Showing posts with label Las Vegas. Show all posts

Your Guide To The Best Eateries In Las Vegas

Las Vegas, the capital city of Nevada, is one of the most fun and populated cities in the US.  Lauded for its nightlife, restaurants and of course, gambling, Las Vegas is a place, where people from all over the world flock to spend some vacation time, to relax and try their luck at the casinos.

Also known as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas is full of live music, shows and nightclubs as well as museums and theatres. It's not just gambling.  However, no matter why you go to Las Vegas, you will enjoy the bright lights and unique people and will be keen to enjoy the fun as soon as possible.  If you are early to check in your hotel or if you get weighed down by shopping bags while exploring the strip, leave your stuff at a bag storage locker in Las Vegas for safekeeping then go and grab a bite to eat, before the fun starts.

So time for food! You’ll work up an appetite pretty quickly walking the four-mile Las Vegas strip and there is a myriad of choices on where to eat so you may be wondering where do you actually go to get the best food.  Which are the finest restaurants, which fast food is the best and where should you go to eat breakfast? So, I've made this guide to some of the best eateries in Las Vegas to help you on your quest. 

I've only hit the tip of the iceberg, and this is a mix of some I have personally eaten in and some recommended to me and from various Las Vegas food guides.  So read on, and let me know if you have any to personally recommend.

Moderate And Fine Dining Establishments


Bazaar Meat

Bazaar Meat by Michelin star chef Jose Andres is a real treat to visit for the stunning décor and amazing food. Try a tasting menu or one of the specialities like cotton candy foie gras, wagyu beef ribeye, suckling pig, or rack of lamb. Voted ' Best Restaurant In Nevada'' by Business Insider, it will be a memorable meal but make sure you bring a packed wallet, it isn't cheap!

Buddy V's

Buddy V's in Las Vegas is a home-style Italian restaurant in the Venetian Hotel. You may recognise the name as Buddy V is the 'Cake Boss' on TV in the US. With delicious pizzas and pasta, I can highly recommend the Mother-In-Law's shrimp scampi pictured above which was excellent. In fact better than my mother-in-law's but don't tell her!

Wolfgang Puck

Have dinner made by one of the most famous chefs in the USA. Wolfgang Puck has several locations in Vegas and they all have different menus. Try the lamb rack, filet mignon, Cote de Boeuf rib steak, or Kobe beef strip steak. The king salmon and wild bass are also highly praised. They also offer private dining for groups. We really like the branch at the MGM Hotel.

Eating on the Cheap


Panda Express 

Panda Express is a chain with a number of locations on the Las Vegas Strip that serve American Chinese food. Known for their orange chicken and beef with broccoli you can always guarantee you will get reasonably priced delicious takeaway food at their strip locations, and that's something to consider as Las Vegas can be a pricey destination! 

RAKU Grill

If you want awesome sushi without breaking the bank, RAKU Grill has dishes for under $3. And everything is served as a work of art whether it is just a few dollars or over $20. The teriyaki pork rib is mouthwatering, but you should try the apple-marinated lamb chop. You can sample several since they are so cheap.

Peppermill

With a 10-page menu, you are sure to find something you like at Peppermill. Have a drink at the bar featured in the film Casino, and play the slots while you wait for your meal or relax in the cosy booths vibrant with blue and pink lighting. Get a burger 12 ways or try one of their five steak choices. They also have ribs, seafood, and breakfast food.

Grabbing Grub on the Go

tacos

Tacos El Gordo

You may have to stand in line if you go at lunch or dinner time, but even the locals know this is where to go for tacos, but they have more than just tacos. Since 1972, Tacos El Gordo has been serving Vegas delicious Mexican food. You can get mulas, tostadas, suadero, sopes, quesadillas, and even fries. There are a number of locations in Vegas, one close to the Wynn Hotel.

Istanbul Mediterranean Shop

Right on the strip, this Istanbul Mediterranean kiosk is always teeming with tourists as well as locals. Grab a beef and lamb gyro with tahini sauce, red chilli, or white Tzatziki sauce, or chicken shawarma wrapped in warm pita and fresh veggies. Add some fries, onion rings, hummus, or mozzarella sticks too.

Jaburritos

You won’t need a bowl or plate to eat at Jaburritos at the Linq promenade. Let them roll you a sushi burrito for that Mexican-Japanese meal on the go. Try the Waikiki with chicken, corn, and beans doused in queso and mango teriyaki. And the Long Beach is amazing with tuna, shrimp, and crab covered in eel sauce and chipotle mayo.

