Readers tell where to go, what to do

We asked readers to give us their thoughts on where to go and what to do in Las Vegas and several complied, though a number were shy about giving their names. Here are their thoughts.

Art exhibits: Cecilio and Howard Lindo of Nu'uanu said: "Las Vegas is a miniworld with many themes. We've traveled a lot over the years but the artifacts and cultural replicas at the Luxor and Bellagio and the Venetian are impressive. Las Vegas has become a cultural mecca ..."

Cecilio Lindo especially loves the Bellagio's conservatory and the buffet there, and also enjoys eating at veggie restaurant Sweet Tomatoes with her granddaughter. They both favor the Cafe House, a Chinese restaurant in North Las Vegas.

The Rio's World Buffet is less than $20 and has everything Hawai'i folks love, from sushi to barbecue, with about 15 different stations from around the world. The Stardust buffet has the best shrimp for lunch or dinner.

New York-New York Spa's most popular new treatment: Skin Cuisine. From Lemon Meringue Pie to Green Apple Torte to Raspberry Truffle, the scrubs are the ultimate indulgence.

The Golden Nugget continues to provide a world-class guest experience downtown and away from the bustle of the Strip. Special packages include a suite, spa pass and welcoming cocktail, starting at $99 a night.

"MAMMA MIA!" the smash hit musical based on the music of ABBA, opened Feb. 14 at Mandalay Bay and has played to sold-out houses since opening night.

Tabu Ultra Lounge at the MGM Grand is combination of design and technological elements that stimulate all five senses.

Clint Holmes' new show at Harrah's features a 12-piece band and is a throwback to the Las Vegas of old — a true song and dance entertainer, where the most powerful element is the music itself — and sell-out audiences every night.

Rain in the Desert nightclub, just opened at the Palms Hotel, according to local gals, is THE place to go. RAIN offers the ultimate nightclub experience, with VIP areas in the form of sky boxes (with thumbprint-screening access for members), cabana areas and water booths (where the patent-leather banquettes are filled with water). Lavish special effects throughout the club. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, from 11 p.m. Cover charge, $20.

And some developments on the planning board now:

• A monorail, running along the Strip, will be operational by early next year. Phase 2 will connect to downtown by 2007.
• Las Vegas Premium Outlets will soon open in what used to be old downtown rail yards. This will put a designer factory outlet mall within a stone's throw of the California Hotel.