V.I.P., Vegas Style
It’s been longer that usual for a new post, but for very good reason – I was in sunny, Fabulous Las Vegas (yes, I like to use their famous sign’s catchphrase, it makes me happy inside)! What an experience; I almost don’t even know where to start… It seems like as soon as you enter the City, the crazy escapades starts!
My lovely friend Brandi, who lives out in L.A, hosted our little vacation. She does some acting and modeling out there, and through several different charity events and hosting gigs, she has become good friends with Gavin Maloof, one of the owners of the Palms Casino and Resort. Because of his graciousness – and because he’s a really nice guy – we were able to enjoy a weekend of pure luxury. What a needed vacation!
I flew in Friday of Memorial weekend, and though my flight was late (which made me miss the car sent for me… boo!), when I arrived, all stress melted away. I checked my bags at the desk, Brandi met me at the pool entrance, and I proceeded to enjoy a good few hours of sun straight away. What a change from the City, huh?! Warm sun, as opposed to the sun that’s out, but looks you in the face and says, “No, I’m going to keep it at 57 degrees again today. It’s June? Oh well, it sucks to be you then doesn’t it.” Gotta love San Francisco. Soon after that, it was time to check in. We got rooms in the Palms Fantasy Tower, which is their newest wing. So gorgeous! The Palms, as far as I’m concerned, is the place to stay if you want to enjoy a young 20something time in
Vegas. Everyone is young and full of energy. It’s almost like being in another world. As we opened our door to our rooms, we were immediately struck by the tasteful and modern décor. Set up, unpacked, and of course showered (whirlpool tub!), it was time for dinner. Before we could make it to the restaurant, we detoured to take a private tour of the traveling Basketball Hall of Fame – the Maloof’s own the Sacramento Kings, so it was especially fun. We were treated to Kings hats, jerseys, and even a mini basketball signed by Gavin for my little nephew. Fun! Gavin had booked us a reservation at Koi at Planet Hollywood, his treat, and what an amazing dining experience! Litchi martini’s, five different appetizers including Dragon Rolls and Crunchy Rock Shrimp, all finished with Brandi and myself sharing the lobster tail and me eating the filet mignon (perfectly cooked). Delicious! The food was perfect, and we had a wonderful view of the Bellagio Fountains throughout the meal. Everyone knew our host, so service was impeccable, of course. After that, we headed over to Peep Show, Vegas’s newest burlesque review starring Mel B. of Spice Girl fame and Kelly Monaco from General Hospital. Our tables were front row, and you would actually be brushed with parts of the costumes, we were that close. What a fun show! They spun a fun tale of nursery rhymes and sex, and the beautiful bodies and costumes kept everyone looking. Very fun! It was playful and sexy, and will definitely tease the senses. Playboy Club was our next stop, and what another cool space! Every detail is Playboy, from the bunny carpets to the actual Bunnies, and it’s Playboy done right. Cute details and classy accents. We had our own table with full service, and even a bodyguard to ensure none of the guys got too rowdy – love that Fletch! We danced the night away and took pictures with the Bunnies, who are all super nice – one girl even brought us a round of shots on the house!
Playboy Club, plus Moon – another of the Palms’ nightclubs – were our club stops this weekend. We checked out both clubs the second night of our trip, and though fun, Moon is definitely busy, almost to capacity it seems, which makes it a little less awesome than it could be. I like to not be touched by default when I walk through a club – I don’t like to be touched period for that matter. Both times, Playboy Club was great -fantastic service and the perfect amount of people.
During the day of the second day was another festive occasion at the pool, of course, cabana ready and waiting, and the pool getting so busy you can barely see blue. Deciding to get Simon Restaurant at Palms Place’s famous cotton candy (freshly spun and still warm) we headed out early from the crowded pool. While the waitress at the bar was pretty rude (surprisingly), the space was amazing. Gorgeous floor to ceiling windows, lots of light, and just a few celebrities – Kendra and Holly from The Girls Next Door, and Nicole Ritchie with her daughter Harlow and her boyfriend Joel Madden, were all in tow lounging at the pool. Good dessert and fun sightings… nice! For dinner, we were invited to Nove, The Palms’ incredible Italian Restaurant. I started with a passion
fruit Mojito, which was divine. It was light and refreshing, leaving me plenty of room for the multitude of appetizers we ordered, including flatbread pizzas, salads, and an anti-pasta plate. I ordered a glass of house pinot noir and the ravioli, and both were perfect. Novè is rated the top Italian restaurant in Vegas, so it’s not surprising that everything was flawless. We finished the meal off with a dessert of paper-thin sliced strawberries with frozen crème freshe, all decorated with just the perfect amount of aged balsamic vinegar and crunchy wafer sprinkles. What an amazing combination! I would definitely recommend this place for a fancy night out. It’s gorgeous and though a bit pricey, is doable if you budget around $100 – $150 per person for a really great meal with equally great service – part of the Vegas experience, for sure. After this, we gambled until our show at 11pm started. We were lucky enough to get a Sky Box at the Dane Cook comedy set during a sold out show. It was a great time – I recommend watching his special on Comedy Central or renting his stand up – he’s much better as himself than that guy dating Jessica Simpson’s character in that movie, Employee of the Week. Such a cool night!
With two more pool days and utter relaxation from that point on, I felt rejuvenated and tan, two things that mark a good vacation in my book. I left on Monday night, though should have left Sunday. Vegas is best done in about 48 hours or less (anyone who’s been there knows what I mean).
Had one of the best times ever with great friends, but glad to be back in the Bay!
Peace and love Xo
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