Las Vegas Travel Guide
For the last few years, I have been thinking about creating a travel guide for Las Vegas and finally got around to doing it! I have been going to Vegas multiple times a year since I turned 21 and sometimes will stay for a week or two at a time. I met my husband in Vegas, we were engaged at the Bellagio, and then married at the Aria, with a reception at the Palms. It is my home away from home.
I do not know everything about this city, but, as a frequent visitor, I have quite a bit of experience. I also know that Vegas has something for everybody and this guide may not be geared to everyone. There is just so much to do in Vegas and this guide doesn’t even scratch the surface but I hope it can help! This is also an ongoing guide that will be updated on a regular basis. Let’s go!
HOTELS
The NoMad Hotel at Park MGM
The Nomad hotel is located adjacent/inside of the Park MGM on the top floors. It is the newest hotel in Vegas and underwent a massive renovation from the old Monte Carlo Casino. Since it opened, we have stayed here 3 times. The first two times we had small suites and then the last time we stayed there we received a deal on Suite Royal for my husband’s 40th birthday. The rooms are beautiful, clean, and just have that new smell and feeling because not that many people have stayed here compared to the other hotels obviously. I feel like we were one of the very few people who stayed in the suite so far. I really love the attention to detail in the rooms and around the hotel. No expense has been spared to create a beautiful aesthetic. I can’t say anything about the pool as it was still being renovated when we were here, but am excited to try it next time we stay. I love the Nomad for a number of reasons. The first is the location - center strip. The new Park MGM also has it all including a massive and new Eataly. If you are looking for a quiet and luxurious Vegas experience away from the craziness, this is a great hotel.
Pros: Clean, quiet, and relaxing rooms so far.
Love the attention to detail including the toiletry accessories.
Perfect location
Cons: The concierge/ front desk team has some work to do; they seemed incredibly disorganized. I called multiple times in a few days to request basic items and the phone kept ringing and ringing with no answer. I went downstairs to get help and they said oh whoops the phone was off.
You have to share the elevators with the other guests staying in the Park MGM. It is fine, but I feel like they could have made a completely separate elevator bank that just goes up to the top floors for a faster trip.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Bavette’s- One of my favorite steakhouses in Vegas. You feel as if you just went back in time to the 1920’s. The sourdough bread is amazing, but do not fill up because the portions are huge! The crabcake is a must, and also try the brussels sprouts as a side.
Primrose- A beautiful french garden inspired restaurant. Great for brunch, they have very refreshing and inventive cocktails.
The NoMad Bar- The bar has a dark red and sultry atmosphere. The cocktails are good and food is elevated bar food. I recommend the hummus and the hot dog. Stop and take a look at the beautiful photographs hanging on the wall as well.
The NoMad Restaurant- We have had one amazing experience here, and one bad one ( might have just been an off night). Our first experience was fantastic. The restaurant is gorgeous and their signature chicken is one of my top 10 most incredible dishes of all time. The next time we went here we were with a few friends and kind of rushing ourselves, and I just ordered a simple pasta which was bland. I will give it another go soon!
Juniper- One of the best new cocktail bars in Vegas! Their menu is just so fun an inventive. My absolute favorite drink is A Little Birdie, served in an actual glass bird ( pictured below left)
Roy Choi BEST FRIEND- I just love this place- it is super kitchy! The entrance looks like a bodega in NYC and then the restaurant is inside. I actually like to eat and drink at the bar in the bodega. The food is eclectic and delicious.
Eataly- I am happy they put this in here because there are not many places to get a quick bite or breakfast besides the overly crowded Starbucks. It is is no way a breakfast place, but if you want something pretty quick they have a very nice breakfast stall with treats. The inside looks like a train station, which is beautiful but otherwise it is a pretty standard Eataly.
THE PALMS
The Palms has just gone through a multi-billion dollar renovation run by Stations Casinos . The Palms - in it’s heyday - was the HOTTEST hotel in Las Vegas. I first visited in 2009 when remnants of its past were still there. I went to Rain, Moon, Ghost Bar and the Playboy Club, as well as the Ditch Fridays Pool. They finally finished most of their renovations this year.
The property has evolved. The original Palms vibe is not quite the same, but the property has been elevated. The Palms is now home to the most expensive hotel suite in the world- for $200,000 a night you can stay in a room designed by artist Damien Hurst. He also designed Unknown Bar, featuring an actual shark in formaldehyde. Will the hotel renovation live up to it’s early 2000’s craze? I am not sure, but it is definitely worth a visit.
