Best of Las Vegas 2016
We love traveling to Las Vegas. Brandy says we go a lot and Matt says we don't go enough. In 2016 we made four trips to our favorite city and thought we would compile a list for you all of what we thought was the Best of Las Vegas during our travels during 2016.
We hope you can use this list as a guide for your next trip! If you have any specific questions you can email us anytime!
Congratulations to all the category winners!
Hotel Category
Best Hotel on the Strip in Las Vegas - The Cosmopolitan
The winner of Best Hotel on the Strip is The Cosmopolitan which is located right in the center of the Las Vegas Strip. We award this property this prestigious title for several reasons.
They have one of a kind restaurants (and many more coming in 2017) located throughout the property that are absolutely amazing. Whether your in the mood for quick and easy or a fine dining experience, you do not have to go any further than the restaurant selections at The Cosmopolitan.
A majority of their hotel rooms come with balconies (they call them terraces). This is such a huge plus for us. It is such a surreal experience to step out onto your balcony while enjoying a cocktail or cup of coffee overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. If you get the chance to reserve a room at The Cosmopolitan, then make sure you get a Terrace overlooking the Bellagio Fountains.
There are many other things we could highlight about The Cosmopolitan (which you can read here), but we wanted to point out their amazing staff. From the front desk, baggage attendants, room service, casino staff and maid service, we had nothing but positive experiences and first class service the whole time.
They have a lively casino, great nightlife scene and three amazing pool areas. You'll likely find us spending a lot more time at The Cosmopolitan in 2017.
To book a room at The Cosmopolitan or learn more about what they offer, click here to visit their website.
Best Downtown Hotel in Las Vegas - The Golden Nugget
Looking to go downtown and experience 'Good ole Vegas'? Then you do not have to go any further than The Golden Nugget who we elect as Best Downtown Hotel in Las Vegas. They know what Vegas travelers want and they deliver.
They recently just finished a huge remodel to many of their hotel rooms, so make sure you ask for one of these when you book. Even though the property just celebrated it's 70 year anniversary, it feels as modern and updated as any other hotel in Vegas.
Bring your swimsuit when you plan your visit. They have a great pool area and a huge aquarium that you can slide through in between Pina Coladas! Their casino has that old Vegas vibe and some of the best odds too. Plus, you can't beat their location right on Fremont Street and all the Downtown action.
Find out more about the Golden Nugget on their website.
Best Hotel off the Strip in Las Vegas - The Hard Rock Hotel
While there is plenty of Vegas action on the Strip and in Downtown, we wanted to make sure you knew where we found the Best Hotel off the Strip in Las Vegas. The winner in this category goes to The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Located a few blocks East of the Strip and near McCarran Airport sits this jewel in the crown of Las Vegas. If you are a fan of Rock-n-Roll music then this place is definitely for you. They have a music venue called The Joint that attracts some of the most famous artist and bands from all around the world. Make sure to see who is playing there during your next trip.
They have a very intimate casino area with some of the friendliest dealers we've ever come across. The property also has some amazing restaurants such as the Pink Taco and Culinary Dropout. We stayed in one of their newly remodeled rooms and they have the most comfortable beds we've ever slept in ever. Not that you go to Vegas for the beds, but they simply have the best.
Love some time at the pool while in Vegas? Then look no further, the Hard Rock Hotel has created the perfect oasis for all the beautiful bodies in Las Vegas called Rehab beach Club. So grab your bikini and plan on spending some time at the pool, you won't be disappointed. Visit their website to check out their vibe.
Best Casino in Las Vegas - The Palazzo Las Vegas
For us, it's possible we look for things in a casino differently than most people. Having said that, here's what we love about the casino at the Palazzo and why it wins Best Casino in Las Vegas from us.
First, there is plenty of room at the Palazzo. You don't feel crowded and like there is someone always over your shoulder. Whether you love the slots or the table games, if you like a little elbow room like we do, then the Palazzo is the place to be.
We are a huge fan of their loyalty program which is called Grazie. We are not huge gamblers, but they treat us as if we were. We signed up in 2014 and love all the offers that come in the mail such as free nights and food and beverage credits. We have a host at the Palazzo which always answers our questions and makes sure anything we need is taken care of!
Another subtle positive difference we find at the Palazzo casino are the cocktail waitresses. They are fast, accurate and they remember us from previous trips. When we gamble we love to have fun and having prompt cocktail waitresses is a big plus in our book.
Find out more about the Palazzo and their casino on their website.
Restaurant Category
Best Steak Restaurant in Las Vegas - Biscayne Steak. Sea. Wine.
