
As the saying goes, there's more than one way to skin a cat, and Vegas is no different, there are a lot of ways to do Vegas. Depending on your interests, where you stay will make all the difference. The MGM is known for its fabulous pools and lazy river. The Bellagio is known for its magnificent botanical gardens and fountain show. The Cosmopolitan is famous for the stars that stay here (Kardashians, Lady Gaga). And then there are my personal preferred places which I’ll be covering in this read with my two favourite ways to do Vegas:
Depending when you book your travel, hotel prices can vary enormously. Even if you don't gamble, I highly recommend getting rewards cards for whatever casino you frequent. There is no cost, and any money spent at the establishment, including on food (show them your loyalty card), will come back to you in the form of points which translates to discounts on rooms, meals and slot play. Even for those of you that are not frequent flyers, at minimum, I recommend signing up for a rewards card at an MGM property. MGM owns the most casinos on the strip (12 to be exact) and your potential for using it more than once during your stay is high simply because of the real estate that’s under the MGM umbrella. Even if you don’t reap any rewards from it during your stay, it costs nothing to sign up. And if you ever do come back to Sin City, you may very well have a discounted rate or even a comped room and the MGM app will apply your rewards accordingly to any of the casinos they own and show you what deals you have for which properties.
Now, onwards to the trip!

#1 Artsy & Under the Radar:
Stay - In the middle of the chaos is a calmer, quieter hotel with earthy green tones & intimate lounges known as Park MGM. Within the Park MGM is the NoMad, a boutique hotel within the Park MGM hotel. That’s right, a hotel within a hotel. Both hotels and casinos are nonsmoking which is a nice perk. And for those of you that want to walk around with a cocktail in one hand a cigarette in the other, don’t fret, there’s a walkway directly into the Aria which is not smoke free, loads more gaming and people, has a fabulous patisserie & arguably the best spa and gym on the strip. But, before I get ahead of myself, let’s finalise your lodging. The NoMad has its own private pool which is quieter and calmer. The NoMad rooms also have slightly higher ceilings, more high end finishes and are flawlessly designed by the famous French decorator Jacques Garcia. They also offer you a few more comfort items such as a complimentary robe & slippers. Park MGM, however, is a perfectly suitable option if you don’t want to spend the extra dosh. It used to be the Monte Carlo pre-refurbishment so the one thing I would say is the ceilings feel low.
Dine - Park MGM gives you options. If looking for luxury, Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar will give you French fine dining in a low-lit steakhouse with art deco style & Parisienne flare ($$$$). Otherwise, continue on to Eataly, an open counter-to-table concept array of food options all with a connection back to Italian cuisine.
For an early start, get a little fresh air and an early morning breakfast, exit through Eataly, turn left onto the strip and stop in two blocks down at Waldorf Astoria. Take the lift up to Zen Kitchen where they offer high quality, quiet dining away from the riffraff. Bonus points if you are waited on by Ken (he is the best!) Zen Kitchen also has dinner service (check ahead for hours).
Bonus: Stop by Haus of Gaga museum for a spectacle of Lady Gaga's iconic outfits through the years (inside Park MGM, across from Bavette's).
Entertainment - Aside from the casino floor, which is rather mellow & non-smoking, Park MGM houses the Dolby Live concert venue, which is intimate and expertly crafted for superior sound experience wherever you're seated (I can confirm it is fantastic. Got to see Silk Sonic in the third row & Aerosmith in a box and it was unforgettable). Ever changing acts, so be sure to check the calendar. If nothing tickles your fancy at Dolby Live, the bigger T-Mobile Arena is in the same block and hosts many live music & sports events including the seriously skilled Vegas Knights hockey team.
Another extension of the Park MGM is Aria (another MGM hotel). Use the walking bridge to seemlessly get to the Aria Hotel which boasts a younger, bigger hotel & casino with more dining options, gaming opportunities & one of the best gyms & spa experiences on the strip.

#2 Luxury & Solace
Stay - The Wynn Tower Suites
Dine - Wynn Resort is always adding new dining spots. They're expertly tailored to the culture and are quite cutting edge. Unfortunately, that means that sometimes good spots go away. Out with the old, in with the new. I'm updating some of my previous reccomendations as they are no longer relevant (RIP Lakeside). For breakfast, lunch & in between, try Terrace Point Café, just downstairs from the Tower Suites private entrance. For evening, choose from an array of fine dining options, depending on your desires. Recommend booking in advance to guarantee a spot and little to no wait times.
Entertainment - Wynn also has an updated entertainment venue that has rotating musical acts and shows. Their casino floors are considered some of the best and their bars & club scenes are happening. Book ahead to get in at Delilah (just do it, it's worth it). On the quieter end of the strip, with a shopping centre full of designer shops, and a walkway to Fashion Show Mall.
Golfers Galore: Expensive (remember this is the luxury route!) & easy to book - Wynn Golf. Not for the faint of heart, this is a serious golf experience. No lessons, no denim, no short shorts (dress code rules!). They do offer gear rentals. Call ahead to book.
Bonus: No expenses spared, offering a luxury, albeit pricey experience, head to the spa. Forbes confirmed it, The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas is the best (runner up: Aria spa).
And there you have it! My personal guide to what I would do with a weekend in Vegas. If you take anything from this read, let it be to join MGM rewards (not sponsored) for savings & perks. Wynn rewards is good too, but MGM owns the majority of the strip thus the odds are more in your favour. And book ahead for the smoothest experience! Questions? Comments? Drop them below!
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