Las Vegas – Dine, Travel & Entertainment

7 Great Escapes in Spring 2021

Ready to celebrate Spring now that you are vaccinated? Here’s some of the best So Cal and Vegas escapes.

Santa Monica

1. Casa del Mar Beachside Bliss Picnic
The iconic Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica and its sister property, Shutters on the Beach, are offering an oceanfront picnic experience to hotel guests. Wiggle your toes in the sand during this new culinary services. Beach setup by the picnic concierge team comes complete with a chic low table, comfy plush pillows, linens, blankets, and sun umbrellas. The delicious picnic menu includes lobster rolls; Thai lettuce wraps; and charcuterie. Just in time for Spring, the hotel is offering a new Beachside Bliss Package that includes a 2-night stay in an luxurious ocean-view room, welcome amenity, daily valet parking, and the new oceanfront picnic experience. The package starts at $875+ per night with a two-night minimum stay. Hotel guests are also able to purchase the beach picnic offering a la carte during their stay. Go to: www.hotelcasadelmar.com, 1910 Ocean Way (310)581-5533.

2. Newport Coast –

The Resort at Pelican Hill – For a true Mediterranean experience, stay overnight at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Enjoy sitting outside overlooking the largest round swimming pool at the Coliseum Pool & Grill. The chefs prepare fresh, seasonal ingredients in their culinary specials and have them served in one of the most magnificent settings. Fun Fact: There are over one million glass mosaic tiles, each of them meticulously laid by hand inside the pool. The views beyond the pool is the Pelican Hill Golf Course and sparkling Pacific coast. This luxury resort offers a truly relaxing, vacation experience. Self Parking is available at the Main Estate. Coliseum Pool & Grill menus: BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER POOL KIDS

3. Palos Verdes –

Terranea Resort – Fresh air, fire pits, culinary delights with craft beers and cocktails while taking in the scenic views of the Pacific are available at multiple dining venues at Terranea this Spring. Indoor and al fresco experiences are available at each restaurant. Fine dining at mar’sel is open for a coastal Easter Brunch on April 4 starting at 10am to 3 pm. A four-course menu showcases traditional Easter specialties with a twist, including lamb omelet, rack of lamb, halibut, brisket as well as vegetarian options. Pair with Champagne and accompanying fresh juices. Other dining venues: bashi, catalina kitchen and Nelson’s offer seasonal specials. Right now Terranea is offering guests an extra savings with the third night free. Restrictions may apply. Promotional code: 3FREE. https://www.terranea.com/offers/third-night-free. For more information call (866) 261-5873.

4. Laguna

The Ranch Laguna Beach – Those looking to play golf, take beach walks, practice morning yoga, listen to live music in one of the most beautiful canyons while dining al fresco will enjoy their stay at The Ranch Laguna Beach. Take a road trip with one of the resort’s specials that include

$25 Chevron gift card
Waived resort fee
Farewell snack box, choice healthy or “kind of healthy” assortment
Laguna Beach road trip playlist

Valid for select Sunday – Thursday nights through May 27, 2021.

5. Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach – When guests reserve a stay at least 21 days in advance they receive a 15% savings on the best available rate at this luxury resort on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Other special offers include Montage Memories with deluxe accommodations, complimentary nightly valet parking and a daily $60 breakfast credit. For those seeking to Linger Longer arrive early and stay late. It’s a special weekday stay offering the opportunity for more pool time and extra hours to enjoy breathtaking ocean views with an early check-in and late check-out, along with complimentary valet parking. Read more about The Montage Laguna Beach

6. Dana Point

Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point offers a cozy bed and breakfast vacation, The Blue Lantern Inn is one of the best So Cal destinations. Sitting up on a bluff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor and Pacific coastline, the staff present guests with a wine, cheese, crackers and fruit picnic bag. Guest can enjoy this on their patio, balcony or Inn’s viewing terrace. Also at check-in guests are presented a menu to check off what items they desire for breakfast. The next morning a multi-course hot and cold breakfast tray arrives at your guest room door. After breakfast, take one of their cruiser bikes for a spin around Dana Point or go for a nature hike above the Inn. Read about specials here.

7. Las Vegas – See a show!

The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino excitedly announced that on Thursday, April 22 Penn & Teller will perform a new content and magic show, plus a selection from Penn & Teller’s extensive catalog of fan favorites. “We are so excited to go back to doing what we do, where we do it, for the people we do it for,” said Penn Jillette. “Teller and I are both more than two weeks out of our second shots, and in the same bubble, so we can stand unmasked on our stage. We will give up seeing what we hope are smiling faces so our audience can stay masked and safe.” Additionally, Penn shared, “We haven’t been on stage in over a year, so we don’t know whether the audience will be coming to see us do miracles, or just to see if we remember which way to face on stage. But no matter what, we’re excited to return to our home at the Rio!” Deals are amazing at this hotel right now with suites starting at $29 on certain dates when available. Click here to read more.

Penn & Teller at Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino with suites starting at $29+

Now that people are getting their Covid vaccinations, they are ready to travel, and Las Vegas is opening up more hotels, casinos, and bringing entertainment back into their theaters.

The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino excitedly announced their semi-annual sale with suites starting at $29+ and on Thursday, April 22, Penn & Teller will perform a new content and magic show, plus a selection from Penn & Teller’s extensive catalog of fan favorites.

“We are so excited to go back to doing what we do, where we do it, for the people we do it for,” said Penn Jillette. “Teller and I are both more than two weeks out of our second shots, and in the same bubble, so we can stand unmasked on our stage. We will give up seeing what we hope are smiling faces so our audience can stay masked and safe.”

Additionally, Penn shared, “We haven’t been on stage in over a year, so we don’t know whether the audience will be coming to see us do miracles, or just to see if we remember which way to face on stage. But no matter what, we’re excited to return to our home at the Rio!”

Tickets will go on sale to the public starting Friday, April 2 at 10 a.m. PT. The full performance schedule is below with all shows starting at 9 p.m.

