With its extravagant showgirls, gluttonous all-you-can-eat buffets and hedonistic hot spots featuring celebrity DJs, there really is no place like Vegas! If you’re looking for a gambling getaway with the girls, or just for a relaxing impromptu vacation away from ‘real life,’ Sin City is a fun, affordable choice for a weekend escape. With so many entertainment and restaurant options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so here are a few tips from my recent trip to Vegas.
Where to Eat: Jaleo, in the Cosmopolitan hotel, offers Spanish tapas in a lively casual colourful setting. Expect melt in your mouth paellas, fruity sangrias and a delicious (albeit small) selection of plates designed to share among friends. Some of their most popular dishes include: Pan con tomate (rustic bread brushed with fresh tomato), Gambas al ajillo (shrimp sautéed with garlic) and seared scallops with romesco sauce and ‘mojo verde.’ But my personal fave was the Croquetas de pollo – eight melt-in-your mouth cheesy chicken fritters, comically served in a red suede sneaker. Jaleo is a fun choice for a delicious night out, but be prepared to spend a bit of dough. Portions are small, so if you’re looking for more bang for your buck, the buffet at the Wynn will offer much better value. http://www.jaleo.com/
Where to party: If you’re looking to let loose and get wild, check out the latest and coolest super club to hit the scene – Marquee Nightclub, a 60,000 square-foot space with seven bars, a projection stage, LED DJ booth, massive outdoor pool and coliseum-style banquette seating http://www.marqueelasvegas.com/. As you know, waiting in line is a total buzz kill. Avoid lineups and bouncer drama with Vegas VIP, a luxury travel agency specializing in nightlife and party services. Bachelors may enjoy the “Hangover Package” or the “Charlie Sheen,” with limo transfers and exclusive access to famous strip clubs Spearmint Rhino, Crazy Horse III and Sapphire http://www.vegasvip.com/.
What to Watch: It may not be the newest kid on the block, but the Cirque du Soleil spectacular Le Reve holds up to this day. As the title suggests Le Reve (French for “The Dream”) is pure fantasy, a mystical illusion sprung from a wild (arguably insane) imagination. The show, located in the Wynn Hotel, combines the elements of water, fire, acrobatics, gymnasts, aerialists and synchronized swimmers. It’s less about the storyline and more about the dramatic visuals. Le Reve is 75 minutes of pure awesome, leaving the audience wondering how did they do that? www.wynnlasvegas.com Scan www.travelzoo.com or go to the “Tix 4 Tonight” ticket booths scattered along the Vegas strip for last minute, same day discount prices.
Where to Shop: If Crystals high-end shopping haven at CityCenter is too expensive (which it totally is…) check out Las Vegas Premium Outlets. You’ll find huge sales across some 150 stores, including A|X Armani Exchange, Ann Taylor, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Tahari, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Nautica, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, St. John, TAG Heuer, Theory, etc. http://www.premiumoutlets.com
Happy Vegas!
