September, 2012
Looking to experience the bright lights and all that Las Vegas has to offer? I would be comfortable saying you could do it in a long weekend. Honestly, Las Vegas isn’t for everyone and I find people either love it or hate it. For me honestly anything longer than 3 or 4 days and I am craving getting back to my ‘normal’ life away from the over-stimulation and over-whelming crowds. I also feel, Vegas can be a once in a lifetime trip, even though I have been there five times myself for pleasure and business over the years. I will share some of my favourite things to do on a trip to Vegas with a tip for booking your trip in the Spring or Fall – the summer is HOT HOT HOT! Enjoy.
If you are looking for where to dance and club, this isn’t the blog for you! My style is different – maybe a concert, show or cocktails while watching live music rather than standing in long line ups for dance clubs and staying out late.
Where to Stay
I think it is fair to say if it is your first time to “Sin City” you should stay on the strip. However, there are other nice areas around town which you could consider, but newbies will want to stay in the heart of the action. Since I have been a few times, here are my top recommendations.
Paris Las Vegas – We stayed at the Paris when D and I traveled to Vegas together in 2012. It was his first time to the city so we stayed in the heart of the action. One thing about Vegas is each hotel has a theme and if you haven’t guess this one it’s all things French including a mini Eiffel tower out front, little Parisian cafes and traditional cabernet shows in the casinos. It certainly combines old-world charm and style in the City of Lights and such a romantic spot. You can always dine 110 feet above the strip in the Eiffel Tower restaurant, which we will chat about later.
The Venetian Las Vegas – Feeling like going to Italy in Vegas? Than consider this hotel which is located about the mid-way point of the strip making most attractions easily accessible. We have stayed here a couple of times, mostly for conferences for me and pleasure for D! The rooms are huge with great views and the resort comes with endless amenities. Inside you will find restaurants galore, shopping, casinos, and of course the option for romantic gondola rides.
Treasure Island – Looking for a cheaper option than The Venetian? Than look right across the street at this hotel. Again, the ideal location mid-way on the strip with a tropical pool and cabanas, and Gilley’s Saloon for all the country music lovers all at an affordable price. It is home to Cirque du Soleil’s, Mystere, which was my first Las Vegas show back in 2002.
Las Vegas Marriott – Now this hotel isn’t on the strip, but honestly it is so close if will feel like you are right there. It is within a short walk to the Convention Centre, the strip and the monorail station, which is perfect for accessing any area along the strip. We stayed here on points enjoying the views, deluxe amenities, root-top pool, 24-hour fitness facility and a quiet night sleep off strip. As we had been and done the Vegas thing, we opted for this place at the end of a trip to Utah – absolutely the perfect location for us and I would likely stay there going forward if we ever go back to Vegas again.
What to Do
Walk the Strip – Just get out and walk exploring all the unique hotel properties. As I said the hotels have themes, so just stroll along the strip walking in and out of the hotels exploring. Ride the roller coaster at the New York New York, watch the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, take a gondola ride at the Venetian, or take in the view from the top of the Stratosphere. Honestly, this would be a better part of the day as the hotels are huge and the strip is about 6km long. Along the way you will find an endless array of street performers! Happy people watching!
Take in a Show or Two – The options for entertainment are endless from music, dancing, arts, magic, and so much more. You can book any of the shows in advance or you can wait till you are there and try for the discount shows at Tix4Tonight offering huge discounts for same day shows if you are flexible with the day/times. We have seen a selection of Cirque Du Soleil shows including Mystere (Treasure Island), O (Bellagio) and Love The Beatles (Mirage). They were all fabulous so it would be hard to pick my favourite. We also took part enjoying the greatest illusions of our time by the legendary showman of David Copperfield (MGM Grand). This show was proof that magic is as vast as our imaginations. What an incredible night. We also enjoyed some live music and cabaret shows right in our hotel at the Paris. Perhaps one too many Cosmopolitans that night – but a story for another time.
Take in a Concert – While you are there see what is going on at the T-Mobile arena. Maybe you will be lucky enough to catch a show or a hockey game. We were fortunate enough to grab tickets to the Strait to Vegas show, the King of Country – Mr. George Strait – when we were there in September, 2016. This had been on my bucket list forever to see him in concert and I honestly kept pinching myself throughout the show. It was absolutely epic. Beyond the arena, you will also find other concerts throughout the city with artists who may have customized shows at various hotels.
Try your luck at the Casinos – Now Vegas is famous for casinos and there is an endless selection. If gambling is your thing, which it isn’t mine, then set a budget and have some fun with slots or tables. D enjoys gambling from time to time and took advantage of the casinos while I was busy at my conference. I would say it’s worth experiencing this Vegas sport – you won’t find me at any card tables, but I will try my odds on a slot machine or two! One thing to note is that casinos rarely have windows or clocks so it’s easy to lose track of time – so set a timer on your phone and stick to it.
Visit Fremont Street – Welcome to Old Vegas! Here you have a five-block pedestrian covered mall with casinos, hotels, restaurants, live entertainment and a free nightly light and sound show. This is an experience not to be missed. It is best to just grab a taxi from your hotel to this district and enjoy yourself there for the better part of the night. We grabbed breakfast at an all-day breakfast joint which was glorious. Unfortunately, I don’t recall the name of the place, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Enjoy just walking around this area – you may be lucky enough to catch free live entertainment in the streets!
