Casinos represent an oasis of glamour and excitement for many people, yet these havens of entertainment are much more than mere places for gambling – they’re destinations renowned for their luxury and refinement.
From Monte-Carlo’s legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo to Macau’s Venetian, these opulent establishments provide a delightful mixture of extravagance and sophistication that any traveler should visit at least once in their lives. These destinations should not be missed!
Casino de Monte-Carlo
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is an elegant testament to Charles Garnier, famed for designing the Paris Opera House as well. Constructed near the end of the 19th century, this elegant venue enables dreams and reality to collide for an hour or so while sitting down at its tables.
Casino Port Royal boasts an abundance of gaming rooms for both newcomers and experienced players to test their luck at French roulette, baccarat and poker – including brand-new machines with James Bond theme – along with gourmet French cuisine from its restaurant as well as private lounges to meet clients from prestigious companies.
As if all this wasn’t enough, try your luck at a high-stakes tournament at this world-class venue that hosts multiple world-class events and draws a wide crowd of spectators – the thrill of seeing spectators’ reactions can be equally exciting as winning big! Plus, enjoy an exquisite cocktail at their lounge bar “shaken not stirred” while listening to one of the 19th century British music hall songs!
The Venetian
The Venetian (and its sister hotel Palazzo) are Las Vegas casinos evoking Venice in every detail, welcoming guests with a basilica-style lobby featuring frescoed ceilings, golden statues and replicas of Venice’s Campanile and Rialto Bridge replicas. Together they house over 7000 rooms within their two towers as well as three million square feet of convention and retail space – not forgetting James Beard award winner Thomas Keller’s French Bouchon restaurant!
USA Today recently described this hotel as one of the best in the world, as well as beyond gambling. Catch an award-winning show at Venetian Theater where world-class talent have graced its stages.
For quick bites on the go, Grand Lux Cafe coffee shop and Noodle Asia offer Chinese noodle soups and dumplings. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar also provides classic American fare like fried chicken and grits – so get your food quickly at these two spots.
Macau
Macau, commonly referred to as the ‘Oriental Las Vegas’, is an idyllic peninsula and two small islands located off southern China’s coast. As one of two Special Administrative Regions of China, it offers an intriguing blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures.
This region draws tourists and gamblers from around the globe. Over time, its reputation has only increased, with five-star hotels and large casinos emerging to attract these guests.
Even though this city is best known for its glamorous lifestyle, there are also historic attractions like hilltop forts and ancient temples here to be discovered – not forgetting atmospheric Portuguese cafes! Don’t miss UNESCO’s Ruins of St Paul’s Church or A-Ma Temple which are must-sees!
Macau City is also home to the 338m Macau Tower, featuring breathtaking views from its observation deck and skyjump. If you prefer something a bit less thrilling, visit Jockey Club Horse Racing Track or Hac Sa Bay/Bamboo Bay for horseback racing or natural scenery respectively. Local currency is Pataca; Hong Kong Dollars or Renminbi may also be accepted.