Breakfast All Day

Eataly

Eataly

If you want to grab a simple Italian breakfast of a cappuccino, croissant, breakfast panini or other pastry then you can do no wrong with Eataly. Based in the Park MGM, Eataly is an Italian food court with a wide choice of Italian scrumptious Italian items. It's also a good stop for some pasta or pizza later in the day. Best of all it's a no-smoking hotel in Las Vegas so you can't eat your food without smoke wafting in.

Johnny C’s Diner

For bacon and eggs all day, try Johnny C’s Diner. Not only do they serve breakfast all day, but it is delicious too. And the quaint 50’s style black checkered floors, red and chrome stools, and real jukebox make it so authentic. They also have burgers, fries, and other diner food for those who don’t want breakfast.

The Egg & I

This place has won awards for its eggs so you should try them if you like breakfast food, and with their eight-page menu, there are a lot of choices! Besides eggs, you can get crepes, hash, waffles, or wraps. Or try their famous gumbolaya (gumbo + jambalaya). And the banana bread French toast is amazing. Being in the top 30 of restaurants out of over 3500 in Las Vegas on Tripadvisor, it's one place worth checking out for sure.
 
Desserts in the Desert


Black Tap Craft Burgers & Bar

Black Tap may serve burgers, steaks, and seafood but most people go there for their renowned crazy shakes. The Cake Shake is a cake batter shake topped with sprinkles with an entire piece of cake on top. The SweetNSalty is a peanut butter shake with M & M’s, peanut butter cups, a sugar daddy, pretzel rods, and whipped cream.

Mora Iced Creamery

When you get ice cream from Mora’s, you are getting the very best. You can watch them peel the fruit, chop the mint, and melt the cocoa for their unique and amazing flavours. They have over a dozen like warming cardamom, mango sorbet, and Frutti di Bosco sorbet with blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

Donut Bar

Donuts are not just for breakfast anymore. Donut Bar has over 50 varieties like the frosted unicorn, mermaid, lemon pistachio, butterbeer, and even a few vegan choices. Get a Big Poppa Tart with a pop tart baked inside a donut with sprinkles and frosting. Or try the Homer (named after a certain cartoon character), with cake batter glaze and sprinkles.


In conclusion, there are many places to eat in Las Vegas, and I hope a guide like this has helped you find some favourites. I even left some of my favourites out like Mon Ami Gabi (see the steak above) as I couldn't fit them all in!

A lot of restaurants have several locations because they are so popular. One thing about Las Vegas, it is a year-round destination and is warm all the time so there is no real “busy season", it can be busy all year around.  I'd recommend trying eating at irregular times to beat the breakfast, lunch, and dinner crowds, and definitely avoiding all the main US holidays if you can.

Let me know, do you have a favourite Las Vegas restaurant?
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Day Trips Within Driving Distance from Las Vegas

Visiting Las Vegas is so much fun and there is so much to do right on the Las Vegas Strip, but, if you want to get out of the bright lights for a while, there is plenty of adventure close by too. At the moment many of us can't travel but we can still plan for holidays in the future. So here are two fun-filled day trips just a short distance from Las Vegas when you want to get away from the Las Vegas Strip. This is an ad.

Day 1 – History and Mystery


Get an early head start and drive about 25 minutes southeast toward Henderson, Nevada. There, right in the middle of the arid desert, you'll find a fun open-air museum. The Clark County Heritage Museum is packed full of things to do and experience for kids and adults both indoors and outdoors.

Firstly, inside the Heritage Gallery, find changing exhibits that feature art and artefacts in their historical context. Next, make your way outside to experience the open-air museum which is in the form of a neighbourhood from bygone days. Heritage Street homes offer doorways into past decades, from the 1910s to the 1970s. Stroll through all the town's displays at your leisure.

Walk through live exhibits including a locomotive, a train depot, a working barn, ranches, a church, and more! Nostalgia is a side-effect of this tour, If you are American you're sure to see something that reminds you of grandma's house. Bonus points if you spot a roadrunner zooming around the museum!

What to Pack - Plenty of bottled water and sunscreen. The gift shop has many treasures, so bring some spending money too.

Admission - One dollar for seniors and two dollars for everyone else.

Time  - Allow 2-3 hours to walk through the museum grounds.

