During the course of time, Vegas has transformed from a quirky affordable desert playground for gamblers to a top-notch luxury vacation spot. Lavish grand resorts, acclaimed celebrity chef eateries, musicals and celebrity homes have displaced the $5.99 buffets and tacky lounge performances of the Strip’s past. Here are some solid options for an exceptional weekend escapade in Sin City:
LUXURIATE
Nobu Hotel, situated in Caesars Palace
Embark on your Vegas weekend at the world’s original Nobu Hotel within Caesars Palace. Following a multimillion-dollar redesign, the rooms now boast custom sofas and carpets with a chic black, white and gold theme; elegant wooden large low dressers, a quartzite coffee table with a gold base, and updated Sake, Hakone, Nobu Penthouse and Nobu Villa suites showcasing new furniture, flooring, and rugs.
The bathrooms feature a spacious oval sink, sizable grey showers with rainfall showerheads, and a generously-sized makeup area.
The design overhaul was spearheaded by the acclaimed design firm Rockwell Group and includes a new hotel entrance nestled inside Caesar’s. The lobby flaunts a new carpet design depicting monumental marble and agate slabs outlined in gold veins with touches of gray, rust, and blue.
Through Caesars Eats, Caesars Palace’s online ordering service, you can conveniently order food, drinks, liquor, flowers, and amenities directly from your phone to indulge in your room via delivery or pickup. Pick from a diverse array of restaurants located within Caesars Palace. Secure a reservation at https://www.caesars.com/nobu-caesars-palace.
INDULGE
The Bedford
Paris Las Vegas
Lifestyle maven Martha Stewart has expanded her renowned lifestyle brand to Vegas with The Bedford by Martha Stewart, her debut dining establishment.
The Bedford’s design draws inspiration from Stewart’s countryside estate, bringing the outdoors inside. Spanning 194 seats, the restaurant offers a glimpse into Stewart’s entertaining style at home.
The restaurant presents weekend brunches, seasonal dinners, and special holiday menus. Stewart has curated ingredients from her preferred suppliers including the Las Vegas Farmers Market, Dartagnan Inc., Urbani Truffles, Roe Caviar, Frog Hollow Farm, Jasper Hill Farm, and Vermont Creamery, among others. Notable menu offerings encompass the house-made breadbasket, Martha’s Pierogis, and the whole roasted chicken. Ensure to secure a table in the Brown Room for garden-inspired ambiance and an intimate setting. For reservations, call 702.946.4361.
Vanderpump á Paris
Paris Las Vegas
This second Las Vegas venture from restaurateur and reality TV personality Lisa Vanderpump surpasses its Caesars counterpart, serving up Parisian-inspired cocktails and dishes. Revel in one of the plush velvet booths; perch at the lengthy white marble bar adorned with crystal chandeliers, or retreat to the rear to gaze at the Eiffel Tower, complete with a magical rain shower.
Patrons can relish various French wines, signature cocktails including the LoveLocked concoction meant for two and topped with a padlock and key. Couples can inscribe messages on the back of their locks and affix them to a beautiful wall within the restaurant. Additionally, there are sumptuous treats on offer, such as ratatouille frites, a trio of tartars, and French onion mac and cheese. Make reservations at 702.946.4217.
Jack Binion’s Steak
Horseshoe Las Vegas
Taking over from BLT Steak at Bally’s is the fabulous new Jack Binion’s Steak, now housed within the new Horseshoe (recently unveiled on the former Bally’s site), an old-school steakhouse with a twist. The Bloody Mary salad serves as an excellent starter with a large wedge featuring fried green tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese-stuffed olives coated in a Bloody Mary vinaigrette. The colossal seafood tower impresses with six varieties of crab and abundant seafood fit for a main course. Their steaks are exceptional, impeccably marbled, dry-aged for 28 days, and broiled at 1800 degrees. Choices range from filets, New York strips, ribeyes, porterhouse cuts, and a Wagyu rib cap. The menu is replete with roasted veggies, bourbon BBQ baked beans, balsamic cipollini onions, and an enormous baked potato with six toppings, among other sides. Indulge in colossal desserts like the banana cream pie, blackberry cobbler, cheesecake, and a substantial chocolate layer cake. Reserve your spot at 702.967.4711.
DISCOVER
Vegas Chocolate Tour
Embark on a delectable journey through Sin City with the Vegas Chocolate Tour. Uncover the chocolate history on this 4-hour tasting expedition, sampling treats from renowned chocolate brands worldwide, witnessing the chocolate-making process at Vegas’ own Ethel M Chocolate Factory, personalizing iconic M&M’s candies at M&M World, visiting the 13,000 Hershey’s Chocolate World candy store with over 800 Hershey candies and chocolates, nibble on delightful donuts at Pink Box, and culminate the day with a super sundae. Tours are available on Tuesdays starting at 10 am, or personalize your private tour to suit your schedule.
Book at https://www.vegaschocolatetour.com.
Forum Shops
Caesars Palace
Saunter through the Roman-themed Forum shops at Caesars Palace for a therapeutic shopping spree. Explore a multitude of designer stores including Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior, under a sky-blue ceiling. With over 160 shops and luxury boutiques sprawled across 634,000 square feet, there’s plenty to cater to the shopaholic in you. Take a break, rest your feet, and witness the statues animate at the Atlantis Fountain Show.
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Bellagio
Adjacent to Caesars, discover the opulent Bellagio Hotel. Beyond the lobby’s vibrant glass flower petal chandelier lies the captivating Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Arching glass ceilings soar 50 feet above the 13,000 square foot garden, typically adorned with 31 trees, 500 shrubs, and 6,000 flowers. The garden undergoes a total metamorphosis four times annually, assuring guests a fresh floral experience on every visit.
Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis
Caesars Palace
Escape the casino commotion at the vast Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, boasting seven distinct pools. Secure one of the 65 daybeds or splurge on one of the 48 tranquil cabanas. Additionally, treat yourself to snacks, lunch, and an array of cocktails to relish poolside.
Michael Jackson ONE
Mandalay Bay Theatre, Mandalay Bay
Immerse yourself in the Cirque du Soleil spectacle that pays homage to Michael Jackson. This 90-minute showcase features inventive choreography and stunts set to the King of Pop’s greatest hits. The narrative revolves around four children embarking on a journey through Michael Jackson’s world and music.
Winter and spring are ideal seasons to plan a Vegas retreat, test your luck at the tables, unwind in a serene hotel, soak up the sun, catch a show, and savor the multitude of new dining options on the Strip.
Image Source: Kobby Dagan / Shutterstock
