Aura & Michael
Things To Do
Restaurant Recommendations
This is the cozymeal list of the best restaurants in Vegas. Be prepared to dump your wallet on the table and enjoy the best meal of your life at these spts.
Paris Las Vegas
This is the wedding block hotel. We stayed here in April to check it out. It is centrally located on the strip with easy access to everything Vegas has to offer. Connected to the Horeshoe Hotel & Casino you can access the monorail for travel to either end of the strip. Set up your Ceasar's Rewards when you arrive! Highlights: Food: Gordan Ramsey Steak $$$$$ Vanderpump A Paris $$$$ (read the review!) Bobby Flay's Burgers $$ Alexxa's $$$ Spectacles: Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck $ (Book during the Bellagio Fountain Show) Le Cabaret Lounge- Shows (Showgirls) Fridays and Saturdays 9-12 Monte Cristo Cigar Bar (with cigars available for purchase) Pool- The pool here is amazing! Placed beneath the Eiffel Tower it is Vegas Kitsch at its finest. Mom, this one is for you! Gambling- This is a mid-tier casino. Michael had the best time gambling here when I was taking a nap. Wednesday morning, he had great waitress service and played at a $15 min. The average weekday tables were $15- $25.
Gordon Ramsay Steak
Located within the Hotel this intimate steakhouse is incredible! We had the best meal of our lives here. (You should trust us with this one because we know how to eat). The Espresso Martini was a 10/10. Their take on French Onion Soup was heavenly. The famous Wellington lives up to the hype and Michael could have eaten the Wagyu with a spoon. It's a beautiful sexy space with great service. My only regret is that I didn't have room for dessert. This restaurant is VERY expensive. However, it was worth Every penny. I definitely recommend this place if you want a celebratory steak dinner, full blown Vegas style.
Vanderpump à Paris
Okay, how to describe the experience that is Vanderpump 'A Paris... First off, if you are a Bravo fan (like myself) it is a MUST. That being said, do not expect to be impressed by Lisa Vanderpump's hospitality. Much like SUR it is a tourist trap. You NEED a reservation for this place. Even with a reservation you will need to wait in a line to be seated. Honestly, the host stand was run very poorly. We were seated late for our reservation and we arrived early. Then they told us they didn't have a table. Either a lounge couch or a high-top. So, we decided to just have cocktails. Once they heard that a table magically appeared. We decided to stay put at the hightop which was great because Oliver was our server! (s/o Barbara for our celeb sighting). Poor Oliver, was not born for the waiter life, as shown in his harried service. But we understand, he was probably being bombarded with photos. The cocktails are delicious but expensive. Beware to read the ingredients, peppercorn trauma.
Alexxa's Las Vegas
Part of the hotel, we had brunch here when we touched down. It was a terrific meal. We each had a sandwich and got a celebratory pitcher of Sangria. There is a $30 2-hour bottomless deal as well. The service was great and the atmosphere was young and lively. $$$ We got to witness a bachelor party trying to pick up a bachelorette party, and they were liking it.
