Screen time: Stadium Swim at Circa Las Vegas
OUT OF TOWN: A WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
A series of online guides to weekends away from New Orleans.
Where do New Orleanians go to let loose? One option is Las Vegas, where there’s the lure of bargain hotel rooms for NOLA locals looking for a change of scene. Yes, we already have our own walk-around cocktails and 24 hour bars, but there’s still a good amount to head to Nevada for. Beyond the gaming tables, there’s a great choice of eating experiences and shows, and local attractions such as the museums around Fremont Street and a newly-thriving arts district. Here’s a round-up of some of the latest (and old favorite) spots in and around the Strip. [LINKS TO ALL VENUES MENTIONED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FEATURE]
Need to know: Las Vegas, NV
Flight time from New Orleans: 3.5/4 hours
Direct flights from New Orleans: Spirit, SouthWest
Average citywide hotel room price: These vary enormously depending largely on convention/event traffic, but hotel rooms on the Strip / Fremont Street can get as low as $25/night (plus resort fees).
PLACES TO STAY
There are only 28 hotels in the world with 3000 or more rooms, and 15 of them are in Las Vegas (a city with 300 hotels). We’ve narrowed it down to some recent new additions/refurbishments:
Paris Las Vegas
At 24 acres and 3,000 rooms (plus the famous replicas of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe), this is one of the Strip’s biggest properties. The most up to date rooms are in the new (2024) Versailles Tower, where 756 rooms were part of a $100million revamp of the hotel. The rooms are inspired by an elegant Parisian apartment, and the renovation and redesign have transformed the color scheme, layout and furnishings. Some premium rooms have their own balcony. Rooms from $36
Caesars Palace
One of the country’s most iconic hotels, and still a dominant name in Vegas, now with almost 4,000 rooms. 2024 saw a huge redesign and remodelling of the 440 rooms in the Colosseum Tower. Interiors feature contrasts of black and white. Color accents include pops of emerald inspired by the jewelry worn by the late Cleopatra, along with splashes of Roman red throughout the custom artwork and furniture. Rooms from $78
Circa Resorts and Casino
This place is redefining the hotel scene in Downtown Vegas/Fremont Street. A huge complex built around being the best sports book/viewing experience in town. Two HUGE screens, one indoors and one in the ‘Stadium Swim’ complex, which has hundreds of loungers, plus cabanas, bungalows, pools and hot tubs galore. If you haven’t stayed at Fremont Street in a while, then come and stay here. The scale, vision and comprehensive amenities are nothing but impressive, and it marks a dramatic sea change in hospitality standards for the neighborhood. Rooms from $119
SAHARA Las Vegas
One of Sin City’s original and most recognisable names is back in the mix after a rash of modern day rebrands. It’s a beautiful, contemporary twist on that first property, the public spaces filled with gorgeous black and white photography that pays homage to its cool, swinging days of yore. The original Sahara opened on this site in 1952 and was an iconic, star-studded hotel. Brand new, airy public spaces offer relatively quiet corners, all in calm, neutral tones. The Beatles, Elvis and the Rat Pack look down from the walls, the aesthetic nicely balanced between the past and present. Rooms from $39.
THINGS TO DO
Omega Mart
Part of the interactive-art-forward Meow Wolf brand, and located in the newish Area 15 arts district. There are quite a few state of the art galleries and installations around here, but this one is the most fun in our opinion. It’s set up as a surreal grocery store, and the more you explore, through hidden doors and neon-lit passageways, the more you’ll get out of it. You can also enter into a role-playing game and go on missions that get you into even more of the exhibits. A great time for all ages.
The Mob Museum
Trust me when I advise you to let The Mob Museum make you an offer you can't refuse. It isn't just a collection of old gangster memorabilia, but a detailed account put into context, with a wealth of documents and stimulating interactive exhibits. If you didn't think Vegas had a past worth exploring, this museum - a few minutes' drive from the Strip - will change your mind with its sometimes ugly, but always compelling, story.
