Business trip? Check. Romantic weekend? Sure. Girlfriends getaway? Absolutely. Family Vacation? Not so much. The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas is a lot of things, but one thing it doesn’t even pretend to be is kid friendly. Still, everyone needs a little grown-up time. And when that kids-free weekend presents itself, there is no better place to dash off to than the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, for adults only.
From the moment you walk in the door to check-in, you can sense this place is unique. Located right at the center of the Las Vegas Strip, the Cosmopolitan is downright swanky, but in a hip, cool way that you won’t find stuffy or intimidating.
For a long time, Las Vegas wavered between trying to be a family destination and a grown-ups only haven. The latter finally won out. As a result, almost all the resorts built in the last decade reflect that Sin City persona. (The Cosmopolitan opened in 2010.) The Cosmopolitan – with its “just the right amount of wrong” maxim – fits the bill completely.
There is of course an ample casino, and more than its fair share of bars and lounges. Separated from the casino on the floors above, you’ll find an array of chic shops and restaurants. Don’t waste your time though looking for the buffet or a quick burger; you’ll need to go elsewhere for those Vegas standards. The Cosmopolitan boasts 13 restaurants. All are upscale, international, Chef-inspired stand-outs.
But it is the resort’s avant garde approach to artwork that truly sets it apart. From the modern art commissioned to decorate the walls of the parking garage (yes, the parking garage!) to the digital and ever-changing art transforming on huge LCD monitors in the hotel lobby and elevators, what adorns the walls at the Cosmopolitan is unlike anything you’ve even seen before.
Maybe seen is not the right word; experienced is more appropriate. The artwork here appeals to multiple senses. Like the 6-foot tall red fiber glass sculpture of a stiletto high heeled shoe, or the three-story tall crystal chandelier. Or even the surprisingly fun black & white wall paper inside the hotel room closets.
Three Blissful Pools to Experience
There is a spa, of course, and three pools. Let’s talk about those pools for a second. Because if you are like me, nothing makes you feel more like rapidly-approaching middle age suburban mom than hanging out by the pool with a bunch of rowdy twenty-somethings. That is where the Cosmopolitan truly shines. For those there to party, there is the Boulevard Pool, a vibrant and unapologetically loud pool complex overlooking the buzz of the Strip. For the rest of us, there is the Bamboo Pool. Not quite peaceful and serene, but definitely the more secluded of the two spots. Here, guests can enjoy comfy lounge chairs in a lush environment. Perfect for a quiet conversation with your significant other or gal pals, or a blissful afternoon alone with a magazine.
The third pool is the ultracool Marquee Dayclub Pool, which features bungalows and a party deck, and at night transforms into a ritzy poolside night spot.
During the holidays and winter months, the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool morphs into a family friendly ice skating rink. The rink is small (pool-sized) and not exactly cheap ($15 plus skate rental) but this is truly a unique experience. Where else can you skate several stories up, with a stunning and expansive view of the Las Vegas Strip?
A Room with a View
If a room with a view is important to you, the good news is that it’s hard to get a bad one. My advice is request a room overlooking the Bellagio. You will not only get a fantastic view of the Strip, but also the added bonus of getting to watch the Bellagio’s world-famous fountains.
Some suites come with balconies, a Vegas rarity. If this appeals to you, know you’ll pay a premium price for this upgrade. Good deals can be found at the Cosmopolitan, but suites and balcony rooms will always cost a bit more.
Traveling with your kids is always a blast, but when a girl’s just gotta get away, the Cosmopolitan won’t leave you disappointed.
Healthy Tip for this Destination
This is Vegas, baby! Allow yourself a little indulgence at the first rate restaurants that Las Vegas is known for. This is not the place to be skimping. But do keep an eye on those fruity drinks you’re sipping by the pool. Packed with hundreds of calories, those brightly colored, umbrella-bearing, seemingly innocent tropical cocktails will wreak havoc on your waistline. Opt for a light beer or better yet, ice water infused with a little lemon.
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Hey! Wanted to chime in…there is a buffet at The Cosmopolitan…it’s called Wicked Spoon, and it is usually ranked as one of the best in Vegas. 🙂 And, true, no quick burgers or bites around here, but they are working to accommodate some of that…with more and more changes coming this year (think coffee from a green goddess). Just recently opened is The Juice Standard…fresh pressed, non-GMO and organic juices and other healthy, nutritional snacks (of course, with a Vegas twist- you can add shots of vodka to some of them!). And, as a local, I wouldn’t say it’s the friendliest of family hotels, but honestly, they do a much better job catering to those with families than most on the Strip. Some of the suites have full kitchens (the property was meant to be half residential/half hotel when initially built), the pools have fun water features for the kiddos, not to mention The Boulevard Pool offers foosball tables, videos games and pool tables (and is pet friendly!), and finally, Holsteins Shakes and Buns is visually stimulating for the littles with kid menus and awesome shakes.