We love a good steak restaurant and trust us, there are tons of these located on Las Vegas. But one steak restaurant sticks out as the Best Steak Restaurant in Las Vegas and that is Biscayne located inside of the Tropicana.
When you order your steak, all you have to say is "Matt said to order the Texas Waygu Bone-in Ribeye." It is the best, and when we say the best we mean the absolute best. Unbelievable.
They also have a huge wine selection and a full menu of seafood choices. It is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or an important business meeting. You can check out their full menu and learn more about the restaurant on their website.
Best Ice Cream in Las Vegas - Shake Shack
After walking the Las Vegas Strip a few times, you'll have some extra calories that you can consume. So when you do, stop by Shake Shack which is located right outside of New York - New York. They have a full menu of classic soda shop specialties, but make sure you order the SHACK-A-Palooza.
Ready... here is what it has in it... 3 scoops of chocolate, vanilla, and flavor of the week custard, drenched and drowned in fudge, caramel and marshmallow sauce, topped with chocolate truffle cookie dough, chocolate toffee, Belgian waffles and chocolate sprinkles.
Need we say more? So loosen your belt and visit their website to learn more.
Best Hamburger in Las Vegas - Holsteins Shakes and Buns
Hamburgers are all about the same right? Well maybe so where you've eaten in the past, but if you want to try the Best Hamburger in Las Vegas (and maybe in your whole life), then stop by Holsteins Shake and Bun inside The Cosmopolitan. We had heard they had great burgers, but we had no idea that eating their burger would make all other burgers we'd eaten in the past or in the future obsolete.
You're not going to be disappointed in any of the hamburger selections on the menu, but the burger that changes our life (hamburger speaking) was The Rising Sun. Add a fried egg atop this ingenious culinary invention and you'll be adding us to your Christmas Card list.
They have some amazing milkshakes there too, but nothing can compete with how unbelievable their hamburgers are! Visit their website to learn more about their menu.
Best Spot for Lunch - Morels French Steakhouse and Bistro
There's something about having a good lunch in a great atmosphere while in Las Vegas and we feel we've found the Best Spot for Lunch in Las Vegas at Morels French Steakhouse and Bistro which is located inside The Palazzo. They offer everything that we love about a great lunch in Vegas. Make sure to try their charcuterie, cheese and fresh bread platter with your favorite bottle of wine and you must to sit on their outdoor patio overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. Also try out their calamari, it is unbelievable.
They have a great selection of lunch options that will satisfy everyone in your party and their staff is second to none in all of Las Vegas. They are very reasonably priced, great location and we've always found a great seat every time we stop by.
Morels is simply a wonderful restaurant for a relaxing atmosphere that we love visiting during our trips to Las Vegas. Visit their website to learn more about their entire menu.
Best Spot for a Beer in Las Vegas - Public House
Do you enjoy a great glass or two of high-quality beer with a lot of character? Then look no further than Public House inside The Venetian who we award the Best Spot for a Beer in Las Vegas. With over 200 different beers available, there is something here for everyone! They even present their beer list selection on a digital tablet right there on your table.
They have a great location and a very cool vibe about their restaurant. Make sure you look up when you walk in because they have their draft beers flowing overhead from their keg room directly over to the taps behind the bar. While you are there, try out their fried cauliflower, it is simply amazing and a great pairing with a full flavored IPA. So show up thirsty to Public House and enjoy sampling and trying different styles and flavors of beers from all around the world.
Find out more about all their beer selections right on their website.
Best Bar in Las Vegas - CliQue Bar and Lounge
Do you love the bar scene in Las Vegas? If so, do we have the IT place for you to try. Our vote for Best Bar in Las Vegas is CliQue Bar and Lounge located right off the casino floor inside the Cosmopolitan. They bring a sexy Las Vegas vibe and combine it with unbelievable cocktails and first class service.
They offer tableside mixology from some of the most creative bartenders we've ever met. They take their craft very serious and will surprise and impress you with every cocktail they offer. Make sure to try the Deep Fried Oreo too!
There are also plenty of TV's to keep an eye on your favorite ball game while listening to a DJ spin today's best blend of high-energy music. Not to mention the most beautiful waitresses in all of Las Vegas!
Visit their website to see more of everything they offer.
Best Breakfast in Las Vegas - Hash House a Go Go
For those of you who like to start your day off with a big breakfast, then we hope you've already discovered Hash House a Go Go which easily won Best Breakfast in Las Vegas from us. You are not going to believe the sizes of their portions and the amazing quality of their food. They have all the traditional menu choices and some very unique items that you'll want to try. From the Chicken and Waffles to the corn beef hash, you will not be disappointed.
