LAS VEGAS HONEYMOONS

WHERE TO STAY:

Las Vegas hotels are over the top. Most are worlds in themselves with many acres under one roof. "The world's largest" and "the world's only" are common descriptive terms here as each developer tries to make his new property bigger, better and more outrageous than any other. In general, luxury reigns. Rooms are large and comfortable, and amenities and facilities are those that can't be found anywhere else. Many of the soaring sky scraper properties encompass lakes, waterfalls, theme parks, spas, sophisticated bars and restaurants, hip night clubs, chic shopping malls and glittering casinos, most of which operate around the clock around the year. Most hotels are on or near the southern and center parts of "The Strip," Las Vegas Boulevard. Others are on streets parallel to it or downtown. There is so much to do under one roof that many visitors play and stay in the same place without ever leaving their resort.

• THE FOUR SEASONS, LAS VEGAS. 338 rooms, 86 suites. If you seek a luxurious oasis where you can truly relax, this is your place. It occupies the top floors of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. It has no casino to create crowds and its own entrances, elevators, pool, spa, gym and other amenities. Pampering at any hour or the day or night is their pleasure and you'll see it in every detail, including the lush flower arrangements that are found throughout. 3960 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Tel: (702)632 5000. www.fourseasons.com.

• MGM GRAND. 4,293 rooms, 2559 suites. This is one of the world's largest hotels but you can be alone and comfortable in a crowd. The theaters can host Big Name concerts and sports events. There are 5 pools, 17 restaurants, a host of boutiques, and an unending list of things to see and do between stops at the giant casino and other activities. Those who want to splurge can stay at the Skylofts on the two top floors where room rates include limos to and from the airport, butler service, and preferred seating and the Cirque du Soleil show and prime restaurants. 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Tel: (702)891 1111. www.mgmgrand.com. For Skylofts: Tel: (877)646 5638. www.skyloftsmgmgrand.com.

• THE VENETIAN RESORT HOTEL. 4,027 suites. Your suite may be larger than your home! Reproductions of famous frescoes and Venetian landmarks like the Doges Palace and St. Mark's Square are all around you. Great restaurants and cafes, and chic boutiques line the Grand Canal where your gondolier will serenade you. Performers singing opera arias are likely to pass by. A Canyon Ranch Spa complete with a climbing wall will take out the kinks of too many late nights, and you can gamble in the beautiful casino any time of the day or night. For a cultural rest, see the French impressionist paintings in the Guggenheim Heritage Museum. 3355 Las Vegas Boule- vard South, Center Strip. Tel: (888)283 6423. www.venetian.com.

• WYNN LAS VEGAS. 2,359 rooms. 357 suites. No expense was spared when this resort was built. Spacious rooms outfitted with the world's finest linens ensure your comfort. Replicas of the owner's priceless art collection adorn the walls. You have a choice of 14 restaurants and 6 bars. A glittering casino, a garden atrium, a tree- covered, man made mountain with two waterfalls and a shimmering lake are all part of the posh scene. The casino is especially beautiful and the hotel even has its own theater and its own water oriented show. 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Center Strip. Tel: (702)770 7100. www.wynnlasvegas.com.

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

• Drink lots of water. The dry desert air can dehydrate your body.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You may walk for miles, even if you only visit one casino.
• Getting around: Mono rails, public busses, trolleys, taxis and limos make it easy. Leave plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B. Giant hotels and casinos stand far back from the road. Taxi waiting lines can be long and traffic can be congested.
• Taxis are not allowed to pick you up on the street. Call them in advance or have the restaurant call one for you. Try to carry small bills and change. Drivers often don't. If there's congestion on The Strip, ask your driver to take Industrial Road, the street that runs parallel to it. For airport trips, make sure that your driver avoids I 15 and the airport tunnel.
• Double check for everything before leaving your room: Chances are that you will have to go through a sprawling casino on your way out of the hotel.
• Gambling: Learn the terminology and fundamentals of the games before you go. Most guidebooks include basic rules for Black Jack, poker, craps and other popular games.
• Wear a watch: Most casinos have no clocks.
• Seat belts are required for both front and back seat passengers.
• Area code: (702)
• Airport code: LAS
• Climate: There are over 300 days of sun here every year. Daytime temperatures can reach 105 degrees F, but evening temperatures can go below freezing. Casinos and shops can be cold, so carry a sweater or jacket.

HONEYMOON HIGHLIGHTS:

