Occasion: The Chick Trip
So you're ditching the guys and heading to Vegas? Excellent move!
Q: I'm coming to Vegas with three of my girlfriends, and we're looking to meet some guys just for fun. Where can we go to dance and drink with some good-looking men?
A:Marquee at The Cosmopolitan, Pure at Caesars Palace, Vanity at Hard Rock, Haze at Aria, LAX at Luxor, Tryst at Wynn Las Vegas and either XS or Surrender at Encore should be at the top of your list. If you're looking for a sophisticated, ultra-chic atmosphere, then Tao at The Venetian is the place for you. And no girls' trip to Vegas is complete without a visit to Thunder from Down Under,Men of Sapphire or Chippendales. Be sure to stop into the Flirt Lounge before and after the Chippendales show. The all-male wait staff, outfitted in the Chippendales fashion, has undergone special "chivalry training." After the show, a number of Chippendales' dancers also stop by Flirt so you may be able to see your favorite performer up close.
Q: I just finalized my divorce, and a bunch of us are celebrating in Vegas. I want to have a good time, but not with a bunch of college kids. Where are the hot bars and clubs for a slightly more grown-up crowd?
A: Love wine? Then you'll love all the sampling at La Cave in Wynn or Onda at The Mirage. Both offer an array of wines along with delicious tapas and cheese platters. For a little dancing, hit Chateau nightclub and gardens at Paris Las Vegas. In addition to enjoying the open-air terrace overlooking the Strip, you'll simply adore the elegant dance floor illuminated by chandeliers and other ornate light fixtures.
For a sophisticated atmosphere, try The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay. Gold Boutique Nightclub and Lounge at Aria has a swanky vibe and plays '80s music on Friday nights. If you want to unleash your inner bombshell while you're in Sin City, check out Stripper 101 at the V Theater, inside the Planet Hollywood hotel. For an intimate setting that's trendy and still perfect for late-night conversation, why not stop by The Chandelier bar inside The Cosmopolitan. You'll feel glamorous sitting among its glittering beaded curtains. Or, if you truly want to escape the noise of the casinos (and the booming music of a nightclub), the lounge located on the first floor of THEhotel at Mandalay Bay provides a quiet, yet equally sophisticated atmosphere.
Q: What are fun, girly things to do in Vegas?
A: You and the girlfriends will definitely have fun splurging at places like the Fashion Show Mall, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the two-story Louis Vuitton store inside Crystals at CityCenter or the Barneys New York at The Shoppes at the Palazzo. The open-air, village-like setting at also makes for a relaxed afternoon together. Craving something sweet? Then grab some cute and flavorful cupcakes with your girls at The Cupcakery inside Monte Carlo or step into the Sugar Factory, which boasts patio seating and "couture lollipops," at Paris Las Vegas. If you want to look super glam for the evening, visit the Swarovski crystal body art room at Qua Baths & Spa inside Caesars Palace. Shimmer all night with beautifully designed gems on your body.
Q: I'm coming to Vegas with my mom -- just us girls. We want to see a show, eat at fancy restaurants and go shopping. What do you suggest?
A: Ah, Vegas is all about pampering. Spend a day shopping at either the Fashion Show or Miracle Mile Shops. Town Square is a great way to bond with mom by shopping, catching a movie or even having a picnic at the center's own park. The Forum Shops at Caesars is another must on the shopping circuit. While you're there, you and your mom can enjoy a leisurely lunch at Spago or The Cheesecake Factory -- it will give you a chance to refuel, people watch and plan your attack for the rest of your day. If mom's a Beatles fan,
why not take her to see "LOVE" at the Mirage? For sheer star (and vocal) power you can't beat Celine Dion at Caesars Palace or check out Rod Stewart. And if you truly want to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city, spend the day within the pleasant and peaceful atmosphere
of MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas -- it's well worth the drive. Enjoy a light lunch or some pastries while admiring a view of the lake. After
this vacation with Mom, she'll write you back into her will.
