The amenities here reflect both sides of the Atlantic. The 90,000-square-foot casino offers a broad range of gaming, from Single 0 Roulette to high-stakes baccarat. Dining runs the gamut from the exotic Asian pleasures of the Dragon Noodle Co. to the fine dining of Blackstone's Steak House -- and the rollicking Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery has six fresh brews to gratify the palate. Rooms are tastefully accented with brass fixtures, Italian marble and polished granite. Six different pools, including a wave pool, cool down visitors in a lush garden setting. And in a notable coup, World Champion Magician Lance Burton will be rocking his namesake showroom with his spectacular illusions until the year 2009.

It comes as no surprise that former Mirage Resorts CEO Steve Wynn described the Monte Carlo as "popular elegance," coining a phrase to sum up the Monte Carlo's effortless blend of sensibilities. With a resort this fresh and exciting, one can expect all varieties of invention and be satisfied.