April 22 – 25, 29 – 30
May 1 – 2, 6 – 8, 28 – 31
June 3 – 6, 10 – 13

Edgy, provocative and hilarious, Penn & Teller have been captivating live audiences at Rio Las Vegas since 2001, with their edgy and hilarious show. “We are thrilled to welcome Penn & Teller back to live performances at the Rio,” said Jason Gastwirth, President of Entertainment at Caesars Entertainment. “After a challenging year, the demand for joy and laughter is higher than ever, and Penn & Teller will certainly supply that, as they have been doing for decades in the heart of Las Vegas.”

Guidelines set forth by health and government authorities, as well as Caesars Entertainment’s enhanced health and safety protocols include:

1. Masks will be mandatory for guests.

2. Audiences will be socially distanced in the intimate and engaging Penn & Teller Theater.

3. There will be three-different seating options for the reopening of the show with a capacity of 257 audience members.

4. Guests will be assigned arrival times when they purchase tickets and will be seated by theater staff.

Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, and Ticketmaster will offer a presale running Thursday, April 1 from 10 a.m. PT to 10 p.m. PT. Tickets begin at $60 and will be available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by calling 702-777-2782 or 855-234-7469, or online at www.caesars.com/shows.

Known as the home of the World Series of Poker, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino offers guests a unique all-suite hotel experience with floor to ceiling windows and views of Las Vegas Valley. Just one block from the Las Vegas Strip, this 2,522 all-suite hotel rooms – includes spacious rooms and the luxurious Palazzo Villas with a private entrance.

Get a great deal during the hotel’s ‘semi-annual sale’ during the month of April. Special suite promotions include room rates starting at $29 a night, on certain dates, including Opening Night of Penn & Teller’s show. Book now before April 12, 2021 for a suite discount of 25% off for travel through January 2022. Blackout days apply and guests must be 21 years and older to book a suite.

Besides headliners Penn & Teller, other entertaining attractions include the Voodoo Beach tropical pool experience with waterfalls, four different pool areas and two bars mixing specialty drinks. Day beds and cabanas must be reserved ahead of time. Lower rates are available on weekdays.

The adrenaline pumping Rio Zipline, offers guests a 360-degree panorama of the famous Strip from 490 feet above the ground. There is also KISS by Monster Mini Golf and The Wall Gaming Lounge.

Dining and nightlife experiences include:

The new Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho

Upscale dining on the 50th floor at VooDoo Steak

Wine Cellar & Tasting Room – home to one of the most impressive wine collections in Las Vegas

Hash House A Go Go for creative and large portion “twisted farm food”.

KJ Dim Sum & Seafood for Chinese cuisine and VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub offering panoramic views of The Strip.

Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino offers Free Parking. Make a reservation by clicking here to get a room starting at $29 while supplies last.

This review was also featured in JUSTLUXE

Circa Resort & Casino opens for ages 21+ only

Circa Resort & Casino is almost completed in historic Downtown Las Vegas. It’s the first ground-up gaming resort built since 1980, and the first adults-only resort playground with 1.25-million-square-feet and a two-story casino. This resort offers innovative entertainment and gaming, inspired by old-school Las Vegas hospitality.

Be the first to experience the resort in time for NYE. Reservations for the highly anticipated 777 guest rooms and suites can be booked at CircaLasVegas.com with the first rooms available on December 28, 2020.

There are four different types of luxury guest rooms and suites including a really cool Bunk Bed suite offering four comfortable twin beds for a group of friends to room together. Also in this suite is a wet-bar, refrigerator, walk-in shower with a bench and in room safe.

“From the beginning, I envisioned Circa to be a resort that pays homage to Las Vegas’ vibrant past while introducing bold, modern elements; this will certainly shine through in our room and suite collection,” said Derek Stevens, Circa’s CEO. “Vintage details are combined with high-tech amenities to create an experience that’s uniquely Circa. I also love to throw a good party, and I can promise that every room and suite will deliver maximum entertainment.”

What makes this resort unique, besides being brand new, is Circa’s uniquely tapered 71-degree tower – the tallest building north of the Strip, offering unobstructed views of either the iconic Las Vegas skyline, surrounding mountains or the resort’s pool amphitheater.

Designed by Steelman Partners and Circa’s Director of Design and Architecture Alice O’Keefe, the resort pays tribute to Downtown Las Vegas’ thriving art scene. Curated by DAC Art Consulting, several local artists have been commissioned to display their pieces incorporating the city’s history and culture, including Jelaine Faunce, Diedra Wilson, Schinn Loong, Sarah Scherf and Adolfo Gonzalez with Yesco.

Circa’s standard rooms will range in size from 403 to 752 square feet with accents in shades of navy and sapphire, geometric-patterned carpets and deep walnut woods. Each standard room will offer a single or double king-size beds with Serta Prestige mattress, multiple seating areas, refrigerators and 55-inch flat-screen HDTVs.

Circa Suites are sexy and well appointed spanning 822 to 1,612 square feet, decorated in velvety midnight blues, floor-to-ceiling windows, sophisticated lounge-style furniture, a black quartz dining table and full wet bar with refrigerator. Every room has a 65-inch HDTVs.

Select suites will feature modern-day Inova beds hidden in the walls that unfold to accommodate additional guests.

There are 6 Circa’s Founders Suites, located at the resort’s top three floors, offering the best views of Las Vegas from all of Downtown. Measuring an average of 1,831 square feet, these two-bedroom suites will be ideal for group celebrations. The lavish bar has its own refrigerator in an entertaining space with ample seating, flat-screen TV and electric fireplace. The suites offer a black quartz dining room table beneath a custom chandelier.

For those traveling with their squad, Circa’s high-style Bunk Bed accommodations range in size from 713-square-foot pads or 1,362-square-foot suites. Inside the living areas are a wet bar and refrigerator, a charger port for each bed, and couches with views of the skyline. Suites and pads will feature two plush bunk twin beds to sleep four people and large bathrooms.