Pros: Off the strip ( although some people might find it annoying that they have to leave the strip and cab it, but I like the change of scenery)
Next door to a Marijuana Dispensary, and a Sonic! ;-)
Cons: I really cannot think of any! Keep it up Palms!
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Scotch 80- A replacement for the original NINE Steakhouse- definitely a huge upgrade from the early 2000’s basement decor. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with famous artwork, and the food is always fantastic!
Green Street Kitchen- I recently went here for the first time on our last trip to Vegas since it just opened. This is one of the best new trendy restaurants to go to before a night out. The entrance is inside of an arcade and you have once again multiple amazing pieces of artwork. I like that the menu has a lot of small plates, you don’t feel like you have to sit down for a large dinner. Great for a big group or a date.
Vetri’s- This new Italian restaurant opened in the place of Alize, high above the Las vegas strip. I was devastated about Alize’s closing because we had our wedding reception here. The space is unrecognizably different, a lot more casual too- yet after coming here a couple times I have really enjoyed it, and the food is some of the best Italian in Vegas.
Mr. Coco- A small upscale speakeasy. Do not come to this bar expecting cheap drinks, they are VERY expensive but they are worth it for the experience. When you want to get away from the craziness and have a refined evening.
Unknown Bar ( AKA The Shark Bar)- The center bar designed by Damien Hurst including the details of the menu and napkins. The highlight of this bar is of course the huge shark suspended in formaldehyde. It is worth a trip to the Palms to just see this bar because it is that incredible.
Send Noodles- A fun take on a noodle spot. Great for lunch and cheap!
Lucky Penny- One of my favorite breakfast/brunch spots. Very inexpensive and the food is delicious. They have a millions things on the menu so it is perfect if you cannot decide what to get.
THE COSMOPOLITAN
The Cosmopolitan became one of my favorite hotels after I stayed there in 2012 for my friend’s bachelorette party. It is the quintessential party or bachelor/bachelorette hotel in Vegas. Literally every girl that walks in wants to pose inside of one of the giant shoes and/ or in front of the chandelier bar with her besties. I recently stayed in the Cosmopolitan for the second time with my husband. The room was amazing and i HIGHLY suggest it for either couples or a group sharing it. We had a terrace view suite complete with hot tub overlooking the strip. The room was surprisingly clean and put together. Cosmo has opened up a new food hall with a secret Mezcal bar inside ( search for the door with the donkey) We had a great time but would we stay here again? I am not sure because the room we had was not comped and the hotel was a bit too busy.
Pros: A ton of great restaurants to choose from and center location.
Cons: Elevators take forever and stop on basically every floor.
Don’t try and bother with EggSlut unless you want to wake up at 6am. The line is ALWAYS long and annoying and the wait continues after you order. Not ideal when you had one too many the night before. A fantastic under the radar alternative is Burger Lounge inside of the Aria, it has a mean breakfast sandwich!
Pro/Con: Very loud/busy all the time, and party atmosphere but when in Vegas that can be a good thing too, it depends on what you want from your trip!
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Milos: The best ( and one of the few) Greek restaurants on the strip! Do not come here for dinner, however. The prices are very steep for the same items you can get during lunch. We always come here for lunch- they have a deal where you get 3 courses and it is one of the best deals on the strip!
Beauty and Essex: I love this place because we often fly into Vegas at night and it is opened for dinner late! It is a beautiful restaurant inside of an actual Pawn Shop. Like most of the restaurants in the Cosmopolitan- it originated in New York, ( I do not know what this property was not renamed New York , New York, oh right because they have one already ;-)) It has a small plates menu which is perfect if you are not too hungry and it is a great place to eat before going out at night with a big group.
Zuma- One of the best Japenese restaurants on the strip! I love their small plates and my favorite sushi roll- Pirikara Hamachi. I also once drank their goldfish drink which is in a plastic bag sans the actual goldfish.
Blue Ribbon- I like this restaurant when I am not sure what to have for dinner because they have such a wide selection and all the food is great. You must try the fired chicken here, they are famous for it!
Scarpetta: Do not leave this restaurant before eating the pasta here, it is some of the best!
