Spending Holiday Time In Arabian Hotel, Aladdin

Reopened in 2000, Aladdin hotel and casino mega resort bears the same name as its much humbler predecessor. Somewhat more expensive than the old Aladdin, the new one cost a cool $1.4 billion. The 50-ft (15-m) waterfall that tumbles down the faux-sandstone cliff at the entrance, the arches, and embellishments of the façade conjure images of exotic Arabian lands, which are echoed throughout the interior. One departure from the theme is the London Club, a posh casino within the casino for high rollers and VIPs.

Aladdin is the city’s most recent phoenix (the original opened in 1967). The whole form of its architecture and ambience is an Arabian fantasy of domes and minarets. Drawbacks are the somewhat confusing layout and the piped-in music that doesn’t quite fit the theme, but the guest rooms are luxurious – each complete with its own personal computer.

The most interesting shopping arcade in the city, Desert Passage is divided into areas: India Gate, the Lost City, Morocco Gate, and Merchants Harbor. The names are intriguing, and so are the shops. The architecture reflects the Arabian theme, and, for added drama, realistic thunderstorms crash into the “harbor” every half hour.  In Desert Passage, there is a Sur la Table. It is an outlet of one of America’s best houseware chains. More than 14,000 items are stocked in the excellent Las Vegas store. Specialty foods such as fondue mix, unusual marinades, and luxury chocolates are popular, along with cookbooks, top-brand utensils, and kitchen furniture. Besides that, you can also enjoy the jazz music during the stay in there.