I am on Vegas countdown BIG TIME
On 18th April I am off to my favourite city in the world for the tenth time. Yes, you read that right, my tenth visit.
I first went in 2002 and fell in love with the enormity, extravagance and sheer wonder of the place. I love the food, the cocktails, the people, the beautiful hotels, the luxury, the art, the casino floors, the shows, the pools, the museums, the shopping. Basically everything.
I have stayed at many of the hotels, the Luxor, the Bellagio three times, Cosmopolitan, MGM, Aria two times, Vdara and this time the Venetian.
Here are my favourite parts and why Las Vegas is the best city
The Bellagio Gardens and Foyer
Every single time I visit Las Vegas I have to visit the Chihuly glass flowers in the foyer of the hotel and the stunning conservatory and gardens just behind them. This really is a place of beauty and the smell is simply divine. Millions of perfect flowers, butterflies and fish. It changes theme several times a year. I have seen the spring display, Chinese New Year and the height of July summer.
My favourite place to sip a vastly overpriced cocktail is the Petrossian bar in the foyer of the Bellagio. The most perfect place to people watch, play spot the bride and enjoy Las Vegas.
The variety of the hotels
I have stayed in a few and love how they are themed so differently. You can wonder the streets of Paris, then be transported to Venice, Italy, see the medieval world at the Excalibur and be astounded by the millions of crystals at the Cosmopolitan.
My favourite hotel for awesome beauty must be the Cosmopolitan. The crystals hanging as you walk in are just the most beautiful thing ever. You can sit amongst them in the crystals bar. And you can sit below them playing blackjack. One of my favourite breakfast places is in the Cosmopolitan – The Henry. A beautiful spot for lunch with the best food. The rib of beef, yes for breakfast is so so good. And the pancakes are the best.
I love the art in the Aria. Just wonder around the hotel and you will find so many beautiful art sculptures and paintings. You can even take an art tour of the hotel for free. It mostly abstract modern art, my favourite. I have stayed in this hotel twice, its modern and very luxurious. And my friend Mildred is a concierge there.
The best restaurants in the world
I have eaten in many of the world’s best restaurants but here in a tight geographical area are just so many amazing places to eat. There is gastronomy and Michelin stars galore at restaurants like L ’Atelier, Picasso, Twist, Restaurant Guy Savoy. If you want to eat high end you have many choices in Vegas. I once ate a twelve-course tasting menu at Joel Robuchon’s restaurant and has heart failure at the bill with was more than $1000. Totally the most expensive meal I have ever eaten, and this was maybe 6 year ago.
Other amazing places I would recommend having beautiful food, Yellowtail in Bellagio for Japanese, Holsteins for burgers in Cosmopolitan, Bouchon in Aria for brunch, Cut in Palazzo for steak, SW steakhouse in Wynn for steak. I love the Wicked Spoon buffet in the Cosmopolitan.
And of course, there are loads of gems for cheap eats. In out burger, so cheap, and so amazing. The hot dogs in the place at the front of Planet Hollywood are good. Downtown Vegas is packed full of cheaper places to eat with great places for steak, ribs, burgers and cocktails. There are nearly free drinks whilst you are gambling. Be sure to tip the waitress a dollar and she will look after you whilst you are at the table.
Different Things to do
Hire a car and head out to red rock canyon to explore the dessert and the most beautiful trails. Two years ago, I went horseback riding and had the best time ever. Of the recommended by everyone thing to do is a helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon. It is incredible and is simply one of the most awesome sights in the world. We coupled our helicopter trip with walk on the skywalk. It was an incredible experience, super scary but honest the best views ever.
How about a ride on a gondola in Venice or climb up the Eiffel tower or the stratosphere? You can go watch the flamingos and hummingbirds up close in the Flamingo gardens or just people watch the craziness in down town Vegas.
The best shows in the world
At any point of time you can see hundreds of shows. Vegas is famous for the cirque de soleil shows. I have seen Beatles Love, O at the Bellagio, La Reve at Wynn and Micheal Jackson One at the Mandalay Bay. All were very good, but I did really love the Beatles show.
A show with a difference and probably my favourite is Absinth at Caesars palace. It’s a mixture of edgy comedy, acrobatics, dancing, a bit of everything. Nakedness of course. It is Las Vegas. I really enjoyed it and you sit soooo close to the action.
I have seen many a group/star perform in Vegas. Britney Spears (great show, but she mimes!), Coldplay, Elton John (who was totally amazing) nearly saw Lady Gaga but was put off by the high price tickets, I wish I had now!
I always book my Vegas holiday using Expedia. Every year I compare to booking flight and hotel separately and the deals on Expedia are always the best value, saving hundreds. This year I have paid £1300 for 5 nights at the Venetian with direct BA flights. I also earned £70 cash back by booking my holiday via TopCashBack
Tell me your vegas tips!! What is your favourite thing to do in Las Vegas?
