City Center Las Vegas: The Crystals

Entrance to Crystals from the pedestrian bridge that connects to the
Cosmopolitan and Planet Hollywood.

Above Crystals are the Veer Towers.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Boasting over 500,000 square feet, the Crystals shopping mall and entertainment district at City Center ups the ante to compete with similar ventures on the Las Vegas Strip with a collection of over 40 high-end shops and restaurants targeting those willing to spend top dollar for the very best.

The Forum Shops at Caesars (636,000 square feet, over 160 stores) still is tops among the largest shopping centers tied to a casino. Though Crystals is similar in size to the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian (500,000 square feet, over 140 stores), it has far less retailers. The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood (475,000 square feet, over 140 stores) is located adjacent to Crystals with a mix of more affordable stores. If you include malls not connected to a casino and hotel, the Fashion Show Mall rules the Strip (1,888,151 square feet, over 250 stores).

Sometimes it's nice to window shop and it's likely the average Las Vegas visitor will do just that at Crystals. Among the luxury stores at Crystals are: Bulgari, Cartier, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Harry Winston, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany & Co. and Versace. Many would find the dining options at Crystals more affordable. These include Todd English P.U.B. and Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina.

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The ceiling reflects the unusual shaped buildings that is Crystals.

The shops of Crystals are located on two levels.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Visitors walking south to City Center will not be able to avoid a stroll through Crystals. The pedestrian bridge that connects Planet Hollywood and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas leads into Crystals. At one end of the mall is an grand entrance to the Aria Resort & Casino. Even those taking the Aria Express to City Center will find the central stop is at Crystals.

I'm sorry I missed the opportunity to see the three galleries in Crystals. Those who admire the glass sculpture above the registration lobby at the Bellagio would want to visit a gallery featuring the work of artist Dale Chihuly. The other galleries features the works of photographer Rodney Lough Jr. and artist Richard MacDonald. This will definitely be a must thing to do upon a return visit to Vegas. Fans of the Bellagio fountains should stop by to gaze at two of five water features created by WET for City Center located in Crystals.

Crystals is bright and airy without the distractions of a theme that prevails at its competitors. The building that is Crystals has unique design elements (e.g. the Treehouse) that will make one take notice. Some may question if such a high-end shopping complex can succeed on the Las Vegas Strip. Some of these retailers have locations elsewhere in the city but they are mixed into a broader collection of shops. The concentration of stores will bring in those attracted to such similar central shopping attractions such as New York's 5th Avenue or Beverly Hill's Rodeo Drive. The unusual look of Crystals will bring in the average Las Vegas tourist with many of them just wanting to make their way to the Aria casino or showroom. Let's not forget the built in audience of guests and residents of the City Center's five buildings.

Crystals opened on December 3, 2009. Visit crystalsatcitycenter.com for more information. Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight.

Before the noon, the crowds at Crystals are sparse. Crowds should build
as visitors to Las Vegas awake from a late night of gambling and entertainment.

The Pods by Wolfgang Puck is a full-service coffee bar.

A touch of Las Vegas glitz on a stairway at Crystals.

The 80-foot-tall "Treehouse" houses the Mastro's Ocean Club Restaurant.

A grand exit on the Level 2 leads to the Aria Resort & Casino

A mix of real and artificial greenery and water features brighten the
surroundings of the shops at Crystals.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

City Center, Las Vegas: A City Within Itself

The urban complex that is City Center Las Vegas.
(photo credit: citycenter.com)

The view from Las Vegas Boulevard: (from left) Veer Towers, Aria Resort
& Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa. In the forefront is the Crystals dining,
retail and entertainment complex. Not pictured is the Mandarin Oriental
and the unfinished Harmon Hotel.
(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Returning to Las Vegas last month after a break of four years, I had resisted visiting City Center. I had planned a second trip to Vegas for this month knowing I would have more time to explore the massive complex. Things have surely changed. Back in 2008 when I last walked along this portion of the Las Vegas Strip, I recall only the steel skeletons of the center's buildings.

