Excalibur

A collection of colorful turrets is the most eye-catching feature of Excalibur, a large square-shaped building that was for a short time the biggest hotel in the world but is now about seventh. The towers stand guard above the front and rear entrances, between which is the 100,000 square foot casino, all surrounded by four tall accommodation blocks. The hotel is one of four huge resorts around the Las Vegas Boulevard-Tropicana Avenue intersection and is linked to its neighbors (New York-New York and Tropicana, now closed) by pedestrian bridges since the streets are too busy to cross on foot. A free tram connects Excalibur with Luxor and Mandalay Bay, the two most southerly casinos on the Strip - all three are operated by the same company, MGM Resorts International.

The theme of Excalibur is the legend of King Arthur; besides the castle-like frontage and the moat running beneath, many of its attractions bear Arthurian names such as the Canterbury Wedding Chapel (with Old English outfits available for rent), the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show (offering jousting, fireworks and acrobats), Castle Walk promenade (containing numerous shops and food outlets), The Steakhouse at Camelot, and Sir Galahad's Pub.

At the back the hotel, well away from the noise and traffic of the Strip, are two swimming pools, plus a 25 person hot tub, a waterfall and several water slides. More relaxation is available at the Royal Treatment Spa, which includes a fully equipped fitness center. Live entertainment at Excalibur includes the Australian all male revue Thunder From Down Under, and, from the same country, the Australian Bee Gees Show.