Planet Hollywood Vegas Style

Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos: Planet Hollywood has expanded from its chain restaurant format to open its first major hotel in Las Vegas. The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino officially opened this summer, taking over the once infamous Aladdin hotel and casino where Elvis married Priscilla in 1969.

As the owners continue to tweak the experience, adding world-famous restaurants and shows in the coming year, there is quite a bit to see at this once middle Eastern-themed property. The rooms are gorgeous and geared to business travelers with efficiency in its high-speed Internet access and elegance reflected in the details of the marble bathrooms.

The first renovation was of the lobby. The entire ceiling is covered with eight large chandeliers, each comprised of 66,000 individually hand-strung crystals, and the floor is blanketed with slick black granite. The multi-floor casino layout puts the sports book and poker room upstairs on the mezzanine level. Entertainment is not lacking here.

One of the most talked about shows in Vegas now features Pam Anderson as the scantily clad assistant in "Hans Klok: The Beauty of Magic" show. A longtime local favorite is "V- The Ultimate Variety Show," which holds a bit of everything for anyone including Chinese pole climbers, motorcycle stunt drivers, comedians and more. The Theatre for the Performing Arts is one of the best concert venues in town and regularly book serious talent.

Is your wallet feeling a bit heavy from wins at the table? You can find much to buy or simply window shop at the newly redesigned shopping mall, the Miracle Mile. This sleek mall offers high-end stores such as Ann Taylor's Loft and F.C.U. K. as well as 140 other shops and seven restaurants to grab a quick bite or enjoy a lengthy lounge over cocktails and appetizers. If it's that time of year for your favorite sport, Blondie's Sports Bar has more than 30 screens playing simultaneously and isn't too far from the sports book so you won't miss the action. Place a bet on the game and then scoot over to Blondie's for traditional bar and grill food and a lively atmosphere.

For LxM Kimberley McGee