Las Vegas' Best Free Attraction 2008

Luxury meets comfort at the Silverton Hotel, with the look of a western lodge and the energy of the Las Vegas Strip.

Reviews:

• “A hidden gem in Las Vegas”
• “Season’s buffet”

Tips: The Mermaid Restaurant and Lounge overlooks a 117,000-gallon aquarium containing more than 4,000 tropical fish with four species of stingrays and six species of sharks.

Silverton Hotel and Casino

This musical choreographed fountain show stops throngs of tourists on the Strip.

Reviews:

• “A fantastic attraction”
• “Don’t Miss It!!!”
• “The Best Place to End Your First Date "
• “Wonderful”
• “Fountains at Bellagio”

Tips: Catch the water show after dark and see how the lights play off the water for an even more romantic spectacle.

Bellagio Fountains

Dramatic volcanic explosions welcome guests at this impressive, exotic oasis.

Reviews:

• “stayed for our wedding”
• “Age is catching up with The Mirage”
• “Saturday’s BUSY! "
• “Simply Amazing”
• “Elegant”

Tips: Among dining options are Fin (Chinese), Stack (American), Onda (Italian), Kokomo’s (Hawaii regional), Samba Grill (Brazilian) and Japonais (Japanese).

The Mirage Hotel & Casino or email The Mirage Hotel & Casino

Sweet tooth junkies tour this chocolate factory and walk off the free-sample calories in the cactus garden.

Reviews:

• “HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!!”

Tips: During the holiday season, the cactus garden is dressed with more than 250,000 colored lights. The annual “Light the Night” display runs from mid-November to early January.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden Tours

Strolling through the cobblestone walkways of this mall reminds one of being in Venice. Well, almost.

Reviews:

• ""
• “Beat the heat!”

Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian

Seductive songstresses battle pirates in this explosive spectacle outside Treasure Island.

Reviews:

• “I would not call this a Family Show.”
• “Skip it”
• “Amazon Women”
• “Shocked and Betrayed”
• “Pirates vs. Sirens”

Tips: Enjoy cocktails at TI’s club Tangerine, and watch the show from within.

Sirens of TI

Every day is Mardi Gras at this shopping arcade and attraction located inside the Rio hotel.

Reviews:

• “A fun attraction”
• “Masquerade in the Sky”
• “parade in the sky”
• “EXCITEMENT”
• “don’t bother”

Tips: The eastern parking area is closest to Masquerade Village. Valet is available at front entrance.

Masquerade Village and Show in the Sky

This venerable spot still shines as one of downtown’s most luxurious hotel-casinos.

Reviews:

• ""Old" Vegas at it’s best"
• “have confidence to stay here”
• “Can Beat this!!”
• “Golden Junk-it”
• “Nice place Downtown”

Tips: The 10-table poker room is smoke-free and has early morning tournaments.

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

A worthwhile visit, if you’re in the neighborhood.

Reviews:

• “Nice Stop for the Kids!”
• “Lion Habitat Kind of Sad”
• “Feed them there sleepy!”

Tips: The most satisfying (and least guilty) way to see wild animals on the Strip is at the Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy.

MGM Lion Habitat

Seven-block, open-air promenade features the largest big-screen in the world, live entertainment, historic hotels and unique shopping.

Reviews:

• “A Wonderful Free Experience”
• “Great for kids”
• “Remember the light parade at Disney Land”
• “Fremont Street Experience”
• “Fremont Street is Great!”

Tips: Park in one of the municipal parking lots. You can get your ticket validated in any one of the surrounding hotels.

Fremont Street Experience