Guests arriving at the stunning new Vdara Hotel will enter through this contemporary portico.

CityCenter is a must-see addition to the Las Vegas Strip! Truly, the development is phenomenal in all aspects from the sheer size of the project to the striking contemporary design elements and art displays found throughout the “city.”  We were literally speechless when we saw it for the first time last week.  We took the covered walkway that links the Bellagio to the Vdara then emerged into the center of the development and were absolutely stunned by the beautiful futuristic city-chic surroundings.  Soaring panels of glass and aluminum reflect the desert sun and send the light bounding from one magnificent tower to the next.  It really is something that must be seen to be appreciated.

We also visited the new 500,000 square-foot Crystals retail and dining center with its upscale (as in titanium Amex cards preferred) shopping like the flagship Louis Vuitton boutique — an incredible three-story showcase of the company’s fabulous signature leather goods and couture fashions.  (Be there at night to see the Strip-front store put on an LED light-show extraordinaire from dusk to dawn.)  Other elite stores include red-carpet favorite Roberto Cavalli, Italian design-house Prada and French luxury-goods maker, Hermes.  The center also houses a variety of restaurants including Beso, an eatery fronted by celebrity “housewife,” Eva Longoria Parker, and celeb-chef/runaway groom Todd English.  Beso will also feature the nightclub, Eve.

For a trip to Las Vegas in December or early-2010, here are our choices for the best deals on hotel rooms in Las Vegas right now:

You can find promotion codes and the best rates on the new Vdara Hotel and Aria Casino in this post on our sister site, RoyallyFlushed.  In that same post, you’ll also find a great deal on MGM Grand plus news on how you can see a Las Vegas show for FREE when you shop Las Vegas!

Expedia is offering a holiday deal on travel good for your trip to Las Vegas — or anywhere — as long as you book by the end of the year.  The new “Holiday Kickback”  promo rewards you with $200 towards another trip when you take advantage of this offer. Book a flight or vacation package on Expedia and get a $200 coupon for future package purchase! – Expires 12/31/09. 

Also at Expedia: Las Vegas Hotel Sale: Save up to 25% off the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mirage, Luxor, Circus Circus & more - Expires 1/15/09 and  Last Minute Vegas Vacation Packages from $125 – Expires 12/16/09.