Rose. Rabbit. Lie- A sort of speakeasy hidden away in the back of the Cosmo. It is one of the most fun places to get a drink in Vegas. It is a modern supper club, and at any moment someone will pop out and entertain you with a song or dance number. One time a guy tap danced on the piano.
Jaleo- I love to come here for lunch because they have a 3 course deal. They also have a great selection of interesting gin and tonics. My favorite ting to order here is the endive appetizer, so good that I made it at home.
Momofuku- Another New York transplant, this place is great for lunch or dinner. After you eat there save room for Milk bar next door with some of the BEST ice cream you will ever eat. The cereal milk is my favorite!
The Delano
The Delano has been one of our favorite hotels for a while now. It is probably the quietest of all of the hotels in the strip, far away from everything but is still connected to Mandalay Bay Resort and The Four Seasons. We have stayed in many of the rooms, and they are all beautiful complete with strip views. The last time we stayed there we got the penthouse suite for an amazing deal. This is probably my favorite room on the strip that we have stayed in. It is HUGE and complete with hot tub, steam shower, wet bar, and mirror that turns into a TV.
Pros: Quiet, clean, and beautiful and relaxing.
One of the best lobby cocktail bars is located here, The Franklin.
Their spa Bathhouse is one of the best on the strip.
Cons: Far away from the center of the strip, however you can actually walk inside through casinos all the way until you exit Excalibur. Great for when it is hot out!
The coffee shop inside of the Delano is the MOST expensive on the strip, and for no reason- no joke do not go here.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Strip Steak - Inside of Mandalay Bay. First off, they give you a complimentary TRIO OF DUCK FAT FRIES with dipping sauce instead of boring old bread! I can just stop right there.
Skyfall- A beautiful bar with another amazing outdoor view of The Strip. ( Always check to see if they are hosting an event which happens a lot before you go) Next door is the restaurant Rivea.
The Franklin- One of our favorite cocktail bars of all time, located in the lobby. A secret tip- if you are an M Life Platinum card holder you get the Comfortably Numb drink for free.
The Bellagio
There is no other hotel on the strip as iconic as the Bellagio, and it definitely lives up to it’s hype. The first time I saw the fountains go off, I cried . Basically when you are looking for the best views and photos of Vegas, you have to get the fountains in frame. I have been fortunate to see some of the best views of the fountains.
BEST VIEWS
From a terrace room at The Cosmopolitan. facing the fountain side of the strip.
From one of the middle Bellagio Penthouse suites.
Head on right in front of the Bellagio on the sidewalk.
When you walk outside of the Bellagio front entrance, keep going straight and you hit a fountain/garden- great view of the fountains from the opposite side of the Bellagio with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
The terraces of Lago or Spago restaurants- you get so close to the fountains here that it is almost if you might get sprayed by them.
View from The Eiffel Tower restaurant.
There really is no bad view!
Pros: Center strip, perfect location, iconic.
The service here is probably best on the strip, they really go above and beyond for their customers and I cannot say that about every casino.
Cons: Always busy and packed with tourists who are just there to take photos and leave.
The spa was a complete disappointment, average treatments and packed with bachelorette parties, the hot tubs were completely full.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Le Cirque- It took us a long time to come here and I do not know why! We were completely wowed by everything here from the food to the service. One of the best restaurants hands down in Vegas.
Spago- Newly opened in the Bellagio coming from the Caesars shops. I love Spago in Beverly Hills and this is basically just an more open air version. Their corn ravioli dish is the best but is inly in season during the warmer months.
Lago- They have an amazing 3 course lunch menu that will fill you up for a day!
Sadelle’s (pictured)- A casual yet beautiful cafe behind the Bellagio Conservatory, and super Instagramable!
Things to check out:
The Bellagio Conservatory- Since we go to Vegas so much, I have seen so many different themes as it changes every season, but I always want to take a look every time we go.
The Bellagio FIne Art Gallery- Keep on the lookout for interesting exhibits; we saw a fantastic Picasso exhibit here.
The Shops at Bellagio- A beautiful hallway of luxury stores, it is fun to walk through and window shop or splurge!
The Aria
I will admit that I do not have a ton of photos from The Aria yet it is a place that we frequent all the time and we were married in the Aria Chapel! It is not the most photogenic casino because it is just so dark inside, although some might argue otherwise. The Aria actually has the BEST selection of restaurants of all the strip properties. I do not love staying here however because we have had multiple bad experiences with service.