Mining for Gold


Next, hop in your car and drive to the Eldorado Canyon pictured above, only 20 minutes south of the Heritage Museum and to the Eldorado Canyon Gold Mine. Here you'll see remnants of a working gold and silver mine. Today, the area around the mine is both a ghost town and an open-air museum ripe for exploring. 

When you arrive, say hello to Bruce and his family. Not only does Bruce own the mine, but he also cleared out this area as a youth and has renovated the land with authentic miners' artefacts. Notably, he is the foremost expert on the mine's history, including true stories of strange happenings surrounding some of the actual miners. Climb through 500 feet of the old mineshaft up in them thar hills. Old-fashioned lanterns light the way. You can even see veins of silver and gold that remain unmined in the rock walls.

What to Pack - Sunscreen and a picnic lunch to eat at the outdoor picnic tables.

Admission - $15/person.

Time - Allow 1 ½- 2 hours.

Day 2 – Wet and Wild


Just a short 20-minute drive south of the Vegas strip, discover one of the area's best-kept secrets, Clark County Wetlands Park. Not only is the 210-acre Nature Preserve trail is a favourite for wildlife viewing, but this lush green oasis is brimming with flora and fauna in a habitat that supports many indigenous plants and animals such as the Northern Flicker woodpecker pictured above. In addition, the Park has miles of walking trails and bike paths along with superb, picturesque scenery.

Since this land is vast and easy to lose your way, markers posted throughout the park guide you in the right direction. Don't forget to spend time at the onsite nature centre and exhibit hall, where the Park rangers often host engaging and interactive programs for all ages. The Park is open from dawn to dusk. There are benches to rest and bathrooms as well.

What to Pack - Bring plenty of water, bug repellant, and snacks.

Admission - Free.

Time - Allow 1-5 hours or more.

Live It Up
The final stop of the day is only a brief 20-minute drive further east to the upscale area of Lake Las Vegas. The upscale Tuscany-style village is filled with lovely boutiques and coffee shops in the centre of town.

While you are there, take a jump in the lake at Lake Las Vegas Resort Aquapark. You can also rent a canopied electric boat or yacht for some alone time with your sweetheart.

After a fun-filled day of water fun, head over to the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa by Marriott for dinner and a drink. Unlike some resorts, you don’t have to own a timeshare to stay there, however, if you do sign up to timeshare learn more about timeshare cancellation if you change your mind and read this timeshare cancellation letter guide.

What to Pack - Bathing suits, sunblock, and plenty of cash.

Admission - Prices vary depending on activity.

Time - Any time.

Memories Are All We Have

No matter where you go, or when you go, be sure to go with all your heart. Nothing is more important than making memories with your family. Stay safe. Travel safe.

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Paris Las Vegas Hotel Review

When you think of Las Vegas you think of the iconic hotels on the Las Vegas strip and the Paris hotel and casino is one such hotel. We stayed there at the beginning of March, and really enjoyed our stay. Let’s read on to find out why.

The Paris hotel is one of the hotels that are easily recognisable on the strip by the imitation Eiffel Tower, a third of the size of the real one and the Paris balloon. It's a beautiful hotel inside and out.

Check-in


We were emailed before arrival and encouraged to check-in online. We thought we would take a chance and check-in at a desk to see if they had any complimentary upgrades available as we were arriving just before midnight. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it's worth asking on check-in for an upgrade, as many Vegas hotels will upgrade you for free if you check-in late. It was also my birthday week, so I thought we would give it a try. We were told they only did paid upgrades. The lady was a little brusque, maybe she should have gone to charm school! 

They have a separate check-in for Diamond members. Caesars Entertainment group has Ceasars Rewards where you earn points when you spend in their casinos, the highest level is Diamond and you get more privileges. This is worth checking out if you are thinking of returning to Vegas. 

Room 


We booked a Burgundy room with two queen beds. The room was spacious and stylish, with a cream, black and red furnishings. We liked the interior design a lot. 

The room had plenty of storage for clothes, a desk and a chair as well as two queen beds. There were plenty of plugs including USB ports, a safe and a small fridge that was empty so you could keep your own drinks in. There was an iron and ironing board. We didn't see a coffee machine, unfortunately, however, there was a room service menu you could order room service to your room at an additional charge.



The bathroom had a shower and a bath and was super clean. Toiletries were provided and were branded with the Paris Hotel's logo. Towels were good quality too and there was also a hairdryer.