Guests can enjoy meals by Chef Barry S. Dakake of Barry’s Downtown Prime or Pan-Asian fare at 8 East from Chef Dan Coughlin. The resort will have classic delicatessen cuisine at Saginaw’s Delicatessen from restaurateur Paul Saginaw, and authentic Carolina barbecue at Project BBQ. The founding family of American Coney Island will provide an all-star menu at Victory Burger & Wings Co.

For more information, visit circalasvegas.com.

This article or a similar article was also featured in Luxe Beat Magazine: https://luxebeatmag.com/las-vegas-newest-circa-resort-casino/

and JustLuxe: https://www.justluxe.com/travel/las-vegas-news__1970158.php.

Caesars Paris Las Vegas Reopens

In accordance with directives from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Caesars Entertainment Corporation welcomed guests back to Paris Las Vegas.

This reopening follows the success of Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s Las Vegas, The LINQ Promenade and High Roller Observation Wheel, as well as the gaming floor and other amenities at The LINQ Hotel + Experience opening their doors.

For the special French-inspired reopening can-can dancers, a Monsieur Loyal ringmaster, Caesars Entertainment Regional President Gary Selesner and Paris Las Vegas General Manager Sherri Sosa were on hand to. After the Monsieur Loyal initially welcomed guests outside with “bienvenue” and led the countdown from “trois, deux, un,” Sosa pushed the button to launch blue, white and red confetti over the entrance as the resort officially reopened its doors. Additionally, first casino guest Roy Anderson ceremoniously rolled the first dice at a craps table with Selesner and Sosa cheering him on inside Paris Las Vegas.

“As customer interest in visiting Las Vegas continues to increase this summer, we are pleased to welcome guests back to Paris Las Vegas with the same spirit and sophistication they have come to enjoy at our French-inspired resort,” said Tony Rodio, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. “We are also committed to emphasizing our enhanced health and safety protocols while creating memorable experiences for all our guests.”

A person standing in a roomDescription automatically generated — *French can-can dancers demonstrate new health and safety measures,* *such as the thermal scanner at hotel registration,*

Paris Las Vegas offers renovated guest rooms and suites, a variety of food and beverage amenities, access to the fitness center and outdoor pool, as well as slot machines and table games on the casino floor. The Company requires everyone indoors at its properties across the Caesars network to wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. The updated mask policy becomes effective on June 24, 2020 at 12 p.m. Pacific Time and applies to all employees, vendors, contractors, guests and passersby in properties. Previously, all employees plus guests at table games were required to wear masks at Caesars properties.

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is displaying a new, free light show in honor of the reopening of the resort, every half hour from dusk to midnight nightly through June 30, 2020. The Eiffel Tower Restaurant now offers reservations for view dining daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Resort guests and visitors have access to other food and beverage venues including Gordon Ramsay Steak open on Thursday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

JJ’s Boulangerie (dining room) – daily, 24 hours
La Pizza (express window) – daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
La Creperie – breakfast daily, 6 a.m. to noon
Café Belle Madeleine – breakfast daily, 5 a.m. to noon
Arc Bar – daily, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Le Central Bar – daily, 24 hours
Gustav’s Bar – daily, 24 hours
Le Cabaret Bar – daily, 2 p.m. to close

Café Americano – daily, 6 a.m. to noon
BEER PARK – daily, 2 p.m. to close
HEXX Kitchen + Bar – daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mon Ami Gabi – daily, 7 a.m. to 10:3

The Company previously announced that it has suspended fees for paid self-parking in Las Vegas. For more information on the Company’s health and safety protocols, visit: www.Caesars.com/health.

The Venetian Resort Reopens in Las Vegas

Following the announcement from Governor Sisolak regarding reopening Nevada’s gaming industry, The Venetian Resort immediately started accepting reservations for arrivals beginning June 4, 2020.

Guests walking into The Venetian Resort will notice additional space and comfort with the new Venetian Clean Commitment as the resort reopens on June 4, 2020. Visitors will have an opportunity to experience all that’s new at the Las Vegas resort this summer.

Known as the largest resort in Las Vegas with first-class amenities, both the Venetian and the Palazzo towers are reopening, as well as dozens of noteworthy restaurants, and the Grand Canal Shoppes.

“While our doors have been closed, we have been busy preparing for this very moment,” said George Markantonis, president and chief operating officer. “Our team rallied around the call to reimagine our resort experience so guests can enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas with the comfort of knowing that we’ve addressed important touchpoints to minimize their risk and enhance their safety.”

Under the Venetian Clean Commitment, the resort is following guidance provided by federal, state and local authorities, represented by more than 800 individual initiatives. The company has also aligned with an independent inspection company, which will certify and audit the elements of the new resort program to provide even further peace of mind for guests.

In addition, the company is providing COVID-19 testing for all of its team members before returning to work, and optionally for all members of their household.

“Guests will find The Venetian Resort they have always known and loved, from our Venetian Clean, guest suites and casinos to romantic gondola rides, complete with physically distant serenades,” continued Markantonis. “With two full-service casinos and our resort open, our guests will have additional room and amenities to enjoy themselves while adhering to guidelines for physically distant activities.”

Inspired by the Italian Riviera, the new restyled Venetian pool deck is offering the largest private cabanas on the Las Vegas Strip. The new poolside cafe, Spritz, is from the founders of Las Vegas favorites Yardbird and Chica.

Other culinary venues opening include Hong Kong’s celebrated Mott 32, sixth+mill and Matteo’s. The social media favorite Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer, plus the Las Vegas classic CUT by Wolfgang Puck will be open. Visitors will be able to enjoy craft cocktails poured at The Dorsey and Electra.