Horseshoe Las Vegas
Attached to the Paris, this hotel offers many silly attractions and monorail access. It's super fun and a favorite! Gambling: One of the low tier no casinos. Weekday mornings they had $10 Black Jack. Ceasar's Rewards. Monorail: a single ride is $6 the monorail connects between the MGM and the Sahara. There are unlimited passes for single or multi-day. This option is a MUST to avoid the heat. A One Day pass is $15! We went to the Strat & MGM and back to the hotel, barely going outside. Highlights: Shows: Dita Von Teese Potted Potter Attractions: Twilight Zone Monster Mini Golf Arcade Dino Safari (looks really cool and wholesome) Fake Welcome to Las Vegas Sign (photo op) Photo booth (we did the mob backgrounds) VR rides Massages Shopping: Grand Bazaar Shops: Outdoor Shopping Mall filled with bars and other fun shops to check out. Food: Horseshoe Food Hall (24 hrs.) Fast Food Nosh Deli Guy Fieri's Sports Bar
Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Right next door to the Paris! It's pink, and kitschy and fun! My personal favorite place to gamble! We had a great time playing Black Jack here. The vibes were immaculate, and the first dealer was top notch. This mid-tier casino kept the drinks flowing and the conversation going. Highlights: Gambling: mid- tier $15- $25 weekday. Good Vibes! Ceasar's Rewards. Shopping: Miracle Mile Shops: An affordable shopping mall. I think you can also earn rewards by shopping there. True to its name it is a mile + of shopping! Shows: Shania Twain Criss Angel Jeff Dunham Gloria Trevi Sum 41 King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Food: Gordan Ramsey Burger PF Changs Starbucks (in case you need a Vegas mug, Mom)
Bellagio Hotel & Casino
The Bellagio is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Simply walking through is an experience on its own. Highlights: You can window shop what is essentially 5th Avenue. They even have an Alexander McQueen! Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: This photo op is unbelievable. Giant sculptures surrounded by fresh flowers. It is a princess wonderland! Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: $18 if the art reflects anything about the hotel it is a can't miss, the only reason we did was because we had errands to run. Shows: Bellagio Fountain Show- So fun! We saw it right up close against the fountain. Happening frequently after dark, this is a quintessential Vegas experience. You can also book your Eiffel Tower viewing deck tickets during show time for an extra special experience. Food: Some of the best high-end restaurants on the strip. Spa!!! This is a world class spa. According to a Vegas expert it is an experience worth the cost. (s/o Mary).
Caesars Palace
"Stab Ceasar's". Honestly, I'm putting this here to warn you not to gamble in this place. The dealer was incredibly misogynistic. They asked Michael if I was gambling, both men the dealer and the pit boss. They didn't process my rewards card either. Also, the vibes were terrible and the table was a weird continuous situation. However, we went to Omnia nightclub and had a blast. The DJ was pretty terrible but we still had a great time. Plus, it was a Tuesday so I can't imagine how much more fun it would be on a weekend. Shopping: The Forum Shops- a high end shopping mall. Contains one of the few dozen Louis Vuitton's in Vegas. Nightlife: Omnia Night Club $$$$ Vanderpump Cocktail Garden Food: Bacchanal Buffet- A famous Vegas Buffet Many celebrity restaurants
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
We don't care what anyone says, this is the New York City Hotel for New Yorkers in Vegas. Stunningly beautiful with a giant pink chandelier that encases a bar that spans three floors over the casino, each floor with a different atmosphere. Highlights: Nightlife: There are many beautiful high-end bars in this hotel, everywhere you turn is a classy, sexy, experience. Marquee: Night Club and Day Club (looks like a ball) (We are considering getting a table here over wedding weekend). Friday 16- Sunset Cocktail Hour Boulevard Pool 6:30- 8:30 Food: The quality of the restaurants here feels like a night out at home. There are many choices of high end cocktails and cuisines. Food Hall: They have a food hall filled with pop ups of famous restaurants across the country. We had delicious wraps, before we went clubbing, at the Momofuku pop up.
