Springtime at Paris Las Vegas – the ultimate romance itinerary?

by Scott Carmichael on

Last week, I spent a weekend in Las Vegas as part of a press trip organized by Harrah’s Entertainment – the owners of Paris. The trip was organized to showcase how Paris is the perfect romantic destination in Las Vegas. Along with a group of fellow bloggers, we were taken on a tour of the property and introduced to the various dining choices and entertainment options at Paris – so, read on to see whether Paris lives up to its name, and whether it really is the perfect destination for some romance in Vegas.
The rooms

Romance starts with the right room – and the updated Paris “Red Rooms” certainly fit the theme. The rooms are well designed, albeit without anything really over the top. As usual, all I really look for in a room is a good bed, good climate control and good WiFi. Since this was a trip focusing on romance, I ignored the WiFi for the weekend.

The room features a nice TV/minibar cabinet, which is also home to his and hers closets, a safe and several drawers. The TV channel lineup was fairly boring, and there are (easy to access) inputs or plugs.

The bathroom is spacious, with a single sink – walk in shower and separate bath tub. Amenities are brand-less, but pleasant smelling.

(A little photo trickery using the new Olympus E-PL1)

If your budget allows for it – upgrade yourself to a front-facing (fountain/Eiffel Tower) room – you really won’t be disappointed. Turning the lights off in your room, and watching the Bellagio Fountains from the 29th floor is one memory I won’t forget any time soon.

The entertainment

You can’t do Vegas without entertainment – the two go hand in hand. Thankfully, Paris snagged one of the best shows on the strip – Barry Manilow. Now, I’ll admit right away that I’m no die-hard “Fanilow”, but boy does this man put on a show.

Helped by an 11-man orchestra, moving stage props and several amazing dancers, Mr. Manilow dazzled me in his 90 minute show. His performance includes a mix of new stuff (from his latest album) to his classics. He even spends 10 minutes introducing us to his youth – explaining who helped him get into show business. So, even if you are not “in to” Barry Manilow, a visit to this show will not disappoint.

Perhaps the most surprising show I visited was that of Anthony Cools. Anthony has a nightly show at Paris where he combines comedy with hypnosis. Personally, I usually avoid shows like this because I’m one of those people that doesn’t buy the whole hypnosis thing. I came very close to hanging out on the casino floor instead of going to the show.

But since this was a work trip, I had no choice – I went to his show and listened to the warnings (Anthony Cools personally warned me that I may not want to volunteer to go up on stage!).

In a mere 5 minutes, I realized that this would not be a normal show – and by the end of the show, I had laughed so hard that it actually hurt to talk. I won’t reveal too much about what he does, but I can tell you that if you are a skeptic (like me), you need to man up and visit this show. It is without a doubt one of the funniest things I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot of funny stuff in my life. Anthony Cools is a genius, and that is all you need to know. And no – I do not bark like a dog when someone mentions Snausages.


Food and drinks

Paris offers a huge variety of choices for food. There is of course a well stocked buffet, along with several other decently priced establishments, but guests looking for some more upscale choices will not be disappointed.

I had breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi – their Strip side French restaurant. And let me tell you – there is something magical about eating poached pear and caramel crepes while watching the sun come up over the Las Vegas Strip. If you want romance – this is where you’ll find it.

The pastry chef at Le Provencal performs miracles with chocolate – and delivered this amazing trio to our table. The restaurant offers a very reasonably priced selection of French favorites with impeccable service and get this – singing waitstaff.

Other restaurants at Paris include the fantastic Burger Brasserie where you can order a Kobe Beef burger for under $20 – a real bargain (and absolutely delicious).

If you got lucky at the slots, or you just want to impress someone, you can order the $77 burger – another Kobe Beef creation, but topped with imported Brie, caramelized onions, Maine Lobster and 100 year old balsamic vinegar. Got really lucky? $777 gets you that burger, along with a bottle of Dom. What better way to celebrate something than with a $777 bottle of bubbly and a burger?

Fans of the more traditional dinner will love Les Artistes steakhouse. This restaurant specializes in dry aged beef – and was where I had the best steak of my life, along with service from the best waiter I’ve ever met (thanks Dennis!). Prices are surprisingly reasonable, though adding a decent selection of wine will obviously take care of that. Oh, and if someone suggests you try the Caesar salad – listen to them, trust me.