The Cosmopolitan at Las Vegas, where I am staying during this trip, is a neighbor of City Center and sometimes mistaken as part of the complex. Separated by Harmon Avenue, a pedestrian bridge connects the Cosmopolitan's second level with City Center's "The Crystals" retail district.

City Center is simply staggering and was featured in an episode of the Discovery Channel series "Build It Bigger" (click HERE to link to iTunes to purchase and view the episode). The complex is 76 acres and was the largest privately funded construction project in U.S. history. This spot of prime Vegas real estate formerly was home to the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, a parking lot and various commercial buildings.

Owned by MGM Resorts International and operated with Dubai World and built for approximately $9.2 billion, City Center is comprised of the following structures:

• Aria Resort & Casino, the centerpiece of City Center rising 61 stories includes 4,004 hotel rooms and a 150,000 square foot casino and showroom.
• Vdara Hotel & Spa, the 57-story hotel-condo tower with 1,495 rooms that made the news for its infamous "death ray."
• Mandarin Oriental, part of the luxury chain this location is mixed-use with 392 hotel rooms and 225 condos housed in 56 stories.
• Veer Towers, twin 37-story towers reputed for their leaning design is comprised of 674 condo units.
• The Crystals, the center's 500,000 square-foot entertainment, retail and restaurant complex.
• Harmon Hotel, reduced from 50-story tower reduced to a 25-story shell that was planned to be a non-gaming boutique hotel and much written about for its construction problems.

As I wonder through City Center, the next few posts will highlight the individual elements that make up the complex. For more info visit citycenter.com.

The monorail (bottom center) joins City Center with the Bellagio
and Monte Carlo hotels and crosses over Harmon Avenue in this photo.
(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Rather than being completed in segments, each structure of City Center
was constructed at the same time.
(photo credit: Las Vegas Real Estate)

 This rendering of City Center shows the Harmon Hotel at its originally
planned 50-story height. The Harmon is the oblong tower at right covered
 in multi-colored blue glass.
(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Truvia Flows Freely at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Even four years after its introduction, Truvia is still not stocked as commonly as those pink, blue or yellow packets in restaurants and coffee shops. But I was surprised at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the sugar substitute was available on the table at the Overlook Grill. Most of you may say so what.

There's a good reason why Truvia is hard to find when dining out. In a Wall Street Journal report, it appears that places like the coffee counter at a Whole Foods Market in Maryland keep the Truvia behind the counter. You have to ask for it because according to the retailer, "People take a lot more than they need."

The manufacturer of Truvia is aware of the problem and is in the process of developing a dispenser that would limit the number of packets a consumer can take at once.

The appeal of Truvia is it is a natural alternative to aspartame, saccharin and other chemically derived sugar substitutes. Many consumers say the taste and texture of Truvia is closer to sugar than Equal, Sweet'N Low or Splenda. Some like the crunch of the product.

Critics complain about the aftertaste that is common with such sweeteners. But the reason why people are willing take more than one or two packets at the coffee counter is the retail price which can be double the cost for the same amount of packets of its competitors.

Visit truvia.com for more information.

Overlook Grill at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Overlook Omelet
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Overlook Grill is one of the casual dining restaurants at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas but this one sitting adjacent to the hotel's Boulevard Pool is the perfect option for those enjoying the poolside atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor dining is available but depending on the Vegas temperature, indoor may be the better choice.

There's nothing fancy option the menu choices. It's straightforward American cuisine. But this is the Cosmopolitan so there are a couple of dishes with a twist such as the Red Velvet Waffle, Scotch Egg or Charred Beef Tenderloin Salad with Thai Vinaigrette.

For breakfast this a.m., my choice is Overlook Omelet ($17, prepared with bacon, tomatoes, avocado and monterey jack cheese) with a fresh squeezed orange ($4) and coffee ($4). This has to be most fluffiest prepared omelet I have ever seen. The velvety texture of the egg in each bite envelops its fresh ingredients. This omelet is such a standout that it elevates the standard sides of fried potatoes and English muffin.

