Make Vegas Yours

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Las Vegas

The Chinese Year of the Monkey is upon us—it starts February 8, 2016—as are some fabulous festivities to ring it in Las Vegas-style.

Every twelve months, the Chinese Zodiac associates a different animal with the lunar calendar as the population welcomes the Lunar New Year. This year, it’s the monkey. Those born under the monkey zodiac are described as magnetic, mischievous, playful and curious—all perfect descriptions for this year’s events on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

If you’ll be in Vegas next month, come happy, hungry and ready to party at these events:

Lion and Dragon Dances

At the core of every Chinese New Year are elaborate dances rooted with ancient traditions. Performers don extravagant lion and dragon costumes while mixing martial arts and dance, each move symbolically intended to rid evil spirits or summon good fortune. You can catch this year’s troupe parading through some of The Strip’s most spectacular backdrops for three consecutive days:

ARIA: Monday, February 8 at 3:00 p.m.

MGM Grand: Tuesday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m.

Bellagio: Wednesday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Celebratory Décor

The weeks surrounding the Year of the Monkey celebration will also bring spectacular decor to many of Las Vegas’ greatest resorts and hotels. The real highlights are ornate horticultural designs woven into Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which is on display from early January through mid March. You can also catch authentic Chinese décor throughout ARIA and MGM Grand beginning in early February.

What’s your favorite way to ring in the Zodiac New Year on The Strip? Let us know with the hashtag #MakeVegasYours!

5 Surprising Ways to Stay Healthy While Visiting Vegas

Have you ever tried to focus on fitness when visiting Las Vegas? How about sticking to a healthy, wholesome diet at celebrity restaurants during a trip to The Strip?

In a city known for overindulgence and extravagance, it’s no easy feat. But it can be done. And we’d like to make it a little easier.

Over the past several months, we’ve shared a variety of travel tips to help you stay healthy while visiting Vegas. In case you missed them, here’s a quick roundup of top travel tips from Hyatt Gold Passport® and M life:

1) Stay Well® at MGM Grand®

This “fleet” of specialty rooms (complete with vitamin C-infused showers) was designed by wellness experts to help banish jet lag and provide a calming retreat right at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

2) Luxuriate in a Brilliant Bathroom

Las Vegas is home to some of the world's most luxurious loos, whose amenities go beyond basic bathrobes to include Clarisonic facial cleansing systems and—no joke—dream butlers to draw baths.

3) Burn Calories Away from the Gym

We've tallied up ways to burn more than 2,000 calories by enjoying activities like dancing, shopping, golfing and perusing fine art.

4) Take a Walking Tour of The Strip

Hyatt Place Las Vegas is located within walking distance of The Strip, so why not make it your hub for a calorie-burning walking tour?

5) Take a Detoxifying Bath

Among the city’s many spa options is the BATHHOUSE Spa at Delano™ Las Vegas, where you can be submerged in a soaking tub designed to remove toxins from every cell in your body.

The Killers to Headline at T-Mobile Arena's Opening Night

What spans 16 acres, seats 20,000 people and is about to host some of the world’s most successful entertainers?

The T-Mobile Arena, an expansive new venue set to open at the heart of the city in a few short months. Located between New York-New York® and Monte Carlo™, it will soon be the scene of dozens of happenings every year, from sporting events to awards shows to family-friendly entertainment.

Plus, an abundance of celebrity performances, starting with The Killers on April 6.

That’s right—Las Vegas’ favorite hometown band will be the first act to perform in the new arena. The opening-night concert will serve as a tribute to Sin City’s unique history of timeless talent.

Concert organizers say they’re preparing for performances from some of the biggest names to come out of Las Vegas. Wayne Newton (“Mr. Las Vegas”) and Shamir (a Las Vegas local) will make appearances as special guests.

It’s all in celebration of the city’s newest landmark. Which, by every measurement, is going to be grand. Here’s a snapshot of what the 650,000-square-foot space includes:

- 50 luxury suites - More than two dozen private loge boxes - Premium balconies - Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space

Best of all? The entire space was also designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification.

