5 things every guy should try in vegas

It’s no mystery that I enjoy paying homage at the altar of the three b’s: booze, blackjack and beautiful girls.  For this reason alone, Las Vegas has long been a temple in the desert for my vice driven ways. 

Believe it or not though, there are many other worthwhile pursuits in Sin City (and they’re probably not what you think).

1)  Having a drink at Mix Lounge

From the glass elevator ride up the exterior of THEHotel @ Mandalay Bay to the unrivaled view from the outdoor deck overlooking the sparkling sea of neon below, Mix Lounge is a must see.  Add in a hot, beautiful crowd and a room laid out perfectly for socializing (something tells me naming the place ‘Mix’ was no accident) and you’ve got one of my favorite spots on the strip.

Tip:  Go before 10PM to avoid cover

2)  Reserving a pool side cabana

There is more delicious eye candy oiled up and ready to go in 10 sq feet of a Las Vegas pool than in most small towns.  Jostling for position on a simmering chase lounge near a pack of screaming kids and not getting to take a dip for fear of losing your spot however?

Not exactly how an Urban Monarch should spend a beautiful summer’s day. 

Take your game up a notch with a poolside cabana.  Reserved for the day, most include such amenities as private refrigerator, television, cool water misting system, telephone, fruit basket and free mixers.  This is in addition to prompt cocktail & food service.  Most allow reservations for up to 4 people, making the cost (from $125-$250, depending on season and day of week) more reasonable than most cover charges at a LV club.

Tip:  Bring your own liquor.  You can pack full bottles of booze in your checked luggage for the flight, or hit one of the off strip liquor stores to stock up before hitting the pool.

Also; call ahead and reserve before you leave home.  They sell out fast.

Check Vegas Hotel Pools for a comprehensive list with all the details (including reviews).

3)  Have a cup of coffee @ Segafredo

Segafredo Zanetti is my favorite Italian coffee.  Period.  Stumbling upon their tiny, european style cafe @ the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace was a delightful discovery indeed.  Recharge your batteries with a late afternoon cup in Segafredo’s sleek modern space.

4)  Buy a daily spa pass

Almost every hotel on the strip has an incredible spa.  A daily pass, which will run between $25 and $45 will get you access to their gym (if you’re into that sort of thing) as well as the sauna, hot tub, cold soak pool (it was amazing how good this felt after sweating it up in the steam room) etc.  Most also offer a lounging area with fruit, coffee and juices as well.  It’s the perfect way to unwind before robbing the casinos blind.

Tip:  Multi day passes will typically save you money.

5)  Play Chuck-A-Luck

There is something absurdly magical about betting your hard earned money on the yahtzee-esq outcome of oversized dice in a tumbling metal cage. 

Runner up:  Casino War (available almost everywhere, but not quite as ridiculous)

Tip:  New York, New York usually offers Chuck-a-luck at the foot of the escalators coming in from the street.  Minimum bet is just $1, or was the last time we were there.

Readers:  Any other suggestions of unusual activities in Las Vegas?