Take a Helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon – This was one of my favourite things we did. We decided to get out of Las Vegas for part of the day and booked a Champagne Breakfast tour of the Grand Canyon. It will be pricey, likely a few hundred dollars a person depending on the package, the company and what is included. This was my second time in a helicopter and D’s first. We booked with Maverick Helicopter Tours. We departed early in the morning, flying over the iconic Hoover Dam, taking in views of Lake Mead and the Mojave Desert while enroute to the Grand Canyon. We landed 3500 feet below the rim on a private bluff taking in this natural wonder. Sipping champagne, we marvelled at the beauty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – thinking this is life. Round trip was about 3 hours so it won’t take up too much of your time, but offer you an once in a lifetime adventure and a change of pace from the over-stimulating strip.
Battlefield Las Vegas – D had booked us a fun afternoon here while I was in Vegas for a conference. You will ride in style being picked up at your strip or Fremont hotel in an authentic US military Humvee. D had booked me the GI Jane package and himself the Seal Team Six Experience. My weapons included a Sig P-226, MP5 SD and M4 CQBR if that means anything to any of you. My first time ever shooting – it was a bit of an adrenaline rush I could feel my blood pressure and pulse increasing. It was more fun than I anticipated and certainly gave me an appreciation for D’s profession.
Where to Cocktail
Before we get started let me be clear – cocktailing in Vegas will be expensive AF. Be prepared to pay for your drinks at any of these locations unlike the casino floor. My recommendations, pick one or two locations and enjoy a drink each realizing you are paying more for the experience than the drinks.
The Underground (Mob Museum) – There is nothing more fun than this full-service cocktail bar which also features a prohibition speakeasy and bootlegger exhibit. If you have time the distillery tour is a must, but ensure you indulge in something from the menu of Prohibition-era! Such as craft cocktails like an Old Fashioned served (spoiler alert) in a hollowed-out book! I recommend detouring off the craziness of the strip to find this hidden gem.
Velveteen Rabbit – Do you remember these books? They were some of my favourites where I could stay lost in a library aisle as a kid reading for hours. What I love about this place is the craft cocktails and beers, vintage décor and the live music they offer. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with your favourite beverage while listening to great guest musicians. All cordials, liqueurs and bitters are made in-house and the hand-crafted cocktails are created by the rotating availability of seasonal ingredients.
The Chandelier – You will find this multi-story (three floors) bar in The Cosmopolitan Hotel. It’s elegant as the lights dance against the Swarovski crystals, feeling like you are nestled inside a huge crystal chandelier. Each floor will offer a different vibe from a happening social spot to a more secluded lounge. Pick your style and explore.
SkyBar – High above the strip on the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria you will find this bar offering signature cocktails paired with a top-notch view. Have some fun and try the ‘Golden Knight’ as when in Vegas – sip and soak in the view from the city of lights.
Where to Dine
Eiffel Tower – I told you we would come back to this! In 2012, on D’s first trip to Vegas we had dinner here and it was one of the best dinners of our lives. We still talk about this experience today. If you don’t think you are actually getting to Paris anytime soon, take this opportunity to be whisked to the top of the Eiffel tower where you will find a romantic ambiance, a table overlooking the dancing Bellagio fountains below with the most unforgettable French cuisine. As the saying goes for the $65 pre-dinner cocktails and a $500 dinner there is MasterCard and for this experience with the love of my life is priceless. There are somethings that money can’t buy.
Delmonico Steakhouse – Of course I am going to offer up an epic steakhouse to consider and this is an amazing one. Owned and operated by Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse you will find a classic steakhouse with a New Orleans twist. Perhaps my love for NOLA, creole inspired cuisine and steak drew me in here. Entering through 12 foot oak doors you will find a warm, cozy and intimate setting where you can dine under vaulted ceilings. We had a table in front of a large epic wine rack anxiously awaiting to pair a bottle of our favourite vintage with something from the menu selection to please any carnivore. As our main arrived, the Chateaubriand, the fellow diners were drawn to watch and I wondered if they looked on with intrigue or envy, as the masterpiece that was placed before us perfectly pairing with the asparagus and whipped garlic smashed potatoes. A truly glorious meal and if you love a steakhouse – put this on your list and maybe treat yourself to a romantic gondola ride after.
The Buffet at Bellagio – I am not a lover of buffets, but this one is glorious. Be warned that the good buffets in town will have long lines, so be prepared to arrive in advance and wait in line. This buffet is expensive AF for two people, but the seafood alone is worth the cost. It is also known for its champagne brunch on the weekend!
Michael’s Gourmet Room – You know D and I love some fine dining and here you will find the best kept fine dining secret in Las Vegas. I can’t take credit for this gem of a find, D did the research, booked us a reservation where we were greeted with tuxedoed waiters, high back red velour chairs where we indulged on the freshest steak and seafood underneath a canopy of crystal chandeliers. The service is incredible with an extreme attention to detail. It’s upscale and classy where you will find some customers in full evening gowns and suits and even their signature sorbet intermezzo is topped with Dom Perignon. If you are looking to pamper yourself, make a reservation and although it’s a few miles south of Mandalay Bay – it’s completely worth the trip. I think the highlight is the tableside presentations especially our waiter igniting the bananas Foster flambé which we shared at the end. To this day, I think D must have had a good day in one of the casinos to book us a reservation here, but he will never tell! Cheers!
