I just got back from an amazing long weekend away in Las Vegas. It was my fourth time there – but only second time as a lady of gambling age.
Vegas never disappoints. It can work as a getaway with one friend, many friends of both genders, a family, or a significant other. Here are my recommendations for where to stay, what to eat, and how to get into some proper mischief.
When to go?
Vegas is chilly during winter months, and scorching during the summer. Time your trip right by going from late March to early June or September to November – otherwise be prepared to either not get tan, or never leave the air conditioning, respectively.
- Expert tip: The best piece of advice I ever got for Las Vegas? On my 21st birthday, itching to book, my father told me that all the hotel rooms in Vegas are priced within $100 of each other per night – but the differences in clientele and facilities can run the gamut from uber-luxe to seedy at best. Splurge for the scene, the people you’ll meet, and the security of knowing you’re not sharing your 800-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets with any critters.
Where to stay?
For lovers and friends alike, my top recommendation goes to the posh Cosmopolitan. The staff goes above and beyond to make your stay a special one. On one evening, we were surprised with tickets to a show, a concert by the pool, and a bottle of champagne sent to our room. Bonus: Book a night or two using your Marriott Rewards points to help with the hefty price tag. Negative: Strict adherence to the 11am checkout time.
Also highly recommend the Wynn and Encore hotels. These sister properties boast beautiful pools and upscale room decor. The crowd is more mature and the gambling scene is more Monte Carlo than neighboring properties.
For classic Vegas hotels, try the all-suite Venetian or the tried-and-true Bellagio. Both have great central locations on the Strip.
- Expert tip: After researching prices online (try to apply a AAA discount!) CALL the hotel to book – they may be able to throw in drink tickets, meals, or spa vouchers.
What to do during the day?
Check out the gambling tables at Caesar’s – they’re known to have the best odds on the Strip.
Also be sure to visit the brand new Linq corridor, which brings the flavor of downtown Las Vegas to the Strip. It hosts the newly opened High Roller observation wheel. Think London Eye, but more colorful views at night.
Day Parties
Check out Wet Republic at the MGM Grand, Marquee Day Club at the Cosmopolitan, Encore Beach Club, R3hab at the Hard Rock, Tao Beach, and many more. Parties start to really heat up around 2, so get there before to avoid a line.
- Expert Tip: Be sure to follow promoters on Instagram and Twitter for comped/reduced admission or to buy a cabana or table. This is also a good way to see what DJs are playing where. As a general rule of thumb, the better the DJ playing, the better the crowd and better the party. Use hashtags #vegaspromoter or get creative to find which accounts to follow. This site is also awesome: http://electronic-vegas.com/vegas-edm-event-calendar/
Pre-night out
Nightlife
Same rules apply for night. Clubs don’t get really going until midnight. Find a promoter, get on a guest list, and show up early. My favorites? Tao, Hakkasan, XS, Marquee, and Bank. Also keep an eye out for Drais, opening Memorial Day Weekend 2014.
*Marquee seems to have a hold on the resident trance DJs that played some of the best sets I heard the whole weekend. Don’t miss a chance to see Calvin Harris, Tiesto, or DeadMau5 in their natural habitats if you’re lucky enough to be there on the same weekends.
Where to Eat?
You can use Yelp, I’m sure. Check out these hotspots: STK, Sugar Factory, Scarpetta, Bellagio buffet, Tao, Lavo…
But let’s be real. There’s a Panda Express at Planet Hollywood and an In-n-Out a 5 minute taxi from the Cosmopolitan.
What to see?
Absinthe or Rose. Rabbit. Lie. For Cirque du Soleil, check out O or Ka. Also Britney Spears. Bitch.
Comped show tickets – thanks Cosmo!
Cab to/from the airport is $20 and 15 minutes from the Strip. All cabs take credit cards.
I hope this guide to Las Vegas has been helpful. If there’s anything you did that you think I missed, please post in the comments below!
Do This There 