Vegas, my (our) way.

Borrowing a line from ‘ole blue eyes, leader of the Rat Pack who put the place on map…Vegas is one of those polarizing place that people either love or hate. It can be overwhelming, overpriced, and over-the-top. But if you play your cards right and do some planning, the first thing you’ll find is that there is truly something for everyone, whether you gamble or not. So, here is your personal Las Vegas City Guide…if you are:

‘Mature’…35-65ish

Going as a couple

Going for a special occasion

Going with friends

Like an upscale, but affordable experience

Like a good time

Enjoy nightlife, but still want to enjoy the day

Are a foodie

Enjoy a cocktail or two…Then this blog is for you. Here’s how we enjoyed Vegas ‘our’ way.

1. Pick the right hotel, with a great pool area Average temperature in Vegas starts in the 80s and climbs into the 100s in the Summer months (Nov-Feb highs are 60-70). So you want a great pool area to hang out, relax and recoop, with food and drink options for great starts to great days (and nights)

We love the Bellagio: you can’t beat this luxurious pool, as you are transported to a romantic, Mediterranean-inspired oasis. Take a relaxing dip in the refreshing azure waters of five distinctive pool courtyard settings complete with fountains in an ornate, colorful landscape. Spas, an exquisite garden vista café, private cabanas, and poolside massage treatments are also available to complete this outdoor haven. The service is great, as the refreshing cocktails are delivered right to your lounge chair.

2. Dinner-tainment Did we just coin a new phrase? Why just eat when you can enjoy a spectacle only Vegas can provide.

Lago at the Bellagio Don’t settle, wait for a table outside, and as close to the railing as possible for an amazing, unobstructed view of the fountains. Time it right at dusk and watch the sun set. The colors and spectacular dancing waters are magical.

Hell’s Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace There’s no lack of celebrity chef restaurants in Vegas, but this one delivers a meal to remember. Don’t miss the dishes made famous by Chef Ramsey…his scallops appetizer and Beef Wellington coming out of the Blue and Red kitchens live up to the hype.

Lakeside at the Wynn Sit outside, and time your meal to enjoy the dynamic water show. Have a drink prior at the Parasol Down bar. It’s the colorful, whimsical design at the Wynn that delights the senses with sheer imagination.

Mott 32 at the Venetian is a celebration of Hong-Kong culture and quite simply, the best Chinese food in Las Vegas. Named after 32 Mott Street in New York, where the city’s first Chinese convenience store opened in 1891. Look for unexpected details that mix Hong Kong culture with a Las Vegas twist. Check out the Boom-Boom room for something truly special.

Aureole at Mandalay Bay You’ll gape at the flying sommeliers at the 4-story wine tower, but the real star here is the food and wine selection. This is truly some of the best dining is Las Vegas, everything is expertly prepared, and served with excellence. Referred to as a ‘wine inspired cuisine’, there are over 3000 wines to choose from, 50 by the glass, all expertly paired by incredibly knowledgable servers. An outstanding culinary experience.

Best Friend at the Park MGM Just for the sheer fun of it, check out this kitchy take on a Korean liquor and grocery store turned restaurant by Chef Roy Choi and his self-acclaimed ‘barbecue or dim sum parlor on a Sunday afternoon’.

The Cocktail Scene

The Chandelier at the Cosmopolitan this multi-level spectacle draws you into a glitzy, pink and purple world where you can pull up to a stool and mingle or find a cozy place to hide. Ultra-chic, with velvety couches amidst the sparkle and shine. Each floor has different drink specials, be sure to ask for the ‘secret’ drink.

Beauty and Essex at the Cosmopolitan Enter through the pawn shop and get drawn into the unique collection of guitars, jewelry and pop art. Open what looks like a secret door to a multi-room, dark and sexy lounge with plush red sofas, eclectic lighting and decor, plus a mixologist’s cocktail menu to experience and explore.

The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay This is the definition of a drink with a view –  dark and sexy inside, and a jaw dropping view of the neon spectacle that is the Vegas strip outside.

The Dorsey at the Venetian set in the heart of the casino floor is an escape from the gaming just outside. The swank library-inspired atmosphere offers a long bar and comfy sofas for couples to hide away or groups to circle up and enjoy the ambiance.

Music and Nightlife

First and foremost – see a show If you really want something special, opt for first-class entertainment, there is something for every taste. The trend for years now is the ‘residency’ where iconic entertainers perform in reasonably sized venues for packed houses.

There is no shortage here either. We were here to see Aerosmith, who rocked the house at the Park MGM. Everyone from Def Leppard to Donny and Marie are here. If rock shows aren’t your thing, see one of the Cirque du Soleil spectacles: ‘O’, The Beatles LOVE or Le Reve – The Dream or Michael Jackson’s ‘One’ 

As far as Nightclubs, if you are a fan of live music it’s really tough to find a great place where it isn’t a jam-packed, 20-something electronic house music extravaganza. 

Harrah’s Carnival Court Rock on at this open-air street party featuring Flair bartenders, outstanding rock n’ roll cover bands, and table games within view of the dance floor.

Cleopatra’s Barge This place has been around forever, and always had a live band packing the tiny dance floor. Despite the narrow layout, they still offer quality entertainment and you can dance. Last trip we saw a 13pc (that’s right) ensemble of outstanding musicians covering everything from old-school disco to country.

And no trip to Vegas would be complete without a trip to Fremont Street, old Las Vegas. Trust us, the people-watching cannot be put into words…it’s like Mardis-Gras every night.

Check out the many themes of the Fremont Street Experience light show above your head, with a soundtrack by some of the biggest bands in the world on the biggest video screen in the world, including Sinatra, The Who, Heart, Green Day, Imagine Dragons and many others. And if you’re super adventurous you can even zip line above the crowd! Visit the iconic casinos, Binions, Four queens and the Golden Nugget.

Want to see some of the most stunning natural beauty the country has to offer? Take a break from the strip, rent a car and lace up your hiking boots for an amazing hike through Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire or even Death Valley. If you’re really feeling adventurous, arrange a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. 

So there you have it…start here and do Vegas YOUR way…stay up all night, you can sleep on the plane ride home! Be sure to tell us your favorite spots and we’ll add them to the list.

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