Las Vegas: What's New

Themes are out. Vegas hotels, which for years themed themselves silly with from Paris to Treasure Island, are now de-theming, following the success of the Wynn Las Vegas. The new trend is luxury on its own merits. The Luxor has announced a major remodel which will involve stripping out the Egyptian factor.

One of the hottest new restaurants in town is the first outpost of the famous East Harlem hangout Rao’s

Also at Caesars Palace are the gorgeous new Qua Baths & Spa, built to look like the spectacular baths of ancient Rome and probably even more opulent.

At the Venetian, there are two hot new restaurants Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Don’t forget the latest of Cirque du Soleil’s productions, the Beatles’ Love, which opened at Mirage in July 2006. It marks the first time that Apple Corps Ltd has agreed to a theatrical partnership. It’s my personal favorite and is a must for anyone who has ever been a fan of the Fab Four.

ON THE HORIZON: Cirque is in rehearsal for a show based on the life of Elvis that will open in the MGM’s new City Center in November 2009.