsed is still one of those things that you really have to do at least once in your life. And if their ticket price of nearly $100 is a bit steep, remember that you get a drink, a souvenir program, white tigers, and the fun of trying to figure out what their relationship is really all about. At the Mirage – 800-963-9634.

4) O by Cirque du Soleil – An evocative mixture of avant-garde theater and water acrobatics that is both beautiful and thrilling. Although the Cirque part of the whole things becomes a bit repetitive (swim, dive, swim, dive…) it’s all done with great flair. At Bellagio – 888-488-7111.

3) Lance Burton – The down-home, good-old-boy attitude of magician Burton is a welcome relief from the overly dramatic illusions that most other shows of this type usually offer. He expertly blends big production show-stoppers with intimate, up-close magic that will leave you charmed and mystified. At Monte Carlo – 877-386-8224

2) Blue Man Group – This bizarre mix of performance art, music, and old-fashioned slapstick definitely isn’t for everyone, but I can’t help but love it. It’s almost impossible to describe except to say that while weird, it’s a lot of fun. At Luxor – 800-557-7428.

1) Mystere by Cirque du Soleil – Take everything that’s great about their sister show “O,” subtract the water, add some performance pieces and circus-style acts that are both awe-inspiring and emotional and you have what I call the best show in Las Vegas. At Treasure Island – 800-392-1999.

10) Bellagio Fountain Show – While the thought of watching giant blasts of water from the big lake in front of Bellagio timed to music doesn’t sound like something you should go out of your way to see, it is. Nighttime is best, when the lights add a touch of magic. Plus, it’s free! At Bellagio, with shows every 15-30 minutes depending upon the day of the week. Call 702-734-0410.

9) Clark County Heritage Museum – Okay, so it isn’t a roller coaster or motion simulator ride, but anyone with even the slightest interest in the past will be charmed by this museum that mixes Wild West and uniquely Vegas history. Located at 1830 South Boulder Highway in Henderson (about 20 minutes from The Strip). Call 702-455-7955.

8) Fremont Street Experience – A domed canopy over the pedestrian walkway on Fremont Street comes to brilliant life at night with dazzling light shows timed to various musical numbers. Downtown Las Vegas. Shows every hour on the hour after dusk until midnight.

7) Liberace Museum – Whether you’re a fan of the man or of the grand silliness that he embodied, this “museum” filled with rhinestone covered everything is a hoot. Located at 1775 East Tropicana, Las Vegas. Call 702-798-5595.

6) Neon Museum – One of the most important historical projects in the nation (in my humble opinion) has rescued and restored old Vegas neon signs and put them on display. This part of the town’s past has all but disappeared and you should take a minute to go appreciate it. Downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street.

5) Speedworld at Sahara – I get sick on these motion simulator rides, but this one, featuring ¾ replicas of NASCAR racers that you pilot through virtual racetracks or city streets was the most fun I had before I had to run to the bathroom. At the Sahara Hotel & Casino. Call 702-737-2750.

4) Caesars Magical Empire – This terrific attraction mixes magic shows with funky attractions like Invisibella, the ghostly player piano and even dinner. It’s a full night of fun, but if you want to catch it, go soon because Caesars is planning on closing it sometime in 2001. At Caesars Palace. Call 800-445-4544.

3) Treasure Island Pirate Battle – The epitome of “Only in Vegas” features a live-action stunt show depicting the battle between a pirate ship and a British war vessel. It’s big, loud, silly entertainment that shouldn’t be missed. At Treasure Island. Shows every 90 minutes from 4:30 to 10pm.

2) Dolphin Habitat – The least “Vegas-y” thing to do in Vegas is to spend some time watching, and even playing with, these remarkable animals. Get away from the noise and craziness for awhile and you’ll find yourself walking back to the casino with a big, stupid grin on your face. At The Mirage. Call 702-791-7111.

1) Casino Legends Hall of Fame – This fascinating display of Vegas history features pictures, memorabilia, souvenirs, and much more from all the things that made the town what it is including long-lost hotels, showgirls, entertainers, and the people who made it all happen. If you love Las Vegas for what it is today, you really should take some time to see what it was like “yesterday.” At The Tropicana. Call 702-739-5444.

There are thousands of restaurants in Las Vegas and it is not only impossible to visit them all but it is equally impossible to choose just 10 to call “The Best.” There are too many criteria on which to judge – menu, quality, atmosphere, prices, service, etc. – and comparing them is unfair.

Sure, you can get outstanding service, excellent food, and a lush atmosphere at the gourmet palaces but you may have to without eating for a week to be able to afford them. On the other hand, you can get good hearty food at reasonable prices elsewhere but you won’t get the pampering and attention to detail. It’s all about what’s important to you.

So instead of picking the 10 Best, I’m going to tell you about 10 Vegas Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss. Each stands out for different reasons so read through the descriptions and find one that appeals to you – hopefully you won’t be disappointed.

By the way, this list doesn’t include buffets. You’ll find those on a real Top 10 list in another story this week.

