VisitLasVegas Blog

Head down to the Las Vegas Strip on Cinco de Mayo for the best margaritas and tequila this side of the border!

Diego at MGM Grand boasts an unsurpassed selection of tequilas, with 125 different 100 percent Agave Tequila labels, while Tacos & Tequila at Luxor incorporates traditional elements of Mexican style and Las Vegas flair. Mix it up with a new concept from Chef Jose Andres at Cosmopolitan's China Poblano for a Chinese and Mexican melting pot dish, or, relax in the vibrant Border Grill at Mandalay Bay for a great view of the Lazy River just off Mandalay Bay Beach.

Grab a mid-afternoon drink at Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood or Taqueria Canonita at The Venetian, also close by, for a true "south of the border" taste. The restaurant's centerpiece boasts a lively exhibition kitchen, featuring sculpted steel and wrought-iron gates, colorful Mexican tiles and authentic Mexican folk art.

Spin the Wheel o' Sin at Monte Carlo's Diablo's Cantina for great deals on shots, beers and margaritas during happy hour, then grab a seat on their outdoor patio to enjoy the sights. Settle in at El Segundo Sol outside of the Fashion Show Mall for made-to-order margaritas with funky flavors like cucumber-mint and prickly pear.

Hussong's Cantina and Taqueria at Mandalay Place claims one of their bartenders, Don Carlos Orozco, from the original location, created the first margarita in 1941.  By mixing equal parts tequila, Damiana and lime, he served the concoction over ice in a salt-rimmed glass for Margarita Henkel, daughter of the German Ambassador to Mexico. Order one of Hussong's specially crafted tequilas or, if you have a sweet tooth, a Bloodtini or a Mexican Lemon Drop margarita.

If you want to head off the Strip, the hip Pink Taco at the Hard Rock Hotel features authentic Mexican craftwork and drinks and the Coasta Cantina at The Orleans on Tropicana Avenue will have your mouth watering with tequila shrimp and 99-cent margaritas during happy hour. Just a few stops on the Monorail, Vince Neil's Tres Rios at the LVH - Las Vegas Hotel features 18-month aged barreled tequilas; and downtown at Casa Don Juan's, homemade tortilla chips, fresh salsa and an expansive tequila collection add to the unique Arts District vibe. Happy hour specials are great, but why not treat your friends to 24 hour $.99 margaritas at any bar at the historic downtown Fremont Hotel! 5 friends - 5 drinks - 5 dollars!

So, grab a few amigos, head to your favorite Vegas Mexican restaurant, and have a drink (or two or three) to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Vegas!

Enjoy the view from the two-story outdoor rooftop deck at VooDoo Lounge at the Rio (51 stories above the action of the Strip), or experience one of three open-air clubs at Wynn/Encore Las Vegas;  Surrender at Encore offers plush banquettes and go-go dancers, while XS turns up the heat poolside!  Whether you're hanging out on the North or South Patio, or dancing on the outdoor dance floor, at Tryst you'll be just feet from your own private waterfall - exclusively for nightclub patrons!

Join A-list celebs at the Palms' Ghostbar and have a drink on the outdoor sky deck offering a 360-degree view of the city and a see-thru floor (not for the faint of heart)!  Palms' Moon Nightclub has color-changing glass tiles and eye-catching imagery and a retractable roof designed specifically for our clear summer nights! Step outside TAO Nightclub at The Venetian's 40-foot-long, European-style terrace for outstanding views of the Strip.

Downtown's Gold Diggers Nightclub at the Golden Nugget has an outdoor terrace perched high above the Fremont Street Experience and its million lights of Viva Vision - the most spectacular light show in the world!  And under the Eiffel Tower and the lights of Paris, check out the exclusive Butterfly hidden high above Chateau Nightclub. 

If someone tells you to meet them at the Foundation Room - don't think twice!  Join them high atop Mandalay Bay for a private club experience with an unprecedented view of the city!  With so many options, it's hard to choose just one.  Just make sure to include celebrity-owned PURE Nightclub at Caesars Palace.  With an outdoor patio overlooking the center of the city, and celebrity hosted birthdays almost nightly, it's a hot spot that always draws the A crowd!

See you on the dance floor - in Vegas!

Sure, a Vegas getaway can be non-stop action and excitement if you want.  But the beauty of Vegas is that you can enjoy it at your own pace.  Slow it down and take some time to relax and indulge.

Let us pamper you. Start by vowing to upgrade this summer's vacation to a VIP experience by booking a suite instead of a regular hotel room for the best in class and service. THEHotel at Mandalay Bay boasts service and sophistication on par with the best boutique hotels in the world and features one of the largest suites in Vegas at 725 square feet. Relax with fuzzy robes, down comforters and pillow-top mattresses for an amazing night's sleep. The Signature at MGM Grand also provides guests with a serene retreat and intimate setting where the focus is on personalized service. Plus, you're just steps away from MGM Grand!

