More of 2024’s Best Bets in Las Vegas Hotels, Dining, Shows, and More

The massive scale of Las Vegas’ hospitality industry – bigger, better and often over-the-top – is thankfully in direct proportion to the innovation, creativity and artistry exhibited by the near-constant evolution of tourism products. And that’s a good thing for the roughly 40 million visitors the city will see in this calendar year, who are typically looking for the next big thing. These are the hospitality products that stood out from the crowd in 2024. See Part I here: 2024’s Best Bets in Las Vegas Hotels, Dining, Shows, and More

Best New Restaurant – Orla (Mandalay Bay)

After developing and running steakhouses, seafood restaurants and French brasseries for MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas properties, Egyptian-born chef Michael Mina has finally come full circle to his core Mediterranean roots with Orla at Mandalay Bay, where his love letter to his native cuisine shines through.  Among the mezze starters, the pan-fried cheese with roasted mushrooms, honey and Greek brandy is a mouth-watering delight, as is the toasted orzo with spicy duck ragout.  For the table, a kebab platter is practically de rigeur, and the tableside Greek frozen yogurt sundae, with golden honey, toasted pistachios and candied citrus is an unexpected finishing delight.  The 9-course Tasting Menu here is a very good value at $139 per person.  

Best Guilty Pleasure – Battlebots Destruct-A-Thon (Horseshoe Las Vegas)

The battling robots inside the ring at Battlebots (behind Horseshoe) give off plenty of sparks, flames and flying parts, witnessed by cheering crowds whipped up into a frenzy by the enthusiastic co-hosts. In what can best be described as a remote-controlled, modern demolition derby mixed with professional wrestling showmanship and flair, Battlebots delivers what faithful fans of the long-running TV show crave:  family-friendly, machine-on-machine violence that is somehow comforting to watch – behind thick plexiglass, of course. 

Best Foodie Tour – Lip Smacking Foodie Tours

Fine dining in Las Vegas is typically a pricey proposition – and fraught with risks. After all, forking out $500 for a dinner for two isn’t out of the question here, nor does it guarantee a satisfactory experience. That’s where Lip Smacking Foodie Tours comes in. The company’s expertly guided afternoon or evening tours visit 3-4 carefully vetted, quality restaurants where guests enjoy immediate, VIP seating and three signature dishes at each. The guide explains each dish in detail (perfect for foodies), while shepherding the small group between restaurants. Prices range from $125 to $199 per person, including gratuities. In essence, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is a low-risk, high-reward value proposition on fine dining in Las Vegas.

Best-Kept Secret on the Strip – Oasis Ice Rink (Fontainebleau Las Vegas)

Although the Cosmopolitan deserves credit for first bringing a winter wonderland to the Strip with The Ice Rink a few years ago, there’s a new player in town looking to get in on some of that frozen action. In the continual game of one-upmanship that defines the Las Vegas hospitality market, the Oasis Ice Rink at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the latest disruptor. And continuing the theme of the drop-dead gorgeous decor inside the casino-resort, the twin ice rinks blend in beautifully on the handsome pool deck, which is augmented with firepits, holiday cabanas and movie screenings. Seasonal bites and cocktails, naturally, accompany the action, but the people-watching here is also an entertaining spectator sport. Oasis Ice Rink operates seasonally from mid-November to early January.  

Best Hidden Treasure – Cipriani (Wynn Las Vegas)

There are relatively few quality, prix-fixe lunch specials on the Las Vegas Strip, so a gem like the 3-course “Daily Menu” at the legendary Cipriani is an unexpected delight. Dishes may change daily, but on a recent visit the velvety carrot soup was a surefire starter, followed by a housemade fusilli with eggplant, tomato and mozzarella that achieved pasta perfection. Finishing up with a light-as-air ricotta cheesecake with mixed berries completed a delicious, gourmet value proposition from the glamorous Italian icon Cipriani, tucked away in the Wynn Plaza. Priced at $34 per person, the Daily Menu is served from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 7 days a week. Reservations are recommended.

Best VIP Show Experience – Mad Apple (New York, New York)

Most VIP show experiences in Las Vegas revolve around the same theme: Watch the show from premium seats, then engage with the talent for a quick meet-and-greet and photo-op backstage. The Mad Apple VIP Social, however, is a more intimate experience that takes place onstage, rather than behind it. First, the small group of VIP guests are ushered onto the Mad Apple main stage where they’re served a cocktail while engaging with some of the performers for an informal Q&A. Then, a series of photo-ops follows – also onstage – just before guests are ushered into prime seats prior to the start of the show, where cocktail service continues as Cirque’s high-energy tribute to a wild night in New York City unfolds in the intimate theater.

Best New Brunch – Brasserie B (Caesars Palace)

Adding to his already-robust repertoire of multi-ethnic cuisines (American Southwest, Italian, burgers), Chef Bobby Flay introduced Brasserie B at Caesars Palace earlier this year. And, not surprisingly, his first shot at a French Brasserie is right on target, with brunch being the most impressive meal. His Vidalia Onion Soup with Gruyere Gratin is perfectly executed, and the classic Croque Monsieur sandwich is a taste of authenticity. But his eggy, impossibly rich Pain Perdu, topped with blackberries and whipped creme fraiche, takes French toast to a whole new level. And this brunch isn’t just a weekend affair; it’s available every day.

Best Room Value on the Strip – Marra Tower (Sahara Las Vegas)

After several changes of ownership over the past 15 years, including an interim rebrand as SLS Las Vegas, the Sahara Las Vegas is back and leaning heavily into its glamorous, mid-century heritage. Now in the final stages of a $200-million, multi-year renovation, the north Strip property has become one of the best value plays in Vegas. In particular, the completely renovated rooms in the Marra Tower – which now boast Italian-made furnishings, rich textiles, updated technology and complementary lighting – can be found on some midweek dates starting as low as $100, including resort fee. 

Best Sweet Treat – Mario’s Cannoli at Proper Eats (ARIA)

After traveling in Sicily this past summer, I never thought I’d get a cannoli that matches up to the high standard set on the Italian island where the ricotta-filled pastry was conceived and perfected. I probably never will, but Mario’s Cannoli at the Parm outlet inside the Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA comes pretty close – which is impressive. The smooth and just-sweet-enough ricotta filling, the properly crunchy shell and the pistachio pieces and chocolate chips that coat the ends all combine to create authenticity – at only $8 for a pair.