Absinthe
Sure, there are various Cirque du Soleil shows around the city, but I feel like this bohemian Las Vegas cabaret is especially perfect for New Orleanians. It’s a bit racy, a bit vulgar, a bit more spit and sawdust, but it doesn’t take itself at all seriously, and has incredible acrobatic acts from all over the world, performed in a more intimate, circus-style big tent that keeps the atmosphere loud and raucous.
The Neon Museum
Here, vintage neon signs are considered an art form. The museum has a fascinating, eclectic collection of outdoor signage that casts an illuminating glow on Sin City’s history, with signs dating from the 1930s to the present day.
The great outdoors
Just 45 minutes’ drive from the Strip, Valley of Fire State Park is at the edge of the Mojave Desert, with beautiful red sandstone formations. You can also take a short hike to see 2,000-year-old pictographs and petroglyphs carved into the rocks by ancient Native American cultures. Closer to the Strip, there’s the 180 acres at the Springs Preserve. It’s just west of Fremont Street, and has nature walks to spot desert tortoises and squirrels, botanical gardens, and a natural history museum with rotating exhibits. If you’re feeling flush, various helicopter tours can whisk you to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in varying levels of luxury.
General, Shopping
As well as experiencing the casinos, first-time visitors have a checklist of sights to see: The Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower, the gondolas at The Venetian and the High Roller Observation Wheel are among the usual attractions, as well as SkyJump and SlotZilla. The city has a wealth of live entertainment. Cirque du Soleil has several shows running at any one time, and major stars have ongoing residencies. There are high-production magic shows, musicals, puppetry and more. You’ll easily find dozens of ticket booths around town for spontaneous selections. For shopping: The Shops at Crystals connected to the Waldorf Astoria, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian are good places to start. Most resorts have everything from exclusive designer names to souvenir stands, so you can take home anything from a high-end watch to a fridge magnet.
EAT AND DRINK
EAT ($-$$$)
Again, there’s thousands of restaurants. Here’s just some personal, tried and tested highlights for a weekend of contrasting tastes.
Gordon Ramsay Burger at Flamingo ($$)
An accessible way to eat food from the mind of TVs most profane chef. A meat-forward menu with elevated, gourmet burgers, wings and steaks brings in the crowds, and it’s one of the more affordable of his many Vegas outposts if you’re a fan. Signature novelties include the Cluck Yeah GFC Sandwich - crispy chicken with a spicy kick on a vibrant pink bun.
Dominique Ansel at Caesars Palace ($-$$)
If, like me, you refuse to line up for foodie trends, then here’s your chance to eat a cronut, no waiting involved (beyond a couple of people refueling on pastries for their next slots session). It was invented by monsieur Ansel, and the varieties here change regularly. It’s a solid patisserie and a change from the endless fast food joints.
Best Friend ($$)
I love this place. Chef Roy Choi started out in LA with a Korean food truck, and now he’s remixed his menu for Vegas. You enter through a replica of a Koreatown bodega, and on entering, there’s resident DJs spinning their favorite vinyl and a really fun, engaging menu that puts the guest experience front and center. Really can’t recommend it enough, especially if you love Korean food, obviously.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer @ The Venetian ($-$$)
OK, so you can and should eat a burger, and if you’re into beer, then they have a decentish selection of nationally-available craft beers. What you’re here for, though, are the milkshakes - namely the CrazyShakes. If you want to test the limits of what a milkshake can be before it crosses over into full-on dessert territory, then their maximalist take on the form cannot be missed. One of these is your calorie allowance for the day, and your sugar allowance for the month. But, you only live once.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon ($$$+)
For the ultimate blow out, and a dining experience that you’ll likely never forget (unless you’re a billionaire who goes to these kinds of spots all the time). A visual and gastronomic feast, the cuisine at this three-starred Michelin restaurant (as good as it gets, basically) is predominantly French, with Asian and Spanish influences. It’s like eating in a plush, private library and even the bread service, which arrives on its own chariot-like trolley, is incredible. Prepare to drop some serious money, though.
