Sin City or Something Else?
When someone mentions Las Vegas, most people squeal, “Vegas, baby!” or “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!” Everyone knows you can go to Vegas for a wild weekend of glitzy bacchanalia. What most people don’t realize is that Vegas is a fabulous destination for all occasions, even business trips and family getaways.
Despite the city’s shaky past, today’s Las Vegas is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the country. With new developments popping up left and right, the vibrant, energized, and luxurious city has plenty of activities, attractions, and accommodations.
I ventured to Las Vegas to do some Destination Scouting for a corporate client looking to hold a Board of Directors Meeting. I hadn’t been to Las Vegas in years so I was thrilled to go back and experience its new charm.
I flew into Las Vegas at 8:00pm at night. As I drove down the Strip, I instantly felt the vibrant pulse of the city. The lights, the people, and the excitement never sleep. At every time of day in every time of year, the city is alive.
My first stop was The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The Cosmopolitan cocktail has a soft spot in my heart, so I couldn’t wait to see what the hotel had to offer. Before I even stepped through the hotel’s front door, I already felt cared for. The staff asked me to complete a “Getting to Know You” form, which included questions about my favorite color, drink, flower, sports team, and so on. I was so impressed by The Cosmopolitan’s attention to their guests’ experience.
The Cosmopolitan arranged for me to have a late check-in upon arrival, as well as a generous late check-out upon departure, to ensure I could enjoy the hotel as much as possible during my stay. I often find that it’s the small, thoughtful moments that make a hotel stand out in my mind.
Upon arrival, The Cosmopolitan made my check-in easy and seamless with their VIP service area. The staff greeted me with a cocktail and brought me to my room on the 40th floor. I think I let out an audible gasp when I opened the door. I had the most incredible view of the Strip and the famous Bellagio Fountain.
My room was whimsy, modern, and customized with all the necessities for a perfect stay. Not only did the in-room iPad technology control all of the electronic features in the room, but it also allowed me to fulfill any desire at the touch of a button: booking dinner reservations, scheduling gym sessions, reserving tennis courts, and making spa appointments.
The next morning, I enjoyed a workout out in the hotel gym. The spacious gym had a variety of machines and equipment for all fitness levels. The Cosmopolitan is the only hotel in Las Vegas with a tennis court! Racquets, tennis balls, and the use of the tennis ball machine are complementary, so guests can practice with the machine or rally with a friend whenever they please.
I absolutely love touring hotels. It’s like getting the inside scoop, history, and story of the hotel all rolled into one, and my tour of The Cosmopolitan did not disappoint! The hotel offers a variety of different rooms; each as whimsical, fun, and vibrant as the next. The penthouse suites are gorgeous. Some even have wrap around terraces with spectacular 180-degree views. The variety of vibrant community spaces gives guests the option of renting out anything from a small board room to a grand ballroom the size of a football field! What’s more, The Cosmopolitan is situated in the best location, right at the center of the Las Vegas Strip.
To be completely honest, The Cosmopolitan Hotel is like a small city. Everything you need is available to you on the property, so you technically have the option to never leave the hotel at all!
The Cosmopolitan Hotel has 27 restaurants, offering a range of casual to high-end dining experiences. The variety of cuisines allows you to enjoy anything from an indulgent Italian pasta dinner to a light and healthy kale salad.
The casino is located on the lower level hotel, making it easily accessible to gamblers and completely avoidable to non-gamblers. The shops and casual restaurants are located on the second floor. The hotel also has a few “secret” treasures hidden throughout the property, like a speak-easy through the barber shop, a tequila bar through a discrete door in the food court, and a secret pizza place, which adds to the fun adventure of the hotel!
While The Cosmopolitan Hotel has a few treasures that are easy to overlook, I guarantee you won’t miss the jaw-dropping Chandelier Bar. The Chandelier Bar takes up three floors with its focal point being a magnificent chandelier that spans across all three stories. Furthermore, whether you want to swim, jacuzzi, or sunbathe, the incredible two-tier hotel pool has something for everyone. As a bonus, the hotel transforms the pool into a swim-up movie theater for guests on Monday nights in the summer.
