On an all-out bling binge

Roger Thomas has what many people would consider a dream job: jetting across the globe in search of the finest furnishings and antiques and then buying whatever strikes his fancy -- using someone else’s money.

That someone else is Steve Wynn, who in 1998 set the standard for luxury in Las Vegas with the opening of Bellagio. A decade later, he’s still raising the bar with Wynn Las Vegas, which opened in 2005, and an adjoining new hotel -- Encore -- which will welcome its first guests in December.

Encore, however, isn’t the only new, upscale resort under development. Before long, two of the world’s most prestigious hotel chains -- Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La -- will add their marquees to the constantly changing Las Vegas skyline. Recession or not, Las Vegas is still going for the gold.

“There’s an ever-increasing demand for the very best,” says Thomas, who for the last quarter-century has been putting the panache -- in his words, the “mystery, discovery and drama” -- into Wynn’s various properties.

Thomas relishes sharing stories about his globe-trotting and his discoveries: In Paris, he bought a chandelier reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. The massive light fixture was built by Gustave Eiffel and his team nearly 100 years ago and now hangs inside Wynn’s namesake hotel. In Florence, Italy, Thomas snatched up a pair of gilded Baroque carvings that, for centuries, had hung inside a palace or a cathedral; he’s not sure which.

“They were expensive enough that I had to call Steve Wynn to get permission to buy them,” Thomas says. “He asked me what I was going to do with them, and I said, ‘I have no idea, but I promise it’ll be memorable.’ ” They are the stunning backdrop to an equally stunning floral display in an elevator lobby.

Thomas’ efforts demonstrate the lengths to which Las Vegas hotel executives go to compete for guests seeking luxury and willing to pay for it.

“The definition of pampering has changed,” said Erica Duecy, the hotels and restaurants editor for Fodor’s Travel Publications. She says there is a growing emphasis worldwide on first-class service, so it’s not surprising that many visitors still expect “some bling.” Donald Trump provides both the glitz and the glamour in his new property, the Trump International Hotel & Tower, which rises just across Las Vegas Boulevard from its equally well-heeled neighbors: Wynn, Palazzo and Venetian.

There’s seemingly enough gold and crystal in Trump’s lobby to renovate Buckingham Palace. But for many, the biggest attraction is the blissfully obvious peace and quiet. There is no casino and therefore no clanging slot machines and no horde of humanity.

“I own casinos, but it’s very hard to create great luxury when you have a lobby full of 3,000 people,” Trump says of his nongaming, nonsmoking resort. “You have that little extra bit of serenity without the craziness.”

Jim Petrus, chief operating officer for Trump International Hotels Management, calls the hotel “a reprieve” for discerning visitors to Vegas. “When they’ve had their experience with the shows, when they’ve done their casino extravaganza, there’s a place to go to really enjoy some solitude, some rest and some tranquillity.”

As Fodor’s Duecy notes: “The definition of luxury is a moving target. It really depends on the consumer.”

Las Vegas now has offerings to meet those consumers’ varying tastes. Here, then, are suggestions for the top spots for visitors wanting to splurge:

Luxe attractions: It may be 10 years old, but Bellagio still can’t be beat for spectacular sightseeing without leaving the property. The fountains out front continue to captivate visitors. Inside, the conservatory offers creative and whimsical floral displays.

Luxe casino: Wynn Las Vegas offers a large yet surprisingly subdued (read: quiet) casino environment. High-rollers regularly enjoy playing the ultra-pricey slot machine, a Double Diamond reel that costs $5,000 a spin. Three Double Diamonds means a jackpot of $2.5 million for the lucky player.

Luxe escape: For those suffering from a sense of been there, done that, there’s the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas, an oasis 20 miles east of the Strip in suburban Henderson. The hotel is free of gambling, and grown-ups and kids will enjoy boat rides on the man-made lake and “Dive-In Movies” poolside on summer evenings.

Luxe service: With a staff of 24 concierges, the Signature at MGM Grand gets frequent accolades for its superior service. The bridesmaids’ dresses got lost in transit? The staff will quickly rustle up replacements. Want to rent a Lamborghini? No problem -- it’ll be out front in 20 minutes.

Luxe shopping: Whether you’re window-shopping or actually spending, Wynn Las Vegas offers an incomparable experience. The Rolex store recently sold its most expensive watch, for $485,000. There’s even a Ferrari/Maserati dealership, with in-stock models starting at just $120,000.

Luxe view: The Four Seasons wins hands-down. This hotel occupies five upper floors of Mandalay Bay. The north-facing rooms’ floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking vistas of the entire Strip, especially after dark.

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travel@latimes.com

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In the works

The construction of new luxury hotels along the Las Vegas Strip is quickly changing the city’s world-famous skyline.

ENCORE

The sister property to Wynn Las Vegas will have about 2,000 rooms and its own shops and casino when it opens in December.

FONTAINEBLEAU

The resort boasts it will have the world’s largest rooftop pool. The 63-story tower, across from Circus Circus, is scheduled to open fall 2009.

CITYCENTER

Under construction south of Bellagio, it is expected to open in late 2009. The 75-acre behemoth will feature the elegant Harmon, Mandarin Oriental and Vdara hotels.

ECHELON

Another sprawling property will rise on the site of the former Stardust hotel. Scheduled to open in late 2010, it will include Delano, Mondrian and Shangri-La resorts.