Vacations Blog

Party like a rock star in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has thrived on witty slogans, such as “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” “Las Vegas: What you want. When you want,” and “Your Vegas is showing.” Regardless of the vacation Mecca’s strategically contrived marketing campaigns to attract visitors, there’s never been any doubt about the uninhibited fun and exhilaration offered in Sin City.

Truly, where else can vacationers go to eat, drink, gamble, dance and mingle alongside actors (A-list to Z-list), wealthy heiresses and rock stars? 

I still have very vivid memories of playing Blackjack with Jenny McCarthy, having cocktails with Dennis Rodman (when he was still in the NBA), hanging out with Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails and getting a drink spilled on me by an extremely inebriated Paulie Shore. Okay, the latter wasn’t fun, but you can see the variety of celeb-types that hang out in Vegas.

If carefully planned – choosing the right place and the right time – you  can “do” Vegas like a rock star and even bump into some real ones during your night out on the town. Here are some tips:

1. First, and most important, leave the kids at home. While it’s fun to plan family vacations, sometimes it’s essential for dads and moms to have some fun “adult” time.
    
2. 

   Dress the part and you'll be ready to party like a rock star.

   Definitely dress to impress. Many vacationers come to Vegas with nothing more than shorts, t-shirts and a pair of flip flops. While these clothes may be acceptable for an afternoon poolside, they’re definitely not for hitting the party scene. Dress codes are strictly enforced at all of the top lounges and clubs, so be sure to pack appropriately or you’ll be turned away.

3. Prepare to spend some money. As you might expect, living the glam life doesn’t come cheap. It takes a little bit of cash to party like a rock star. If you’re planning a vacation, be sure to bring enough of your hard earned money to make the trip worth it, otherwise you‘ll be watching other people have fun instead of having it yourself. For example, when going out to a popular club or ultra lounge, it’s best to call ahead and make a reservation for bottle service, which can cost $1,000 or more. Instead of being cramped on the dance floor, you’ll have a sanctuary to rest your feet, socialize and have some drinks without a long wait at the crowded bar. A reserved table also gets you on the VIP list so you can bypass the long line to get in the door. Reservations can be made through your hotel’s concierge desk.
    
4. Choose your vacation time strategically. Celebrities flock to popular events, such as concerts, big ticket boxing bouts, club, hotel or restaurant openings, holidays, etc. Plan ahead by checking the Las Vegas calendar for upcoming events.
    
5. Stay at a “hot” hotel. Celebrities love the Palms, Hard Rock, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and Caesar’s Palace and Venetian. If you plan on having a rock star vacation, you’re probably not going want to book the local Motel 6. See tip number two.
    
6. 

   Nothing compares to the nightlife in Las Vegas.

   Ask around for the night’s hot spot. The place to see and be seen varies from night to night. On some nights it may be Lavo at Palazzo and on other nights it might be Tao at the Venetian or XS at Wynn. Sometimes celebrities host parties at nightclubs, so inquiring can direct you to the best place.

Now that you have your tips, remember to let your inhibitions go. You’re on vacation in Vegas, so live a little. It’s time to momentarily forget about the kids, work, etc. and let loose and truly party like a rock star. That also means you should be prepared to stay out all night long. Don’t worry; you can spend the following day resting by the pool.

Photos by Las Vegas News Bureau and Barbara Kraft.

Bask in the sun poolside at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat a special mother to a relaxing vacation. What better place than poolside in Las Vegas. The weather in the City of Sin is perfect during the month of May – not too hot, but definitely not cold. Usually, the sun is shining bright and the champagne, wine and exotic cocktails are flowing under blue skies and palm trees.

Remove yourself from the crowds with a private cabana.

The best way for Mom to enjoy a Vegas pool, without having to fight amongst the throngs of tourists for a perfectly located lounge chair, is to arrange for a private cabana. Through the concierge desk, most of the resort hotels offer cabanas to hotel guests and visitors for a fee. It’s worth the money to have your very own poolside retreat. 

For example, recently my wife and her girlfriends celebrated a special occasion at the beautiful Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, a sensational resort located off the Las Vegas Strip. They stayed in one the hotel’s lavish rooms overnight after enjoying the resort’s restaurants and nightlife. The following day, they arranged for a private cabana. It came furnished with a flat-panel HD television and comfortable sofas with pillows, a safe for valuables, and an endless supply of fresh towels. Right outside of the cabana were two lounge chairs situated in front of a private pool overlooking the resort’s crowded pool and spa complex.

The Pond at Green Valley Ranch is a 21 and over sanctuary.

The ladies were served by a waitress that kept food and drinks replenished throughout the entire day as they swam in the refreshing water and basked in the sunlight and cool spring breeze. The cocktails were delicious and the food was spectacular. The great part was that $250 worth of drinks and food were included with the cabana rental. What a great deal! 