We’ll toast to that!

Tickets to opening night with The Killers start at $35 and can be purchased here.

Drinking Spots with the Best Las Vegas Views

Here’s a great way to Make Vegas Yours: Enjoy the view!

With all the different ways to see and be seen on The Strip, sometimes it’s best to find a quiet corner and observe all the action. From on-the-ground people watching to 64th-floor sunset scenes, there are plenty of options at M life hotels.

We’ve rounded up a short list of favorite spots. So sit back, grab a drink and enjoy the view.

Located at the center of VDARA®, VICE VERSA Patio & Lounge is a prime people-watching spot. By day, the indoor bar and outside patio are casual spots for business and leisure. At night, the entire place transforms into a contemporary, hip lounge.

Adjacent to the extraordinary Dale Chihuly floral glass sculpture-adorned lobby, the raised terrace of Petrossian Bar allows for a panoramic view of just about everything that’s happening at Bellagio®.

For Strip-side drinks, Monte Carlo™’s BLVD Plaza is the place to be. This outdoor space serves as a social hub and gathering place, so you’ll have superb views of The Strip as well as all kinds of comings and goings.

Skyfall Lounge, located on the 64th floor of Delano™ Las Vegas, offers 180-degree views of the city. Come early to watch the sunset or stay late to witness dancing as DJs spin upbeat music.

The Most Unexpected Place to See Fine Art in Las Vegas

When you think “art,” which U.S. cities come to mind for the latest and greatest exhibits? New York? Philadelphia? Los Angeles?

How about Las Vegas?

It may not be the first place people think of, but some of the world’s most distinguished artists have put their masterpieces on display at Vegas destinations.

ARIA®, for example, is adorned with a $40 million fine art collection. Once inside Bellagio®, guests can view the works of blockbuster artists by visiting Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art—or simply by glancing up at the lobby ceiling to see Dale Chihuly’s gorgeous glass sculpture.

Here’s yet another surprising way to get your art fix on The Strip:

Go shopping at The Shops at Crystals.

As in the place celebrities go to buy Valentino handbags and Prada shoes. *That* Shops at Crystal.

As you meander from store to store, you can catch a glimpse of this amazing installation:

Which, up close, looks like this:

It’s the work of Tatsuo Miyajima, one of Japan’s most influential artists over the past two decades.

Inspired by the devastating events of September 11, Miyajima created HOTO as a symbol of hope for global peace. The circular tower combines reflective technology and numbers to represent three of the artist’s favorite Buddhism-inspired concepts: change, connection and eternity.

It’s a great way to Make Vegas Yours, to say the least.

Where to Stay in Vegas for an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve

Do you plan to ring in the New Year in Las Vegas? Are you weighing your hotel options? Here’s something that will interest you:

If you stay at any one of 13 MGM Resorts International® hotels or Hyatt Place Las Vegas, you’ll have all kinds of opportunities to earn and redeem points while enjoying at the hotel— just by being an M life and Hyatt Gold Passport® member.

Here are some options to help with your decision:

If you want to party nonstop…

...head to the resortwide celebration at Mandalay Bay® to “Paint the Town Gold.” This third annual mega party will transform the entire hotel into a golden wonderland of unforgettable experiences, such as:

—A gold-themed menu from celebrity chef Michael Mina at STRIPSTEAK

—An exclusive Gold Dust Massage at Spa Mandalay (complete with a light dusting of gold iridescent powder)

—A hangover brunch filled with classic dishes and bottomless beverage options at Citizens Kitchen + Bar

If you want to celebrate in elegance and style…

…Bellagio® is the place to be. The hotel has numerous events planned, including:

—A Great Gatsby-themed black-tie gala at Hyde Bellagio

—VIP-style celebrations at Lily Bar & Lounge and The Bank Nightclub

—Five- and six-course menus at award-winning PRIME Steakhouse, Picasso and MICHAEL MINA

If you love crowds…

…join the parties at Luxor® or MGM Grand® for some exceptional experiences, such as:

—A live performance by Nina Sky at LAX Nightclub until 4 a.m.