Other things to do

Paris is not complete without a ride up the Eiffel Tower. This applies to the 121 year old version, as well as the more recent Vegas addition. The experience is very similar – you wait in a long line for an elevator, and at the top, you are wowed by the view. Sure – Eiffel Tower purists may complain about this fake version, but as someone who fell in love with his wife on top of the real tower, this one can be just as romantic, provided you are with the right company.

Halfway up the Eiffel Tower is the Eiffel Tower restaurant – which happens to be the perfect location for desert before heading up the tower. The view is spectacular, especially if you snag a table by the window.

The best part of the Vegas Eiffel Tower is being able to relax, take a deep breath and just watch the busy strip fly past you below. This is where you get away from it all, and chill for a bit.

Make no mistake – Paris is also perfect for some gambling. The atmosphere is like most other casinos on the strip – but the Eiffel Tower legs sticking up through the roof make for a really nice effect. I also found the layout to be quite relaxing – no massive gambling hall here, but a well designed area leading into various restaurants and shops.

Other “things to do” include a spa, fitness center, large pool area and a cozy Parisian shopping street with everything from “Les Enfants” (kids products) to the obligatory jewelry stores. The shopping promenade also leads to neighboring Bally’s.

All in all, this was an eye-opening trip – mainly because I was able to spend an entire weekend inside a single property and not be bored. Of course, since the trip had been arranged by the hotel, they made sure we were treated well, but by my calculations, a trip with this schedule could be planned for two people for around $600 which includes the room rate, show tickets, meals and drinks – a price in line with what I’ve usually spent for a good weekend of fun in Vegas. Of course, depending on how you do on the casino floor, the price could go up or down depending on your luck.

If this weekend matches your idea of a perfect romantic getaway, you can snag yourself a room with a nice 15% discount using this link. With your discount, you’ll be able to find rooms at Paris for as low as $68/night!

Anthony Cools, Burger Brasserie and Les Artistes photos courtesy of Scott Roeben, Pulse of Vegas Blog

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This trip was hosted by Harrah’s Entertainment. The ideas and opinions expressed in this article are 100% my own.

Take the Vegas buffet to the next level with the Planet Hollywood buffet of buffets pass

by Scott Carmichael on

Do you really like to feast on a Vegas buffet? I mean really, really love the buffet? How about spending three nights at the Planet Hollywood resort and casino along with a couple of all-access buffet passes for seven different buffets?

The deal is being offered by Harrah’s for guests who book 3 nights at Planet Hollywood. Rates start at just $122/night and the buffet passes offer 24 hours of unlimited access to Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Imperial Palace, Paris, Planet Hollywood, and Rio.

Just imagine the insane amount of food you could tackle in a 24 hour period – breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon snack, tea time, dinner time and midnight snack. 24 hours, 7 buffet locations.

Of course, nobody would force you to visit all seven locations, but if you have the pass, why not turn it into a challenge? This isn’t the first “all day buffet pass” being offered, but it is the first I’ve ever heard of that offers food between all properties within the same chain.

Interested in a couple of days of food and gambling? Check out the deal over at the Planet Hollywood booking site.
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New sight on the Strip: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to open mid-December

by Melanie Nayer on

The struggling economy in Las Vegas sent tourism officials into overdrive in 2009. The results: More hotels, more casinos and more entertainment options. The opening of Las Vegas CityCenter marked the first step in the city’s attempt to drive tourism dollars — a mini-city smack in the middle of the busiest street in the desert was sure to drive a new type of Sin City crowd. As CityCenter continues to roll the dice on the opening of new restaurants, hotels and residences, other hotel companies are placing their bets that a ‘newer’ Las Vegas will boost the ailing economy.

The newest headline on the marquee: the $3.9 billion Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which is scheduled to open mid-December.

The new casino-resort hopes to attract more visitors to Vegas with its 13 restaurants, a spa, nightclub and 150,000 square feet of meeting space. It will feature a rooftop pool deck overlooking the Strip and a 3,800-space underground parking garage. The hotel will have a total 2,995 rooms (only partially open by December) and the decor is said to be elegant and, well, cosmopolitan. Each room at the Cosmopolitan has its own terrace and, for the thrill-seeker, a 40th-floor open-air balcony overlooking the Strip. While the scene is likely breathtaking, it’s not for the faint of heart. (A steel-enforced railing bar keeps you about two feet from the terraces’ edge.)

