Las Vegas is always reinvesting, revitalizing and reinventing itself. The MGM Resorts International family of hotels never ceases to amaze. No wonder they have won various awards for their excellence in hospitality. We recently visited during the Mexican Independence “El Grito” Celebrations and they made sure to roll out the red, white and green carpet! We experienced the best hotels, dining and entertainment in Las Vegas.
DELANO
The latest grand opening is that of the Delano Las Vegas, a partnership with the famous Delano in South Beach, Miami. The non-gaming all-suite hotel appeals to discerning travelers from around the globe with intimate yet energetic public spaces and sophisticated accommodations. Luxurious details abound at BATHHOUSE Spa featuring steam rooms and saunas, as well as 12 treatment rooms where we enjoyed a serene afternoon of massages and pampering. After a day of relaxation, we went on to enjoy craft cocktails along with truffle oil popcorn at the Franklin, adorned with tiny lights descending from the ceiling creating the effect of fireflies in the sky while listening to the DJ. Located adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, we were just steps away from the tropical resort and casino and all it has to offer including Michael Jackson ONE and Charlie Palmer’s renowned restaurant Aureole. There we enjoyed the finest wine from their four-story wine tower, beef, fresh seafood and exceptional side dishes.
MGM GRAND
MGM Grand is one of the largest hotels in the world; this multiple award-winning hotel is a mecca for entertainment and dining. With almost 30 dining options, there is something for everyone. To keep with the Mexican celebrations, we chose Hecho en Vegas. With a large assortment of authentic Sonoran-style cuisine, we enjoyed tamales, fresh ceviche and margaritas. Continuing to bask in the excitement of Vegas, we saw the Cirque du Soleil, KÀ. KÀ tells a heroic tale of twins on an adventurous journey in a technologically astounding theatre with robotic rotating stages floating through a bottomless space.
MIRAGE
The Mirage is the original Las Vegas mega-hotel recognized by the volcano with fire effects shooting 60 feet in the air. The signature atrium is now home to Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak where we enjoyed prime cuts prepared on wood-burning ovens and an extensive list of wines. Offering some of the best entertainment such as Cirque du Soleil presents the Beatles LOVE and Grammy award winning Boyz II Men, we grooved the night away to the live performance of the best-selling R&B group of all time. During the day we were up close to the white lions, white tigers and dolphins at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. We enjoyed a VIP Tours where we had a behind the scenes learning experience about how the specialists care for the animals. A must do experience is the dolphin trainer for the day, where you get up close and personal with these wonderful animals.
MONTE CARLO
Monte Carlo recently received a facelift having its entire front façade recreated into an appealing plaza and people-watching haven. Whether you dine at Double Barrel southern barbecue with live music, 800 Degrees build your own pizza or at Yusho, where we enjoyed an authentic interpretation of Japanese street food. We dined on poultry and noodle dishes accompanied by sakes and Japanese beers. We then finished our dining experience at BLVD Creamery were we enjoyed homemade ice cream flavors among them Corona and Lime sherbet to celebrate México.
ARIA
ARIA Resort joins Vdara Hotel, Mandarin Oriental and Crystals, a retail and dining district to form CityCenter. After enjoying our ice cream at BLVD Creamery we walked to Aria where it is home to Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana leaving us in absolute awe. The stage is in a magical abandoned theatre that features spellbinding feats of human achievement, artistry and comedy.
BELLAGIO
Bellagio is the most elegant and classical of the properties fronted by the famous fountains with music from Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and even Tiësto. A perfect location to enjoy the romanticism of the fountains is from Jasmine. Every Sunday, the Fountains Brunch at Jasmine features both Asian-inspired and traditional western dishes. We enjoyed the large assortment of seafood, eggs benedict and desserts, featuring chocolate fondue fountains. We strolled among the dozens of luxury retailers on Via Bellagio, going on to visit Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
The best in Las Vegas and everything done to perfection in resorts, dining, gaming, shopping, entertainment and spa experiences – all are found at MGM Resorts International making this a perfect ESCAPADITA.
www.mgmresorts.com
