The Cosmopolitan

The new kid on the Las Vegas Strip gives keen attention to subtle contemporary twists on classic standbys.

By CHARLIE JOHNSTON | March/April 2012

Photo: PR (all)

My first thought upon entering STK at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is “this place is a little loud.” I can’t help it. I was raised in the tradition of quiet, stuffy, old steakhouses. STK has a DJ. STK isn’t stuffy.

STK is filled with table after table of sexy young patrons who seem to be on the verge of dancing at any minute. What the steakhouse has in common with its more conventional brethren, though, are butter-tender, melt-in-your-mouth cuts of beef and comfortably intimate spaces. The restaurant is a microcosm of the resort it inhabits: chic, young, and hip, with a keen attention to subtle contemporary twists on classic standbys.

Take the resort rooms: The trend toward highly stylized, over-the-top décor and excessively bold color schemes is bucked in favor of a simple sophistication and focus on comfort. Unique to the Strip, many rooms feature outdoor terraces that range from 110 to 480 square feet and boast surreal views of the city (south-facing rooms) and the Bellagio Fountains (north-facing rooms). Luxurious linens, flat-panel high-def TVs, and large well-appointed bathrooms are in line with what is expected of the Strip’s high-quality accommodations. Terrace one bedrooms, suites, and wraparound suites include functional modern kitchenettes.

More of the resort’s modern vibe is on display throughout the property and in the third-floor P3 Studio, where The Cosmopolitan’s Artist-In-Residence art program features an ever-changing lineup of contemporary art from emerging and established artists.

In addition to the aforementioned succulent steaks—truffle butter seriously ups the indulgence ante and is well worth the additional $12—decadent sides, and dangerously tasty cocktails of STK, The Cosmopolitan offers a selection of 13 restaurants that cover the dining spectrum from elegant to place-your-order-at-the-counter. Touted as one of the finest Greek restaurants in North America and with locations in New York City and Montreal, Estiatorio Milos offers impossibly fresh seafood on an enclosed terrace overlooking the Strip.

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill is afflicted with multiple personalities. Dramatically prepared and presented sushi and sashimi give the impression of a sushi joint, luscious Wagyu beef screams Japanese steakhouse, and American classics such as fried chicken are hallmarks of a down-home diner. A “secret” pizzaria, at the back of a vinyl-record-album-covered hallway and lacking a sign—remember, it’s secret—features pinball machines, a handful of stools, and the best slices this side of the Hudson River.

The ornate and classically elegant chandelier gracing the casino is another example of the resort’s stylish spins on the usual. The Chandelier is actually a three-level functional work of art with a bar/lounge on each level. Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub is widely regarded as the hottest spot in Las Vegas. By night, the 62,000-square-foot venue attracts a staggeringly long line of hopeful young partiers. By day, the pools and cabanas pulse with more hot bodies than the pages of GQ magazine.

The club vibe of Bond, an open bar and lounge on the casino floor, is aided by a DJ, occasional live music, and go-go dancers on elevated platforms. Book & Stage, a sports book and music venue on the casino floor, offers another unique Cosmopolitan interpretation of the norm, where live music from popular musicians and worldwide sporting events streaming on big screens provide a high-energy atmosphere. Entertainment at both Bond and Book & Stage is non-ticketed. Rounding out libation and nightlife offerings at The Cosmopolitan, Vesper Bar, near resort registration, is a trendy take on the customary lobby bar that features a rotating menu of signature cocktails.

Fitting in at Las Vegas’ hippest new resort is easy thanks to its eclectic collection of shopping options. Ladies can find an elegant dress for a night out at Beckley, and DNA 2050 offers men’s and women’s denim from today’s top designers. High-fashion, diamond-clad jewelry at Jason of Beverly Hills is great for window-shopping or maxing out credit cards, and Molly Brown’s Swimwear can provide the perfect suit to turn heads at Cosmopolitan’s yacht club-inspired Boulevard Pool.

The property also recently introduced The Pop-Up Wedding Chapel. Whether the betrothed are seeking a traditional marriage, vow renewal, commitment ceremony, pet wedding, or faux-wedding, all are welcome at the chapel. The wedding chapel’s unique street-level location also gives passerbys the chance to partake in the festivities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S.,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
877-551-7778

Desert Oasis

The tranquil, yet striking, Sahra Spa & Hammam showcases the unexpected and authentic beauty of the desert. More than 420 tons of sandstone quarried from the local area were incorporated into the design, where cascading sculptural sandstone walls echo the grandeur of Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Soothing sounds of water bubbling from artesian wells symbolize the unexpected nourishment and refreshment awaiting visitors.

Artist-In-Residence

From one visit to the next, guests will see the hotel continuously reinvent itself via an ever-changing lineup of inspired contemporary art.

The Artist-In-Residence program brings in emerging and established contemporary artists to utilize the P3 Studio for creative production and exhibition.