Las Vegas, Nevada, is becoming one of the top destinations in the United States for LGBT visitors. Founded on the pursuit of pleasure and sensory stimulation, Las Vegas offers its LGBT guests a variety of entertainment options. World-renown as the undisputed gambling capital of the world with literally thousands of casinos to try to strike it rich, Vegas adds to the mix music and entertainment shows that are second to none. Perpetuating the splendid illusion that Elvis, Sinatra and Michael Jackson are alive and well, these shows succeed at blurring the line between fantasy and reality.
Now you can make marriage a reality since the Ninth Circuit ruled last month to include the state of Nevada part of those who support marriage equality! Here’s your chance to get to the Chapel of Love and have Elvis preside over your wedding! How’s that for a hunk-a-hunk-a burnin’ love?
You definitely can’t do Vegas without hitting some of the bars and clubs to check out the party scene. The recipe for creating the most scintillating parties on the strip is mixing hot bodies with cool water! Pool parties in Vegas are the popular way to keep cool while being cool.
Hotels
THE COSMOPOLITAN LAS VEGAS cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
One of the best new casino/hotels to open in Vegas since, maybe, ever. Located in the heart of the Strip, The Cosmo is the coolest place to stay in the city. The decor, the guests, and the bars are all topnotch. This may be the most gayfriendly casino in Vegas, with gays and lesbians never far from sight. Make sure to eat at the delicious tapas restaurant Jaleo and get a drink that will blow your mind at The Chandelier bar.
THE DELANO delanolasvegas.com
Newly opened this fall, The Delano is the Vegas version of the Miami classic. Formerly Mandalay Bay’s THEhotel, The Delano is restrained, sophisticated, and looks and smells like a million bucks. Connected to Mandalay via a walkway, The Delano is a self-contained unit of luxury, with restaurants, spas, gambling, and nightlife all within a 10 minute walk.
Restaurants
COMME ÇA AT THE COSMOPOLITAN commecarestaurant.com/las-vegas/
The sweeping views of the Strip are almost as good as the food at this Vegas outpost of the West Hollywood institution. Chef David Myers’ rich and delectable French fare is on the menu, like roasted bone marrow and oxtail jam, but there’s also slightly lighter plates like smoked salmon rillettes and trout amandine. Drinks are just as sumptuous.
EAT eatdtlv.com
This downtown restaurant is a favorite of the hipsters, but they don’t just come for the scene. The food here is excellent, especially the hearty breakfasts and strong coffee. Beat your hangover here, and then walk over to the nearby Container Park, which is filled with cool stores.
Bars, Clubs, and Shows
What would Vegas be without its famous nightlife (and daylife)? There are numerous options for liquid lubrication, flirting, and grinding to some good ol’ house music.
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-one/
This celebration of everything Michael Jackson is what everyone in Vegas is talking about now. A production of legendary performance house Cirque du Soleil, ONE is Cirque at the top of its game. It starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up — there is no schmaltzy nostalgia for Michael, just an appreciation for the amazing music and dance he brought to the public. With tunes from the Jackson 5 days all the way to the recent past, the song is a visual and aural feast that relies more on dancing agility and amazing special effects than dancers balancing on a high wire. Look for sizzling renditions of “Dirty Diana,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Beat It,” and “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough.”
DIVAS STARRING FRANK MARINO thequadlv.com/shows/Frank-marinos-divas-las-vegas.html
Bursting with energy, the 75-minute production starring Frank Marino (portraying Joan Rivers) is Las Vegas’ longestrunning headliner. Marino’s all-star cast – all female impersonators – is much more than your average drag show. These star performers replicate the likenesses of your favorite females, from legends like Diana Ross, Cher and Madonna to today’s hottest like Katy Perry, Britney and Rihanna. And while all of these divas lip sync, you’ll still have the time of your life. Besides, it’s all about performance and flashy attire anyway.
LIAISON NIGHTCLUB liaisonlasvegas.com
Liaison Nightclub is located just off the gaming floor in Bally’s next to the Indigo Lounge. It’s the first gay nightclub housed inside a casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Liaison was conceived and developed by nightlife visionary Victor Drai with Eduardo Cordova, who has a long history in Las Vegas of promoting gay events and parties for the LGBT community. Everything in this 7,000-square-foot nightclub suggests luxury and sensuality. The décor boasts a gold and black color palette as well as an abundance of mirrors, elegant Venetian-style chandeliers and sexy artwork. Liaison features an eclectic mix of hip-hop, rap and top 40 music. Comprised of two different rooms, each has its own DJ including Nick Ayler, who is one of the resident DJs at Liaison.
You’ll also find multiple bars and plenty of booth-style seating. There’s also a stage, where guests can expect to see a drag show and watch other surprise performances.
PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB piranhavegas.com
From the outside, the building housing Piranha Nightclub is fairly unremarkable. The squat, stone encrusted building on the south end of the so-called “Fruit Loop” is not terribly glamorous. But don’t be fooled by the inconspicuous exterior — this place is so much fun that to miss experiencing Piranha could cause some serious regret. Inside, a concrete dance floor is flanked by a full-service bar and cushy seating. VIP tables on the main floor are separated by beaded curtains. A dazzling lighting system is capable of countless effects, and the sound system can be felt throbbing through the floor and seating.
FREEZONE freezonelv.com
Conveniently located in the Paradise “Fruit Loop” area, Free Zone is a great casual place to grab drinks and food (they have a bar menu). The crowd here is varied, the bartenders are friendly, and you can find karaoke or drag shows many nights of the week. Be sure to catch their Cloak & Dagger after hours party every Saturday.
REVO SUNDAYS AT REVOLUTION LOUNGE AT THE MIRAGE HOTEL & CASINO mirage.com/nightlife/the-beatles-revolution-lounge.aspx
Sunday is gay night in Vegas, so make sure to swing by REVO Sundays. A perfectly-sized gorgeous club — not too big, not too small — REVO’s DJs spin great contemporary tunes and remixes. It’s also a great place to meet someone. This could be your last chance to be able to use the excuse “what happens in Vegas…”
FREEDOM AT MARQUEE NIGHTCLUB AT THE COSMOPOLITAN marqueelasvegas.com
One of the newest gay parties in Vegas, FREEDOM is a rousing good time with some seriously beautiful dancers.
TEMPTATION SUNDAYS AT THE LUXOR LAS VEGAS luxor.com/lgbt
When you think of Vegas pool parties, you likely imagine a crowded scene with sweaty bodies, ear-splitting music, and pounding sun. Temptation Sundays is actually nothing like that: it’s relaxed, chill, friendly, and there’s great music and plenty of room to flop around in the pool (with great views of Luxor’s pyramids).
SHARE sharenightclub.com
This off-the-Strip club is a serious blast. Patrons flirt underneath gorgeous dancers; while reputable DJs put sexy spins on the songs we all know and love. This is a good old-fashioned gay club experience, where you’ll find yourself crawling outside as the sun rises. SHARE opened in November 2011 by gay owner Mike Crisp and Partners. The gay nightclub, bar and ultra-lounge spans 2 floors with the ultramodern and hip nightclub downs stairs creating a unique dance floor encased by couches, tables and VIP cabanas while keeping a full view of the dance floor at all times. Upstairs every SHARE guest can enjoy the luxury and privacy of the SHARE Ultra Lounge and bar with open seating or VIP Private Rooms and if you want to make your experience a little more Sharable, ask a shot boy what he can do for you.
For travel recommendations, please contact me at RSicilio@TRIPSandCRUISES.com
www.TRIPSandCRUISES.com or 800-411-8747