A Las Vegas Lifestyle Guide

The Galavantier Blog

Have a big meal. With perhaps a glass of wine. Enjoy dessert too. And another glass. Then sit back, rest your eyes for a moment, and get ready to soar.

When CityCenter opened its doors on the Las Vegas strip the Las Vegas visitor was welcomed to a new Las Vegas. Everything was bright and shiny and the expanse of land that once housed the Boardwalk casino was now a focal point for a luxurious and upscale vacation. Walk off the Las Vegas strip and as you walk by the Crystals Shopping Center and gaze high up at the Mandarin Oriental you’ll notice the dominant tower that is ARIA Resort. Look around you’ll probably notice a tram moving over your head and sculptures tucked away in spots on the property. This is not your typical Las Vegas.

The Experience
This is the 24 hour hotel café that has been taken to another level. You’ll soon find out that regardless of what time you are having a meal you can probably expect more than your typical coffee shop menu. This is comfort food that is getting you to an even more comfortable level. Leave your dietary restrictions at home because you’ll walk in to Citizens for a convenient meal and walk out stuffed. The portions are ample and you’ll be surprised but what they are doing.

Las Vegas is many things to many people: excitement, adventure, entertainment, indulgence. But one aspect which somehow receives less attention is the amazing array of retail shopping here. Nearly every major brand, from high-end to bargain is represented on the Las Vegas Strip, and often more than once. For example, the Forum Shops at Caesars actually has two Louis Vuitton stores. For that matter, within a couple miles on the Strip can be found dueling huge Ross discount shops. But don’t let me get ahead of myself.

Las Vegas has always been a good place to drink. But now it’s an excellent place to drink. Not jut because you’re always within arm’s reach of someone happy to serve you (age and moderation in mind) but because there’s so much variety and creativity everywhere you turn.

You could get excited about the MGM Grand Resort for so many reasons that it soon becomes apparent to you that it is hard to top this resort for the complete Las Vegas Vacation. At a quick glance you can point to the food choices, the entertainment and the nightlife. Of course if you consider its location and its sprawling pool area you might not be able to ever stay anywhere else.

Sometimes you just can’t top a classic. While Vegas continues building bigger and better clubs, one more fabulous than the next, there is still an instinct to stick with what you know and love.

And so, Body English at the Hard Rock Hotel endures. In fact, HRH tried to close down Body English and replace it with another nightclub—and while that one had its merits (Vanity is a beautiful room, and now makes a great event space), the BE fans would not be denied. The classic is back, and with just a bit of polish, better than ever.

Can one day really make a vacation? Can 24 hours change your perspective? Can it help you relax? Revitalize? Re-charge? I think so. If you took one day to do nothing but think of yourself and focus on your well being it could make a difference.

The place to do that? Pallazo Las Vegas.

The Experience
The lounge at Nobu is where the action is at. Some might say you should head to the sushi bar while others will comment about the atmosphere in the dining room. Yes, those places are fine, but I’m all about getting comfortable. I’m the type of person who likes havng bad posture while eating good food. I like to sink into a large chair while sipping a cocktail. I like a flirtatious smile amongst a couple of people while snacking on a few small dishes.

Right in the center of the Las Vegas strip the lights seem brighter. The atmosphere seems more energetic. Las Vegas feels a lot like, well, Las Vegas.

The Flamingo Las Vegas has the bright lights and the action spills out onto the sidewalk. This icon of the Las Vegas strip has been here since the beginning and as it evolves so does Las Vegas. Maybe it's not a high end luxury resort but it still is a great place to stay and your dollar will go a long way.