Vegas Diaries: Faves #2

The Lobby at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel

My next fave on the Vegas Diaries list is The Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Can I just say WOW! The Mandarin Oriental is one of the newest hotels on the strip and is part of the breathtaking CityCenter project, which is nestled into prime real estate between The Monte Carlo and The Bellagio. We've watched this massive complex go up over the past few years and were so excited to finally experience what it had to offer. Much of the steel construction on the CityCenter project is Beck Steel and made our visit that much more special.

From the moment that you pull up at the front doors, it is a first rate experience. Your car door is opened by men in top hats and you are graciously greeted by a member of the hotel staff dressed in, none other than, a traditional mandarin collar shirt (perfect detail). The gentleman ushers you to an elevator that whisks you up to the top, where you exit at the Sky Lounge. The first thing you see is an amazing installation of gold bricks that spans from the floor to ceiling. Once you step out of the elevator you can take in one of the most spectacular views of the strip.

The gold brick wall

The first stunningly designed space you pass through is the Tea Lounge. It is elegant, perfectly edited and represents the best of design with an Asian flair.

We stopped here for a photo opp with the glittering Vegas strip in the background.

From the Tea Lounge you enter the Mandarin Bar through two massive and ornately carved doors. Floor to ceiling windows around the whole bar give you a 180 degree view of the strip. Finishes like macassar ebony, velvet, silk and rich leathers are all part of the visual, and tactile (if you're like me), experience.

We scored a seat on a purple mohair banquette, filled with velvet down pillows and a prime view. The drink menu is as appetizing as the interiors. You can sip on a Lemongrass Mojito or their signature martini, The Golden Leaf, while nibbling on cinnamon cashews and lime and cilantro kalamata olives.

The staff was delightful and extremely attentive, and the design was spectacular! I highly recommend The Bar at the Mandarin for a perfect Vegas experience.

If you don't make it to the bar, at least take a stroll* around the CityCenter, it is truly something to see.

*by stroll, I mean miles of walking because the property is unbelievably massive!