Click HERE to view the menu. The Overlook Grill at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas located on Level 4 of the Eastside Tower. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm and Fri-Sun 8am-6pm.

The Overlook Grill is located on the Cosmopolitan's Level 4.

Outdoor dining overlooks the hotel's Boulevard Pool.

Entrance to the Cosmopolitan's Boulevard Pool is adjacent to the
Overlook Grill.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Art-O-Mat at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Art-O-Mat machines are salvaged and refurbished cigarette dispensers.

Art-O-Mat vending machines at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Many people have to stop, gaze and wonder at these vending machines that look like they should be dispensing cigarettes. One would expect as much from these Art-O-Mats, six of them to be exact, located at the Cosmopolitan at Las Vegas. But rather than cigarettes or candy or gum, these machines dispense artwork.

Art-O-Mat is a Winston-Salem company that revamps cigarette machines into dispensers of $5 mini works of art. The company has moved nearly 25,000 works annually vending in museums, galleries and coffee shops. This is the first resort to host the program that sells original miniature works from around the world. The boxes that are dispensed contain such objects as prints, paintings, sculptures and jewelry.

These machines, some of them salvaged from junkyards, are refurbished with a high-end finish for a classic and beautiful look, a look that relates directly to the unique surroundings of the Cosmopolitan.

These Art-O-Mats make art simple, accessible and fun for the average man. For struggling artists, they may sell their very first of art from these machines. For the uninitiated art lover, the machines in turn offer the opportunity for them to purchase their first piece of artwork.

Think of these machines like a miniature gallery of art. See something interesting, spend a few dollars and enjoy a custom-made and unique piece of art. I saw a couple of them near the Cosmopolitan's restaurants the Wicked Spoon and the Overlook Grill.

Visit artomat.org for more information on the program.

Choosing an artists work is guesswork. You're not sure
if you'll get a print, painting, sculpture, jewelry or another miniature
custom work of art.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler) 

An example of an Art-O-Matic work of art: custom made earrings.
(photo: Mark's Las Vegas)

This box contained a mosaic whimsy.
 (photo: Mark's Las Vegas)

The Henry at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Entrance to The Henry

Cinnamon Roll French Toast
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

It's 2am at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and the hotel houses one restaurant to fill your appetite needs 24 hours daily. The Henry is the Cosmopolitan's diner/bar offering classic favorites that the hotel claims are revamped for the Las Vegas Strip.

Looking at the menu, the selections appear pretty traditional but that's a good thing as there are lots of alternative upscale fare at the hotel's other restaurants. The list of lunch specialities gives the customer an idea of the comfy cuisine available: French Dip, Piled High Reuben; Chicken Pot Pie and (tempura fried) Fish 'N' Chips. "The Henry Burger" available after 5pm sounds pretty satisfying with caramelized onions and mushrooms, sharp cheddar on a soft potato roll.

But at this time of night my attention is directed to the offerings on the "Late Night at The Henry" section of the menu. I'll likely eat a full breakfast later in the morning, so I look for something simple but sweet: Cinnamon Roll French Toast (dipped in french vanilla custard, candied pecans, maple syrup and creamery butter; $15).

The bread of this heavenly delight is tender and the slices cut thick as the aroma of warm cinnamon rises from the dish. I enjoy every bite with a generous helping of maple syrup. A cup of illy coffee ($5) rounds out the meal.

The service is fast and friendly as it should be at this time of night as only three other tables were occupied. But I liked that there is a hostess on duty and late night diners not pigeon-holed to one corner of the restaurant. The restaurant is open to the casino but banquettes serve as a perimeter for diners.

Click HERE for menu. The Henry is located on the casino level near the East Side Tower at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. Breakfast Mon-Fri 6am-11am; Brunch Sat-Sun 6am-3pm; Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; Dinner Mon-Sun 3pm-12am; Late Night Mon-Sun 12am-6am.

Tables and banquettes centered at The Henry

A class wall shields one section of The Henry from the casino.

