The immensely popular Caesars Place has been on the
strip since 1966, and in many ways represents Las Vegas itself. Considered the epitome of
luxury, Caesars also represented the worst in kitsch and cheese. Doing the Roman theme to
death, there were cocktail waitresses in short togas, Roman colonnades, pillars and
statues -all surrounded by mirrors and neon. It was Las Vegas/Roman decadence at
it's best/worst. However, that was the old Vegas (The Elvis years), so in 1997
Caesars spent $300 million to completely renovate it's facilities.
Caesar's Palace still has the Roman theme but
eliminated much of the casino's cheese. The mirrors have been replaced with hand-painted
murals and the volume has been turned down on the garish neon colors. The new Caesars
Palace evolved into a beautiful, delicate balance between class and kitsch. The direction
Las Vegas in general is trying to emulate. see the Bellagio).
Caesars has always been known for it's rooms and service, and that has not
changed much. The drink service is prompt and the staff is very friendly. The rooms are
designed in a variety of styles that are consistent with the Roman theme. Most
feature large marble baths and Jacuzzis, and all have safes, hair dryers, irons and
ironing boards.
The casino
floor is bright and airy and is still one of our editor's favorite casinos. The sports
book is large and comfortable, but is extremely crowded on Sundays during football season.
Most of the gaming facilities are among the best in Vegas, but part of what separates
Caesars from the other casinos are it's gambling alternatives. The Forum Shops is a
fabulous mall attached to the casino floor that has to be seen to believe. Caesars Forum Shops .
Besides all the stores and restaurants in the Forum, there is also the " Race For Atlantis."
simulator ride- which is probably the best ride in Las Vegas.
CAESARS PALACE
