Special To: Punch In International Syndicate LUXOR HOTEL/CASINO 3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 Room Reservations: (800) 288-1000 (from Canada & U.S.) Show Reservations: (702) 262-4900 Restaurant Reservations: ISIS - (702) 262-4773 PAPYRUS - (702) 262-4774 SACRED SEA ROOM - (702) 262-4772 Leave it to Circus Circus Enterprises to create a way for you to internationally travel without leaving the United States! On October 15th they officially opened the doors of the LUXOR HOTEL/CASINO in Las Vegas, an innovation they are billing "The Next Wonder of the World." The 350-foot glass pyramid (comprised of 2.45 million square feet and eleven acres of glass) is located at the south end of the Vegas Strip and can easily be recognized by the ten-story sphinx that serves as the entrance. The LUXOR derives its name from Upper Egypt's most exotic tourist destination, and all the beauty and mystery of Egypt have been authentically and conscientiously replicated by its owners and designers. This is Circus Circus' entry into the upper-middle-income Las Vegas visitor market. In a gala celebration of the hotel's opening and the Starlight Foundation's charitable works, the marvels of the LUXOR were unveiled to invited national and international celebrities, press, and patrons on the 14th. Circus Circus Chairman William G. Bennett illuminated the world's most powerful beam of light that shines straight up from the pyramid's apex. This beam is visible at a cruising altitude from Los Angeles (approximately 250 miles away) and, should you find yourself ten miles into space, you would be able to read a newspaper from its light. A water screen with projections of King Tut glimmered in the sky while laser beams flashed from the sphinx's eyes. Guests then moved inside where elaborate gourmet buffets provided exquisite food, and a "Fun 21 Tournament" contributed all proceeds to the Starlight Foundation and awarded the top score a luxury trip to Luxor, Egypt. At 4:00 a.m. on October 15th, 8000 people stormed the establishment when the doors were officially opened. And the crowd did not abate throughout the first weekend. Everyone wanted to see the LUXOR. And no wonder! The 29-million-cubic-foot atrium could easily have nine Boeing 747s stacked in it, and a reproduction of the obelisk from the Temple of Karnak rises through the center and projects a laser light show on the second level. There is 1000 square feet of casino activity and seven themed restaurants. Egyptian art and culture is reflected throughout. After checking in, a barge takes hotel guests along the LUXOR's River Nile and drops them off at their room location. Non-registered visitors can also take the cruise. The "river" is over 1500 feet long, circles the entire interior of the pyramid, and comes complete with a guided tour. The hotel has 2,526 spacious rooms, all decorated with an Egyptian motif. Rooms begin at $59 a night midweek and $79 for the weekend. Elevators inclined at a 39-degree angle travel up each corner of the 30-story pyramid; swaying side to side makes getting to your room an adventure in itself! But you won't need to ride the elevators for entertainment; there's plenty at the LUXOR. In addition to the allure of the casino, visionary film maker Douglas Trumbull has created a trilogy of special effects attractions where you can participate in the past, present, and future via a seven-foot screen and awe-inspiring, cutting-edge movie technology. An arcade, "VirtuaLand," features Sega USA inter-active toys of the future and a laser show. King Tut's Tomb and Museum will open in November, and the 1100- seat Pharaoh's Showroom is currently headlining "The Winds of the Gods." Unlike most Vegas shows, this can be a family venture; children of all ages will delight in the elephant, giraffe, camels, zebras, aerial acrobatics, and the racing chariots pulled by horses. For recreation, the LUXOR has one of Las Vegas' largest swimming pools and several private cabanas for your use. Or you can visit their fully-equipped spa for a massage, facial, or workout on their exercise machines. The Scarab Shop and Park Avenue let you shop for unique Egyptian gifts and LUXOR clothing and merchandise. The Source Museum Shop will offer replicas of some of King Tut's finest possessions and fine jewelry, and the 24-hour Sobek's Sundries will supply you with essentials. Isis is the LUXOR's premier restaurant, and the Sacred Sea Room features a variety of seafood. You can find a tropical dining paradise at the Papyrus. For more casual dining, try the 24-hour Pyramid Cafe, the futuristic Millennium, the international Manhattan Buffet, or the kosher-style Nile Deli. Swensen's even has a high-tech ice cream shop on the Attraction Level. It looks like Circus Circus has another winner on its hands with the LUXOR. It is estimated that 50,000 people visited the casino the first day, and the hotel is almost totally sold out through November. This is obviously going to be one of the attractions that must be seen when in Las Vegas. Where else can you take a step back in time and look toward the future while having a fantastic time during the present? The LUXOR has set a new standard for the institution of entertainment. - Laurie Lawson-