—Special sets by power DJs Tiësto and Eric D-Lux at Hakkasan Nightclub as well as high-end Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan Restaurant

If you’d rather relax in a sophisticated environment…

…book a stay at Vdara® to enjoy their "Top Hats & Pearls" theme party at VICE VERSA Patio & Lounge. Then start the year off right—by waking up in a spacious suite with a fully appointed kitchen, luxurious linens and 42-inch flat-screen TV.

Before you book…

…be sure register for matched tier status to earn perks and benefits during your stay.

Dining (& Drinking) Inside Vegas’ Nongaming Hidden Gems

If gambling just isn’t your thing, fret not. There are so many other ways to Make Vegas Yours—especially for foodies. In fact, many of The Strip’s greatest hidden dining gems can be found at M life’s two nongaming, nonsmoking hotels.

Here are our top ways to turn your next trip to The Strip into a series of one-of-a-kind, memorable meals:

Vdara®

This eco-friendly hotel offers a secluded retreat for those who need a break from the energy and bright lights of The Strip. It’s the place to be when you want to Do Vegas Differently™. For example, you can...

Shop for groceries at Market Café Vdara and then prepare a gourmet meal in your suite’s fully appointed kitchen, then relax in the spacious living room or soak in the oversized tub.

Not traveling alone? Order the “Fetch of the Day” from their in-room dining menu designed especially for dogs. Then take your four-legged friend for a walk at the adjacent 24-hour dog park.

Escape to ESPA, the spa at Vdara, to enjoy a refreshing, then use your new-found energy for free weights or cardio workout at the hotel’s full-service fitness center.

ARIA®

Indulge in a guilt-free icy beverage from Pressed Juicery of cold-pressed juice chock full of vitamins and minerals. Then sip it on your way to The Spa & Salon at ARIA for an Ashiatsu Massage or Red Carpet Facial.

Feast on iconic dishes at what fans call “the best Italian-American restaurant of all time,” Carbone. Then…well, you’ll probably just want to crash into a glorious food coma in a Sky Suite or Deluxe Room.

Join the nightlife scene in style at Hakkasan Group’s Jewel, slated to open in 2016, and experience first-of-their-kind special effects, like dual-sided LED screens. This exclusive club will include five secluded suites in addition to a music-filled, mezzanine level.

For virtual tours, reservations and more details on these and other highlights (like the new VICE VERSA Patio & Lounge!), visit vdara.com and aria.com.

What’s Your Vegas Cocktail Personality?

Las Vegas is a city of infinite options, which means the drink menus can be quite overwhelming at times. So many cocktails. So little time.

It can be difficult to determine what to try or which drink will best fit your tastes.

M life beverage experts to the rescue! The mixologists and beverage directors at two of The Strip’s most glamorous hotels—ARIA® and Bellagio®—have concocted a chart and corresponding list to help you decide:

Here's what the two experts—ARIA Mixologist Craig Schoettler and Bellagio Assistant Director of Beverage Ricardo Murcia—recommend:

If you’re an adventurous drinker, try:

The Peruvian Florez at Sage inside ARIA, which offers a delicate mix of BarSol Pisco, Quince Cuisson and Star Anise.

AND

The Elena at Petrossian Bar at Bellagio.Your tastebuds will love this bold combination of Tanqueray Malacca, Amaro Montenegro, ginger extract, simple syrup, fresh lime juice and Perrier.

If your choices tend to be artistic, go with:

The Buffalo Passion at ARIA’s Jean Georges Steakhouse, which blends handselected Buffalo Trace bourbon with lemon juice and passion fruit espuma.

AND

The May Gin Tonic. It's another Bellagio Petrossian Bar favorite, with Bombay Sapphire East, Cointreau, cream, fresh citrus juice, egg white, Fever-Tree tonic water and bitters.

If you lean toward sophisticated choices, order:

The Bijou served up by Bellagio’s Baccarat Lounge—a mix of Martin Miller’s gin, Chartreuse and Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth.