Later, the ladies invited their families, including the kids to join them at the cabana. So, not only did it providing some relaxing girl time, it made for a great afternoon of family fun.

The cabanas at the Red Rock Resort, Palms, Hard Rock Hotel, The M Resort and Mandalay Bay are great choices too. Their prices and amenities vary. Also, many of the hotels offer an exclusive, enclosed pool area with cabanas for the 21 and over crowd. At Green Valley Ranch it’s The Pond.

The Spa at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino

Of course, you may want to treat your mother to more than just a day at a cabana. A spa package is a nice way to pamper her as well. You can arrange for a spa treatment, including massage, in the morning and the cabana for the afternoon. 

Whatever Las Vegas resort you choose, your special mother is sure to enjoy her time in the Las Vegas sun.

Photos by Jason Roth and Green Valley Resort & Casino.

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.

Looking for a certain je ne sais quoi for your next Las Vegas vacation? Luckily the era of themed resorts added a little French to the center of the Las Vegas Strip. Whether planning a risqué weekend with a partner or a rendezvous with family and friends, the centerpiece of a French inspired vacation is Paris Las Vegas. The resort, along with a variety of French restaurants and stage productions on The Strip, offer vacationers who can’t afford a trip to Paris a taste of the famed City of Light with the added excitement of Sin City, of course.

Upon arrival at the 2,915 room Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino the essence of Paris is overwhelming apparent as the front facade of the elaborate and luxurious structure is designed to emulate elements of the Paris Opera House and the Louvre. Its architecture also incorporates many of the famous sights of Paris, including a 540-foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, now a signature of the LasVegas Skyline, a neon sign in the shape of the Montgolfier balloon, a two-thirds size Arc de Triomphe and a La Fontaine des Mers. This picturesque resort is sure to make any vacationer utter “c’est magnifique!”

The Eiffel Tower
Start your vacation on a high note with a trip up the Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget your camera because the observation deck provides extraordinary views up and down the Las Vegas Strip and a 360° panorama of the entire Las Vegas Valley.

Tickets may be purchased at the Eiffel Tower Box Office located inside the casino. The cost is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors 65 and older and children 6-12; free for children younger than 5. From 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., when the Las Vegas Strip lights up, admission is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. Family packages (two adults and two children) are available for $30 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Las Vegas Strip north from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

A Culinary Adventure
If you’re like me, you’re really into food. Paris Las Vegas’ restaurants turn vacationers into the bon vivant with an offering of everything from the classical French cuisine to the Pan Asian Parisian.

Popular for its al fresco dining, with an up close view of the impressive Fountains of Bellagio, Mon Ami Gabi French Bistro offers a simplistic French menu with everything from traditional Hors D’Oeuvres to Steak Frites. The restaurant’s desserts, including profiteroles and crème brûlée, are awe inspiring. A children’s menu offers a number of kid-friendly meals, including macaroni and cheese and burgers.

Reservations at Mon Ami Gabi are highly recommended for indoor seating. Unfortunately, seats on the patio are first-come, first-serve. Since they are highly sought by guests, a request may result in a long wait as guest tend to stay a while. Of course, who can blame them for enjoying a café au lait and the stunning view after their meal?

Another great restaurant with al fresco dining is Ah Sin, offering an Asian Fusion menu with a diverse collection of flavors and cooking techniques from the Pacific Rim. Reservations are recommended for both patio and indoor dining.

You’ll say “bon appetite” as you make a toast to the dazzling lights 100 feet below your table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Located on the 11th floor of the iconic structure, the restaurant is fine dining with view. The restaurant serves the most acclaimed French cuisine available in the city, including a flawlessly seasoned lamb and foie gras that’s unrivaled. To ensure a seat with the best view, reservations are required.

It’s all about great food and ambiance at the two-story, art deco inspired Les Artistes Steakhouse. The restaurant’s à la carte menu offers a variety of specialties, including grilled rack of lamb, a 50-ounce porterhouse steak, and roasted whole Maine lobster and tasty poultry dishes. Reservations at Les Artiste Steakhouse are recommended.

In all, Paris Las Vegas offers 11 dining options, from the low-cost, no-frills to the epicurean experience. There are also a variety of French restaurants in the Las Vegas resort corridor, including Daniel Boulud Brasserie at Wynn, Alizé at the Palms, Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay, Joël Robuchon at the Mansion at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, and finally the famous Pamplemousse, located at 400 E. Sahara Avenue.

No matter your appetite, you’re sure to find the right French meal for the occasion.

Bring on the Night
After the sun sets behind the Spring Mountains to the west and the neon glows, Paris Las Vegas’ nighttime establishments come to life. From the ultra-chic Risqué Nightclub, to the charming Le Cabaret lounge to the lively Napoleon’s Bar, guests are sure to find the right setting for an all night vacation celebration.

