This weekend while watching Ocean's Eleven, I realized I have never done a post on one of my favorite places in the US...VEGAS BABY!! And my favorite hotel in Vegas is Caesar's Palace. There are a ton of uber-fabulous hotels in Vegas, but I love Caesar's the best because I truly think it has the best mix of old and new Vegas. Plus, it has the best shopping center by far!
When I was young, my parents and a group of friends would go to Vegas every summer. And every summer we stayed at Caesar's because that was my dad's favorite place to stay. Since then, I have stayed in numerous other hotels in Vegas, but Caesar's is definitely still my favorite.
In my mind, there are three types of hotels in Vegas -- the really old school ones on Fremont Street, the original ones on the Strip (of which Caesar's is one) and the new Strip hotels (like the Wynn and the City Center). I am a little bit princessy (or a lot princessy depending on who you ask) so I never stay on Fremont Street. I like alot of the hotels on the Strip, but I really think that Caesar's captures some of the old school Vegas vibe that some of the other hotels on the Strip do not.
As in all Vegas hotels, Caesars has a huge gaming floor. Unlike some other Vegas hotels, I don't find it cramped or overwhelming. There is just a little more room between the tables that makes the experience slightly better. Right off the gaming floor is the Colosseum, which is a huge concert venue. Celine Dion and Bette Midler each had long-running shows there and now other touring artists perform there. It is especially cool, I think, to see a concert in the same place you are staying.
With respect to dining, Caesar's definitely has some phenomenal restaurants. It hosts restaurants by famous chefs such as Bradley Ogden, Bobby Flay and Francois Payard (you can see my happiness eating one of Mr. Payard's pastries in the picture). There are also branches of two New York classics -- Rao's and Serendipity. Most exciting though is Restaurant Guy Savoy -- the only place in the US where you can dine on master Chef Guy Savoy's food. A pricey excursion for sure, but worth it (or so I am told). There are also numerous other fancy places, casual digs and typical Vegas buffets.With respect to nightlife, Caesar's has that too. They have the PURE nightclub and numerous bars and lounges scattered throughout the hotel, including Cleopatra's Barge, which as a kid, I thought was super cool.
During the day when you are fighting off a hangover, there is the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis. It is a huge pool area with decadent cabanas and swimming pools. There is even a Pool Club which is basically like a night club, but outside at the pool. There is also a spa called the Qua Spa, which is a typical swanky resort spa.
The best thing to do during the day at Caesars though is shop in the Forum Shops. This mall is awesome -- it is definitely the best place to go shopping in Vegas. The first cool thing you notice when you walk into the mall is that it is decorated as if you are in an outdoor market in ancient Rome. The skies even change depending on the time of day! There is also a great mix of stores -- from places like the Gap to Roberto Cavalli. There are also a ton of restaurants -- casual places like the Cheesecake Factory up to more expensive places like the Palm. Pretty much anything you want can be found here!Like most resorts in Vegas, Caesars offers a wide variety of rooms starting at a normal room up to the very swanky penthouses. I have only stayed in normal rooms, but if anyone is willing to pony up the dough for me to stay in the penthouse, I will definitely report back on how fabulous it is!!! If that same person is offering me dinner at Guy Savoy, I am more than willing to test it out!
TIP: The movie The Hangover takes place at Caesar's Palace (see I told you it is the best), so watch it before you come to get yourself ready for Vegas. Just don't take any roofies if you can help it...
If you find yourself in Vegas, which you really should, stop by Caesar's to at least check out the place. It is definitely a sight to see!
Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-227-5938
http://www.caesarspalace.com/