The Venetian Las Vegas
Love, Love, Love the Venetian! Our car rental was out of the Hertz in this hotel, so we had an excuse to explore. The beautiful hotel is home to the Venetian gondola rides and photo opportunities. Much like the Paris the Venetian is designed to transport you across the world. Highlights: Vegas Shows!!! There are so many to choose from at this venue I will do my best to pick some highlights: Belle de Nuit (in Voltaire) a blend of burlesque and Studio 54 Atomic Saloon Show- The Wild West meets Vegas David Spade and Nikki Glazer- comedy Christina Aguilera Nightlife: There are many high end beautiful cocktail bars Kamu Karaoke! Tao nightclub Voltaire (my choice would be Voltaire over Tao for obvious reasons) Food: HaSalon- Celebrity Israeli Food (That counts as Kosher nu?) Wakuda- considered one of the best in Vegas, this restaurant has a beautiful omakase option (Sarah, Dan we have you in mind for this one) Miznon- VEGAN! A cheaper option Israeli restaurant (famous in NYC)
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
The STRAT is a great time. Accessible by taking the monorail to the Sahara it is a short walk with some seedier Vegas sights along the way. The beginning of Wedding Row, you're bound to see some happy couples getting hitched in this area. Strip Gun Club- Shooting Range. We aren't entirely sure what this was, but we'd like to know more... Highlights: STRAT Viewing Deck: For daytime or (more striking) nighttime. Happy Hour 3-6. $21. The equivalent of NYC's The Edge you go up a crazy high elevator to stare out over the Vegas Strip. Thrill Rides- if you want to jump off a building, here is where you do it! Also imagine going on the highest drop ride of your life. This is your chance! Check out their website for details and deals. Free Slots! This was such a fun part of the Strat. Every time we bought something from the hotel, we got scratch off tickets awarding free slot play if we signed up for their rewards. Penny slots with $20 yes please! Magic Shop! We saw a really cool trick!
MGM Grand
We Love the MGM Grand! Big, Bold, and Bright this hotel screams luxury and a great time! Accessible by the monorail this hotel houses some of the best in Vegas. Highlights: Pool: Mom, they have a Lazy River! You have to buy tickets for this pool because we aren't staying in this hotel. We asked to walk around, and this pool is amazing! Also, home to Wet Republic Ultra Pool Day Club! Destinations: Hakkasan Nightclub/ Restaurant: Known to be the best nightclub on the strip, Michael and I are trying to party there when we are all in Vegas. Also, home to a top-rated fine dining restaurant and lounge. Zero Latency: VR/ Laser Tag escape the Zombie Apocalypse. $50, 30-min. Top Golf: Smack some balls overlooking the Vegas Strip. To get your wife to come along, entice her with the two pools and live performances. Shows: KA cirque du soleil, Chinese edition Brad Garrett's Comedy Club David Copperfield!!! Food: We had lunch at Luchini's and it was delicious! $$$
Treasure Island - TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, a Radisson Hotel
Unfortunately, we weren't able to go inside but just from the entrance we know we'll get a kick out of this hotel in August! Perched outside is their wedding chapel, a giant pirate ship with a half-naked mermaid on the bow. Highlights: Shows: Mystere by Cirque du Soleil their Hallmark show Attractions: The Cove- Bar and Arcade Honky Tonk at Gilly's Saloon Senor Frogs Drag Brunch!!!!! Ft. Drag- Race Queens!!! (Ladies, Assemble!)
Planet 13 Las Vegas
Planet 13 is the self-proclaimed "largest dispensary in the world." We walked all the way here from the hotel (I do not recommend this in August!) It was a cool experience. You take a number to be seen by a bud tender if you would like to purchase anything there. However, it is a very Vegas experience just to browse around and learn a bit more about marijuana culture. Inside, they have specialty deals for your 2nd visit. (And $13 flower). They also have a lounge where you can legally consume marijuana purchased inside the bar. You should make a reservation for this! Honestly, it looks like a Vegas experience you can't miss.
Erotic Heritage Museum
We popped our heads in because how could you resist an advertisement for Penis Puppetry. What we did see (we didn't pay for the museum) was silly and interestingly educational. Other than their entertaining take on sex they have a photo booth in the lobby, and we saw a very interesting exhibit on the dangers of breast implants.
Grand Canyon Tours
There are many different options for a Grand Canyon Tour. The website attached is a list of the blogs favorites. You can book tours through Trip Advisor and even through credit card points. (There are tons of Vegas attractions purchasable with points) Beware it will be way over 100 degrees while we are in Vegas so think of that when you pick your tour. Also, be prepared to travel with hats, sunblock, sunglasses, and water!