They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas – but you won’t want to keep these luxurious spots a secret. Many properties on and near the Strip are undergoing massive changes to appeal to wider visitor audiences. Through the addition of rebranded resorts, trendy, intimate bars and opulent amenities, crowds are now flocking to Las Vegas for much more than just a wild weekend.
Being an upscale, off-the-strip hotel, the W Las Vegas exudes an air of privacy, relaxation and exclusivity, while still giving guests the traditional Las Vegas experience through easy access to SLS Las Vegas’ casino and other amenities. The trendy new hotel took over a tower of the SLS, and offers a V.I.P. feel with a private entrance, guest-only pool, hip lounge, and subtle Vegas-inspired artwork throughout the property.
The hotel’s guest rooms radiate modern-meets-art-nouveau flair with their black and white color palette, which is splashed with pops of hot pink and red, then accented with ornate tapestries and bright white baroque-style light fixtures. The decor throughout the hotel nods to the Las Vegas gambling mecca theme – at first glance the wallpaper in the hotel’s elevator bank seems to create a geometric pattern, but up close you can see it is comprised of miniature playing cards. The chic lobby lounge is separated from the hallways by transparent orange glass panels, but take a step closer and these are crafted entirely of repurposed playing dice. At the W Las Vegas, every guest is a winner!
The hotel formerly known as the Monte Carlo is undergoing a massive rebrand into the new Park MGM (pictured). With the help of the company behind the exclusive NoMad Hotels, Sydell Group, MGM Resorts International is reimagining the classic resort into something almost unrecognizable from what it used to be.
The outdoor “park” theme took roots in the Park MGM lobby, and when I say roots, I mean roots! Underneath the self-check in area feels like a jungle paradise with a massive and stunning tree-inspired art piece by Henrique Oliveira, made from genuine pieces of reclaimed wood.
The guest rooms and suites in the new Park MGM boast several color palettes, one being a gold, green blue and the other a deep red and white. Both décor styles were very modern, but homey, with every room featuring movable furniture, lots of space and an eclectic selection of artwork, curated specifically by the creative studio, Be-poles, for the property. The Park MGM is slated to open later this year and will appeal to a younger audience with its unique, innovative design and concept.
Overlooking the resort’s iconic fountains, HYDE Bellagio is one of Vegas’ hottest clubs on the weekends. What many people don’t know is on weekday nights, the spot offers a cozy lounge experience. The patio looks out upon a unique view of the Bellagio’s famous water feature, and every 15 minutes or so, guests gather to catch a glimpse of their awe-inspiring water theatrics. One would never guess that this intimate setting is home to wild nights, as it felt like a romantic hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the strip.
HYDE’s drinks were, to put it mildly, out of this world. Their famed cocktail is the Love Unit, made from Absolut vodka and vanilla vodka, Thai basil, fresh lime, grapefruit and hand extracted bell pepper juices and garnished with a red bell pepper. I’m not much for savory cocktails, but this drink changed my perspective. The smooth yet spicy flavor had me ready for another round – or two.
Rosina (pictured in opening page) looks like a jewelry box that Daisy Buchanan dropped onto the floor of the Palazzo casino. The new intimate, art deco cocktail bar transports you to the glamorous 20s with glittering crystal chandeliers, and rich gold and pearl accents throughout the shiny black interior. Complemented by dark burgundy plush seating, and matching booths lining the walls, guests feel comfortable no matter where they are seated.
A spot at an intimate private booth or table offers diners unique amenities like the famed champagne call button – which can be pressed to ensure a flute is never empty. Taking cues from the decor and atmosphere, the cocktail menu features classic drinks such as Negronis, Manhattans and the Dark and Stormy. Guests who visit between 9 p.m. and midnight are offered a piece of chocolate from the famed French chocolatier Debauve & Gallais. These chocolates come in a variety of blends, each specifically paired with the guests’ drink of choice. If you ask the bartenders nicely, they may even reveal their secret menu featuring an array of exclusive Juleps.
Named one of the best shows in Vegas right now, Le Rêve The Dream at the Wynn, is an exciting aquatic acrobatics spectacle performed in a circular theatre situated around a central pool. The story features a dramatic love triangle and the fight between fiery passion and temperate-but-true love. The performers’ cringe-worthy dives from high above the theatre enthralled the audience. The story’s classic struggle between good and bad is coupled with gorgeous costumes, lovable characters, and outrageous aquatic feats for a show that will awe, amaze and leave the audience at the edge of their seats.
For a view of the ever-changing Sin City, step aboard the High Roller at The Linq. Measuring larger than the London Eye, the High Roller is one of the world’s largest observation wheels. There are a variety of viewing packages available. Private groups can rent out an entire car with a bar for their Open Bar in the Sky Happy Half Hour (one rotation lasts 30 minutes), which is perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties. For visiting yogis, their Yoga - An Elevated Journey experience offers a refreshing, rejuvenating one-hour yoga class with views of the city. No matter which package you choose, the view will be breathtaking!
TAO, the exclusive Vegas nightclub that often hosts celebrity birthday bashes, recently debuted a new program that changes the idea of traditional bottle service. Their V.I.We Experience is a shared bottle service, ideal for small parties, couples or those looking for a more exclusive affair at a fraction of the cost. The service includes vodka, tequila and champagne to be replenished throughout the night plus a variety of mixers. The program offers guests the ability to move into the general club area for a closer view of the stage and DJ, or venture back to the table for refills and a more lounge-like experience. Overall the V.I.We Experience provides a unique spin on bottle service and for a lot of groups, may be a preferred choice. V.I.We-Me, Yes, please!
Las Vegas’ newest Drybar location has a prime spot within the Cosmopolitan, with expansive windows overlooking the Strip. This location of the wildly popular blowout bar offers the brand’s signature hairstyles named after cocktails. The bar theme runs deep with products such as their “Triple Sec” texturizing spray and “Hot Toddy” heat protectant lotion, plus guests have the option of a cocktail or champagne with every service.
Friday through Sunday, Drybar caters to the Vegas weekend crowd with an in-salon DJ for an upbeat, yet relaxing spa experience. Although I was sipping on champagne, I opted for the “Mai Tai” loose tousled curl look, and I fell in love with Drybar’s yummy smelling products. As someone with extremely fine hair that doesn’t hold curl well, I was skeptical that loose curls would hold up for me, but they managed to keep me looking fabulous through my Saturday and Sunday in Vegas.
Step off the W Las Vegas elevator at the AWAY Spa (pictured) and step away into a luxurious fantasy. The curtain-lined walls are lit with green and pink lights, causing the halls to glow in soft neon hues throughout the spa. I received the appropriately named “Vegas Baby” massage treatment, which was the perfect detox after a long weekend of play. The treatment began with a lavish mud and seaweed body wrap. While the wrap was drying, the room seemed to float away during my dreamy upper body and scalp massage. My spa experience culminated with a tranquil, yet invigorating full-body massage that had me leaving the spa feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world – or at least a night on the town, where “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!”
