I went to this spa about three years ago and was impressed with the facility. However, when I went this time, it was very ordinary. There really isn't anything about it that would distinguish it from a local day spa, including the service. The employees didn't have much interest in showing me around, and when I asked if they had a jacuzzi or steam room the response was, "yeah, you'll pass it on the way to your massage". OK. On top of that, my massage therapist seemed to be in a hurry, so I felt bad taking up his time. They don't offer an Aromatherapy option and my "relaxing" massage was $95 for 50 minutes.

The Spa at Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702-731-7776

This would be the place to go for an all-day spa getaway. It is luxury and abundance in every way. Their service menu covers nineteen brochure pages, offering more than twenty different massages and body treatments. The facility is large, encompassing a large Fitness Center, including a rock climbing wall, a Salon and the Spa itself. It is not overwhelming, however. I chose an Aromatherapy Massage for my treatment, and my therapist was very accomplished and professional. At $120 for 50 minutes it will be an occasional indulgence. I would love to get another visit to this spa as a gift.

Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Venetian Hotel
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702-414-3600

Being in this spa is like being in a pampering universe. You can truly leave your troubles at the door. The spa "menu" here is not very long, but the services offered are amazing. There isi, of course, the basic massage, which costs $115 for 50 minutes. But the alternatives were so intriguing that I decided to try something different. I picked the JAMU massage from the Asian Rituals chapter. Imagine my delight when I saw rose petals strewn on the massage table. And it just got better. The only downside to this wonderful experience was returning to reality afterwards. The hotel offers a separate Fitness Center.

The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel
702-632-5302

If there is such a thing as a rock-n-roll spa, this is it. I felt cool just walking in there. The furnishings are spare yet serene. The spa itself is on two levels. The lower area contains the changing rooms, showers, jacuzzi and steam rooms. It was easy to find everything because it is a relatively small area. I didn't like the shower area because there wasn't a private space to towel off. The waiting room is pleasant and comfortable, and there were healthy snacks and beverages available. When the attendant came to get me for my massage I was surprised to go out into the (public) lobby to take an elevator to the treatment room. The massage room itself was beautifully lit and peaceful, and my therapist spent about 15 minutes on each of my feet, so she gets an A+. At $85.00 for a one-hour massage, it's a relative bargain among hotel spas. Their spa "menu" is basic, but covers all the essentials. There is a nice Fitness Center, and with a spa appointment the use fee is waived. Beauty salon services are also available.

Rock Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel
4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas
702-693-5554

Even if you live in Las Vegas, going to the Spa Mandalay will seem like you are going on vacation. It is located downstairs on the pool level of the hotel, away from the casino. The setting is lush and tropical. Their menu is exotic, including Shirodhara Therapy, Rose Petal Wrap and Hot Stone Treatment, along with the traditional massages and facials. The facility itself is large - 30,000 square feet including the fitness center and salon, but it doesn't seem overwhelming. My Aromatherapy massage was very relaxing, and seemed too short, which is a good thing. It costs $110 for 50 minutes, right in the ballpark of other casino spa pricing.

Spa Mandalay
Mandalay Bay Hotel
702-632-7300

This spa is located on the second floor of the Paris Hotel, and once you find it, it is quite nice. There were three people at the check-in desk when I arrived, and all were busy on the phone for several minutes before I was helped. Although it didn't have the cozy atmosphere of the Palms, I have no complaints about the service I received or the amenities they offered. My 50-minute Aromatique massage was perfectly acceptable, it just wasn't special, especially at a cost of $110. The spa offers a steam and sauna, a cold plunge for men only, and a heated whirlpool. They offer body treatments and facials as well. The hotel has a fitness center and beauty salon also.

Spa by Mandara at the Paris Hotel
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702-946-4366, 702-946-3328

Like everything else at the MGM Grand, the Spa is huge and a little difficult to navigate. The surroundings are peaceful and comforting, but I was left alone to find my way around when I was finished with my treatment. The massage itself, a 50 minute classic Swedish, priced at $90, was extremely relaxing, and the therapist seemed to know exactly which spots needed attention. The overall atmosphere of the spa wasn't very personal, but the treatment made up for that, and I left feeling wonderful. There is a separate fitness center available, and a beauty salon.

The MGM Grand Spa at the MGM Grand Hotel
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702-891-3077

Everything about the Palms Spa is simple, clean and comforting. It is easy to find in the hotel, the decor is warm and inviting, and the people there are friendly without being in your face. It is comprised of three floors - the ground floor has the treatment rooms, beauty salon and relaxation room, up one flight to the fitness center, and on the top floor is the aerobic studio and women's locker room. Each area is comfortably small. The women's locker room has a lovely waiting room where I was served a delicious herbal tea, and there are other snacks and beverages available. Besides the steam and sauna rooms, they have a beautiful cold plunge and whirlpool tub outside on a patio overlooking the Strip. I chose an Aromatherapy massage for my treatment. It was $95 for 50 minutes, and just sublime. While waiting for my treatment I spoke with two other women who were there for their third and fourth times, both local. This is unusual for locals to visit a casino spa. The typical spa visitor is staying in the hotel. This spa offers a full array of massages, thermal therapies, body treatments and facials. Very highly recommended.

Palms Spa at the Palms Hotel
4321 W. Flamingo Road
702-942-6937