Las Vegas: Luxor, a very iconic property
We have not seen everything or stayed everywhere; we will only offer our opinion on those features we have experienced. We are much more interested in educating our readers on their options.
Luxor Hotel & Casino
Address: 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Phone: 702-262-4444, Web site: www.luxor.com, Loyalty program: M Life (click here for more information).
Quick facts
Luxor was originally built in 1993, at the height of the mega-resort craze in Las Vegas. It’s one of the most identifiable landmarks of the Strip, with its pyramid shape and unbelievably bright spotlight shooting out the top. The construction cost $375 million, and today the hotel features 4,400 guest rooms with 442 suites, some of the highest numbers in Sin City.
Entertainment & Nightlife
The Luxor is home to Cirque du Soleil’s Criss Angel Believe. The show received poor reviews and weak word of mouth, but the theater still packs them in on a nightly basis. The magic spectacle has changed through the years, and when Hollywood Soapbox caught the show, the results were far from terrible. True, it doesn’t quite live up to the Criss Angel or Cirque du Soleil brand, but there’s far worse entertainment on the Strip.
Performances run Tuesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $59-$160, but discounts are frequently available. Click here for more information.
Luxor also features the comedy of Carrot Top and Menopause The Musical. Tickets for both are in the $40-$60 range. Carrot Top plays nightly at 8:30 p.m. (dark on Tuesday), while Menopause plays at 5:30 p.m. (except Tuesdays are at 8 p.m.).
Dining
For some beef, head toward Tender Steak & Seafood. For some Mexican, head toward T&T. For a decent buffet, head toward MORE The Buffet at Luxor (breakfast, lunch and dinner are available, all ranging from $15-$20).
Atmosphere & Location
The lobby, gaming area and entertainment offerings are varied and enormous.
Because of the imposing characteristics of the pyramid structure, the Luxor feels like it’s everywhere on the Strip. When you land at the airport, it’s usually the first casino on the horizon (second only to the Stratosphere). But, despite its topographical omnipotence, the Luxor is pretty far south on Las Vegas Boulevard. Except for the nearby Mandalay Bay and Excalibur, it’s in an independent oasis. This makes it nice and secluded for those looking to get away from it all, but it becomes a pain to travel to from other casinos.
Gambling Options
Quite simply, the Luxor features one of the best casinos in Las Vegas. It has ample offerings of all the great slot machines and table games. But, more importantly, it’s wide open and can handle sizable crowds. At 120,000 square feet, this gambling mecca is voluminous. This makes packed Friday and Saturday nights manageable.
Don’t expect to always find that $10 or $15 blackjack table. More facility space doesn’t always mean cheaper options.
Be sure to check out the decor of the Luxor’s casino; it’s one of the slickest gaming areas in Sin City, all centered around that pyramid up above. You’ll notice that the Egyptian theme is largely gone, replaced by a 21st-century styling that emphasizes panache over historical.
Room & Pool Options
Although we have not stayed here, a family member has. If you find yourself in a pyramid room, you will likely have a slanted ceiling, but a cool view of the action. For some, this novelty is unique and memory-inducing. For others, the memory wears off quickly. And, yes, the elevators ascend and descend on an impossible angle.
Attractions
Luxor features two paid attractions: Bodies … The Exhibition and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Each costs from $20-$30, but discounts and package deals are available.
New York City residents will be familiar with the popular Bodies exhibition. Titanic’s artifacts in Las Vegas seems like a tougher sell.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Please note: All of this information is subject to change. This is Las Vegas, after all. Restaurants, lounges, attractions and shows open and close almost every single day. Be sure to check official Web sites and call the resort for details.
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