Outside, along The Strip just opposite Treasure Island and Wynn Las Vegas, you’ll notice the giant space-ship looking thing hovering over the main entrance. That’s called The Cloud and it’s part of a multi-million dollar multimedia display system that features lights, video displays, and music in yet another “hey look at me and then come inside” gambit not unlike the Sirens of TI or Bellagio Fountains. It's not as interesting as the latter but certainly more entertaining than the former.

Once you get inside check the maps because it’s easy to get turned around in the place. There are several levels with a rising terrace effect as you move from front to rear so it’s not as simple as taking the ground floor from one end to the other and then coming back on the second floor like you do in most malls.

The overall design of the place is very sterile and more than a little cold in my opinion but maybe that’s to get you out of the public areas of the mall and into the stores where you’ll actually spend money. And boy oh boy do you have a lot of spending opportunities here.

The major department stores include Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s Home, and Nordstrom. In between those big box retailers you’ll find just about every other store you can possibly imagine and quite a few that you couldn’t. Among the more recognizable names: Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Apple Computers, bebe, Bestey Johnnson, Brookstone, Coach, Fredericks of Hollywood, GAP (of course), Guess, Hot Topic, Louis Vuitton, Nine West, Puma, Swarovski crystal, Tommy Bahama’s, Victoria’s Secret, and Zales Jewelry.

Note that the above list is less than 1/10th the number of actual stores in the mall so it doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.

There’s also a big food court with lots of name brand fast-food style eateries so if you’re longing for a taste of home via Wendy’s or California Pizza Kitchen, head here first. Several full-fledged restaurants are located at the north end of the joint, including a steakhouse, a Mexican restaurant, and more.

In the center of the the mall is a fashion show runway theater of sorts. Equipped with giant televisions, lights, and a massive sound system, the area can host everything from concerts and special events to actual models on a catwalk. There’s even a giant stage that rises hydraulically from the floor to reveal an enclosed display area – it had new Jaguars (the car not the animal) on it the last time I stopped by.

And just to prove this isn’t your normal garden-variety mall, they also feature a full-service concierge staff that can arrange show tickets or restaurant reservations while you’re off blowing your hard-earned dough on treats at the Ethel M. Chocolate store. They even offer valet parking.

Like I said: serious shopping.