DINE AND TRAVEL

Every year Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas welcomes thousands of guests from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. It’s here, visitors truly appreciate what’s offered: luxurious rooms, a world-class spa, complimentary yoga classes, pilates classes and of course delicious food and wine – with many Napa and Sonoma selections.

Napa’s Blackbird Rosé Served Poolside

“We feature wines from all over the world, but I am partial to California, of course,” said Cliff Atkinson, hotel General Manager and a San Francisco native. Mandarin Oriental hotel has close ties to wine country, “We have a long fruitful relationship with Auction Napa Valley and have done wine maker dinners in our restaurant Twist with our friends at Opus Winery in Napa. We also feature a beautiful rosé by the glass, bottle and magnum at our pool from Napa’s Blackbird Vineyards, an ideal wine to enjoy when it’s warm – which is often.

Something Different
From the moment you enter the hotel, you’ll notice there’s something different: no casino. Don’t worry, the slots and blackjack tables are only footsteps away on either side of Mandarin Oriental and all along the strip. There’s also no smoking – to the delight of many health conscious travelers, like myself. Everyday I woke up refreshed. “This hotel is so unique from what people think of when they think of Las Vegas,” said Atkinson. “When you check into Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, you don’t hear slot machines, smell cigarette smoke or wait in a long line to check in. We offer luxury, peace, tranquility and a healthy environment.”

Rooms and Dining
The hotel’s 392 rooms embody an Asian flavor. A favorite room of mine is the one-bedroom strip view suite, which offers space to relax and a stunning view. The suite features an elegant sitting room and bar; separate showers and bathrooms; an entertainment system and fast internet connection, which is great when you’re staying for business as well. This suite is perfect, but all the rooms are defined by luxury.

Strip View Suite

Those high standards are reflected throughout the hotel. It offers a variety of restaurants, each one with incredible food. Let’s start with Twist, their signature establishment, run by acclaimed Chef Pierre Gagnaire. It’s here you’ll savor classic French cuisine with a contemporary edge. Open only for dinner, Twist offers guests the choice of seasonal à la carte dishes, a delightful three-course tasting menu or a lavish six-course dining experience. Twist also showcases the finest cuts of meat such as the Californian Wagyu Beef Filet.

At MOzen Bistro, taste your way through Asia with a wide variety of delicious dishes served alongside a selection of American classics. MOzen offers a relaxed setting where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner complemented by beautiful décor and impeccable service. If you’re gluten-free, you’ve hit the jackpot because there are a ton of options, especially for breakfast: eggs benedict, french toast, bread baskets, pancakes, waffles.

But there’s so much more. Get set for a glittering night at Mandarin Bar, famous for its brilliant views through three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. The décor is chic, incorporating dark wood floors, jewel-toned armchairs and high-backed bar stools. The hotel Mixologist hand-crafts fresh original cocktails like the Golden Leaf martini with Hendrick’s, Aperol, muddled mandarin, pineapple, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Enjoy elegant Sonoma and Napa County wine from Calistoga, Oakville, Russian River and Yountville.

Mandarin Bar

Executive Chef David Werly’s innovative dishes compliment perfectly for a pre-show meal or light fare during cocktail hour. I recommend grabbing a table that faces directly toward the strip. It’s a dazzling view unlike any other. Order the applewood smoked baked brie with blueberry compote, the Kobe Sliders or the Avocado Roll and Tuna Poke. For dessert, vanilla cream filled doughnut holes dulce amaretto chocolate and raspberry dipping sauces. “I love the atmosphere when walking through the doors at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. Mandarin Bar on the 23rd floor has one of the best views of the Vegas strip, a chill vibe and most importantly, great cocktails!” said Drew Karedes, TV Reporter in Houston Texas.

Your Moment of Zen
There’s something special about a pool with a view. The pool deck is situated on the eighth floor and has pretty much anything you could want: two lap pools, two Jacuzzis, one plunge pool. The service is excellent, with friendly pool attendants making the rounds to serve your every whim. Have a glass of Rose from Napa’s Blackbird vineyards while you lounge poolside with your favorite magazine. “This is a vibrant Rosé – Blackbird red varietals of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses bright aromatic of rhubarb, strawberry and stone fruits”, said Paul Leary, Blackbird Vineyard President.

Pool Deck

For even more comfort, and a little privacy, you can rent a poolside cabana. The cabanas are stocked with fruit, sunscreen, reading materials, a TV and, of course, fine beverages in the mini bar.

But it gets even better. The hotel features a two-level 27,000 square foot spa – it’s kind of like a casino for the soul. Consider the amenities: multiple treatment rooms, including private suites for couples; a Chinese foot spa; relaxation rooms with great views of the strip; fitness and yoga; a steam room, sauna, ice fountain. The spa received Forbes Five-Star Award, one of only 30 in the world, and deserves every star. “This is by far my favorite hotel on the strip, and this is coming from a self proclaimed Vegas veteran. The ambiance is above amazing and the service is impeccable. On top of all that, it has the absolute BEST views of Vegas. We will be back again,” said Diana Radley of San Diego.

Tea Time
The Tea Lounge also offers moments of calm amidst the bright lights of Las Vegas. The Lounge serves a selection of the finest teas from around the world, alongside coffee, juices, cocktails and delicious delicacies such as English scones, cupcakes and macaroons. Combining a selection of freshly brewed loose leaf teas and divine pastry delights, the tea service includes the option of a glass of champagne. Guests can choose special vegan and gluten free selections of delicacies as well.

Tea Lounge

Bottom line, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is the complete package, offering Napa Valley touches, health and wellness, amazing amenities, fine dining and the most comprehensive spa I’ve ever visited. A true oasis on the Las Vegas Strip.

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