AND

Another Bellagio Petrossian Bar favorite, the Caviar Cube Martini. This cocktail is a classy blend of Beluga Noble Russian Gold Line vodka, Noilly Prat dry vermouth and a cube of delicate caviar.

Looking for more suggestions? We have plenty! Get them all in our drink section to Make Vegas Yours!

P.S. Don’t forget to share your favorite with the hashtag #MakeVegasYours.

P.S.S. Remember: If you’re staying overnight at ARIA or Bellagio after enjoying the cocktails above, make sure to book with your M life and Hyatt Gold Passport® membership to earn points on eligible expenditures.

5 Perfect Pairings at Las Vegas Hotels

On the second Wednesday of every month, the Executive Director at Bellagio® Gallery of Fine Art joins together with the resort’s Master Sommelier to present world-famous artworks alongside perfect pairings of wine, Champagne and sometimes even tequila.

It all depends on the aesthetic inspiration.

"These events are pushing my wine knowledge to a whole new level," says one attendee. "[The event] not only allowed me to view the works of art from a different perspective, but it added a visual dimension to the joy of tasting wine."

Bellagio’s Art & Wine events are so popular that we decided to pull together our own list of four more perfect pairings in Las Vegas:

Cocktails & 64th Floor Views

Where: Skyfall Lounge on the 64th floor of Delano™ Las Vegas

When: Nightly starting at 5 p.m.

What: Skyfall Lounge offers 180-degree views of The Strip in a warm and inviting space created by design duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. Here, you can watch the desert sunset while sipping on a specialty Golden Hour cocktail.

Coffee & Art

Where: The Shops at Crystals™ at ARIA®

When: Open daily starting at 10 a.m.

What: Grab a coffee and weave your way through installations by two famous artists: Dale Chihuly and Tatsuo Miyajima—the famous American glass sculptor and one of Japan’s most influential artists of the past two decades, respectively. A venti caramel macchiato should last you through a pleasant stroll around the expansive fine art collection at ARIA.

Beer & People Watching

Where: The Open-Air BLVD Plaza at Monte Carlo™

When: Open daily

What: Grab a few brews at Double Barrel Roadhouse, Yusho or Diablo’s Cantina as you enjoy fresh air and take in street scenes of The Strip.

And don’t forget Hyatt Gold Passport & M life

What do you get when you combine exclusive experiences, elite benefits and two of the hotel industry’s best loyalty programs? A one-of-a-kind partnership between Hyatt Gold Passport® and M life!

After you match your Hyatt Gold Passport status to a corresponding M life Tier Level, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits at MGM Resorts International® and Hyatt hotels worldwide.

Learn more and join now—for free.

What about you? What are some of your favorite Vegas pairings? Let us know with the hashtag #MakeVegasYours!

The Ultimate Las Vegas New Year’s Eve

Are you looking to experience the ultimate New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas? We’ve pulled together a list of the best ways to ring in 2016 with M life and Hyatt Gold Passport. Take a look:

Here are the details:

1. Get spectacular views of the Midnight fireworks from the rooftop at Skyfall Lounge…after first enjoying dinner at the adjacent, critically-acclaimed Rivea at Delano™ Las Vegas.

2. Watch Maroon 5 perform, indulge in a gold dust massage and enjoy STRIPSTEAK’s caviar and lobster at Mandalay Bay’s “Paint the Town Gold” resortwide NYE celebration. Follow it up with the hotel’s third annual New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch at Citizen’s Kitchen & Bar.

3. Feast on high-end Cantonese cuisine at MGM Grand’s Hakkasan, then party it up at the nightclub with power DJs Tiësto and Eric D-Lux.

4. Indulge in a six-course Julian Serrano menu at Picasso at Bellagio® and then dance your way to 2016 at Hyde Bellagio’s black tie gala. (Or opt for one of the equally glamorous parties at Lily Lounge and The Bank Nightclub.)

5. Enjoy a special five-course menu prepared by the Michelin-starred kitchen at Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo. Then head over to Ignite Lounge (or any of the nightlife spots at BLVD plaza) for an amazing celebration.

