There are those who are Vegas virgins and -- of course -- there are the highly seasoned vets. For the former, one should explore all that Sin City has to offer, from the glitz of the strip to old-school Fremont Street. For the latter, a luxury hotel that affords everything that one needs is about as good as it gets. Enter, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Here, you could check in, lounge by the pool, gamble, and eat and drink your way through an entire weekend without leaving -- even once. And you'd not regret it just one bit. Here's why.
The Rooms
The Cosmopolitan is the only hotel in Las Vegas with terraces, and in this case, many that overlook the famed Bellagio fountains. The property was originally built as condos, so the layout offers super spacious digs that feel more like a stylish friend's apartment -- only with room service. We stayed in the terrace one bedroom with fountain views, and fell in love with the living area, decorated with a plush blue sofa, mini bar, and swanky artwork. The separate bedroom area felt ultra luxe, while the bathroom -- complete with a Japanese soaking tub that overlooked the strip -- actually provides a relaxing experience in Vegas. At night, order a drink and head to the terrace for over-the-top views of the fountains from your own private balcony. (Rooms start at $195 per night.)
The Food
One of the most glorious things about staying at The Cosmopolitan is the myriad of dining options. Start your day at EggSlut. This simple celebration of all-things egg is the anecdote to Vegas nights. There's the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich, made with hardwood smoked bacon, an over-medium egg, cheddar cheese, and chipotle ketchup, served on a warm brioche bun; or The Slut: a coddled egg on top of potato purée, cooked in a glass jar topped with gray salt and chives, and served with slices of baguette. The hotel houses a cold-pressed juice bar for something lighter. Come dinner, don't miss Rose.Rabbit.Lie. Inspired by old-school supper clubs, you'll be served reinvented American dishes (think caviar-stuffed tacos, a king crab for the table, and the quirkiest of cookie jars), set to a live band with rotating entertainment like break dancers and sultry lounge singers. In addition, you'll find David Chang's Momofuku, Scarpetta, STK, Christina Tosi's Milk Bar, and loads more. In fact, you'd need at least a week to hit every restaurant on the property.
The Drinks
The Cosmo certainly doesn't lack in handsome options for tipping back cocktails -- there seems to be a fabulous bar around every corner. But trust us, you won't want to miss The Chandelier, an architectural dream loft where you'll sip well-made quaffs in a life-size beaded chandelier. Head to the 1.5 level of the bar and ask for the Verbena, created by Mariena Mercer, chef mixologist; this off-the-menu drink is made with a tongue-numbing Szechuan button, along with blanco tequila, yuzu, kaffir leaves, calamansi, and ginger for a kickier version of the margarita.
The Gaming
The massive 100,000-square-foot casino features approximately 1,400 slot machines with individual gaming tables, video blackjack, and poker machines at the bars and lounges scattered around the property. There's also the The Talon Club: a "speakeasy" built for high-stakes gamblers with a discrete setting that includes humidors stocked with fine cigars and Scotch lockers housing a vast collection of vintage libations. Here, the walls are lined with works from Andy Warhol and John Chamberlain. The newly redesigned Race & Sports Book boasts LED video walls, dozens of high-definition television screens, and both lounge-style seating areas along with traditional betting stations. There's also a VIP area where guests can view sports on their own 90-inch high-definition television, perfect for March Madness or bachelor parties.
The Pools
The Cosmopolitan is home to three pools: The Bamboo Pool, off the spa, with a more relaxed vibe; the Boulevard Pool, which hosts seasonal Dive In movies, complete with cocktails and movie snacks under the stars; and the Marquee Day Club, a massive nightclub in the daylight hours. Whichever suits your style, renting a cabana or daybed at one of the above is about a luxe as it gets.
Added Bonus
Need a cocktail dress for the evening? The hotel has its very own on-site Rent the Runway where you can rent a designer dress from say Badgley Mischka, Jason Wu, or Narciso Rodriguez for the evening. The store offers accessories, jewelry, handbags, and sunglasses, too.