I had the privilege of experiencing Zuma, a contemporary Japanese restaurant located inside The Cosmopolitan Hotel. Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately struck by Zuma’s natural decor. The rustic bar and tables were made of giant tree trunk halves and polished with a luxurious rich finish. Not only was the botanical atmosphere unforgettable, but also the sushi was beyond words. I can’t forget to also mention their excellent cocktails, outstanding service, and lively atmosphere. Ask for Brayden to be your waiter; I promise you’ll be in for a treat.
Zuma Restaurant, Comopolitan Hotel
Another dining experience I enjoyed was Rose. Rabbit. Lie., which was also located inside The Cosmopolitan Hotel. It is an energetic, speakeasy-type/social club. Dinner is very different here because the entertainment surrounds you. The small-plate menu offers a fusion cuisine with exotic twists.
The club chic atmosphere of Rose. Rabbit. Lie. radiates a feeling of prohibition-era fun, like the naughty and uninhibited kind with a sense of exclusivity. By exclusivity, I mean guests would dress up for such a night out. Anything less than a collared shirt would be inappropriate, but a black-tie suit or a flapper dress would fit in perfectly.
One of the first things I noticed at my table was the sophisticated yet random serving dishes. The flatware is noteworthy for its elegantly acid-etched handles, and the menu is interesting for its unique offerings. Classic dishes, like Waldorf Salad, Steak Tartare and Oysters Rockefeller are available along with more unique plates, like Frog Legs and Beef Wellington.
When I arrived at the restaurant, I was greeted by a bouncer who lead me to the hostess. Along the way, I passed a talented juggler. She was not the typical “clown” or “goofy” juggler you see at kids’ birthday parties. Channeling Cirque Du Soleil vibes, she showcased great skill and impressive dexterity. The entertainment did not stop there. Talented performers tap danced and sang jazz hits from the prohibition era as guests dined on delicious menu.
Whether it’s the entertainment, service, attire, or cuisine, Rose. Rabbit. Lie is a fabulous experience that should not be missed.
After seeing the Chandelier Bar on my tour of the hotel, I had to go back for a second look. Spanning three floors, The Cosmopolitan Hotel has the most impressive lobby bar in Las Vegas. The massive chandelier shines at the center of this gorgeous, multi-level bar. You’ll be surrounded by glamour and dazzled by your fellow cocktailers as you sip a “We’re All Mad Here” specialty cocktail. An ode to Alice in Wonderland, this gin-based cocktail starts blue but changes colors as the ingredients intermix. It’s accompanied by an edible tag that creates a tingly sensation to complete the experience. Of course, also available is the name-sake Cosmopolitan.
While the Chandelier Bar could get by on looks alone, it has an impressive array of cocktails, including an Old Fashioned made with rum that’s been aged in 12 years in bourbon barrels and the infamous verbena cocktail, which is similar to a ginger-infused margarita but with an edible flower that tweaks the taste. Regardless of the cocktail you choose, I guarantee you will have a fun time at this stunning bar!
Whether you’re in Vegas for business or pleasure, for a conservative or wild experience, I am sure The Cosmopolitan Hotel will fulfill your needs and exceed your expectations.
If you head a few doors down from The Cosmopolitan, you will find The Aria Resort and Casino, my second hotel in Vegas. The Aria Resort and Casino greets you with brightness and sunshine through the grand lobby’s enclosed glass structure. The casino is connected to the hotel lobby, luring you in with chiming slot machines and the hopes of a spontaneous jackpot win.
After a seamless and speedy check-in process at my second hotel, I headed up to my room on the 52nd floor. My room was bright and beautiful with a lovely view of the Strip. After settling in, I was anxious to explore my new accommodations. The lounges and restaurants are located on the first floor and promenade level for convenience. With 16 dining options, ranging from Starbucks to Catch, you will have a variety of options depending on your mood.
The gym and spa are also located on the promenade level, and let me tell you, they are a must-see. The gym is bright, airy, and very large. It has a cardio section on one side with an assortment of machines. The other side of the gym has more machines and free weights. They also offer classes and private training sessions available upon request.
After your workout, you have to walk across the hall to the spa. Its blissful zen energy will welcome you with open arms. Choose your treatment and trust the skilled technicians to work their magic. Before and after your services, I highly recommend cozying up to the beautiful fireplace.
