As always, my choices are bound to elicit some commentary. If you have something you want to add, we'll be having a discussion about it on the Vegas4Visitors Facebook group.

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1. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
   Yes it's too expensive and yes it's often infested with the kind of pretty party animals that make me itch but with a package like this one, it is easy to overlook the flaws. Most Vegas hotels have something about them that are memorable but here there is something unforgettable around every corner. Fantastic rooms, great restaurants, a lively casino, an easily navigable layout, no resort fee, free Wi-Fi, and an eye-popping, whimsical design - this is the hotel that Vegas has been waiting for.

2. Bellagio
   You can't stand still in this town and this is a great example of how a hotel can stay current and still stay true to its roots. The new as of 2011 rooms are gorgeous, the casino is still luxurious, and they have some of the best restaurants and entertainment in the city. Now, if only it didn't cost so much to stay here.

3. Aria
   This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Vegas, both inside and out. It's pricey, the resort fee is stupid, it's hard to navigate, and the rooms, while modern and elegant, are muted compared to those at The Cosmo (for instance). Having said that, the eye candy and almost endless selection of gaming, dining, and entertainment options makes it worth a few downsides.

4. Caesars Palace
   It doesn't get any more classic than this. The changes over the years have kept this hotel competitive while keeping the spirit of its cheesy theme alive. Rooms in the newer towers are fantastic and they have great shows and restaurants. Long live the empire!

5. Red Rock Resort
   This hotel has been on my Top 10 list every year since it opened. One visit and you'll understand why: absolutely gorgeous and luxurious rooms, a beautifully designed casino with relatively low limits, some great eats, and views of both the city and Red Rock Canyon. Get used to seeing it on this list - it's probably here to stay.

6. The Plaza
   Let's be honest: this place had become a dump. But what they have done with it is nothing short of miraculous. Grabbing up the furnishings, carpeting, drapes, decor, fixtures, and even marble that was supposed to go into a multi-billion dollar hotel and putting it here was a stroke of genius. Even more genius? Keeping the rates a rock-bottom Downtown prices.

7. Treasure Island
   Although lacking in personality, this hotel has become the Average Joe of the Las Vegas Strip and I mean that in a good way. The rooms are stylish and generously sized, the casino is fully stocked, there are lots of good restaurants, it houses one of the best shows in town, and on top of all that the rates are downright affordable most of the time. The luxury crowd has lots of options - thank goodness there's a place for the rest of us.

8. Wynn/Encore
   Taken together, Wynn Las Vegas and its connected twin sister Encore Las Vegas, offer up a luxurious package that is very hard to resist if you can afford it. The rooms, renovated recently at Wynn, are like an oasis in the Vegas madness, while the casinos, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping are the best definition of Vegas madness. I'll say it again: If you can afford it.

9. South Point
   If this hotel was located six miles north on Las Vegas Boulevard it would probably cost two or three times what it normally does to stay here. The fact that you can get large, comfy rooms, plenty of gaming and entertainment options, some low-cost restaurants, and more all at a fraction of what you'd pay up the street makes that six miles look a lot shorter.

10. The Mirage
    Another perennial favorite on this list, this is the place that made modern Las Vegas possible. Although it has been overshadowed in recent years by the bigger, newer, fancier places nearby it is still a terrific resort with modern rooms, great restaurants and entertainment, and dolphins. How can you not love dolphins?

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1. Absinthe at Caesars Palace
   Take amazing Cirque du Soleil style acrobatics and daredevil acts, put them just a few feet away from you in an up-close experience, and then throw in some of the most outrageous (and often X-rated) humor you will find anywhere in town that will leave you gasping with laughter and you have what I call the best show in Las Vegas.

2. Vegas! The Show at Planet Hollywood
   There's a reason that the "classic" Las Vegas shows are mostly gone: they may have had their moments but overall, they weren't all that good. This show takes the best of Vegas entertainment, from showgirls to The Rat Pack to Elton John and back again, and wraps it up in an irresistible singing and dancing package. If the shows of the "good old days" really were this good, they'd still be around.

