The results of our 2003 Vegas4Visitors Readers’ Poll are in! Here are the results:
Best Overall Hotel
#1) Bellagio – 12%. The palace that Steve Wynn built and MGM took over gets top nods in our top category from Vegas4Visitors readers, edging out sister hotel The Mirage, which won this category last year. This graceful on a grand scale temple to excess is probably the closest a 3,000-room-hotel will ever come to the word luxury.
#2) Mirage – 9.5%. We have described The Mirage as a benchmark by which all other hotels in Vegas will be judged. Despite it being older, less sparkly, and less flashy than some of its competitors, enough of you still judged it great enough to get the #2 spot.
#3) Venetian – 8%. Speaking of temple to excess… the stunning replica of Venice, Italy, complete with canals, gondolas, and museum-quality art and architecture is hard to top. Your votes give it the #3 spot on our list of Best Overall Hotels, moving up from #5 last year.
Best Strip Hotel
#1) Bellagio – 15%. After eliminating the competition from around the city, The Bellagio still leads the pack with an even higher vote percentage, repeating its win for the second year in a row in this category.
#2) Mirage – 10.3%. Is this looking familiar yet? Yes, it seems the people who voted their favorites in the Overall hotel category are the same who voted heavily in the Strip hotel category. Which leads us to…
#3) Venetian – 10.0%. That’s right… a carbon copy finish of our Overall hotels list from this year. The Venetian moves up a spot from last year into the Top 3.
Best Downtown Hotel
#1) Golden Nugget – 65.4%. With a dozen categories to vote in our readers showed their wildly divergent tastes by spreading the wealth in every category but this one. Notice that Bellagio won best Strip hotel with only 15% of the vote while The Golden Nugget, the gem of Downtown Vegas, won this category with almost 2/3rds of the total votes cast!
#2) Main Street Station – 8.6%. It’s hard to compete against a behemoth like The Golden Nugget but this delightful turn-of-the-century San Francisco themed hotel still manages to charm its way into second place.
#3) Four Queens – 5.4%. Displacing Fitzgerald’s from the #3 spot last year is one of the Grand Dames of Fremont Street. The Four Queens has a friendly staff, usually low prices, and decent, comfortable rooms… what’s not to like?
Best Local’s Hotel
#1) Green Valley Ranch – 16.5%. This was a nail-biter, but Green Valley managed to squeak by Sam’s Town by less than half a percentage point. For a hotel that is less than two years old to have been discovered and appreciated by enough people to vault it into first place is a real accomplishment and proves, as we believe, this is one of the best hotels in the city.
#2) Sam’s Town – 16.1%. Missed it by that much… the venerable Sam’s Town on Boulder Highway comes a close second. Still, that’s a testament to how beloved this longtime locals hangout is amongst residents and tourists alike.
#3) Orleans – 15.3%. Another strong showing – less than a percentage point behind number 2 – puts the newly expanded and improved Orleans into the top 3, slipping a notch from last year.
Best Rooms
#1) Venetian – 23.5%. They bill them as the largest standard accommodations in the world. We don’t know about that but they are plenty big and obviously plenty popular with our readers.
#2) Rio – 14%. They call them suites and we won’t argue since they have a tendency to get lawyerly about things like that but they are very large rooms, well appointed, and a Vegas4Visitors reader favorite.
#3) Bellagio – 12.6%. The rooms at Bellagio aren’t quite as big as those at Venetian or Rio but it’s hard to “out luxury” these luxurious digs.
Best Service
#1) Bellagio – 17.4%. Another win for the Bellagio – or should that be “Wynn.” Customer service was always a top priority for Wynn when he built this place and it’s good to know the new owners MGM MIRAGE haven’t changed that focus.
#2) Mirage – 8.6%. The hotel that redefined Vegas more than a decade ago still scores high marks for its professional and courteous staff. We couldn’t agree more.
#3) Rio – 7%. Now this one is important… a few years ago, The Rio didn’t even show up on the radar in the “Best Service” category and in fact was legendary for the complete opposite. But Harrah’s has stepped in and created a big difference and their appearance here means things are changing for the better. Kudos.
Best Casino
#1) Bellagio – 8.1%. It’s gotta be the wood-encased slot machines, right? Whatever the reason, this touch-of-luxury casino won the hearts and minds of readers by only half a percentage point.
#2) MGM Grand – 7.6%. Bigger apparently is better as the biggest casino in Las Vegas comes in a strong second in the favorite casino race.