Don’t forget to get your vitamin D by the pool. The Aria has three pools to enjoy. The pool opens at 8:00 am each day, and I suggest going early in the morning or later in the afternoon as the midday temperatures can reach 100 degrees! Should you want a more upbeat pool experience, head over to The Liquid Pool Lounge to enjoy a live DJ and refreshing cocktails while working on your tan.
As for nightlife, the Aria offers everything from a casual lounge experience to a buzzing nightclub, Jewel, where you can dance until dawn.
Catch, located in the Aria, is another must-visit. Whether you start at the bar with a cocktail or stay for dinner, you can’t help but enjoy the vibrant vibe. The entrance to Catch welcomes you with an elegant floral motif with plenty of spots for photo opportunities. The artistic team did a fabulous job! Upon entering, you may sit at the bar or in one of the two main dining rooms — one that echoes the restaurant’s garden motif or one that’s reminiscent of a library.
Your server can help you with selections to ensure you sample every aspect of the diverse menu.
You will definitely need a reservation at Catch. When you call, I recommend requesting a booth. I love the half circle’s cozy feel!
One of the things I love about traveling is experiencing the destination. As I enjoyed my surroundings in Las Vegas, I encountered a variety of people enjoying a variety of experiences. I was delighted to congratulate three new couples as they passed by in loving bliss. I toasted two giddy brides-to-be as they celebrated their bachelorette parties with their closest friends. I smiled as I observed children in awe of the vibrancy and splendor of their glitzy surroundings. I chatted with the people that call Las Vegas their home and picked their brains about their local recommendations. As I embraced my surroundings, I reminded myself that even the briefest moments and smallest details can bring so much joy.
I know when you think of Las Vegas, gambling is one of the first things that pops into your head. If gambling isn’t your thing, I recommend heading over to The Shops at Crystals. You will find an abundance of high-end luxury shops, like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Harry Winston and more.
After my stay at the Aria, it was time to check out the sister property to Encore at Wynn. Encore at Wynn is a massive property but it somehow still feels intimate. From the moment you walk through the lobby, you are treated like royalty. The staff is incredibly friendly and so accommodating.
The rooms are elegant with spectacular views. The pool and gym are spacious, clean, and stunning. The staff takes every detail into consideration to ensure guests have the most enjoyable stay possible.
After enjoying the Encore at Wynn’s gym and pool upon arrival, I headed to the luxurious spa. The waiting area is filled with fireplaces so you feel cozy, relaxed, and pampered. The gorgeous jacuzzi room draws you in with its lily-pad-covered walls, waterfall-like deluge showers, and central soaking bath. If you visit, you must try the ultra-indulgent Good Luck Ritual. This comprehensive treatment includes a verbena and peppermint foot treatment, an intense 50-minute customized massage, and a wild lime botanical scalp massage. Trust me, you will not be sorry.
Tucked away inside the Encore is a hidden gem with some amazing Italian flair. If you like Frank Sinatra, you’ll love the restaurant that pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes: Sinatra Restaurant. The elegant space combines the modern and the antique while beautifully honoring Frank Sinatra.
Sinatra’s charisma and style are reinvigorated through a menu that features some of his favorite dishes alongside their vast selection of delectable appetizers, pasta, and sides. Furthermore, Sinatra’s signature cocktail list offers whimsical, ltalian inspired creations, such as the “Sinatra Smash.”
Of course, you will enjoy listening to music by Sinatra and others of the same style during your dining experience.
My next stop was the Bellagio Resort and Casino. As I pulled up the driveway to the entrance, the Bellagio’s grandeur and luxury was absolutely astonishing.
The famous fountain at the front of the hotel attracts massive crowds of people, anxiously awaiting the spectacular water show that occurs every 30 minutes. The fountain has 1,000 water jets that shoot through the air to accompanying music and colorful light. The water soars up to 460 feet in the air! You need to witness the fountain’s beauty both during the day and at night to get the full experience.
Once inside the Bellagio, I was instantly greeted by a spectacular floral display. Every season, the Bellagio Conservatory has a brand-new jaw dropping floral extravaganza. At the Bellagio, I enjoyed the stunning floral display that carefully replicated the Lemon Tree Restaurant on the isle of Capri, a 22-foot vine-covered fountain, an homage to the Fontana dell’Ovato in Villa d’Este, and a powerful re-enactment of The Palio, Siena’s biyearly horse race. Needless to say, it was simply magnificent!
