There are few travel scenes that compare to watching mile-high desert scenes fade away as the Las Vegas Strip comes into view from your airplane window.

There’s a rare and special energy when you touch down in Las Vegas. It’s the only time I’ve heard applause upon landing — and it wasn’t prompted out of relief after an extra-bumpy flight. Passengers have escaped routines, jobs, families, and responsibilities. Time has ceased to matter. And everyone is ready to go. That is, of course, why they have slot machines as soon as you leave the gate and enter McCarran International Airport.

But like all things during the pandemic, that special Las Vegas energy ebbed and even stopped for a bit — creating a pent-up desire for 5-star pampering and all the excesses ranging from front row fight night seats to a suite bigger than your house.

Make no doubt about it: the Las Vegas energy (and neon) is flowing again. You may be asked to wear a mask on crowded casino floors or debate whether the overflowing Vegas buffet is the best meal-time option. But the crowds and everything that comes with them have returned. (And if you’re even the slightest bit anxious about what unforeseen circumstances might pop up before or during your trip, a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance can provide peace of mind and financial recourse.)

Here’s a quick look at what’s new, what’s the same, what to expect, and where to go on your next Las Vegas getaway. (We’re pretty sure it will be your best one yet.)

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

What’s your budget? What do you like to do? Do you have points or status to cash in on?

Just like pre-pandemic times, the answers to these questions should steer your decisions around where to crash each night (or morning). Because the choices are nearly overwhelming.

That said, here’s a tip. First, the tip: check room rates early and often. Because COVID protocols can change from month to month, the supply and demand for hotel rooms can also change on a dime. Even if you’ve booked a room, call the hotel before your trip to see if a lower rate is possible (we cut our room rate in half using this tactic).

If you’re a high roller looking for top-shelf accommodations, the Aria, the Encore at Wynn, the Cosmopolitan, and the Venetian are atop many lists.¹ And Caesar’s Palace, The Linq, and Harrah’s are among the most popular value hotels.²

But if you’re looking for something in the middle that has everything you need and a super convenient location, try the MGM Grand. It’s a fitting name, as the sprawling hotel emitting a green glow from its sweet spot on the Strip boasts more than 5,000 rooms. With one of the largest casino floors, eateries including Joël Robuchon Restaurant (Michelin Three-Star) and Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, and you don’t need to travel across the city to find a table. (And if you do, skip the pricey ride-sharing services and hop on the monorail, which pulls right up to the MGM).³

Put Down the Menu

What do you do when scouting out restaurants — look at the menu, right?

But with the very best Las Vegas restaurants, you don’t need a menu, just a crafty server.

This is the case at SUSHISAMBA, a fascinating spot featuring inspiration from Japan, Brazil, and Peru. Simply tell your server what you’d like to spend per person, whether anyone has any food allergies, and get ready for a family-style feast that culminates in an interactive hot stone-and-wagyu beef experience. Sprinkle in some Brazilian churrasco, Peruvian anticuchos, and save room for sushi, of course. Sit back, relax, and savor it all — you’ll never be rushed through the never-ending courses at Sushi Samba.⁴

Sometimes, it’s not the menu that distracting. It’s the throngs and throngs of fellow tourists. If you’ve had your fill of crowded dining rooms, head off the Strip to the locals’ favorite dining destinations. Try Old Soul in Downtown Vegas for fried oysters served with a side of Pre-Prohibition era ambiance. And if you want some after-dinner music, you can’t do much better than the blues belting from Chinatown’s Sand Dollar Lounge, where nearly famous thin-crust pizza and calzones never inspire a sad song.⁵

Raising the Bar: Las Vegas Watering Holes

Like all things Vegas, the typical happy hour just won’t do. Even more, happy hour can be any hour. Here are a few stops off the beaten path to share a cheers with friends — or total strangers.

1.  ‘Disney Land for Adults’

There is no shortage of watering holes in Las Vegas. But beyond the lobby bars and poolside frozen drink stands, you can find one or two oases that are worth the trip.

Lost Spirits distillery offers a tasting and 90-minute tour that are a deeply immersive experience, borrowing elements from classic literature, steampunk, and far-flung destinations. With dancing holograms, under-the-sea lounges, and electric coaches ferrying guests back and forth through a land of make-believe, Lost Spirits is like no other distillery tour (except maybe the original in LA).

Located in a vast entertainment venue known as Area15, Lost Spirits wins awards for its booze, too. In fact, its experimental methods of using chemistry and bright lights to instantly age spirits have earned numerous accolades, while also stirring up plenty of controversy with old-school whisky aficionados.⁶

2.  Find Your Way to Ghost Donkey

What if I told you that one of the best bars in Las Vegas was in a food court? You’d probably dismiss my recommendation instantly. But those who have traveled through the tidy food court on the second floor of the Cosmopolitan, and wandered all the way to the back know what I’m talking about: Ghost Donkey. Right there beside pizza by the slice and other quick eats, you’ll find a door marked “Exit” with a tiny picture of a donkey — no sign or inviting knick-knack whatsoever. But push through the door and you’ll find a pocket tequila bar — a speakeasy, of sorts — tucked away in the hidden recesses of this food court. With a wide mezcal selection, creative cocktails, and some delicious snacks, it’s the ultimate stop to impress clients or friends. Opens at 4 p.m. daily.⁷

The Sure Things to Watch Longshots

Table games aren’t for everyone. Your bankroll can deplete quickly. And it’s tough to be social when you’re counting cards (We kid, but seriously don’t even joke about counting cards at the table.) Sports books can stretch a few bucks out over a couple of hours, provide entertainment, and make for an ideal group setting. But you’ll want to do your homework. After all, don’t expect to simply show up on an NFL Sunday and fall into the best seat in the house.

Here are a few worthy options for your consideration (Pro Tip: Book early.)

1.  The Book at the Linq

Welcome to the home of the Fan Cave — comfy, private seating areas with floor-to-ceiling TVs (Imagine 100” screens). Ideal for big groups who want to watch the big games, this immersive experience requires food and drink minimums and a few minutes to study up on the powerful remote. You can even fire up an Xbox at halftime to claim Madden bragging rights among your group.⁸

2.  Stadium Swim at Circa

If you want to see sports and be seen, there’s no better bet than Stadium Swim, a sprawling outdoor complex boasting six pools, three levels, and even a 40-ft.-tall screen to stare at as you sun and swim. Filled with walk-up bars and selfie walls — as well as chaise lounges, cabanas, and day beds for rental — Stadium Swim is the ultimate adult swim.⁹

Las Vegas is back. And if you’re heading back, try to mix in a few new stops alongside your favorite haunts. Oh, and be sure to stop by and say “hi” — we’ll be sipping on some tequila behind that door with the donkey sticker. (Just don’t bring too many guests or the secret will get out.)