3. Mac King at Harrah's
   It's a simple formula, really: take small, up-close style magic tricks (performed flawlessly), add lots of laugh-out-loud moments from the genial host, subtract the usual silly drama involved in magic acts, and divide all that by a ridiculously low ticket price and the total is a great Vegas show.

4. Garth Brooks at Wynn/Encore
   There are very, very few shows I would consider paying $250 a ticket to see. This is one of them. Even if you don't like country music, or Brooks himself, this one-man journey through the history of the music that influenced him and his almost virtuoso level entertainer skills make this one of the best concerts you will ever see.

5. Penn & Teller at The Rio
   A lot of people call this the best magic show in town and to be fair the illusions are pretty stunning. But to call this a magic show is almost an insult to this hyper-verbal (despite the fact that one of them doesn't talk), thesis-level examination of how easily people can be fooled. It's more than just magic; it's like a master class in the art of the con.

6. Mystère at Treasure Island
   It's the original Cirque du Soleil production in Vegas and, now, one of the longest running shows in town (20 years in 2013!). Its influence on entertainment in this city can't be overstated but beyond that it's simply a great show. Thrilling, evocative, and expertly executed, here's hoping it goes for another 20 years.

7. KÀ at MGM Grand
   Most of the Cirque shows (the good ones at least) have emotional moments, but none of them build an emotional investment the way that this one does. The storyline about twins separated by war trying to find their way back to one another is more than just a backdrop to the amazing high-wire acts; it's the foundation for one of the most exciting pieces of entertainment in Vegas.

8. Criss Angel at Luxor
   Yes, yes, I know, a lot of you hate him and nothing he does (or I say) will change your mind. That's okay because the rest of us know that this show has morphed out of being a muddled Cirque mash-up into what is probably the best large-scale magic being done in Las Vegas right now.

9. JabbaWockeeZ at Monte Carlo
   I'm still hoping that this thrilling hip-hop dance show finds a new home after The Blue Man Group moves into their theater next year, because it would be a shame to allow these masters "pop and lock" their way out of town. The dancing is practically genius level but it's their showmanship that takes it to a higher level.

10. Le Rêve at Wynn/Encore
    For its entire existence (more than 5 years now), this show has been compared, usually negatively, to that other show that uses a big water tank. No more, say I. Although the blueprint may be similar, this show has built itself up as its own thrilling construction, with evocative visuals, thrilling aerialist and diving acts, dance, humor, and more.

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1. Todd's Unique Dining
   The 20 minutes or so that it will take you to get here from The Strip can be spent anticipating, with mouth-watering glee, what will most likely be the best meal you eat in Las Vegas. The gourmet level dishes remain completely accessible to the Average Joe not only in design but in cost, which is downright cheap compared to most Strip restaurants, most of which aren't as good as this one.

   Don't miss this dish: Braised boneless short rib on jalapeno mashed potatoes.

2. Raku
   Another 20 minute drive, another saliva inducing anticipation of the simply constructed and simply divine Japanese charcoal grill skewers they serve here. Go late at night and you'll most likely be dining next to chefs from the high-end Strip restaurants who come here to eat after they get off work, which should really tell you a lot.

   Don't miss this dish: Kobe beef with wasabi.

3. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand
   This is not food; this is edible art on a plate. Yes, the prices are shocking but instead of dropping a couple of hundred bucks on blackjack for an experience that you'll forget 20 minutes after you leave the table, spend it here on a meal that you will remember for the rest of your life.

   Don't miss this dish: Onion tart with crumbled bacon and asparagus.

4. Capriotti's
   Although they are slowly expanding into a national chain, I still consider the delectable Italian subs they serve to be a Las Vegas treasure. The quality and the portions are miles above those other sandwich chains and in Vegas, where the average lunch meal can cost you $20, the fact that you can feed three people for that here is a super bonus.

   Don't miss this dish: The Bobby (turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing).

5. KGB at Harrah's
   I've already taken some heat for declaring the burgers they serve here as the best in Las Vegas but I don't care - I'm standing by my choice. Moist, insanely flavorful beef in portions that are too big for a normal human being and with endless variations that will satisfy even the pickiest of people make these the burgers of champions.