#3) Tie: New York-New York – 5.5%. We think this one is a hoot – a visual feast of non-stop Gotham detail that is at once authentic and delightfully cartoonish. Apparently you agreed, putting the Big Apple casino in a tie for third place with…
#3) Tie: Treasure Island – 5.5%. Arrgh, matey. Most of the pirate stuff is going, going, or gone and the “hip and trendy” factor is moving in so it’s hard to tell whether it was the old or the new that captured your votes – but here it is, a tie for third.
Best Show 2003
Las Vegas has come a long way since the days of cheesy magic acts and topless variety shows. Sure, there are still plenty of those around but in 2003 some of the most exciting, entertaining, and imaginative entertainment is happening right on The Vegas Strip. Our readers voted in droves to choose the shows they thought were the best. Here are the results:
#1) Mystere – 20%. When it debuted a decade ago, Mystere changed the face of Las Vegas entertainment forever and influenced virtually every show that has come and gone since then. With its unique blend of avante garde theater and circus spectacle, Mystere managed to beat down newer, more extravagant competitors for the title for the second year in a row.
#2) Blue Man Group – 17.5%. Yeah, it’s weird but Las Vegas was a town built on weird so it’s no surprise this show has captured the attention it has. Three mute, bald, blue-headed aliens explore the oddities of contemporary life through a series of sketches and create strangely compelling music with household items. Leave your preconceptions about what theater should look like and prepare to be entertained.
#3) O by Cirque du Soleil – 13%. Take all the stuff that made sister show “Mystere” such a hit and put it in, on, and above a giant water tank and you have “O,” one of the grandest spectacles anywhere in the world much less in Las Vegas. The acrobatic aquatics are breathtaking as are the visual theatrics throughout. We agree – it’s not as good as “Mystere” but it definitely deserves a spot near the top.
#4) Danny Gans – 6%. The master vocal impressionist can make himself sound like virtually any singer, comedian, or star you can name with an almost eerie precision. Throw in a strong blend of humor and a fast-paced show and it’s easy to see why Mr. Gans is an audience favorite.
#5) Celine Dion – 4%. You have to give her credit. After only a few months of performing she managed to beat out Siegfried & Roy, Wayne Newton, topless showgirls, and almost every other Vegas institution out there for a spot in the Top 5 of your favorite shows. You probably have to be a fan of Ms. Dion to really enjoy her show but if you are it’s absolutely the best Celine concert you’ll ever see.
Best Attraction 2003
Tigers, volcanoes, roller-coasters, dancing fountains, dazzling light shows, sharks, museums… how is it possible to choose a favorite amongst the almost mind-boggling array of things to do in Las Vegas? Our readers found a way and picked the attractions they think are best. Here are the results:
#1) Bellagio Fountain Show – 53%. As you may have noticed in the results listed so far, there hasn’t been too much overwhelming agreement from our readers. For anything to get more than say 25% of any vote is spectacular so the fact that more than half of the voters declared the Bellagio Fountain Shows as their favorite attraction is really saying something. We understand why. No matter how many times you see this evocative water, light, and sound show it still impresses.
#2) Fremont Street Experience – 12%. A four-block-long canopy of dazzling lights hovers three stories above Fremont Street, turning Glitter Gulch into a spectacle worthy of the number two spot on our list. It’s being redone with even more powerful lights, sounds, and graphics so we wouldn’t be surprised to see its percentage go up next year.
#3) Pirate Battle at Treasure Island – 10%. Last year’s vote put the Pirate Battle at #2 with 25% of the vote, but it’s hard to tell if the drop off is because of a lack of interest or the fact that the brains at Treasure Island decided to scrap the whole thing and start over this fall. We’re disappointed also but the talent behind the new show gives us hope that the new spectacle could be even more spectacular than the original.
#4) Mirage Volcano – 4%. When it first debuted in 1989, the Mirage Volcano literally stopped traffic with its fire, water, and light special effects. Repeat viewing and fierce competition have relegated it to a back seat when it comes to “must-see” attractions but it’s still a lot of fun and we’re happy to see you think so also.
#5) Stratosphere Tower & Thrill Rides – 3%. Apparently a lot of you out there enjoy the thrills and nowhere in town will you find the unique scares you get at The Stratosphere. With its observation deck more than 100 stories above ground and their heart-stopping roller-coaster and Big Shot rides, this is super shot of adrenaline right on The Strip. The new Project X Sky ride opening later this year is sure to delight the thrill-seeker crowd but we can guarantee you’re never going to see us on it.
