Five New Las Vegas Experiences for 2017

Las Vegas is always setting trends, so it makes sense that hotels and restaurants are always going in and out of vogue, or in some cases existence. But here we outline five relatively new spots on the sleeping, dining and drinking fronts to experience in Las Vegas in 2017.

1. The W Hotel

Inside a tower at the SLS Las Vegas, the always fun W Hotel sits at the far north end of the strip in what was once the Sahara Casino, where Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack played in the 1950s. Now the W is the first major hotel brand with a spot on the Vegas Strip that has been dominated by themed resorts for ages now. The W, which has its own entrance and lobby, boasts an intimate layout complete with secret entrances, a guest only spa, pool and bar, and the brands personalized Whatever/Whenever service in its modern rooms. W guests also have access to the SLS Las Vegas’ amenities – so think of it as an exclusive hideout within a larger resort.

2. Morimoto Restaurant

The upscale Morimoto Restaurant is located inside the MGM Grand serves creative, and well presented, Japanese dishes by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Favorites include a delicious duck meatball soup, braised black cod and sophisticated sushi offerings. There is also a creative sake-based cocktail program. The interior design is Vegas glam with statement light fixtures, a wall of futuristic looking illuminated photos, an expansive sushi bar and teppanyaki tables where meals are created on a hot iron plate fronting you.

3. Carbone Restaurant

You’ll find the Vegas outpost of the popular New York City restaurant Carbone at ARIA Resort & Casino. It’s a concept restaurant from Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick that pays homage to mid 20th century Italian-American restaurants, when glamour, showmanship and tableside service were as important as the quality of the food. Not that the food at Carbone is anything less than delicious. It also showcases classic dishes from the Rat Pack era that made Vegas famous lobster fra diavolo, chicken scarpariello, veal parmesan and octopus pizzaiolo.

4. Bardot Brassiere

Also in ARIA, Bardot Brassiere is where to head for 1920s style French bistro fare. The newest restaurant from Michael Mina, the dining room is casual but chic with a gleaming central bar and an outside dining patio. The menu is easy to navigate, with just a couple choices in each category. Start with Gruyere-covered onion soup, then try the lemon and brown butter infused sautéed skate wing or the wild mushroom and goat cheese gnocchi for a main. Wash it all down with a classic with a modern twist craft cocktail.

5. db Brassiere

At the Grand Canal Shops inside the classy Venetian Resort, db Brassiere is another hot opening by restaurateur Daniel Boulud, that also does excellent French brasserie inspired fare, this time with an American twist. Stand-out menu options include foie gras, steak tartare and duck confit and a range of gourmet burger choices. The décor is of the dark wood, frosted glass, mirrors, brasserie lighting and leather banquette variety, and has a casual yet elegant old world vibe. The service also gets applause for experience and efficiency.