Headed to Las Vegas and trying to make the most of a quick trip? Like most business travelers, you have little time to waste on old, tired offerings, right? The last time I was there my meetings ran over, and I had little time to get out and see what was new before I had to race back to the airport.  (Plus, Uber was not available, and its availability in Nevada is still moving slowly through political muck.)

To make up for that, and to get a full report on a few of the latest, greatest, things in town I turned to TravelSkills reader and Las Vegas insider Frank Corto for a quick rundown on what’s new, hot and happening.

Here’s what he’s got for us:

• Newest boutique hotel. Even if you’re in Las Vegas for business, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind hotel. A recent addition, The Cromwell, offers a truly unique experience: it is the strip’s first boutique hotel. Parisian-inspired and intimate, The Cromwell stands out for its smallness in a land of hotel behemoths: just 188 plush rooms that offer each guest a sophisticated mix of modern and vintage influences.

• Biggest hit on the party scene. Las Vegas isn’t wanting for nightlife, but Hakkasan Group’s new club Omnia might be the most impressive offering of 2015. A strong contender joining the already imposing match of EDM venues, Omnia is snagging some of the world’s most sought-after DJs by outspending the competition. Between the opulent, multi-sensory experience and the premiere talents, partiers everywhere are winning big—just make sure you don’t go the night before your big meeting.

(If in case you don’t know know what EDM is, it’s short for Electronic Dance Music, and one of the hottest things in Vegas these days.–Chris)

• Best new cocktail lounge. If you’re looking for an opulent, imaginative hideaway in which to sip some incredible cocktails after—or even during—a meeting, head to the Alibi Cocktail Lounge at the Aria Resort and Casino. Outfitted with plush seating, imported granite, and brass accents, this warmly low-lit lounge feels like a contemporary speakeasy for a modern-day Jay Gatsby. Don’t get too distracted by the setting to enjoy the Alibi’s best feature, though: the cocktail list includes modern riffs on classics as well as decadent creations all their own.

• Another hot hotel newcomer. If the vintage Parisian vibe of The Cromwell isn’t your thing, a stay at sexier SLS Las Vegas may be just what you need. Though there is some shared French influence, this sleek, stylish, and impeccably modern hotel caters to a very different sensibility. Recently opened at the former site of the Sahara hotel, SLS features four nightclubs and a casino, as well as a VIP entrance for guests. If you come to Vegas for business, but plan to tack on a couple extra days to enjoy with a loved one then SLS might just hit the spot: a peek-a-boo shower and a mountain lodge-inspired buffet add some playful twists to a romantic getaway.

• An unpretentious pub. Though Vegas is a hub of luxury and opulence, after a long day of work you may just want to wind down in an easy going environment. A great place to enjoy a humble pint and pub fare is the Tilted Kilt at the Linq. The chain started in Vegas before relocating to Arizona and spawning franchises, so its return is a full circle journey. A lively environment (servers sport mini-kilts) and nightly specials make this fun bar a great place to escape when you need to have a low-key evening in Las Vegas.

• Funnest festival. All summer long, Las Vegas will play host to the famous Rock in Rio festival. With acts spanning from pop to world music to EDM, the festival will host some of the world’s most sought-after musicians. The venue, which will host over fifteen concerts per day, also features the likes of a zip line, multiple bars, and a Ferris wheel: essentially, the festival is the grown-up amusement park of your dreams. So even if you’re not in Las Vegas for a vacation, do yourself a favor and schedule a day at the end of your trip to enjoy all Rock in Rio has to offer.

Even if your next trip to Las Vegas is booked to the brim with business, remember that this unique city can offer some one-of-a-kind recreation. Whether you need to wind down after a long day, or want to take advantage of the nightlife, you won’t be wanting for something new and incredibly fun to do.

–Frank Corto

Frank Corto is the founder of Sin City VIP, the inside source for everything Las Vegas, including hotel deals, nightclubs, pool parties and VIP packages for the hottest clubs and biggest special events.  As a premium VIP Services provider, Sin City VIP offers Las Vegas VIP packages that include the absolute best that Las Vegas has to offer, with the high level of personal customer service for which Las Vegas is known.

 

Did you miss our Weekend Editions? No worries! Here ya go:

NYC airport squeeze + Uber taking over + New Turkish livery + Top hotel programs + New Marriott in Venice

Delta hub in China? + Lufthansa lie-flat + AA points promo + Delta mileage sale + SAS new biz class

 

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