• This is the entertainment capital of the world so choosing what you want to see and do can be overwhelming. It can be a temptation to play and stay in the same spot, but pace yourselves and don't miss these treats.
• See a show. Every kind of entertainment you can imagine is here. Nightly shows are world famous. Singers, comedians, performing animals, circuses and other phenomena are all part of the fun. Cirque du Soleil's "O" water show never fails to amaze.
• Try your luck. You're surrounded by casinos. The scene itself is fascinating! Make a modest bet on your favorite game. You'll feel the thrill whether you win or lose.
• Dine in a gourmet restaurant. Some of the world's greatest chefs are here. Take advantage of it and linger over a delicious dinner for two in one of the finest restaurants.
• Play a round of golf. There are over 35 golf courses in the vicinity. The Jack Nicklaus designed course at Reflection Bay is one of the prettiest.
• See Red Rock Canyon. A few minutes out of town, you can study Indian lore, see ancient cave drawings, and climb the beautiful red rock canyon walls.
• Day trip to the Grand Canyon: A helicopter will whisk you to one of America's most awesome sights.
• Spend some time at a pool. Scenes here can be outrageous. Some couples choose their hotels because of the pool as most hotel pools are for guests only. Hard Rock and Wynn Las Vegas pools offer swim up gaming. At Mandalay Bay you tan on comfortable daybeds. Treat yourselves to a poolside massage at The Palms. You can rent a poolside cabana at Caesar's Palace, and this is only the beginning!
• Visit a few resorts beside your own. You'll be amazed.
• The Shark Reef Aquarium at the MGM Grand is an enormous salt water tank with over 2,000 species of marine life on display. Don't miss it!
• Take "a trip" in one afternoon. You can have a romantic gondola ride "in Venice" at the Venetian, go to the top of the "Eiffel Tower" at the Paris, stroll hand in hand in Central Park" at New York, New York and enjoy a boatride on "the Nile" at the Luxor, all between lunch and dinner.

GETTING MARRIED:

Las Vegas may be the marriage capital of the world. Thousands of couples marry here every year and hundreds choose Valentine's Day to tie the knot. The state makes it easy with permissive regulations. No blood tests or residence waits are required. You only have to bring ID (Social Security, passport, certified birth certificate, military papers) to get a marriage license downtown at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau which is open from 8 a.m.-midnight most days and 24 hours on holidays like New Year's Eve. Then, you can have a quick civil ceremony at the Commissioner of Civil Marriages (also downtown) , a themed event or a proper ceremony before a judge or a priest, rabbi or minister at an independent wedding chapel or at your hotel's wedding chapel. Whatever you choose, the marriage will be legal.

Most big hotel/casinos have tasteful on site wedding chapels and wedding planners on staff who can arrange all the details before you arrive. Independent wedding chapels offer outrageous themed weddings--everything from Hawaiian weddings to events where Elvis impersonators serenade you. You can choose a drive through wedding or an intimate ceremony just for the two of you or stage an elaborate, extravagant over the top event for your family and guests. Whatever you choose, Las Vegas can accommodate it, whether your group is 5 or 500. And the best is, you can stay on after the wedding to enjoy your honeymoon.

Many hotels offer special wedding packages with outrageous perks that include gourmet meals, penthouse suites, show tickets and other luxuries.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

Dining in Las Vegas is an adventure. Everything from fine gourmet food prepared by world famous chefs to sumptuous buffets and deli sandwiches is available in a variety of price ranges. Those on a budget can find reasonably priced all-you-can-eat buffets that are a Las Vegas phenomena. Sophisticated diners can linger over dinner and wine in a host of world class restaurants that are famous for the food that celebrity chefs prepare for their celebrity clientele. You'll soon discover that even breakfast can be an event. Have fun searching for your favorite restaurants either right inside your hotel/casino or nearby. Reservations are always a good idea. Have your Concierge call or be sure to ask where the most romantic tables are located. Prime time for dinner is from 5:00-10:00 p.m. but many of the best restaurants serve through till early morning. Dressing well (jackets for men) will help you get an even better table.

• La Village Buffet at Paris Las Vegas offers choice dishes from different regions of France. The dining room, decorated like a French village, has a cozy, intimate feel which is another treat in this town where grand scales are the norm. Try the delicious regional dishes, but leave room for a delectable desert from the flambe table. Tel: (702)946 7000.
• Osteria del Orso at the Bellagio is a best bet. Great Tuscan dishes are served in a dining room with a view of the lake. It is the more informal sister restaurant to world famous Le Cirque, so you know the meal will be outstanding. Tel: (702)693 0250.
• Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons is a quiet hideaway by Las Vegas standards. Meat and seafood dishes are top of the line, and save room for a scrumptuous desert. Cigar smokers can finish dinner in style in the lounge. Tel: (702)632 5120.
• Mix at THEhotel, Mandalay Bay. A sprawling view of Las Vegas surrounds you but you feel cozy as you dine at a small table or in an tiny pod for two. Flavors are French and the wine list is extensive to make dinner even more memorable. Tel: (702)632 9500.
• BLT Burger at the Mirage. If you're longing for a burger, fries and a shake, this is your place. Salmon, lamb and turkey burgers are also available along with several kinds of beef. Tel: (702)792 7888.
• The Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas. Views are spectacular from this restaurant which is half way up the tower. Reserve a table overlooking the Bellagio fountains and enjoy the flavors of French food and wine as you share your dreams. Tel: (702)948 6937.
• Stratta at Wynn Las Vegas. This Italian eatery delivers value in a comfortable, setting with the look of an upscale gentleman's bar. The menu is a pleasant mix of familiar Italian dishes and newly created ones. Tel: (702)248 3463.
• Pinot Brasserie at the Venetian. This relaxed bistro has the look of a Parisian neighborhood restaurant. The simple, delicious French fare will delight you. The lunch menu will too. tel: (702)424 8888.
• N9NE at the Palms. The atmosphere is relaxing in this restaurant oasis in one of the trendiest hotels where the elite meet. Seafood and meat dishes vie for attention. Dance in the outrageous club downstairs after dinner. Tel: (702)933 9900.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

• Coming Soon!