Guys Weekend @MGM Grand & Luxor

GUYS WEEKEND AT THE MGM GRAND AND LUXOR

MGM Grand

The MGM might not seem like the obvious spot for a guy’s weekend but it really hits all the marks. Tons of restuarants? Check. Great gambling? Check. Nice, new nighclub? (haven’t been in Hamasaku yet but check). Great beach club? Wet Republic might be the best one right now – check.

Also, the MGM Grand’s general pool area is (IMO) one of the best in Vegas. I mean, look at this thing!

Still, the great hidden secret of the MGM Grand are the Executive Queen Suites (once upon a time known more charmingly the Bungalow Queen Suites).  These do not have separate rooms but they are a large 675 square feet of relaxation space with a huge couch and even two separate TVs.

Knock on wood as you read this because I still don’t think the MGM has caught on…the difference in price between a standard ‘grand’ room and the executive suite is less than 10%. Even if you are going with just ONE guy friend spring for the bigger suite. 3 guys? Bargain shopping.

 LUXOR

I have stayed at the Luxor far more than I care to admit. The main reason? It always came up as the cheapest MGM strip hotel not named Excalibur. And Excalibur is a bounce house

There is nothing wrong with Luxor as much as there is nothing undeniable about it. It has a bunch of cool places to eat (Burger Bar on the walkway to Mandalay Bay is a favorite) but nothing that you would travel elsewhere to find. It has a pool area but it is essentially two large pools without much design. It has cheap gambling with $5 tables but the action is generally a bunch of 22 year olds acting drunk. It has a club but LAX is a place where you are either cramped on the dance floor or sitting at a table looking at the people cramped on the dance floor. The crowd is younger and generally looking to be on the strip without spending a lot.

 Luxor pool area – adequate, not spectacular.

Which is I guess is the point; the Luxor is like the best grind joint around. If you are in your 20s, on a budget but want to be on strip the Luxor is your ticket. Their Pyramid Suites technically offer the two queen beds / couch format we desire but it is extremely crammed in thanks to the slanted ceilings.

 Looks ok...but note how those ceilings are slanted. 

We will close out our discussion on guys weekends with Mandalay Bay next week…

A Guy's Weekend at Caesars and Hard Rock

Caesars Palace automatically gets consideration for a guys’ weekend property because of its existence in the classic Vegas movie, “The Hangover”. That night in Vegas should have been a great guys weekend (err, night) but Alan bought rufies from the guy outside the liquor store where he went to buy Jagermeister (see, I did watch "The Hangover Part 3"). 

Anyway, we all know that suite doesn’t exist but supposedly it was patterned after the Forum Towers Emperors Suite. I am sure that room will do the job for a guys’ weekend but it runs over $1,000 a weekend. Good news: from what I can tell the Octavius Tower Suite with 2 Queens will do the job just as well and for essentially half the price.

However, Caesars offers more than a room for guys. 

First, its sports book is epic. It is a gigantic, huge space that doesn’t make you feel claustrophobic (like a lot of sports books do for me) and multiple, enormous screens to enjoy games on. 

Claustrophobic-approved sports book. 

Second, it has Pure. Now I am alone in my belief Pure is the best nightclub in Las Vegas amongst my friends yet we have gone into Pure more times than any other nightclub but every single time we go we have a good time. 

It actually gets way more crowded than this. 

Yes, they cram people into Pure in such a way you assume the fire marshall has been paid off. Yes, the drinks are like $18. Yes, the idea of a Pussycat Lounge is about 8 years past its prime. Yes, the balcony area is essentially useless as people just stand shoulder to shoulder. But where else are you going to see Ndamukong Suh dancing on the DJ booth?

October 5th, 2012, during the Lions bye week. 

When I first went to Vegas (like 10 years ago), the Hard Rock was considered one of the best places for people in their 20s to party. It was cool, people still listened to rock music, Body English was always a good time and Rehab defined beach clubs.

However, that was 10 years ago and I now see more people with babies in their hands on Facebook than beers. And the Hard Rock has aged in a similar way. 

It also doesn't help that the Hard Rock is isolated off-strip which is seriously the ONLY unrealistic thing about "Con Air".

"Con Air" lied to you - Hard Rock is off-strip. 

Still, they have the Joint, they have Body English (it has gone downhill), they have something called Vanity nightclub (haven't been), Tony claims the Prime Rib dinner is amazing and it is within walking distance of the excellent Del Frisco’s Steakhouse.

And although I haven’t stayed in it yet, the HRH All Suite Tower seems to have several rooms that are perfect for a group of guys. 

Looks perfect for 3-4 guys in one suite. 

More on places for a guys weekend next week…

Cosmopolitan Experience

I've been going to Las Vegas at least once a year since 2003. From the first time I went as a wide eyed 22 year old, I have always enjoyed my experience. I've stayed at many many properties, both on an off the strip. I've gone out the clubs, had some amazing meals, been way up at the tables, and been way way down on my luck -- hell I've even lived in Vegas! But until the Cosmopolitan opened in December of 2010, I can honestly say that I never had a "classic" Vegas experience.

Dictionary.com defines the word Cosmopolitan as "So sophisticated as to be at home in all parts of the world or conversant with many spheres of interest: a cosmopolitan traveler" -- and the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino exemplifies this.

Whether you are valet parking your car and walking in next to the front desk area, or whether your wander in from Las Vegas Blvd, you will be greeted by elegant sophistication.

 Cosmopolitan Lobby

From the moment you wheel your suitcase up to the front desk past columns lined with screens you know you're in a special place. Beautiful high definition graphics dance along the columns, giving you plenty to take in while you wait patiently to get your hotel room keys.

The View from a Sweet Cosmo Suite

When you get up to your room you will be greeted with the latest up to date modern amenities including flat screen TVs, lighting dimmers, room service, and check out which can all be controlled with your wireless device. If you have the cash to spend, ask for a suite overlooking the Bellagio's fountains. You will not be disappointed, especially at night. Every forty minutes you have yourself a great show.

Cosmopolitan Chandelier Bar

The Casino floor is beautiful! Both the clientele and the service elegantly dressed and beautiful. The centerpiece of the casino is the Chandelier Bar where live music plays nightly. You can expect amazing pianists, small scale swing bands, or even a cover rocker playing every evening. Drinks might be a little bit expensive but the ambiance and casino action make it worth every penny.

The Pool at the Cosmo

During the spring and summer months in Vegas, the Cosmo also features an amazing pool scene. A large space, several bars, and a astroturf grassy area outfitted with pool tables. During the spring and summer evenings, the Cosmo books some of the best musical acts. I've seen bands like Vampire Weekend, Depeche Mode, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Weezer at the pool. Sometimes they will even have a DJ who turns the pool area into a late night club, but that is not an every day sort of thing.

Wicked Spoon Buffet

Another great feature of the property is the Wicked Spoon Buffet. I consider myself a buffet conneseur having eaten at almost every major buffet both on and off strip. The food here is fantastic. It's not like your usually sloppy affair. Almost all of the offerings are served up in their own individual containers, so you know no one gross has sneezed on your dish before you've spooned it onto your plate. The service staff here is very fast, and the selection of meals, like most good Vegas buffets, ranges from American, to Chinese, to Italian, with an amazing carving station and pastry and gelato bar.