Where better to spend my 21st aka ONE OF THE BIGGEST TURN UP’S OF MY LIFE than in Vegas with my nearest and dearest. With that thought in mind, tickets were booked, arrangements made and we found ourselves on a plane from MIA to The City of Lost Wages. With my girl Vicky hustling hard on the plane to complete an essay she had left last minute (still got an 80 like a true boss), and I, Aneesa and co making a list of A ‘DARE OR DIE LIST’ we had to get through in the Entertainment Capital of the World, I got a glimpse into the memories we were going to create.
We landed and to my naivety, we were surrounded by slot machines. I don’t know why I was surprised by holiday go-ers starting off gambling their hard earned money baggage beside them, at the airport, but I was taken aback. We lugged our luggage to our Uber, and were on our way to our hotel –The Venetian. I certainly knew we were in the middle of the dessert because of how suffocated I felt. Yup, I was that girl who had coughing fits throughout the whole trip – kudos to the back rubbers (you know who you are). Driving to the Venetian, through the strip, home to world famous hotels, I was not sure which was igniting more of my excitement – the fact that I was en route to reviewing the world’s second-largest hotel or that a suite at the Venetian was featured as a location for one of my fav movies, Miss Congeniality 2. Designed by KlingStubbins, the luxury tower contains 36 stories and rises 475 feet. with 4,049 rooms, 3,068 suits and ranges in price from $169 dollars per night to $10,000 per night, and a 120,000 square casino. I loved that the hotel uses Venice, Italy as its interior design inspiration and incorporates Venetian landmarks, including the Palazzo Ducale, Piazza San Marco and Lion of Venice Column.
My first hour in the hotel was beyond unforgettable. Following a fast, informative and friendly check in, we made our way to the casino to witness if Vegas was truly like the movies. Now, having never been to a casino before, I was in awe. Powerful oxymorons surrounded the room – I witnessed happiness and pain simultaneously. I saw tears from life-long earnings diminishing into dust, while concurrently saw people crying with happiness because they just made their yearly salary of approximately $120k in 2 hours gambling…it became obvious to me how anything is possible in Vegas.
Welcomed to our Luxury Suite, we had a beautiful view of the Las Vegas lights. I would highly recommend the Luxury Suite (1 King Bed, and a sunken living room) that I stayed in, or the Bella Suite (2 King Bed, a distinct living room – perfect for larger parties). Both suites are intricately designed and the epitome of decadence and indulgence. With 10 signature restaurants, including SUSHISAMBA, TAO Asian Bistro and world famous steakhouse CUT, championing 9 cuisines, there is a huge variation between fine dining, casual dining and poolside dining. The foodie that I am, I appreciated the variety. I have not enjoyed the choice of 10 signature restaurants and more than 20 other restaurants including the 24 hours Grand Lux Café, located on the ground floor of the hotel which was my personal favourite for those 6am munchies. Other hotel amenities include internet access, 24 hour in-suite dining, 10 distinct pools, a spa and fitness centre.
That night I was walking through the lobby and little did I know I was walking into a moment I would never forget. I look to my left and saw my friends from London sat there. Following a double look, I processed what was actually happening…Yes, they flew out to surprise me! In shock and absolutely baffled, I questioned why they were there lol – not the reaction they were expecting! Long story short, having my loved one’s fly out to Vegas for my 21st was a huge gesture and something I will never forget! On top of my overly shit reaction, which I wish I could change, one friend’s baggage didn’t make the cut, the other had a bad reaction to her injected lip fillers and other was practically dying from a flu…Shit reaction + Lost Baggage + Donatella lip fillers + a walking viral infection = Not a great start to my 21st.
Everything felt like it was on the up the following day, minus the fact that my friend who was still bed bound, so we spent the day by the pool at Tao Beach Club @ the Venetian which was LIT, in order to be close to our friend who was very much in need! If you’ve heard about Tao Beach Club, you know it’s nothing but good vibes. It’s glam, coupled with good DJ sets and a fun crowd. If you’re staying at the hotel, it is free entry which is great, but I would pay to experience it at least once had I not resided at the hotel. That night we went to see the Bellagio Fountains Display show. The experience runs from Monday – Friday: every half hour from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. – midnight Monday to Fridays. On Saturdays and holidays the show runs every half hour from noon – 8 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. – midnight. I’d say the Dubai Fountain Show was better, but it’s just something you have to do.
The following day we explored the hotel as well as the strip, and please remember no trip to Venice, or the Venetian would be complete without a romantic glide down the Grand Canal. Floating beneath bridges, balconies and besides cafes, stepping into an Old World gondola at the Venetian will teleport you into an experience like no other. Choose between an dreamy ride indoors, or an equally enthralling ride outside right on the Strip.
Step off the strip and we switched it up real nice with a quick halal munch at Maza Mediterranean & Turkish Halal Grill, which gave way to the most memorable Uber Journey EVER! Our driver who goes by the name Jerry was part of the 18th Street Gang back in his 20’s. He was telling us all kind of stories about the pressures of the gang, initiation and how he broke the cycle and left. It was my first time meeting a reformed gang member and I was speechless throughout the whole time. En route home, Jerry toured us around Vegas and took us to the famous ‘A Little White Wedding Chapel‘. In true Vegas style, we saw a couple get married drunk to wanting to get it annulled 10 minutes after saying their sacred vows – another experience you have to immerse yourself into! We explored Tao Club, had the night end in drama and slept it off to do it all over again.
With Vicky booking her flight home one day before we were actually leaving (forever bringing the lol’s), we were one man down. However, with my other girl finally on the mend, we were ready to take over Vegas again…plus IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY!!! We went to a David Copperfield Show at the MGM Grand which was amazing! It came at a hit of 120 dollars each which at first may seem pricy but as one of the best magicians in the world, you will not regret seeing him. It was funny because I was picked by David to go on stage and complete the final trick with him. He literally made a tissue from my table fly…no strings attached (mind the pun), I checked! From that experience, I can vouch that his shows are spectacular. That night we went to 1OAK – a popular hotspot for A-listers. It was no wonder that we saw Scott Disick there, surrounded by 10338594 women (he’s bad news Kourt).
If I was to change one thing about my trip to Vegas, I would have seen the Grand Canyon. Do your research, hustle to get the price lower if someone approaches you on the strip and take lots of pictures. I most definitely would not have chosen another hotel to stay at for my first trip in Vegas, but would be open to collaborating with The Palazzo Hotel & Casino, MGM Grand or the Bellagio. The Venetian is perfect for a romantic, girlie or lads getaway and is everything you could ask for in a hotel.
I can most definitely say I did my 21st right. Thank you to the Venetian, and everyone involved in organising the most epic surprise…
HS xo