Hotel Review
The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, USA
THE BACKGROUND: Owned by Deutsche Bank, The Cosmopolitan became the latest five-star hotel in Las Vegas when it opened in late 2010. It sits on 8.5 acres of land, which is on the small side for a Las Vegas properties, but is built vertically (two towers), with a relatively small carbon footprint.
WHERE IS IT? Midway along Las Vegas Boulevard, or The Strip, next to The Bellagio and opposite Planet Hollywood. Depending on traffic, the hotel is around a 20-minute taxi or airport shuttle ride from McCarran International Airport.
WHAT'S ITS USP? It's modern and funky and oozes quality. And it's different: there’s no gambling in the hotel lobby; it’s the only hotel on The Strip featuring rooms with balconies; all retail outlets in the hotel are unique to Las Vegas; and the casino features windows (unusual in Las Vegas).
THE ROOM: Standard rooms are a large 640 sq ft. I was in a Terrace Studio, a very spacious suite featuring a 'living area' with a work station, long couch, large flat-screen TV with over 50 stations; a bathroom with marble floors, a kitchenette – with zebra wood cabinetry – with microwave and fridge; and a king-size bed. Sliding glass doors opened to a private terrace with views of the nearby CityCentre complex and the international airport. In-room technology lets you pre-set 'ambiances'.
THE RESTAURANT: There are 13 on the property, including Estiatorio Mills, the only Greek restaurant on The Strip. Scarpetta is a fine-dining Italian restaurant that's the charge of award-winning chef Scott Conant. Other options include a sushi bar and grill, a French brasserie and an upmarket burger concept-restaurant. The Henry, a 24/7 dining venue next to the casino floor, serves everything from classic breakfasts – the best eggs benedicts you'll find anywhere – to classic cocktails.
THE FACILITIES: Three swimming pools include one overlooking the heart of The Strip. The Sahra Spa and Hamman has 30 treatment rooms and offers products and therapies influenced by the nearby desert.
THE NIGHTLIFE: The Chandelier, a spectacular luminous 'beaded curtain' stretches over three floors, and is part cocktail bar, part casino bar and part art exhibit. The Marquee nightclub quickly established itself as a top spot in a city known for its exhilarating Nightlife.
WHERE TO BOOK IT: The hotel is featured by several UK operators, including Virgin Holidays and British Airways Holidays.
THE DETAILS: 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard, South Las Vegas, NV 89109
The Verdict
Exceptional
Pass
Loved It!
Farce
This is a funky hotel that puts you at the heart of the action on The Strip. It provides superb oversized residential-style living – with all mod-cons and those unique-for-Vegas private terraces.
Steve Hartridge
Editor, Selling Long Haul