Throughout 2020, Las Vegas Sands, the parent company of The Venetian Resort, paid each of its 10,000 Las Vegas Team Members, along with providing full health-care benefits, while its properties remained closed. The Sands has donated more than 2.5 million pieces of personal protection equipment to areas in need in Nevada, New York, California and Massachusetts. The company also donated 1,900 coronavirus test kits and 20,000 protective suites to the state of Nevada.

Sands also has made financial contributions to several hunger-relief organizations and donated 60 pallets of food, and more than 55,000 bottles of water to local organizations. The resort chefs have made more than 17,000 meals for homeless outreach, along with daily messages of love and hygiene kits.

The Venetian Resort has launched Share the LOVE, a program to donate thousands of complimentary suite nights to frontline “community heroes” and first responders in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guests who want to support their community heroes, just need to book a stay directly with the Venetian Resort. Right now you can save up to 25% off when going to the “Give Love” package. The Venetian will donate a room for every booking.

Also part of the program, first responders and community heroes may also book a complimentary room for themselves when they stay two nights or more.

This review was featured in JustLuxe.

The D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino Reopen

Two world-famous Fremont Street hotels and casinos, the D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino reopened their doors to the public at 12:01 a.m. on June 4.

Screen Shot 2020-06-04 at 8.45.15 AM — Photo of Derek Stevens and friends by Black Raven Films

Owned by CEO and Downtown Las Vegas developer, Derek Stevens, the two Downtown Las Vegas properties are among the first casinos to resume gaming operations in Nevada. Both offer hotel accommodations, food and beverage venues, and sportsbooks.

“As with the rest of the world, the past few months have presented our city with an unprecedented challenge, and our team has worked around the clock to bring back the Vegas experience our visitors know and love,” said Stevens. “We are excited to get our employees back to work and to welcome guests to the entertainment capital of the world.”

According to the D Las Vegas website, the hotel and casino team have been in constant COVID-19 observation with the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Occupational Safety and Health Origination (OSHA) websites. In preparation for the reopening, they have been learning the best practices from these expert organizations. They have always taken pride in the level of cleanliness and will maintain over the top standards when welcoming team members and guests back to Downtown Las Vegas.

Both hotels adopted improved sanitation practices early on, including a varied list of cleaning solutions that kill Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza, Human Coronavirus, Rotavirus, Norovirus, Rhinovirus, Aspergillus and Trichophyton Mentagrophytes on all surfaces that guests or team members touch. Staff have placed
alcohol-based hand sanitizing fluid dispensers at entrances, public areas of the casino and back of the house. There is a strict, time-based sanitation schedule to clean all touched items on property.

Team members have learned new practices to wear the proper use of PPE and hand washing techniques. There is a communication chain developed and practiced, in the event of a confirmed case. All necessary protocols have been developed to promote the safety of all involved when managing the situation.

Since 2012, the D Las Vegas helped bring visitors back to the historic Downtown Las Vegas area by offering a modern-day casino, and a hotel experience with 629 comfortable guest rooms and suites.

After months of anticipation, D Las Vegas is reopening and ready for some summer fun. Decorated with vintage touches of Las Vegas, the two-story casino offers blackjack tables, old and new slot machines, and some exclusive games you can’t find anywhere else.

The bars are open providing beer, wine and specialty drinks among live entertainment, including LONGBAR, a sports hub and the longest bar in Nevada.

Visitors can enjoy a world-famous Coney Dog at American Coney Island or splurge at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse for premier steaks and seafood. D Las Vegas offers the only Sigma Derby horse racing game in Las Vegas, and recently debuted Circa Sports book and a new hockey-centric bar, named BarCanada. D Grill, as well as bell and valet services will remain closed until further notice.

At One Fremont Street, the originally opened in 1906 Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ most historic hotel. It’s like a museum filled with stories and artifacts from Las Vegas’ past. Visitors can retreat to one of Golden Gate’s “Original 10” rooms – which have been maintained for 114 years – or opt for a more updated suite, located in its luxury tower with Art Deco accents, iconic tributes to famous celebrities, and Swing-era inspired interior design.

The “Original 10” rooms welcomed ranchers, railroad men, singers, mobsters, vacationers. Now Golden Gate houses CEO Derek Stevens’ sports betting venture, Circa Sportsbook, two luxurious penthouses, an expanded 14-suite tower, two bars – OneBar and Bar Prohibition! This original Golden Gate bar was a watering hole during the Wild West, the roaring 20s and a whiskey hangout frequented by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin during the Rat Pack era.

The reopenings of the D and Golden Gate come a week after Stevens launched his “Keep America Flying” promotion, which offered 2,000 free Las Vegas-bound flights to travelers across the country. After the first 1,000 flights were booked in less than two hours, Stevens launched phase two of the nationwide giveaway by adding an additional 1,000 flights. The initiative was created to reignite tourism to Las Vegas and support the airline industry.

To make up for lost time, guests who may have missed their birthday celebrations due to the shutdown can request a free bottle of Tito’s Handmade Vodka with a room reservation at the D Las Vegas or Golden Gate through the month of June.

Part of this review was featured on Luxe Beat Magazine on June 5, 2020.

Caesars Entertainment reopens in Las Vegas

Since 1937, Caesars Entertainment has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. Caesars Entertainment’s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah’s® and Horseshoe® brand names, announced they will reopen the multiple Caesars properties on June 4, 2020 at 10 a.m. The Company intends to comply with all reopening and operating directives from Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak, the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and public health authorities.

“Initial customer demand to visit the Las Vegas Strip has been much stronger than anticipated, triggering our decision to reopen Harrah’s Las Vegas, in addition to Caesars Palace, Flamingo and LINQ Promenade, next week,” said Tony Rodio, CEO, Caesars Entertainment. “We look forward to welcoming back guests and employees to a casino resort environment where our enhanced health and safety protocols will be highly visible, including social distancing, frequent cleaning and sanitizing throughout the properties, as well as daily health screenings for all employees who will be at work,” Rodio added.

