Vegas Bound
It’s Vegas, baby! Needs we say more? Well, for those who know not much about the perks of taking a trip to Las Vegas, we have compiled some interesting secrets to make your next trip that much more exciting:
1. Best Photo Ops: Some of the most underappreciated Vegas photo attractions are – wait for it – parking garages. You probably don’t think there’s much to see in a parking garage, and that’s totally untrue, especially if you’ve ever watched a Vegas episode of “COPS.” JK. The rooftops are actually great places to take pretty and unique photos of the Las Vegas Strip. But there’s a catch – you’ve got to take your pictures before the bike cops find you and kick you out for “loitering” (highly subjective, we know), so consider yourself warned. Good Luck!
Bellagio
I have heard that the Bellagio’s parking garage is a lot lower than others on Las Vegas Boulevard, and that gives you a completely different angle. It also doesn’t hurt that it is probably the most photogenic section of the Strip with the Eiffel Tower, Bellagio fountains and the High Roller all visible within the same frame. Tip: If you time it right with the fountain show schedule, your photo would be that much more amazing.
Rio
I have heard that the Voodoo Rooftop Nightclub has a great view of the Strip, but recently I read that Rio’s parking garage is a lot lower and makes you feel closer to the action. You can easily get a shot of the entire resort corridor on Las Vegas Boulevard, and still show the scale of these massive hotels. When you’re up too
high, each property looks like a tiny dot and can kind of feel much less impressive. Go to the Rio garage at night when you can get all the glittery, glamoury goodness of the neon lights.
2. Table Service that won't break you: Sometimes you just want to sit down with your friends and put back an entire bottle of Sky Vodka without having to go back to the bar every ten seconds. And most of those times you’d like to do it without dipping into your college fund. You’re saving that money for your future, or maybe a cruise, whichever comes first. Well, fret not; as though people ever actually fret anymore. Vegas has you covered with affordable bottle service where you can toast to your ongoing glory days and still make your next student loan payment.
Revolver at Santa Fe Station
How much: $100+
Moving away from the Strip, we run into a fantastic country bar/nightclub at Santa Fe Station. Revolver has line dancing, music and a whole lot of drinkies. Plus, you don’t have all the ruckus that comes from the Strip. If you’re staying on the west or north sides of town, or you just want to get away from the bustle for a bit, Revolver has all the same action you’ll find at the bigger name clubs, just in an atmosphere where you can settle in and enjoy it.
107 Skylounge at Stratosphere
How much: $160+
107 Skylounge is at the top of the Stratosphere, looking over the city as well as Top of the World restaurant. You have access to Air Bar if you want more of a party, and the Thrill Rides if the bottle has made you adventurous. There’s enough up there to keep you busy planning throughout the entire drinking process. Just don’t forget to breathe in the thin air.
Mandarin Bar at Mandarin Oriental How much: $130+
Another high up bar, Mandarin Bar is the epitome of class in Las Vegas. It’s one spot that is recommend for romance, rendezvous and all around pleasure. You can always just show up, but the experience is better when you reserve a table, a bottle and some fantastic food. Go on a night when they have live jazz and round out the whole night.
LAVO Casino Club at Palazzo How much: Packages start at $220. (Packages with full bottles start at $600.)
This is a nightspot with a casino twist including table games as well as food and drinks. It caters to the crowd that loves to gamble, but wants something wilder than the casino floor and less stuffy than the high roller rooms. They have table packages available that give you a place to sit, various food choices, complimentary cocktails and much more. Pick your level and enjoy. You also get free entry to Tao Nightclub at Venetian after midnight.
Vista Cocktail Lounge at Caesars Palace How much: $300+
Now we’re moving away from the clubs to the lounges that make up Las Vegas’ booming cocktail scene. This lounge has spectacular decor, with screens on the walls that display beautiful cityscapes. And the cocktails are amazing as well. They have music playing to mask the sounds of the casino. So if you want a place to relax with a bottle, and maybe a date or two, come to Vista and get your swank on.
Ghostbar and GBDC at the Palms How much: $350+
Located on the 55th floor of the freshly upgraded Ivory Tower, you’ll find Ghostbar floating like a specter made of glitter and vodka. It’s become a Las Vegas party place like none other, and it always gives us a thrill. The layout blurs the lines between club and lounge, so it’s a great place to get a bottle and enjoy the view. Whether you go at night or hit up GBDC (Ghostbar Dayclub), you’ll enjoy how the party wraps around you as you bask in the luxury of your table.
3. The DJ will take your request now: As much as you want to hear Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” the DJ does not want to play it for you. But when you book certain VIP bottle packages (like the $10,000 bundle at Mandalay Bay’s Light Nightclub), you get to specify the song to which your bottle parade or birthday cake rolls in. So Mr. DJ will just have to hold his tongue if you want to send out “Dear Future Husband” to that sweet young thing from across the way. Just this once.
4. Don’t cab it—take a limo.
It’s a lot cheaper than you think to upgrade from a sweaty taxicab with cramped legroom to a ride that befits your Vegas vacation. And you don’t need to call ahead. Any person or group can talk to the doorman and he will walk them over and get them into a limo.
For example, you can get a one-way trip on the Strip for six to 10 people in a standard limo for $75 to $90. You can also fit five in a sedan for $35 to $45, up to seven in an SUV for $45 to $60, 15 to 20 in a party bus for $100 to $120 and 20 to 30 in an SUV or Hummer limo for $125 to $180.
Regardless of which style you want to arrive in, booking a limo for you and your friends is the way to go in Sin City.
5. Many hotels offer packages just for the guys.
Ladies may get whisked away to a VIP table the moment they walk in the club, but it can be a bit more difficult for gentlemen. It’s the hotel that’s usually more interested in attracting the guys’ attention. When booking rooms, ask if the resort offers any package deals.
The Venetian offers a Gentleman’s Choice spa package where you score two nights in a luxury suite, a massage and straight-razor shave (100 minutes), lunch and more.