Ramen Kobo ($)
It’s a little off the Strip but the 15 minute cab ride is well worth it if you love ramen. $12 bowls of delicious savory broth and high quality noodles, with your choice of protein and five levels of spice to choose from. The fried rice dishes and chashu buns are also really good, and none of it will break the bank.
DRINK
Nine Fine Irishmen @ New York New York ($$)
A great Irish pub. Everything here is shipped over from Ireland, and there’s nightly Irish entertainment, too.
Frankie's Tiki Room ($-$$)
The city’s premier Tiki lounge has potent drinks, authentic props, and surf music wafting over the airwaves. Rum fans will be in heaven - check the number of skulls beside each menu item to gauge the strength of each drink before ordering.
The Vault @ The Bellagio ($$$)
A newish, speakeasy-style, semi-hidden barroom just off the main casino floor. It’s small and intimate, and the cocktails start at pretty high prices (though you’re paying $12 for lite beer in most places here, so you may as well drink something nice). Book in advance - a perfect place to impress your date if it’s a special occasion.
The Double Down Saloon ($)
About as close as you’re going to get to a Decatur Street dive bar in Vegas. Unpretentious, with dark, mural-covered walls, occasional live punk bands, bacon martinis and a pleasingly eclectic jukebox.
The Legacy Club @ Circa ($$)
Seriously one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Away from the Strip, and so the panorama is interrupted by any neighboring towers. Sip a cocktail and take in the 270-degree vistas from 60 floors up.
Where do New Orleanians go to let loose? One option is Las Vegas, where there’s the lure of bargain hotel rooms for NOLA locals looking for a change of scene. Yes, we already have our own walk-around cocktails and 24 hour bars, but there’s still a good amount to head to Nevada for. Beyond the gaming tables, there’s a great choice of eating experiences and shows, and local attractions such as the museums around Fremont Street and a newly-thriving arts district. Here’s a round-up of some of the latest (and old favorite) spots in and around the Strip. [LINKS TO ALL VENUES MENTIONED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FEATURE]
Need to know: Las Vegas, NV
Flight time from New Orleans: 3.5/4 hours
Direct flights from New Orleans: Spirit, SouthWest
Average citywide hotel room price: These vary enormously depending largely on convention/event traffic, but hotel rooms on the Strip / Fremont Street can get as low as $25/night (plus resort fees).
PLACES TO STAY
There are only 28 hotels in the world with 3000 or more rooms, and 15 of them are in Las Vegas (a city with 300 hotels). We’ve narrowed it down to some recent new additions/refurbishments:
Paris Las Vegas
At 24 acres and 3,000 rooms (plus the famous replicas of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe), this is one of the Strip’s biggest properties. The most up to date rooms are in the new (2024) Versailles Tower, where 756 rooms were part of a $100million revamp of the hotel. The rooms are inspired by an elegant Parisian apartment, and the renovation and redesign have transformed the color scheme, layout and furnishings. Some premium rooms have their own balcony. Rooms from $36
Caesars Palace
One of the country’s most iconic hotels, and still a dominant name in Vegas, now with almost 4,000 rooms. 2024 saw a huge redesign and remodelling of the 440 rooms in the Colosseum Tower. Interiors feature contrasts of black and white. Color accents include pops of emerald inspired by the jewelry worn by the late Cleopatra, along with splashes of Roman red throughout the custom artwork and furniture. Rooms from $78
Circa Resorts and Casino
This place is redefining the hotel scene in Downtown Vegas/Fremont Street. A huge complex built around being the best sports book/viewing experience in town. Two HUGE screens, one indoors and one in the ‘Stadium Swim’ complex, which has hundreds of loungers, plus cabanas, bungalows, pools and hot tubs galore. If you haven’t stayed at Fremont Street in a while, then come and stay here. The scale, vision and comprehensive amenities are nothing but impressive, and it marks a dramatic sea change in hospitality standards for the neighborhood. Rooms from $119
SAHARA Las Vegas
One of Sin City’s original and most recognisable names is back in the mix after a rash of modern day rebrands. It’s a beautiful, contemporary twist on that first property, the public spaces filled with gorgeous black and white photography that pays homage to its cool, swinging days of yore. The original Sahara opened on this site in 1952 and was an iconic, star-studded hotel. Brand new, airy public spaces offer relatively quiet corners, all in calm, neutral tones. The Beatles, Elvis and the Rat Pack look down from the walls, the aesthetic nicely balanced between the past and present. Rooms from $39.
