Bally’s

Bally's Las Vegas is one of the "old school" Las Vegas resorts; that is, it is not a theme park and not pretentiously luxurious - it just focuses on the core, classic aspects of Vegas - the shows, the games and the food. To demonstrate this, neon-lit columns and fountains accent the plaza area as one enters the resort. There are showgirls, nightclub fun and a large casino, as well as 2,567 well-appointed rooms and 265 upscale suites. Bally's is one of the Harrah's properties and is mid-strip, near the MGM Grand.

The Casino invites guests into 67,000 square feet of table games (blackjack, Roulette, Bac-carat and others) and poker of all kinds. Bally's has relocated its race and sports book -- called "The Book" -- to a spacious facility near the Bally Avenue Shoppes. All the usual wagering options are available, including daily lines, parlays, futures, pari-mutuel and other races, and weekly odds for golf, auto racing, tennis and boxing. In The Book there are 210 individual televisions, many 6 by 8 big-screens and 285 seats. The Harrah's Total Rewards card is recognized for comps and VIP treatment.

Bally's Steakhouse is very popular because it offers well-known menu items, excellently prepared. Diners will enjoy oysters, shrimp cocktail, all sorts of steaks, prime rib, and fish. Asia purveys classic dishes from several areas of China, including genuine Peking Duck, and shrimp with lobster sauce. Sterling Brunch seems to have invented the champagne brunch with a wide selection of drinks and gourmet buffet items including sushi prepared on demand. The Sidewalk Café does not close. Breakfast can be ordered at any hour. Other eateries include al Dente, Nosh Snack Bar, the Big Kitchen Buffet, Java Coast and the Terrace Café. In the mall area the hungry guest can choose from sushi at Ichiban, Italian at Sbarro, and Johnny's Delicatessen.

Jubilee! Is a showgirl's show. As the first song says, Jubilee! is about "Hundreds of Girls." In reality, the cast is about 85 strong, wearing about 1,000 different costumes, all covered in plumage, rhinestones and sequins. The revue is staged in an enormous venue, and the production numbers are elaborate and high-tech. One scene is the destruction of the temple by Sampson, and another, the sinking of the Titanic. In addition to singing and dancing there are some amazing acrobat-contortionists and an energetic gaucho drumming act. The grand finale pays homage to Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire with a classic, if not over the top white-tie-and-top-hat number.

The Price is Right. In 1972, Bob Barker launched the popular "Price is Right" quiz show, which is still running! The stage version is presented at Bally's. The host is Todd Newton of the Game Show Network. All audience members can become contestants and play the game pretty much the way it is presented on TV. The last event is the well-known Show-case Showdown.

Guests of Bally's can book a round at one of two acclaimed golf courses: Cascata Golf and Rio Secco. Cascata is about half an hour away and is set in waterfalls, rivers and mountains. It was named in "America's Best Top 100 Modern Courses" by Golfweek. Rio Secco also offers wonderful views and challenging golf. It is about 15 minutes away from Bally's. The Las Vegas PGA has named Rio Secco the number one public course in the state.
Bally's offers eight top flight tennis courts for both day and night play. Pros are available to give instruction.

The Spa at Bally's starts with an ample fitness center in the front with free weights, weight equipment and cardio machines. The individual men's and women's areas have steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools. The spa itself offers all the expected and desired facials, body treatments and massages. One specialty is the "The champagne and caviar facial."

Bally's can provide up to 175,000 square feet for meetings, events and conventions. The Skyview rooms provide views of The Strip. There are expansive ballrooms, meeting rooms and exhibit space, all with the latest technology and a support staff.

The Indigo Lounge offers a live pianist and an up-scale atmosphere. Both the music and the décor are designed for relaxation and elegance. The Tequila Bar has an obvious Mexican flair and a large collection of top-shelf tequilas. Margaritas, Mexican beer and a tasty Mexican food menu, accompanied by music of the region, all invite the guest into a festive atmosphere. Sully's is the meeting place bar near the hotel lobby with video slots and over-head projection screens.

Bally's has a 12 foot deep pool, one of the last in Las Vegas. There's a ledge in the shallow end for socializing. It is comprised of countless small, blue tiles. Palms overlook the scene and flowers are everywhere. Cabanas are available.

A monorail tram connects the MGM Grand and Bally's to six other stops including at the Flamingo, at Harrah's-Imperial Palace, at Convention Center-Hilton, at the Mirage and TI, and at the Sahara.

Bally's Avenue Shoppes include over twenty unusual boutiques and shops. Among them are Country Place (souvenirs and gifts), Flowers Flowers; Las Vegas Experience (mementos of Las Vegas); Harley Davidson; Le Grand Jewels; Marshall Rousso (fashions for women); Uniquely Crystal; and We-R-Nuts (confectionery).

Weddings are feasible at Bally's, but they are planned and conducted through the wedding chapels and planning staff of sister-resort, Paris Las Vegas.