6. Stay at Hyatt Place Las Vegas and, if the weather’s warm, you can start off 2016 with a dip in the year-round outdoor swimming pool.

7. Participate in a one-of-a-kind Brooklyn Bridge Bash at New York-New York.

8. Join the party at VDARA’s VICE VERSA lobby bar for a “Top Hats & Pearls” themed celebration.

9. Celebrate in style with a special set by Nina Sky at LAX Nightclub at Luxor®.

10. For a chill atmosphere and Southern California-inspired dinner, head to Herringbone at ARIA® for an ocean-to-table menu and cocktails ‘til midnight.

11. If you want to ring in the New Year from a castle, party the night away The Lounge or Octane (or both!) at Excalibur®.

12. Join guest host Scott Disick and DJ Karma for an extra-special special celebration at The Mirage®’s 1Oak Nightclub…after experiencing a dynamite menu at the hotel’s Stack Restaurant.

Whatever you choose…

Remember to take along your Hyatt Gold Passport and M life memberships to earn points and benefits on your best New Year’s celebration yet!

How to Match Hyatt Gold Passport and M life Tiers for More Benefits

How does this sound for a winter getaway?

You get off the plane and take a complimentary limo to your hotel. You skip the check-in lines and go straight to your suite.

A massage at the spa is followed by shopping discounts at prestigious retail shops, such as Stella McCartney and Pinkberry. By the time you return to your room after an exclusive happy hour, turndown service is already taken care of.

Now, what if we told you that all this is possible and more, when you combine your Hyatt Gold Passport® and M life memberships?

And that Las Vegas recently took the #1 spot on Wallethub.com as America’s warm-weather winter holiday destination?

If you want to take advantage of all Sin City has to offer this season, match your Hyatt Gold Passport status to a corresponding M life Tier Level. You’ll gain access to all kinds of amazing benefits at more than a dozen of the world’s most expansive hotel destinations…

Like Zagat-rated discounted Michelin-starred menus. And presale tickets to popular concerts and events. And behind-the-scenes experiences.

Here’s how it works:

First, you’ll need to be a member of both programs. (They’re free.) Not a member? Join here and here.

Next, you opt in for matched Tier status here.

Then you have to…

Oh, wait. That’s it!

When you sign up for Hyatt Gold Passport, you can immediately start earning points for free nights with no blackout dates. Similarly, joining M life instantly opens the door to perks, including room discounts and access to special M life Moments.

As you progress through each program, your Hyatt Gold Passport status will be matched into a reciprocal M life status and vice versa:

Sign up here and get ready to Make Vegas Yours!

If your #holiday travel includes #Vegas, don’t forget to pack the @HyattTweets and @Mlife tiers bit.ly/1Oegz13 #MakeVegasYours.

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Where Should You Stay in Vegas?

Vegas bound with no clue which hotel is the right one for you? See how you can earn points and perks at different 13 properties on The Strip.

Weekend Agenda: 48 Hours, 48 Things to Do

If you have only a weekend in Las Vegas, keep this list handy for the ultimate itinerary inspiration.

Holiday Concerts in Vegas: Bocelli, Bublé, Maroon 5 and Mötley Crüe

Are you ready to get the festive season started? We have the perfect lineup of concerts! Grab a ticket and get ready to Make Vegas Yours, holiday style. It all kicks off tomorrow with…

Andrea Bocelli: December 5 MGM Grand® Garden Arena

Andrea Bocelli—widely considered one of the world’s greatest singing talents—returns to the U.S. for his five-stop annual December Holiday Tour. Thrilling audiences for more than two decades, Andrea Bocelli has sold over 80 million records and performed for countless fans worldwide.

Tickets (if there are any left) are on sale here.

Mötley Crüe: December 27 MGM Grand® Garden Arena

After three decades of performing together, this is the final tour for epic rockers Mötley Crüe. Get ready to ring in the New Year by saying farewell to one of rock’s greatest legends. Diehard fans can opt for exclusive VIP packages to get up-close views of the encore and maybe even meet the band.