THINGS TO DO
Omega Mart
Part of the interactive-art-forward Meow Wolf brand, and located in the newish Area 15 arts district. There are quite a few state of the art galleries and installations around here, but this one is the most fun in our opinion. It’s set up as a surreal grocery store, and the more you explore, through hidden doors and neon-lit passageways, the more you’ll get out of it. You can also enter into a role-playing game and go on missions that get you into even more of the exhibits. A great time for all ages.
The Mob Museum
Trust me when I advise you to let The Mob Museum make you an offer you can't refuse. It isn't just a collection of old gangster memorabilia, but a detailed account put into context, with a wealth of documents and stimulating interactive exhibits. If you didn't think Vegas had a past worth exploring, this museum - a few minutes' drive from the Strip - will change your mind with its sometimes ugly, but always compelling, story.
Absinthe
Sure, there are various Cirque du Soleil shows around the city, but I feel like this bohemian Las Vegas cabaret is especially perfect for New Orleanians. It’s a bit racy, a bit vulgar, a bit more spit and sawdust, but it doesn’t take itself at all seriously, and has incredible acrobatic acts from all over the world, performed in a more intimate, circus-style big tent that keeps the atmosphere loud and raucous.
The Neon Museum
Here, vintage neon signs are considered an art form. The museum has a fascinating, eclectic collection of outdoor signage that casts an illuminating glow on Sin City’s history, with signs dating from the 1930s to the present day.
The great outdoors
Just 45 minutes’ drive from the Strip, Valley of Fire State Park is at the edge of the Mojave Desert, with beautiful red sandstone formations. You can also take a short hike to see 2,000-year-old pictographs and petroglyphs carved into the rocks by ancient Native American cultures. Closer to the Strip, there’s the 180 acres at the Springs Preserve. It’s just west of Fremont Street, and has nature walks to spot desert tortoises and squirrels, botanical gardens, and a natural history museum with rotating exhibits. If you’re feeling flush, various helicopter tours can whisk you to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in varying levels of luxury.
General, Shopping
As well as experiencing the casinos, first-time visitors have a checklist of sights to see: The Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower, the gondolas at The Venetian and the High Roller Observation Wheel are among the usual attractions, as well as SkyJump and SlotZilla. The city has a wealth of live entertainment. Cirque du Soleil has several shows running at any one time, and major stars have ongoing residencies. There are high-production magic shows, musicals, puppetry and more. You’ll easily find dozens of ticket booths around town for spontaneous selections. For shopping: The Shops at Crystals connected to the Waldorf Astoria, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian are good places to start. Most resorts have everything from exclusive designer names to souvenir stands, so you can take home anything from a high-end watch to a fridge magnet.
EAT AND DRINK
EAT ($-$$$)
Again, there’s thousands of restaurants. Here’s just some personal, tried and tested highlights for a weekend of contrasting tastes.
Gordon Ramsay Burger at Flamingo ($$)
An accessible way to eat food from the mind of TVs most profane chef. A meat-forward menu with elevated, gourmet burgers, wings and steaks brings in the crowds, and it’s one of the more affordable of his many Vegas outposts if you’re a fan. Signature novelties include the Cluck Yeah GFC Sandwich - crispy chicken with a spicy kick on a vibrant pink bun.
Dominique Ansel at Caesars Palace ($-$$)
If, like me, you refuse to line up for foodie trends, then here’s your chance to eat a cronut, no waiting involved (beyond a couple of people refueling on pastries for their next slots session). It was invented by monsieur Ansel, and the varieties here change regularly. It’s a solid patisserie and a change from the endless fast food joints.
