There's a reason why high rollers are called "whales," and it's because they do everything big. They live big, they shop big, they dine big, they vacation big, but most importantly, they gamble even bigger. You've gotta plunk down about $500,000 an hour (minimum) to be considered a "whale." And that is when the best of Vegas is handed to you on a silver platter. For those of you dreaming of the high roller's life, let us help you embellish those dreams a bit.

Q: Where are the biggest suites?

A: If you want to stay in the lap of luxury while visiting Sin City, the Las Vegas Hilton boasts the largest and most expensive suites in town with its Sky Villas, but MGM's The Mansion follows at a close second with suites at 10,000 square feet. Next on the list are Bellagio's The Villas, Caesars Palace's The Villas and the Venetian's suites. But if unique amenities are what you're looking for, how about your very own bowling alley at the Hard Rock? Celebrate the many flavors of Absolut Vodka in the Absolut Suite at Caesars Palace. Or stay in one of the Fantasy Suites at the Palms. The Hardwood Suite has its own basketball court, complete with cheerleaders and locker rooms. At the palms you can also stay in the famous Real World Suite or in a Playboy Sky Villa -- modeled after the Playboy Mansion, complete with an outdoor swimming pool and spectacular views of the Strip.

Q: What are the classiest restaurants in town?

A: Wolfgang Puck's Spago is always an obvious choice when it comes to fine dining, but Aureole also is fantastic, and the restaurant features a three-story wine tower that will catch your attention. Other award-winning choices are Picasso at Bellagio, Morels at Palazzo, Alex at The Wynn and Bradley Ogden at Caesars. Feeling a little French? Le Cirque at Bellagio will give you a certain joie de vivre with their French specialties. Don't miss the fabulous Joël Robuchon at The Mansion or Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace - you won't find them anywhere else in the U.S. For an unbeatable view, check out Mix atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

Q: What are the premier shows in town?

A: Two of the most popular shows in Vegas are Cirque du Soleil's O at Bellagio and Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian. House of Blues and Hard Rock often showcase some of the music industry's hottest and most desirable performers, while MGM Grand Garden and the Mandalay Bay Events Center play host to a number of headliners as well as boxing events. Audiences can't help but fall in love with the Beatles-inspired LOVE at the Mirage, while Monty Python's Spamalot at the Wynn has everyone rolling in the aisles. The Colosseum at Caesar's Palace presents a star-powered lineup of entertainers with Bette Midler, Elton John and Cher all performing on the mammoth stage. 

Q: What private golf courses can I play?

A: High rollers from the MGM MIRAGE properties can play the course at Shadow Creek. Caesars Entertainment whales can play at the Cascata. And the big spenders at the Harrah's properties can golf the Rio Secco. The Wynn boasts an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course.

Q: Where can I go shopping and make some extravagant purchases?

A: In Vegas, everything is extravagant, especially the shopping. If you want to make a good dent in your wallet, be sure to stop by FAO Schwarz, Versace and Gucci at the Forum Shops at Caesars and Hermes, Prada and Tiffany's at Via Bellagio. You also should make a trip to the Grand Canal Shoppes, which features shops like Davidoff, Movado and Burberry. Get your Manolo Blahnik fix at Wynn Esplanade, which also offers Cartier, Chanel and Dior. Fashion Show mall, home to Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton and Swarovski, is another great place to spend money. Also at the Fashion Show, Saks Fifth Avenue offers a personal shopping service for those who would rather spend their time taking in Vegas than in a mall. And if extravagance is what you seek, take a stroll down Appian Way at Caesars. The Shoppes at The Palazzo features some of the world’s top designers and is home to the famous Barneys New York.

Q: Where are the most exclusive nightclubs?

A: One thing we are great at in Las Vegas is treating VIPs like gold, and a good example of that are the nightclubs. A great place to start is Foundation Room. Located at the top of Mandalay Bay, the club is for members only, although non-members are admitted on Mondays. Another premier nightclub/casino that offers staggering views of the Strip is Moon/ Playboy Club at the Palms, and if swanky is what you seek, you can never go wrong with Body English at Hard Rock. LAX at the Luxor is often studded with celebrities, while the elite Noir Bar only caters to the most exclusive clientele. Tao at the Venetian, Pure at Caesars and The Bank at Bellagio are other excellent choices.

Q: What spas should I visit for some top-of-the-line pampering?

A: When people come to Vegas, they indulge. And maybe the best way to indulge yourself is with a massage, a facial or perhaps some time in the steam room. In any case, there are plenty of options if only the best will do. Aquae Sulis at JW Marriott is best known for the Organic Fruit Facial, but the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian is the largest spa in North America at 69,000 square feet. Qua Spa at Caesar's Palace offers the city’s only Arctic Ice Room, while Drift Spa at Palms Place has the only Hammam, or Turkish bath. Check out the Zen Garden Massage at The Spa at The Four Seasons, and be sure to stop by the eucalyptus steam room on your way out. Or visit the Italian-themed Spa Vita di Lago at the Ritz-Carlton and enjoy the Hydrating Blue Flowers Wrap followed by some quiet time in the meditation garden.

Back to the Vegas Guide