View From Vegas

Author: "Lucky Chuck” Kapelke
June 2008

Columns

Vegas From On High
The bird’s-eye perspective of the Las Vegas Strip is one of the most famous in the world, thanks to exposure in countless movies and television shows. But if visitors are not lucky enough to catch a glimpse from their airplane window, many never get a chance to appreciate the classic high-level view of the neon wonder of the world.
Unless, of course, they have a meeting planner considerate enough to set up an event in one of The Strip’s many great “on-high” locations.

For example, the Voodoo Lounge, on top of the 51-story Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, has a massive rooftop deck, with views of the sparkling city in all directions. And for something closer to the heart of The Strip action, Paris Las Vegas has the Eiffel Tower. While the observation deck is too small for a party, the restaurant at the base level has some fine options for groups; the glass-enclosed Salon Privé can hold up to 20 people, and the semi-private Left Bank can accommodate up to 60 guests (harrahs.com).

Another fun option is the Brooklyn Bridge, at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, which has about 10,000 sq. ft. and can be used for receptions for up to 1,000 people. “Having the visual of the Las Vegas Strip down there, you can’t match that,”  says Christopher Bond, executive director of sales for New York-New York. “It’s just close enough to The Strip, but without the nuisance of traffic noise.” (nynyhotelcasino.com).

Several MGM-Mirage properties also have in-the-air settings for events. Mix, a high-end Alain Ducasse restaurant at Mandalay Bay, has an outdoor patio with sweeping views. Social House, a sushi restaurant at Treasure Island, has an outdoor second-story patio. And Diablo’s Cantina, at Monte Carlo, also features an open-air section with views of The Strip (mgm-mirage.com).

The tallest spot of all, however, is the Stratosphere, which has a rotating bar and restaurant about 800 feet above The Strip. At this height, The Strip makes up just a small portion of the expansive cityscape. And for the very brave, the thrilling amusement rides on top of the tower make for a memorable adventure (stratosphere.com).

Of course, for the ultimate bird’s-eye view (for a VIP or incentive prize), consider an evening helicopter ride over the city skyline. Several companies offer these nighttime tours, and most cost only about $75, including hotel transfers and a champagne reception (paradisefoundtours.com; papillon.com; looktours.com).

Donald’s Delight
Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas has opened on the north Strip, adjacent to the Fashion Show Mall. The 64-story towers are wrapped in 24-karat gold glass, and while the property has no casino, it does have 1,282 luxury suites ranging up to 3,500 sq. ft., including three-bedroom penthouse suites. Other perks include the 10,000-square-foot Spa at Trump, various restaurants, a heated outdoor pool with a sundeck and bar, and 2,400 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space, including 800- and 1,000-square-foot rooms, as well as a 600-square-foot Trump Board Room—in case someone needs to get fired (trumplasvegashotel.com).

Humor Boot Camp
Looking for a way to mix fun and business at your next Vegas meeting? Vinnie Favorito, a comedian and radio talk-show host, and Darren LaCroix, the 2001 “World Champion of Public Speaking” from the Toastmaster’s Club, are offering a series of Humor Boot Camps at O’Shea’s Las Vegas Casino, on the center Strip. These two-day seminars are designed to teach business groups—from sales people to top-level executives—how to use humor to improve sales and communicate more effectively. Favorito can also be hired for group performances, including a routine where he pretends to be a senior manager from the home office before veering off into comedy. LaCroix also conducts seminars in storytelling, sales presentations, public speaking and other topics (humorbootcamp.com).

Spa Tapas
Just when you thought you’d seen the height of Vegas decadence, the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas now offers poolside Spa Tapas, where massage therapists will stop by your lounge chair and give you a 25-minute foot massage with “chilled scoops of fragrant, sorbet-inspired body butters.” The foot rubdown is followed by a cool towel wrap and a spritz of scented water (of course). Poolside 60- and 90-minute massages are also available  (fourseasons.com/lasvegas).                   

Chocolate Wonders
If you’re looking for a giveaway with a local flair, Susan’s Chocolate Wonders, a Las Vegas-based company run by Susan Chin, can print logos and other images on chocolates of various sizes, including chocolate coins and chocolate business cards (susanschocolatewonders.com).