Las Vegas

I headed out to Vegas for SEMA! Because of the Southwest promotion over the summer, I was the free companion ticket. 

Due to the popularity of SEMA, I had also booked a two-bedroom unit in Elara. Initially, the possibility of a large group had me book two two-bedroom units but we ended up canceling and couldn't downsize the two-bedroom unit. There are some pros and cons to staying at Elara if you are going to the Convention Center.

In this trip, I did take alot of mass transit to get around which is probably not a common thing for a tourist. I did find the local buses quick, often, and convenient enough for my needs. The RTC transit mobile application was easy to set up. I did rent a Turo car for the day and was able to get around greater Las Vegas to eat out and take someone to the airport.

Pros

  • The hotel itself is conveniently located in the middle of the strip, across from Aria and Cosmo next to Paris. 
  • The hotel is also connected to Planet Hollywood through the Miracle Mile Shops.
  • Free parking.
  • The distance is enough that you will be the first ones on the monorail before it gets too crowded.

Cons

  • You do have to walk about 10 minutes to get to the monorail station because it is outside and the station access is from the street.
  • Pool is not always accessible and can get crowded during summer. For this particular trip, it was closed off for the F1 race.
  • Construction ongoing in lobby area.

Dining

District: Donuts. Sliders. Brews. - Eggslut was overwhelming long so my group wandered over to the food hall area and landed on District. It's not really donuts but more like sweet bread. The biscuit sandwiches were fine but it won't be bringing me back. I do feel like it is a bit on the salty side of things.

Soho Sushi Burritos - For the un-initiated, it is basically a poke place. Sushi burritos are a fairly new trend outside of the coasts. Overall, very good and cheaper to eat than what is offered at the convention center.

Las Vegas Convention Center - There are a number of stations/food court inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Overall, the food available is basic. I was able to find an Auntie Anne's and the line was consistently long but moving. The food court option was quick because it was cafeteria style stations which allowed for grab and go.

Palette Tea Lounge & Dim Sum - I was going solo to a dim sum restaurant. It doesn't sound like a good idea but I did and I enjoyed it. I ordered an assortment of items and probably surprised the wait staff. They were all super friendly and quick. I had seen some shots from instagram reels and wanted to see the "chick" dumplings. It is a little upscale and pricey but the food is good. I'd come back with a group next time. This is the first US restaurant that I've seen a reference to Crispy or Crystal Milk. I don't know if I love it in an egg roll but I wanted to see.

Palette Chick Dumplings

Palette Duck Lettuce Wraps & Pork Char Siu

Palette Unagi Crispy Rice

Palette Crispy Milk Custard Egg Rolls

Palette Portuguese Egg Custard Tart


Freed's Bakery - I came out to the Arts district to try the famous "strawberry shortcake." I am probably biased towards asian cakes and didn't find the cake that compelling. Overall, I'm sure it is fine if you want sweets and walking past.


Wicked Spoon - For this trip, I wanted to have a buffet and opted to eat at the breakfast buffet inside the Cosmopolitan. Since the pandemic, many hotels have done away with buffets and opted for food halls inside the hotels. I did enjoy myself at Wicked. Perhaps the price point wasn't ideal for breakfast but I was fine with it (about $50).

Wicked Spoon @ Cosmopolitan Las Vegas


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