Luxor Resort and Casino

Welcome to the land of the Egyptians—Vegas style. This wonder of the modern world is topped with a xenon light beam bright enough to be visible from space. The exterior is sheathed in 13 acres of black glass. Inside, the world's largest atrium includes a two-level arcade with interactive race cars, small motion simulators, and state-of-the-art video games. Though this used to be a semi-cheesy resort, the theme elements have been toned down to turn the focus from Egyptian kitsch to spruced-up restaurant and nightlife offerings like the Fantasy topless show and the LAX Las Vegas nightclub. A tram connects Luxor with its sister casinos, Mandalay Bay (far more elegant but pricier) and Excalibur (far less elegant, despite a makeover in 2006, and only slightly less expensive). Mandalay Place, a high-end shopping mall with a few good restaurants, also connects Luxor to Mandalay Bay.