Pros: The best selection of restaurants on the strip.
Great location with walkways to the Cosmopolitan and Crystals.
Cons: The worst service of any hotel we have stayed at on the strip. Rooms are very basic as well and a lot of the time you have to walk VERY far to get to your room from the elevator. No joke we had a room once so far from the elevator I think it took a full 5 minutes to walk there. It is very annoying when say you forget something and need to go all the way back. Again, everyone has their own experience and there are lots of people who I am sure love to stay here ( that was just mine). I would however one day like to stay at the Sky Suites, they look amazing.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Carbone’s- I literally have dreamt about their spicy rigatoni and vodka sauce. It is probably my favorite pasta dish of all time. Aside from that, the veal parmesan is incredible and HUGE! I also love all the free items, you receive, including focaccia, fresh parmesan, pickled vegetables, and rainbow cookies. I do not recommend even getting an appetizer because you will fill up on everything else.
Jean Georges Steakhouse- I will go as far as to say this is the BEST steakhouse in Vegas. I have a thing for dipping sauces and you get not one but FOUR sauces with your steak. You must also try the crispy chicken and the side of potatoes.
Bardot- A beautiful French Brasserie with amazing food. They also have a great happy hour here. I love the way they do their escargot on mini puff pastries. The brunch is also incredible with unlimited Rose ( I think I had like 3 glasses and I was OUT!)
Sage- Probably the most underrated restaurant here, but one of the best. All of the food is incredibly fresh and the restaurant is gorgeous. Unfortunately the bartenders told us they had to give their cocktail menu to next door’s Catch restaurant, boo! A must try are the scallops here.
Catch- We went here recently after it opened and I was excited because Catch is great in other cities as well. The entryway is beautiful but it is again very full all the time of people trying to get photos here. The food took a very long time, they burnt my husband’s chicken, and it was overall a bit mediocre.
Julian Serrano- We have come here for lunch more times than we can count. It is a fantastic Spanish tapas restaurant with a lot of healthier options.
Javier’s- A great Mexican restaurant with my favorite margaritas! They are a little expensive but worth it, I recommend the Pepita Magarita. The food is also very good.
Other Restaurants we LOVE!
L’Atelier by Joel Robuchon - MGM Grand - A fantastic modern french restaurant, experimental but not too crazy- we have not been to The Joel Robuchon which is next door but are meaning to try it!
Twist- Waldorf Astoria- A very experimental French restaurant. I do not love all the dishes but it definitely takes my palate on a rollercoaster of tastes.
Cocina by Wolfgang Puck- Honestly this place is even better than Spago and cheaper! Located inside of Crystals, it is a great place for lunch and they have great happy hour deals at the bar.
Libertine Social- Mandalay Bay- We usually sit at the bar, but the food is awesome and the drinks are even better!
Sinatra’s - The Wynn- A not very well known Italian place inside of the Wynn dedicated to non other than Frank Sinatra. It has been a while since we have been here but the food is always great and the portions are huge.
Border Grill- Mandalay Bay- Located close to the convention center it is a bit out of the way but the walk to get there will make you more hungry! They have one of the best brunches on the strip!
I am not one for buffets because I hate waiting in line to eat, especially when there are SO many great restaurants in Vegas, but I LOVE WICKED SPOON!
CASUAL/CHEAP EATS
Going out to dinner in Vegas is something I LOVE to do, but sometimes you just need a quick snack before you go out, or you are with a group of friends and you want something everyone can enjoy. Here are a few quick and relatively cheap eats in Vegas
Secret Pizza- Located down a hallway in The Cosmopolitan. It is not really a secret anymore but the pizza is great!
Pin-Up Pizza- A small pizza shop inside of Planet Hollywood with a Pin- Up theme. The slices are HUGE so one is usually enough.
Slice of Vegas- Inside of Mandalay Bay, another great and quick pizza shop and probably the cheapest of these.
Earl of Sandwich- Located in a few casinos like Planet Hollywood and The Palms. It is a chain but has a damn good breakfast sandwich!
Village Street Eateries- Any of the stands inside of New York, NY- There is a crepe place, a breakfast place, a pizza place, a hotdog place, a deli, and a fish place. Great for getting a quick breakfast or late night bite.
Carmine’s- Inside of the Caesar’s shops.- Carmine’s is not normally cheap or that casual but between I think 2-5pm for their happy hour you can get $5 bar bites and drinks- best deal on the strip if you ask me!