In alphabetical order:

Binion’s Horseshoe Café – Although it is in the basement and you can get bargain basement prices on the food, don’t let that fool you into thinking this is some sort of dive. A lovely turn-of-the-century dining room serves rich and hearty coffee shop fare that is not only well prepared but easy on the wallet. Be on the lookout for their late night specials that can often get you full meals (steak, prime rib, etc.) for just a few bucks. At Binion’s Horseshoe, 128 East Fremont Street. 702-382-1600.

Border Grill – Celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, TV’s “Two Hot Tamales,” bring you this cheerfully decorated Tex Mex cantina. The menu offers authentic Mexican favorites that will make the less adventurous feel comfortable but with enough twists and turns to keep it exciting. Everything here is exquisitely prepared, fresh, and delicious. At Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 702-632-7403.

Liberty Café – If you’re the type who has to have linen napkins and tablecloths, this isn’t the place for you. But if you are a fan of the type of 24-hour diner food that made this country what it is, run, do not walk to the Liberty Café. It’s tucked in a corner of a pharmacy, with a lunch counter, tacky leather booths, and some of the best food in town at any price. Delicious, juicy hamburgers, hearty meatloaf, and thick, creamy milkshakes are just the beginning. In the Blue Castle Pharmacy, 1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702-383-0101.

Mediterranean Café & Market – In a town that often tries to hard to recreate and evoke other cultures, it’s nice to see an authentic, family run ethnic food joint once in awhile. Their menu is a mix of Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines, mainly served in salads and sandwiches that are not only delicious but incredibly cheap as well. Fans of the classic Gyro should make a beeline here. If you’re lucky enough to have a mini-fridge in your room, be sure to check out the adjoining market for all sorts of goodies to take with you for later. 4147 Maryland Parkway, at Flamingo. 702-731-6030.

Mon Ami Gabi – Some in our little circle of restaurant critics are calling this their new favorite in town, and with good reason. It has a charming bistro setting that juts right out onto The Strip for classic Parisian street side dining and a rich and varied menu that should offer a little something for even the pickiest of eaters. Although most everything has a bit of a French flair to it, this is not a French restaurant in the classic sense of the word so don’t be frightened away by the name. At Paris Las Vegas, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 702-944-4224.

Olives – Onda at the Mirage is one of the finest Italian restaurants in town but it is a little too expensive for our tastes. So it is a blessing that Olives exists. Created by the same chef, it features a similar (but not exact) menu with Mediterranean twists on Italian cuisine at cheaper prices. This is the kind of restaurant where you’ll take a bite, roll your eyes into the back of your head, and go “mmmmmmmm.” You know what I mean. At Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 702-693-8181.

PF Chang’s – Some people might sneer at the fact that I would “deign” to include a chain restaurant on a list like this, but I dare you to find better Chinese food in more lively atmosphere than here. The menu features the classics like orange peel chicken and sweet and sour everything but also has fantastic twists and new creations that will tantalize. Take some time for the appetizers – that’s all I’m saying. 4165 S. Paradise at Flamingo (702-792-2207) and a new location scheduled to open at the New Aladdin any moment now.

Picasso – I’m not usually a fan of restaurants like this since I’m easily intimidated by high prices, waiters that are smarter than me, and pieces of silverware that seem to serve absolutely no function. But the food (French themes on everything from Maine Lobster to lamb chops) is probably the best in town, each a masterpiece worthy of being served among actual, honest-to-God paintings by Picasso that hang on the walls. However, be warned that you probably won’t make it out of here for less than $100 per person. At Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 702-693-7111.

The Range – There are a bazillion steakhouses in Las Vegas but The Range is the one we keep going back to. For starters, it has a lovely dining room, done in rich mahogany and copper, that overlooks The Strip with floor to ceiling windows. But it is the food – steaks, seafood, poultry, salads, and some delicious appetizers – that never fails to impress. At Harrah’s, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 702-369-5000.

Stage Deli – Think you can’t get a decent pastrami sandwich anywhere outside of New York City? Come here and be proven otherwise. This branch of the famed Big Apple eatery flies their food in daily from New York and it’s all fresh and tasty, just like you’d expect from a hometown deli. You may take awhile to order - not because you can’t find something you might want but because the selection is mind-boggling. At Caesars Palace, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 702-893-4045.

These days, the buffets in town have become even more lavish and obviously more expensive. To be fair, every buffet that I've sampled in town features, at the minimum, decent food and service so it's hard to go too far astray. But what follows are the 10 that I keep going back to for one reason or another. I hope you enjoy them as well.

10) Mandalay Bay Bayside Buffet - The primary thing I like about this buffet is the setting. With big floor to ceiling windows looking over their lovely beach area, this is one of the nicest buffet rooms in town. The food, while nothing out of the ordinary, is substantial and enjoyable. 702-632-7402.

9) Arizona Charlie's East Wild West Buffet - You have to drive a bit to the east side of town to get here but you shouldn't be disappointed by the prices (only $7 for dinner including all-you-can-eat Prime Rib!) or the food selection and quality. Hearty, stick-to-your-ribs food at bargain basement prices. 702-951-5800.