Expect a short wait regardless of the time of day you show up, but make sure you wait it out because you are in for a culinary treat. They have a great staff and know how to deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Best Pizza in Las Vegas - Otto Pizzeria
Otto Pizzeria inside of The Venetian is our winner of Best Pizza in Las Vegas. When you eat at Otto you feel like you are sitting right in St. Marks Square in Venice. They have a great location, but a much superior menu. They offer all the traditional Italian dishes, but when you stop by make sure you have them bring you a pizza or two. Otto has a wonderful selection of wine and a great staff who knows the menu. They use a cooking technique from their New York location and deliver some amazing pizzas. So go hungry and you'll thank us later!
Learn more about their location and their menu on their website.
Attractions/Things To Do Category
Best Guided Tour Attraction in Las Vegas - Segway Las Vegas
There are a lot of tours you can take while in Las Vegas, but the winner of Best Guided Tour Attraction in Las Vegas for us this year is Segway Las Vegas. They offer local tours in Vegas and several right outside of the city. We took the tour of Red Rock Canyon which is a short bus ride from the Las Vegas Strip.
They take care of everything for your tour. They teach you how to ride and navigate your Segway and getting the hang of riding it is very easy. You wear an earpiece so you can hear what your guide is saying the entire time.
Our tour was about 1.5 hours and it was wonderful. It is a very affordable excursion and a fun thing to do with friends and family. So make sure you plan on riding Segways with the great people from Segway Las Vegas. Learn more about their tours and pricing on their website.
Best Family Fun in Las Vegas - Wet n Wild Las Vegas
Grab the family and your bathing suit and make plans to head out to Wet n Wild Las Vegas, this year's winner of Best Family Fun in Las Vegas. Located about 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, you'll find this water theme park that is packed with fun for your whole family.
They have tube rides, huge slides, a wave pool and a water park area for little tykes. Regardless of your age, you will have so much fun here. Here's a tip... get there right when they open because the lines will be shorter and the temperatures will be cooler. Oh yeah, also bring your sunblock!
To learn more about all their rides and attractions, click here to visit their website.
Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Las Vegas - 107 Skylounge
If you are scared of heights then get over that and then make plans to head down to the Stratosphere for your chance to see the Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Las Vegas. High atop the Stratosphere is a great spot called the 107 Skylounge who serve amazing cocktails and offer amazing views of the entire Las Vegas valley.
So here's the deal... make reservations at the 107 Skylounge about 30 minutes before sunset, then grab a seat that faces south towards the Las Vegas Strip. Order your favorite drink and sit back and watch the day turn into night right before your eyes. It is the coolest visual experience in Las Vegas.
Click here to visit their website to learn more!
Best Show in Las Vegas - Human Nature Jukebox
This is a very tough category to select a winner as there are so many amazing shows in Las Vegas. However, the winner of Best Show in Las Vegas for us this year was Human Nature Jukebox at the Venetian. It was so much fun and amazingly entertaining. These guys are incredibly talented and deliver pure excitement with their show.
This show takes you on a journey through their jukebox where they sing and perform the greatest hits from the last 4 generations of music. So regardless of your age, this show is for everyone. They keep you laughing, singing along and dancing in the aisle at the end of the show.
They have a very talented band that support their strong vocal skills. There is a nice amount of a cappella from the group during the performance which was very entertaining. They interact with the audience during the show and even take live request of your favorite Motown songs (they know them all)!
So plan on spending some time with these guys on your next Las Vegas trip. You'll love them as much as we did! To see showtimes and for tickets, visit their website.
Best Summertime Activity in Las Vegas - Las Vegas 51's
Take us out to the ballgame! That's exactly what we did when we headed out to see the Las Vegas 51's baseball team this past summer. What a fun and unique experience right in the middle of Las Vegas. The Las Vegas 51's are a minor league baseball team and we elect them as the Best Summertime Activity in Las Vegas. They have an intimate ballpark, a great selection of food and it's simply an all American good time.
To check out when they'll be in town, see their full schedule on their website.
Best Outdoor Activity in Las Vegas - Top Golf Las Vegas
A huge must for your next Las Vegas trip is a visit to Top Golf located right next to the MGM Grand. It is our winner of Best Outdoor Activity in Las Vegas. This state of the art facility is a great way to spend a few hours with your Las Vegas buddies taking turns playing games with golf clubs and golf balls.
They have a four story complex where you rent individual bays to play golf. It is a combination of darts, golf and bowling and unlike anything you've ever done. You don't need to be a golfer to enjoy this attraction because everyone in your group will have a blast. You can bring your own clubs, but they offer all the clubs you'll need for your time there.
They have an amazing menu of food, great beer and a wonderful staff. They call themselves "The Hottest New Concept on the Las Vegas Strip" and they are spot on. Visit their website to see everything they offer.