Casino floor


The casino floor has a full range of slot machines and table games playing blackjack, craps and roulette, three card poker and more as you would expect in a casino of this size with 1700 slot machines and just under 100,000 square feet in size. 

There are machines for low rollers and high rollers too, the high limit champagne slots are popular with those with the money to spend. We played a few machines, and whilst enjoying it, we didn't win much but also we didn't lose much either. We did find the waitresses slow to come around with your drinks. In Las Vegas and other casinos in the US, you generally get complimentary drinks when gambling at the machines, for a small tip of a dollar or two. These can be soft drinks, hot drinks and alcoholic drinks, so that may be useful to know if you haven't been to Vegas before.

There is also a race and sportsbook section to place your bets but we didn't check that out.


We thought the decor of the inside areas at the Paris fitted in with the Parisian theme. Everything was stylish and the architecture reflected Parisian architecture. The pretend twilight sky was an interesting touch, we saw this at the Venetian hotel too, it was as if you are outside but the whole time you are indoors.

Eating places


The Paris hotel has some great restaurants and cafes including four upscale restaurants including the Eiffel Tower restaurant, Hexx, and Gordon Ramsey Steak, seven casual restaurants including Mon Ami Gabi and Beer Park,  a buffet restaurant and some quick bite options selling coffee, pastries and crepes. You won't go hungry if you stay in the casino and never venture out!

We ate at Mon Ami Gabi one night. This is a mid-price hotel on the casino floor. This hotel has indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seats have views of the Bellagio fountain show just across the road. You do have to wait for outdoor seating and as it was quite cold in early March we decided to stay indoors, Maybe next time we will ask for a table with a fountain view though.


The decor is of a French bistro restaurant and felt upmarket but not stuffy. We ordered and then were brought warm french bread and butter which was delicious. Marcus had French onion soup and roast chicken, whilst I had the steak and fries. 


The French onion soup tasted great, with a rich beef broth, and was brimming with melted cheese.  It was a big portion.  They also had a vegan version of this available and a vegan menu too.


My steak was incredibly tasty. I asked for a red wine sauce without onions and they were keen to oblige. This steak was SO good and a bargain for the Las Vegas Strip as it only cost 29 dollars. In fact, the whole meal was incredibly well-priced for the quality.  Before we went to Vegas I signed up to the Mon Ami Gabi email club and had a voucher for 20 dollars off when you spend 40 dollars. They also sent me another voucher when I was there for my birthday, so it's certainly worth signing up for great discounts.


With a couple of cocktails and a glass of wine including a fantastic apple pie martini, a starter, and two mains including steak, it came to around 80 dollars with our discount voucher. Service was excellent and I would highly recommend a visit if you are in Las Vegas.

 We also tried out the quick service options at Cafe Belle Madeline. Here you could buy breakfast and lunch items, such as pastries, granola and fruit. We found the coffee and the pastries expensive but they were good. As we didn't have a coffee machine in our standard Burgundy room, I would recommend you bring your own, or a travel kettle if you are on a budget as coffees and drinks can easily add up. 

 Beer Park a craft beer pub was good for a few drinks with a few of the Las Vegas strip and the Bellagio fountains. We sat outside and took in the view. Drinks weren't cheap but it was a fun place. They also had games inside like table football you could play.

Shops and entertainment 


There are a few shops at the Paris hotel, selling French goods and souvenirs. I noticed shops selling women's clothing and accessories as well as a stall selling cigars and a Swarovski shop amongst other things. The hotel is linked to Bally's and there are more shops there as well.

 There are a few shows at the Paris hotel aimed at adults, such as Antony Cools who does an adult comedy hypnotist show. There are also visiting bands and in the near future, they have Squeeze and Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons playing. 

 Napoleon's Piano Bar is also worth a visit. They do a duelling piano show and it's great fun! You submit a guest and a few dollars tip and they sing your song in their unique way. With a great wine list and full bar, the entertainment goes on to 1am so it's a fabulous place for a late-night drink. 

 For a view of the Las Vegas Strip, you can go to the top of the Eiffel tower for an amazing view. Check out Groupon for the best deals on this.

Pool

The pool is positioned just under the Eiffel Tower and is heated. It was a decent size, has a good number of lounge chairs and you can rent cabanas too. It's a lovely calm pool without the loudness of some Vegas pools. 

Position on the strip


 One of the best things about the Paris hotel is its position in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. It is across the road from the Bellagio and is a short walk to other casinos like Ceasars. Miracle Mile shops are close by too for affordable shopping and eating options. We recommend Oceans One for super affordable lunch options all under 5 dollars.

