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!

This weekend, Vegas has plenty of sweet and surprising goodies for your Easter basket. What's more, you won't have to hunt for them either - you can find them all here!

Friday, April 6:

• Dirty Dutch w/ Chuckie at Marquee (Cosmopolitan)
• Mark Stylz at Rain (Palms)
• Z-Trip at Lavo (Palazzo)
• Politik at TAO (Venetian)
• LA Riots at XS (Encore at Wynn Las Vegas)
• Larry Tee at Vanity (Hard Rock)
• "In The House Fridays" with DJ Stellar at Haze (Aria)
• Holly Madison at Chateau (Paris Las Vegas)
  
  

Saturday, April 7:

• Mark Salling at Liquid (Aria)
• Pierce Fulton at XS (Encore at Wynn Las Vegas)
• Wally Lopez at Rain (Palms)
• Eric D-Lux at TAO (Venetian)
• Markus Schulz at Marquee (Cosmopolitan)
• Inna Live at Chateau (Paris Las Vegas)
  
  

Sunday, April 8: There's no better way to end a weekend of partying in Vegas than a nice brunch, and this Easter Sunday, our restaurants are pulling out the stops with elegant meals and unbeatable specials.

• Top of the World at Stratosphere is offering a four-course brunch with a complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne for $49 per person.
• Enjoy an amazing spread of springtime classics at Simon at Palms Place during an exclusive Easter brunch buffet selected by celebrity chef Kerry Simon. The spiral ham, leg of lamb and bread pudding are musts.
• If you're a little slower than others to get in gear on Sunday morning, Planet Hollywood's Strip House is featuring Easter specials later in the day, including warm goat cheese salad, roast saddle of lamb and sour cream bundt cake.
• As a finale, be sure to check out L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand for the debut of their one-of-a-kind chocolate display celebrating the spring season. More than 110 pounds of milk, dark and white chocolate, 2,000 tablespoons of sugar and 50 containers of colored cocoa butter were used to create the showcase of chocolate bunnies, hens and eggs; sugar picnic baskets, bows, flowers, shells and fish; plus, a variety of fondant bird cages filled with sweet surprises.

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.

     Whether it's with family or close friends, reunions are always special. Take yours to the next level by planning a group gathering in Las Vegas!

Having fun together in Las Vegas is something the whole family can agree on, even if your family is the type that has been known to lovingly tell one another on occasion to jump off of a tall building. In fact, you can even do that in Vegas by experiencing SkyJump at the Stratosphere.

     Everyone seems to have a backseat driver that won't stop telling you how to drive!  Well, now you can put the pedal to the metal and show them what you're really made of!  Challenge them to a few laps of go-kart racing and settle it once and for all. Then, cool things off a bit and enjoy a ride down the Strip together on a double-decker bus.

     Group dining is always a great way to enjoy the company of your close friends and family. Don't just book a reservation for 10 - book a private room and eat in style in Vegas! Reserve the private dining room at Jaleo inside The Cosmopolitan, the elegant private dining table at Pearl at MGM Grand or Panevino restaurant's private dining room featuring a panoramic view of the city to watch airplanes land.

     You'll have so much fun in Vegas, you'll want to share the experience with friends back home!  Just be sure everyone in your group takes the oath at VisitLasVegas.com. Know the Code and Protect the Moment because What Happens Here, Stays Here.

     April Fools' Day is this Sunday, but the lineup of celebrities and top musicians in Las Vegas this weekend is nothing to joke about. From birthday celebrations for Fergie and Perez Hilton to performances by Tyga, Trey Songz and Tiesto, there's no shortage of nightclub excitement. Toss in some pool parties and Sunday's 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand, and you've got a recipe for an amazing weekend in Vegas!

