So a year ago we were in Amsterdam for my best friend Emily’s Birthday and we joked about going to Vegas this year – by joked I mean laughed about it but were actually very seriously considering it – so here we are a year later and we just got back from 5 days in Vegas – best holiday ever and to all those people who said 5 days was going to be too much, we seriously could have done 2 weeks!
So anyway I thought would share our experience and a few tips on the city of sin for any of you crazy lot considering ticking it off the bucket list!
Hotels
We stayed in the Bellagio and it was absolutely mind blowing. In fact the whole city is just phenomenal. The Bellagio has a lot of sophistication about it and as it was just us 2 girls going it was great to stay somewhere a little more relaxing than party Central. The pool is also gorgeous, you could seriously spend an entire couple of days lounging around the oasis – a luxury lounger in the cypress pool area is $50 a day – other loungers free of course.
The best bit of the Bellagio, don’t you just know it, are the fountains and it’s definitely worth paying that little bit extra to have a fountain view room, tune into channel 22 on the tv and you can hear the accompanying music – bliss!
If you are a group of guys or maybe a hen party looking for non stop action I would personally suggest heading to Ceasors Palace or planet Hollywood as they are a little more rowdy – in a good way!
Eat
Soooooo many restaurants, so little time! It’s true that some people literally go there for the food!
Mix – Mandalay bay – special occasion dining as it is luxuriously priced but you get a great view, excellent service and a glamorous atmosphere.
Stack – Mirage – a favourite of the Kardashian Klan, serving high end American meals. Great for steaks and burgers
Stk – Cosmopolitan – so many steak restaurants on every corner but this has to be THE one.
On top of the world – Stratosphere – we dined here for Emily’s Birthday – a revolving restaurant overlooking the vegas skyline – great variety on the menu too and exceptional service. You even get a sneak peak at the bungee jump attraction and witness the odd person whizz past the window which at first is quite alarming but you get used to it! Depending on the amount of alcohol consumption (which as you’re in Vegas is probably above average) you may even find yourself dabbling in the adrenalin junky rides at the hotel.
Hard Rock Cafe – a traditional favourite. Always good fun and you know what you’re getting!
Cabo – more of a chilled, fun option. Prices are relatively cheap here, food is served quickly, cocktails of all kinds and a bit of live music to accompany. Simple but effective as they say. Perfect for fajitas, tacos, pizzas, nachos etc and make sure you buy your humongous portable drinking cups! You will need them!
Clubs
Of course there is a section on clubbing – you can’t go to Vegas and not set foot in a club (well technically you can but its a big no no! You’re in adult Disneyworld remember, clubbing is what they do best!)
The bank – Bellagio – our favourite spot just so happened to be in our hotel – great for a 5am quick stumble back to the room! If you enjoy London clubs then this is definitely for you! It’s small compared to the superclubs on the strip but that’s what we liked about it. Plus if you’re staying at the hotel you get fantastic treatment and there’s always promoters lingering in the lobby. Great for dancing on the tables (not actually the tables but you know what I mean!)
Hyde – Bellagio – more of a chilled lounge but fantastic views of the fountains. Perfect for pre drinks or a non hardcore party.
Xs – Encore – we were lucky enough to see David Guetta perform here on our first night – having not slept for at least 24 hours we had a quick power nap, arrived ridiculously late but still had the best time. There are so many Djs on the list to play here – I would say booking in advance isn’t necessarily necessary for girls – get on the old instagram and Twitter and you’ll soon find a guest list host!
Omnia – Caesar’s – brand spanking new and it’s definitely set to be a top competitor on the strip. Located in Caesar’s palace, we were there on just the 2nd week it opened and it was packed. Although it’s a massive club it’s broken up into sections including an outside lounge area, mini dance club and gallery overlooking the main stage. Very cafe de Paris!
Hakkassan – MGM – although we didn’t actually venture here I’ve heard nothing but good things so if you’ve been or end up going let me know some feedback for next time, there will be a next time as I just can’t get enough of Vegas!
Guest lists
Very different from London where promoters work at various clubs, meet you at the front door and escort you to the table. Promoters in Vegas usually only work for 1 or 2 clubs so make sure you know which clubs you want to focus on. Often you will never meet the promoter at all, you say you’re on their guest list for free or discounted entry, sometimes they may not even be at the club so you’re left to do a bit of table whoreing, always a laugh though! Joking aside you really do rely on the promoters to get you in and queue jump so be nice and thankful!