The Caesar Company is suspending fees for paid self-parking in Las Vegas. Guests visiting Caesars Palace will find a variety of food and beverage amenities open including Gordon Ramsay HELL’S KITCHEN (dinner only), Old Homestead Steakhouse, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, DiFara Pizza, Café Americano, Vista Lounge, Spanish Steps Bar, Lobby Bar, Montecristo Cigar Bar and Starbucks, plus a selection or retail and restaurant outlets at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Access to their outdoor pools including Venus Pool, as well as slot machines and table games on the casino floors are reopening.

Flamingo Las Vegas will reopen their Beach Club Resort Pool and GO Pool, X Bar, Bugsy’s Bar and Pizza To Go. LINQ Promenade will have retail and restaurant outlets open, and the High Roller Observation Wheel will reopen from noon to midnight daily.

Upon reopening, Harrah’s Las Vegas it will be debuting a $200 million multi-year resort transformation featuring newly renovated rooms and suites, a remodeled casino floor and hotel lobby, Buddy Valastro’s PizzaCake and the recently refreshed Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

This review was also featured in Luxe Beat Magazine.

Las Vegas reopens four MGM Hotels

Travelers will be able to walk into four MGM properties along The Sunset Strip on June 4, 2020. The Bellagio Resort, New-York, New-York, MGM Resort and The Signature are ready to welcome travelers with their new Seven-Point Safety Plan in place. The new MGM Resorts Mobile App makes checking in and entering your room easy. It’s a more convenient, contactless way to check-in, confirm arrival time, and provide payment before stepping in the lobby. For M life Rewards members, a couple of taps is all it takes and you’re in.

Valet parking is not available right now, so each property is offering free self parking. When entering a property, guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks in public areas. Hotel lobbies are being retrofitted to allow for spacious queuing and physical barriers are in place to protect interactions with lobby staff.

Those visiting the Bellagio Resort are encouraged to wear a face covering while viewing the new garden showpiece inside Bellagio Resort’s iconic Conservatory. A team of creative green thumbs put the finishing touches on a new Japanese Spring Garden titled “Japan Journey: Magic of Kansai.” Employees are required to wear an approved mask and gloves while working at all properties.

According to a MGM spokesperson, extensive employee protocols are put in place including screening questions, employee temperature checks and training programs on health and safety protocols. Medical and security personnel on staff will be able to assist should a guest develop symptoms while staying at one of the MGM resorts.

A 6-foot physical distancing policies will be implemented throughout the resorts with floor guides to assist and remind guests. Certain areas will have plexiglass barriers, face shields and clear signage to remind guests and staff.

Expect new dining experiences with virtual queuing, new table layouts designed for physical distancing, digital menu options and tableside Tap and Go payment at Petrossian Bar and fine-dining restaurants The Mayfair Supper Club, Lago and award-winning, four-star celebrity chef and restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten Prime and Lago.

Outside the iconic fountains will once again come to life with music with a water and light show throughout the day.

The resort’s lush pool area will be open with a selection of semi-private cabanas available, and the nearby salon and fitness center will be available by appointment.

MGM Resorts International reopens the MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature in Las Vegas after the MGM Resorts team worked with medical experts to develop a safety plan to ensure a multi-layered health and safety protocol.

Guests will find easy access to custom-built handwashing stations and hand sanitizer throughout the properties. High-touch surfaces and common areas will be cleaned with products that meet EPA guidelines.

The new MGM Resorts Mobile App offers browsing and booking a table at a selected number of bars and lounges, casual and fine-dining venues including Top Chef personality and James Beard Award-winning chef Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.

Outside, a select number of cabanas will be available alongside a portion of the resort’s pool oasis. The salon and fitness center will be open to hotel guests by reservation, and a variety of amenities will open at both The Signature at MGM Grand.

At New York-New York is reopening a variety of bars and dining venues including Tom’s Urban. New York-New York guests can ride the thrill-seeking Big Apple Roller Coaster and play in the Big Apple Arcade. Hershey’s Chocolate World will reopen for sweet souvenirs to enjoy and bring home.

Just in time for summer warmth, the pool will open with a selection of cabanas available. The property’s fitness center will be available to hotel guests, and many of the venues at the adjacent Park are slated to open soon.

MGM has compiled its own internal team and processes to respond if a guest or employee tests positive for COVID-19. If a guest tests positive after visiting one of the MGM properties, they are instructed to email (covid19@mgmresorts.com). The positive test result will be reported to the local health department to assist with contact tracing to help support the health department investigators.

For a full list of offerings, and to make reservations, please visit mgmresorts.com.

This review is featured in JustLuxe and Luxe Beat Magazine.

A Foodie’s guide in Las Vegas

Las Vegas caters to millions of tourists a year, offering some of the most incredible culinary opportunities by the world’s top chefs. From casual to fine dining, Las Vegas is a foodie paradise. Here are some of the city’s favorites to visit:

Best City View Dining – Inside the all-suite, non-smoking boutique Delano Las Vegas take an elevator up to the 64th floor to Rivea. Perched high in the sky for diners to have one of the best views of Las Vegas, while enjoying French and Italian influenced cuisine from internationally celebrated Chef Alain Ducasse.

What to order: Executive chef Bruno Riou makes an ethereal lobster risotto; savory Angus filet mignon; and decadent chocolate souffle’.

Best Fountain View Dining – The Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio Las Vegas is a new elegant lakeside dining and entertainment venue, “Supper clubs of the mid-1900s were the foundation for our country’s best artists and cuisine,” said MGM Resorts International President of Events and Nightlife Sean Christie. “The Mayfair celebrates and modernizes for the 20s of today, combined with spectacular entertainment overlooking the Bellagio Fountains.” The Mayfair delivers an experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Guests can request the ‘Table of Heaven’ next to the window overlooking the spectacular aquatic ballet choreographed to music every 30 minutes.

What to order: Lemon Drop cocktail;Wagyu handrails with caviar and a glittering gold leaf; and edible chocolate and hazelnut cigar under a hickory-smoke glass cloche.