The purpose: to drive a newer, more modern clientele to the famous Strip. The problem: the city’s declining tourism rates.

According to the Department of Transportation statistics, Las Vegas still has a lot of catching up to do. In 2009, the city’s hotel rooms garnered 22 percent less per night than in 2008 – a steal for travelers; a black hole for the books. However, the billions of dollars poured into these new hotels and resort complexes are meant to inspire a new type of traveler looking for more than $5 bets and winning slot machines.

Cosmopolitan Chief Executive Officer John Unwin, a former Caesars Palace general manager, told the Associated Press the resort’s construction is fully funded and plans are firm to have all of Cosmopolitan’s rooms open by July 2011.

The W Hollywood won’t let guests use its pool

by Jason Cochran on


In what must be a first for a big hotel, the W Hollywood is telling guests they are not permitted to use the rooftop pool.

It seems ludicrous, but it’s true. That’s because Starwood, which owns the combination hotel/residence property at Hollywood and Vine, contracted a slew of hotel services out to third parties. Drai’s, a Las Vegas nightspot promotion outfit, opened on March 17, and was charged with nightlife at the W, too, presumably because the hotel wanted to purchase some off-the-shelf cachet with hipsters rather than earning it through the merits of the product.

I found this out, of course, the worst way a guest can: By staying there, and being denied access to a swim. On a recent 85-degree Sunday, I tried taking the elevator to the rooftop pool (called WET) for some of those famous California rays. After all, my room on the 11th floor was literally thumping with the beats coming through the ceiling, and I wanted to enjoy a little of this party that I had to put up with despite paying $230 a night.

But the 12th-floor button wouldn’t light up. Down in the lobby, I was directed to a line of early 20s hipsters who were waiting to be admitted to the pool deck themselves. I was informed by a doorman that although “the general public” (that would be me: a paying hotel guest) was not permitted upstairs today, I was welcome to join everyone in the line if I wished, or he would “introduce” me to someone inside who “might be able” to get me on the guest list. As I walked away, he called after me, eyeing my clothes. “Don’t forget, sir. Appropriate pool attire.”The hotel’s statement about the arrangement, which amounts to a recap and doesn’t defend its wisdom, follows at the end of this post.

I’m a reporter at heart, though, and undeterred, I skulked up a service elevator with a friend. I paid $10 to bribe a staff member to let us into what Drai’s publicizes as a “sexy poolside affair with House music and Hollywood’s elite.”

Drai’s is dreadful. There wasn’t a spare inch. A DJ blasted beats, pneumatic girls danced laconically as they stood on the cushioned lounge chairs, and shirtless boys in fedoras smoked cigarettes in the pool while they scoped the girls’ bikini bottoms from shin level. My friend glanced around and proclaimed it “a douche-tacular.” Nearby was a big empty table marked “reserved.” We were told we couldn’t be seated there because “it’s the owner’s table.” It was like this all day, from 10am to 10pm, exclusive of guests unless they greased the right palm.

A luxe L.A. hotel without a pool is like a wedding without a cake. A banquet without forks. A pretentious product without a shred of class.

Am I willing to praise a hotel when it does something right? Only too willing. The W has a lively lobby bar, supremely comfortable beds, and the Sanctuary, an octopus-like device that can charge almost anything you have, is a lifesaver. The views of the Capitol Records building and downtown L.A. are unobstructed, and the staff, although saddled with defending a misguided policy, is accommodating and professional.

That same hotel staff, by the way, is generally mortified by the arrangement with Drai’s. One member told me, confidentially, she was sick of having to be “on the front lines” for Starwood’s greedy scheme. She said half her weekend was spent soothing the fury of rebuffed guests. She also complained about one drunk girl who, just the day before, had vomited in the designstudio-created lobby. “This isn’t Vegas,” the staffer astutely pointed out. “A lot of dedicated business travelers stay with us. They don’t want this.”

I have a sinking feeling this trend won’t be unusual in the future. People are making a lot of money off the W’s cynical elitism. It’s a short-sighted victory for Starwood, though, because such Vegas shenanigans will only turn off regular customers, and when the hotel’s It Factor goes off the boil, its alienated customer base won’t be likely to return.

