Viva Las Vegas! Vegas is like the adult Disneyland- where you can be wild and free, channel your inner celebrity, and indulge in the finest. I LOVE Vegas. I have been there prior to being 21 but it was definitely not the same. When I turned 21, I hit up Sin City and never looked back. I made sure I went every year afterwards. So needless to say, I feel like I know how to have a good time in Vegas. Sure, I have made my trips extremely budget friendly, where I paid $500 for hotels, accommodations and food. (also when the CAD dollar was a lot better) But, as I grew older, I wanted to indulge in the things I don’t get to very often- the finest of wines, the fancy dinners, the dainty cocktails, I wanted to experience a different type of Vegas. So if you want a budget friendly Vegas trip, then skip over, because this post is about expensive(ish) living- living like “queens” and feeling extra. This will be more of a diary than anything else and I swear I will be booking a flight at the end of this, maybe you will be too đ
As I mentioned, I have perfected the best girls trip in Sin City. The perfect amount of days would be 5-6 days– giving yourself an extra day for traveling home (because we all know that post vacation blues/hangover is hard.) Now that I am older, I don’t care to buy the “cheapest” flights where I have to wake up at 3 am and be on a plane for 6am. Hard pass. I’d rather spend the extra $50-70 and get on a flight where I can get a good amount of rest so I can enjoy my first day in town. My girls and I are all the same page for this. (I mean, some can go without sleep but you do you boo!) I still look for the good deals and seat sales, I save up my WestJet points and Airmiles so that I can cut the cost as best I can, but as mentioned, I refuse to wake up at 3 am for travelling let alone any day! I need to get my beauty sleep!
Planning is key! Many think I am crazy- living off an itinerary- but I am a type A personality. I crave order and organization. I know that itineraries don’t always go as planned, and I’m okay with that- sometimes, you just gotta roll with it. So I plan the days based on our dinners. After many days of researching (see my NYC post) my girlfriends and I have found some of Las Vegas’s finest dinning. Once we plan our dinners and what the menus consist of, we an plan the rest of our days. (and outfits., I mean you’re not going to eat pasta and wear that cute tight dress all bloated like, right???) Here is how we map the rest of our days out; sleeping in, grabbing a Starbucks, eating a light lunch, pool for the rest of the afternoon, a lotting enough time to get ready for the eve, dinner, cocktails, dancing/clubbing and late night shenanigans. Repeat. It’s like a work routine, only no work- all play!
Vegas is such a crazy place. Anything can happen. They always say: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!” You can make the best and craziest memories (we’ve alllll been there.) It’s like a magical place- you meet new people, you can make new friends, you can fall in love, gamble your cash away with the anticipation of doubling it. Literally, anything can happen. You can be a totally different person- live a lifestyle you yearn for, have the confidence you maybe don’t have in the real world, egos are boosted, you find yourself living on a high. There is no other place like Vegas… it’s a place of indulgence, luxury, and high stakes.
I have complied a list of places to eat which includes dinners, lunches and light snacks, things to do besides lounging poolside and the funnest cocktails to be had. I can’t delve into MY world of Vegas too much because that would take me pages upon pages, also- my memories just can’t be relived through words and some memories need to be kept a secret- which is what keeps the magic going.
Where to Eat:
Carbone– located in the Aria Hotel- this is one of my faves. Italian menu (duh!) Personally, I think the price is on point. I don’t find it overly expensive. My favourite dish? The Spicy Rigatoni Vodka. It is the most smoothest and velvety pasta I’ve ever had. Heaven in a plate. Lots of great pastas on the menu though. You are greeted with a big basket of breads (so many!), pickles, meats, and a big ole thang of parmesan.. seriously, have I won you over yet?
https://aria.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/carbone.html
Rose. Rabbit. Lie.- located in the Cosmopolitan hotel; tucked away in a corner. You can also find a Speakeasy lounge in there. This place is not your typical dinner venue- in fact this venue is your modern take on a supper club with live interactive entertainment. My girls and I like to do the family style of eating, where we order an insane amount of dishes and share amongst each other. You can’t go wrong with your choices as there are so many options, so why not try them all?! My recommendations: the caviar tacos, lobster fritters, tamarind glazed bone marrow (see photo below), short rib stroganoff, glazed Brussels sprouts, herb brioche rolls (the softest herbiest buns every), the roasted chicken… the list can go on. Be sure to save room for dessert- the Chocolate Terrarium. The next thing on our list to try is the Beef Wellington- it is a beautiful piece of art with a hefty price tag. One day though, right?
