The Best Hotels in Las Vegas: Top 5 Luxury Hotels on the Strip

The Fountains at Bellagio Las Vegas

If you're planning a holiday to Las Vegas, there's something you should not leave home without: lots of money. Everything from booze to gambling to Cirque du Soleil is priced a la carte and at a premium; so unless you're a high roller who's going to get comped, budget accordingly.

The fabulous thing about Vegas is that there is a surplus of hotel room inventory. The super resorts on the Strip have thousands upon thousands of rooms, and several of these hotels are four and five star properties. The surplus supply means that you can stay in a room that would cost $400 in any other city for much, much less. Select a few hotels you'd be willing to stay at, and watch their websites like a hawk (join their email list if you can) - they release deals and discounts all the time.

Today I'm going to run down my top 5 luxury hotels on the Strip, so buckle up and hold on to that wallet. The forecast is calling for sunny with a chance of $25 cocktails.

5. Aria

One of the newest hotels on the Strip, Aria opened in 2009 as part of the massive City Center complex mid-strip. With no discernible theme, Aria is a sleek and modern hotel that works very hard at looking upscale. Eschewing the over-the-top set pieces of other Vegas hotels, Aria is more understated but still features a casino. Rooms are plush with remote control curtains, and the expensive Sky Villas range up to 7,000 sq ft. The location on the Strip is not bad - walking or taking the tram to Bellagio is quick and easy, as is the quick stroll to the Cosmopolitan next door. City Center features Crystals, an ultramodern high fashion mall (ever wanted to visit a Fendi store? Here's your chance), so if you get tired of throwing money at Aria, walk a few feet and throw it at Tiffany's instead. Viva Elvis, the Cirque du Soleil show created for Aria, has been a financial disappointment and is closing. A temporary replacement Cirque show, Zarkana, opens in October 2012. Aria is owned by MGM Resorts International.

4. Caesars Palace

The famous Caesars Palace is a sprawling complex with huge pools, towering...um...towers, over-the-top architecture and Celine "My Heart Will Go On" Dion as the headliner. What more could a Vegas vacationer ask for? The newest tower is the Octavius, with the Augustus tower the second freshest. Try and snag a room in one of these towers if you can. The adjacent Forum Shops provide a full mall experience (you'll find more homey brands here like Abercrombie & Fitch, as opposed to Tom Ford at City Center's Crystals) and supplement the hotel's dining options, which includes the fabulous Serendipity 3. Location provides easy access to Bellagio and the Mirage, as well as the northern end of the Strip. Caesars Palace is owned by Caesars Entertainment.

3. The Venetian

The Venetian is opulently themed to Venice in its prime, complete with canals and gondolas. The huge resort features an all-suite configuration complete with sunken living rooms, giant pools and opulent decor that will make you feel uber-fancy and provoke you to speak in a terrible Italian accent. Through September 2, 2012, the hotel is home to Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular, a shorter but more electrifying production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera (not to be missed). Adjacent to its sister property, Palazzo, the Venetian has a fabulous location on the northern Strip across the street from the Wynn.  The Venetian is owned by Las Vegas Sands.

2. Bellagio

Bellagio set the bar for themed luxury on the Strip when it opened in 1998. Set away from the boulevard behind a vast lake, Bellagio is meant to evoke Italian elegance of old. The lake features a stunning display of fountains that perform elaborate choreographed shows every 15 minutes. The hotel itself features sumptuous rooms, the requisite casino, a massive Dale Chihuly ceiling sculpture, an elaborate indoor conservatory and my mother's favorite feature, the world's largest chocolate fountain. The only drawback to Bellagio is that it is so popular with tourists - especially tourists who aren't staying there. It's often very crowded with looky loo-ers, so be prepared if you're booking a stay here. Bellagio's signature show is Cirque du Soleil's masterpiece, O, a water-based spectacular the often sells out in advance. Bellagio is owned by MGM Resorts International.