8) Rio Carnival World Buffet - I'm primarily including this here because I'm afraid I'll get attacked if I don't. It's a favorite in town with various food stations offering tasty selections from different regions (Chinese, Mexican, carving station, etc.). 702-252-7777.

7) Mirage Buffet- Just as they set the standard for the new wave of luxurious hotels, so to did they set the standard for luxurious buffets. Close your eyes and you would swear you're eating in some 4-star restaurant - the food is that good. 702-791-7111.

6) Bally's Big Kitchen Buffet/Sterling Sunday Brunch - Their daily "Big Kitchen" buffet is great with a huge selection of quality food at decent prices, but it is the legendary (and expensive - around $50 per person) Sterling Sunday Brunch that stands out. Free flowing champagne, caviar, made-to-order omlets, lobster... need I go on? 702-739-4111.

5) Sunset Station Feast Around the World - This buffet is a favorite among locals in town with various stations set up around the room featuring cuisines from different countries (hence the name). It's all great food and terrific for folks on a budget. 702-547-7777.

4) Main Street Garden Court - This place has the loveliest buffet dining room, with a charming garden setting, plenty of plants, lazy ceiling fans, twinkle lights, and floor to ceiling windows. Luckily, the food is as impressive with lots of regional cuisines (Asian, Mexican, etc), a wood-burning pizza oven, and yummy desserts. 702-387-1896.

3) Bellagio - At over $20 per person for dinner this place better offer something exceptional - and it does. Just like everything else at Bellagio, the food, atmosphere, and service are top-of-the-line. If it wasn't coming out of metal serving trays you'd swear you were eating at a gourmet restaurant. 702-693-7223.

2) Luxor Pharoah's Feast Buffet - This is my favorite inexpensive buffet in town (although at around $11 for dinner, inexpensive is a relative term I suppose). It has a fun dining room set up as an archaeological dig so it's not just another bland buffet experience. And of course the food is nothing to sneer at either. Everything I've tasted here has been well-prepared, fresh, and tasty. 702-262-4000.

1) Le Village Buffet at Paris - This is another expensive buffet - over $20 per person for dinner - but it is worth it in my humble opinion. Stations around the room offer cuisines with influences from various regions of France, but it is not all French food so don't let that scare you off. And if nothing else you could just gorge yourself on the made to order crepes which are the closest thing I've found to food heaven on earth. It's all served in a recreation of a French country village that is at once amusing and friendly. My favorite. 702-946-7000.

Here are my favorites:

10) Golden Nugget - This is still the classiest of the Downtown hotels with a bright, active, and meandering casino that doesn't feel or look like all the others. They've got it all here, with a tremendous range of slots if that's your game. My one and only complaint is that they have packed too much in to a small area so there isn't a lot of room left to stretch out.

9) Harrah's - Another big, rambling casino with a bright and festive atmosphere, every conceivable game, and a very friendly staff. If you can find the small group of progressive slot machines tucked under the escalators, play them. It seems that people are winning on them all the time.

8) Paris - One of the liveliest and loveliest casinos in town, with a romantic French country village theme and tons of slots to choose from. I don't seem to be able to win anything here but I see other people doing it so I'm still holding out hope.

7) Mirage - How the mighty have fallen... this used to be my #1 place to gamble, but my luck seems to have run out there so I tend to spend my money in other establishments these days. However, that doesn't change the fact that the casino has a pleasant, relatively low-key atmosphere, lots of space, and every game you could think of, making it a fantastic place to win... or lose as the case may be.

6) Binion's Horseshoe - Dark, smoky, and home to some serious, hardcore gamblers, Binion's is one of the few remaining throw-backs to yesteryear before Vegas became sanitized for mass consumption. A great place to find low-stakes blackjack tables by the way.

5) Luxor - In addition to being one of the most lively casinos in town, Luxor's relentless Egyptian theme offers a welcome bit of wackiness and kitsch that is becoming rare in Vegas. It's all about having fun at the Luxor.

4) Orleans - This off-Strip casino strikes an almost perfect blend of flashy tourist spectacle and friendly locals-only gambling. The natural light streaming in through the entrances is also a terrific change of pace.

3) Arizona Charlie's East - It's a small casino with a limited selection of slots and table games, but I almost always manage to walk away a winner here so that puts it up pretty high on my list. Add in the fact that they have one of the friendliest staffs in town, low table limits, and low pressure (great for learning how to play something new) and it should be pretty high on your list too.

2) Sunset Station - Everything I said about Arizona Charlie's East applies here - friendly staff, low table limits, and a high-frequency of winning (at least for me) - but the casino is much larger and offers a lot more options.

1) New York-New York - Gambling should be about having fun and no place in town makes it as fun as New York-New York. Their audacious Big Apple theme is perfectly rendered to the smallest detail and the energy it creates in undeniable. You purists can sneer all you want - this is what Vegas is all about

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