Price

I found the best price booking through the Ceasars Entertainment website direct. Once taxes and a resort fee were added, the price was around £80 a night midweek. Resort fees are a bugbear of mine. Almost all the resorts in Vegas have resort fees which can bump up the price of a room. In the Paris hotel, the resort fee covers daily in-room high-speed internet, all local calls, and fitness centre access for two daily. Personally, I feel the price you see is the price you pay but that is unfortunately what happens in Vegas. However, £80 a night for a room in a hotel of this quality is a fair price.

 Conclusion

 We've stayed in several Las Vegas hotels and I personally feel if you can get the Paris hotel at a good price, it is a bargain. The rooms are nice, the public areas amazing, the food options excellent and the location really cannot be beaten in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Whilst it's not as opulent as the Venetian or Bellagio hotel, it's a very good choice when staying in Las Vegas. Would we go back? Most certainly. I have no hesitation in recommending the Paris hotel to everyone. 

 Let me know, have you been to Las Vegas? Where did you stay?
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3 Of The Best Casino Hotels In Las Vegas

Las Vegas is like marmite, you either love it or hate it. When Mr W and I first visited, we didn't know quite what to make of Vegas but the more we visit the more we love this vibrant city! It's an incredible place, and some would argue the entertainment capital of the US. Often thought of as an adult Disneyland, in Vegas, the casinos are at the heart of the city and every good hotel has a casino, but casinos hotels are also much more than that - they are complete destinations in their own right.

Let's have a look at the best casino hotels in Vegas, and why I think they are the best.

The Venetian

The Venetian hotel is a luxury hotel that is part of the complex that includes the Pallazzo hotel and the Sands expo centre. One of the largest hotels in the world, you would never realise it as the service is impeccable, our bags were in our room within 10 minutes of arriving which is no mean feat when you consider this hotel has over 4000 rooms. Each room is also a suite and blends old world charm with modern facilities. It was quite a delight to go into the huge bathroom and as well as a marble bath and shower, find a television as well as a phone! 

What I love about this hotel as well is that it is stunningly beautiful. Architecturally influenced by Venice in Italy, when you wander around the complex you come across Venetian landmarks such as St Mark's Square complete with a pretend twilight sky and street entertainers, and the marvellous structure that is the iconic Rialto Bridge. Also, who cannot be thrilled by the Venice inspired canals, complete with gondolas? A trip on one of these with a singing gondolier is one of the best luxury experiences in Las Vegas.

The casino floor at the Venetian is vast, spread over two floors. With a huge selection of slots and video poker, a world-class poker room, a race and sportsbook section and loads of table games you will have fun here that's for sure.

You are also spoilt for choice with the numerous restaurants from Celebrity chefs such as Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck. Other restaurants of note including the well known Grand Lux Cafe where you can eat with a view of the canals, and southern table and bar restaurant Yardbird, where you can have amazing fried chicken and waffles.  For drinks, there are no less than 5 cocktail bars as well as the TAO nightclub. Entertainment includes the Human Nature Motown tribute show as well as Madame Tussaud's waxworks Las Vegas. Shopping at the Grand Canal Shoppes is a pleasure, with over 160 stores including Pandora, Hugo Boss, Coach and Tommy Bahama, and don't forget to try out the extensive pool area to relax in when you are here.

The Cosmopolitan


The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas or the Cosmopolitan for short is a world-class hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Each room has been newly renovated and its urban style appeals to chic travellers all around the world.  Often cited as some of the best rooms in Vegas, many have views of the Las Vegas Strip, with the best rooms having a breathtaking view of the Bellagio fountains.

What I loved about this hotel was its perfect placement set on the middle centre strip by the Bellagio and Paris hotels. It's super modern, cool and has the wonderful Chandelier Bar on three levels for cocktails with a difference.


The casino floor at the Cosmopolitan has a range of classic table games from Texas Hold Em to Three Card Poker, slots have everything from 1 cent machines to 500 dollar machines and race and sportsbook uses the latest betting technology. If you are new to the game world you need to know that there are etiquette tips that people follow, from changing money to chips to the etiquette of tipping and what to wear. 

