Extravagance comes easy in the major gaming destinations of the world. From the ultimate VIP treatment in Las Vegas, to fine dining in Detroit, to a ritzy evening at the Hotel de Paris in Monte-Carlo, and other one-of-a-kind experiences, meeting planners can place their bets on these promising picks.
Bronze Lion at MGM Grand
The front entrance features a 100,000-pound bronze lion statue, located at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Tropicana. The 45-foot tall lion, perched atop a 25-foot pedestal, is the largest bronze statue in the United States. Light emitted diode (LED) screens, water fountains, Atlas-themed statues, and lush landscaping frame the lion (800-880-0880; www.mgmgrand.com).
Rockstar Games
In Florida, excitement ensues at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where priceless music memorabilia truly makes for one interesting scavenger hunt. It's a race to the finish as teams compete to find original artifacts including a guitar played by the great Jimi Hendrix, one of John Lennon's shirts, an outfit worn by Shakira, and other iconic items. The entertaining experience ends with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a presentation of fun prizes that can range from a Hard Rock pin to an engraved mini guitar to dinner for the winning teamit all really depends on the planner's budget (800-937-0156, www.seminolehardrock.com).
Oui, Oui
Restaurant Guy Savoy shows off its savoir fare with masterful French cuisine that will entice even the most discriminating foodies. Hailed as the only place in America to experience the epicurean artistry of the celebrated chef, the restaurant within Caesars Palace Las Vegas whets the appetites of large groups and intimate parties alike with a grand 10-course degustation menu. For those who want to accelerate the experience, a 90-minute TGV Menu, named after France's famous high speed rail service, is also available (877-346-4642, www.harrahs.com).
Urban Renewal
A glam city getaway awaits at the MGM Grand Detroit where groups can unwind after attending their meetings. During the day, IMMERSE Spa and Salon provides the ideal setting for a business break. The two-level, 20,000-squarefoot complex features a full-service spa, six treatment bungalows, an infinity-edge pool, and other niceties. Evening calls for a delicious dine-around where signature restaurants by chefs extraordinaire, Wolfgang Puck and Michael Mina, serve up tantalizing plates to accommodate all tastes (877-MGM-EVNT, www.mgmgranddetroit.com).
Taking the Plunge
The Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas boasts gaming tables within its outdoor nightclub Cain, so that your attendees can play a round in their swimsuits (888-528-7155; www.atlantis.com).
Sensational Shopping
There is plenty in store at The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. Groups can spend their free time traveling by gondola or strolling the quaint cobblestone streets where they will encounter a collection of high end boutiques such as Burberry and Mikimoto, as well as contemporary art galleries, charming cafes, fine restaurants, and even "famous faces" at Madame Tussauds (702-414-1000; www.venetian.com).
Behind the Scenes
Exclusivity is all about insider access, and Wynn Las Vegas gives groups just that with the SPAMALOT Very Important Person Package (V.I.P.P.). After the show, V.I.P.P. ticket holders are escorted on a 45-minute backstage tour where they get a glimpse of the inner-workings of one of the most popular productions on the Strip. In addition, these special guests will receive a commemorative Grail cup and the opportunity to take photos with cast and crew, set pieces, and props. A limited number of V.I.P.P tickets are available exclusively on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; group rates are not available for the V.I.P.P. offer (888-320-7117; www.wynnlasvegas.com).
Master Class
The Bellagio brings culinary secrets out in the open at Tuscany Kitchen. Here, groups have the rare opportunity to learn the fine art of cooking and entertaining from award-winning chefs in the first and only exhibition kitchen in Las Vegas. This unique and fully equipped space can be creatively customized to accommodate exclusive events such hands-on demonstrations, teambuilding activities, tastings, formal dinners, receptions, and more (888-987-8786, www.bellagio.com).
Aquarium at The Mirage
One of the most elaborate and technically advanced aquariums in the world, the tank is 53 feet long, eight feet from top to bottom, and six feet from front to back. The acrylic used in the aquarium is four inches thick; the interior was carefully created to simulate an intricately detailed, artificial coral reef (702-791-7111; www.mirage.com).
Reason to Toast
Oenophiles will raise their glass for the chance to experience the extraordinary Wine Cellars at the Hotel de Paris in Monte-Carlo. Several luxurious group options are available, including a tour and Champagne toast with the head wine waiter; a tour and tasting of three wines; or an intimate candle-lit dinner in the "Caveau" room for up to 50 guests (212-973-0099, www.montecarlomeeting.com).
Towering Achievement
Harrah's Atlantic City opened its 44-story Waterfront Tower last month. The tallest building in Atlantic City, Harrah's new addition complements the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and The Pool complex, which opened late last year. (The indoor, glass-enclosed pool is the highlight of the addition, serving as a multipurpose entertainment facility, where people can dine, dance, and swim until 4 a.m.) Gary Loveman, chairman of the board of Harrah's Entertainment, says, "The expansion furthers business for meetings and conventions; we never had sufficient rooms to host large meetings and now we do." (800-522-4700; www.harrahsatlanticcity.com).
Heavenly Haven
Since opening its doors, Palms Place, the sleek new 47-story hotel, condo, and spa tower at the Palms Las Vegas, has heightened the senses with its decadent Drift Spa. The stylish space houses celeb hotspot LA Sunset Tan and the city's first Hammam, a co-ed sanctuary based on ancient Turkish bathing rituals that reinvigorate the soul. The ethereal atmosphere, along with cozy outdoor fireplaces and swank cabanas, allow guests to attain ultimate bliss (866-725-6768, www.palmsplace.com).
French Flair
Travel to Paris circa the 1930s with a visit to Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand. Gastronomy is at its finest here, having garnered the prestigious 2008 Michelin Three Star, 2007-2008 Mobil Five-Star, and AAA Five Diamond ratings. Patrons can indulge in exquisite signature dishes including La Noix de Saint-Jacques (scallop cooked in its shell) and La Semoule de Ble Dur (confit of lamb) in the elegant main dining room or in the more intimate 10-seat private dining room (702-891-7925; www.mgmgrand.com).
Immersed in Luxury
The new Water Club, the 43-story, stand-alone hotel set to debut in June within the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa complex, will feature AC's first "spa in the sky," the two-story Immersion. (On the 32nd floor, its ceiling-to-floor windows face the Atlantic Ocean.) The 18,000 square feet of meeting space at the Water Club comprises eight meeting rooms and five board rooms (two glass-enclosed) (800-800-8817; www.thewaterclubatborgata.com).
Downtown Chic
Metro Detroit has new sparkle, due to Iridescence, prominently located atop the MotorCity Casino Hotel, and the only AAA Four Diamond restaurant in the city. With Chef Adam Hightower exhibiting his culinary artistry from his open kitchen, along with an unparalleled ambience that includes breathtaking views, this downtown gem will continue to catch the attention of serious epicureans (877-777-0711, www.MotorCityCasino.com).
Originally published April 01, 2008
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