Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at McCarran International Airport (LAS) late Sunday night. The hotel runs an airport shuttle, and I decided to take it because the notorious taxi lines at the airport were not worth the wait. After a 10-minute drive to the hotel, a doorman ushered me to the VIP check-in area to the right of the beautiful marble lobby. The closed-off VIP room canceled any casino noise and boasted refreshments and chic couches. Staff checked me in right away and gave a brief idea of the hotel’s dining and entertainment hot spots. The bank of elevators was right off the lobby, making it easy to get to guestrooms without dragging luggage through the casino. Although the lobby was busy, it did not hinder the speed of finding an elevator to the 28th floor.

Guest Quarters: My first thought when entering my Terrace Studio was the view. The terrace, which alone is rare in a Las Vegas hotel, looked out over the Strip and the famous Bellagio fountains, giving it a surreal feel. The interior showcased deep blues and rich creams with light-colored accents. The living room, with its couches and chairs, provided space to entertain or hold a meeting. The large office area featured several electrical outlets on the desk to plug in technology. A flat-screen TV above the desk offered video chat capabilities and a presentation forum. The area provided ample lighting and efficiency with a modern, elegant feel.

The bathroom boasted a double sink with abundant counter space to accommodate toiletries and featured C.O. Bigelow bath products, which I like. The shower/bath space was one long, connecting room with windows offering the same view of the Strip as the bedroom. The bedroom had another large, flat-screen TV and electrical outlets at the nightstands.

Services/Amenities: The hotel offers a little of everything. There are more than 13 dining options, from casual to fine dining including STK, Scarpetta and my personal favorite, Estiatorio Milos. The five bars and casino offer great entertainment along with quiet booths or areas that can stage business meetings. The Sahra Spa & Hammam is located on the 14th floor; its full-service spa imparts the feel of the desert with cave, canyon and stone accents. The casino is large but unobtrusive and elegant, letting you play any game while feeling like you are in a resort.

The Experience: Being weary of Las Vegas hotels, I was delighted to see that The Cosmopolitan offers a unique experience of elegance and fun. The staff was accommodating and friendly, helping me when I had an odd ringing noise that persisted in my room. The location in the heart of the Strip is in walking distance of Bellagio, Paris Las Vegas, Miracle Mile shops and more. For business, you are only a five-minute taxi ride from the Sands Expo Convention Center at the Venetian. I would gladly stay at The Cosmopolitan on a return trip to Las Vegas.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
tel 702 698 7000
cosmopolitanlasvegas.com