In Las Vegas, everyone can feel like a VIP, which is why most resorts offer complimentary valet parking and personal baggage service. Let attendants take care of your luggage and vehicle as you jump right into your vacation in style.

Sometimes, a little too much "night on the town" requires some therapy of the spa kind. Vegas, of course, is up to the task. World-class spas dot the Strip. Spa Costa Del Sur at South Point, Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian, and Sahra Spa & Hammam at The Cosmopolitan are just a few of the destination spas in Las Vegas. Schedule a mud bath or tune out during a relaxation massage as a therapist rubs away your troubles in a soothing and tranquil environment.

Don't know where to start? Consider enlisting the assistance of a Vegas expert who will take the guesswork and planning out of your hands. Located in nearly every resort on the Strip, concierge representatives are essential for booking the best tours, dining, shows, nightclubs, golf outings and so much more. They can also help you plan a unique moment for your special someone like a birthday surprise, an elaborate proposal or a fun night out on the town.

  Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kickoff of summer, but in  Las Vegas, summer celebrations are already in full swing!

     Las Vegas is home to the most lavish pool parties on the planet, so take advantage of the holiday and the ideal weather to show off your summer swimwear while swaying to the sounds of top spin masters.

     There's plenty of outdoor recreation to enjoy, too. Grab a foursome and tee off at one of more than 65 championship golf courses, set sail and go boating on Lake Mead, or discover a nature trail or hidden waterfall at Icebox Canyon and go hiking through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

     Of course, the Entertainment Capital of the World always lives up to its billing with amazing concerts to appease every musical taste. Catch an intimate evening of hits with Santana at Mandalay Bay, rock out to Incubus at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel or catch a rising hip-hop star when Childish Gambino takes the stage poolside at The Cosmopolitan.

     Legendary comics will leave you rolling in the isles this Memorial Day Weekend, including Mr. Heathcliff Huxstable himself Bill Cosby at Treasure Island, ‘Rules of Engagement' star David Spade at The Venetian and venerable TV host Jay Leno at The Mirage.

     Follow that up with the best beats in the world at one of Vegas' hottest nightclubs! Check our official blog the week of Memorial Day to see what celebrities, recording artists and music producers will be appearing in Vegas clubs during the holiday.

     Make it a memorable Memorial Day Weekend and get your summer started in Vegas!

Have you ever dreamed that you could travel around the world, taking photos in front of ancient architecture in Egypt or famous pieces of artwork in Europe? Do it all on the Las Vegas Strip and fill up your travel passport to capture your own piece of history.

From the iconic pyramid at Luxor to the daily explosion of The Mirage volcano, Las Vegas has it all. Spend the afternoon traveling across the world on one street - Las Vegas Boulevard. Take a ride up the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas for amazing views of the Strip; then head over to Excalibur for a little medieval fun while you enjoy dinner and a show at Tournament of Kings where knights joust for the hands of fair maidens.

The Venetian's waterways are reminiscent of Venice. Take a gondola ride with your sweetheart for a romantic European getaway. Or catch a show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, featuring superstars such as Rod Stewart, Celine Dion and Shania Twain. Grab a double-decker sightseeing bus to the New York-New York hotel for a view of the city's famed skyline and stop in for a beer and a slice of New York-style pizza in the quaint Greenwich Village neighborhood food court.

Journey into Irish country at J.C. Wooloughan's Irish Pub inside the JW Marriott Resort. Enjoy traditional Celtic food along with classic dark beers and whiskey inside this authentic pub. You're not just stepping into any Irish pub - this place is the real thing - they shipped the entire pub direct from the Emerald Isle!

Looking for a tropical getaway? Relax on the sun-drenched shores of Mandalay Bay, where tropical vegetation surrounds you and tidal waves crash on the white sand beaches! Enjoy a South Beach-style day in the sun at the Tropicana Las Vegas, one of Las Vegas' original expansive beaches, with poolside gaming too! A legendary hotel with a one-of-a-kind pool - the Flamingo Las Vegas features a spectacular 15-acre tropical retreat with pools interconnected by lagoons and surrounding a magnificent waterfall. Oh, and don't forget to visit the flock of Chilean flamingos and various feathered friends at the enchanting wildlife habitat!

Start traveling and stamping your way through your vacation passport, right here in Las Vegas!

If you've ever caught yourself at home watching cooking shows, mouth watering as celebrity chefs prepare their signature dishes, wishing that you could taste those delicious creations, look no further than Las Vegas! Vegas is host to several celebrity chefs including Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Todd English, Bobby Flay and more!

