The first few weeks of the new year are hectic for everyone, but they can be especially busy for our industry with everyone preparing for The PPAI Expo. But smile, kid, you’re going to Vegas! It’s going to be a productive week – why not carve out a little time to see the sights? We polled some of our staff to find out their favorite Vegas restaurants, favorite shows, best shopping areas, ways to relax, and more pro tips below!
National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation
What are your favorite activities to do in Las Vegas?
I always look forward to the Power of Two party. – Blake Bozeman, Director of Sales
I heard The LINQ Promenade has some great views of Las Vegas from the observation wheel, along with live music, gaming, light shows, and more, so that is on my list this year. – Bille Walchek, Director of Marketing
Eating, exploring, and people watching! If it’s your first time in Vegas, make sure to walk the strip and go inside as many hotels as possible! There’s so much to see and do. Or venture over to Fremont Street. – Jansen Manfredini, Sr. Marketing Manager
What’s your favorite restaurant in Vegas for a nice dinner?
Blue Ribbon Sushi in the Cosmopolitan. – Ryan Hanchey, Sr. Manager – Distributor Sales
STK restaurant in Las Vegas. Photo by Ken Lund.
Mizuya Sushi. It’s conveniently located in the middle of Mandalay Bay and has a really good menu! – Bille Walchek, Director of Marketing
Prime Steakhouse in the Bellagio is really great! The décor is beautiful, the food is out of this world, and it’s the same level as the famous Bellagio water fountains, so make sure to ask for a window seat or outside by the heaters so you can catch the show every 15 minutes! – Jansen Manfredini, Sr. Marketing Manager
I like STK at The Cosmopolitan, but I’ve had the best meal at B&B Ristorante at the Palazzo. – Pat Anderson, Sr. Lead Account Executive
Tao at the Venetian. – Terri Sparkman, Sr. Lead Account Executive
What about for a quick bite?
I always try to make it to Ri Ra Irish Pub at least once. They have awesome fish and chips! – Blake Bozeman, Director of Sales
Citizens Kitchen & Bar is where it’s at if you are in a rush. The food is good and affordable. They have a pick-up area if you need a quick sandwich, salad, or smoothie to get you through the day. – Bille Walchek, Director of Marketing
If you’re looking for something fast, but you don’t want to eat in the food court, head up to the walkway between Mandalay Bay and Luxor and check out Burger Bar. It’s really good! – Jansen Manfredini, sr. Marketing Manager
Pink Taco at the Hard Rock. – Jarod Thorndike, Director of Business Development
What’s your favorite store or the best area to shop?
The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. Photo by Bert Kaufmann.
Container Park is fun; there are not any chain stores there. If you are looking for more traditional shops, then go to Planet Holloywood’s Miracle Mile Shops. You can find anything you want there and more!– Bille Walchek, Director of Marketing
The shops in between Mandalay and the Luxor are nice. – Teri Cragle, Supplier Sales Manager
There are SO many great shops in Vegas! One of my favs is The Forum Shops at Caesar’s – there’s a little bit of everything! – Jansen Manfredini, Sr. Marketing Manager
Boot Star in the Fashion Mall. Great selection, and the service is fantastic. – Jarod Thorndike, Director of Business Development
The Shops at Caesar’s Palace, or, if you’re feeling real fancy, go to the shops at the Encore at Wynn. They have lots of fun window shopping. =) – Terri Sparkman, Sr. Lead Account Executive
Which Vegas show is your favorite?
Phantom of the Opera. – Teri Cragle, Supplier Sales Manager
Le Reve. Seriously – so awesome. – Bille Walchek, Director of Marketing
Tournament of Kings in the Excalibur. Dragon’s Blood soup anyone? – Ryan Hanchey, Sr. Manager – Distributor Sales
Cirque du Solei shows are a must! My favorites are Beatles Love at The Mirage and Mystere in Treasure Island. Check for tickets in advance! Sometimes you can even catch ticket deals on Groupon. – Jansen Manfredini, Sr. Marketing Manager
What do you recommend to do to relax?
Happy Hour! – Ryan Hanchey, Distributor Sales Manager
The Bathhouse Spa at The Delano.
Spa please! The Bathhouse Spa at The Delano is fantastic. I got one of the best massages there a few years back. Plus you get a full day pass to access their sauna, whirlpools, lounge, gym, steam room, cold plunge and more. – Bille Walchek, Director of Marketing
Enjoy your hotel room! The PPAI Expo can really take a lot out of you and wear you down. There’s a LUSH spa store located in between the walkway of the Mandalay and the Luxor. The store is mostly known for the bath bombs. So after a long day at The PPAI Expo, it’s nice to grab a bath bomb and soak your feet back to life. – Jansen Manfredini, Sr. Marketing Manager
Which hotel is your favorite and why?
Caesar’s Palace is nice, and it’s located in the middle of the strip. – Pat Anderson, Sr. Lead Account Executive
Cosmopolitan hands down. The rooms are great, the restaurants are great, and it has a vibrant atmosphere. I also like how it’s “level” based so you just go up an escalator from floor to floor to get where you need to go versus at some of the larger hotels where it takes you 15 minutes to walk from A to B. – Jarod Thorndike, Director of Business Development
Mandalay Bay for Expo! It’s conveniently located to the show and has plenty of restaurant choices so you really don’t have to leave the property! – Terri Sparkman, Sr. Lead Account Executive
What’s a “secret” deal or tip?
ALWAYS stop off at the gas station on the way to your hotel and get a case of water for your room. Water is a hot commodity in Vegas and you can buy a case for $4 at the gas station to last you a week or one bottle in your room for $6. Oh, and bring a travel humidifier for your room. It’ll change your life after a couple of days of being in the desert. – Jarod Thorndike, Director of Business Development
I’d say sign up for a rewards program at any resort/hotel. You get credits for dining, gambling, and pretty much anything you spend money on to trade in for different benefits. – Pat Anderson, Sr. Lead Account Executive
How do you recommend sightseeing or touring Vegas?
Las Vegas by helicopter. Photo by Eje Gustafsson.
I have only walked, but I bet a helicopter would be legit. – Ryan Hanchey, Sr. Manager – Distributor Sales
The Las Vegas Pass is the way to go! – Teri Cragle, Supplier Sales Manager
I don’t know if there is a best way, but it is good to plan ahead because once you get there you become so overwhelmed with all of the options! I always recommend checking out TripAdvisor for ratings before making any choices. Plus, I’ll ask friends who have visited and have the same interests as me what they recommend. Between those you can’t go wrong. – Bille Walchek, Director of Marketing
On foot! There’s so much to see and do along the strip! It’s fun to watch the fountains at the Bellagio, go into the Cosmopolitan hotel for a cocktail at their Chandelier bar, shopping at all of the great places along the way, etc.! – Terri Sparkman, Sr. Lead Account Executive
Now that we’ve shared our best tips, we hope you’ll plan a tasty, entertaining, and hassle-free visit as you enjoy The PPAI Expo!
If you’re a Vegas veteran, we want to hear your secrets to having a fun and successful stay! What are your best tips for visiting Las Vegas? Let us know in the comments!