Things To Do
Las Vegas Concert Residencies- From Lady Gaga to Backstreet Boys To Celine Dion, Vegas now has SO many residencies it is hard to keep track. Last time I was here I saw an ad for concerts by New Kids on The Block and MC Hammer. It is worth a splurge to se a fantastic show here!
Cirque Du Soleil- I am not one for going to Cirque Du Soleil but the best one I have seen is the Michael Jackson show. I feel this way because of course you know all the music, and it is really upbeat and fun. The other shows I have seen honestly made me go to sleep, but I have not seen all of them so cannot say if they are good. That being said many people enjoy them so definitely see for yourself!
jabbawockeez- I saw them when they were at The Luxor but now they are at MGM Grand. This show was SO much fun I highly recommend it and would definitely go again!
Gamble- When I first came to vegas I think I gambled $1 in a machine and lost and that was it. I am not a big gambler and you do not even need to be at all to come and enjoy Vegas. Now once in a while ( if I am drunk enough) I might play some blackjack or craps with my husband.
Gambling can be fun and for some and also addicting for others so please be careful and never get too high or too low. Slot machines are the biggest money suck and are also the worst odds, however I have won money a few times unexpectedly. If you try and win, you won’t but if you have no idea what is going on chances are you will. The best slot odds are off the strip. I really do not suggest playing at the biggest casinos on the strip at all.
Gambling is also the ticket to getting rooms/food comped by the casino- but you must have a players card and gamble enough for them to offer you deals. Getting a players card is easy (I often lose mine all the time) You just have to sign up at the players club in the hotel. A big trick to getting multiple deals is to gamble at different properties- MGM, Harrah’s, Wynn, SLS. You can look online to see the list of casinos under these brands.
Night Clubs or Day Clubs- I used to be a total club girl back in the day, and this was a big reason I came to Vegas. Now I only go once in a while or if a group of friends is in town. I still absolutely love it but it can be a lot. The Dj’s come on late as well around 1am or later in the afternoon at a day club. I have actually left the clubs multiple times because the DJs came on so late and I was tired ( BOO!) That being said they have the BEST clubs and pool parties!
Walk the strip with a big drink in hand- It is almost a right of passage your first time to Vegas to order the biggest drink you can find and stumble around the strip. I can’t drink those anymore because they are too sweet but it is a lot of fun and something you cannot do in most places.
POOLS
The Pool at Caesar’s
Vegas has some of the most incredible pools inside of the hotels. Pool season and parties started around mid March when it is hot enough. Here is a list of some of my favorites
Mandalay Bay Pool- This property is a resort for a reason. The pool is probably the biggest and most insane in Vegas. There are multiple pools, a wave pool, and another pool at the Delano. As you walk to the pool you step into a beautiful palm tree covered oasis.
Waldorf Astoria Pool- If you are looking for quiet, luxury, and relaxation, this is the pool for you. With beautiful views, cabanas and flowers, it is incredibly picturesque.
The Pool at The Cosmopolitan- There are again multiple pools here. I really love the Chelsea Pool because this one has a giant rainfall shower. One of the pools also turns into an Ice Rink in the winter,r but I have yet to try it!
The Caesar’s Pool- This pool is just epic in terms of the amazing architecture. We didn’t even swim here just walked around and took some photos.
The Bellagio Pool- Another beautiful pool, great for relaxing but is often pretty crowded.
GETTING AROUND
My suggestion for getting around Vegas is to walk! Walk when you can because you can get a ton of steps in without even realizing it, and it is great for working off that big lunch or dinner. The hotels are HUGE and it will take a while to get from one hotel to the other, especially if you do not know the shortcuts.
Many times however it is difficult to walk, say if you are in heels or need to go from one end of the strip to the other. I suggest either cabs or UBERS. Cabs are great most of the time because you can normally get one right away and the drivers usually know the best route and are interesting to talk to, they have a lot of fun stories! They are expensive, however and they charge you to use your credit card ugh! UBER and LYFT are of great alternatives because they are cheaper but the downside is that a lot of the time they do not know the best routes and you always have to find the ride share stations. I normally take a taxi because I honestly feel bad for the drivers a lot of the time because they wait hours just to get one ride
DOWNTOWN VEGAS
Downtown Vegas might get overlooked by the usual tourist but it is not a place to skip my any means! If you want the real old school Vegas experience, look no further than Downtown Vegas. Here, you actually also have some of the best gambling odds in Vegas and the slot machines are actually looser.
