The Hidden Gems of Las Vegas

Keeping a secret in Las Vegas is not all that much of a challenge in a city that thrives on discretion in questionable situations. However, often times there are options for the visitor that appear to be exclusive but simply are not well known. These “secrets” are not as much secrets in Las Vegas as they are a few spots on the Las Vegas strip that often go overlooked or underappreciated. You can tell your friends that you have some inside information just to feel like a Las Vegas insider when in fact you have just become an expert on hidden Las Vegas.

Feeling a little kinky? The Cromwell Hotel has some chic rooms that scream sexy but they also pack some surprises. With the right light that full-length mirror on the wall gives you a voyeuristic fantasy right into the shower. It’s up to you to reveal the secret to your partner.

This foray into fitness at Cosmopolitan Hotel should be more well known but it is not, so take advantage of the ability to walk into a great fitness class that pushes your limits while helping you feel good about your hedonistic approach to vacation on the Las Vegas strip. Sweat 60 is the ideal way for you to kick-start your workout routine.

The cocktail is the worse kept secret in Las Vegas as the Verbena is the best seller at the Cosmopolitan. The bar, Level 1.5 is a bit more of an enigma as plenty of people walk by but not many know that what they do here is something special. It’s all about experiencing your cocktail so get ready for sensory stimulation in the form of a good drink.

Eight seats and no menu to speak of but if you get into this place at Jaleo at Cosmopolitan you can be sure that you will tell everyone. Chef Jose Andreas has a staff that will baffle you with flavors and tantalizes you will an atmosphere of exclusivity. One table and you eat what you are served.

There is a place that is called secret pizza but instead, head to Lago for lunch and sit in their bar and order their pizzette. It’s not really a secret but not enough people are talking about it.  Don't be astonished when you walk away thinking you may have just experienced the best-tasting pizza ever. Its meant for sharing but you'll have a hard time parting with even one slice.

You pay a little extra but you get a private check-in, exemplary customer service, and a lounge with great views, cocktails, breakfast, snacks, and a sense of exclusivity that is often missing from the Las Vegas experience. Happy hour is a bit more refined as you lounge with a stiff drink and a place to ponder the evening ahead. The Prestige Level at Palazzo is available to anyone as long as you are willing to pay a little extra.

It is difficult to consider the Peppermill as a secret spot but it is part of a hidden Las Vegas that is right out in the open. The spot has a long history and when you walk into the lounge and take a seat by the fireplace you realize that the hands of time stopped and allowed this little gem to be held in a time capsule. Grab a giant scorpion and drink away.

You don’t really even have to eat to get in a game of Bocce at Rao’s at Caesars Palace. Order a drink and let the bartender know you want to play on the court out back. You might even be able to order a meatball to go along with a good bottle of wine. Don’t know the rules? It’s Vegas, make up your own rules.

The view from the restaurant is spectacular but the price can be a bit overwhelming, however, if you stop in for lunch it is a bit more manageable. The Eiffel Tower Restaurant can easily be your romantic getaway or your splurge meal.

Lunch at the bar with whiskey and fried chicken. Why would you go to a steakhouse for fried chicken? Because they are delivering a crispy on the outside moist on the inside hand dipped morsel of savory, sweet, salty, and sensational at Delmonico. It’s only available at lunchtime so make sure to stop in before your party gets started.,

You won’t find it on the menu but if you ask for it they still serve Wolfgang Puck’s famous pancetta wrapped meatloaf with port wine sauce. Ask for it over mashed potatoes and you’ll get a slice of the good life. Spago is a Las Vegas icon so missing it should not even be considered.