Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City
Standing at 51 stories, the Taj Mahal strikes you immediately with its opulence from the huge stone elephants to beautiful floors and sweeping lobby, complete with a magnificent crystal chandelier from Austria. The Taj is elegant, a statement reflected in its 2,010 rooms. It is one of the largest casinos in the world, and has amenities that reflect that. Whether you’re placing a wager in the smoke free poker playing room, or betting big in the gaming salon, you can expect first class all the way.
If you’re an Ivy-Leaguer on the East Coast, you’ve probably heard of the Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut. It’s a great place to play in more ways than one. The resort boasts not one, but two Rees Jones-designed golf courses, complete with a teaching academy, three top flight steakhouses, and more. The Foxwoods has multiple accommodations, ranging from the MGM Grand at Foxwoods and Two Tree Inn, to the Grand Pequot Tower that pampers its guest with butler service and private villas. Various other entertainment options include comedy clubs, nightclubs, bowling alleys and exclusive shopping. It is one of America’s largest casino resorts, and also one of its most diverse.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you want to talk about really kicking back on the beach, then check out the Ritz-Carlton San Juan. First of all, just the name Ritz-Carlton invokes hotel vacationing at its finest. The hotel casino features roulette, mini baccarat, blackjack, various let-it-ride games, over 300 slot machines and more. But this is the Ritz-Carlton, so expect to be pampered beyond belief. When you get tired of playing at the tables, you can head out and explore the numerous attractions, including the El Yunque Rainforest, the El Morro Fortress and the Bacardi Rum factory or frequent one of the excellent house restaurants.
The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas
Next to its companion property, the Grand Canal Shoppes of the The Venetian hotel, The Palazzo is a gorgeous European-inspired casino that has everything a player could want in games, including an extravagant race and sports book room, a butler-served poker salon and a 112,000 square-foot poker room with frescoed ceiling that were painted by hand. The Palazzo features some of the best dining on the Vegas Strip, including Wolfgang Puck’s CUT, Mario Batali’s Carnevino and Emeril Lagasse’s Table 10. When you get done, you’ll want to relax in the extravagant suites, adorned with marble-adorned bathrooms and sunken living rooms. From top to bottom, The Palazzo is exquisite.
The Marina Bay Sands is the very definition of decadent. From the infinity pool that is suspended above the city, to the extensive permanent exhibit of 18th century French decadence, to the full on in house production of show like “The Phantom Of The Opera ” and “Barbie LIVE!”, The Marina Bay Sands is loaded for the beautiful people to have a good time. Add the fine dining of Mario Batali’s Osteria Mozza, Wolfgang Puck’s CUT and more, and you have a great experience. Oh, and they do have an impressive gaming floor as well, with over 2,300 slots and close to 500 gaming tables.
Just one look at the full service spa at the Ibiza Gran Hotel, and you know you are in a unique place. With its modern and fashionable decor, the Ibiza Gran Hotel has a breathtaking design element that sets it apart from other hotels or casinos. This place is more for the jet-set crowd than anything else. And with its gaming floor, Texas hold ’em tournaments, slots, and various gaming table, you always have something to do after you stop admiring the beauty of the hotel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Old Town.
The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, China
Designed like its sister property in Las Vegas, the Venetian Macao is an impressive world class resort that is transforming the Maceo area into a gambling get away destination. This venue is all about being large. Each of the hotel’s 3,000 rooms has at least 750 square feet of area to stretch out in. But the size of the rooms shouldn’t be a surprise, as the gaming area is the largest in the world — a colossal 374,000 square feet, complete with 2,000 slots and 500 gaming tables.
Recognized for years as a prime South African gambling resort, the Sun City resort includes slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and more in two separate casino areas. But it’s the extras that makes this facility a top 10 resort. The Valley of Waves water park is one of the prime attractions in the area, as well as the chance to partake in elephant encounters, take a visit to one of the outlying villages on a cultural excursion, visit the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, or play a round of golf on one of two golf courses designed by Gary Player. The Sun City resort also boasts four luxury hotels, including the incredible Palace of the Lost City.
Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Of course, you can’t think of Monaco without images of James Bond, extravagant gambling, and the Hotel de Paris. It is still a place that evokes quiet but discreet opulence. From the amazing wine selection of Le Bar Américain, to the decadent meals of Le Louis XV, the Hotel de Paris’ quality atmosphere will never go out of style. And of course, it’s well known for its gaming tables and high end experience.
This hotel greets you with a 19th century colonial motif upon entering. What you’ll find upon closer inspection is a gorgeous property, embracing style and culture on all levels. You can find vineyards in the nearby city of Mendoza, as well as skiing in the snow capped slopes of the Andes Mountains, a prime destination for excursions, all of which can be seen from the hotel’s suites.
Beyond the beautiful decor and surroundings , you can find world-class gaming including punto y banca, a variation of the game of baccarat.