People don't lie when they say everyone should experience Las Vegas at least once. Here’s how to get the best out of Sin City…
Where to stay?
The Cromwell is Las Vegas’s latest boutique hotel but, don’t think you’ll be staying somewhere small and cosy. Despite it being small by Vegas hotel standards, it’s certainly not “boutique” in the British sense, not that we’re complaining. Situated right in the centre of the strip, it’s the perfect location from which to experience the whole city. Rooms are dreamily modern with deep plum interiors and unbeatable views of the city’s bright lights. With an in-house casino, stellar restaurant (more on that later), a rooftop bar and a nightclub frequented by the likes of Fetty Wap, Lil Wayne and P. Diddy, right now The Cromwell is where you want to be.
What to do?
Of course, most people want to say they “did” Vegas by doubling their dollars at the Casino, but there’s a lot more to do than gamble in Sin City. The Neon Museum is where to start. 15 minutes from the strip, it’s an outdoor museum that houses all of the former signs of the strip. The guided tour isn’t optional but that’s no bad thing. You’ll learn just why these cult designs are so integral to Vegas’s identity.
Further out towards the Nevada desert lies Ugo Rondinone’s installation, Seven Magic Mountains. Towering high, seven 30-foot columns of stacked fluorescent boulders create the most spectacular skyline. Your Instagram is about to gain a lot more followers.
Now, of course, we’d say that going to one to a show in Vegas is compulsory. It’s the entertainment capital of the world, after all. Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson One has a reputation as one of the city’s best for good reason. The performance is flawless with the world’s finest dancers and acrobats entertaining you for almost two hours to the soundtrack of Jackson’s hits. And then there’s the stage, lighting, pyrotechnics and production frills.
If you have time, taking a trip to the Grand Canyon with Maverick Helicopter Tours is highly recommended. Fly over the Hoover Dam, into the canyon for a champagne filled breakfast before heading back to the city.
If you’re looking for a moment of quiet, retreat to one of the city’s world-class spas. Preferably The Four Seasons. Located off the strip, it offers an incredible selection of treatments and it’s new nail bar is well worth a visit to get your pedi for the evening ahead done. To continue the pampering, stop by Planet Hollywood and visit Dry Bar. Started in LA, the blowdry bar is the original of its kind. Grab a martini from the in-salon bar and sit back while they whip your hair into Vegas-shape.
What's in it for foodies?
It’s no secret many of the world’s best chefs either work in Vegas or own restaurants. Our advice? Sample the big names (they tend to be known for a reason) but go off the beaten track too.
On the Strip, Delano, Beauty & Essex and Giada’s are all worth booking. Delano offers panoramic views of the city and excellent farm-to-table fare. Beauty and Essex is worth it for the experience alone. Situated in the insanely glitzy Cosmopolitan Hotel, the restaurant is the little sister of the famed New York Club of the same name. A little grittier, with a speak-easy vibe and jewellery-box themed rooms (yes, really), this is where to dine before heading out-out. Go to Giada’s for brunch or lunch. Located in the Cromwell, it’s food is primarily Italian but the menu also takes influence from California. Sitting just above the strip, it also just happens to provide one of the best people watching opportunities in the city and trust us, there are few better places to people watch than Las Vegas.
For less touristy spots, Hobak does some of the finest Korean BBQ outside of Korea. The Angus Brisket is to die for. Lotus of Siam is a Thai restaurant that largely focusses on the Northern region of the country when it comes to cuisine. If you can’t get into there (booking is essential), Viet Noodle is a good alternative.
How to get there?
There are regular flights to Las Vegas from all over the UK.
