Hotel Review

Shining in the spotlight of the Las Vegas Strip, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino boasts gourmet restaurants, world-class shopping and dazzling entertainment that has hotel-casino patrons cheering for an encore.

Like the plot of a motion picture, this classic Las Vegas casino -- where Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married -- once rose from the dead: It was imploded in 1998 and then rebuilt from the ground up. As for its most recent dazzling special effect, the Aladdin lifted the curtain to Hollywood in Sin City when it was reborn as Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Since Planet Hollywood's arrival, the property has made a metamorphosis from its lackluster Arabian-theme into a high-tech, retro-chic attraction unlike any other Strip property.

Though infused with a taste of Hollywood culture, the vibe at Planet Hollywood is intended to be welcoming and unpretentious. Who knows, you might even find yourself sitting down to play blackjack next to Jack Black.

The hotel's movie theme is played out in the rooms through film memorabilia displayed in custom-designed cabinetry. The glamorous 12,800-square-foot lobby at Planet Hollywood has eight chandeliers, each comprised of 66,000 individually hand-strung crystals. Black granite floors, textured glass walls and large columns beckon guests to the check-in desk, where bands of LED lights continuously change color.

The 100,000-square-foot casino appears to be in constant motion with glowing rectangular light fixtures, which change colors from red to blue to green to purple. Tall pillars with either geometric patterns or stripes reach from the floor to the ceiling, and neon LED lights brighten the walls. More than 250 flat screen televisions can be found topping slot machines, while 87 table games await those ready to try their luck. Additional gaming options, include a race and sports book and a poker room.

For a bite to eat, head to the Spice Market Buffet or choose from the large menu at the 24-hour coffee shop Planet Dailies. Upstairs on the mezzanine level, Strip House redefines the traditional steakhouse with an innovative menu in a sexy, vintage atmosphere, while KOI, a well-recognized L.A. restaurant and lounge, combines the exotic Far Eastern aura with the energy and style of Hollywood. On the casino level, the first Las Vegas outpost of Earl of Sandwich makes sandwich eating a gourmet treat and the festive cantina Yolos provides a modern tribute to Mexican culture. And Gordon Ramsay BurGR takes the traditional burger to a new level.

Planet Hollywood's Strip entrances are eye-catching and easy to access. They are clearly marked with escalators or stairs leading people off the Strip and into the property. Music plays at the doorways while color-changing orbs decorate the front of the hotel. There is also a clear entrance to the attached Miracle Mile Shops, which is owned separately from the hotel. The mammoth mall has more than 140 stores and dozen restaurants -- like Urban Outfitters, Build-A-Bear Workshop, GAP Body, BCBG Max Azaria and bebe -- incorporating something for every discerning taste.

As expected in Hollywood, Planet Hollywood is packed with high-caliber entertainment. The sexy striptease "Peepshow," featuring reality TV star Coco Austin, offers grown-up entertainment for voyeurs. "Sin City Comedy," a combination of world-class stand-up with sinfully sexy burlesque, is in the Sin City Theatre on the Mezz level. "CeeLo Green Presents LOBERACE" is scheduled to open Feb. 27, 2013 (for select dates). Planet Hollywood is also home to one of the best concert venues in Las Vegas, the Theatre for the Performing Arts. V Theater and Saxe Theatre inside the Miracle Mile Shops feature different shows for audiences of all ages.

Center stage in the casino of Planet Hollywood is a circular hot spot called the Heart Bar, a place to hang out with the beautiful people while sipping on drinks served by cocktail waitresses in black leather go-go attire. Guests can grab their 15 minutes of fame at the Extra Lounge, the new Las Vegas headquarters for the correspondents and crew of television's "Extra." Located near the hotel's front entrance, this 24-hour bar is the perfect spot to see who's coming and going.

Those ready for a night of dancing should check out Gallery. 

For a tranquil retreat from the flurry of shoppers, concert goers and gamblers, the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara offers relaxing body therapies from around the world, as well as saunas and steam rooms. With such superior treatment, you will truly feel like a movie star.