Travel: Las Vegas

OK, I admit it.

I am something of a Vegas expert.

Partly has to do with my college days there, and numerous time spent there for trade shows. Speaking of..I just got back to LA  from the 2011 Consumers’ Electronics Show. Even though i didn’t have much time due to exhaustion to gallivant around the city, i did see the Jabawockeez Show at Monte Carlo (excellent) and made it to one dinner at Elephant Korean BBQ off of The Strip (not-so-excellent). A friend or two works at the brand new Cosmopolitan, so we stopped by for a visit and a quick drink at Blue Ribbon. The hotel and everything inside is beautiful, classy and modern. The decor is stylishly decked out in chandeliers, mirrors and white leather couches.

I love the city for everything that makes it Vegas; the food, the hotels, the spas, the shows and the nightlife. You can do Vegas so many different ways; family fun, romantic getaway, girls escape,boys weekend, nightlife impresario, adventure seeker, foodie and on and on.

Here are some of my favorite Vegas things:

Cuba Cafe- Cute, little authentic Cuban restaurant in a strip mall, off of the strip. Everything is good, but I am in love with the paella.

Piero’s- This old school Italian restaurant has been around for years…and has quite the following. The creamed corn is amazing, and they have a perfect Oso Bucco.

Joe’s Stone Crab- one of my favorite restaurants ever. The crab claws are amazing and the sides are wonderful.

Watching the fountains and the ever-changing garden display at the Bellagio. For some reason, this never gets old.

Indoor Skydiving- A fun little adventure located right by the convention center.

Hotels I have stayed at:

*The Hard Rock

*Mandalay Bay

*The Hotel (at Mandalay bAY)

*The Four Seasons (at Mandalay Bay)

*MGM

*The Residences at MGM

*New York New York

*Tropicana

*Rio

*Bellagio

*The Mirage

*The Palms

*Venetian

*Palazzo

*Wynn

Depending on your style, taste and budget, Vegas has something for everyone!