Caviar Taco 
Chocolate Terrarium
https://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/restaurants/rose-rabbit-lie
Scarpetta– Beautiful venue. Great food and presentation. You can find this place in the Cosmo. This is a newer restaurant to our Vegas dinning. We went here last year, so I have only tried a few dishes on the menu. I wanted to keep it simple and try their signature dish which is the spaghetti with tomato and basil. I loved it- but I am a sucker for well made pasta. I also tried the braised short rib of beef with spring peas, mint, truffle arancini and natural jus- I could have ate triple this because it was so good. The girls and I like to incorporate some sort of vegetable so we also shared the Brussel sprouts with almond and balsamic. All in all, amazing food, great service, lovely presentation and an intimate space. Definitely can’t wait to go back.
https://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/restaurants/scarpetta
Le Cirque– be warned- once you dine here, you will be back. This place serves up quintessential French cuisine. With the ceiling draped in bright colours, windows looking out the Bellagio fountains, you find yourself treated like royalty. Le Cirque is given a AAA Five Diamond Award rating and Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Rating. You. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed. When I say you are treated like a queen, I mean it. Everyone goes above and beyond to provide you with the best experience. The dishes are exquisite and so flavourful. I highly recommend coming here at least once if you have a special occasion. Price point is high just FYI. Recommendations: risotto (in rhythm of the season), potato crusted Mediterranean sea bass, and if you really want to indulge in the luxury, you order the roasted Brittany Langoustine. “The best $75 I ever spent”- Erin.
https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/le-cirque.html
Lastly, the one place that is on the list but haven’t tried is Picasso– it is essentially a restaurant where you get to eat next to a real Picasso. HOW cool is that? If you’re into art- then yes. If not, this wouldn’t be for you. Price point is also high.
Light Lunches/ Snacks:
Yardbird– I find myself always saying; THE BEST, but I mean it, so, I’ll say it again, THE BEST fried chicken. Let me order for you so you don’t make a mistake- LEWELLYNâS FINE FRIED CHICKEN- order the lunch plate express- that way you get two pieces of Lewellyn’s fine fried chicken, chilled spiced watermelon and a house made buttermilk biscuit. Absolutely no regrets. Located in The Venetian.
Gordon Ramsay BURG– keep is simple, have a burger and beer. Located in Planet Hollywood. I mean, it’s Gordon Ramsay!!
The Earl of Sandwiches– you ever just need a quick sandy for your hangover? Grab one here, tasty and cheap. Located in Planet Hollywood and Caesar’s Palace.
The Still– it’s a pub- but wait… there’s a FOOD TRUCK inside the pub where you order! My girls and I stumbled (no pun intended) into here during the infamous McGregor Vs. Kabib fight, I think I was drawn to McGregor’s face on the poster at the bar, so we decided we needed to go in? We had the chips, salsa and guac- quick snack but it was the bomb. Located in The Mirage.
Eataly!– this is newer to the strip. I highly recommend visiting- not only for a lunch, but you can also find good quality ingredients to make your homemade pastas and sauces back at home. It’s the best of both worlds- you get to shop for quality and eat quality food. Winning!
Secret Pizza– if you don’t know, now you know. My absolute FAVORITE pizza ever- I always make sure to go here when in Vegas. It is a secret location- so go up to the 3rd floor of the Cosmo and look for a hallway- you will smell your way to the heavens.
Favorite Things to Do:
Sitting poolside, lounging with a drink in my hand, soaking up the sun, just chillin’ out, I also love to attend a good pool party. The one that I had the most fun at was Wet Republic– be warned- drinks are $60. But there is something about hanging out in a crowded pool, celebrating with your girls and listening to live Tiesto. Pro-tip- pack your homeliness purse and stash in a bush- no locker fees! You have to experience a live DJ pool party at least once! The other mega pool party would be at Encore Beach Club– same type of thing as Wet Republic. You’ll likely spot the Chainsmokers, Tiesto, Calvin Harris- those types of DJ’s. Otherwise, the pool parties at the Flamingo are our next go to- drinks are more affordable- $15.
