We’ve been a bit obsessed with the City of Sin as of late (Maybe it’s because we’re dying to go!), but with its inflated room rates and over-the-top glitz, we can’t afford to always go gamble in Vegas. Thankfully, there are some pretty sweet casinos far off the Strip (and we mean far) where you can still win — or lose — some big bucks. Check out our seven favorites and take a chance at one of these spots.
The entrance to the casino of The Trump Taj Mahal; Atlantic City, NJ
WHY GAMBLE HERE: Although gaudy and dated in terms of its decor, the Taj offers up a huge casino over 3500 slot machines and 200 table games. There’s also a Baccarat pit, poker room and a Simulcast facility to place your racing bets. Plus, the hotel has a prime spot on the beach boardwalk and has a wide range of dining options, including the upscale Italian restaurant (and editor favorite) Il Mulino.
Check out more non-Vegas casinos after the jump!
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If Las Vegas is known for anything, it would have to be its party scene. And if there’s one great American party we can think of, it’d have to be Super Bowl Sunday — it seems that the entire country stops what they’re doing to tune into the NFL Championship game. But why watch on your couch with delivery pizza when you can hit up a sick party on (or off) the The Strip? Since we can’t answer that question, we found the top five hotel super bowl parties to check out in Sin City this weekend.
THE PARTY SPOT: LAVO
LAVO at the Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino; Las Vegas, NV
THE PARTY DEAL: Usually a trendy restaurant-nightclub combo, Lavo is opening its doors for a Sunday afternoon of football — at a relatively hefty price tag. Throw down $175 to gain admission to the space — which has over 20 HD TVs set up for the event — as well as access to an open bar and unlimited Italian buffet. You can call ahead for table reservations, but we’re betting that comes at an even higher amount than just a ticket itself.
THE HOTEL’S DEAL: Big, elaborate, and packed with the kind of luxuries you see at the top Vegas resorts, the Palazzo has some of the best and biggest standard rooms on The Strip. Its world-class spa, seven pools, busy casino, and name-brand fine dining all connect to its sister property, the Venetian, via an haute couture mall. Less theme-y than many Vegas hotels, but right at the top of the list in terms of glitz and extravagance.
Check out our other favorite Las Vegas Super Bowl Parties after the jump.
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We’re visiting the best, trendiest hotel bars to find you the tastiest cocktails in NYC. Not only have we got the photos, we’ve got the recipes — directly from the bartenders — so you can make them at home. Grab your martini glass, you’re having a cocktail party.
This week, we’ve got 60 Thompson. Previously, we’ve bar hopped at: The Grand Hyatt, New York XVI at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, The Maritime, The James Hotel, Hilton New York Fashion District, and The Standard Hotel.
Drink #1: Kumquat Margarita
Kumquat Margarita. 60 Thompson
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Anejo Tequila
- 0.5 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz lime mix
- 1 teaspoon raw sugar
- 6 mint leaves
- 4 kumquats
To make
Combine 1 teaspoon of raw sugar, 6 mint leaves, 4 kumquats and muddle well in a mixing glass. Add 2oz of anejo tequila, .5 oz orange juice, .5 oz lime mix, add ice and shake well. Pour into a wine glass or tumbler. Splash of club soda.
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by Ben on December 6, 2010
Rose Bar at Gramercy Park Hotel
Winter is here, which to us at Oyster means it’s time for dark liquors, leather couches, and dimly-lit rooms. Here are some of our favorite hotel bars for hiding away from the cold in the winter months.
Rose Bar
The Rose Bar, a velvet-heavy lounge filled with celebs and beautiful people, is still one of the coolest scenes in town — a testament to the staying power of this super-trendy Ian Schrager-Julian Schnabel project. When our reporter stopped in for a drink, he ran into Sting. While we can’t guarantee you’ll bump into one of The Police while sipping a martini from the extensive menu, we can guarantee that with candle lighting, a laid-back atmosphere, roaring fire, and Warhols strewn about, it is the perfect setting for a long fun winter night. Read More »
Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel
When the average watering hole won’t do — whether you want to impress clients or just luxuriate in fabulous environs — a hotel bar is the place to go. New York is full of boutique and iconic hotels, but these five have something more. It’s that “it” factor that just can’t be replicated. They’re the spots to go when you really want to feel glamorous or partake in some “see-and-be-seen” scenery.
