Delano Las Vegas
"How did it strike you on arrival?Delano is like the perfect combination of its Miami predecessor and the desert environment. It's all white-on-white, with breezy long curtains and natural stone that comes from the surrounding desert. In a city full of sometimes lavish and complicated design schemes, its minimalist beach-meets-desert decor is a welcome change! Nice. What’s the crowd like?This is a young, jetsetting crowd that's likely familiar with the Delano Miami (or stays there regularly). There can be the occasional convention crowd, but the few of times I've stayed here, it's been couples (and girls' getaway and bachelor parties) looking for fun in the sun. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.All the rooms are suites, which is helpful, and depending on the time of year, (spring and fall are the high seasons in Vegas), you can get a great deal on a big room. My room was a Delano King Suite, which clocks in at 725 square feet and has a separate bedroom, which is nice if you're having people over. It's all white-on-white (on gold), with the Delano's signature window sheers. There's a 46" TV in the bedroom and a 55" flat screen in the living room, so it's a great party suite. Since these rooms are on the south end of the Strip, though, you'll want to make sure of what you're getting for a view (the upper suites obviously have much better views). For only a bit more, look for a "Scenic Suite," which has a sweeping view on a corner. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?This is a new hotel and everything feels new—from the white linens to the white breezy curtains. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?It's kind of disappointing that Delano charges for a "coffee kit" ($4), but the mini bar is well stocked and doesn't have the highest prices on the Strip. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Delano bathrooms are so smart and sleek (especially if you consider that this is a retrofit!), in black granite, with backlit mirrors and great, great lighting. The amenities are from the Bathouse (which is the spa that you are not going to want to miss. In fact, it's a holdover from when the hotel was called TheHotel at Mandalay Bay, and is all black stone and intimate spaces. The bathrooms in Delano feel reminiscent of this slick, contemporary, Zen feel. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wifi is strong, and included in the $39 resort fee. Room service: Worth it?I love Delano room service, and here's why: You'd think that since Delano is a tower of Mandalay Bay, it would share the room service menu. But in fact it all comes (or is at least inspired by) the super-healthy and charming Della's Kitchen, right in Delano. Menu item are designated as "SP" (a smart plate with 700 calories or less) and there are gluten-free and signature dishes from Della's. Not everything is virtuous (I'm looking at you, delicious peanut butter chocolate bar), but it's a conscientious menu with carefully sourced produce and you're actually told where it's from, like a lobster and buckwheat noodle salad with Blue Lizard Farms arugula (from just north of Las Vegas), carrots, Abby Lee Farrms cucumbers and yuzu citrus vinaigrette. You can actually feel good about this menu and prices are reasonable (for room service). Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The staffers in the spa, the Bathhouse—one of the most underrated and delightful of the spas on the Strip—make the experience incredibly relaxing. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.You really mustn't miss an evening at Rivea and Skyfall, the restaurant and lounge connected to each other on the 64th floor. They're both Alain Ducasse joints (formerly Mix, also by Alain Ducasse, who stayed on in the transition to Delano), and while the food and drinks are incredible, it's the view that will take your breath away. This is where you can find the absolute best panorama of the Strip, and also of the mountains to the west. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The most memorable thing about Delano is how perfectly is has picked up the elements of the desert and incorporated them into a breezy hotel that feels like you're right by the beach. Views are spectacular (ask for a high floor), and when you need the bustle of the Strip, just walk through the lobby and several steps away through the parking garage into Mandalay Bay. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This hotel is well worth the money. MGM hotels are frequently discounted and you can find the rates right on the MGM calendars. The rooms—which were originally planned for the luxury arm of Mandalay Bay (the former TheHotel) are all huge, and all suites." - Andrea Bennett
