Las Vegas, Luxury Stays and Eats

Las Vegas Strip

Last month I discovered on my first trip to Las Vegas that this city is full of excellent places to eat and stay. Nor is glamour in short supply, this is a resort city famed for its vibrant nightlife, centred around 24-hour casinos, luxurious eateries and late night bars.

Its main street and focal point is the Strip which is just over 4 miles long. The boulevard is home to new and old Vegas glam with themed hotels featuring elaborate displays. One such display is the famed fountains of the Bellagio; they are synchronised to ‘dance’ to music coordinated to an elaborate coloured light show. You can also find replicas of an Egyptian pyramid, the Venetian Grand Canal, and the Eiffel Tower.

 

In the Strip, you can find some very opulent places to stay and eat. Here are some of the new-ish and cool places where I stayed and would recommend.

Luxury stays in Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan Vegas Hotel Bedroom

Unlike the traditional, old-school casino hotels I’ve seen in films, the Cosmo is built and designed for contemporary tastes. Its spacious rooms are decorated with modern interiors, and the establishment itself holds multiple bars and restaurants for your enjoyment. The Cosmo is famous amongst foodies, Vegas super-fans, fashionistas, and anyone else looking for a truly luxurious experience. It’s located near many other attractions such as the CityCentre complex and just next to the Bellagio casino. My room had a view of its magnificent fountains.

The Cosmo was established to challenge the traditional casino hotel model and has paired its contemporary interior with digital new media art. Still, it pays homage to the old styles with vintage touches throughout, including grand chandeliers, old telephones, and vintage seating in its huge reception area. I was dazzled by the magnitude of this hotel.

 

The Cosmopolitan enormous bath in my room 60th floor overlooking Las Vegas Strip

 

The Boulevard Pool at the hotel overlooks the famous Vegas Strip and makes numerous available activities for guests to relax properly. You can lie down in a cabana bungalow at the pool club, enjoy a Turkish-style bath at the spa, or take a stroll around the unique shops that are spread throughout.

There are nearly 3,000 contemporary rooms and suites, which were originally meant to be a private condominium.  The unique design of the suites allows for lots of space and facilities such as kitchenettes and at present the only hotel with balconie in Las vegas.

Foodies, like me, will marvel at the selection of eateries found at the Cosmopolitan, which includes restaurants run by renowned chefs such as David Chang of Momofuku and José Andrés of Jaleo. You won’t even be disappointed with the Cosmo’s Wicked Spoon buffet, which has achieved fantastic reviews from past guests – I thoroughly enjoyed their breakfast buffet too. If you’re looking for a well-crafted drink to finish off your evening, the triple-decker Chandelier Bar is sure to amaze with not only its terrific cocktails but stunning interiors.

Tapas at Jaleo

Momofuku

The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan

 

Facilities like Wi-Fi, fitness centre and a tennis court are all available to hotel guests. Unfortunately, breakfast isn’t included with your room, but there are several options around like the hotel’s trendy spot, EggSlut.

Eggslut

The Cosmopolitan
3708 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

My room at The Aria

Just when I thought I’ve had stayed in the biggest hotel ever, here comes The Aria, located right behind the Cosmopolitan, just across a bridge, is the Aria Hotel. It’s a spectacular casino hotel designed in an entirely modern yet quaint design, absent of any ornamentation often connected to garish Vegas decor. The creativity of the hotel’s appearance is esteemed, as well as its ability to remain refined and elegant.

The establishment provides an air of comfortable luxury, and guests have access to numerous designer shops and an opulent casino. You’ll find 16 restaurants with fine dining options,  seven bars, and even more facilities to enjoy.

In addition to its fabulous casino and eateries, the Aria houses spa facilities, a fitness centre and five different pools with strict security. If all that isn’t enough, the hotel is located right in the heart of the Vegas Strip,  easy access to all Vegas desires.