Check here for tickets.

Maroon 5: December 30 & 31: Mandalay Bay Events Center

Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Maroon 5 returns to Las Vegas for its fourth consecutive New Year’s weekend performances. Celebrate the start of 2016 with songs that have gone gold and platinum in three dozen countries. The back-to-back shows will be a big highlight of Mandalay Bay®’s annual “Paint the Town Gold” resortwide NYE celebration.

Tickets start at $99.50 and can be purchased here while they last.

Michael Bublé: January 1 MGM Grand Garden Arena

What better way to start the New Year than with a special live performance from one of the modern world’s greatest jazz and soul singers?

Michael Bublé tickets start at $55 and can be purchased here.

By the way, did you know...

...M life members can get exclusive presale ticket access to events and concerts like these?

It’s one of the many benefits of the program—which becomes even more rewarding when you combine it with a Hyatt Gold Passport® membership. Get all the details at hyatt.com/mlife.

Make Vegas Yours with Adorable Tiger Cubs!

If you’re heading to Las Vegas any time soon, definitely put Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden on your must-visit list.

Why? You’ll get to see scenes like this:

And this:

And this:

Adorable, right?

These beautiful baby tigers made their first appearance at The Mirage®’s onsite conservation habitat in September 2015.

“Our newest ‘Ambassadors of Conservation’ play an important role in our never-ending quest to protect these animals,” said Roy Horn. “It is imperative to continue our conservation efforts to save these magnificent tigers for future generations to enjoy and cherish.”

The new clan has been dubbed the #SARMOTIcubs after the world-renowned magicians’ SARMOTI Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting endangered animals—especially big cats such as lions, cheetahs, panthers, leopards and tigers.

The babies are growing up fast, but there’s still time to see Liberty, Maharani, Hirah and Justice as cute cubs. You can catch glimpses of them in their specially designed nursery from approximately noon – 4:00 p.m. daily with a paid All-Day Adventure Pass to the Secret Garden.

Talk about a great way to Make Vegas Yours!

Welcome to Your Ultimate Las Vegas Getaway (Part 3: Rest and Repose)

It’s been awhile since you had a vacation and you need some downtime STAT. You know there are tons of things to do to relax but you’re tempted to stay in your room all weekend and sleep. Here are a few ideas that will make you happy you ventured out.

Stay at Delano™ Las Vegas

You seek a sanctuary and this all-suite boutique hotel has it. Chic style and clean lines define the space and conjure images of its famous Miami counterpart. Each suite offers floor-to-ceiling windows, boasting sweeping views of Las Vegas, and serves as a dreamy retreat from the rest of the world.

Eat at…

Javier’s at ARIA® This is a good option for a few drinks and leisurely dinner. Begin at the statement-making bar, replete with an illuminated rope installation and some of the world’s best tequilas, for a fierce hand-shaken margarita. Then move to the dining room marked by a carved-wood backdrop highlighting the glory of Aztec culture for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Café Gelato or Palio at Bellagio® This quick-stop spot has everything you need for an on-the-go breakfast. You can even find cold-pressed, USDA-certified organic juice to increase vital enzymes and elevate your mood.

CRUSH at MGM Grand® The small-plate menu features favorites with a cosmopolitan edge such as the Angus Mini Burgers topped with buttermilk blue cheese, balsamic onion and a fried quail egg. Sit in the solarium for a little light therapy, as it emulates the sun’s natural rays, and linger over a selection from their list of wine, cocktails and beer.

Border Grill at Mandalay Bay® Go for an al fresco brunch and relax as you take in the view of Mandalay Bay Beach. Try a Border Bacon Mary—bacon-infused vodka, horseradish and red pepper-spiced tomato juice—and then feast on breakfast staples with a modern Latino twist. The Bananas Foster Crepes with cajeta, tequila-infused maple glaze and horchata foam delivers just the right amount of indulgence.

Play at…

BATHHOUSE SPA at Mandalay Bay This is where you can push the metaphorical reset button. Modern and minimal with just the right amount of natural, meditative elements, it is as visually appealing as the treatments are healing.

