Around the world, casinos encompass the spectrum from decidedly down at heel to ultra glamorous and deluxe. These luxurious casinos, usually part of an all-inclusive resort, come with a hefty price tag if you want to stay.
Luckily, most are open to non-guests as well, so even those on a tighter budget can get a taste of casino luxury for a few hours.
The two global gambling capitals of Las Vegas and Macau contain the highest concentration of high-end casino resorts, but there are also plenty in more unusual locations. Check out our pick of the best.
Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas
Vegas is filled with luxury casinos, and a list like this would usually include famous names like The Bellagio or The Venetian. Due to its unique style, our top choice for the USA gambling capital has to be the recently revamped Palms Casino Resort. The complex boasts an impressive collection of modern art displayed throughout the bars, casino floors, restaurants and hotel rooms. A mixture of existing works from the likes of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and commissioned pieces from contemporary artists give the resort a look and feel unlike anything else in Vegas. Palms also has what is rumoured to be the most expensive hotel suite in the world, the 840 square metre Empathy Suite designed by Damien Hirst.
The Venetian Macau
Sister to the Vegas landmark, Macau’s version of The Venetian has surpassed the original. At the time it was built, it had the largest casino floor space in the world. The beautifully-realised recreation of the streets and canals of Venice house designer retail outlets, overlooked by a 39-storey hotel with 3000 rooms. Many of the spaces in the resort also have an impressive collection of art and artefacts on display.
Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The original luxury casino, there is little on earth that can match the classic glamour of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The interiors of the casino have a palatial style that has been often copied but never bettered – this place is the real deal. The buildings are more than 150 years old, and the hotel rooms have been updated to meet modern standards while still retaining their elegance and charm. The casino imposes a fairly strict dress code in the evenings, in order to maintain its glamorous image.
Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, Melbourne
Australia may be overlooked as a casino destination, but Crown Melbourne must surely count among the premier resorts in the world. As well as the casino, the complex has three towering hotels where guests can enjoy stunning cityscape views. Shopping outlets include Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton and Prada, and fine dining is available at one of the many restaurants including a branch of Nobu. The rooftop tennis court makes Crown Melbourne a popular place for tennis players to stay during the Australian Open.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is one of the world’s most striking and elegant modern buildings. Three soaring towers are topped by a sweeping roof garden more than 200 metres in the air. Hotel guests can enjoy the highest infinity pool in the world with spectacular views across Singapore. Dozens of restaurants serve cuisine from around the world, and the shopping mall stocks more than 170 brands from Armani to Zara.
Park Hyatt Mendoza, Argentina
Our final pick is this hotel, casino and spa complex housed in an impressive neoclassical building in Argentina’s most important wine region of Mendoza. Inside, the rooms are clean and contemporary, although perhaps lacking in glamour. The facilities are excellent, however, and include restaurants, a heated outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre and a gym. Casino lovers can enjoy twenty gaming tables and hundreds of machines. The hotel can assist in booking one of the popular wine tours in the surrounding area.
