New Yorker changes her tune about Sin City after many visits to its hotels, casinos and night scene

Over the past 10 years, I’ve traveled to Las Vegas on average three or four times annually, typically spending a week at the famous Caesar’s Palace, Bellagio, The Venetian or The Palazzo. I’ve attended many events and conventions with top luxury travel advisors and suppliers from around the world.

Las Vegas was not always my favorite place. My first visit was in the early ’80s when the best luxury casino and hotel (I could find) was Caesar’s Palace. I’m not a gambler nor am I interested in Vegas showgirls but I found nothing outside my hotel except another called the Flamingo (and yes – more gambling and showgirls) further down the strip. So I was not a fan of the city and did not return until 2003. The city looked different from the air and more impressive on the ground as I traveled into town.

Las Vegas was a city that reinvented itself with massive themed hotels, brilliant lights on the strip including the new Luxor hotel an Egyptian style Pyramid in the heart of Las Vegas. Driving further down the strip, I spotted The Paris, The Venetian, The Monte Carlo Hotel, and New York, New York for the first time. I was no longer I impressed and found it all rather tacky and rather disappointing.

Fast forward a number of years, my disdain continued to grow. After all, I was a native New Yorker, who grew up in the heart of Manhattan and worked for luxury hotels in Paris, Rome and Monte Carlo (I even fell in love with the city of Venice at the age of 18). I never thought I could ever like – or happily sell the destination of Las Vegas. Certainly I thought there was no possibility I’d ever enjoy it!

Luxury Accommodations

Today, that stubborn New Yorker has changed her opinion. I now look forward to visiting Las Vegas each year for conventions and thrilled when someone asks for suggestions for their next meeting and/or convention. The choices of hotels, restaurants and entertainment are extensive.