Las Vegas, Nevada: Day 1

October 6, 2013

It had been a decade since I last visited Las Vegas, Nevada.  My first trip there left a bad taste in my mouth, thus the reason why it had been so long since my subsequent return.  To put it simply, I found it to be devoid of anything that I could connect to in a meaningful way.  It was, however, my husband Lucas’ dream destination and on a regular basis he would beg ask for us to take a trip there.  When I found out on my Birthday that I had been invited to Sin City for the iHeartRadio festival on behalf of MGM Grand and that I was able to bring Lucas with me, not only was he the happiest man in the world, but I also made a promise to myself in that moment that I would revisit with an open mind and give the city a deserved second chance.  Of course, it helped knowing that MGM Grand had put together an unforgettable itinerary, beginning with a glamorous limo ride from the airport to the hotel.

The MGM Grand is an enormous hotel, the second largest in the world in fact, with over 5,000 rooms and 30 floors.  Emerald-green glass-clad and guarded by a 45-foot tall bronze lion, it is located on the south end of the Strip, making it the perfect home base for your Las Vegas vacation.

After check-in, I had to rush to drop my belongings off in my room, as I was already quite late for my dinner plans (Lucas would be arriving later on a different flight).  First class accommodation options abound at MGM Grand and unlike the casino, there are no losing bets to be made in regards to which room you choose.  I was given a spacious Deluxe Room with a stunning view of the Strip.  Just say the word and the helpful staff will make it happen, no matter what the request is.  Luxury is not hard to come by in Nevada’s dazzling capital, but an encounter with this hotel boldly stands out.

As I rushed back to the limo that was awaiting me downstairs, I noticed that my tweets to the hotel were being broadcasted on the lobby’s massive TV screen.  I am a fan of any hotel that is passionate about their social media!

Then I was whisked away to Mandalay Bay, where I was the last to arrive at our welcome dinner at RX Boiler Room.  Unfortunately, I had very little time to partake in the delicious feast that the restaurant had graciously prepared for us, although I did get to enjoy several of their infamous olive oil cocktails and a life-changing beet and goat cheese salad.  Celebrity Chef Rick Moonen demonstrates his spin on classic comfort food, offering diners innovative creations in both small and large plate portions.

One of the most popular activities to do in Las Vegas during the evening hours is to attend a show.  There is a wide variety to select from, with something to interest people of all ages and tastes.  I chose to see Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil and it definitely did not disappoint.  I highly recommend seeing it regardless of whether or not you are fan.  I promise when the holographic King of Pop appears on stage you will be in awe!

Contrary to popular belief, daytime and nighttime adventures can actually lead to a relaxing stay at MGM Grand thanks to their extra-comfortable beds, blackout shades, and soundproof rooms.  As I drifted off to sleep in my jetlagged haze, it occurred to me that in less than ten hours my view of Las Vegas had already begun to change drastically.  Its energy for me, this time around, was undeniably infectious and what was most exciting was that the best part of the trip was yet to come.

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Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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78 thoughts on “Las Vegas, Nevada: Day 1

  1. Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren

    Being from LA, Vegas is fun to go to every now and then for a girls weekend or celebration. I easily tire of it after two days though! I never knew that the MGM was the second largest hotel. So cool about their screen for Twitter!

    If you want another classy hotel experience, I’d recommend the Cosmopolitan that’s fairly new to the strip and right next to the Bellagio!

    Looking forward to more Vegas posts. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    1. Andi Perullo de Ledesma Post author

      Yeah, I wouldn’t spend more than a week at a time in Vegas, although there certainly is enough to do there for a week! MGM was actually the largest hotel when it was first built, but then was eventually surpassed by the Izmailovo Hotel in Moscow. Isn’t that Twitter screen so cool? I had drinks in the Cosmopolitan. Absolutely gorgeous!!! Will definitely stay there one day. I can’t wait to return to Vegas!

      Reply
  2. Michelle

    What an amazing adventure. I’ve been to Vegas 2 times – last time was about 10 years ago and I thought I never wanted to go back until hearing about your fabulous trip. So glad you enjoyed it this time and your husbamd reached his dream destination 🙂

    Reply
    1. Andi Perullo de Ledesma Post author

      Trust me, you need to go back! It has changed a lot. So many beyond amazing restaurants and shows! The hotels are so luxurious!!! And the shopping! Lucas had a smile plastered to his face the entire time, so cute!

      Reply
  3. Heather

    I enjoyed staying at the MGM Grand on my 1st (of 2) trips to Vegas — very lucky that my dad won a business trip when I had just turned 21 and the whole family was able to join him 🙂

    I know what the BIG moment was during your trip (at least I think I do from FB posts), but I still can’t wait to hear more about it 🙂

    AND oh yes, I love your welcome goodies. Y-U-M.

