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Saturday, April 16, 2022

Conrad Las Vegas Resorts World Hotel Review, Guide, & How to Book in 2023 on the Strip

 

The Conrad at Resorts World in Las Vegas is a new offering from Hilton's boutique luxury line. It reopened in August 2021 after a full renovation and rebrand of the property formerly known as The Stardust.


Now the site is three hotels in one: Hilton, Conrad and Crockfords (the only British Crockfords in the USA). The property had been the site of the Stardust Resort and Casino until 2007, when Boyd Gaming demolished the resort to develop its Echelon Place project. Boyd halted construction in 2008 due to poor economic conditions and sold the property to Genting Group in March 2013.  Plans slowly came and went. Construction stalled multiple times. For a while, the parking garage just stood there without much happening. An idea for a panda exhibit was floated (there isn't one). Between all the stops and starts, Resorts World threatened to be another failed project in a post-recession Las Vegas like the Fountain Blue eyesore nearby.  After so much uncertainty, the project finally gathered momentum and even a COVID pandemic couldn't slow it down.  We were lucky enough to enjoy this combination hotel, theatre, event space and of course, casino recently, and understand the potential for this location to add sparkle to the north end of the Las Vegas strip. 




1. Location


For visiting the Las Vegas Strip, we love to be close to the north end. Generally, it is quieter, less crowded and you will be able to get to most destinations with ease on foot or Uber. The Conrad offers a perfect location, within a 10 minute walk to either Caesars, the Venetian or the Wynn casinos. For most, there can't be a better location. Of course getting to Harry Reid Airport is super-easy and it is one of the easiest airports to navigate.  You have many options depending on what is important to you:  comfort, ease, security, price or peace of mind. We chose Uber which was easy and economical.  Parking was still free at the time of publication and there were plenty of spaces without a LONG walk into the hotel. 





2. Check-in


We were greeted as at the door immediately and our luggage was swept away to meet us in our room after check in.  At the front desk we were greeted as booking through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) program immediately and were provided early check in our room. The staff was extremely polite, explaining the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts amenities, hotel amenities and walked us to the elevators (it is not easy to figure out which one!). We were upgraded to a large one bedroom suite.  An interesting mural consisting of tumbling elephants, multiple glass sculptures peppering the large lobby, and a kaleidoscope piano, once played by Liberace, are interesting to look at while checking in!




Rx Tip:


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3. Rooms


As we raved about above, the room was large, even by Las Vegas standards and decorated tastefully to reflect the beautiful modern vibe of the resort.  Our Strip View One Bedroom Suite had an adorable dining table for two with comfy chairs, subdued and bright color tones with curated art (there are also original works to be found around the hotel), powder room, dressing area, large woven sofa and custom wood console with drawers for everything from minibars to china. The room fit the contemporary feel of Las Vegas, with a large window in the living area overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, and high ceilings made the windows even larger than we expected.  As we've come to expect in Las Vegas, drapery, lighting and privacy controls are automated. We were upgraded to a suite, providing us with more than ample space for our luggage and belongings as well as peace and quiet.










Presence or lack of the usual amenities in the room are as follows:
  • Nespresso or coffer maker (NO) - It is rare to find a lack of coffee maker anywhere these days even during COVID. There wasn't even complimentary coffee in the lobby. The closest coffee was a Starbucks which was all the way across the casino. Weird...
  • Tea kettle (no)
  • Complimentary shoe shine (no)
  • Robes (yes)
  • Slippers (yes)
  • Bottled water (no)
  • Turndown service (no)
  • Complimentary welcome sparkling wine (yes)
  • Streaming capability on two large screen televisions and music stations from SiriusXM. (yes)
  • Air-conditioning that works!  Sometimes this is hard to find in hotels. (YES!)
The bed was extremely comfortable with crisp ironed sheets and down pillows and comforters. To show the luxury service of this establishment, one of us had an allergic reaction to something in the room (mild with just skin irritation), housekeeping changed our all of our linens out and even switched from down to foam pillows and comforter while we were out to dinner. Which helped!









Our room was priced at $126 per night, so overall with FHR inclusions summing to over $100 Per night per room, this was a bargain even by Las Vegas standards. If you are a Hilton Honors Gold member or above, you are entitled to an additional $25 per person breakfast allowance, on top of the $33 per person FHR breakfast allowance. We actually didn't spend this but if you like a Bloody Mary or mimosa in the morning, you may be able to spend all of that for breakfast. Of course, there are also the thousand-dollar-per-night penthouse, and themed suites, if you're so inclined. Be ready to have a $40 per night "resort fee" tacked on to your bill, which we actually complained about at the advice of servers in the hotel, but alas, it would not be removed. 