With 16 restaurants including all-day breakfast place Egg Slut, one of the best buffets in Vegas at Wicked Spoon with curated portions, and trend-setting Beauty and Essex there are plenty of food options here too. There are also three distinct pools with a day club featuring amazing pool parties. Entertainment includes a rooftop ice rink in the Winter whilst The Chelsea is a 40,000 square foot concert and event venue for holding the best concerts and events. If you are looking for a fantastic spectacle of a show be sure to catch Opium an adults-only show by Speilgelworld. The Cosmopolitan appeals to the young and young at heart, those that are visiting Las Vegas for the first time and those that have been many times before and like a designer edge to their Vegas hotels. 

The Bellagio


The last of my three best casino hotels in Vegas is definitely the Bellagio. The Bellagio in Las Vegas is a AAA five-diamond resort again set mid strip for a great location but slightly back from the street, with the glorious Bellagio fountain dancing on the huge lake every day. This stunning luxury hotel based on the village of Bellagio in Italy seems to blend traditional and modern details seamlessly and design details include unstated elegance combined with bold colours.

What I love about this hotel is its grandeur and luxury with the Roman-inspired interior design and of course the best free show in Vegas, the Bellagio fountains.   It's a very calm environment with excellent service you cannot fault. The Bellagio also has seasonal displays in the conservatory and botanical garden which are always worth a look, and a team of 120 people work diligently on the displays. Christmas displays include huge polar bears, and giant snowflakes, for example, with over 2000 flowers decorating the area.

The casino floor at the Bellagio hotel is again vast, and many professional poker players favour their Bobby's Poker Room for its high stakes. The table games compete with the best in Vegas and include Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, and more.

You will never get hungry at the Bellagio with 20 restaurants on property including world-class cuisine at Le Cirque and Spago Italian restaurant by Wolfgang Puck with a view of the fountains.  Shows include 'O' by Cirque Du Soleil and resident singers include Cher and Lady Ga Ga.  Designer shops at Bellagio include Chanel, Dior and Prada, whilst jewellery lovers will love Harry Winston and Tiffany and Co. The Bellagio appeals to those that want a luxury environment with some of the best restaurants on property and designer shopping galore.

So here are 3 of the best casino hotels in Las Vegas. Have you ever visited Vegas? Do you agree with my choice?

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Top Luxury Experiences You Must Have In Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known for its non-stop nightlife and is thought of as the partying capital of the world but it's also a city for top luxury experiences, from helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon, to eating at the top of the Stratosphere in a revolving restaurant. Here is my guide to the top luxury experiences you must have in Las Vegas. 

 See the Grand Canyon in style

Rather than take a four-hour drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, instead, take a helicopter flight over for a bird's eye view. It's one of my top adventurous things to do in Las Vegas. We were picked up in a stretch limousine from our hotel to be taken to the helicopter port, then before we knew it we were whisked up into the air for a tremendous view of the Las Vegas strip, then over the Hoover Dam.

 On touchdown, we had some time to take photos, and then we were treated to a champagne picnic. This trip with Sundance Helicopters was a perfect and luxurious way to see the Grand Canyon, especially when short on time.

 Eat at a 'top restaurant' 


Las Vegas is known for its fabulous top-class restaurants, and Joel Robuchon is one of the top restaurants in the world. This three-Michelin-star restaurant in the MGM Grand Hotel has unforgettable food in a luxurious Art Deco townhouse complete with a lush garden terrace and marble floors. The food is beautifully presented and simply astounding.

 For a meal with a view, check out the Top Of The World restaurant 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. Within the Stratosphere Hotel, the restaurant slowly revolves and has a jaw-dropping view, whilst the food is pricey but fabulous quality - check out the amazing filet mignon steak with a red wine reduction that just melts in the mouth or the sublime lobster thermidor with crab. Perfection on a plate!

 Take a gondola ride

Take a romantic gondola ride through the Venetian hotel to transport you back to Italy and the Venice canals. It's certainly a way to see Las Vegas in style! Be serenaded by the gondolier in his best operatic voice and don't forget the Italian tradition of kissing under each bridge for good luck. It's a surreal experience as the skyline is artificial but looks like a blue sky with real clouds.

 If you want to pop the question to your other half, the gondoliers are experts at making moments special so be sure to let them know before you get on.

Drive a supercar into the desert

For the ultimate rush, why not drive a supercar through the desert?  Choose a luxury car such as a Lamborghini, Ferrari or Porsche, go through the safety briefing and then put your foot down for some laps on the track. When you are confident,t let them know and you could drive your fast car through the desert and then floor it - safely, of course! 