After being soaked from a pool party- who wants to do their own hair? Long hair, SO care- this is the perfect time to hit up DryBar– the only place I trust to do my hair. They wash, massage and style your hair giving you the bounciest of curls, lasting for days. I highly recommend this place. You can sip on the champs, charge your phone and watch cheesy romcoms all while being pampered. There are three Drybar’s located in on the strip; the Cosmo, Fashion Show Mall, and Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood.)
I don’t gravitate towards the Las Vegas shows as much anymore, I have seen a few Cirque de Soleil shows, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with what one you pick- Mystère, O, Zarkana are a few to name. For any bachelorette/girls trips- this is an obvious one- the Chippendales, Thunder from down Under, and/or Magic Mike. I have also been to all of these- do it once! I have attended the Britney Spears and JLO shows. The most recent show I have added to my list is Absinthe– if you are contemplating a show in Vegas, this one will NOT disappoint. Granted you have to have a good sense of humour and be okay with dirty jokes. I couldn’t stop laughing throughout this entire show- my jaw and face hurt. I would likely see this again (and I don’t ever say that much.) It’s the perfect cocktail of comedy, acrobatics, burlesque and circus performances.
One of my other favourite things that we did in Vegas was have a limo for 8 hours. Thanks to my friend, she made this happen. There is something so fun about having a limo take you to dinner, tour the strip, take you to get liquor, take you to the strip clubs (yes, this happened) and just drive around dancing while singing our faces off. You definitely feel VIP rolling up in one of these.
If you are someone who enjoys EDM music, live DJ’s and dancing ALL night long (those poor feetsies)- the club life is for you. Ladies, you have it SO simple when it comes to Vegas clubs- no cover, no lines, free drinks. My favourite clubs in Vegas are XS at the Encore (Helloooo Chainsmokers- legit one of my favourite nights in Vegas- I think we stayed out until 5am!), Marquee in the Cosmo- dance all night then make your way to Secret Pizza. Other fun clubs include: Hakkasan (MGM) , Drai’s (Cromwell), 1OAK (Mirage), Light (Mandalay Bay) and Las Vegas Strip’s newest to the scene, KAOS (Palms).
Cocktails
I enjoy the simplest of things- lounging with my girls, sharing cocktails and creating memories. So for me, I like hanging out in a lounge.
The Chandelier Lounge– if you haven’t been, that is crazy to me. It is so gorgeous- the crystals that drape over the entire lounge creating this beautiful cascade of shimmering light. They also have (dare I say it) the BEST drinks. My 3 faves: The Verbena- the oh so secret cocktail that isn’t on the menu- the experience like no other- the drink that seems like you are on a trip but aren’t- yes this one. The verbena is a tequila based drink garnished with a cute little dandelion flower. The rules of the drink are: take a sip, eat (yes, eat) the flower, chew it up and make sure it makes its way all throughout your mouth, then swallow and wait for the experience…. that is all I will say. Second fave: We’re All Mad Here cocktail- very Alice in Wonderlandesque. It comes deconstructed so you get to construct it and see the magic it creates. Third fave- the most simple and classic- crisp tiny little bubbles, the Veuve Clicquet. Where else do you feel fancy AF sipping that?
Rosina Champagne Bar– newer to the Las Vegas Strip- a place where champagne is admired. A sexy romantic ambiance where you can even find 2 for 1 Veuve deals. Lush velvety seating, gold accents, “press for champagne” buttons, it’s giving you all the luxurious feels.
Bubbles & Besties 
Press for Champagne
Be sure to check out Electra for a blowfish cocktail- it’s like you’re drinking a delicious salad so no guilt factor. There are a few other places on my list that I haven’t made it to but will, are; Sage, Parasol UP/DOWN, The Barber Shop, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden and Vice Versa. If you have been to any of these- let me know!
There you have it! I provided most of my favourite places (and soon to be faves) – I think if you want the ultimate girls weekend, bachelorette weekend, you gotta do it up right. Splurge a little, save those pennies because this isn’t something you get to do often. I think self-indulgence every once in a while is good for the soul.
