I'm sure what you want to read about after recovering from the weekend and St. Patrick's Day is further debauchery in Vegas. Luckily for you, thats exactly what i'm going to do.

Vegas is a different animal all together: You don't need to be in Vegas longer than 3 days. What seems appealing Day 1, seems draining Day 4. Believe me, I've put in the time!

In the next few weeks, I will be back in Vegas and this will mark my 12th visit to Sin City, and the 2nd time in the past month ( MY POOR BODY) but don't let me fool you, I love Vegas. Some people can't handle Vegas... and I... kind..of understand that, but it has always agreed with me.

Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity of staying at various resorts and no matter where I stay, I'm biased to the Wynn. I always tell Scottie that I could live at the Wynn... although, I say that about everywhere I go and love. I'm a love it or hate it kinda gal. All or nothing--which has really improved my gambling game!

The strip is huge, so based on what you are looking to do in Vegas, and obviously the price, will probably help you decide.

Heading to Vegas, What are you looking to do?

Shop, Pool Party, Club, Gamble, or head to the Shows? Honestly, all of this will help determine where you should stay. If you or your hubby likes to golf there are definitely some great courses in the area. As well as helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon and day trips to the Hoover Dam.

For example, last trip, 3 weeks ago (cough) I went to the Britney Spears Show, don't judge me, it was fantastic, and I face planted running with excitement into the auditorium- minor detail.

The show plays at Planet Hollywood, which is across from the Cosmopolitan and Aria. It didn't make sense to stay on the complete other end of the strip when everything I had planned was elsewhere, so we stayed at Aria.

Aria & Cosmopolitan are both clean, new resorts with a younger feel. Cosmo has some fantastic restaurants and also Marquee (night club), which coincidentally, I went to the opening of.. back in my single-lady days.

Few favorite restaurants in Cosmo: STK, Blue Ribbon Sushi, and Scarpetta. Blue Ribbon is my favorite in Soho.. and I definitely ate here 3 times in a 5 day time span... oops! Before your reservation, make sure to grab a drink at the Chandelier Bar. For a lunch time spot, I recommend Todd English Pub at Aria.

Now, if you are staying on this end of the strip, make sure and walk to the Bellagio and catch the water show. It generally goes on every 30 minutes. For a first timer, spend a day walking the strip. Literally, just plan on walking through the resorts and checking everything out. You will find some of the best people watching.. maybe ever.

Speaking of the Bellagio, if you walk through, you will most likely get picked up by a club promoter and offered two free drink tickets to The Bank. This is kind of an older scene, but if you are looking to get drinks it's pretty fun. Plus, like everything in life, it's only as fun as you make it.

Venetian & Palazzo: I have stayed at both and honestly, they are on par with the Wynn/Encore. I loved my room... and my very extravagant bathroom. hehe! Literally it is the size of the room. But, all in all great experience.

Ok, so lets be honest. Some of us may never go to Venice...scratch that, even Italy, but the Venetian does a pretty amazing job recreating the feel of old Italy. (If you want to do a world tour, there is even a Paris Resort...complete with Eiffel Tower.)

The Venetian is complete with a gondola that romantically glides through the resort...think: Serenade your girlfriend.... last time, we saw a couple get engaged.

The Wynn & Encore: Style, Luxury, & arguably the best Nightlife offerings on the strip... Umm.. Sign me UP! As you know, The Wynn is my favorite resort for multiple reasons. The Wynn does not skimp on any aspect; luxury gambling scene, restaurants, shows and shopping are all top tier. You will not find better quality or experience than from the Wynn.

One of my favorite perks to the Wynn is the pool scene, but not for the obvious reason you are thinking. Yes, of course I spend my days by the pool, but the Wynn opens gambling tables up by the pool.

When I don't want to leave the pool during the day, I can still grab a drink and play a few hands of blackjack or even test my luck with craps.

If you don't get the chance to stay at the Wynn or Encore, I highly suggest a visit. The attention to detail is on point. Even the smallest spaces are decorated incredibly. The flower Merry-Go-Round for example and the entranceway with flowers!

Other Resorts: Now, there are several resorts to try and based on your budget and like I mentioned earlier-shows or experiences which is how I recommend choosing your spot. I have stayed at the Palms & Rio which are both slightly off strip but have their upsides as well. I would recommend on a first visit staying right on the strip--more convenient. If there is a particular resort you want more information on-shoot me a comment because chances are i've stayed there or spent time there.

*Travel Tip for Club Seekers: if you are looking to go to a night club or even Pool Party: ex. Encore Beach Club, you will have the best luck if you reach out to them via: Twitter, Instagram, or if you look fabulous walking down the strip. Sorry boys, this may not include you, unless there are more girls than boys in your party. But, it's worth the try.

Best Night Clubs: You will notice a trend, 3 of my top clubs are at the Encore/Wynn

XS at Encore/Wynn
Hakkasan at MGM
Tao at the Venetian
Haze at Aria
Intrigue at Encore/Wynn
Surrender at Encore/Wynn
1 Oak at Mirage
Marquee at the Cosmopolitan

Favorite Restaurants (mine, so take with a grain of salt) use Open Table or ask Concierge to arrange: STK, Nobu, Blue Ribbon

Pool Parties: Most of the Pool Parties start March/early April and end October-ish. Also keep in mind certain days are bigger than others. Rehab at the Hard Rock used to be THE place to be on Sundays.

Here is my vote for best pool scenes:

Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel
Encore Beach Club at Encore
Tao Beach Club at the Venetian
Marquee Day Club at the Cosmopolitan
Wet Republic at MGM Grand
Drai's Beach Club at Cromwells
Daylight at Mandalay Bay

Getting into trouble at Encore Beach Club... Running into David Guetta

Shows: Now, shows are definitely a personal choice, I've provided my favorite experiences. I think it's a nice change of pace to try a show.... believe me, you may want a little down time in Vegas.

*Fun Fact, my mom bought 4 tickets to Elton John, day of show ($500 a piece tickets for $100 a piece) and they ended up on stage with him. Experience of a lifetime.

Celine Dion at Caesars Palace
Le Réve- The Dream at the Wynn
Cirque du Soleil (multiple shows) I would recommend Beatles, Zarkana, and O.
Britney Spears at Planet Hollywood (she is currently taking a break)
Pitbull at Planet Hollywood (will be seeing him twice next trip.. eek!)
JLO at Planet Hollywood

Pretending to be Britney at Britney Spears Show, Planet Hollywood

This is my guide to Vegas, enjoy, like I said, 3 days is about all I can handle--Until Next Time!

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