The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is at 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (just s. of Flamingo Rd.). Wedged between Bellagio and CityCenter Las Vegas, the swank $3.9-billion Cosmopolitan opened in 2010. And in one fell and über-trendy swoop, it not only managed to simultaneously upstage its next-door neighbor, CityCenter's ARIA, but convincingly pulled off a “hip Hollywood” vibe that for the most part has eluded Planet Hollywood across the street. Still a glitterati magnet, the Cosmo packs nearly 3,000 plush, high-tech guest rooms in two hotel towers, which sit on a compact stretch of prime mid-Strip real estate that's roughly the size of Bellagio's lake next door. Tip: If you want a primo view of the lake's dancing fountains, request a room that faces north. The casino is state of the art: Enter from the Strip and prepare to OD on eye candy. The gaming floor's centerpiece is a three-story bar and lounge veiled by a giant, curtain-like crystal chandelier. Made up of more than 2 million sparkling crystal beads and bathed in soft light (a rotating palette of pale violet, baby blue and gold), it simply dazzles. Illuminating the casino pit are even more crystal chandeliers. Pull up a chair at one of the front-of-house slots and you'll gaze through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Strip. For those who dislike the feeling of being in a windowless Vegas casino vacuum, unaware of time, it's a nice spot to play—provided that your gambling budget isn't easily stung by $5 video poker hands. James Bond fans should head for the hotel lobby-adjacent Vesper Bar, where the signature cocktail is the gin-and-vodka “Vesper” martini invented by 007 in the book Casino Royale. On the second and third floors you'll find shops, restaurants, nightlife venues, some intriguing modern art installations and a miniscule sportsbook. Food is available.