I get asked where the best places are to stay and play. I always start with some basic questions to best answer the individual. Everyone that goes to Vegas is seeking something different than the rest. Yes we all want to escape and be someone else sometimes, but any vacation can do this. What makes Vegas so unique is that you get a variety of vacation options all in one city. Answer these questions honestly and you’ll be able to find yourself a great Vegas resort that best fits your personality. Every hotel offers exclusives that play into a variety of wants and desires. If you don’t like your personality then just pick a hotel and personality combination that you want, everyone wins here.
The High Maintenance!
If you are hard to please and find everyone around you annoyingly wrong, then check out this fabulous and patient location that has a proven track record of learning their guest’s behaviors, to better anticipate their needs.
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas at City Center – Mandarin is chosen for you because they pride themselves in learning your desires. Since this is a non-gaming hotel they have plenty of staff and time to ensure your stay is perfect. You’ll have the personal attention that you require since you are so fabulous. Plus this is a triple A five diamond resort which should fit right in with your standards.
The Romantic!
If romance is your shtick and you want to take that special someone on a lover’s weekend, then check out the following hotels.
The Venetian/Palazzo Combo- These two properties are triple A five diamond resorts. The detail that went into designing these resorts is just spectacular. Take a stroll down the streets of Venice and shop in the canal shops. Take a nice long gondola ride with accompanying serenade. These resorts offer great dining options for a romantic night out. Tao nightclub at the Venetian and Lavo at Palazzo offer some of the best in nightlife. Venetian is home to the Canyon Ranch Spa Club. This Spa is a great way to relax as a couple in one of their couples massages. These resorts come with great entertainment too. Along with their top notch casinos they are also home to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, The Blue Man Group, and Phantom of the Opera.
The Hipster!
If you refuse to buy any phone but the iPhone, only listen to music that nobody has heard of, or can’t leave home without your skinny jeans, then this resort was made for you.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas- This hotel was built with you in mind. They purposefully filled their hotel with unique finds for the explorer in you. You can walk around the hotel and find secret pizza restaurants, like a hole in the wall type restaurant in the middle of a multibillion dollar resort. One of a kind works of art in vending machines, the Art-O-Mat’s. Specialty shops and gourmet tapas bars to feed your addiction. Located in the middle of the strip, sandwiched between the Bellagio and Aria, this hotel gives guests some amazing views from their balconies terraces. Art studios and galleries make this a great place to be seen and Facebook about. Unless Facebook isn’t cool anymore. This hotel doesn’t really care about gamblers and offers one of the smallest casinos in Vegas, but gambling usually doesn’t matter to you. They have a great club by the people who brought Vegas Tao, Marquee. This night and day club is spectacular and is one of the best places to party on the Strip.
The cheapskate!
If your wallet burns at the idea of dropping more than $75 on a hotel stay, then these hotels are right up your alley.
Circus Circus, Stratosphere, Luxor, Excalibur, Imperial Palace and Ny Ny- These hotels are typically the cheapest in town. They all offer casinos and low rates due to two main reasons. One, they are older resorts that haven’t competed well with the newer shinier hotels. Two, they attract more families and need to find ways to brings gamblers into their hotels. This is a good thing for those who don’t care about rooms, comfortable beds, or TV’s from the 1960’s. These resorts offer little more than a hair dryer and a bucket for ice. Consider these a small upgrade from a motel 8, very small.
The Movie Buff!
If you love movies and want to visit some historic hotels and rooms, then this is your list. They are more than just movie sets and offer great escapes for anyone who is looking for great time.
Caesars Palace- If you can afford it then you can book the Rain Man suite or the hangover room. This massive property has been home to many movies but these two are some of the most memorable. There is that scene from Oceans 11 where they are montaging through various Vegas heists and a man is shot while running out of Caesars with cash, but that doesn’t count because there was no room. The rooms and offer a nostalgic trip to the movie buff.
Riviera- Yeah you read that right! The Riviera is famous for their escalator used in the movies; Rain Man, The Hangover and 21. You can play blackjack and reenact your favorite card counting scenes.
The Bellagio- Play and stay at the Bellagio in the president’s suite, used in the Ocean’s movies. Eat at Picasso where Danny and Tess fought while watching the dancing fountains. This is a great hotel for many reasons but the fun of walking around the hotel that Clooney and the gang robbed is fun too. This five diamond resort is great for any reason.
The Modernist!
You are the type that adores modern versus old. You love unique furniture and restaurants without the desire to wear skinny jeans. When picking your hotel you choose the room over any other amenities. The room is a focal point and you want something special and not out dated. If this is you then these are the hotels you should be staying at.
Aria at City Center, Mandarin Oriental at City Center, Caesars Palace towers Forum and up, and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas- These hotels are designed for the modernists tastes. The furniture is comfortable and stylish. They all have art galleries and exhibits for their guests to enjoy. Great service and a knack for design these resorts will play with every emotion you are having. These hotels listed are what many consider to be “New” Vegas. Their styles take the Strip to a whole new level.
The Conservative!
You like to go on Vacation to enjoy fine foods and actually relax. If you are not a gambler, partier or art aficionado then this list of non-gaming yet stylish hotels is just what the doctor ordered.
The Mandarin Hotel Las Vegas- This hotel is a non-gaming and non-smoking hotel. Their main purpose to pamper your every need. Avoid the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the Strip and tuck yourself away at this hotel. The Spa is fantastic and from the moment you enter the grounds you begin to feel tranquil. Twist, restaurant, is a one of a kind dining experience by Chef Pierre Gagnaire offers guests French cuisine with, you guessed it a Twist!
Four Seasons, Las Vegas- Yes four seasons is a great choice to stay in when you are in Vegas. Mandarin Oriental has put Four Seasons out of business downtown but the location on the top floors of Mandalay Bay is still operational. This classic hotel brings elegance and comfort to new heights. Located on the top floors of Mandalay Bay the Four Seasons has some of the best views in town. Though in a gaming casino, you’ll forget all about that once you head upstairs to the top of one of the biggest hotels in Vegas. Great service and amenities with a quality name behind you, your stay is sure to be perfect.
Vdara at City Center- Though not as tranquil as Mandarin and only a four diamond resort, this condo hotel does offer some great non-gaming choices. Being that Vdara is a condo hotel you are getting a little more for your money. Each room will boast a kitchen with working stove top, microwave, coffee maker, pots, pans, plates, cups, dish washer and full refrigerator with freezer. The rooms are modern and full of fun gadgets to control the room with. The spa at Vdara is a top notch choice along with dining options downstairs or at Aria next door. There is a walkway to Aria so you are never too far away from the action but far enough away to actually relax.