   Don't miss this dish: BBQ bacon burger.

6. Hash House a Go Go at Imperial Palace, M Resort, or The Plaza
   Most people make a big deal about how big the portions are here - pancakes the size of a pizza and waffles bigger than a checkerboard - but size would mean nothing if the food wasn't good. Here, it's great. If you go to a breakfast buffet instead of trying the twisted fresh farm food served here you only have yourself to blame.

   Don't miss this dish: Waffles with bacon baked inside.

7. Tie: Estiatorio Milos at The Cosmopolitan/Bartolotta at Wynn Las Vegas
   These restaurants have a lot of similarities. Both are Mediterranean influenced (Milos is Greek, Bartolotta is Italian), both specialize in seafood, both are expensive, and both are nothing short of fantastic. Choosing one over the other is a total Sophie's choice so I wussed out and picked them both. Maybe you should do the same.

   Don't miss these dishes: The Milos Special appetizer (fried zucchini and eggplant with Greek yogurt and cheese) at Milos and the maccheroni (hand rolled spaghetti with Tuscan meat sauce) at Bartolotta.

8. Lola's: A Louisiana Kitchen
   New Orleans style Cajun and Creole cooking is an art form that you can usually only find good examples of in Louisiana but the Las Vegas location of this charming little bistro does not diminish the cuisine one little bit. Don't look out the windows while you're eating and your taste buds will trick you into believe you are in the Big Easy.

   Don't miss this dish: Roast beef debris po boy served on real Liedenheimer bread.

9. Todd English PUB at Crystals at CityCenter
   A casual environment, moderate prices, and terrific pub grub style food. What's not to love?

   Don't miss this dish: The prime rib beef chili.

10. Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas
    The days of the unremarkable 24-hour eatery seem to be coming to a close in Vegas. If they are all replaced by open-all-night establishments like this one, I say bring on the revolution. An almost epic menu has more choices than you will know what to do with but the good news is, everything I sampled was fantastic - not just good, but fantastic. And those deserts!!

    Don't miss this dish: Apple pie waffles topped with caramel and maple syrup.

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1. Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas
   If you only have the time, appetite, and budget for one buffet, it should be this one. The food is better than you'll get at most regular restaurants in town and the room is definitely the prettiest. Yes, it's crazy expensive, but boy is it ever worth it.

2. Station Casinos Feast Buffets
   There are Feast buffets at many most of the Station casinos including Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Texas Station, Boulder station, Sunset Station, Palace Station, Santa Fe Station, and Aliante Station but they all have one thing in common: they are great and affordable. So which one should you go to? I'm partial to the ones at Red Rock and Santa Fe, but really... just close your eyes and pick and you probably won't be disappointed.

3. Main Street Station Garden Court Buffet
   An enormous selection of well prepared food, served in a gorgeous dining room, at extremely reasonable prices. For the cost you can't do better.

4. Rio Carnival World Buffet
   One of the most complete buffets in town - build your own hamburger! - it is also one of the most popular and priciest, meaning you'll usually have to wait in long lines and pay a lot for the privilege. Once you get to the food you won't mind at all.

5. M Resort Studio B Buffet
   The fact that there is a television studio built into the buffet (where they do occasional cooking demonstrations) is a cool gimmick but the food is the real star here. It's more expensive than it probably should be considering how far away from The Strip it is, but here you get what you pay for.

6. Buffet at Bellagio
   Speaking of expensive buffets, this one sits pretty close to the top price-wise but there are very few all-you-can-eateries in town that serve this kind of quality food. Dinner is like eating at a fine gourmet restaurant, only without the snobby waiters.

7. Gold Coast Ports o'Call Buffet
   Located a stone's throw from The Strip you could just look at the bargain basement prices and say "good enough for me." But this goes beyond just "cheap" to "cheap and good." It is by far the best value buffet anywhere near The Strip.

8. Le Village Buffet at Paris Las Vegas
   Ooh-la-la! The French influences are kept to a minimum here, which is probably a relief to most diners, but whether it's Viva La France or God Bless America, the food they serve here is better than mass produced cuisine has any right to be. Love the French countryside themed dining room, too!

