Like the Paris and New York-New York hotels, the 5,030-room Venetian is an enormous and extravagant tribute to a place far from the desert, complete with gondola rides and a replica of Saint Mark's Square. Compared to the other theme-driven Vegas properties, the Venetian distinguishes itself with enormous guest rooms, a world-class spa, and heaps of premier restaurants.

This 3,933-room Italian "villa" is the embodiment of Vegas luxury -- an extravagant five-pool courtyard; formal room service; a superb fitness center and spa; the best buffet on the Strip; and attractions like the indoor botanical gardens and the famous dancing fountains.

A new breed of Las Vegas luxury, with 392 elegant rooms and some of Vegas' best service, the Mandarin Oriental is a quiet haven on the glitzy Strip. The hotel lacks the characteristic excess that many people come to Vegas for (including a casino), opting instead for a more restrained approach: a beautiful spa, two fine dining restaurants, a peaceful pool, meeting space, and the rarest of Las Vegas features -- serenity. But the convenient City Center location means easy access to all the excess you want.

Remote-controlled drapes in the giant rooms, eight premier restaurants, an 18-hole golf course -- the 2,716-room Wynn is one of the Strip's most extravagant luxury hotels. But service is a bit impersonal, and there's a hefty fee to use the fitness center.

After roaring back from the brink of death after its construction was stalled for years, the Cosmopolitan quickly established itself as one of the trendier spots on the Strip. The typical Vegas kitsch has been swapped out for aggressively modern design and futuristic touches (guests sign in on an iPad). Fanfare aside, rooms are large and feature comfortable, designer furnishings and modern, open bathrooms. All types of travelers seem to come here, from frat boys to gambling grandmothers, but the nights decidedly belong to the younger crowd at BOND and Marquee -- as do the days, during Marquee's seasonal "dayclub" party poolside. It's certainly not the most family-friendly option, but couples looking for a phenomenal spa and nearby action won't be disappointed.

The Las Vegas outpost of this venerable luxury chain is a rare quiet refuge from the casino cacophony. Count on excellent service, stylish rooms, a serene pool, and two good restaurants. Head to the adjoining Mandalay Bay Hotel for gambling, partying, a vast pool complex, and a shark-filled aquarium.

Just off the Strip, Trump’s nongaming condominium hotel is a mellow alternative to the mega-hotel-casinos, with 1282 spacious suites boasting the latest technology, luxury touches, and tasteful decor. Room rates are seriously reduced. Too bad the 5-minute walk to the Strip for a casino or better restaurant is so unpleasant.

The highlights at this Westin are the brand's signature features: a large, modern gym, a great spa, and the Heavenly Bed. The dark atmosphere, dated decor, and sub-par upkeep diminish this mid-priced hotel's appeal. But travelers who want to be close to the Strip but away from the crowds will appreciate the location.

Tasteful but staid, this suburban Las Vegas property draws golfers (the area offers seven fine public courses), business conventioneers, wedding parties, locals hitting the casino, and a smattering of families. With its excellent spa, waterfall pool, and servicable restaurants, the JW Marriott is a tried-and-true, if unexciting, off-the-Strip resort.

A business hotel beside the Convention Center with sleek interiors, a great gym and an excellent steakhouse. Rooms are standard and boring; suites can accommodate large parties and families. The scene at this non-gaming, off-the-Strip Marriott property is mostly conventioneers, and wouldn't be fun for leisure travelers.