Always use the knowledge of your Concierge – they have contacts for many clubs, can get you on guest lists, book limos, reserve tables for dinner etc. Don’t be afraid to ask and don’t forget to tip!!
Things to do
Rides, rides, rides!!! They are all over the place and you must do at least one! For the super scary experiences head to the stratosphere where you will find X Scream (the one that dangles you off the edge of the hotel as if you’re going to plummet off the track), the bungee jump, the big shot drop tower (highest ride in the world FYI) and the Insanity ride that also hangs you over the building and then spins you around – not for the feint hearted! At New York New York there’s the roller coaster, although I must admit we were a little tipsy on this one and spent most of the ride giggling! At the Linq is the high roller, kind of like the London eye but with a bar (of course because you are in Vegas remember!) Don’t forget about the Gondola at the Venetian, a romantic little trip on the beautifully created canal.
Not a fan of rides? Not to worry, Vegas has it all. On Emily’s birthday we walked over to the Mirage hotel to check out Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. When watching the dolphin show don’t be naive when the trainer says you’re in the splash zone – you really are in the splash zone and I know they like to be dramatic but seriously listen to them, by splash they mean tidal wave and by zone they mean at least 10 metres from the pool! Needless to say we got drenched!!!
They also have some adorable white lions and white tigers roaming around in the gardens (roaming in cages I might add).
Cirque De Soleil – expensive but 100% worth it! Many of the hotels have their own show but we watched O at the Bellagio and I would definitely recommend it. Just a great night out!
Fashion show mall – yes it’s true the shopping really is fantastic here! The fashion show mall is probably your best bet for shopping as there is a huge Abercrombie, topshop, Kate Spade and Michael Kors all within about a minute’s walk from each other!
Limo – Just do it, you’re in Vegas after all it comes without saying!
Day parties
Home of all things party and although not on the coast you sure do feel like it at the well designed selections of pools on offer both day and night. Usually 11-5 in the day.
Encore beach club – perfect for chilling or if you want to get in the proper party atmosphere. As it’s quite a large club it can get very hectic and crazy. Lots of pool action!
Drais – sophisticated roof top chill out zone. You will catch a great tan here!
Wet Republic at MGM – Great for cabanas, day beds and multiple pools. The music here is awesome.
Gambling
It’s everywhere, even if you only spend a few dollars for a laugh you must take part. Pop a couple of dollars in the slot machine or bet $20 or so on a game of blackjack or roulette. The hotels that had the best variety of casinos and gaming I think are Planet Hollywood, MGM and Ceasar’s Palace. New York New York has great arcade games and old school non gambling games such as the dance machine!
Tips
Just some handy tips I learnt in Vegas that you may and I hope you do find useful:
- Air conditioning, it may be 30 degrees outside but be warned the Americans love their Air Con so whenever you venture inside it’s a lot cooler and you will probably need a jacket.
- Tipping – I’m all for tipping when someone has actually done a good job and been pleasant and helpful which in most cases people are. However, don’t be afraid to tip poorly or at all even if you have not been pleased, after all you are paying for service!
- Queuing – no one mentioned this to us before hand. There are a lot of queues so leave plenty of time to get around. Queues for taxis, queues for food, queues for everything!
- Your concierge can provide you with a list of clubs and attractions, their prices and when they are open, not all clubs and day parties are open everyday so make sure you check your trusty list!
- Get your room keys out! At the elevator lobby there is usually a member of staff checking you have a room key to access the floors of the hotel rooms, to save time rustling around in your handbag it’s good to be prepared and get your key out ready.
- Followers – We didn’t actually notice any of this but we did hear from various sources that people have previously been followed back to their rooms so just be cautious! Don’t tell anyone your room number, if you think someone is being suspicious walk straight past your room so they don’t know your number. We also read an article that said you are less likely to get attacked if you speak to said person you find suspicious by asking them a question and making eye contact – apparently this is because you could then easily spot them in a line up!
Shows
Unfortunately Miss Britney Spears was on a break when we were in Vegas otherwise it was a no brainer who to see! Again there are always stars queuing up to take their residency in Vegas. Current shows include Rod Stewart, Elton John, Olivia Newton John and Boys to Men. Take your pick!
A bit of an essay but I hope it helped! Any questions let me know! If you would like to share your own Vegas tips and experiences I would love to hear them!
For now, here are some more piccys!
For more crazy pictures of my travels, check out my instagram: https://instagram.com/lexiecarducci
Lexie
xxx