Eat. Drink. Shop Eataly Las Vegas at Park MGM is comprised of more than a dozen authentic Italian eateries and hundreds of high-quality Italian products. Visitors have the opportunity to eat, shop and learn their way through one of the greatest cuisines in the world under a single roof.

What to order: Knights Up! Every game day Eataly offers a two-course prix fixe for $28 at La Pizza e La Pasta. Enjoy a fresh salad or housemade mozzarella for a starter followed by your choice of authentic Neapolitan-style pizza or fresh pasta. This special is available all day. Enjoy with a “Knight Shandy cocktail made with Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose Vodka, Antica Carpano Vermouth, bitters, lemon juice, and topped with Dogfish Head “Seaquench” Ale. Normally priced at $16, this cocktail is only $13 on home game nights and available at all three bars inside Eataly Las Vegas.

Celebrity Chef Restaurant Gordon Ramsay Steak is a fine dining steakhouse inside Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. It’s Ramsay’s first restaurant in Las Vegas, originally open in 2012. Walk through a red neon ‘chunnel’ entrance into the bar and fiery red and black two level dining room interior. Artwork on the walls feature the celebrity and internationally renowned chef. Cuts of prime beef that are aged to perfection are presented to each table on a rolling cart. Servers explain each cut for guests to learn about before selecting.

What to order: The menu offers caviar, decadent roasted beef Wellington, a variety of seafood and steak entrees. Table iPads display an array of wines and cocktails. The botanical antioxidant cocktail with an iced shellfish platter, Triple seared Japanese A5 Kobe and Ramsay’s legendary sticky toffee pudding.

Fun Top Diner food – Cafe Hollywood inside Planet Hollywood offers iconic extravagant candy-coated Supernova Shakes. The chocolate shake is enhanced with brownies and chocolate candies. Other flavors include vanilla, banana or a creative strawberry concoction.

What to order: Poke Nachos, Hollywood Bowl salad, Grilled Mac and Cheese sandwich and a juicy The Hollywood half pound USDA Choice beef burger topped with roasted pork belly, a fried egg & garlic aioli.

Most Elegant Dining Room – Similar to the NoMad New York and NoMad Los Angeles, storytelling is the heart of the curated NoMad Restaurant in Las Vegas. The dining room walls are lined with over 20,000 David Rockefeller collection books in the soaring two-story room. Every meal is exciting by James Beard winning chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara’s team. They prepare American classics in a grand way with a touch of theatricality.

What to order: Fruits de Mer tower filled with oyster and mignonette, sea urchin and caviar, lobster and tarragon, hamachi and horseradish, king crab and fennel scallop and pistachio. The NoMad roast chicken and the American Wagyu prime rib. Stay to hear Brian Newman in the reimagined Las Vegas lounge to hear an ode to “Old Las Vegas.”

Creative Korean Fare – David Chang’s opened Majordomo Meat & Fish inside The Venetian. Guests can enjoy signature items including Chang’s smoked whole plate short ribs, famed Macaroni & Chickpea with black truffles.

What to order: a trio of Bing “fluffy flatbread” topped with spicy lamb, chickpea dip and honey butter.

Casual & Creative dining – David Chang just opened Moon Palace at The Venetian that locals and guests are excited to try the Tastys – a griddled patty served with grilled onions, American cheese on King’s Hawaiian rolls.

What to order: Hot Chips seasoned with salt or honey butter that are both crunchy and chewy in texture. Dip the chips is a Luna Sauce. For dessert the Half Dip is made up of two pillowy pancakes filled with marshmallow fluff and half-dipped in chocolate.

Where the Winners Go – Heritage Steak at The Mirage is another ultra cool celebrity chef restaurant by Tom Colicchio. His team of chefs work the charcoal grills and wood-burning ovens. The aromas from the open kitchen and immersive table side experience entertains guests senses.

What to order: Lump crab cakes, lobster salad and Australian Wagyu Flat Iron with a chimichurri glaze.

After a Show inside the MGM Grand Ambra Italain Kitchen + Bar offers a blend of classic Italian fare in a colorful setting with warm jewel tones and a soft glow of Ambra’s unique honey-golden bar and lounge shaking craft cocktails.

What to order: Crispy squash blossoms, Lobster Spaghetti Fra Diavolo, meatballs Al Forno, grilled Branzino and Tiramisu.

Tour MGM Internationals $250 Million Dollar Art Collection in Vegas

MGM Resorts Art & Culture was established in 2016 to manage all of the MGM Resorts’ collections. The public and guests staying at the Park MGM Hotel and Casino can take a free concierge led art walk every Wednesday at 10 a.m. The enriching tour includes information about the artists and art pieces through the Park MGM, ARIA, Vdara and Bellagio properties.Guests staying at the resort will notice original artwork from commission artists made from mixed media paintings, glass, paper and natural products offering interesting landscapes and gardens.

In the lobby of the Park MGM, an enormous root scupture made of branches is the creation of Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira. Located on the lobby’s ceiling near the concierge desk, the wood branches spread outwards towards the edges of the room. He used reclaimed wood sourced from Brazil and the surrounding areas of Las Vegas.

This dynamic and unique piece brings elements of a park and nature to the renovated and reimagined Park MGM (formerly the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino). On the tour participants learn how the artist wants guests to look up and reimagine themselves underneath the root system of a gigantic tree.

Iranian artists Shoka Azari and Shahram Karimi create multi-media art forms shooting a video of trees that are displayed at the Park MGM Concierge desk. Dreamscape is a merge of traditional painting on canvas with a video projection to infuse life and movement. This piece offers guests the perspective of lying down on the grass, while looking up and seeing the leaves gently move in a breeze.

Scotland-based artist Patricia Cain has a piece behind the bell desk, greeting guests with an explosion of line, color and shape. The vertical diptych (two canvas) painting offers abstracted tree branches that challenge the viewer’s depth of field.