The bar at The Henry.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas: Reception Lobby & Video Pillars

(photo: Kiwi Collection)

(photo credit: Leila Navidi)

Note: Post updated on 5/19/12 with additional photos.

The modern design of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is immediately striking as guests enter the reception lobby. Video screens installed on each side of the lobby's pillars and the reflective polished black floors and ceilings give the feeling of walking through a work of art. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the fluid video works of art that changes every few minutes.

Like being displayed on a black canvas, the elements of the lobby's design pops: from the red Louis XIV resort registration desks which utilizes mirrors to give the optical illusion they are hollow beneath; white chandeliers; and video screens running the entire length of reception on which the video artwork of the lobby's pillars is also showcased.

Because of the sheer number of rooms (2,995), I can imagine that this reception lobby is not immune to the long lines during peak check-in hours that is common at other mega resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. But it's after midnight so there is only person ahead of me in line and three desks open.

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(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

The red reception desks are clean and void of any clutter. Guests register by signing their name using a finger on an iPad. My check-in experience is not as simple or smooth however. Keep in my mind that I was already frustrated earlier in the day when my flight was delayed and I had to switch airlines causing me to arrive at midnight rather than at 7pm. In addition the taxi driver tried to pull that long-hauling trick.

I experienced something similar when I checked into the Paris Las Vegas last month where I had to spend one night in a room designated as smoking. But the hotel made it up by giving me a corner upgraded "Red Room" for the remainder of my stay.

When I knew I may be arriving after midnight, I called the hotel to note that I will be arriving much later than expected. This apparently did nothing to help. When I reached the front desk employee does something on the computer then steps into a side room. I am told that my room choice, a Wraparound Terrace Suite, is sold-out. Keep in mind that I also pre-paid for my hotel. The front desk says they can give me a Lanai Suite which would be fine except I'm told it will cost me an extra $200 a night. The front desk tries to promote the offer but saying it has immediate access to one of the hotel's pool. But here's the catch I told her: I don't swim. She doesn't say anything except to excuse herself to again step into that side room.

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(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

She returns after a minute to let me know they do have a Wraparound Suite available. So I exclaim a little loudly "so you do have a room available." Rather than arguing the matter, I take my room keys and head to my room in the hotel's East Side Tower. The elevators that are adjacent to reception all lead to rooms in the West Side Tower. So it takes a trek through the casino with luggage in tow to head to the correct tower.

Now I can understand that Las Vegas properties would like to save their best rooms and keep rooms available to their high rollers and for this hotel in particularly, Gold and Platinum members of the Marriott Rewards Program. But the way I see it if you book a room and you pre-pay for it and you call to say you'll be arriving late, there should be a room available. And if they're sold out of that room, it shouldn't cost you anything to be upgraded to a more expensive room.

But the front desk employee kept a smile and was helpful in giving me a map of the hotel and explaining where layout of the casino and where some of the restaurants as well as the East Side Tower is located. And I have to admit I was still dazzled by the chic modern surroundings of the Cosmopolitan. I knew I probably had to eat something before heading to bed since my last meal was more than five hours ago on the plane during the flight from Honolulu to Vegas. The employee direct me to the hotel's 24-hour restaurant, The Henry, which is just a few steps away from the East Side Tower's elevator lobby.

(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

(photo credit: Kelly Technologies)

(photo credit: TheBeatBox)

(photo credit: pixmule)

(photo credit: Leila Navidi)

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: A Hotel in the Autograph Collection

The sleek driveway greets guests to the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.
(photo: Isaac Brekken/Associated Press)

The two towers of the Cosmopolitan.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opened in December 2010 at a cost of $3.9 billion after five years in the making as part of the Autograph Collection of hotels.  For a while it appeared the property would be one of three unfinished projects on the strip. The other two, Echelon Place and the Fontainebleau, remained unfinished at the north end of the strip.