9. Flavors Buffet at Harrah's
   The main courses are really good but it's the dessert station that made me a fan. It's the one section that is usually a disappointment in buffets but here they do a great job with a wide selection of tempting treats.

10. Planet Hollywood Spice Market Buffet
    For a long time this was the best buffet in town. Now there are better (see numbers 1-9 on this list) but that doesn't mean that this one isn't good. Being the 5th best buffet on The Strip is absolutely nothing to sneer about, I think we can all agree.

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1. Pinball Hall of Fame
   Most museums would frown upon you playing with their priceless pieces of art, but at the Pinball Hall of Fame that's exactly what they want you to do. Classic pinball machines and arcade games from the last sixty years are on display and all it takes is some quarters to experience them in their full, flipper twirling, light flashing, alien blasting glory. Who knew museums could be this much fun?

2. Erotic Heritage Museum
   Speaking of fun museums, this example is definitely not for everyone - the easily embarrassed, the easily shocked, and the easily under 18 should not put it on their itinerary. But everyone else should make it a must-see for its sometimes lurid but always fascinating look into sex and its seemingly endless "possibilities."

3. Bellagio Conservatory at Bellagio
   The crowds of people who cram into this festive garden are about the only negative that I can come up with. The winter and Chinese New Year displays are always the year's best but the spring, summer, and fall arrangements of flowers, plants, and assorted seasonal decoration are absolutely worth a visit.

4. Fremont Street Flightlinez
   I'm not normally a fan of thrill-junkie type stuff. Yes, you can call me a wuss - that's totally fine. But even I managed to screw up my courage and take a ride on this zip line running down the Fremont Street Experience. If you can keep your eyes open while riding, it offers a completely unique way to see Glitter Gulch

5. The Dolphin Habitat & Secret Garden at The Mirage
   The dolphin part of the animal attraction is the best part - who doesn't love dolphins? - but the former co-stars of Siegfried and Roy's shows are pretty cool to look at also. No, the one that ate Roy is not on display, sorry.

6. Atomic Testing Museum
   Understanding the history of the atomic age and the role Las Vegas played in it is the fascinating subject of this highly interactive museum. It uses state of the art technology to keep things lively while straddling the gap between the good and bad the science of the atom brought society. In short: it's a blast! (had to be done)

7. Fountains of Bellagio at Bellagio
   No matter how many times you have seen the dancing water fountains, I dare you not to stop and watch again when the shows run. They have created new choreography to new tunes but my favorite still has to be Luck Be a Lady.

8. Fremont Street Experience
   The giant LED canopy over Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas has been around for 16 years but the nearly constant parade of new light and sound shows keeps it as fresh as it was when it debuted.

9. The Volcano at The Mirage
   When it first started spewing its "lava" in 1989, the volcano literally stopped traffic on The Strip. That it is a little less wow-worthy these days is only because we have become more jaded, not that it has become any less awesome.

10. Springs Preserve
    This oasis in the middle of the Las Vegas madness has so much to see that you could spend an entire day and not get bored. Start with the interpretive center that provides a fascinating look at how water shaped the area, move into the environmental and ecology displays, stroll through the preserved wetlands and gardens, and then finish it off at the newly opened Nevada State Museum. Sounds like a good day to me.

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1. Cosmopolitan
   Although I have done pretty good winnings-wise in this casino (the straight flush on three card poker while playing blind was a lot of fun), it's more about the atmosphere here than anything else. It is the most visually stimulating casino in town due to its over-the-top artistic design and it's easy to navigate, too. Friendly dealers and pit bosses make this my favorite in town.

2. Harrah's
   This one is totally about winning. The casino itself isn't all that special and, in fact, it could do with some revisions to the layout to make it a little less hectic. But I win more consistently here than any other casino in town, which makes it a winner in my book.

3. Aria
   A lot of people hate this casino and I still can't figure out why - other than, perhaps, the winning to losing ratio, which for me at least has tipped to the losing side more often than not. But from a visual and design perspective I think it is a total success, even more so now that they have made some revisions to the floor to give it a more open and airy feeling.