The NoMad, a high-end boutique hotel that takes over the upper floors inside the Park MGM Hotel and Casino, offers a separate reception lobby, restaurant, bar, and casino. The design offers bits of Las Vegas mixed with a luxury New York flair.

Inside the beautiful dimly lit rooms are some of the best art displays and framed pieces on the walls. Near the exquistie NoMad Restaaurant is an exquisite Katie McGuire sculpture made with 2,000 magpie bird feathers.

Also displayed in NoMad near the restaurant, is a group of framed art pieces featuring models from JET and Ebony magazines that are enhanced by artist Lorna Simpson.

There are three Israeli artist Guy Yanai commissioned pieces on display in Park MGM’s pool promenade and elevator lobbies. Executed with a dense series of narrow, horizontal brushstrokes, Yanai’s bold candy-colored paintings feature women, exteriors and interiors of houses, parks and potted plants.

Woman Outside, 2018 is oil on canvas that is 71′ x 119′ large, demonstrating how his linear bold brush strokes look like pieces of tape to create a colorful and bold landscape with simplified shapes.

Walking through the Park MGM Casino, we stopped at the Oxacan themed Mama Rabitt Bar, home to over 200 different mezcals and tequilas. On the wall is a massive colorful Okuda San Miguel mural titled “Mother Natura” inspired by the legend of Mayahuel, the Mexican goddess of agave and fertility. Through his pop-surralistic style goddess Mayahuel is looking down upon a valley of agave pryamids.

Mama Rabbit Bar is a MGM partnership with James Beard Award-winner Bricia Lopez, dubbed a “Oaxacan Princess” by the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Gold. The concept celebrates Oaxacan culture and spirits with craft cocktails, and a menu of small bites.

ARIA Hotel and Casino offers The ARIA Fine Art Collection. One of the most fascinating pieces of art is a model of Seven Magic Mountains. The actual art exhibit is located about 20 minutes from the resort in the middle of the desert at June Dry Lake.

Swiss born artist Ugo Rondinone’s colorful art installation is a collection of 33 enormous boulders weighing 10 to 25 tons. They are painted bright coats of whimsical neon colored paint, before the artist stacked the enormous rocks into totem towers reaching up to 35 feet tall. They rest on the warm desert floor among flora, fauna, and animal species including endangered desert tortoise and snakes that live in this area.

Pop art Seven Magic Mountains draws attention to the beauty of the desert near Las Vegas, a city known for its award winning art, music and sports.

Walking from ARIA to Vdara, we noticed a striking sculpture by artist Nancy Runbins. She assembled over 200 colorful canoes and kayaks called ‘Big Edge’ as the centerpiece of the Las Vegas City Center roundabout. It looks like a unique, enormous spiky flower arrangement.

Vdara is one of the non-gaming, non-smoking, pet friendly MGM properties. The voluminous Vdara lobby walls display ‘Day For Night, Night For Day’ by American artist Peter Wegner. It’s a fusion of art and architecture presented in towering sculptures made from almost 2 million post card size pieces of colored paper suspended from a steel compression frame.

The golden pixilated solar burst on a red background is featured on the West Wall. The cool moon on the East Wall is 45′ x 10′ 9′. This talented artist also created the light fixtures hanging down next to these pieces illuminating the lobby.

The 90 minute tour ends in the lobby of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino to admire one of the world’s leading glass art sculptures by American glass artist Dale Chihuly. Looking up, we admired 2,000 hand-blown colorful glass flowers titled “Fiori di Como.” This 2,100 sq. ft. glass sculpture hangs for thousands of people to admire these stunning glass blossoms.

Next time you visit Las Vegas, take a tour to learn about the award-winning art pieces and people who created them.

This article was featured in JustLuxe January, 2020.

Review: Cirque du Soleil R.U.N. at Luxor Las Vegas

From the moment you enter the lobby of the 1,463-seat theater inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino, you are transformed into an underworld of bright red lights spelling out the word RUN. It’s edgy, gritty, and filled with street art on every wall. What you see are clues to Hollywood filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids, Machete and Alita: Battle Angel) newest live action story.

It is one of the most immersive thrillers ever produced in Las Vegas. Before taking a seat, theater goers walk by a car crashed into a wall, visit an interactive telephone booth, witness someone getting a tattoo at an onsite tattoo shop, and stand near a red lit Wedding Chapel front door with the words “Til Death” in neon letters.

Cast members perform a choreographed acrobatic fight right before audiences eyes, setting the mood and tone that continues into the restrooms with this one-of-a-kind Cirque du Soleil show.

It’s a bit of “Fast and Furious” meets “West Side Story” with a “Romeo and Juliet” spin and tortuous “Saw” scenes rolled into one. Montreal based Cirque and Vegas brought in a top notch Hollywood creative team with Rodriguez, including director Michael Schwandt (The Masked Singer), along with Cirque alum Stefan Miljevic, and action and horror composer Tyler Bates (Dawn of the Dead, 300, John Wick and Sucker Punch).

Taking inspiration from graphic novels, R.U.N offers precisely choreographed stunt performance, impressive technology and a multimedia stage, luring the audience to experience the underground and outskirts of Las Vegas. The enlarged projection screens enhances the action by the cast with scenes of the city.

Rodriguez creates a love triangle of a Hero, feisty Bride-to-be, and The Groom. Two clans with “tough as nails” girlfriends perform stunt-filled chases up and down stairs, riding motorbikes down theatre aisles and onstage. A team of video camera operators follow their every move and project their actions on the large screens.

An important star in the show is the DJ who mixes the music while standing in the upper back of the theatre with a halo above her head. She sets the tone rockin’ to Tyler Bates music. The Doctor character is insane performing inhuman acts on those he captures.