Best Friend ($$)
I love this place. Chef Roy Choi started out in LA with a Korean food truck, and now he’s remixed his menu for Vegas. You enter through a replica of a Koreatown bodega, and on entering, there’s resident DJs spinning their favorite vinyl and a really fun, engaging menu that puts the guest experience front and center. Really can’t recommend it enough, especially if you love Korean food, obviously.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer @ The Venetian ($-$$)
OK, so you can and should eat a burger, and if you’re into beer, then they have a decentish selection of nationally-available craft beers. What you’re here for, though, are the milkshakes - namely the CrazyShakes. If you want to test the limits of what a milkshake can be before it crosses over into full-on dessert territory, then their maximalist take on the form cannot be missed. One of these is your calorie allowance for the day, and your sugar allowance for the month. But, you only live once.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon ($$$+)
For the ultimate blow out, and a dining experience that you’ll likely never forget (unless you’re a billionaire who goes to these kinds of spots all the time). A visual and gastronomic feast, the cuisine at this three-starred Michelin restaurant (as good as it gets, basically) is predominantly French, with Asian and Spanish influences. It’s like eating in a plush, private library and even the bread service, which arrives on its own chariot-like trolley, is incredible. Prepare to drop some serious money, though.
Ramen Kobo ($)
It’s a little off the Strip but the 15 minute cab ride is well worth it if you love ramen. $12 bowls of delicious savory broth and high quality noodles, with your choice of protein and five levels of spice to choose from. The fried rice dishes and chashu buns are also really good, and none of it will break the bank.
DRINK
Nine Fine Irishmen @ New York New York ($$)
A great Irish pub. Everything here is shipped over from Ireland, and there’s nightly Irish entertainment, too.
Frankie's Tiki Room ($-$$)
The city’s premier Tiki lounge has potent drinks, authentic props, and surf music wafting over the airwaves. Rum fans will be in heaven - check the number of skulls beside each menu item to gauge the strength of each drink before ordering.
The Vault @ The Bellagio ($$$)
A newish, speakeasy-style, semi-hidden barroom just off the main casino floor. It’s small and intimate, and the cocktails start at pretty high prices (though you’re paying $12 for lite beer in most places here, so you may as well drink something nice). Book in advance - a perfect place to impress your date if it’s a special occasion.
The Double Down Saloon ($)
About as close as you’re going to get to a Decatur Street dive bar in Vegas. Unpretentious, with dark, mural-covered walls, occasional live punk bands, bacon martinis and a pleasingly eclectic jukebox.
The Legacy Club @ Circa ($$)
Seriously one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Away from the Strip, and so the panorama is interrupted by any neighboring towers. Sip a cocktail and take in the 270-degree vistas from 60 floors up.
SUMMARY
Stay
Paris Las Vegas
Caesars Palace
Circa Resorts and Casino
SAHARA Las Vegas
Do
Omega Mart
The Mob Museum
Absinthe
The Neon Museum
Eat
Gordon Ramsay Burger at Flamingo ($$)
Dominique Ansel at Caesars Palace ($-$$)
Best Friend ($$)
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer @ The Venetian ($-$$)
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon ($$$+)
Ramen Kobo ($)
Drink
Nine Fine Irishmen @ New York New York ($$)
Frankie's Tiki Room ($-$$)
The Vault @ The Bellagio ($$$)
The Double Down Saloon ($)
The Legacy Club @ Circa ($$)
Stay
Paris Las Vegas
Caesars Palace
Circa Resorts and Casino
SAHARA Las Vegas
Do
Omega Mart
The Mob Museum
Absinthe
The Neon Museum
Eat
Gordon Ramsay Burger at Flamingo ($$)
Dominique Ansel at Caesars Palace ($-$$)
Best Friend ($$)
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer @ The Venetian ($-$$)
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon ($$$+)
Ramen Kobo ($)
Drink
Nine Fine Irishmen @ New York New York ($$)
Frankie's Tiki Room ($-$$)
The Vault @ The Bellagio ($$$)
The Double Down Saloon ($)
The Legacy Club @ Circa ($$)