The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection

"How did it strike you on arrival?Most people will enter here from the valet entrance (not the Strip entrance) and walk straight into the super-sexy lobby with video art columns. There's an ever-changing video loop, so you never feel like you're in the same room. And a VIP room off the registration area is helpful when you're an invited guest, because there are sometimes lines to check in. What’s the crowd like?They're a tribe of nomadic Millennials. It's Vegas this week, Ibiza next, and back for Coachella after that. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.If you’ve ever seen Cosmopolitan’s provocative ads about its being the “right kind of wrong,” you’ll understand who it’s trying to attract—and it’s succeeding. The guests are usually on the younger side of the Strip demographic, with plenty of money to spend on all the great restaurants, cabanas at the club, and bottle service at Marquee Nightclub. Its rooms are some of the best for entertaining on the Strip (and some of the very few with open-air terraces). In recent years, the Cosmopolitan has focused on upping its offerings for bigger spenders, and its rooms reflect that: The Chelsea Penthouses, for instance, start at 2,400 square feet, and the three-bedroom penthouses have terraces with panoramic views. All the rooms, though, appeal to those who love clean-edged design. The hotel was acquired by MGM Resorts International in 2022 and is operated by Marriott, and is now part of a new brand collection, the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, that gives Marriott members special access and points on stays, and you can book through MGM or Marriott. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The beds are great—with lots of big pillows. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.A lot of the rooms have different kinds of bathrooms and different layouts, but I liked my Tower One Bedroom a lot because it had a really deep Japanese soaking tub with a view of the Strip. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Included with the $45 daily resort fee. Food and drink Cosmopolitan has long had some of the Strip’s most standout restaurant and lounge options, and they’re constantly adding fun new things. One of the newest is The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, a swanky room behind a janitor’s door where you can take in a major whiskey selection and yes, actually schedule an old-school shave and haircut. Other new additions include David Chang’s fun new Bang Bar by Momofuku at Cosmopolitan’s stellar Block 16 Urban Food Hall. Its classics, like é by José Andrés, Jaleo, Scarpetta, STK, and Zuma never lose their luster. The wacky “Italian American Psychedelic” restaurant Superfrico is fun (try the Detroit-style pizza) but its hidden Ski Lodge based on ski chalets in Hokkaido is the real find. They’re all within one of the best people-watching places in Las Vegas. Room service: Worth it?Cosmopolitan's in-room dining is pretty snack-heavy (not like traditional hotel IRD, which has plenty of entrees) and there are a lot of healthy options and share plates (nachos, hummus) that assume you'll be entertaining in your room. But you'll pay a premium for ordering IRD, especially considering the fact that there are great options right downstairs, like Eggslut, Estiatorio Milos, Ghost Donkey, a juice bar. I didn't order breakfast like I usually do, because not only did one continental breakfast order cost almost $30, it also comes with a $7.50 delivery fee plus 18 percent service charge and tax. If you're really holing up in your room for any length of time and money's no object, it's likely a fine option. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The staff here is good, but maybe not quite as standardized and en pointe as, say, Wynn. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The restaurants are absolutely key at Cosmopolitan—some of the best in Las Vegas and definitely the most scene-y. Virtually everywhere you go, you'll run into the beautiful people. There are three levels of bars under one, massive Chandelier, and Vesper Bar is one of the prettiest on the Strip. The spa has, since Cosmopolitan opened, been one of the best in Las Vegas. There's a huge, fabulous hammam that adheres pretty close to Moroccan tradition. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?If you're staying in Vegas, you'll likely end up at Cosmopolitan at some point, since this is where some of the best restaurants, and almost bar none the best people-watching can be found. It's especially good for social Millennial types, since there are plenty of places to just hang out. For those who want a break from all the expected luxury retail, Cosmopolitan offers some edgier shopping options than elsewhere on the Strip. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The rooms are big and there are lots of different room types—so it pays to research exactly what you want before you go, and request a specific room if you can. There are some really good room features, like terraces (since many Vegas hotel rooms don't have open-air spaces). Service can be a little spotty, though, and since you're paying some of the highest room prices on the Strip, you'd better really like the nightlife and restaurant scenes, because the social scene is really what you're paying for." - Andrea Bennett