Paris Las Vegas’ location at the center of the LasVegas Strip also provides for easy travel to city’s most popular nightclubs, including Pure at Caesar’s Palace, LAX at Luxor, Tao at the Venetian and Tryst at Wynn. Take a taxi, limo, the Las Vegas Monorail or a walk along the Strip to find your ultimate party spot.

And who can forget the shows of Cirque du Soleil. Okay, the shows are not a product of France, but Canada’s Quebec province, so they are still essentially French. There are now six Cirque du Soleil shows at various hotels in Las Vegas: O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Ka at MGM Grand, Zumanity at New York-New York, Love at the Mirage and the newest show, Criss Angel’s Believe. Tickets for these shows are expensive, but well worth the money.

From the street, the 540-foot Eiffel Tower extends into the clouds.

The Spa Treatment
After a night out, a spa treatment at Paris Las Vegas’ Spa by Mandara provides the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Massages and facials, as well as other beautification packages are available. For folks not willing to skip their fitness routine, the spa also features a fully equipped fitness center, personal training and steam and saunas rooms.

Enter an underwater world at Shark Reef.

Located in the hot, dry Mojave Desert and hundreds of miles from the Pacific Ocean, one might not expect Las Vegas to be home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, dolphins and sting rays. Luckily, Las Vegas has always made the unconventional into a reality. Today, millions of gallons of blue seawater fill several aquarium attractions to provide visitors an up-close view of the world’s most fascinating marine animal species.

A favorite for our family is the Shark Reef, located inside the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, it is North America’s only predator-based aquarium and exhibit. Filled with over 1.6 million gallons of seawater, Shark Reef’s aquariums are home to more than 2,000 sea animals, including several species of sharks, along with saw fish, giant rays, endangered sea turtles, piranha, jelly fish and the rare golden crocodiles.

A popular exhibit, especially for young children, is the petting pool where visitors can touch the wet, velvety skin of sting rays as they glide by in shallow water. A washing station is conveniently located adjacent to the pool to clean the hands of curious kids.

Shark Reef's sting ray petting pool is a big hit.

Glowing jelly fish float calmly at Shark Reef.

Shark Reef is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. General admission is $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children age five to 12. Children under four years old are free. Packages are a great buy and come with photos and souvenirs for the whole family or dinner at Mandalay Bay’s Bayside Buffet. Tickets may be purchased online or at the main entrance to Shark Reef.

Another great close encounter with marine life is at The Mirage where Siegfried & Roy’s 2.5-million-gallon Dolphin Habitat is home to a pod of Atlantic bottle nose dolphins. The habitat consists of four connected pools containing an artificial coral reef system and sandy bottom. Opened in 1991 with the purpose of educating the public about marine mammals and their environment, the habitat offers visitors the opportunity to see natural behaviors of dolphins.

Huf n Puff (mom) and new calf at The Mirage Dolphin Habitat.

Visitors are also invited to make their vacation an unforgettable experience by taking part in the Dolphin Trainer for a Day program. Participants get to work side-by-side with dolphin trainers as they participate in daily activities with the dolphins, including playing, training and feeding them. Participants must be at least 13 years old. However, participants 13 to 15 years old require an adult in the program to accompany them, either as a participant or an observer.

For general admission, group VIP and Dolphin Training for a Day prices, call     (702) 792-7889     .

For families on a budget, there are several other aquariums to visit at no cost. At The Mirage, wander over to the main lobby and see the enormous aquarium filled with a variety of fish and sharks of all sizes. Inside The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, an aquarium filled with tropical fish is located across from the Cheesecake Factory. It provides an excellent view while waiting to be seated for dinner.

The recently remodeled Silverton Lodge & Casino is also home to several colorful salt and fresh-water aquariums, all of which are free to the public. The main 117,000 gallon aquarium contains an artificial reef and more than 4,000 tropical fish from all over the world, three species of stingrays and three species of sharks. The octagonal aquarium offers premier viewing on all sides.

The adjacent Mermaid Lounge features two colorfully lit 500-gallon jellyfish aquariums and the nearby entrance to the Bass Pro Shop features an 18,000 gallon water feature stocked with over 100 Koi fish. Inside the large Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts there are additional freshwater aquariums, including a 4,000 gallon representation of a spring fed Nevada stream stocked with trout and a 20,000 gallon Nevada lake display stocked with channel catfish, huge carp and bass.

With so many aquarium attractions in Las Vegas, ocean lovers can experience the beauty of exotic marine life while also enjoying the excitement of Las Vegas. You’ll forget you’re in the desert.

Photos by Jason Roth and The Mirage.