Friday, March 30:

• Fergie birthday celebration at 1 OAK (Mirage)
• Perez Hilton birthday bash at TAO (Venetian)
• Cazzette at XS (Encore at Wynn Las Vegas)
• Bob Sinclar Disco Crash at Haze (ARIA)
• Manuel de la Mare at Vanity (Hard Rock)
• DJ Politik at Lavo (Palazzo)
• Skylar Grey at Rain (Palms)
• Ghostbar Day Club party with Sex Panther and Mark Stylz at Palms Pool

Saturday, March 31

• Ryan Sheckler at Wet Republic pool (MGM Grand)
• Tiesto at XS (Encore at Wynn Las Vegas)
• Tyga at Lavo (Palazzo)
• Trey Songz at TAO (Venetian)
• Mix Master Mike at LAX (Luxor)
• Dev album release party at Pure (Caesars Palace)
• Simon Patterson at Rain (Palms)
• Paul Oakenfold at Marquee (Cosmopolitan)
• Bazaar with Serge Devant at Chateau (Paris Las Vegas)
• Sex Panther at Moon (Palms)
• J.Cole at Haze (ARIA)

Sunday, April 1

• Bob Sinclar at Wet Republic pool (MGM Grand)
• Danny Coker at Ghostbar (Palms)

For the latest in Vegas nightlife, go to VisitLasVegas.com.

     Spring is officially here, and that means the Vegas party scene gets even hotter with the start of celebrity pool parties. Kendra Wilkinson is hosting this Saturday at MGM Grand's Wet Republic. A look at this weekend's celebs and spin masters:

Friday, March 23:

• Ferry Corsten at Marquee (Cosmopolitan)
• Dave Aude at Haze (ARIA)
• Tony Arzadon at Vanity (Hard Rock)
• Z-Trip at Lavo (Palazzo)
• The Cataracs at Moon (Palms)
• The Pastel Project music and art celebration at The Royal House Resort

Saturday, March 24

• Kendra Wilkinson at Wet Republic pool (MGM Grand)
• DJ Mr. Best "Friction" album release party at Bare pool (Mirage)
• Jermaine Dupri at Tryst (Wynn Las Vegas)
• Sander Kleinenberg at Rain (Palms)
• Nathan Scott vs. Tony Arzadon at XS (Encore at Wynn Las Vegas)
• Jo Hahn guest DJ set at Haze (ARIA)
• AZ Takeover at The Bank (Bellagio)

For the latest in Vegas nightlife, go to VisitLasVegas.com.

Vegas is unique in that any time of day, whether it is six in the morning or six at night, there is always something going on, every single day of the week. It is a never-ending adventure, full of activities, excellent cuisine and great times just waiting to be had.

The best part is that you can experience Vegas the right way with fewer crowds by planning your vacation midweek. Mid-week occupancy is 13 percent lower than weekend occupancy, so you will have more options for seats at your favorite shows, more leniency in restaurant reservations and so much more!

No matter what you plan to do in Vegas, consider experiencing it all on a Tuesday or Wednesday. There are plenty of shows and events that take place mid-week. For example, this Tuesday, April 10, you could check out IMPACT-An Explosion of Magic and Music at the Clarion Hotel and Casino, see ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace for some adult entertainment or hit up Excalibur for a little Thunder from Down Under action. Check out more events here for any day of the week.

Imagine waking up bright and early in the morning to hit up Bali Hai Golf Course with the buddies, then joining your wife for a delectable breakfast at The Venetian's Bouchon. Next, relax with some serious pampering at the Encore Spa for a massage or exotic body scrub. You could then head over to the Stratosphere for a bit of adventure with SkyJump. (You'll want to have an empty stomach for this one!)

But wait, the day has just begun! After your relaxing and adventurous morning sans crowds, sit back, grab a beer and cheer on your favorite team at Lagasse's Stadium at The Palazzo. Then, head over to the Flamingo for Nathan Burton Comedy Magic or stop by Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden at The Mirage to glimpse lions and tigers and dolphins ... oh my!

Because it is midweek, it's easier to get reservations at the top restaurants in Vegas. Finish off a fantastic day with mouth-watering cuisine from Craftsteak at MGM Grand or Wolfgang Puck's Spago at Caesars Palace, open every day. Finally, head over to some of the Strip's most luxurious lounges including Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan or ARIA's Gold Lounge for a signature cocktail and fabulous people watching.

There is always something happening in Vegas, any day, any time. Book your trip mid-week to the crowds! See you soon!

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!