 Mr W enjoyed this ultimate bucket list wish, which is certainly one unforgettable experience for you speed freaks out there.

 Max out your credit card at the luxury shops

Las Vegas is known for its luxury shopping, so be sure to bring your credit card when you visit with plenty of credit! The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace has Gucci, Christian Louboutin and Cartier, whilst the shops at Via Bellagio have Prada, Chanel and Tiffany and Co. With over 50 luxury brands, the Shops At Crystals is a luxury shopper's delight, so splash your cash at Bvlgari, Hermes, Tag Heuer or Harry Winston for a shopping high.
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If you want to visit Las Vegas, Travel Planners have a range of offers to the USA. Their Las Vegas deals are a bargain with prices from £529 per person for flights and accommodation, and before you know it, you could be sitting by the pool in the Winter catching some of the Las Vegas sun. Money saved could be spent on one of these luxury experiences above, so what are you waiting for?

 Tell me, have you been to Las Vegas? What do you think of my top luxury experiences? 

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Wander Mum
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A Helicopter Trip To The Grand Canyon


We recently returned from a fabulous road trip to California and Vegas. Whilst we were there we were treated to a present from family members - a helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon which was booked through Viator.com and Sundance Helicopters.

We were picked up by a stretch limo from our hotel for the short drive to the airport. The limo was air-conditioned, and we were also given water. We needed this as even early in the day, the temperature was in the 90s.


When we arrived we were greeted at the helicopter base at McCarran Airport and our details were taken. Weigh distribution is important on a helicopter and before boarding you are weighed. Now don't worry about this! No one can see your weight except the person taking your details and it doesn't show up anywhere, so even you can't see what it says. It is just part of the process.

The helicopter base had a little shop and toilets and was lovely and air-conditioned. Then we waited for our helicopter pilot Pete.

Pete greeted us and was very welcoming. We put our items in the back of the helicopter, climbed up, strapped ourselves in, put on our headphones, and then we were off!



I have to admit at this point, I am a nervous flier and I have never flown in a helicopter before so the butterflies in my stomach had started. Before we went I took a travel sickness tablet. I am pleased to say though that the journey was as smooth as anything. After we rose into the air and climbed to the select height, it almost felt that we were not moving, it was a little surreal, like being on a theme park ride.

We flew out of Las Vegas over the houses and hotels, and before too long the scenery changed. We were over the Mojave desert with the Hoover Dam below us. The headphones were perfect at keeping the sound out whilst giving us a running commentary of our surroundings via the audio system.

A marvel of modern engineering the Hoover Dam is over 726 feet high and 1244 feet long. It was built in 1935 to provide a reliable source of water to those in California and today it provides water for communities in Nevada, California, San Diego and Los Angeles, supporting an estimated 18 million people.


We also flew over Lake Mead, which is the largest reservoir in the United States when full and is formed by the Hoover Dam.  The scenery was amazing as you can see below.



After approximately 45 minutes we arrived at the Grand Canyon. 


After time to take a few photos of the breathtaking canyon, we had a picnic lunch. It wasn't a luxury lunch but the sandwiches and pasta salad were tasty, we also had some fruit and crisps and a choice of a variety of soft drinks. 



Of course, the glass of sparkling wine was very welcoming. We ate our lunch in a shaded canopy in the canyon which gave us some relief from the sun. 

On our trip back we flew over the Hoover Dam again and the Las Vegas strip. 





We enjoyed seeing the hotels from the air and the bustle of the strip from the relative quiet of the helicopter. In fact in my opinion this was even better than the Grand Canyon.




Before long we were back at the airport and taken back to our hotel in the limo. Our only complaint was that we seemed to wait a long time here before we were chauffeured back but in reality it wasn't longer than about 30 minutes.

Our stop in the Grand Canyon was short, but we had time for photos and a picnic lunch with a glass of bubbly. If you drove to the Grand Canyon you would definitely see much more of it however it would take you an all-day round trip from Vegas by car. Our trip, from being picked up at our hotel to being dropped back off was approximately 4 hours, which is so much quicker than driving.

We enjoyed the trip, the scenery was breathtaking and although it was expensive it was worth it - I mean how often do you get the chance to go to the Grand Canyon? 

Unfortunately, Sundance Helicopters only do corporate bookings now. If you wish to take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon try out Max Tour instead which has a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. 


Tell me what do you think of my photos? Have you been to the Grand Canyon?
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