Cypress Pool at Bellagio Surrounded by cypress trees and characterized by a Mediterranean aura, this is the pool for those who prefer understated elegance. All you need to do is stretch out on a daybed with a book in one of the five courtyard settings and relax. (And in Vegas, pools are open year-round!)

Shadow Creek Golf fans can score a tee time to play 18 holes at the world-famous, Tom Fazio-designed course, which is exclusive to MGM Resorts guests.

HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD at New York-New York® Stress eating isn’t good, but enjoying a kiss from one of the world’s most famous chocolatiers is just what you need. Step into the West Coast flagship store and find more than 800 candies as well as a chance to personalize your own candy bar wrappers.

Carrot Top at Luxor® If laughter is the best medicine, you’ve come to the right place. Called the “Best Male Stand-Up Comedian” and the “Entertainer of the Year,” Carrot Top’s hilarious and offbeat brand of prop-filled comedy will inject levity into your night.

Via Bellagio While not always recommended, a little retail therapy can do wonders for your peace of mind. Stroll through the beautiful boutiques that fill Via Bellagio, such as Chanel, Gucci, Dior and Prada, to name a few.

This article originally appeared in M life magazine and was written by Jessica Villano.

The Must-Visit Vegas Restaurant Guide (for Every Budget)

Talk about a full array of dining options. The Las Vegas cuisine scene is packed with them.

For the extravagant diner, there are Michelin-starred 16-course tasting menus. Pizza savants can choose from dozens of brick-oven beauties and ice-cold-suds. Even those on a budget can find top-chef fare at a fraction of the highbrow costs.

Just like every other aspect of the Las Vegas Strip, your next meal can be as diverse in flavor and price as you like. With that, we present the Hyatt Gold Passport® and M life “must-visit” restaurant guide for every budget:

Hey, Big Spender!

For flawless cuisine at one of the world’s most acclaimed fine-dining restaurants, reserve a table at Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand®. There, you can order a 17-course tasting menu (starting at $445) from France’s Chef of the Century. This is the place to be if you want to indulge your senses in the most decadent dishes possible. (Think pan-seared sea scallops in green curry with fresh coriander and uni served atop a blend of mashed potatoes, fennel and anise.)

Honorable mentions: Hakkasan at MGM Grand and Carbone at ARIA®, deemed by food critics to be one of the best American Italian restaurants ever.

Treat Yourself

If you’re after a sublime splurge that won’t break the bank, head to Rivea at Delano™ Las Vegas. You won’t be disappointed. Internationally celebrated Chef Alain Ducasse has pulled together a Mediterranean menu of seasonal small plates ($8-$16) and farm-sourced mains ($34-$56) served with a side of top-floor views of The Strip. After dinner, indulge in sunset-inspired cocktails at Ducasse’s adjacent Skyfall Lounge.

Honorable Mentions: STRIPSTEAK at Mandalay Bay® and Lago at Bellagio®.

Good Grub on a Tight Budget

What’s a trip to Las Vegas without a buffet in sight? We highly suggest trying The Buffet at Bellagio®. You’ll have your pick of the best Italian, Japanese, Chinese and American cuisine. If it’s a weekend, opt for the Gourmet Dinner Service ($39.99/person) to sample some of the world’s finest caviars.

Honorable mentions: The 24-hour menu at Hyatt Place Las Vegas and The Buffet at Excalibur®.

Make It a Pizza-and-Beer Kind of Night

This one’s a no-brainer: 800 Degrees at Monte Carlo® is a must. Choose from classics or try something a bit more inventive—like the Zucca, which features butternut squash, caramelized onions, bacon and rosemary oil.

Honorable mentions: Five50 at ARIA. (Yum!)

So…

Which of these restaurants are at the top of your must-dine list? Share your pics so we can see how you #MakeVegasYours!