After taking it all in, be sure to sit and enjoy the music of the Bellagio’s lobby piano bar, browse the hotel’s shops, or grab a bite at one of over 20 restaurants on site.
During my stay, I made sure to enjoy all the Bellagio had to offer, including its luxurious gym and heavenly spa. I was delighted by the choice of fitness classes and machines available at the gym, and I was thrilled to recharge in the oasis of the spa.
While I was sad to leave the Bellagio, I was eager to check out the next luxury hotel. My next stop was the Waldorf Astoria. If you are looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas Strip, I highly recommend the Waldorf Astoria. It is one of the finest luxury hotels in Las Vegas, especially for non-gamblers as it’s one of the few hotels without a casino. The hotel is also home to a 27,000-square-foot spa with seven couple’s suites, multiple relaxation experiences, a hammam, and a zen foot spa. You can also hang out by the pool and transform a cabana into a private sanctuary.
The tech-savvy hotel utilizes text messaging to check in with you about various aspects of your stay. You can request amenities or concierge services through this platform, which I found to be very convenient!
With all the activity, you may need to re-energize in the afternoon. A visit to the Tea Lounge at the Waldorf Astoria is the perfect remedy for an understandable case of Vegas exhaustion. This posh lounge is on the 23rd floor overlooking the city, and it is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the refreshing tea service. My experience from start to finish was absolutely flawless. The service and decor were spectacular, and my server’s knowledge of the tea and attention to detail was beyond impressive.
Last but not least, I packed my bags and headed to my final luxury hotel, The Four Seasons. I love that the Four Seasons always takes care of the small details. They schedule your pick-up from the airport prior to your arrival and schedule your airport drop-off upon departure. It’s so nice to have one less thing to worry about so you can focus on enjoying yourself!
The Four Seasons Hotel sits atop the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Like the Waldorf Astoria, The Four Seasons is unique as a non-gambling hotel, and it is pet friendly. It provides a quiet reprieve should you desire one – with or without your furry friends.
Enjoy the gorgeous pool with access to private cabanas and nibble on refreshing poolside treats to keep you cool as you bask in the sun. Guests of The Four Seasons have access to the Mandalay Bay’s sand beach pool and lazy river too!
Furthermore, The Four Seasons’ gym and spa are combined for the perfect health and wellness experience. The gym offers a plethora of cardio equipment, along with ample space to use free weights and machines. Once your workout is complete, walk through the locker room to the spa, where you can enjoy the steam room, the quiet area, and the spa treatments.
I was honored to be able to have dinner at Veranda before it closed its doors after over 20 years of business. The menu offered both traditional Italian dishes and contemporary options, and I could sit indoors or outside on the patio near the pool.
The food, the atmosphere, and the service were all amazing. In speaking with our server, Jose, I learned about the history of the restaurant and his fantastic experiences during his 18-year tenure as a server. His stories and attention to detail took my dining experience to the next level. When the evening came to an end, I felt like an old friend.
The Four Seasons’ Press doubles as a juice and coffee bar during the day and converts to a cocktail bar in the evening. Grab a drink, try some tapas, and enjoy the live music with its casual vibe.
Whether you are in Las Vegas for business or pleasure, The Four Seasons is a great place to stay. Depending on your needs, you have access to meeting spaces ranging from 800 square feet to 10,000 square feet.
Las Vegas has countless entertainment options, including everything from concerts to shows to resident DJs, ensuring there is something for everyone. The entertainment selection changes each month but the Strip has some iconic permanent staples. Here are just a few: “O” by Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Michael Jackson One, Aerosmith, Journey, Cher, Santana, Lady Gaga, Wicked, Calvin Harris, Zedd, and Tiesto. Your hotel concierge can help you find tickets to the show of your desire.
My time in Las Vegas ended with an immense feeling of appreciation for all it had to offer. I met lovely people from all over the world, from all walks of life, from Los Angeles to England. I encountered children delightfully playing in the pools, couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries, old friends going wild like the good ol’ days, and polished executives heading to meetings. Regardless of your occasion, age, or taste, Las Vegas has something for everyone to have a trip of a lifetime.
