Wynn Resorts has broken ground on Encore, the high-end follow-up to Wynn Las Vegas. Encore will have 2,054 rooms and be fully integrated with the neighboring Wynn. In addition to restaurants, nightclubs and shops, developer Steve Wynn promises several "never-before-tried hotel features." One expected twist is a retractable roof on the pool. The $1.74 billion, resort is scheduled for completion in December 2008.

Fantasy Suites: The Palms Fantasy Tower opens the last of its specially designed suites this week: the Hardwood Suite (basketball court), King Pin Suite (bowling), and g-Suite (a mini Ghostbar).

Mesa Brunch: Sample the varied Southwestern tastes of Caesars Palace's Mesa Grill weekend brunch; appetizers, such as roasted cauliflower soup and tuna tartar, run $10 to $13; entrees of mostly south-of-the-border egg concoctions go for under $20. Get there at the 10:30 a.m. opening either day for immediate seating.

Cool pools: Only a few of the pool parties slated for the summer are yet running. Open-to-the-public pool parties currently in action can be found at Hooters on Fridays through Sundays and at Hard Rock's Sunday "Rehab" (expect an admission fee). The rest of the city's parties should be operating by the end of this month.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.