Downtown Vegas actually starts a lot earlier than the famous Freemont Street and extends pretty far. If you take a cab the strip way to Freemont Street you will pass by the Downtown Vegas Sign- this is where you leave the strip and enter downtown. On the way in the cab you will find multiple wedding chapels. You will also pass by the outlets and also a very cool photographable building called the Cleveland Clinic. I do not suggest walking around too much before you enter the Freemont area though I (although I have a few times) There are some very cool vintage spots to look at, just be aware of your surroundings.
Freemont Street
The Freemont Street Experience is a huge moving screen canopy above the famous hotels of downtown. There is also a zip line that runs across the entire screen high above your head. Freemont Street is just so much fun to walk around and explore. There is usually something awesome and crazy going on here like half-naked performers, impromptu concerts, drug busts, and it’s especially mad on Halloween! Check out a few of the classic hotels like The Golden Nugget, Binions, and Four Queens.
RESTAURANTS
Hugo’s Cellar- Located beneath the Four Queens hotel. This is a Vegas institution. We save this place usually for a special occasion because we first visited on our engagement weekend. Do NOT order an appetizer unless you want to be stuffed because you receive SO much food!
Oscar’s- Located above Freemont Street inside of the Plaza Hotel. It is a beautiful old school restaurant that makes you feel as if Sinatra would walk in at any moment.
Andiamo’s- An amazing old school Italian restaurant inside of Th D hotel. Definetly order the big meatball!
The Freemont Street Experience
As you leave Freemont Street you get into the heart of a lot of the fun local places in Downtown Vegas.
Some of the best places include:
CommonWealth-A two story bar. The top outdoor portion is where awesome local Vegas DJ’s spin. Inside of Commonwealth is a speakeasy called The Laundry Room. You must call to make reservations ahead of time but it is worth a visit!
The El Cortez- This hotel is such a fantastic shit hole in a good way. It always reeks of cigarette smoke and is a bit dirty, but it is exactly the place you wanna check out to feel like you are in old school Vegas.
Secret Bar inside of The Mob Museum- There is an awesome speakeasy inside of the mob museum. It is actually really hard to find the entrance but I won’t tell you where it it. We went here on Halloween and it was a Flapper Costume Contest. We felt like we were transported to Vegas of yesteryear.
The Cleveland Clinic
The Neon Boneyard
The Neon Boneyard is a MUST do if you have the time in Vegas. It is a museum that is a short drive from Freemont and houses a collection of all the old neon signs. I highly recommend booking a time for a tour in advance before you get to Vegas. If you want to do a portrait session with a photographer, there is an extra cost.
Container Park
Container Park is a small shopping and eating destination just right off the end of Freemont street. At it’s entrance you have a giant grasshopper that actually shoots flames from it’s antennae. The first time I went here I jumped as the guy operating it like to scare people by shooting off the flames in front of a crowd. Inside of the park are large shipping containers that have no been refurbished to be stores/bars/ or restaurants. It is a very nice place to come get a drink, a bite or walk around. We love the small wine bar BIN 702. Definitely order the small finger sandwiches here. The cocktail bar Oak and Ivy is also here and has some of the most inventive concoctions in Vegas.
Vegas Spas
I can’t mention a great time in Vegas without mentioning the incredible spas. They are an ideal cure for a hangover, and you might end up napping afterwards. I don’t have photos because you are not allowed to take photos inside the spas ( although people do, and I do taken a few iPhone photos).
Here are my absolute favorites.
Waldorf Astoria Spa
Pros: The services are the absolute best I have had- they are expensive but worth it. When you first walk in for your appointment, they offer you a shoe trade in, fresh tea, and a hot towel ( It’s the little things I love) It is also one of the most beautiful and cleanest spas with great views.
Pros:
Mostly always quiet and empty
Great Steam Room
Rainforest Shower- You can adjust the shower different ways, from hot mist, to cold rainfall.
Snacks and infused water and tea
Nice toiletries
Cons
No Sauna- but there is a Laconium ( a less hot version of a Sauna which is meh)
The hot tub is beautiful and very relaxing, but I prefer one that is a bit hotter with stronger jets ( these jets emit just bubbles)
The Spa at the Park MGM- Okay, so don’t ask me why I love this spa so much but it has just the perfect amount of everything that I love a spa to have. It is small and usually empty because people do not even know there is a spa here. I used to love it even when it was the Monte Carlo Spa. Now it is updated, and everything is new, beautiful, and fresh.