1. Wynn Las Vegas and Encore

Sitting at the top of the Strip like a crown are Wynn and Encore, the two sister towers designed by former Mirage Resorts mastermind Steve Wynn. The decor is over the top without being tacky and lavish without being too glittery. Frankly, I could live in the Wynn and never miss the outside world. It's a style all its own, with Wynn having a distinct look and Encore featuring a butterfly theme. The shops are fascinating (try Wynn LVNV for furnishings from the hotel), food divine (SW Steakhouse is joy, pure joy) and the casino is bearable. At night, XS at Encore provides the premiere Vegas club experience with plenty of space for partiers (unlike Lavo at Palazzo, for example, which feels like a broom closet) and plenty of overpriced drinks. Le Rêve is Wynn's answer to Cirque du Soleil, a waterborne spectacular in the round with intimate seating (no bad seats here) that will blow you away. Book a room in the Tower Suites for the ultimate in five diamond luxury and access to the Tower's private pools and restaurant. Wynn and Encore are connected via sky bridge to the Palazzo/Venetian complex as well as the Fashion Mall across the street, and are owned by Wynn Resorts.

Which Airline Is The Best?

A few days ago we talked about all inclusive vacationing. Frankly, it's a lot more fun to talk about the destination than the journey, especially when that journey involves airline fees. There's something you need to know about airline fees, especially when comparing fares.

We discussed the transparency now required of airlines to quote their fares as inclusive of taxes. What they don't include when you're looking at your total ticket cost are baggage fees, food and entertainment charges. Once upon a time, airlines served full complimentary meals in coach as well as first class - those days are gone. And let's be real, the food was generally horrible, so in my mind it's not a huge loss.

Southwest makes a big deal of the fact they do not charge for checked or carry-on baggage, which is true, but their fares are also generally higher than other airlines unless a sale is running. Most of the airlines silently pile on charges, while Spirit Airlines is the most hilarious of all, charging $40 for each carry-on bag.

$40. Not for a checked bag, but for a carry-on. As of November 6, 2012, it will be $50, and if you wait to pay at the gate, $100. $100 for a carry-on bag. At that point, just do yourself a favor and walk wherever you're going.

Spirit's pricing is so "transparent" that their website will show you the fare (often something stupidly low), then your responsibility for the fuel (often something stupidly high) and then the taxes. That's how a Spirit $9 fare becomes $80 in real money. Then tack on your carry-on and checked baggage cost, and I don't see how it's possible for you to come out ahead.

Delta, American and United are the last of the old guard and are mostly in harmony when it comes to services and fees. Carry-ons are free, checked bags are not, food and entertainment are on a pay-only basis. The size of these operators often makes them the best choice as they offer the most routes and are often competitively priced. Overtime coach cabins have gotten more cramped with the addition of seats to previously existing aircraft and a tendency toward smaller planes, even on long flights.

JetBlue, Alaska and Frontier are frequent flyer favorites, but routes are limited. JetBlue touts its free first checked bag along with unlimited brand name snacks, free DirecTV and XM Radio, and ample legroom. Alaska is popular for its west coast flights and is known for good service. Frontier funnels almost all their flights through Denver, but scores high marks for ease and comfort.

The latest entry in the US market is Virgin America, an offshoot of Richard Branson's substantial empire. Virgin America is hip and trendy, offering USB ports and power plugs at all seats along with a personal entertainment system and onscreen food and drink selection. WiFi is available for an additional charge ($4.95 - $17.95 per flight depending on length, or $34.95 for a monthly pass). Did I mention the mood lighting? There's mood lighting.

So which is the best? There's no flat answer. If you're into flying bagless, Spirit could be the way to go. For many routes, Delta is a great option and highly reliable. And finally, for those who dig mood lighting, Virgin is the only way to fly.

Titanic Facts: Why Would Anyone Sail on the New Titanic?

You may have seen the ludicrous headline this week about Clive Palmer, Australian billionaire and poor decision maker. He has decided to build a new Titanic, just like the old one, only safer due to advances in ship technology. There's just one question...why?

The Titanic just before its ill-fated voyage in 1912

What would possess someone to want to rebuild the most infamous vessel of all time, and then retrace its steps? 100 years later we're unable to move on thanks to the Academy Award-winning film by James Cameron, and there were two ships that booked passengers to retrace the 1912 route on the 100th anniversary of the original voyage.

In 2012 your sailing options are so wide and varied that why anyone would want to relive maritime disaster is beyond me. Cruise ships have become entertainment centers on massive scales, with many offering lavish amenities, gourmet dining and of course, tax free shopping, and a distinct lack of iceberg encounters.

That said, if you've got your heart set on Palmer's Titanic 2, you'll have to wait till 2016 when the Chinese shipyard building the vessel delivers it. Make sure you take out some travel insurance - you know, just in case.

Cheap All Inclusive Vacations: True or False?