     As always, there's plenty of sizzling nightlife in Las Vegas over the weekend. Some of the world's top producers, DJs, celebrities and more can be found in Las Vegas. A look at what's happening this weekend:

Friday, Feb. 24:

• Kelis at Rain (Palms)
• Ferry Corsten at Marquee (Cosmopolitan)
• Swanky Tunes at Haze (ARIA)
• Travis Barker and Mix Master Mike at 1OAK (Mirage)
• Dirty South at TAO (Venetian)
• The Ladies of Spartacus at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens (Paris Las Vegas)
• Chris Lake at XS (Encore at Wynn Las Vegas)
• DJ Spider at Tryst (Wynn Las Vegas)

Saturday, Feb. 25

• Jermaine Dupri at Tryst (Wynn Las Vegas)
• John Dahlbäck at XS (Encore at Wynn Las Vegas)
• Sex Panther at Moon (Palms)
• Theophilus London at The Bank (Bellagio)

Sunday, Feb. 19

• Mike Remedy at Ghostbar (Palms)
  

For the latest in Vegas nightlife, go to VisitLasVegas.com.

On February 18, Muhammad Ali is celebrating his 70th birthday at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The room will be filled with A-list actors, GRAMMY Award-winning musicians, all-star athletes and more. Ali's remarkable career has filled with victories and defeats but he will always be known as one of the greatest boxers of all time. 

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, Jr., was inspired to fight at the age of 12 years old, after his bike was stolen. He told police officer Joe Martin that he wanted to beat up the thief. Martin, who also trained young boxers at a local gym, encouraged him to learn how to fight and started working with Clay. At the age of 14, Clay won the Golden Gloves Championship for light heavyweight novices and three years later won the Golden Gloves Tournament and the Amateur Athletic Union's light heavyweight national title. In 1960, the 18-year-old earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team and returned home with the gold medal. This was just the beginning of Clay's historic career. "The Champ" went on to win his first 19 bouts and knocked out Sonny Liston in 1964 to become the heavyweight champion of the world at age 22.

In 1964, Clay decided to change his name to Muhammad Ali as part of a spiritual search. That same year, Ali refused to acknowledge his military service after being drafted, so the boxing association took away his title and suspended him from the sport for three and a half years.

Ali returned to the ring in 1970, winning his first bout against Jerry Quarry. The following year, Ali fought Joe Frazier in what was called the "Fight of the Century." The fight went all 15 rounds and by unanimous decision Frazier retained the title. After a 1973 loss to Ken Norton, Ali claimed victory in a high profile rematch by split decision, which set the stage for Ali-Frazier II, in which Ali won a unanimous 12-round decision.

The historic "Rumble in the Jungle" bout of 1974 put World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman and former world champion and challenger Ali face-to-face. Ali won by knocking out Foreman in the eighth round, regaining his title.

In the early part of 1975, Ali faced boxer Chuck Wepner in a bout that inspired the original motion picture Rocky. Over the next couple of months, Ali fought formidable opponents, but none as exciting and electrifying as Joe Frazier.  On October 1, 1975, Ali fought Joe Frazier for the third time in the historic fight known as "The Thrilla in Manila" in the Philippines. The highly anticipated fight lasted 14 grueling rounds. At the start of the 15th round, Frazier's trainer threw in the towel and refused to allow him to continue due to his unstable condition.

Regarded as the greatest upset of all time, boxer Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas in 1978 for the heavyweight championship - becoming the only person to take the belt from Ali in the ring.  Ali's other losses were non-title contests.  In a rematch with Spinks just 7 months later, Ali won a unanimous decision becoming the first ever three-time heavyweight champion.  Ali fought eight more times before his final defeat against Trevor Berbick in 1981.

Ali's power, speed and grace led him to achieve great success in all facets of his life. In 1984, he announced that he had Parkinson's disease. Despite the disability, Ali devoted much of his time to world travel and humanitarian work. In 2005, the Muhammad Ali Center opened in downtown Louisville. The center focuses on core themes of peace, social responsibility, respect and personal growth. This is just one of his many charitable initiatives.

The "Only Vegas" event on February 18 celebrating Ali's 70^th birthday will benefit the Muhammad Ali Center as well as the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, which is close to Ali's heart. Tune in to ABC at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST on February 25 to catch all the action inside the celebrity filled event. In the meantime, send Muhammad Ali a personal birthday message by using #Ali70 @Vegas. All wishes are streaming on VisitLasVegas.com.