First Impressions
Here I am in Las Vegas for the very first time, and truth be told, I don't really know what to expect - besides what I’ve seen in movies.
On the short 15-minute drive from the airport to The Palazzo, I travel around the world: I take in New York's skyscrapers, the Eiffel Tower, and in the rear-view mirror is the Luxor's glassy pyramid.
Heading down The Strip, billboards shout in every direction. They advertise the daily specials of famous restaurants, and which celebrity musicians will dial up the heat as the sun goes down. It's sensory overload.
Stepping into a luxurious ballroom at The Palazzo, I see a giant Grecian-inspired water fountain, tall columns, and of course, an elegant casino floor brimming with well-heeled patrons. From the concierge check-in desk, elevators whisk me to my suite.
It's all been a little much, so the first thing I do while exploring The Palazzo property is head to the VIP Lounge. There's a mini buffet stocked with fruit, fresh juice and the best hazelnut latte pick-me-up an overwhelmed girl could ask for.
Sweet, Suite Views
Thomas Bullock
The Palazzo has the largest luxury suites on The Strip, and I am fortunate to stay in a room overlooking the pool deck. This perspective also offers a fine view of The Venetian, which is connected to The Palazzo.
The Bella Suite
The Bella Suite is my home for the next three days. It's a beautiful two queen bedroom suite, complete with a spacious living area, and stunning marble bathroom.
Thomas Bullock
In retrospect, having a comfortable living space to take refuge from the 40-degree heat was such an important part of my Las Vegas experience.
Amenities on The Palazzo Property
Talk about stepping into a slice of Venice! (And I’ve never been to Venice...)
Busy as everyone is trying to escape the intense desert heat outside, there are plenty of fun (i.e. air-conditioned) ways to spend an afternoon indoors.
Tour The Venetian
Thomas Bullock
The inspired architecture, layout and on-point décor of both The Palazzo and The Venetian transport you to another world. I have to admit, at times I momentarily forget that I am in Vegas, not Venice.
I'm most convinced when I float down the "Grand Canal" in a gondola. Visitors can choose between taking the gondola inside or outside, and the breathtaking ride is completed by a romantic serenade by the gondolier.
Palazzo shopping: Grand Canal Shoppes
Each hotel in Vegas has a specialty, and the same goes for their shops. The Palazzo is a hotspot for luxury brands and designer boutiques. If you’re looking for somewhere to go for just that, this would be the perfect fit. (And really, would you expect any less than high fashion from an Italian-inspired property?)
LOVE Installation
Venetian @ Venetian Las Vegas
Walk through The Palazzo to The Venetian, and you will find a popular installation near the Waterfall Atrium. You'll know you're close when you see selfies being snapped.
The LOVE Installation was created by artist, Laura Kimpton as part of her Monumental Word Series. The structure is 12 feet tall, and 36 feet across. This art piece is said to embody beauty, power and simplicity.
Where to eat & dine at The Palazzo
Chica Las Vegas
Thomas Bullock
It's at Chica Las Vegas where I sample what is hands-down, the most delicious fusion of Latin cuisine I have ever tasted. I knew it had to be good when I saw a billboard showcasing corn popsicles. Sold!
I want to try everything, so obviously I order the trio of picos. It's a yummy shareable appetizer with assorted dips to complement house-made arepas, plantain and tortilla chips. For meat lovers, I recommend the mouth watering Brazilian beef tenderloin.
Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia pops by our table a couple of times to say hello and talk about the dishes. It makes all the difference when the chef pours her heart into connecting with her guests over food.
Sip cocktails at The Dorsey
We sip pre-show cocktails at The Dorsey, a beautiful, rustic bar right by the casino, which happens to divide The Palazzo and from The Venetian.
We fancy having a drink to share and opt for a fun punch bowl concept that comes fittingly, in a golden swan. If you’re into a sweet green apple flavour, go with the Green Street Punch Bowl. For something stronger and bolder, try Let’s Elope.
Late-night lobster rolls at the food court are a great decision too, might I add.
Lounge at The Palazzo
Thomas Bullock
Never empty, we venture to the pool of The Palazzo, and find that it is connected to The Venetian hotel pool deck as well. Pool hopping, anyone?
While I don't check out the pool parties on this trip, I share a great conversation with a lovely family who has been travelling to Vegas every year.
Catch a Vegas show: BAZ - Star Crossed Love
BAZ - Star Crossed Love | The Palazzo
A little party never killed nobody; you can expect that any show that starts off with a hit like this will be a good one!
If there is one show you catch in Las Vegas, let it be BAZ- Star Crossed Love at The Palazzo Theatre. This unique performance combines Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rogue and The Great Gatsby. It is a fun mash up of music, strong vocals, dance, and elaborate costume design.
I laugh, cry, and honestly, am so enraptured by the musical that time flies by.
When you go:
- Direct flights from Canada service Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto.
- Be sure to download UBER to get around easier
- Save money by purchasing bottled water in convenience shops or drug stores.
- July and August are the height of pool season.
- This is the desert, keeping hydrated is critical.
Disclosure: Accommodation and select activities were provided by The Palazzo Las Vegas. All opinions are my own.
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