This was my third trip to Vegas, and while I am certainly no expert, I wanted to share what I enjoyed seeing (from a decorator’s perspective). My first visit to Vegas was for Millenium and I spent January 1, 2000 in a helicopter flying to the bottom of the Grand Canyon for lunch and flew over the Vegas strip at sunset on the way back. Pretty cool way to start a new millenium! This is obviously not a comprehensive list, as there is so much to see and do! (and no gambling tips… no big wins for moi!)
1. Crystal Chandelier @ the Cosmopolitan. Two million crystals, three stories high. There is a bar at the bottom, inside and at the top – brilliant!!!
The pictures do not do justice to the immense size and sparkle of this main chandelier… not to mention all of the other crystal throughout the entire Cosmopolitan hotel.
Another large sparkly bit inside the casino of the Cosmopolitan – one of many!!!
2. The lobby of the Wynn. This is the entrance of this elegant and whimsical five star hotel lobby.
These beautiful coloured mosiacs are sprinkled throughout the flooring of the Wynn lobby.
This large two story space is delightful with these colourful parasols.
This indoor garden walk is lovely and the large floral balls hanging from the trees are pretty and unique.
3. Fiori di Como art glass installation Bellagio. Over 2000 hand blown glass blossoms by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly are recessed in the coffered 18′ ceiling in the lobby of the Bellagio. Simply stunning.
Another Chihuly centerpiece, Baccarrat Lounge Bellagio.
4. We stayed at the Venetian and it was beautiful inside. I have been to real Venice, while there is no comparison, five star fake Venice was pretty fabulous.
This fountain, marble floors, and painted ceilings greet you as you enter the Venetian.
Venice would not be complete without a liberal dose of amazing Murano glass chandeliers and the Venetian did not disappoint.
5. I am a big fan of the Cirque du Soliel shows. This time we saw the Beatles LOVE at the Mirage and it was spectacular. I also recomment “O” at the Bellagio and KA at MGM.
A 90 minute extravaganza featuring the Beatles music, dancing, acrobatics, costumes and a feast for your senses… I can’t recommend this enough.
6. Bellagio Fountain water show. This popular long time Vegas icon is always fun and worth a visit.
BONUS 1 The largest collection of Monet art outside of Paris is on display at the Bellagio Gallery until the beginning of 2013. The collection is from the Museum of Fine Art Boston and features 2o Monets and several other French Impressionists.
Meadow with Poplars 1875 Monet
Camille Monet and a child in the Artist’s Garden in Argenteuil 1875 Monet
Charing Cross Bridge (Overcast Day) 1900 Monet
BONUS 2 While Chinese New Year is at the beginning of February, both the Bellagio and Venetian leave their Chinese New Year displays up til the end of February. These mechanical dragons are at the Bellagio.
Also at the Bellagio, these Dragons breathe smoke when the lights dim.
Bellagio display.
Chinese New Year display at the Venetian – sans dragon, I missed it by 1 day.
Extra Bonus Where else but Vegas can you see Spider man sitting on a sunny day outside of Caesar’s Palace?
All photos Sue Womersley with exception of the Monet prints from the Bellagio Gallery brochure.
My name is Sue Womersley and I am an Interior Decorator in Vancouver, BC.
Decorata Design 
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