 Mini bar items are not included in your FHR property credit and a soda will run you $12!

Steps from Central Park, Rockefeller Center, MoMA, and the Theater District the Conrad Midtown offers Tremendous Value for and Boutique Suite New York City Experience.



Sufficient glassware is available if you wish to enjoy your own drinks!

Steps from Central Park, Rockefeller Center, MoMA, and the Theater District the Conrad Midtown offers Tremendous Value for and Boutique Suite New York City Experience.

The view from the window toward the strip south and we were overlooking the casino, pools and theater. 








4. Bathroom


The bathroom was perfect. We read some reviews that it was small by Las Vegas Standards bur not our room! There was more than enough space for all of our toiletries and for both of us to get ready at the same time. The rainfall shower head provided a fabulous moment to relax and the shower was huge!!! In fact this is one of the best showers we have experienced in Las Vegas, where water pressure is often limited severely. If you require a tub, you will not be disappointed here. A large sink with amenities, such as manicure, shaving and dental kit, mouthwash and shower cap are provided. Products are by Byredo, a European luxury brand founded in Stockholm in 2006 by Ben Gorham, with an ambition to translate memories and emotions into products and experiences. Water pressure levels were perfect, something that we always enjoy when traveling for many reasons, the most common being that you can shower and bathe in a timely fashion when trying to get out and about! Our only complaint was that hot water took FOREVER to reach the sinks and shower, so there was no speedy bathing!  During our stay we learned to turn on the shower several minutes before bathing to have hot water. Las Vegas is the last place where anyone wants to feel like they are wasting water!








5. Fitness


OMG! The fitness center at Resorts World is one of the best gyms I have ever encountered worldwide.  You will find many aerobic machines, some that we didn't even know what they were, stretching areas, weights, Peloton bikes, Theraguns, core systems, and instructors engaged to help you.  The size of the fitness room is large with lots of windows. The most we saw at one time in the fitness room was 20 persons, which was not crowded at all. 









For the runners like us, many long runs can be done nearby on the strip. Go early to avoid crowds and heat. We suggest heading south because the downtown area of Las Vegas has been less safe as of late. Even better, look for a race to support causes as there is always something going on in Vegas!  We've run the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Las Vegas before and it starts as darkness hits the strip.  Running among the lights in Las Vegas is an experience! 




There is no lap pool at Resorts World but there are several outdoor recreational pools for adults and children. The most exclusive is the infinity pool, a restricted area for purchase or invitation. The view from the infinity pool area is not great at this time, since a large water park next door is under construction. Be ready, all of the pools except the infinity pool are crowded.  Awana Spa is lovely, but unfortunately we didn't have time to enjoy it on this trip. Be sure you make an appointment for the spa, since it is shared by three hotels. 




6. Dining


Well this depends on what you are looking for. No longer will you find the $5 steak dinner in Vegas. The culinary experience in Las Vegas is an attraction and Resorts World is trying to follow this trend with high end dining and clubs. In general inexpensive dining will not be found. With over 40 locations to eat or drink, below is just a sample of what's available within Resorts World. Definitely there is not enough time to try everything.  Be aware that you cannot eat at every establishment with your FHR $125 dining credit or your breakfast allowance. The front desk will give you a list of those restaurants NOT included, upon check in. 

  • THE KITCHEN The best place to have your included breakfast. The Kitchen offers all the classics such as burgers, salads and sandwiches as well as a buffet option for guests to select from. Diners can also enjoy wines by the glass, domestic and imported beers and seltzers. Located directly off of the casino floor.





