Hotel Review

Calling all lovers of the Empire City! New York-New York, which is located near the southern end of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, is the perfect place to stay if you enjoy Big Apple dreamin'. Reserving a room puts you right in the heart of all the action at one of Sin City's busiest four corners.

The sprawling resort is best known for its New York City theme. You'll discover a half-size replica of the Statue of Liberty welcoming you to the hotel and can even enter via a 300-foot-long re-creation of the Brooklyn Bridge. Crave the ethnic flavor of Chinatown and Little Italy? Yearn for the energy of Times Square? Fancy the amusement of Coney Island? They're all right here as well.

The façade at New York-New York is based on Manhattan's skyline. Twelve renowned skyscrapers have been emulated at about one-third of their actual size. They house the resort's 2,024 comfortable rooms and suites. This means you can choose to stay in the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building or whatever other super tower you adore.

New York City is known for its entertainment scene -- and New York-New York has followed suit. Although far from Broadway, the Cirque du Soleil production of "Zumanity" is a powerful and provocative theatrical display. Unlike the troupe's typical avant-garde circus performances, this one will take you into an adults-only world where you'll have to leave your inhibitions behind.

The resort also boasts The Broadway Theater, a live performance venue. It's currently showcasing the ABBA tribute "Dancing Queen" and "Broadway Celebration," a New York-style extravaganza featuring beloved show tunes. Late in the evening, guests can also see the sinfully sexy show "Shades of Temptation" here.

Just like the "city that never sleeps," New York-New York is home to an array of nightlife venues that keep going until the wee hours. Nine Fine Irishmen, an authentic Irish pub imported directly from the Emerald Isle, has bragging rights to being the most popular gathering spot. There's no better place in Las Vegas to grab a pint of Guinness and soak up the "craic" (i.e., the Celtic word for fun and good conversation).

Several other spots in New York-New York also let the good times roll. You'll get a charge from the raucous vibe in Coyote Ugly, which is inspired by 2000's similarly titled movie about a group of sexy bar maids. The Sporting House Bar & Grill is like heaven to sports fans with 130 high-definition TVs, interactive games and plenty of snack-style eats. Finally, over at The Bar at Times Square, you can listen to a boisterous performance by dueling pianos.

Like New York City, a bounty of culinary delights are located here. Cut into a succulent steak at Gallagher's Steakhouse, a New York City landmark since 1927. Gonzalez y Gonzalez offers south-of-the-border favorites in a rendition of another beloved NYC restaurant. Chin Chin Café serves Chinese food and sushi in a trendy atmosphere. For casual meals, you can always grab a bite at one of the Village Eateries, the 24-hour café America or, of course, Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs.

In addition, the resort offers fun stuff for the young -- and young at heart. A Coney Island-themed emporium is filled with carnival and arcade games. This is also where you can hop on the nerve-wracking Roller Coaster that winds through the property's pseudo-skyline.

Rounding out the amenities is a spacious casino, a well-equipped fitness center and a pool with cabanas and hot tubs. The Spa at New York-New York offers some quirky yet soothing treatments, such as the Environmental Escape (a super-charged skin cocktail) and the Traffic Stopper (a facial infused with vitamins and oxygen).

Although far from the real Wall Street and Central Park, a visit to New York-New York is a singular sensation -- and one that puts you in the pulse of two of America's greatest cities.

-- By Renée LiButti