Most Americans don't experience much that's all inclusive. We're nickeled and dimed for everything, from pizza delivery to Blu-ray movie rentals. There are next to no vacation destinations in the United States that offer an all-inclusive experience, but thankfully, Mexico and the Caribbean have different ideas.

If you've never taken an all inclusive vacation, it works like this: you pay one price, show up and everything is included. By everything I mean your accommodations, meals and alcoholic beverages. That's right - you can drink yourself into oblivion on the white sand beaches of Cancun without having a bar tab to pick up afterward.

I know, it's all very exciting. These vacations don't normally include extras like spa visits or excursions (dolphin swims, jetski rides, etc.), and the resorts themselves are usually spectacular and throw in live entertainment and nightlife to keep you from needing to stray.

If you're looking for a great bargain on an all inclusive vacation, look no further than Mexico. Safe areas like Cancun have been falling out of favor due to Mexico's overall problem with drug violence, but resort areas like Cancun remain unaffected. Combined with a weak currency, values can be snagged. I recommend booking directly with your resort as more offers may be available, but using Orbitz or Expedia to do some research first is a good idea.

Cruises are examples of all inclusive vacations as well, though only the most expensive luxury lines include alcohol in the cost of your cruise fare. Most lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival will charge you for liquor, but not for food.

The Caribbean doesn't always offer discounts as good as Mexico's, but it's worth a look nonetheless and the islands are fabulous in and of themselves.

Always read reviews (I like tripadvisor.com) in advance and do your due diligence - no point in flying that far just to be disappointed. Ensure that you've actually booked an all inclusive resort so that there are no surprises after your arrival.

Travel Insurance Compare

When traveling abroad it is important to know two things.  One, your domestic insurance does not cover you.  Two, where is the best and cheapest place to get travel insurance.  By comparing travel insurance products you can get the coverage that is right for you at an affordable price.

Vacations and business trips are great, but what if something goes wrong?  For less than 10% of the total cost of your trip you can get travel medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance, specific riders, and much more.  Why risk thousands of dollars of liability when you can be insured for less than $100?

In many countries if you owe an outstanding debt, like say an emergency room bill, that country will not let you leave until it is paid.  Just imagine being stuck in a foreign country owing a $5,000 emergency room bill for a broken ankle and being told that you cannot leave until you come up with the money.

There are a wide range pf products available - compare your options on our Travel Insurance Compare page.

Getting the Cheapest Airline Ticket, or Snipe Hunting

There's a dirty little secret about finding the lowest airfare for your trip.

It's not possible. Just like hunting a snipe, you'll never find what you're looking for.

A plane lands at the beachfront airport on St. Maarten

I know, probably not what you were wanting to hear. People often ask me if it makes a difference what day of the week is used for booking, or if one airline is consistently cheaper than the others. Sadly, at this point it's incredibly difficult to pin down. Southwest, once known as the discount airline, often outprices Delta and more traditional airlines. Sure, you don't have to pay them for your checked bags, but if the fare is $80 higher then what's the point?

Just recently a new regulation requires all airlines to post their prices tax-inclusive, meaning what you see is what you will actually pay. It used to be that the website, such as Delta.com, would display a fare like this:

$268
+ $38.90 taxes/fees

So while the pre-tax fare was $268, you really were paying $306.90. The airlines have complained, because as you may be able to guess, $268 looks a lot better than $306.90, even with the small print. The psychological effect of the smaller large number can fool you into believing you're getting a better value. Kinda like the gas stations - the prices are listed as $X.XX9 per gallon - that extra nine tenths of a cent means you might as well be paying the next cent up, but $2.999 looks better than $3.00.

Despite all the moaning that goes on about the economy and sagging numbers, airlines are continually at or near capacity. There's no reason at this time for dramatic fare discounts like we saw post-9/11; travel numbers are good, even if there are less planes in the sky than there used to be.

When you want to book a flight, your best bet is to come up with a comfort zone. Say for example you're flying from LAX (Los Angeles) to MCO (Orlando) - everyone is quoting you about the same amount ($450). It's not ideal - let's say you'd be thrilled with $300, but satisfied with $375. Monitor the prices and if they're beginning to climb, don't hesitate - book it. Orbitz offers a Price Assurance guarantee - if the price drops after you book it, they'll refund you the difference automatically (as little as $5, and as much as $250) with a check after your trip. Better that than holding out too long and staring down the face of a $625 ticket because you gambled with your travel budget. You also don't want to hold out for something ludicrous, like $150 for a cross country roundtrip itinerary. It's not going to happen, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

Of course, if you find the snipe, let us know in the comments. Some people have a lot of success bidding on Priceline, but with lots of full seats that strategy is no longer a sure thing. What works for you? 