  • BREZZA From James Beard Award semi-finalist Nicole Brisson and industry veteran Jason Rocheleau, Brezza will serve upscale and modern coastal Italian fare that embraces the traditions of Italy, offering handmade pastas, premier seafood, Brisson’s hand-selected heritage breeds and Creekstone Farms beef, paired with a beverage program including classic amari that honors Italy’s vast produce and historic wine region.
  • DAWG HOUSE SALOON & SPORTSBOOK This is a great place to grab a quick, casual meal while being able to people watch. With an original location on Nashville’s Music Row, Dawg House Saloon is a classic Nashville sports bar situated adjacent to Resorts World Las Vegas’s sportsbook that will feature live music and dancing, an array of draft beers, creative cocktails and classic American pub fare with a Southern twist. 
  • FUHU A Zouk Group concept, FUHU is the newest breed of high-energy, experiential vibe dining mixed with an unexpected twist on contemporary Asian cuisine and a mixology program that will leave guests mesmerized.
  • FAMOUS FOODS STREET EATS Developed by Zouk Group, Famous Foods is an Asian hawker-inspired food hall concept with 16 stalls featuring authentic street food and cuisines from top chefs and restaurateurs – and the only destination in the country with the most Michelin Plate and Bib Gourmand recognized concepts under one roof.
  • GATSBY'S COCKTAIL LOUNGE Raising the bar and bringing the bubbles, Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge will be an upscale escape offering a cache of vintage and rare champagnes, vivid artisanal cocktails and aromatic wines.
  • GENTING PALACE Step into old-world glamour at Genting Palace, this culinary gem will offer an exquisite menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine, seafood and exceptional dim sum.
  • KUSA NORI Be prepared for small portions. Complete with a sushi bar and teppanyaki grills, this modern Japanese bistro, created by Resorts World Las Vegas, will serve classic and innovative dishes from Japan including yakitori and teppanyaki creations, plus an extensive selection of sake
  • STARLIGHT ON 66 With expansive views of the dazzling Las Vegas Strip, Starlight on 66 will feature a stunning space 66 floors above the neon lights. Plush leather couches, mahogany paneled walls and beautiful artwork from around the world will adorn the space for a truly elevated lounge experience. The lounge will showcase an exceptional collection of fine and rare spirits, handcrafted cocktails and globally inspired small plates.
  • ¡VIVA! Created in collaboration with Esquire Magazine’s “Chef of the Year,” ¡VIVA! celebrates Chef Ray Garcia’s modern take on regional Mexican cuisine set in a vibrant, lush and contemporary space. The bright and bold flavors of the food and cocktails along with the rich and colorful design, set the stage for a fun and elevated dining experience.
  • CARVERSTEAK Executive Chef Daniel Ontiveros’ menu is paired with a dynamic beverage program from acclaimed master mixologist Francesco Lafranconi featuring contemporary interpretations of classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and a curated whiskey collection.
  • MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA  We saw several take outs from the Richie Palmer acclaimed Beverly Hills pizza shop.



RxTIP: 


There is a nice wine and liquor store located across the strip. They have an excellent selection of wine and spirits. Their prices are high compared to most areas, but you can find yourself a nice bottle of something to enjoy with your family or friends. And since you have a suite, spend a nice evening of quiet conversation in your living room!

Steps from Central Park, Rockefeller Center, MoMA, and the Theater District the Conrad Midtown offers Tremendous Value for and Boutique Suite New York City Experience.


Of course, room service is available and we recommend considering your included FHR breakfast or hotel credit to be used in this way for special occasions. However room service is interesting at Resorts World, since the service is provided by GrubHub and not the hotel itself. This is a new and interesting concept for larger resorts and we are curious to see how this catches on with other establishments. 

We didn't partake in gluten free options, but when we discussed dining with the manager, we specifically asked about this concern of many travelers.  Gluten free options are always available upon request and the staff should always ask if you have any food allergies when serving.

7. Theatre

Carrie Underwood was in residence at the large Resorts World's theater while we stayed. It was very crowded! There was a large J P Morgan conference at the resort during our stay, and we are sure many of those in attendance went to see her show. We opted not to get tickets since we had plans to see her the following weekend at a small concert on Ocean Reef in Florida.  BTW her performance was incredible! 






Bottom Line:


We loved our suite at the Conrad Las Vegas and would definitely stay here again if the price were right.  The suite experience is a nice touch in Las Vegas, especially if you are traveling as a family or with friends.  You will enjoy the extra space.  If you are part of an elite program with Hilton or American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, you will be able to get some perks that make the resort even more worthwhile such as included breakfast buffet and a dining credit. Dining may be too expensive for some if paying outright so plan wisely. 

The location is quieter but perfect to see just about everything in Las Vegas on foot of by Uber, especially if you plan to spend time taking in a show. 

Fitness in Las Vegas isn't difficult when staying at The Conrad, the gym is incredible and we've seen a lot of gyms in our lifetimes!!! 










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