4. Caesars Palace
   Still a classic after all these year, this casino offers several distinct experiences all in one package. There are multiple table game and slot machine areas, each with its own atmosphere - some hectic and energetic, some more laid back - so you have plenty of options for where you want to win your fortune (or lose it as the case may be).

5. Wynn Las Vegas
   The only downside to this easily navigable and comfortably laid out casino are the limits at the table games at peak times, which are usually higher than I like. But other than that I really enjoy the space, the huge number of gaming options, and the dealers and staff, which seem to be friendlier than you'll find at a lot of Strip casinos.

6. Golden Nugget
   Still the best casino in Downtown Las Vegas, which in days past was not saying much. Now it has more competition from the newly redone Plaza, the still charming Main Street Station, and others but this one still takes the cake for its warm design, low limits, and friendly dealers.

7. Red Rock Resort
   If this casino was located on The Strip instead of 25 minutes away from it, I'd play here all the time. Visually it is a stunner and with the lower-than-average limits, personable staff, and charmingly rambling layout it is one of my favorites.

8. M Resort
   This is another example of a fantastic casino that suffers because it is located so far from The Strip. The gorgeous design fills the space with light and the casino staff is one of the friendliest in town. One other carp is that options for higher-limit slot players (dollars and above) are pretty limited.

9. Planet Hollywood
   There are other newer casinos that have made this one look tame by comparison, but looking at it objectively this is still one of the most modern and interestingly designed gaming spaces in town.

10. Green Valley Ranch
    Casinos aren't usually known as places to find peace and quiet, but there's something about this place that gives it more of a relaxed vibe than just about any other in Las Vegas.

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1. Gilley's at Treasure Island
   I like the relatively low prices, friendly staff, and wide ranging entertainment options (live bands to a mechanical bull) but the thing that puts this at the top of my list is the come-as-you-are atmosphere that draws everyone from twenty-somethings who look like they are ready for a night on the town to seventy-somethings who want to sing karaoke (Hi Mom!). They go out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable here - even those, like me, who don't like country music.

2. Insert Coin(s)
   There are a bunch of really cool bars in the Downtown Las Vegas area but this one absolutely out-cools them all. Part bar, part dance club, and part video game arcade, this funky and fun establishment has a great vibe, low drink prices, and almost endless entertainment options.

3. Marquee at The Cosmopolitan
   I'm not usually a fan of the high-end, high-pressure nightclubs on The Strip but the thing I like about Marquee is that you have options. If the massive dance club portion is too up tempo for you, try the Boombox ultralounge space or the even more laid back Library, where you can even read a book if you feel so inclined. Or you can wander outside and party under the stars by the club's own pool. Options are a good thing.

4. Mizuya Lounge at Mandalay Bay
   Most dance clubs in this town cater to the young and pretty set, but where do people who aren't a size zero and barely old enough to drink go to dance? Right here. The nightly live entertainment is widely regarded as the best in town with cover bands that keep the floor lively and the lower drink prices and (usually) non-existent cover charges make it a bargain to boot.

5. Surrender at Encore Las Vegas
   Although it is more of an ultralounge than a nightclub, this place feels like something in between with a sexy, cool, and intimate club-like area that opens up onto the mammoth outdoor pool space. A great vibe, hot beats, and a more grown-up audience seal the deal for me.

6. Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan
   Most hotel bars are pretty boring unless you hit it big on the video poker machines that most of them have. But here, they put three separate hotel bars inside of a giant three-story chandelier offering unique environments that can suit multiple tastes. The ground-floor bar is one of the best people-watching spaces in town.

7. Peppermill's Fireside Lounge
   If you were a fan of the TV show Vega$ and the gaudy era it represented for the city, then boy have I got a place for you. Looking like a time capsule from the 70's and 80's, this retro wonder is not to be missed.

8. Swingers Club at The Plaza
   The swingers in question here are not the cheesy lounge lizard variety but rather the miniature golf club version. Yes, in addition to live entertainment, dueling pianos, low drink prices, and no cover charge, this fun Downtown bar has a nine-hole putt-putt golf course!

