Las Vegas is a city known for putting it all out there; a very in-your-face experience. Yet many places seem shrouded in secrecy, specially reserved for the VIP or high roller. However, there are hidden gems that everyone can experience—you just need to know where to look.
1. Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar Park MGM, 702.730.6700
It’s like stepping into the past—one with jazz music, velvety club chairs and glowing chandeliers. Step even further inside the Chicago-born classic steakhouse and you’ll find (or ask your server) a hidden room perfect for relaxing and enjoying one of the menu’s many martini and Old Fashioned recipes.
2. Libertine Social Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7558
In the expansive restaurant, lounge and bar, frosted-glass doors shield from view the back bar where guests can settle in and go on a cocktail adventure. It’s all courtesy of Tony Abou-Ganim, a world-renowned mixologist who has carefully crafted a cocktail program that includes many of his original, delicious recipes.
3. Montecristo Cigar Bar Caesars Palace, 866.733.5827
The cigar bar is one of the coolest hangs to drink whiskies, light some stogies and watch some sports, but there’s also the secret Vault Room. Here, up to 10 guests can indulge in steaks from Old Homestead Steakhouse, light up a rare cigar and try the Louis XIII Perfect Pour.
4. Ling Ling Lounge MGM Grand, 702.891.3838
While clubgoers wait in line for hours to get into the main nightclub at Hakkasan, on the third floor the secluded Ling Ling Lounge is like a secret inside the popular megaclub. Along with the low lighting and down-tempo tunes, you’ll find a menu filled with some of the tastiest experiments in mixology.
5. Drai’s After Hours The Cromwell, 702.777.3800
For more than two decades, people have been taking the elevator underground to the city’s first after-hours nightclub. Drai’s boasts rooms playing the latest in dance music and hip-hop. The red glow and leopard-print furnishings add to the hidden-gem, hedonistic experience.
6. The Steak House Circus Circus, 702.794.3767
Among the clown-themed décor and kiddie attractions at the property, you’ll find its swankiest secret, The Steak House. For many years, this restaurant has been a fave of locals and tourists. The old-school ambience and succulent steaks and sides helped define classic Las Vegas.
7. Louis Vuitton The Shops at Crystals, 702.262.6189
Hidden inside the luxury store’s top floor is the permanent James Turrell art installation “Akhob.” The art experience consists of multiple, circular chambers filled with stimulating, color-changing patterns. Only a handful of people are allowed inside at one time, and you’ll need to make a reservation.
8. Heart of Omnia Caesars Palace, 702.785.6200
If you can pull yourself away from the mesmerizing kinetic chandelier in Omnia’s main room, sneak on over to the interior lounge, Heart of Omnia. The space offers hip-hop sounds, plenty of VIP seating, dance floor, bar and a more intimate party experience.
9. Flamingo Island Flamingo, 702.733.3349
Fifteen acres of the hotel property is reserved for the Wildlife Habitat that houses hundreds of exotic birds, turtles and fish. Tucked inside the lush acreage is Flamingo Island, where Chilean flamingos gather and fluff their pink feathers. On the island, stop by at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to watch the feedings and talk with one of the lead wildlife specialists.
