Beyond the bright
Although Las Vegas’ reputation precedes it, nothing beats getting on the ground (or air) and seeing what the city offers. From the most luxurious to more casual options, there’s a spectrum of hotel experiences, off-site activities and culinary explorations just waiting for you and your next group—and the next one, and the next one.
Comfortable Stays and Meets
It’s funny living so close to something yet never experiencing it. This is the case with Green Valley Ranch in Henderson. A quick drive from The Strip (or my apartment) will land you here. The resort is fresh off a renovation of its 199 guest rooms in its west tower, part of its nearly 500 guest rooms; the remainder in its east tower are also being renovated. Its conference spaces will also complete their renovation in the first quarter of 2026.
On The Strip, several other venues were also just rejuvenated. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino just underwent a $300 million renovation of its 3,969 guest rooms and suites. An additional 111 suites were added to the property, bringing the MGM Grand’s suite inventory to a whopping 753.
Las Vegas Convention Center‘s renovation has also been completed. After introducing the West Hall in 2021, the center went on to modernize its central hall grand lobby, adding a 75×42-foot digital screen, and redesigning the South Hall, adding a new boardroom and a new entrance on its east side.
Mind-Blowing Eats
Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis at Green Valley Ranch does indeed serve fine steaks. And much more, from starters, such as the prime beef tartare, tuna poke and tomato caprese; entree steak cuts star the New York strip, wagyu tomahawk and chateaubriand.
Carbone Riviera at Bellagio is the newest restaurant to arrive on that property’s scene. Presenting Italian seafood in a modern setting, both the space (with its colorful tiled walls) and the food itself (I’m partial to the branzino al sale verde followed by lemon cheesecake) combined to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Peacock Alley on Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas’ 23rd floor makes for a great option for pre- and postreception gatherings. Along with renting out the space for private events, Peacock Alley also hosts Afternoon Tea paired with pastries and desserts. Right next door is Hard Shake, a cocktail bar with several spaces for private events.
Wazuzu at Wynn Las Vegas changed my mind about the role shrimp tempura could play at a meal. Typically the background actor as opposed to the star of the show, this rock shrimp tempura with sweet chili aioli and chives was the best tempura I’ve ever had. While I did savor other things (I didn’t even order the tempura—it was a surprise bonus), I could’ve just eaten the shrimp and been more than pleased.
BOA Steakhouse at The Venetian Las Vegas’ Grand Canal Shoppes has some eyebrow-raising items on its menu. While one might typically associate cones with ice cream (you’d be well within your rights to), BOA makes the cone a receptacle not for sweets but for an appetizer with spicy tuna topped by caviar and gold leaves; or caviar with chives and crème fraiche.
Extracurriculars
Area15 is in a season of change. With the opening of its Zone 2 region, which includes the Universal Horror Unleashed venue, Gateway Plaza, Game Depot, Looper and the soon-to-open 747 Plaza—a suspended Boeing 747 which will house a restaurant—the 49-acre playground now has even more for meeting profs and their groups to explore. I experienced Interstellar Arc at Zone 2, an hour-long space-centric VR experience that takes you away from Earth and onto a spaceship to an until-now uncharted planet.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters Tours near Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) offers a variety of helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon and The Strip; I took the latter. Exclusively a night flight, the flight takes passengers on a quick spin around The Strip. The closeness and aerial vantage point of the area’s major attractions, such as Sphere, Paris Hotel’s Eiffel Tower, Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino and more, is a grand experience.
This article appears in the March 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
