Valentine’s day in Las Vegas is a special kind of Valentine’s day.
There is so much more to Bright Light City than the casinos, the shows, and the parties that don’t end until 6am. Las Vegas isn’t typically known as a “city of love” (I do miss Paris!), but it can be one of the most romantic places in the world… if you know how to do it right. So, whether you’re a local or a a couple in town to celebrate love’s day, I’ve got some ideas to make your Valentine’s day special.
Romantic & Bohemian V-day
To Eat:
Secret Pizza inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino. Right in the middle of one of the most posh, upscale casinos on the Strip is this little pizzeria that’s a fun little adventure for you and your sweetie. I don’t think this place actually even has a name, but it’s been dubbed “secret pizza” because it’s just that – a secret. You won’t find a sign for this “hole-in-the-wall” eatery, and it won’t show up on any casino maps, but what you’ll get is NY-quality pizza at a fraction of the price you’ll pay anywhere else on the Strip. Located at the top of the escalators to the third floor, down a long hallway across from STK steakhouse.
To Do:
Fountains at Bellagio. If you’ve ever been to Vegas, you’ve undoubtedly seen the Bellagio fountains. They are gorgeous during the night and the whole city seems to stop and just enjoy them for a few minutes. It’s really a magical thing. Unless you’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a group of tourists in hawaiian shirts and big cameras around their necks. Then, it’s less than glamorous, no matter how beautiful the show (or your date) is. The secret is the Fontana Bar just upstairs in the Bellagio. It’s not your typical “grab a drink and plop down in front of a video poker machine” bar. Rather, it’s more of a lounge, with live music, great drinks, and a large back patio that’s the perfect place to get a drink and watch the fountains. And, with the band playing all the hits, you’ll have a chance to get your groove on before heading back to the room.
To stay:
While there are no shortage of room specials all over the strip, there are some really great hidden gems that will give you a great bang-for-your-buck, while giving you a very romantic evening. Luckily, Valentine’s day (this year) is on a Thursday, so you’ll get better rates than if it were on a, say, Saturday. Staying off the Strip will give you a break in the cost of the room, but you may pay extra for cab fares, if you don’t have your own car. One great off-strip hotel is The Stratosphere. Up until recently, it had gotten a bad name because it’s in the older part of the Strip, where there is less glitz and glamour. But I can tell you (a good friend of mine is the former General Manager there), that they have upgraded their rooms from the ground up, and added so many things to do that you w0n’t have time for them all! For a reasonable $20, you can take a trip to the top of the tower and see the most breathtaking view of the entire LV valley and all the lights of the Strip.
Now, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite secret romantic spots in Las Vegas? Got any ideas for couples looking to be romantic and bohemian (cheap)? Let me know in the comments!