Best Restaurant 2003
With hundreds of premiere restaurants in Las Vegas our readers were widely divided on which they thought was best. Over 100 different restaurants received votes – everything from the most expensive in town to fast food burger joints. (Yes, we love In & Out also, but sorry… it didn’t win). With things that spread out it the winning entry scored the crown with less than 7% of the vote. But a winner is a winner so here are the results:
#1) Delmonico – 6.7%. For the second year in a row, Emeril Lagasse’s steakhouse at The Venetian powered past the masses to the top spot in our Readers’ Poll. It’s easy to understand why. Delmonico is a premiere example of how to turn the regular meat and potatoes menu into something unique, interesting, and incredibly flavorful.
#2) Emeril’s – 4.2%. Score another victory for Mr. Lagasse. His New Orleans style seafood joint at the MGM Grand squeaked into second place by less than ˝ a percentage point.
#3) Tie: The Range – 3.9%. A terrific menu (love the onion soup!) and a fantastic view combine in this elegant but understated steakhouse at Harrah’s.
#3) Tie: Tony Roma’s – 3.9%. Yes, it’s a chain restaurant and you can find them all over the place but it doesn’t change the fact that they have some of the best ribs around. Our readers didn’t specify which was their favorite but there are two locations at the Stardust and Fremont hotels.
#5) Hugo’s Cellar – 3.2%. This elegant gourmet restaurant at the Four Queens downtown has provided stellar service, a traditional yet wholly satisfying menu, and a charming surrounding for a long time. A class act that deserves a spot on this list.
Best Buffet 2003
For sheer quantity and quality there’s no place in the world that can rival Las Vegas for the all-you-can-eat buffet crown. But there are dozens all over town, from the bargain basement to the penthouse view to stretch an analogy. Which ones moved our readers to the virtual voting booths? Here are the winners:
#1) Rio Carnival World Buffet – 17.7%. If the long lines in front of the place are any indication is no surprise this wide ranging and enormously satisfying buffet at The Rio won the top honors in this category. It’s wildly popular for its mixture of All-American and exotic at relatively reasonable prices and definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Vegas.
#2) Bellagio Buffet – 16.3%. This buffet is unlike any other in Vegas or the world for that matter. We’re talking a level of food quality and presentation that rival some of the best traditional restaurants anywhere. Of course it’s expensive – the most expensive in town – but the old maxim is true: you get what you pay for.
#3) Paris Le Village Buffet – 11.2%. We’d like to believe it was solely the amazing hand-made crepes that earned Le Village a spot on this list but it was probably more about the fun environment, the variety of elegantly prepared food, and the great service. But you still have to try the crepes!
#4) Aladdin Spice Market Buffet – 8.4%. This is the first and perhaps the last appearance on this list for Aladdin’s terrific buffet seeing as how the whole thing may get changed when Planet Hollywood takes over. But if you can get there before that happens you owe yourself a treat at this moderately priced place offering a world’s traveler variety of festive delights.
#5) Main Street Station Garden Court Buffet – 6.4%. We at Vegas4Visitors.com picked this as our favorite buffet for the last two years running so we’re thrilled to see it squeak onto this list. For as little as a third of what you’d pay at comparable buffets on The Strip you get an almost ridiculous variety of terrific food in one of the most beautiful dining rooms anywhere.
Best Nightclub 2003
I love the nightlife. I’ve got to boogie. Or so thought the readers who voted in our competition for Best Nightclub in Vegas. This is a volatile category – only two of last year’s top five made a return appearance. And with all of the trendy new ultra-lounges opening recently this list could change dramatically by the 2004 edition of our Readers Poll but here are this year’s winners:
#1) Ghost Bar at The Palms – 10.2%. It’s only been open a little more than a year but this super exclusive celebrity magnet of a club has been an out-of-the-gate instant success. And you can’t beat the view from the top of the Palms tower.
#2) Studio 54 at MGM Grand – 7.8%. The lines to get into this high-powered dance club often snake through the casino on weekend nights as the huge tourist crowds demand a chance to shake their collective groove things.
#3) Ra at Luxor – 7.3%. Last year’s winner in this category slips to the number three spot but that really is only a commentary on the increased competition, not on the way this energetic pure dance club continues to entertain the crowds.
#4) House of Blues at Mandalay Bay – 6.8%. We’re not sure that calling this a nightclub is exactly right but we’re willing to go along with it. Between their big name concerts, special events, gospel brunches, and late night weekend dancing it certainly has all the elements that make a truly successful club.
#5) Rain at The Palms – 6.8%. The ground floor version of its sister Ghost Bar, Rain is more of a straight-ahead dance club than the lounge concept upstairs. With an entertaining fire and water design, great high-tech sounds and sights, and an endless supply of beautiful people to look at it’s appearance on this list is no surprise.
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