Top 5 Las Vegas Strip Hotels - #2: Cosmopolitan

(Note:  This is the second of five postings revealing my choices for the top 5 Strip hotels to visit in 2012-2013.  Because I like words and photos so much, there's lots of both in each of these postings, so enjoy them all in your own time.)

#2 - Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan Las Vegas is the newest Strip hotel in my top five list.  It's certainly not a traditional themed hotel in the usual Vegas sense, but it has so much beauty and individuality that I really enjoy spending time in there.  Much like Paris' casino, I can't seem to win any money here, but I love to take photos all over this hotel and casino because everything is so interesting-looking, and I'm always finding something new to investigate and photograph.

An impressive sight...

One of the first things you see when you walk into either of the main Strip-side entrances is the Chandelier Bar.  Well, you see MOST of it.  Considering that the Chandelier Bar is, in fact, three stories tall, you can't really see the whole thing all at once.  But, man, is it impressive.  A three-leveled bar surrounded by crystal-draped "curtains", it provides privacy for couples enjoying drinks and intimate conversation, or a spot that allows a party of several people to feel like they've got their own reserved space.  Part of the Chandelier Bar is accessible only via the glass-sided elevator, providing even more privacy for you and your companions.  If you like your surroundings to sparkle and glitter, this spot is for you.

Head toward the back of the casino, and you'll find smaller, interesting chandeliers in every area.  Each section is different, and they are all visually appealing.

Even the table games have their own individual chandeliers.

Near the registration/check-in area is the Vesper Bar, a pretty little area my friend, Claire, suggested for a drink and a chat one day.  It's hidden away, but it's absolutely worth the effort it might take to discover it.  Once again, there are interesting "chandeliers" hanging over the bar, several unique seating areas surrounding it, and lots of interesting art objects to admire (and photograph, if you so desire).

Something cool to look up a while sitting in the Vesper Bar.

These aren't votive candles, but rather well-lit decorations.

 Next to the Vesper Bar is the unique registration area, which is full of interesting columns that change constantly with photos and "movies" that keep you watching and watching, all the while wondering what's coming up next.

 Those are real people in the middle...

You can't help but keep watching to see what's next.

Parts of the casino seem to have very private areas for gambling, and they are arranged almost like they are separate rooms right in the middle of the casino:

A room with a view on the casino floor...

Up the escalator off the casino floor is the second level, where all the restaurants are located.  During my first visit to the Cosmopolitan, my mom, my cousin and I planned on eating at one of the restaurants but were unsure which one to choose since the hotel was still very new.  A decision was made when we saw the menu and restaurant page for Holsteins with its huge, pink cow out front.  That's where we wanted to eat!

Who wouldn't want to eat at a restaurant with a pink cow?

You have to try some of their complimentary truffle oil popcorn while you look at the menu.  Sooooo good!

I had one of my very favorite meals at Holsteins that day; a New England Lobster Roll that was so creamy and good I wanted more.  Sadly, my camera battery died before our food came, so there's no photo, but here's a link to the restaurant review I did: Moo!  I must have a Lobster Roll there again, really.

In addition to the second floor restaurants, there is also a good buffet, which is accessible via a separate, shiny escalator near the Vesper Bar/registration area.  

That's a pretty cool-looking escalator!

The buffet is called The Wicked Spoon, and it's good buffet.  I took my daughter, Hayley, during one of our mother/daughter shopping and show trips, and we weren't over-the-top impressed with it, but it had a good selection of items served in individual, serving-size containers.  My review of our breakfast buffet can be read here.

I have yet to stay at the Cosmopolitan, but I have friends who choose to ONLY stay there because of their great rooms and wrap-around suites with balconies and Strip views, something you can't find at any other Las Vegas Strip hotel.  I just need to find a good price for a standard room with a balcony and I'm there!

If you want to see more photos from Cosmopolitan, check out some of my photos from my 2011 trip: Cosmo photos.  

There are so many areas of the hotel and casino that I still need to explore, too.  I think another visit is in order!