Best of...Las Vegas

I spent the past weekend in Las Vegas with my mother and daughter. A girl's night out not to be topped. A mom's day surprise for my mother - how often do you get to treat your mother to one of the best (and most reasonable priced) suites on the strip, a fancy dinner and perhaps a show?
In the busy world we live in, I hardly get to see my daughter, much less spend a weekend with her. So, I view this as a double treat. I have been to Vegas many times. I was based there at the beginning of my flight attendant career and have many little secret "go-to" spots for different needs.
I have my favorite, off-strip hotel, my favorite non-gaming hotel, my favorite place to grab a quick, inexpensive bite to eat - but these are all flight crew secrets. I saw this an an opportunity to share some of my tourist favorites with my mom and my kid, and share the Vegas I know and love.

Vegas in the summer time is the most energetic place in the world. The buzz of excitement, whether from winning at the tables, or seeing the most fabulous show, meeting your love of the night, or eating some of the best food in the world - the crowds are always an international mixing bowl of curiosity and fervor. As I drove my family around and shared what I love the most about this electric city, I thought, I should make a "Best Of" list.

miso soup @RA

So, here goes, for my friends and family:
The best day ever in Las Vegas.

Best Suite on the Strip: The Venetian

Best priced Suite on the strip (and best room service): The Palazzo

Best off strip hotel: Hyatt Place (no resort fee/ free breakfast, parking and wifi)

Best shopping: Caesar's Palace


Best lunch (taste and value): Ra sushi @ Fashion Show Mall


Best brunch: Mandalay Bay...still


Best table gambling experience: Toss up between Caesar's (where I win), and The Palms (where the dealers are nice to me)


Best dinner: Mon Ami Gabi @Paris Paris (reservations suggested)

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Paris

Best after hours: Drai's ...still

Best live music experience (including clogging): Four Irishmen @NYNY

Best club experience: The Palms (this changes every time I visit, as new clubs open and close every week) but the Palms has hands down the best rooftop party in Vegas no matter what they are calling the club this week.

Best people watching for entertainment value patio on the strip: Mon Ami Gabi (w/ direct views of the Bellagio water show across the street)

Best fast food: In and Out Burger

Best Pool: Now this one is very difficult because everyone has a different idea of what pool time should look like. I like to hang desperately from my lounger hoping the water magically appears replenishing all the bodily fluids I have lost while reliving my youth the night before. A quiet sunny spot, with cool clean pool water to revive me: The Palazzo
Some prefer a young crowd and loud music, checking out the fashion show of hot bodies and their expensive swimsuits from behind their aviators and oversized glamor shades: The Cosmopolitan
Those that believe a child's pool, and chicken fingers on the menu, is necessary - this article is not for you.

Best art gallery: LikVenetian featuring the work of Peter Lik

Best renovated old school hotel: The Tropicana

Best Euro-heavy hotel and casino: Aria

Best Australian men spotted: Treasure Island

Best zip line activity: Downtown Fremont Street

Best place for kids: NOT Vegas


Bottom line, there is a little something for everyone. If glamorous suites and french cuisine are not your thing, there are plenty of hot dogs and rum Slurpee's along the strip as well. It is still the adult playground it always has been. Now, with Celine, JLO, and Brittney headlining and replacing the Brat Pack, its a women's playground as well.

Have fun ladies!!