City Guide: Las Vegas, US

“You have to be a certain type of boring if you don’t enjoy the entertainment capital of the world.” Get ready to party, Las Vegas style.

Las Vegas is affectionately known as Sin City, and not without good reason. The desert destination is an assault on the senses; there bright neon lights, the clink and ring of slot machines and the cornucopia of high-end restaurants and swanky bars that make Vegas a mecca for foodies.

Vegas is not a place to do half-heartedly. Visitors should delve into the gluttonous, lavish excess with gusto. Shop till you drop in the Strip's couture offerings or sun by the pool with a piña colada by day, then dress up and head out to gamble, drink and dance the night away. The next morning, indulge in a massage at one of the lavish spas touted by many of the hotels. Whether you're in town for the eye-popping shows, to win big at the poker tables or to feast at one of the legendary bacchanal buffets, there's no need to actually leave the main drag. After all, the whole point of Vegas is to lure you in and never let you leave.

hotel

Wynn

Las Vegas, United States

Steve Wynn, the architect of modern Las Vegas, has created an all-singing, all-dancing Wynnter Wonderland at his eponymous Strip resort. The curved, copper-toned hotel features maze-like marble walkways that snake between gaming tables, swimming pools, the world famous XS nightclub, an impressive buffet, a fully functioning carousel and a selection of fine art by the likes of Gustave Eiffel, Jeff Koons and Fernando Botero. Rooms in both the Wynn and Encore towers are spacious with a clean neutral colour palette, and they ‘greet’ you upon arrival by automatically drawing the curtains; if you’re lucky you’ll have a panoramic view of the Strip.

Address

3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109

hotel

Caesar's Palace

Las Vegas, United States

“This isn’t the real Caesars Palace is it?” With an enormous fountain garnished with Roman nudes, you’d almost be forgiven for thinking so. The beast that is Caesars Palace is home to the best shopping centre and most buzzing casino in Vegas as well as over 4,000 rooms that stretch over five towers. The Roman Tower is the cheapest option; the Forum and Palace Towers are the best-positioned while the Augustus and Octavius towers offer views over the Strip and the Bellagio fountains. Caesars Nobu Hotel is the most luxurious option, but if you’re looking to recreate the ultimate Hangover experience, then the Emperor’s Suite in the Forum Tower is your best bet.

Address

3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109 LAs Vegas

hotel

Delano

Las Vegas, United States

This South Beach-inspired hotel introduces understated elegance into a city of decadence and drama. Eschewing the ostentatious entrances typical of big resorts, the Delano welcomes you through a low, cave-like door framed by an enormous split boulder from the Mojave Desert. The hallway carpet maps the course of the Colorado River and rolls towards a hanging, sand-coloured rock installation. Minimalism also reigns supreme in the bedrooms; they are fitted in bright whites and muted greys, with accents of gold just to remind you that you’re in Vegas. Philosophical greeting cards from The School of Life and a spacious bathroom stashed with Malin + Goetz products are just some of the rooms’ thoughtful touches.

Address

3940 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89119 Las Vegas

hotel

Bellagio

Las Vegas, United States

Rooms in this famous Strip hotel are comfortable but it’s in the communal areas that the Bellagio really comes to life. Upon entering, a beautiful blown-glass ceiling leads you into a conservatory, alive with installations that change with the seasons. The Jean Philippe patisserie houses the world’s largest chocolate fountain and the hotel is also home to Las Vegas’ first art gallery; Fabergé, Monet, and Georgia O’Keeffe have all been exhibited here. The famous dancing fountain show that takes place on the lake in front of the Bellagio is just as cheesy as it sounds, but can also be weirdly exciting, even moving.

Address

3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, 89109, Las Vegas