Kelley is USA TODAY’s FOODIE Host. Join her as she eats her way around the Las Vegas!
Heard of this infamously GIANT buffet? Well Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s Palace is bigger and better than I could have imagined. I ate my way through as much as could–king crab legs? check. Filet Mignon? Check. Fresh sushi? Check. My only sadness was that I couldn’t properly indulge in the dessert station–next time those make your own crepes are MINE.
Kelley Ferro is USA Today’s Luxury Lover and in Las Vegas she has the ultimate adrenaline rush, speeding through the red deserts in some of the world’s most fabulous cars of course.
Mercedes, Jaguars, Ferraris, oh my!
July Fourth is one of my favorite holidays (#2 on the list to be exact.) I mean, what’s not to love about a holiday that a). includes a day off from work, b.) involves hanging out all day with friends & family, c.) every American, regardless of religion, can participate and d.) promotes barbecues, cocktails and being outside. To me, it also marks that it is full blown SUMMER season. Oh, and Fireworks are just a cherry on top.
As an LA transplant, I scoured this little town for the best goings on this Fourth of July. Take your pick.
1. In a Pool
This partyparty pool at Mondrian will definitely make your Fourth one to remember (albeit hazily). The Skybar is hosting all day DJs, cocktails, fun pool floaties and jaw dropping LA views–what’s not to love? Tickets are reasonable at $25 and available here. I was sold by the photos of their recent Memorial Day party.
2. On the Water
Hit up Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park, make a reservation at a waterfront restaurant or find a friend with boat. You won’t get better sunset or fireworks views and as the nearest host of the fireworks on the beach, the atmosphere will be festive to say the least. If you are going the picnic in the park route, get there EARLY. Spots are usually filled by 6pm for the 9pm fireworks.
Whiskey Red’s, located right along the scenic marina, is hosting a buffet barbecue and reservations are being taken now for patio ($62.95) or indoor seating (52.95)–but come on people, you want the patio.
3. On a Roof
High, the rooftop of Venice’s funky hotel gives you unobstructed views of the fireworks, the sunset and the pretty people that are sitting at the tables next to you. A table reservation gets you 2 beers, a cocktail, a gourmet sausage and DJ to complete the perfect summer evening. What’s more American than that?
4. On a Boat
The Queen Mary is welcoming revelers on board for a day filled of events–from a circus to a Great Gatsby party, each decade from the 1940s will be represented, letting attendees party through the ages. The ticket gets you on board and access to the events, plus prime viewing of the Long Beach fireworks from the deck. Purchase your tickets here for a hefty discount ($26 vs $44 on their website).
I spent 3 full days inside the massive Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota and what I found was, I could have stayed longer. From the seemingly endless shops, restaurants, aquarium, amusement park, and theatres to the excellent Radisson Blu hotel that I called home (and can’t forget my favorite, the Solimar Spa) this Mall of America “staycation” was quite the luxurious experience.
*Note: I say there’s no sales tax at the Mall of America, I mean no sales tax on clothes and shoes only (the most important things!).
The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.
Oceanfront views: check. Stunning grounds: check. Fantastic restaurant: check. Croquet: check.
The Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara ticks off a lot of boxes–watch the full review to find out if it’s worth the splurge for getaway.
The Hotel Snob heads to San Diego for a weekend of fun in the sun. Shelter Island’s Kona Kai Resort & Spa has marina views, a private beach, lively pool scene and a recently renovated restaurant, Vessel. With a their brand new Spa Terre with famed treatments–which is why this casual beachy boutique full of laidback San Diego charm was a must stay for the Hotel Snob.
USA Today’s Reel of Luxury in Las Vegas
USA Today Luxury Lover Las Vegas Experience Within the MGM Grand, you can experience the height of French cuisine from the L’Atelier du Joel Robuchon. Kelley tries out the 14 course menu with a prime vantage point of the kitchen while at the bar. Delicious.
The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.
Connect with Kelley
