Waterfalls at the front entrance. Hydraulic beds, rose petal baths and mirrored ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the Strip. These are just a few of the lavish, decadent and playful design elements found in Las Vegas' best fantasy suites. A peek at these over-the-top digs will inspire any bachelor party or birthday getaway.
By Lena Katz
MGM Grand | SkyloftThe inspiration for the name is the floor-to-ceiling glass facing outward toward the strip both stories-as well as floor-to-ceiling glass on the second story looking down on the living room . This AAA 5-Diamond hotel is all about service. Upon booking, a pre--arrival coordinator calls guests to talk about any special wants and needs. Arriving guests are picked up in a Maybach and spirited into the hotel via a dedicated entrance that takes them to the 29th and 30th floors of the MGM. Other service extras include "dream butlers" who can draw a bubblebath while a guest is finishing dinner, or bring selections from the 14-variety "pillow buffet."
Mandarin Oriental | Emperor SuiteOne of the most elegant hotel brands in the world, Mandarin Oriental brings Feng Shui-influenced Asian flair to City Center. Suites range from traditional Asian to Art Deco in style, but the Emperor Suite (pictured) evokes Shanghai circa-1930: sensual and dramatic, with elegant features like walls upholstered in white leather, and a stunning grand piano.
Palms | Crib SuiteIt claims no relationship with the MTV show "Cribs," but we just bet any number of rappers and socialites would love to call this place their own. With a regulation-sized pool table, a DJ booth and-gulp-a hydraulic bed, this is the quintessential party suite. Owner George Maloof personally oversaw the design of this and all the other Fantasy Suites.
Rumor | Diva Mega SuiteThis sexy little "girly-girl" newcomer (one of four newly debuted suites in the boutique hotel Rumor) is perfect for bachelorette parties. Hot pink mirrors, a metallic-toned plush headboard and a suggestive mural of a feminine figure are the kind of visual elements that inspire visitors to get dressed up in six-inch heels and tiny frocks. And hitting the Strip isn't strictly necessary: Even just lounging amidst the silver throw pillows, sipping wine and listening to the music from the courtyard feels indulgent.
Palazzo | Presidential SuiteIt opened during Las Vegas' backlash against theme hotels, and as such, is one of the most classically elegant properties in the city. Muted earth tones and marbles define the décor in the Palazzo's giant, comfy suites. This rose petal-strewn bath in the Presidential Suite is a romantic touch that just about any guest could special request...though the suite itself is for high rollers and VIPs only.
Venetian | Chairman SuiteBehold, a high-roller perk that's perhaps not the most glamorous, but could definitely make for one heck of a party-especially if some of the guests are from China or Korea. By day, it's a media room, but by night, it transforms into a private karaoke lounge with thousands of songs on file and full bar capabilities. The fully soundproofed room can hold 8 to 10 people max, including the evening's host (sent specially by Butler Services).
Wynn Salon SuitePerhaps no hotelier in the world is more renowned for an artistic eye than Steve Wynn. The founder of this eponymous Strip icon oversees every detail of his hotels, from the nightclubs to the room furnishings. While head designer Roger Thomas has much to do with the opulent, richly colored suite décor, Wynn's influence can be seen in the wall art: reprints of standout pieces from his own fabled collection. Original pieces are displayed throughout the hotel.
Hard Rock Hotel | Mr. BlueSilver on blue, streamlined and gleaming, this suite is the perfect place for a TRON honeymoon...or a Blade Runner weekend, if you're of that generation. The vinyl couches, stainless steel edges and King-sized sunken bed are rock 'n roll with an electronic twist— the Ion boom box wall art lends even more retro-techno style. Finally, please note: This is a pool villa, so while you may spend plenty of time in the bed/on the floor/under the waterfall shower, you probably won't be sleeping. Las Vegas debauchery awaits from the first moment you step onto your patio.
ARIA | Sky VillaAmong Las Vegas' newest and most stunning suites, these go up to 7,000 square feet in size, and are the most technologically advanced in the city. When guests first walk in, the curtains automatically sweep apart to reveal dramatic views. All the systems, from room lighting to TV and radio, are set to a sole "one-touch" remote control unit. (This can cause something of a shock to guests who accidentally hit the "Good Night" button and go into full blackout mode.) All tech tricks aside, though, these Aria Resort and Casino suites, designed by Peter Marino (who also designed Andy Warhol's townhouse) offer serious "Wow" factor on the aesthetic front.
Bellagio | Chairman SuiteWhere but Vegas could you possibly find a suite with a step-down wet bar separated by a glass wall from a yoga sanctuary/meditation room? In this photo, you can catch a glimpse of ferns waving in a sunny, glass-enclosed space. What you can't see is the fountain that provides gentle ambient sounds, and a stone pathway that lends a feeling of being grounded, connected to earth. Even though you're technically 33 stories high.
The Cosmopolitan | Wraparound Terrace SuiteThe newest hotel and casino to hit the Las Vegas strip, The Cosmopolitan, is offering high rollers some luxury accommodations including the Wraparound Terrace Suite. More like a home away from home than a hotel room, this suite contains a modern kitchen with Sub-Zero appliances, en-suite washer/dryer, 480-square-foot private terrace, and separate dining area among other opulent amenities.