We love Vegas, and truthfully even more so than Toronto. Which brings me to several questions we get asked time and time again: “Why Vegas? What do you do there? Don’t you guys ever go anywhere else?!” In short, we LOVE it there! Vegas is like our second home, like a cottage, plus it’s only a 4 hour flight away. While some people head off to Niagara or New York for a break, we prefer Sin City. 😉
We usually take Air Canada, but this time we picked WestJet. Why? Because we were very impressed by the WestJet customer service during our last trip. You can’t get lost because there are so many attendants to guide you along the way.
Aria and The Shops at Crystals
We stayed at ARIA this time, and it was a fantastic decision because we wanted to explore more of the South end of the strip. Usually we’re at the North end at Venetian or Palazzo because we adore their beautiful suites, and you get the biggest bang for your buck in terms of spaciousness, but Aria is coming in at a close second! We highly recommend it here; the service is top notch (thank you Michael at check-in). Aria is near the middle of the strip, with an easily accessible free tram that takes you from Monte Carlo to Bellagio. You have countless delicious restaurants within the hotel, and you’re only walking distance away from the super-posh mall The Shops at Crystals.
Aria lobby: high ceilings, sleek urban design, and benches with AC blasting from beneath
Jean Philippe Patisserie at Aria
Here are some of our favourite things to do on the Strip:
1. SHOWS
If you were to see one show and nothing else, then it has to be Absinthe! Raunchy comedy with a retro 50’s pinup vibe, and acrobats – we were blown away. Just look for the Spiegeltent in front of Caesar’s Palace. The tent is quite cozy and small, so you actually get a great view from every seat (no need to sit ridiculously close to the front). Shows don’t play every night, so plan ahead :D. Actually most shows in Vegas don’t play every night, but there are enough playing on different days that there’s always something to see.
Zarkana Stage
We also enjoyed Cirque du Soleil performances such as O at The Bellagio, and Zarkana at Aria. Jubilee at Bally’s is a good one if you want to watch classy showgirls (not kid friendly though due to partial nudity).
Tip: You can buy many show tickets for a discounted price at Tix 4 Tonight booths located throughout the Las Vegas Strip. Buy early, either the day before or the morning of the show, cuz some sell out very quickly. Or ask your concierge if there are any discounts they can work out, whether as guests of the hotel or with a players card. Doesn’t hurt to ask!
2. DINING
Buffets
You can’t leave Vegas without enjoying buffet at least once! There are so many to choose from because practically every hotel has their own, but our favourite one for best food selection is The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s (best for seafood). The Buffet at the Wynn wins for best ambience. There’s nothing like eating to your heart’s content.
However, Vegas isn’t all about the buffets! Sin City is actually better known for it’s fine dining, and Michelin star restaurants :D. You can be utterly spoiled and have any type of cuisine that you want. Look into any hotel, and you’re almost certain to find the establishment of a well-known chef.
Recommendation: Carnevino of Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich for the best steak ever (meat aged 120 days!)
Spicy popcorn souffle at Jean-Georges, Aria
Blueberry crepe with vanilla ice cream at Mon Ami Gabi, Paris
Italian Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich
Even casual fare is drool-worthy. If you’re hungry for a nice WARM sandwich then head over to Earl of Sandwich at Planet Hollywood. There’s a reason why there’s always a lineup!
3. SPAS
Vegas is a playground for luxurious spas. While I admit, the treatments and massages as these hotels are pricey (although performed exceptionally well), you don’t always have to take this route to be at a spa. Instead of signing up for treatments, simply purchase a day pass with full access to spa amenities such as heated stone beds, jacuzzis, whirlpools, saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms (my personal fav), and rainforest showers. You can load up on complimentary bottled water, pop, fruit drinks, and snacks like trail mix and apples as well. For example, at the Spa at Aria it was $80 for 3 days (unlimited ins and outs) and we were there on average 3 hours per day. The only issue is that most spas separate men from women, so you never see each other, but The Spa at Aria actually had co-ed shared spaces which was very much welcomed.
Tip: On your last day, if your flight back home is at night, then save a spa pass for this day. Since you will have already checked out in the morning and no longer have access to your room, this will give you a temporary place to store some small belongings in the lockers, and will help you unwind before the day ends.
The Wynn Spa lobby
Complimentary drinks at the Wynn spa
The Spa at Aria
4. SHOPS
Via Bellagio Shops
Shopping in Vegas can be expensive but also so much fun! We’re talking high fashion everywhere within most hotels, except for the malls (ie. The Fashion Mall and Miracle Mile Shops). If you want it, they’ve got it: Prada, Chanel, Zegna, Omega, etc. with all the latest models that might not even be available in other countries. Many people actually purchase these luxury goods, so the inventory turn around in Vegas is quicker and newer. Basically, if you see something you like then don’t wait too long to get it cuz someone else will snatch it up!
Another way to shop, and much more affordable, is at the outlets, which is around a 10-15 minute taxi ride away from the strip and only costs about $15 USD one way. These are the North and South Premium Outlet Malls, but personally I think the North one has better stores. Remember to print out their free coupon book voucher on their website for discounts and deals, then redeem it for the actual coupon book at the Information Center (otherwise this costs $5 at the Info Center)!
5. ATTRACTIONS
Vegas is a very beautiful place overall. Here are some of its highlights:
Seasonal displays at The Palazzo. Personally the pink tree decorations during Spring are my fav.
Gondola Ride at the Venetian Canal, serenaded by romantic Italian love songs. You can choose to have this 20-minute ride indoors, or outdoors at an additional cost.
St. Mark’s Square at The Venetian for a romantic lunch or dinner. Canaletto is highly recommended. You’ll feel like you’re outdoors while still being indoors :D.
The ever romantic Wynn lobby with gorgeous florals.
Flower carousel at the Wynn.
Two important items in this picture: 1) The Linq, which is a brand new air-conditioned ferris wheel ride that gives you a 30 minute aerial view of the Strip and 2) Sprinkles Cupcakes! The banana cupcake is ridiculous.
Honolulu Cookie Company, Palazzo
We can’t get enough of the Honolulu Cookie Company! With so many different flavours of shortbread to choose from (made from macadamia nuts and individually packaged), we grabbed a lot of each. Coconut and fruit pieces are personal favs :D. They’ve just recently opened in Vegas at the Palazzo hotel, while their other stores are on the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Maui. They’ll also be opening one up in Seoul, Korea, by the end of 2014!
Bellagio Fountains go off every 30 mins from 3pm to 7pm, and then every 15 minutes from 7pm to 12 midnight.
At the Polaroid Fotobar you can print your vacation pics on cardstock paper that resemble Polaroids (by emailing your pics from your phone to an account, or straight from a camera memory card). Or you can take the time to look at old artifacts at the Polaroid Museum. Very fun place to spend an afternoon.
6. POOLS & CLUBS
Pool at the Wynn
Outdoor pools, indoor pools, rooftop pools… there is always a pool party somewhere, all the time ;).
Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub
Needless to say, the clubs are amazing in Vegas! Our club promoter CJ is fantastic and he really knows how to treat you like a VIP and get you on those guest lists, etc. Let him know whenever you’re in town :D. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
Overall, we love this city! There’s no shortage of good food and attractions, because Vegas is constantly evolving and improving. Even if you don’t gamble, there’s always something to do! Promise. This town is host to the most insane parties (EDC being the latest one), but it’s also capable of leaving you extremely relaxed and pampered. We hope you’ve found this post helpful, and we look forward to covering more in the near future. We’ve just barely scratched the surface!
Cheers,
Melissa & Joseph