If the creators goal is to attract a younger crowd, they succeeded. Everyone loves a good romance, with chase scenes, and motorcyclists racing up a 12-foot-tall ramp, levitating off of their seat, and testing the limits of gravity, however I winced and shielded my eyes during the torture scenes. The pyrotechnics of humans on fire were very realistic and made me uncomfortable too, yet a 20-something man sitting next to me, later told me he opened his eyes even wider during these scenes.

“R.U.N” is Cirque’s first new show in Las Vegas since “Michael Jackson: One” opened in May 2013. It raises the bar of multimedia magic, jaw dropping stunts and martial arts, and death defying pyrotechnic performances. It’s one of the most titillating “see it to believe it” Las Vegas shows on The Strip.

R.U.N official premiere was Nov. 14, 2019. Directed by Michael Schwandt, with a screenplay and opening narration by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Original score composed by Tyler Bates. Tickets start at $59. The theater is dark Monday and Tuesday. Show times are 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Viva Paris Las Vegas in 2020

Located right in the center of the Las Vegas Strip, Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino is celebrating 2020 on a grand scale. The moment guests arrive they will feel as if they are entering the Paris Opera House and the Louve. The entrance of the resort has Paris spelled out in bright lights on a large and colorful hot air balloon. Nearby is a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower and 2/3 scale replica of the famous Arc de Triomphe near the circular valet arrival area.

Inside European cobblestone pathways lead guests to French cafes, bars and shops. Fine dining restaurants include the Eiffel Tower Restaurant evoking a romantic atmosphere similar to the Paris, France landmark. Dine 100 feet above the Strip underneath the Eiffle Tower Experience Observation Deck. Before or after dinner, take a glass elevator up 46 floors to the top of the Eiffel Tower for 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and beyond.

New to the Eiffel Tower is a holiday illuminations light show. Every 30 minutes starting at sunset is a recurring light show featuring over 300 red, green and blue lights choreographed to music, with 800 strobe white lights illuminating the tower’s exterior. The best view is outside of the Paris Hotel.

Directly across the street is the Bellagio dancing water fountain that runs every 30 minutes. The views during the day are breathtaking and at sunset and in the evening the twinkle lights of the city are spectacular. There is a slight fee to ride to the top.

World-famous television personality and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s first Las Vegas restaurant was built in 2012 inside the Paris Las Vegas Hotel next to the casino. Gordon Ramsay Steak is another fine dining experience at the hotel. The upscale steakhouse recently received an interior and menu refresh.

Walk through a red neon ‘chunnel’ entrance into the lobby and bar of this open, two-story fine dining restaurant. The black, white and red decor displays updated artwork of Gordon Ramsay on the walls.

The refreshed menu offers Table iPads displaying an array of wine and cocktail selections. Wines are catagorized to pair perfectly with Ramsay’s various cuts of prime beef that are aged and presented tableside. The knowledgable service staff inform each guest at the table about the different cuts of meat to select.

What to order: The Antioxidant cocktail; an iced shellfish platter; baked potato flight; fried Blue Point oysters; decadent roasted beef Wellington; triple-seared Japanese A5 Kobe; and Ramsay’s legendary sticky toffee pudding.

There are a variety of 9 different rooms and suites in this 2916 room hotel. Each have a flat-screen television, safe, refrigerator, WIFI and large view window. The Burgandy King Room offers a comfortable king size bed, Parisian decor, small bathtub and separate shower. Select suites feature a separate living area, wet bar and whirlpool tub in the room.

Amenities include designer toiletries, 24 hour room service, access to the 25,000 serene Voie Spa and Salon, and Soleil rooftop pool situated directly under the replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Inside the Paris Casino is a replica of La Fontaine des Mers and a 1,200-seat theatre called Le Théâtre des Arts. The lively Paris Casino offers table games, push button and pull the handle themed slot machines, and sports betting among European-style décor, reminiscent of the City of Light.

Order a drink and place your bets on the big race, game, or match at the Paris Las Vegas Race and Sports Book. Keep track of the action on live TV and scoreboards.

Soar above the Strip in one of the Big Wheel Observation Wheel capsules. Riders rise 550 feet in the air in a slow moving 30 minute rotation. They are offering a NYE package that includes a pre-party with entertainment, premium open bar, heavy appetizers and a top-tier cabin view of the midnight fireworks show. Finish with a midnight champagne toast.

After midnight upgrade and continue partying into the early morning hours with a Happy Half Hour ticket. This includes one 30 minute rotation with an in-cabin open bar and bartender to serve up the fun. Happy Half Hour tickets are available daily from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests must be 21 and older to ride in a bar cabin.

Start 2020 with a Vegas Chocolate Tour to learn all about the history of chocolate in Las Vegas. This 4-hour guide led experience offers multiple tasting opportunities starting with samples at M&M World. See a replica of the Statue of Liberty made from 1,800 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars at Hershey’s World at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Your guide will drive you to a behind the scene self-guided tour of chocolate making at Vegas’ own Ethel M Chocolate Factory, after you sip chocolate wine near the famous “Welcome to Vegas” sign.

The last stop is an over-the-top chocolate shake with brownies and chocolate candies at Cafe Hollywood inside Planet Hollywood. For those who have had enough chocolate, the Vegas Chocolate Tour guides will pre-order a vanilla and banana or strawberry creative concoction.

Multi-Platinum and Grammy Award-Winning artist Christina Aguilera rings in the New Year with her Residency – Christina Aguilera XPREIENCE at the Zappos Theater at the nearby Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. VIP Meet & Greet opportunities are available, as well as Front and Center VIP Table Experiences.

Take a drive 10 miles south of Las Vegas to see the one-of-a-kind art installation Seven Magic Mountains, by internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. This large-scale piece includes 7 stacked colorful boulders that stand more than 35 feet tall. This site-specific public outdoor art is located near Jean Dry Lake and Interstate 15 and remains on view through the end of 2021.

Starting the new year in Las Vegas will have you soaring to new heights with all of the winning activities the city has to offer in 2020.

This review is also featured in JustLuxe

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