Known for the best of restaurant hospitality, Wolfgang Puck opened his first Las Vegas restaurant, Spago, in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in 1992. His restaurant thrived, so he opened five more Las Vegas-based restaurants including Chinois in The Forum Shops, Postrio at The Venetian, Lupo in Mandalay Bay, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at MGM Grand and CUT at The Palazzo.

Emeril Lagasse is widely known for his jovial personality and Cajun and creole-influenced cuisine on his show Emeril Live. For a taste of his delicious New Orleans-style dishes, visit Emeril's New Orleans Fish House at MGM Grand, try Delmonico Steakhouse at the Venetian or dine at The Palazzo's Table 10 or Lagasse's Stadium as you watch the big game.

Todd English is a renowned chef, restaurateur, author, entrepreneur and television star. For a delicious Mediterranean meal, check out the beautiful and romantic Olives at Bellagio for a view of the Bellagio fountains every half-hour or grab a bite from the Todd English P.U.B. at Crystals for traditional East Coast grub.

Known for his expertise in barbecue grilling, Bobby Flay's dishes are bold, zesty and fun. Check out his restaurant Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace for southwestern flare. His Mexican spice-rubbed pork tenderloin and mango-spiced crusted tuna are sure to impress.

Visit http://www.visitlasvegas.com/restaurants/celebrity-chefs/ for a list of more celebrity chef restaurants to try out on your next visit to the culinary capital of the world!

     The final weekend of January is filled with celebrities, music and more in Las Vegas. Come see why no place can deliver nightlife each and every week like Vegas!

     Do it all again this Friday night, Jan. 27, when Katy Perry hosts the official grand opening of 1OAK at The Mirage. This special "Give Love" charity event is also presented by J. Molinari Jewelry designers. DJ Jus Ske provides the sounds. 

     Also on Friday night, some of the world's top spin doctors are on the 1s and 2s, including Lil Jon at Surrender inside Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Sander van Doorn at the Cosmopolitan's Marquee, DJ Spider at Tryst inside Wynn Las Vegas, Dimtri Vegas & Like Mike with Cazzette at ARIA's Haze and DJ Ross One at TAO at The Venetian. At Rain inside the Palms, Bow Wow performs live.

     On Saturday, Twilight fans can catch Peter Facinelli partying the night away at Chateau at Paris Las Vegas (vampires are nocturnal, after all), or help American Horror Story star Evan Peters blow out the candles at his birthday bash at RPM Nightclub. Recording artist J. Cole is also celebrating his birthday on Saturday with a party at Lavo in The Palazzo.

     Kid Rock follows his two-day engagement at Mandalay Bay with a concert afterparty at TAO, and more spinmasters are pumping out beats all over town, including Jermaine Dupri at Tryst, Robbie Rivera at XS inside Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano at Marquee, Zen Freeman at Ghostbar in the Palms, Aaron Perez and M!keAttack at the Artisan Hotel, Savoy at Rain and Dada Life at Surrender.

     On Sunday, close out the weekend at Artisan Hotel with DJ C LA. It's a weekend of celebrity birthday bashes, mega mixmasters and more in Vegas!

     No matter what the temperature is outside, Las Vegas keeps you cool all year-round.

     Your drinks are sure to stay ice cold when you enjoy some libations at either Minus5 location in Las Vegas. Mandalay Place and Monte Carlo - each offers you the chance to bundle up and enjoy spirits that are kept at, well, minus 5 degrees Celsius. How often do you get to enjoy 30 minutes of arctic drinking and mingling while donning a heavy winter parka and fur-lined hat indoors? Enjoy frozen cocktails from ice glasses while surrounded by tons of ice, frozen bars, walls, statues, tables, chairs and lamps.

    Dine at Red Square at Mandalay Bay and enjoy an impressive caviar selection, and such perestroika-inspired Russian and internationally influenced favorites, such as Siberian nachos, seared foie gras and duck confit, Strozapretti stroganof and Adzhika-spiced pork tenderloin. Before or after, however, you can really feel the chill: Experience the exclusive, private vodka vault and famous frozen ice bar featuring more than 200 frozen vodkas and infusions, martinis and Russian-inspired cocktails.

     In the mood for some relaxing snow? You can enjoy that year-round at Qua Baths & Spa as you watch "snow" fall from the ceiling in the one-of-a-kind Arctic Ice Room. It's a spa experience you'll only get in Vegas and a great way to stay cool!

    For those of you who really need to get some real snow-filled excitement, take a quick drive to the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort - downhill skiing and terrain parks are all the rage up there. You may not expect snow near Vegas, but this ski park had snow earlier than most West Coast ski resorts! Stay a day or two and spend the night at the scenic Resort on Mount Charleston or the Mt. Charleston Lodge! Skiing in Vegas - how's that for cool?

