LAS VEGAS
DINE
WYNN
MIZUMI : For sushi with a view
DELILAH: For an after-hours feel at all hours
CASA PLAYA: For kitschy cocktails and crafted coastal cuisine
AFT DECK:
TABLEAU: For brunch that will get you out of bed in the face of any hangover
COSMPOLITAN
ZUMA SUSHI: For fresh fish that isn't from Nobu (and might even be better!)
MOMOFUKU: For an introduction to Dave Chang's most innovative Asian fusion dishes
ARIA
JAVIER'S: For reliable Mexican fare in an ambient (albeit LOUD) environment
CARBONE: For an accessible loophole to America's most coveted reservation (bonus points: ask the concierge to help secure a booth in the back)
TOCA MADERA: Dare I say better than LA's original?
BELLAGIO
THE MAYFAIR SUPPER CLUB: For a cotton candy cocktail and a show
VENETIAN
BLACK TAP: For fries and a shake
WALDORF ASTORIA
THE SKY BAR: For the best views in Vegas
STAY
If the typical, idyllic Vegas experience is what your after, the Wynn or Encore are worth the splurge. Two of the priciest hotels on the strip, but for a reason. At an extra cost, Tower Suites at either property will get you private check-in, secluded pools (perfect for a late summer getaway, when the heat is almost unbearable, prices are lower, and crowds are less), and a private driveway, removed from the hotel's chaotic main entrances, which can be especially heinous around holidays, weekends, special events, o just about any other day. The property boasts the Strip's top restaurants (some of which are mentioned above), world class shopping, spas, and entertainment. The finest Vegas has to offer is housed within the expansive resort, which also boasts bombastic views of the entire boulevard, encouraging guests never to leave, as they already sit atop the world.
Waldorf's surreptitious Vegas outpost's perks are many (not the least of which being one's ability to book with Hilton points). In addition to a convenient sandwiching between the Aria and the newly enhanced Park MGM, the Waldorf's penthouse lobby and bar features a Moet Chandon vending machine and views otherwise experienced from a helicopter. The scene is more mellow and sophisticated than other debaucherous haunts, and the smoke-free policy, while a negative for some, rounds out the property's reputation as a haven for those trying to escape the escapism, to unwind and enjoy in a destination traditionally known for, but increasingly challenging, its reputation as the capital of rowdiness.
The Four Seasons is a harmonious marriage of the two previous properties, lent the Waldorf's clandestine positioning and toxin-free environment, blended with the Wynn's scene glamour. Walk out the Four Season's hidden interior door, and you're deposited in the middle of Mandalay Bay. Click your heels three times (or try any other door), and you'd confuse the resort for an oasis in any other desert city. The branding is minimal, the Vegas influence is even subtler, and the service as excellent as at any other of the chain's properties. Both family friendly and adult-driven, the Four Seasons personifies the Strip's Golden Age of elegant opulence.
PLAY
TOPGOLF
Work on your swing before hitting the links at the Wynn (hint: the drinks are much cheaper here)
TACOBELL CANTINA
The only place for a respectable yardstick in the city (I opt for Blue Raz with Casamigos)
THE SHOPS AT CRYSTALS
If financial indulgence (aside from Vegas' obvious opportunities to do so) is a must, The Shops at Crystals house most major brands, in the most pristine setting, with minimal crowds. I couldn't think of a better place to to blow my winnings
THE VENETIAN GONDOLA
Call it cheesy, but when that gondolier sings to you and your party in front of hundreds of strangers: that's amore
THE SHARK REEF AT MANDALAY BAY
Call it childish, but tell me that shark tunnel doesn't make your heart race a bit.
MAVERICK HELICOPTER TOURS
Ascend the Stratosphere (or just meet it at eye level). This 15 minute trip after sundown beats nightlife by a mile (high).
GET PIERCED (OR TATTOOED) AT CLUB TATTOO
If you're going to make a bad, permanent decision in Vegas, make it here. Of my dozens of piercings, the one's I have received at Club tattoo are the best healed and highest quality
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S O
Just add water
SPA & POOL DAY
In a town known for its degeneracy, Vegas' spas and hotel pools (not day clubs) are highly decorated. A few of my favorites for both are the Wynn Tower Suites, Four Seasons, and Waldorf
TRICKS
The not-so-secret Vegas health hack (yes, you heard that correctly)? Get your steps in. Walk, use the tram, and save cash on cabs that’s better used gambling (or at the Petrossian lounge in the Bellagio). Open those blackout shades in the morning and set off on the Strip, using the handy trams in between that connect hotels from one end of the Strip to the other. A few hours in, you’re sure to have racked up at least 10,000 steps and a few miles. You’ll make room for that night’s Carbone and I guarantee you’ll be surprised by the treasures (and trash) you find along the way!