Pros: Intimate and quiet
Hot tub is perfection, nice and hot with strong jets.
Warm relaxation beds
Great Steam Room and Sauna.
Quiet and beautiful relaxation room with zero gravity chairs and yummy snacks.
Cons: I honestly cannot think of any- this spa should be at #1 but the Waldorf treatments are just so good that I still leave that at the #1 spot.
Bathhouse and The Delano- A beautiful, modern, and intimate spa.
Pros: Mostly always quiet and not busy
Just visually beautiful, modern, and dark
Fantastic hot tub
Hot and cold plunges
Snacks and great toilettries
Cons: Nice Sauna but a little small.
I have never had a treatment where I was wowed here, they are pretty standard.
Drift Spa and Hamman at Palms Place. Another spa that is one of the best, but my only issue is that since the Palms has been changed over and is now opening a new spa and salon in the casino that the Drift Spa I feel like has gone down hill just a bit. It is more crowded that usual but only probably because since the construction was going on they had to shove many people to the Palms Place and Pool. Now that it is over I need to go back and see how it is.
Pro: The Hamman! A huge co-ed steam room (don’t worry, everyone has to wear some sort of clothing while in here) You actually have to pay a lot to use other Hamman’s at other spas on the strip, but if you want to just use the spa it is great to just get a day pass.
The treatments are always amazing, half the price of the spas on the strip, and they are always offering great deals ( keep checking online or call)
The Aria Spa - This is my least favorite of the bunch but still on my top 5. This spa is always a little too busy which I really don’t like, but sometimes it is quieter than usual.
Pros:
I love the salt room ( no idea what it does but it is relaxing)
Hot Tub, Steam room, and Saunas are all solid.
Really nice outdoor pool that is co-ed
Room with hot stone beds
Cons: Is mostly noisy and busy
The treatments are forgettable
Spas I must check out-
Qua at Caesars
The Spas at the Wynn and Encore
Canyon Ranch at The Venetian
GETTING MARRIED IN VEGAS
Photo courtesy of Mindy Bean Photography
Whether you want to have a big fancy wedding or get eloped at the Little White chapel, Vegas is an AWESOME place to get married! Unlike a lot of other destinations weddings, Vegas can actually be cheaper for people to attend. You might be surprised with how many guests will show up, plus who says no to Vegas?!
A few tips to keep in mind when planning a Vegas wedding:
Marriage License- Contrary to most people’s beliefs, you cannot just go get married at a chapel in Vegas. You actually have to go downtown to the courthouse first to get your marriage license which can take time. We went the day before our wedding and only stood in line for about 20 minutes.
Venue- Make sure you visit all of the venues first before choosing one. There are so many options in Vegas, from getting married at a hotel, to outdoors in the desert, to a downtown chapel. Pick a venue that is right for you and fits within the price range. Many of the casino wedding packages start small and get bigger but they are much more expensive than off the strip. The great thing about most wedding venues in Vegas is that almost everything you need they will take care of for you so you do not have to worry. They understand that most of their weddings are destination.
Photography- There are so many amazing photographers in Vegas that it can seem overwhelming. We had such an amazing experience using Mindy Bean and I highly recommend her! Many of the hotel chapels will add in their package an in house photographer but there are usually certain stipulations that come with that and they tend to rip you off. We had a photographer at The Aria for the chapel but in the end we were only given 20 prints, the digital files cost about $2000 extra which was insane. I am very happy they we decided to hire a different wedding photographer in addition who works outside the casinos. If you do hire an outside photographer- keep in mind that you might be shooed away from security in certain spots. You also are not allowed to take photos by the casino games.
Finding a wedding dress- Unfortunately there are not many places to find dresses in Vegas which came as a complete shock to me. I was lucky enough to find a store where I actually did find my dress called Brilliant Bridal. Since there are not too many shops here if you are out of town it is a good idea to get your dress somewhere else.
*****Well that’s all for now folks! Thank you for reading, and also know that everything I wrote here are my own opinions. I did not get paid for anything ( although I wish I did because this was a lot of work). Keep checking back for more updates and hotel rundowns!