     New Year's weekend in Vegas is about much more than just watching a ball drop and waving goodbye to one year to usher in another -- it's about celebration, revelry, and a lineup of entertainment that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

     This year, Las Vegas has three new club experiences opening around New Year's Eve -- 1OAK at The Mirage and Hyde at Bellagio. And that's just the beginning. Here's a look at the weekend scene:

     Get your weekend started early on Thursday with Fedde LeGrand spinning at Tryst inside Wynn Las Vegas and Benny Benassi at TAO at The Venetian.

     On Friday, rock icons Guns N' Roses play the first of two nights at the Joint inside the Hard Rock.

     You've also got plenty of nightlife options to fit every musical taste. Get "crunk" with Lil Jon and Steve Aoki & Lil Jon at Surrender inside Encore at Wynn Las Vegas; enjoy a taste of SHM with Sebastian Ingrosso at XS inside Wynn Las Vegas; catch Laidback Luke at Haze at ARIA; witness Tinie Tempah performing at The Bank inside Bellagio, rock out with Good Charlotte & The Situation at Chateau Nightclub and Gardens inside Paris Las Vegas; DJ Pauly D spins at the Hard Rock's Vanity; Dirty South spins at TAO; or party at the Palms with T-Pain at Rain or Clinton Sparks at Moon.

     On New Year's Eve, the stars come out all to ring in 2012! Keep up with the Kardashians -- Kim will be at TAO, Rob at Tryst and Kourtney and Scott Disick will host at Chateau Nightclub and Gardens  -- or celebrate with "Peepshow" star Holly Madison at Gallery inside Planet Hollywood.

     The biggest names in music are hosting and performing, too, including: Black Eyed Peas members Will.I.Am at Surrender and Fergie at the opening of 1OAK; Chris Brown at Pure inside Caesars Palace; B.O.B. at Luxor's LAX; Bruno Mars at The Bank, John Legend follows his show at Pearl Theater with an after party at Moon and Iyaz at Revolution Lounge inside The Mirage.

     LMFAO brings some party rock to Haze; Kaskade spins at Marquee at the Cosmopolitan; Steve Angello is on the turntables at XS; Robbie Rivera is at Vanity; Samantha Ronson is at LAVO at The Palazzo and Paul Oakenfold rings in the new year at Rain.

     Other parties include the Cirque du Soleil NYE at Gold Lounge inside ARIA; The NYE Spectacular Spectacular at the Palms' Playboy Club and Foundation Room NYE Gala at Mandalay Bay and Rhumbash at Rhumbar at The Mirage.

     There's even more revelry at America's Party Las Vegas 2012 with fireworks launched from the rooftops of hotels up and down the Strip!

     The fun doesn't end on New Year's Eve, however. On Sunday, kick off 2012 with Drake at the Joint, with an afterparty at Vanity, Afrojack spinning at XS an Akon at The Bank.

     You can also take advantage of the extended weekend and witness the debut of Deadmau5's residency at XS, or party with Avicii at Marquee.

Have you ever wondered how Cirque du Soleil artists are chosen and train for a particular show, or how state-of-the-art technology is used to enhance a performance? These questions and many more were answered for hundreds of Cirque fans during behind-the-scenes special events held Dec. 1-10 as part of Cirque Week in Las Vegas.

Those who purchased an event package were invited to enjoy behind-the-scenes Q&As, meet and greet opportunities with performers, technology demonstrations, exclusive dress rehearsal viewings and more. For those interested in learning more about the Cirque du Soleil lifestyle, the company hosted a "business side of Cirque" seminar, to teach fans how performers are recruited and train for various shows.

The week started off with an "O" workshop at Bellagio Hotel, where participants learned how to mime and clown their way across the stage by an "O" performer. Did you know that the onstage pool at "O" holds 1.5 million gallons, takes eight hours to drain and is set at 88 degrees? That's one big hot tub! Cirque fans were also invited to sit in on a live rehearsal for Zumanity at New York New York Hotel, and had the opportunity to meet Criss Angel after his performance at the Luxor Hotel.

For fans interested in the acrobatic side of Cirque du Soleil, many had the opportunity to learn how artists perform upside down in the VIVA Elvis show at ARIA Resort, and how artists are constantly changing up the famous battle scene in MGM Grand's resident Cirque du Soleil show "KA."  Did you know that the "sand" in KA's beach scene is made of granulated cork?

Next, attendees were treated with an up-close demonstration of the most technically advanced Cirque du Soleil stage in Las Vegas, the Beatles LOVE stage at the Mirage Resort. The 130 Beatles songs in the LOVE soundtrack are played through hundreds of speakers embedded in theater seats and walls. Plus, attendees could watch a bungee demo and see the one-of-a-kind costumes up close and personal during the Mystére Q&A at Treasure Island.

The week of events wrapped up with a tribute to the late King of Pop with the Las Vegas debut of Michael Jackson - The Immortal World Tour at Mandalay Bay Resort.  This new tribute production plays through Tuesday, December 27.