Between poker trips, girls weekends, and work conferences I’ve been to Las Vegas, Nevada more times than I can count. However, I’m almost always there during the summer months. Most people associate Vegas with its epic rooftop pool parties, and drinking until you pass out, but Vegas in the wintertime might be my new favorite thing. I took this as an opportunity to reconnect with my girlfriends, treat myself to anything I wanted, play poker all night, sleep in and see another side of the city! I had an incredible weekend and didn’t have a single drop of alcohol.
It’s no secret that I adore the warmer temperatures, but summers in Vegas are brutal! Temps almost always exceed 100F and it’s hard to enjoy walking the strip when you feel like heat stroke is imminent.🥵 Going to Vegas in February during the off-season was a pleasant surprise and a nice escape from the fickle east coast weather. The weather was absolutely perfect during our trip with temps in the mid to high 60s during the day and mid-40s at night. The strip and casinos were noticeably less crowded and I could actually experience the city on foot in a way I’ve not been able to do before.
Also, since Vegas isn’t as busy during this time, you’re more likely to catch a nice special on lodging, flights, and experiences making it a cost-effective getaway (if you don’t lose it all on the tables)!
How long I stayed: 3 nights
I think 3 nights is the perfect amount of time for a Vegas getaway. Anything longer and you’ll need at least a week to recover. 🤣
Where I stayed: The Signature at MGM Grand
I loved this property because it’s removed from the madness of the strip but close enough to the heart of the action. All the rooms are suites, which makes it perfect for group trips or just a cozy couple’s trip. My room had a spacious balcony that filled the room with natural light every day.
I booked in January during the MGM Semi-Annual sale and was able to score a 20% discount on my suite in addition to a $30/day food credit that could be used for room service and any restaurants in the MGM.
Check out this video tour of my suite:
Here’s a link to MGM Resorts’ current offers for Las Vegas properties!
What To Do:
Comedy Show at the Laugh Factory in the Tropicana casino: The Laugh Factory is a well-known comedy club where up and coming and prominent comedians come to deliver laughs night after night. We didn’t know any of the comedians performing and laughed until our stomachs & cheeks hurt. The great part? They have a running ticket special on Groupon through the end of 2020. You know I’m all about finding cost-effective experiences while traveling!
Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil: Shamefully, this was my first Cirque show and I was absolutely blown away by the visual experience. Zumanity is a celebration of the human body, human sensuality & sexuality with lots of comedy mixed in. I enjoyed this show from start to finish and highly recommend seeing this show!
Check out this offer for discounted tickets.
- Hot Stone Massage at Essence Spa: I’ve had several styles of massages, but this was my first time trying the hot stone technique. I have no idea what I was waiting on, but this will definitely not be my last hot stone massage!
Check out this Groupon offer for Essence Spa.
- Poker/gaming at the Bellagio and Aria: If you’re a poker player like me or enjoy other table games, you’ll love the experience of playing in the Bellagio or Aria. I like playing at these casinos because of the player rewards/comps and service. I also love that there’s a tram that runs between the two properties.
Great last session at the Aria! 🤑 - Chinese New Year Installation at Bellagio Conservatory: The Bellagio is known for its extravagant floral installations that are always magnificent works of arts. The level and attention to detail never cease to amaze! I’ve seen at least 6 different installations and the Bellagio’s larger than life Chinese New Year display didn’t disappoint.
- Treat yo’ self to incredible shopping at the Forum Shops at Caesars or Crystal Shops at Aria. There’s no shortage of shopping options in Las Vegas, and it’s a great place to splurge on luxury items after winning big at the casino!
Where to Eat:
- Thai food at Lemongrass in Aria: Lemongrass is a restaurant that keeps calling me back after all these years. It holds a special place in my heart because their incredible Thai food has gotten me through several long poker sessions. Lemongrass serves up incredibly flavorful & thoughtful Thai dishes with equally great service at an affordable price point. This time I tried the Seafood Singapore, a spicy coconut curry noodle soup that was good ’til the last drop!
- Italian food at Trevi in Caesar’s: I had the pleasure of checking out Trevi in The Forum Shops of Caesar’s for a tasty Italian meal. The waitstaff was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and committed to ensuring I had a great dining experience. I ordered a buffalo mozzarella Caprese salad and their crispy skin salmon entrée. I definitely cleaned my plate! I highly recommend checking out this gem.
- Seafood boil at Urban Crawfish Station: I am a big fan of seafood boil restaurants and love trying them in locations all over the US and the world. For our last night in Vegas, we put on the gloves & bibs to get down at Urban Crawfish Station. I splurged on the king crab and shrimp combo and ate until there was no room left! All the seafood we tried was incredibly fresh & flavorful!
[DEVASTATION NOT PICTURED 😅]
I hope you consider Las Vegas for your next winter weekend escape to enjoy a different side of sin city!
The Dope Bohemian 