If you're looking for a Las Vegas resort with a prime location and very affordable prices, there are two words to keep at the top of your mind: Imperial Palace.
This always-bustling, mid-sized property situated in the heart of the Strip is walking distance from several of the city's most famous resorts -- including Caesars Palace, The Mirage, Bellagio, The Venetian and The Palazzo. The Imperial Palace also boasts a Las Vegas Monorail stop, which means you'll have easy access to most of the hotels up and down South Las Vegas Boulevard.
Catering to visitors of all ages and from all walks of life, the Imperial Palace is not a stuffy, elite-style resort. The place has been abuzz with activity since opening in 1979. Themed for the Far East, mock pagodas and other Asian cultural elements set a tone for fun.
At the Imperial Palace, the amenities are spread throughout the first five floors. The ground floor houses the action-packed casino. It tends to be crowded around the clock. One of focal points in the casino is the Dealertainers pit. You can sit down at blackjack tables where celebrity impersonators dressed as Beyoncé, Elvis, Pink and many more deal the cards. Often, they have to excuse themselves to belt out one of their character's hits from the elevated stage.
Take the escalator to the second floor and you'll discover additional entertainment options. For a night of vocal splendor, catch Australia's Human Nature in the Imperial Theatre. This quartet comprised of Toby Allen, Phil Burton, Andrew Tierney and Michael Tierney perform Motown hits and have toured with Celine Dion. You can also see "Divas" starring Frank Marino, a drag extravaganza.
Go up one more floor to check out the Imperial Palace Karaoke Club hosted by DJ Rusty Varney. You'll have more than 15,000 songs to choose from and can order a DVD of your Vegas performance.
The place to drink at the resort is Fat Tuesdays, where you can order a variety of frozen daiquiris, perfect to cool you down during the hot summer months. Beers and cocktails of all kinds are available in the casino at the Geisha, Ginza and Sake bars. Or for a sophisticated aperitif head to the fifth floor's Nomiya Lounge.
If history is more your thing, check out The Auto Collections. More than 250 classic or historically significant vehicles are being displayed on the fifth floor of the hotel's self-parking garage -- some of which are for sale.
The Imperial Palace is home to six moderately priced dining options and one gourmet restaurant -- Embers, a fine steakhouse serving succulent cuts of meat. South-of-the-border cuisine is offered in the shack-style Quesadilla, while an array of Italian delights are on the menu in Pizza Palace. The resort has a Hash House A Go Go. The chain restaurant is known for its delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner comfort foods -- which come in oversized portions. The Emperor's Buffet has something to satisfy every craving. Or enjoy a quick bite at Burger Palace and in the 24-hour Ginseng 3, which features Japanese, Chinese and Korean items.
Watch the big games on one of the 12 large screens in the spacious sports book on the third floor. Horse racing fans will be impressed by the stadium-style seating, complete with 230 individual monitors.
Splash into the Shangri-La Pool (and Jacuzzi) or work up a sweat in the fitness center. You can get a relaxing massage in The Spa at Imperial Palace. This full-service facility provides a selection of services in a Zen-inspired setting including skin and body care treatments, couples massage and more. What better way to indulge yourself!
Clean and comfortable, the Imperial Palace's towers feature a variety of accommodations ranging from classic rooms with all the basics to deluxe "luv tub" rooms that have spa tubs thrown into the mix. Plus, pet-loving guests are welcome to bring their four-legged friends (weighing less than 50 pounds) to lodge in the special PetStay rooms.
For those wanting to tie the knot, the Silver Sky Chapel features two fine venues: the signature Skyline Chapel and the Southwestern Chapel with a desert motif. The resort has a stretch of souvenir stores located near the room elevators as well. Shops include 20enty, Bijoux Terner, Higuchi, Fun Gifts, Emporium, Signature Shop, Whiskey Run and Gifts Plus.
The Imperial Palace is a full-service resort offering value-oriented accommodations. Whether you are coming to party with a group of friends, bringing your family for a vacation or attending a conference, the hotel is sure to suit you.
-- By Renée LiButti
NOTE: Due to construction of The Linq, an urban retail and entertainment corridor scheduled to open in 2013, vehicle traffic is no longer be able to access the Imperial Palace from the Las Vegas Boulevard entrances. A detour route brings all consumer vehicle traffic through the east end of the property closer to valet and self parking, and consumer vehicle traffic may also use the Harrah's entrance from Las Vegas Boulevard. A temporary pedestrian entrance for customers is open from Las Vegas Boulevard on the north side gated area of the property until construction of the new main pedestrian entrance at Harrah's Carnaval Court is complete. Pedestrians may also use the bridge between Harrah's and the Imperial Palace located at the rear of the properties.