One of the views from my room at the Aria

The Aria is a mega-resort that boasts an incredible capacity of 4,004 rooms. It’s the star of the 11-billion dollar City Centre, which was unveiled in late 2009. Grandeur is revered and valued at the Aria, which is evident in its number of luxury facilities, high ceilings and cut-edge designs.

 

 

 

 

My room at the Aria was smaller than the Cosmo, but this place oozes luxury with a spacious shopping area dotted with famous lavish brands like Chanel, Prada among others. I loved my American breakfast in my room in the last morning in Vegas.

 

Aria
3730 Las Vegas Fwy, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Dining and drinking in Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan 

Momofuku
One of the most beautiful meals I had while in Vegas. David Chang’s restaurant offers an innovative take on Asian fare at this hip, spacious outpost in the Cosmopolitan. The place opened in January of this year (2017).  Sensational dishes with a diversity of tastes and textures that marry so well.

Jaleo by Jose Andres
José Andrés who is often credited with bringing the ‘small plates’ concept to the US. It’s a very particular experience with open fires and Spanish dishes to die for using high-quality produce and ingredients. Highly recommended.

EggSlut
O.M.G. this place, what can I say?  I wasn’t expecting much, it’s a small establishment inside The Cosmopolitan, but it was brilliant. Originally from California, this chain has reached Vegas. Offering comfort and gourmet egg dishes that can be eaten not just for breakfast but all day –  dining that is straightforward and lush.

The Venetian and Palazzo:
3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

The Dorsey bar
A beautiful bar in The Venetian serving hand-crafted cocktail menu designed by award-winning bartender Sam Ross of Attaboy and Milk & Honey fame. I urge you to explore meticulously prepared signature cocktails. They also have shareable punch bowls.

 

Carnevino
A walk distance from the Dorsey bar,  Carnevino (meat and wine)  is an Italian steakhouse in the Palazzo Hotel Casino. It is a meat lover heaven, but they also cater to the non-meat eaters among us.  Their dry-aged steaks and wines were superb. CarneVino is owned and operated by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich.

 

LINQ Promenade

Virgil’s Real Barbeque
545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Virgil’s Real Barbeque is the premier eatery serving southern-style barbeque and craft beers, a spin-off of New York’s long-standing BBQ house.  Set just minutes away from the High Roller (Vegas’s attempt to answer the London Eye), the restaurant occupies 1300 square meters on multiple levels with indoor and outdoor seating, and, I was told they have live music nightly.  Look at their outrageous  Bloody Mary – a meal in itself.

Outrageous Virgil’s Bloody Mary

Virgil’s Real Barbeque –  where I tasted Southern food – what a feast!

 

Mix of grilled meats and jalapeño cornbread

 

I finally tasted grits – cheesy grits (cheddar)- Love it!

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Delano Hotel 
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

Cocktails at Skyfall Lounge at Delano 
Skyfall Lounge, located next to Rivea restaurant, offers 180-degree views of  Las Vegas and the desert.   A truly beautiful experience.

 

 

Las Vegas and desert View from The Delano

Dinner at Rivea at Delano
The restaurant serves delicious Italian & French Riviera cuisine by Chef Alain Ducasse. The restaurant is a swanky space with a sweeping panoramic view of Las Vegas and the desert.
A very romantic space! Rivea

Very creamy and  tasty Asparagus & morel risotto with Parmesan crisp

 

Juicy ‘Rossini’ Angus fillet Mignon  with slightly pan fried duck foie gras and black truffle sauce  amazing dish

 

Seafood soup – absolutely delicious

I really enjoyed my stay in Las Vegas – what a town! full of luxury things to do, eat and drink.  I learned that Vegas is what you make it!
Next post:  A Stroll Through Downtown Las Vegas

Until next time why not join me on  Instagram, Twitter and Facebook…X

Disclosure:  I was the guest on this press trip organised by Hills Balfour in conjunction with R&R Partners and Las Vegas Tourism Board.

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