Thanks to the travel industry’s ever-escalating addiction to extra fees and thirst for found money, greed is elbowing aside even the inclination to provide the simplest amenities.

Jim McPartlin, W Hollywood’s general manager, gave this non-apology for excluding guests from its pool:

“We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response we have received from guests since we opened our doors 2 months ago. With the opening of Drai’s Hollywood on 17th March, the interest in the hotel has increased beyond our wildest dreams, and as such we are having to limit guest access to the WET Deck and Drai’s…..we simply cannot keep up with the demand! We are aware that operationally this is causing problems for some of our guests and we are working very closely with our partners to come up with a solution that works for everyone.”

Update: The furor caused by our exposé caused the hotel to revise its policy. Click here for the story behind that, including an apology by McPartlin.

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Top ten U.S. spots for photography

by Gadling Staff on

As full-time traveling photographers, my husband and I have traveled all over the U.S. in search of the most beautiful cities and sites to photograph. From the vast open desert to towering urban skylines and raging river canyons, we’ve compiled the top 10 best places to visit for photographers. You’ll find a few well-known favorites along with some unique photography hot spots where you’ll find new inspiration. Grab your camera and let’s get clicking!

10. Seattle, WA
From gorgeous harbor views to the dramatic Mount Rainier, Seattle is city with plenty of photographic appeal. Wake up early and head down to Pike Place Market as the vendors stand claim their booths for the day. From photos of vibrant street life to stunning views of the waterway, Pike Place Market is the place to start your photo adventure in Seattle. If you are lucky enough to be in Seattle during the month of June, the Freemont Summer Solstice Parade is a photographer’s dream come true! Watch as thousands of people parade down one of Seattle’s most eclectic streets, leaving little to the imagination with colorful painted bodies and wild parade floats. It’s a blizzard of color and activity not to be missed.

Of course no trip to Seattle is complete without a trip to the Space Needle. We highly recommend shooting this famous structure at night. Behind the Space Needle is a museum designed by Frank Gehry, another beautiful structure to photograph. If you’re into architecture, continue on to Seattle’s Public Library for a few more shots. Walk along the waterfront for more camera opportunities, visit the Sculpture Gardens and if you have time, and be sure to venture out on one of the giant Ferry Boats to enjoy a ride to one of the Port cities, taking in Seattle’s majestic harbor along the way.
9. Outer Banks, NC
Sand dunes and peaceful shores await you on a photographing adventure to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Travel north past Whale Head Bay and walk along the oceanfront, if you’re lucky, you can photograph wild horses as they run through the sand and splash in the water.

Travel along Corolla Blvd. to the Currtick Beach Lighthouse for the most beautiful sunset over the still waterways. Photograph pelicans landing on the gazebo and the lighthouse just as the sun drops below the horizon. Travel south and take a ferry to Ocracoke, a quaint town offering a diverse photographing experience and beautiful views of the ocean.

8. Las Vegas, NV and Red Rock Canyon, NV
The lights! The glitz! The shine! From the bizarre to the beautiful, Las Vegas has it all for photo hunters. Schedule a trip to the Neon Graveyard to photograph the old neon signs of Las Vegas. Then head down the strip to the New York, NY hotel, The Venetian, Caesars Palace and Paris for some impressive neon-lit hotel shots. Every night starting at 8:00 pm make your way to the famous Bellagio water fountain show. The lights, the water and the amazing formations will have you clicking a mile-a-minute to keep up with this amazing display.

When the neon of Vegas is too much, head out to Red Rock Canyon Park. The park is about 15 minutes away from the strip, and boasts a 10-mile loop through some of Nevada’s most beautiful landscapes. Be sure to get there for sunset and watch the mountains change colors as the sun goes down. Beautiful rock formations, wildlife and scenic overlooks will delight any shutterbug.

7. Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC offers a wealth of options for camera-toting visitors, from historic sights and natural wonders. Start with a drive on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway and stop at amazing vista points. Travel the nearby hiking paths to see wildlife, waterfalls, and beautiful pines. Visit Chimney Rock Park and the Carolina Mountain trail for more leisurely hikes and photo experiences. For the more rigorous hikes, try the Dupont State Forrest and an unforgettable photography experience. Of course, no trip to Asheville is complete with out a trip to the Biltmore Estate. The luxurious gardens and historic mansion offer an abundance of great scenes to be snapped.