The Autograph Collection, one of Marriott's brands of hotels, was launched in January 2010 with seven locations featuring independent hotels and resorts from around the world representing upper-upscale and luxury properties with distinctive personalities. Unlike other Marriott brands, the hotels of the Autograph Collection maintain their independent identity and lack any obvious signs on the property with the Autograph name. Each each hotel also may maintain their own booking website but reservation systems are linked.

Occupying a narrow 8.7 acres along Las Vegas Boulevard, the Cosmopolitan holds 2,995 rooms in two high-rise towers, a 100,000 square-foot casino and 14 restaurants and eateries. For comparison purposes neighbor properties City Center is 76 acres and the Paris Las Vegas is 24 acres. Just the lake at the Bellagio is 8.5 acres.

The original developer broke ground on the project in October 2005 with an expected cost of $1.8 billion and was planned to have 2,200 condos and 800 hotel rooms. When the company defaulted on a $760 million construction loan in January 2008, Deutsche Bank eventually foreclosed on the property in August of the same year leaving its two 50-story towers to house only hotel rooms.

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The Cosmopolitan driveway.
(photo: StaceyHuggins/flickr)

Utilizing a new more modern standard of luxury in its design in lieu of the theme hotels that dots the Las Vegas Strip, the Cosmopolitan's appeal is geared to "the curious class" that the hotel defines as a group of travelers who are creative, enjoy foreign foods, the arts and new experiences.

Employing the talents of Digital Kitchen and David Rockwell Studio, the Cosmopolitan's unique commitment to design meets guests from the moment they step on to the property. Witness the giant silver and backlit letters spelling the hotel's name greeting customers as they pull on to the polished floors of the driveway.

The visual delight continues to the video pillars at reception to the Chandelier Bar that rises three levels from the casino floor. About 2,220 of the Cosmopolitan's rooms boast a unique feature: 6-foot-deep terraces that span the length of the room. The original condo plan gives some of the suites a residential feel with kitchenettes, dining and sitting areas and a washer/dryer. The hotel's vertical design masks the actual square footage on the property that holds an underground garage, 100,000 square foot casino, eclectic retailers, Sahra Spa & Hammam, three pool experiences, multi-level nightclub called Marquee and 150,000 square feet of convention and meeting space.

Starting tonight, or rather this morning since it's already passed midnight, this hotel is my residence until Friday. Upcoming are posts highlighting various aspects of the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.

The Cosmopolitan's West Side Tower rises of the City Center monorail.
(photo: greg1701/hdrcreme)

Various renderings of the Cosmopolitan were developed. This one
most closely resembles the completed project.
(Photo: VegasChatter)

The Cosmopolitan construction site being prepared in tandem with
the City Center project.
(photo: cole800/nowpublic)

Las Vegas Taxi Drivers Take Passengers for a Ride

(photo: KevinDean/flickr)

The thing about Las Vegas taxi drivers is they have a reputation for taking advantage of unknowing visitors. I'm sure there are ones who may be honest. But in my experience the many will attempt to convince you to take a ride that jacks up the fare.

Case in point. During one visit I saw a show at the Rivera hotel and wanted to see a bit of downtown before returning to my hotel. To make things easier I ask to be dropped at the Fremont Hotel. What taxi driver in Las Vegas doesn't know where the Fremont Hotel is located? Could it be located near Fremont Street, the main avenue in Downtown Vegas? This driver even had the gall to call dispatch to ask for directions. Knowing what the driver is doing, I get out at the next traffic light and pay my fare and walk over to Circus Circus to catch another taxi. I knew he had to just keep driving up the strip but during those short minutes I was hearing him repeat the names of side streets. So no.

One of the most prevalent trips is long-hauling passengers from the airport to hotels. The freeway feels fast but it's not the shortest or cheapest route.

Learn about the using taxicabs in Las Vegas by visiting these resources and articles:

Nevada Taxicab Authority
Taxi Rider Information Program
Dale Day's Taxi Tips
Taxi Long Hauling in Las Vegas

When I get into a cab in Vegas now I just let the driver know to take the shortest and cheapest route.