9. Piranha 8 1/2
   The best of the gay and lesbian clubs in town is a great space for anyone to go and have a low-pressure good time. The ultralounge space is comfortable and warmly designed and the nightclub area has one of the most high-energy and fun dance floors in town.

10. Petrossian at Bellagio
    If the idea of drinking a simple "beer" or "mixed drink" or, God forbid, one of those blended margaritas in a tacky three-foot high souvenir cup makes you blanch, then this mixology haven might just be more to your liking. The bartenders are widely considered to be among the best in the world and the libations they construct are like works of art in a glass.

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1. The Toy Shack
   Although definitely packed with enough amusements to entertain even the most disaffected of youth, this delightful store is a wonderland for grown-ups as well. It has what is probably the most complete assortment of collectible toys from across multiple generations so that beloved doll, action figure, board game, model car, or just about anything else from your childhood will probably be here (or they'll be able to get it for you). Blasts from the past have never been this much fun.

2. Emergency Arts
   The local arts scene in Vegas has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few years and nowhere is it more apparent than at this funky arts collective in Downtown Las Vegas. Located in a former medical clinic, the various galleries and boutiques serve up unique and endlessly interesting pieces including paintings, sculpture, jewelry, collectibles, clothing, and more.

3. Bonanza Souvenir Shop
   So you just have to have a Las Vegas snow globe or a beach towel with a screened painting of The Strip on it. I totally understand the impulse. To satisfy that urge, you need to come here to the place billed as the "World's Largest Gift Shop." Whether or not that is true is probably up for debate, but it is absolutely the most complete collection of tourist treasures (from tacky to... a little less tacky) in Las Vegas.

4. Retro Vegas
   The Danish and Mid-Century modern furnishings they specialize in here are really cool, but it's the old Vegas accessories and bric-a-brac that really make this store stand out for me. The day I was in there they had a 70's era chandelier from one of the old Strip casinos. I wanted it. I couldn't afford it, but I wanted it.

5. British Foods
   Cadbury. Real British Cadbury chocolate. Do I really need to say more? Okay... this yummy little store is packed to the rafters with edibles (and some collectibles) from across the pond, featuring everything from clotted cream to tea biscuits to bangers and Irish sausages. Oh, and Cadbury. Don't forget the Cadbury.

6. Town Square
   I'm not usually a fan of outdoor shopping experiences in Las Vegas. It's usually too hot during the summer and too chilly during the winter to fully enjoy. But there's something special about this collection of stores, boutiques, and restaurants, designed to look like a charming town square (complete with a park in the center of it) that makes it worth putting up with the elements.

7. Gambler's General Store
   Las Vegas is the gambling capital of America so it makes sense that one of the biggest emporiums of all things gambling is here as well. Dice, cards, slot machines, gaming tables, books, photos, clothing, accessories... if you have a taste for all things Lady Luck, this is the place to go.

8. Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian
   Although the stores are a little pedestrian, the experience of wandering through this recreation of Venice, Italy is anything but. There is no way to not be charmed and a bit agog at the sight of a gondola lazily navigating past a Banana Republic.

9. The Attic
   More than just a vintage clothing store, this candy colored boutique is like a costume shop gone mad. Yes, you can probably find a pair of jeans that fit but wouldn't you rather have that cool miniskirt or feather boa?

10. Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
    The Roman Street scene, statuary (some of which comes to "life"), and massive circular escalator are certainly cool but here it's the collection of stores that makes it worth its place on this list. Granted, a lot of them are from designer names that will push the upper end of your credit card limit, but serious shoppers know this is the place to do it.

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1. The Resurgence of Downtown Las Vegas
   While The Strip saw some new restaurants and nightclubs, the biggest boom in development was happening in Downtown Las Vegas. The Plaza made a triumphant comeback as did The Gold Spike (who would've ever seen that one coming?); new owners polished up The Golden Gate and are going to do the same thing to Fitzgerald's; The Lady Luck will finally get a new lease on life as The Downtown Grand; you can zipline down Fremont Street; the nightlife scene is booming with fun bars like Insert Coin(s); there are a bunch of new restaurants including Hash House a Go Go and the Heart Attack Grill; Neonopolis is finally coming back to life with cool stores like the Toy Shack; and the list goes on. Welcome back Glitter Gulch - we've missed you!

