There’s much more to a casino than its gaming tables, spinning roulette machines and whizzing and whirring slots. The very best casinos in the world know that they have to offer their guests that something more to entice them into their establishment – especially now when gamers are heading to online casinos in their droves.
That’s why some of the world’s most luxurious hotels are situated within casinos – particularly in glamorous Las Vegas, a city that recognised the potential of super plush casino hotels to attract customers. So with that in mind, pack your passport and an overnight bag because we’re about to go on a trip to discover the five best casino hotels in the world.
1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City
You might know Donald Trump as the outspoken US President, but once upon a time he was also a casino magnate. In 1990 the Trump Taj Mahal was opened in Atlantic City at a reported cost of $1.2 billion.
As you’d expect for a casino opened by an amazing entrepreneur, the Trump Taj Mahal twice went bankrupt with it eventually being sold to creditors for 4 cents on the dollar. The one thing that Trump did get right with this casino was his description of it as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’.
Following the final bankruptcy of the casino in 2016 it has since been bought by Hard Rock International who have carried out a series of renovations. The famous Atlantic City steel pier provides punters with perfect access to the casino which has over 167,000 square feet of gambling space. It claimed to be the largest casino in the world when it was built.
Blackjack, poker and pretty much every variation of casino game you can imagine are available to customers 24/7. American roulette – the quintessential casino game – is also something of a favourite here. With huge sums of money resting on the spin of a wheel, it’s one of the most exciting casino games to play.
American roulette is equally popular online. As well as being available on demand from anywhere with an internet connection, online games are more engaging than ever before, with high-quality graphics, slick interaction and immersive audio. So if you’re a fan of this classic casino game, it could be time to give online American roulette a go.
Paying guests at the Trump Taj Mahal have around 2,010 rooms to choose from ranging from basic to executive. Head online and you’ll see visitors praising its décor, spaciousness and dining options.
2. Ibiza Gran Hotel, Spain
The scorching island of Ibiza has long been a haunt for eager tourists over the summer months looking to make the most of the sun and the world-famous party scene. The influx of superstar DJs attracts a wealthy thrill-seeking clientele to Ibiza so it’s only natural that there’s a superb casino hotel on the island.
Opened in 2008 by the Santandreu family, the hotel has more than 300 games for punters in its casino ranging from slot machines, keno and bingo to the more traditional table games. Private tables are available on request for guests looking to preserve some peace and quiet away from the hordes of punters.
Once you have finished your time betting you can relax in style in the sumptuous Jackpot restaurant which offers terrific Spanish food. All hotel rooms are surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and there is even a gym and a spa centre on site to relax in.
It’s also famous for its artistic décor, with more than 365 works of art created specifically for the hotel by 28 modern artists.
3. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Usually, tourists travel to natural places of outstanding beauty to admire tremendous views. However, Singapore’s tourists come to admire the view of the spectacular Marina Bay Sands hotel & casino, which is owned by Las Vegas Sands.
Flanked by architectural splendours, the buildings are lit up in a vast array of different colours ensuring they stand out on the city scape. Hotel guests can relax in spacious rooms, enjoy entertainment such as Phantom of the Opera as well as having special access to the Sands Skypark and the amazing infinite pool.
When the time comes for gambling there are over 500 gaming tables to play at with a mind-boggling variation of games. There are over 13 types of baccarat alone as well as traditional blackjack, poker and of course the ever popular slots.
At its opening in 2010, Marina Bay Sands was described as the most expensive casino property – valued at a cool $8 billion, read here the full Marina Bay Sands review.
4. The Bellagio, Las Vegas
Thanks to its stunning façade and presence in a series of films, music videos and TV shows, the Bellagio is the most well-known and most visited casino hotel in Las Vegas. The stunning light fountains are the first thing that will catch your eye as you wander in to start your stay at the Bellagio, which has been owned and operated by MGM Resorts International since it opened in 2004.
Beyond the eye-catching choreography of the fountain is the Mecca of gambling, with a poker room nicknamed ‘the player’s second home’ that often sees games exceeding the $1 million mark. Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat and even Chinese poker can be played in the main gaming room.
Further to that there are over 2,300 slot machines in the main hall with some of the best slot games in the world available. Five of the finest restaurants in the whole of Las Vegas are situated on site for you to enjoy as well as a host of designer shops.
For guests you can book a simple room with the Bellagio, well simple by Las Vegas standards. If you’re feeling plush though you can go for one of the famous guest rooms or hire out one of the stunning separate villas which are often reserved for Premier League footballers during the summer months.
5. Mendoza Park Hyatt, Argentina
If you’re looking for the ultimate gambling experience, the previous options in this list are best suited for you, but if you’re looking for the perfect blend of luxury and gambling fun then the Mendoza Park Hyatt is for you.
Situated at the bottom of the Andes mountain range, this hotel casino is a good distance from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires. That sense of tranquillity is felt in the gaming rooms which feature 22 tables and 656 slot machines. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th century Spanish colonial façade, this prestigious five-star resort is owned by global hospitality firm Hyatt. There is a special room to allow other gamblers to game in peace and quiet and there is even a private saloon available for hire if you want to take part in an invite only poker game.
Away from the flashing lights of the slot machines and the high stakes of the gaming tables, the hotel is a real treat. The building has been designed in the spirit of early Spanish colonial properties and manages to look quaint, yet magnificent at the same time.
There is a wide range of tiered accommodation available, all of which offer unbelievable levels of quality and luxury. A swimming pool, spa and fitness centre are available and you’ll perhaps need to make use of the treadmills after sampling some succulent Argentinian beef and glugging Malbec from the nearby vineyards.
Next time you’re hoping for a luxurious trip away somewhere you can gamble to your heart’s content, consider these five gems and you can’t go too far wrong.
Thanks for keeping up with Traveltomtom. Interested in more hotel content, then check out my blog post about hotel breakfast images from around the world.