Rose Bar in The Gramercy Park Hotel
You’re sure to find the city’s glitterati and at least one canoodling celebrity couple behind these notoriously tight doors. If you can make it inside (calling ahead for a reservation is a must), there’s nothing like the subtly perfumed interior with its functioning fireplace, lush velvet couches and priceless artwork adorning the walls.
2 Lexington Avenue
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There are a lot of places to party outdoors in a city where the weather is nice year-round. But the very best — and the trendiest — spots have more to offer than booze and sunshine: A happening pool or a view of the beach is a must. Below, check out the list of L.A.’s top top poolside and beachside parties.
The Standard, Downtown helped start the hotel pool party trend, and its rooftop pool scene is still one of the city’s best: Trendy locals and visitors alike swim, drink, and tan while top D.J’s spin. Things get shaking at about 2 p.m., but you should still get there early if you want to get in. Once inside, you’ll find the hip and beautiful dressed to kill in their best bikinis and shorts, fancy cocktails a-plenty, and stunning views.
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by admin on November 24, 2009
"Georgina's Mind Eraser," $15
Last night, we attended a coming-out party for the new Gossip Girl-themed cocktail menu at the Empire Hotel in New York City. In case you’re not up on the show’s developments (or haven’t been reading New York Magazine’s brilliant episode recaps), the hotel has become something of a character itself on GG since the dapper rich-kid Chuck Bass “purchased” the property sometime during the current season. Yes, he was apparently capable of purchasing a Manhattan hotel just after high school. Right then.
But don’t get caught up in details; let’s talk booze. The Empire lobby bar’s Gossip Girl menu features $15 cocktails based on each of the show’s primary characters: Serena, Blair, Jenny, Chuck, Dan, Georgina, Nate, and Vanessa — plus a special “XOXO” cocktail whose components are kept a secret (kinda like Gossip Girl herself. Get it?)
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by admin on October 29, 2009
The weather’s getting colder in the Big Apple, which gives the residents and guests of this fine city another good excuse to drink (which, incidentally, also happens when the weather gets warm again, when it rains, when it snows, when it’s sunny, when it’s windy…). The sun’s going down earlier, too — and everyone knows the cure for the cold, sunless, late-afternoon/early-evening blues is a good, boozey happy hour.
Which hotels offer the best happy hours in the city? Based on drink prices, yummy snacks, or notable after-work bar scenes, here are our picks for the Best Hotels for Happy Hour in New York:
The Cellar Bar, Bryant Park Hotel
For fashionistas or media types (or those looking to meet a fashionista or media type): The Bryant Park Hotel’s Cellar Bar is a popular choice — and since guests get free cocktails between 5:00 and 6:00 on weeknights, the spot promises an always-bustling scene for locals and a can’t-go-wrong option for guests. That is, if you can find a place to sit.
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by admin on September 8, 2009
Beautiful!
Not bad, just...different.
Well, we can think of one person in this great country that deserved yeserday’s holiday — it seems like someone certainly labored long and hard in Photoshop to produce the image on the left.
Behold: a beautiful example of the wonders of Photoshop, as displayed in these two images of the rooftop lounge at The Townhouse Hotel in Miami. On the left, take in the photo from the hotel’s website: pretty ethereal light in the gazebo; the building-less skyline; the furniture that appears inviting and vibrant and sleek.
And on the right…reality. Considerably less glow-y, no?
The Shore Club
The Catalina Hotel
One of our more than 1,000 Twitter followers—you’re among them, right?—sent us a plea for help recently that we had to answer in more than 140 characters. Melanie N. (@chic_travel) is headed to Miami soon and asked us to find “the Miami hotel with [the] most available single (straight) men.” Our Miami destination expert and Oyster’s Senior Editor Will B. has not one but two hotel choices for extended mingling with the opposite sex in South Beach.
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