    Reply
    1. Andi Perullo de Ledesma Post author

      OMG what an awesome business trip to win!!! I had just turned 21 on my first trip to Vegas as well. Hahaha there were actually a couple of big moments, but yes, I’m sure you know the biggest! Weren’t those goodies amazing???

      Reply
  4. Traveling Ted

    That is so cool that they have a large tweet screen. I am going to tweet this article now and add their handle, so we will be shown on the large video screen in the lobby. Very cool.

    Reply
  5. Colleen Brynn

    I still haven’t been to Vegas, but I want to go at least once before I die… I’m glad you had a positive experience this time around. I think I would base my trip around shows and FOOD. x

    Reply
  6. GMD

    I’ve only been to Vegas once before and also had a bad taste left in my mouth but your pictures have convinced me that I should go back with an open mind. Your hotel room looked so lovely!

    Reply
    1. Andi Perullo de Ledesma Post author

      Wait until you see the rest of my trip, you will definitely want to go back then! I promise if you ever decide to return talk to me and I will make sure that you have a magnificent trip! I’m such a Vegas fan now!!!

      Reply
  7. Krista

    I’m so glad that you had a much different experience this time around, Andi. I have no desire to visit Vegas, but I’m happy to view it through your eyes. Perhaps my mind will change on the matter too? 🙂

    Reply
  8. Vannessa

    Sounds like a FAB trip. Being a Brit I LOVE Vegas. I’ve been, but like your Hubby, mine hasn’t ever been either. I would love to do a 3-4 day pit-stop trip with my Husband. It really is like another planet 😉

    Reply
  9. Abby

    I don’t know which cameo I like better — my last issue of Vegas, or your Tweets haha. MJ One was SO good — can’t wait to read more about your thoughts! You also reminded me that I HAVE to get into Boiler Room this week!

    Reply
  10. Alex

    Yay! So glad you loved Vegas. I see it as *so* perfect for you it was hard to imagine why you didn’t love it before! Glad things went better this time around 🙂

    Reply
  11. Kimberly Moore

    I can totally relate, I haven’t visited Vegas in a verrrry long time and haven’t had the desire to return but I would LOVE to see that show! Good to know it’s worth a visit! And how fun to see your tweets being posted! Looks like a great beginning to your trip!!

    Reply
  12. Casey @ A Cruising Couple

    What an amazing first day! I loved our time in Vegas, but I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m dying to go back. That is, unless I had that room at the MGM grand too 🙂 How was the olive oil cocktail? I’ve never heard of one before!

    Reply
  13. Agness

    Hi Andi. I’ve seen your blog couple of times, but never really got involved in conversations. Now I’m back 🙂 and I am so happy to see how much fun you are having in Las Vegas. Oh my dear!! What a glamorous life you have – a glass of champagne, limousine and stunning hotel. Enjoy yourself and you look stunning by the way!

    Reply
  14. Pingback: Las Vegas, Nevada: Day 2 | My Beautiful Adventures

  15. Olivia Mak

    What an amazing experience to attend the I Heart Radio concert! It looks like you had so much fun. I would love to see all the party dresses you wore while partying in Vegas. Maybe you can do an outfit post next!

    Reply
  16. Emily in Chile

    I want to eat everything in this post. I’ve never heard of a cocktail with olive oil, and it sounds a little weird, but I’m sure it’s one of those things that totally works in the hands of a good barman.

    Reply
  17. Wendy

    I have been to Vegas many times and have always enjoyed my stay, but I would LOVE to know what it’s like to have a luxurious Vegas vacation like this! Looks great!

    Reply
  18. Andi

    I won’t say I am a huge fan of Vegas, but I have been there A LOT and I try to make the best of it by eating my way through the days I am there. My parents have stayed at the MGM 2-4 times a year for the last 20 years so I have been there a lot to visit them as well as stay myself. Great restaurant selections, I have eaten in them all. I was hoping that you would have a better experience this time. Did you see Abby?

    Reply
    1. Andi Perullo de Ledesma Post author

      Yes! I got to spend two nights with Abby. Love her!!! Definitely had a much better experience in Vegas this time around. Really loved the place to be honest. Still shocked that I’m saying that. I think it’s one of the best places in the US for a foodie now.

      Reply
  19. Lucy Wanders

    Vegas baby! Found this one in your archives and even though I know you might not be in the Vegas mood nowadays with the newborn, I had to say that I listened to that I Heart Radio thing back then and it sure was a great show and I am now retro-jealous (is that a thing?).

    Reply

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