A couple of weeks ago, I visited Las Vegas as a guest of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino for 4 days and 3 nights of fabulous, relaxing bliss...and a couple (okay, a few…) refreshing beers, poolside.
The Monte Carlo, built in 1995, is a huge hotel, housing three complete wings of 32 floors each. Over 3,ooo rooms all told. But it didn’t feel that way at all. It felt welcoming and cozy, but exciting at the same time, like you could kick back and put your feet up, or stay out partying until the wee hours. My bad sense of direction is legendary in my house, but even I found it easy to navigate.
The goal of the Monte Carlo is a feeling of unpretentious luxury, and they hit that right on the mark. Surroundings of eye catching chandeliers and fountains, as well as large archways give the feeling of light and space at all times of the day. Friendly, efficient staff ensure the atmosphere of relaxation and indulgence is complete.
We were treated to a tour of the Monte Carlo casino, as well as to a new, top floor section of the hotel called Hotel 32. I thoroughly enjoyed the tours, and discovered there is a lot more to Las Vegas, and particularly the Monte Carlo, than I had thought.
You can enjoy all the traditional Vegas fun at the Monte Carlo by playing craps or blackjack on the Casino floor, or you can duck into the poker room, which has a homey sort of feeling. Though I’m sure there were some high rollers in that poker room, it was approachable enough to tempt even a novice poker player like myself. With two sons who are beginning to discover the wonders of poker, I’m feeling the need to try to keep up!
Yet, there is another side to this hotel. The side where you can come with your girlfriends, and never leave the premises. The side called Hotel 32.
Hotel 32
Hotel 32 is a hotel within a hotel. It’s a smaller boutique hotel on the top floor of the Monte Carlo with exclusive access to only those patrons who are actually staying there.
This is a place right out of your “tired mom” dreams. For starters, you’re picked up from the airport in a limo. No stinky shuttles, or $50 cab rides for you. And when you get to the hotel? No lines, no carrying luggage, and your very own suite attendant to escort you to your room. You even get a tour of your own room! Which you will be very happy about, because you are not going to want to overlook anything in this place.
Remember in that movie, “The Holiday”, where Cameron Diaz, and Kate Winslet trade houses? The one where Cameron Diaz’ character is really rich, and Kate Winslet wakes up in her house and is positively giddy? That’s how I felt when I walked into the penthouse suite in Hotel 32, especially the bathroom.
What can be so special about a bathroom, you ask?
This bathroom is so big and luxurious, I think I could live in it. The floor, shower, and walls are inlaid with a gorgeous tile, and there’s a TV in the mirror! So if you wake up late in the morning, and decide to take a bubble bath, you can watch the Young and the Restless right from your bath. A deep, whirlpool bath. Heaven.
The decor of Hotel 32 is sophisticated and smart, with clean lines. There are a variety of different sets ups. Every suite has a living room and bar area, but there are also options like pool tables. You need to check out their website, because they show and tell everything better than I ever could. The entire penthouse suite is covered in TV’s, and the fact that a group of men may love the place even more than women, did not escape me. But we’re talking about a girlfriend getaway here, so we’re going to ignore the men for now. Although, I suppose it WOULD be an okay place to take your husband:)
When you venture outside of your suite at Hotel 32, things get even better. There’s a lounge area where you can hang out and enjoy a drink, check out the view, or gather to watch TV. Frankly, I’m not a sports fan, but it would be a great place if you wanted to watch a game. Lounge 32 serves refreshments and food each morning and evening, like fruit and juices, and yummy things like chilled melon soup. The lounge adds a great deal of value to your stay beyond your accommodations.
The greatest thing about Hotel 32, though, is the service. When you check in, you are issued an iphone, and if you need anything, just press a button, and BAM! There it is. Whether it be extra towels, a dinner reservation, or tickets to a show, the concierge staff of Hotel 32 will take care of it for you. It’s like you’re a real live celebrity! Most of us will never actually be celebrities, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t live like one for a weekend.
The biggest surprise to me was the cost of a room in Hotel 32. I expected it to be exorbitant, but rooms start at just $170. That’s including your snazzy room, limo ride, chilled melon soup, extra towels, and the magic iphone people! A bargain, in my opinion.
The Rest of the Story
Hotel 32 is only the beginning of the story of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino.
While a guest at this hotel, I saw no reason to leave. Well, except one very good reason. There is a CVS right outside the hotel which is perfect if you forgot toothpaste like I did, or want to stock your fridge with Diet Coke. And who wouldn’t?
In the Monte Carlo, there’s also Diablo’s Cantina, Brand Steakhouse, The Pub, and last but not least, the Frank Caliendo show to talk about. Oh, and the spa! So stay tuned!
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