If anyone can claim to have kicked off the theme casino-resort craze in Vegas, it may well be Caesars. Built in 1966 for a mere $25 million, it features graceful Greco-Roman styling, fantastic fountains, unmatched conveniences, a knack for pampering and, of course, three casinos. Since then, Caesars has undergone regular improvements - to the tune of more than $1 billion, including the addition of the 4.5-acre Garden of the Gods swimming area, a rotunda housing a miniature city of Rome, interior renovations and expansions, plus the addition of a $100 million shopping center aptly named the Forum Shops.
As everywhere at Caesars, the shopping arcade screams of ancient Rome, with enough columns, fountains and statues to make you consider changing your name to Maximus. There's even a faux blue sky overhead that changes as the day progresses - making shoppers feel as if they're strolling under the Mediterranean sun instead of, well, the florescent lights of a windowless mall.
The Caesars Palace Colosseum is a 4,000-seat, state-of-the-art venue. A stunning landmark dedicated to spectacular performance, graces the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard and is designed to resemble the timeless Colosseum in Rome.
Main Attraction: Caesars is a well-known boxing venue and a veteran of the Strip.
Ideal For: Couples, families and anyone with an affinity for ancient Rome
Dining Options: Caesars and the Forum Shops boast 23 restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining.
Accommodations: The hotel has 2,814 hotel rooms, including 450 suites or mini-suites, many of which feature Roman tubs or whirlpool baths.
Fascinating Fact: Caesars Palace pays $3.7 million annually for electricity.
Claim to Fame: The first theme resort on the Strip
Entertainment Options: Travel back to the days of Caesar while enjoying a delectable meal at the Magical Empire dinner theater, or check out one of the musical and comedy acts in the palace's lounges and bars. Celine Dion stars in the live, stage spectacular, "A New Day..." Accompanied by a cast of 70 dancers, musicians, characters and artists, Dion will headline a performance that fuses song, performance art, theatrical innovation and state-of-the-art technology. Elton John also performs in "The Red Piano" - a party where understatement has not been invited.
Activities: Relax in the 4.5-acre Garden of the Gods swimming and garden area, hit the spa or head to the Forum Shops - the self-proclaimed Shopping Wonder of the World - to unload some cash.
Casino Stats: Caesars' two casinos, the Forum Casino and the Palace Court Casino, have a total of 147,750 square feet.