2. The Sahara Closes
   When big Vegas hotels have closed in the past it was because they were going to be torn down so something newer, bigger, and more grand could take its place. But when the Sahara closed in May of 2011 after nearly 60 years in business, it was simply because it was losing too much money to stay open. That's a huge deal and an ominous sign, especially for older, "classic" hotels like it.

3. Project Linq
   That's the code name for the $500 million project that will include a pedestrian street between Flamingo and Imperial Palace with restaurants and entertainment, the world's tallest observation wheel (or maybe second tallest), the closure of O'Shea's casino, and a remodeling and renaming of the Imperial Palace. But this project is important for more reasons than just the sum of its parts. Because of the economy, you probably won't be seeing massive new resorts being built for a long time so this is the kind of development that will probably become more commonplace.

4. China Wins the Gambling War
   The casinos in Macau, China didn't just beat the casinos in Las Vegas in terms of revenue, they obliterated them. The few dozen casinos in Macau rake in more money on a monthly basis than all of the casinos in Nevada combined - nearly four times as much! Macau will generate more revenue in two months than the Strip casinos will generate all year. This is important because the major gaming companies like Wynn, MGM, and Sands operate casinos there and with that kind of money flying around it's no great mystery where they will be focusing the bulk of their attention - something that could be a detriment to long term development in Las Vegas.

5. Viva Elvis To Close
   When Cirque du Soleil came to town it was a bit of a gamble, but boy did it ever pay off. Nearly 20 years and seven shows later, Cirque dominates the entertainment landscape in Vegas. But their perfect track record has been blemished by the underperforming Viva Elvis at Aria, which will be the first Cirque show to close in Vegas since Mystère first opened in 1993. The good news is they'll get to try again. The show will take its final bow at the end of 2012 and be replaced by... yes, another Cirque show.

6. Venetian Cuts Comps
   It was the shot heard round the world - or at least around Vegas. When Venetian and Palazzo big wig Sheldon Adelson announced that he was going to be cutting comps for all but the biggest of players, it caused an uproar and a major defection. Average Joe gamblers boycotted the hotels and revenue suffered (although some would argue the two weren't related - oooookay). A change of heart might be in the offing: many former Venetian and Palazzo visitors received "We've Missed You" e-mails recently offering free rooms and gaming credits.

7. Last Dance at Studio 54
   Studio 54 at MGM Grand wasn't the first mega-club on The Strip - that was RA at Luxor. But it was definitely the one that set the standard and created the blueprint for explosion of hedonistic nightlife that was to follow. The announcement that the mother ship of dance clubs would close in early 2012 was both a shock and not at all surprising considering the fact that reinvention is crucial to staying competitive. A new nightclub will debut in its place later in the year.

8. The Year of the Headliners
   Celine and Elton came back; Rod Stewart set up shop; Shania Twain announced she'd be taking the Vegas stages in 2012; Garth Brooks continued to play to sell-out crowds despite nearly doubling ticket prices; and Donny and Marie re-upped their contract. Being a headliner in Vegas has never been so in vogue.

9. MGM Grand's Extreme Makeover
   As mentioned above in the Studio 54 item, staying competitive requires staying current so the nearly 20 year old MGM Grand is basically throwing everything into the metaphoric dumpster and starting again. The 360 degree makeover, which should be complete in late 2012 or early 2013, will attempt to turn the biggest hotel in Vegas into the hottest one. Stay tuned.

10. Mayor Oscar: The End of an Era
    Oscar Goodman was more than just the mayor of Las Vegas, he was its biggest cheerleader and during his 12 year reign he constantly reminded people that the city was designed for fun. Unapologetically blunt, Goodman made headlines for his off-the-cuff remarks and his tireless campaigning to make Sin City the best city in the world. If there were no term limits, he probably could've kept the job for another 12 years.

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