The best #vegas #eats for every budget from @Mlife and @HyattTweets - bit.ly/1NJHZLY#MakeVegasYours

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What Food Critics Say About M life Restaurants

You’ve heard a lot about the Las Vegas food scene from M life and Hyatt Gold Passport®. But what are others saying about our restaurants? Take a look:

“BEST STEAK IN THE U.S.” —Food & Wine

Bellagio®’s Prime Steakhouse** made a very short Food & Wine list of the best steaks in Las Vegas—and all of America, for that matter.

“A START-TO-FINISH, EVERY-STEP-OF-THE-WAY SENSATION.” —_Las Vegas Sun

In reviewing Carbone at ARIA®, one Las Vegas Sun columnist seconded the pronouncement by a fellow food writer at GQ Magazine that “Carbone might be the best Italian-American restaurant of all time.”

“ONE OF THE NEWEST TREATS IN TOWN.”—Las Vegas Sun

In another review, the Sun described Rivea at Delano® Las Vegas as a “breathtaking hidden gem” with stunning views of The Strip.

“HUBERT KELLER’S BURGER BAR RAISES MEAT PATTIES TO NEW ART.”—Epicurious

Epicurious says you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when dining on a budget, as long as you go to Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay®.

“CHEF LAURENT TOURONDEL…TOOK THE BURGER TO NEW HEIGHTS.”—Forbes

If one burger isn’t enough, you should also stop at BLT Burger at Mirage®, according to another food critic at Forbes.

“HANDSOME AND MYSTERIOUS.” —Los Angeles Times

The headline to this Los Angeles Times article—“Michael Mina channels France with sexy BARDOT Brasserie at Aria®”—says it all.

“THIS RESTAURANT OUTSHINES A MAJORITY OF LAS VEGAS’ DINING ESTABLISHMENTS.”—_CNN

This quote comes from a CNN columnist, who also proclaimed that “a meal at [MGM Grand®’s] Joël Robuchon isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.”

Now, over to you…

Which of these food critics do you agree with? What other favorites would you add to this list? Let us know where you dine to #MakeVegasYours!

4 Must-Try Vegas Drinks to Spice Up Your Holiday Season

Las Vegas is a cocktail connoisseur’s delight, where every bar is an adventure in itself.

If you’re looking for some new flavors to spice up your holiday season, M life cocktails are a great way to go. We’ve put together a short list of libations for your end-of-year Vegas vacation:

The Wasabi Martini’s intense heat and holiday-esque green sheen comes from real wasabi. The spicy paste is mixed with Ketel One vodka, fresh cucumber purée, cucumber-infused simple syrup and sweet and sour mix. Find it at Rice & Company at Luxor®.

Runner Up: The Cucumber Smash, a mix of TY KU Black sake, fresh cucumber puree and lime juice topped off with Sierra Mist.

Turn up the heat with Fire in the Hole, a spicy drink made from an intense combination of Grey Goose La Poire, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, fresh lemon juice and Rock Candy syrup. Sip it in style at Whiskey Down at MGM Grand®.

Runner Up: It’s hard to pick just one at Whiskey Down! True to its name, Whiskey Down features an impressive selection of more than 50 different types of the world’s rarest and finest whiskies. Sidle up to the bar and get ready to be adventurous.

End the year with an explosion of flavors you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere but Vegas. The Caviar Cube is prepared with an ultra-premium Russian vodka (Beluga Gold Line) made from naturally fermented grain that’s shaken with Siberian artesian spring water. The whole thing is topped off with Noilly Prat dry vermouth and a skewer of Petrossian Caviar. Sip it at Petrossian Bar at Bellagio®.

Runner Up: The Holiday Margarita, a beautiful red-hued blend of apple cider, cinnamon, Herradura Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, fresh squeezed lemon juice and a Bellagio-branded lemon peel.

Golden Hour cocktail (one of several) blends Grey Goose L’Orange, Aperol Granita and hand-selected champagne by celebrated chef Alain Ducasse. Savor it along with 64th-floor views of The Strip at twilight at Delano™ Las Vegas.

Runner Up: The Heritage Julep, a flavor-filled blend of Calvados, Oregon pear liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, cinnamon and mint.

Still thirsty? Here are three more only-in-Vegas cocktails to add your list!