Nevada

What Happens in Las Vegas…

Las Vegas is Disneyland for adults.

I spent the weekend reminiscing on my past travels when admiring replicas of Paris Eiffel Tower, the Arch of Triumph, Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building, Empire State building and last but not least Venice. The city is everything I could imagine and more.

We booked a stay at Mandalay Bay Hotel but since it was my cousin’s birthday they upgraded us to a suite at Delano a sister property next door. It is best to arrive on Friday early morning/ afternoon after a long flight like ours for 4 hours and 30 minutes all we wanted to do was roam around the hotel. Most Resort on the strip offer shows, pool parties, nightclubs, spas and restaurants on site. Both Mandalay and Delano have several pools and one man-made beach. I loved Mandalay and Delano service, suites and onsite activities but I would no longer stay there unless it was free. Both Mandalay Bay and Delano are away from the Vegas Strips so we spend the day taking Lyft or Uber just about everywhere. For the most part the crowds they attract are not willing to spend much at the onsite nightclubs; their VIP section was mainly empty when we visited unlike Halkasan and XS had bottles in abundance. Most nightclubs and pool parties in Vegas are free if you get your name on the list ususlay by 8pm the day attending. The website that I used was NocoverNightclubs.com. Avoid taking taxis if you can as they take longer routes to requested destinations.

For a weekend gateway from Friday through Monday some of my favorites must do’s (I recommend at least 2 of each section):

 

Topless pool for relaxation:
• Bare Pool Lounge (The Mirage);
• Morea Beach Club (Mandalay Bay);
• Venus (Caesars Palace);
• European Pools (Wynn & encore);
• Naked pool (Artisan);
• Marquee Day Club (Cosmopolitan) Monday through Thursday;
• DayDream (The M) mainly locals;
• Tao Beach (The Venetian) Monday through Thursday

 

Pool Parties from 11am to 6pm:
• On Saturday look no further than Tao Beach pool party (The Venetian)
• Rehab (Hard Rock Hotel)
• Drai’s Beach Club (The Cromwell)
• Encore Beach Club (Encore) – young crowd
• Marquee’s Day Club (Cosmopolitan)
• Mandalay Bay Beach Club (Mandaly Bay)
• Wet Republic (MGM Grand)

 

Visit the Venetian
• The Venetian is a one stop shop. I would recommend staying there or Encore. It is the luxurious replica of Venice Island encompassing lavish boutiques, “street” shows at St Marks Square, bakeries, ice cream palor, pools, and Italian restaurants. Try one or both interior and exterior Gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel. Although a short ride it is quite amusing having the guide sing romantic songs while onboard. if you are just visiting prepare to spend at least 4 hours exploring the closest thing to Italy.

 

Shows: My favorites are the following:
• Michael Jackson One
• Mystere
• Zumanity (Burlesque)
• The Dream
• Thunder from Down Under

 

 

 

Nightclubs:
• Halkasan (MGM Grand) – Top 1
• Xs (Encore) – Top 2
• Drai’s (The Cromwell)
• 1AOK (The Mirage)
• The marquee (The Cosmopolitan)
• Tao (The Venetian)
• The Light (Mandalay Bay)

 

Restaurants:
• Eiffel Tower Restaurant (Paris Las Vegas)
• Costa do Mare (Wynn)
• Hyde (Bellagio)
• Picasso(Bellagio)
• Lago (Bellagio)
• Restaurant Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace);
• Verano Pizza (not a restaurant pick up or delivery)
• Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge

Vegas is THE location for a great celebration. Just when I thought New York City was the city that never slept, I came across Las Vegas. During my quest of visiting the 50 states it is by far my favorite if of course you don’t plan on sleeping.