Which Cruise Line Is Best? Cruise Line Comparison

Champagne with an ocean view - who could ask for anything more?

Ever thought of taking a cruise but can't decide which line to pick? Sometimes it can be hard to tell which cruise line is best. Visiting their official websites is of little help - the same beautiful pictures of stunning beaches and fancy food juxtaposed with impossibly gorgeous people in swimsuits are enticing, but not informative. Here's a quick rundown of the major cruise lines serving Americans at home and abroad:

Carnival
Known for its party atmosphere, Carnival caters to a young adult and young family demographic with water slides, just above average food (not so gourmet), lots of glitzy clubs and casinos. The emphasis is more on fun than luxury, and the design leans heavily in the garish old Vegas style. With 25 ships, Carnival is one of the biggest cruise lines on the planet, with sailings to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, South America, Asia, Hawaii, Tahiti and the Mediterranean.

Norwegian
Known as "Freestyle Cruising", Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more relaxed approach to cruising with no assigned dining times or formal wear required. Families and partying adults make up the bulk of their clientele. The newest ship, Epic, features groundbreaking installations like an ice bar and the Blue Man Group show. With 11 ships and 2 on the way, Norwegian's liners sail to Caribbean, Bermuda, New England, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii and the Mediterranean.

Disney
Aimed squarely at families with children, Disney's 4 ships (2 of which are brand new) are of the mid-size variety and offer Disney characters and shows in what appears to be a luxurious setting. Prices reflect that, with rates often exceeding their competitors (the above listed lines).  The food is faux fancy but unless you pay to dine in the adults-only eateries (Palo and the newest, Remy), it's not much of a selling point. Kids get the run of the place and adults have less to do (Disney is the only line to be totally casino-free). A small fleet means that itineraries rotate with the only constant being the Caribbean; the 2 older ships have sailed to Alaska, Mexico, the Mediterranean and Panama Canal.

Royal Caribbean
Home to the world's largest cruise ships by a long shot (its 2 Oasis-class ships and 4 Freedom-class ships are far and away the biggest at sea), Royal Caribbean offers plenty to entice cruisers of all ages. The newest and biggest ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, offer Broadway shows, zip lining and an outdoor water amphitheatre in addition to the usual activities like ice skating, live entertainment, rock climbing and FlowRider surf machines. In a competing effort against Disney, Royal Caribbean now offers DreamWorks characters and shows on several of its ships (you know, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and company). Most ships offer even more upscale restaurants in addition to the traditional (and still kinda fancy) dining rooms. Royal Caribbean's ships cover the globe, with sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, South America, Asia, Australia, Dubai and the Mediterranean.

Princess
Carnival's classier sister line, Princess caters to an older crowd of mostly couples that like a more muted experience than what Carnival provides. Made famous by The Love Boat TV show, Princess has since grown into a worldwide presence built on a brand all about romance. Princess is for lovers, and they'll go overboard to prove it (no pun intended). Many ships feature elaborate "piazzas" instead of lobby atriums, the food is decidedly gourmet and Movies Under the Stars are just one of the entertainment options at night. Princess uses 16 mid- to large-size ships that sail around the world (literally as well - they periodically offer a World Cruise), with 2 more under construction.

Celebrity
Owned by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity operates the largest premium ships afloat and aim them at sophisticated couples - not much for children to do here. Elaborate art installations, spa staterooms and upscale gourmet food in several venues are the hallmarks of the line's current image bolstered by the glamorous Solstice-class of ships. The line boasts 10 ships (with 1 on the way), including Xpedition, which does adventure sailings to the Galapagos Islands. The rest of the fleet treads more familiar territory in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Alaska.

Holland America
Subdued is the operative word with this premium line (also owned by Carnival). The demographic definitely skews older and the ships mostly smaller, with an emphasis on relaxation and pampering over activity. The only line to offer full size bathtubs in all staterooms (most lines are shower-only unless you've bumped up to a suite), Holland America is full of classy touches (only fresh squeezed OJ at breakfast, for example). The fleet stands at 15 ships that rotate on various itineraries around the world, in addition to the standard Caribbean and Mediterranean routes.