6. New York, NY
New York City is an urban photographer’s dream come true. From the lights of Broadway to the Bakeries of Little Italy, the “picture perfect” photo opportunities are everywhere. Our favorite spot to shoot in New York City is Central Park. Nestled amongst thousands of skyscrapers, this urban sanctuary offers countless photography opportunities. Head to the Central Park Zoo in the Northern end of the park, or photograph the beautiful lake as boaters enjoy the city skyline. Then move to the famous historic carousel, and hop on! The views are beautiful as you take your camera and steady it on a the ride’s colorful circus animals.

In the winter visit Central Park’s ice skating rink, where hundreds of children stumble on the slippery ice with their parents. Take a stroll in the fall through tree lined paths, and in the spring enjoy the blooming spring flowers. Central Park can be enjoyed during any season, and offers the perfect picture taking experience.

5. San Francisco, CA
For photography lovers, San Francisco is the perfect mix of natural and urban. Start your day below the Golden Gate bridge to capture this amazing structure in the early morning light. Then head for Fisherman’s Wharf for the street life and views of Alcatraz. The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is another photographic must, with beautiful gardens surrounded by the dramatic city views. End your day by heading across the Golden Gate Bridge for the Marin Headlands. Head to the water surrounded by rocks and grassy hills and if you are lucky enough, see wildlife grazing in open fields.

4. Joshua Tree, CA
This extraordinary National Park in Southern California is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the United States. Located about an hour East of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree has no shortage of amazing wildlife, scenery and fascinating rock formations to photograph. Of course, the park’s Joshua Trees are the main attraction, their odd silhouettes outlining the skyline at dusk.. Be sure to head to the vista point over the San Andreas Fault to stand this amazing geological oddity. Make sure to stick around for the picture-perfect sunset.

3. San Diego, CA
There is not a bad time of year to photograph sunny San Diego! One of the most beautiful spots in San Diego is Torrey Pines State Park. Dramatic cliffs lead to the spectacular ocean and shore line. Between January and March head to the park’s cliffs, overlooking the ocean. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the whale migration from Alaska to Baja, Mexico, perfect for some dramatic photos.

Next head to Balboa Park for beautiful photography opportunities of gorgeous buildings, and complex landscapes. Then make your way North to La Jolla to check out seal beach, where hundreds of seals bask in the sunny shores. And of course no photography trip to San Diego is complete without going to Mission Beach. Walk the two mile boardwalk for spectacular views and a gorgeous sunset, and of course Belmont Amusement park, at the end of the boardwalk.

2. Grand Canyon, AZ
The Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world, lives up to its reputation in every way. There’s no shortage of photographic experiences in the Grand Canyon either. A photo-taker could spend days in one single spot and never get the same image twice. Wake up early to see the brilliant sunrises or stay late for sunset and watch as the mountains change colors. Stop at all the scenic overlooks as you drive from one end of the park to the other. Be sure to find a hike that is comfortable for you to really get into the depths of the canyon.

1. Jerome, AZ
A hidden gem located between Sedona and Cottonwood, Jerome, Arizona is a town of 500 people embedded into the surrounding mountains. Situated on the beautiful switchbacks, Jerome offers photographers an amazing view of the valley and mountains below.

Once a fading mining town, Jerome has been revived in recent years by a growing community of artists. Every thing about Jerome is an artistic photograph waiting to happen, from the old doors to quirky light fixtures. The beauty of Jerome can be seen any time of day, but sunset is an experience you won’t soon forget. Jerome might be small, but its beauty is big, making it our favorite spot to take our cameras.

From coast to coast, America is packed with great photos waiting to happen. So, head out with your camera, find a new place, and be sure to snap a few shots along the way!

Related:
* 10 great cities (around the world) for photography
* 24 greatest cities in the world for drinking beer
* 15 more great cities for drinking beer
* The 25 greatest cities in the world for drinking wine
* The 20 greatest cities in the world for foodies

Before you go, be sure to check out Travel Talk, in which the guys visit a highly photogenic spot: the top of Manhattan.