In Las Vegas, first impressions matter. Whether it's seeing the light shining out of the Luxor when you first arrive, or being wowed by the latest Blue Man Group performance, there is no doubt that this is a city that loves to put on a show. But what's the big deal; a hotel lobby is just a place to check-in and maybe leave your bags, right? Not in Sin City. For hotels looking to compete in the luxury game, a grand entrance is the first indicator to guests about the quality of the property and what sort of experience to expect during their stay. Prepare to pick your jaw up off the floor when you get a glimpse of the most lavish lobbies on the Strip:
Aria Resort & Casino
Natural light isn't something you expect to see much of inside of a Las Vegas resort, but things are done a little differently at the Aria. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the front desk, flooding the open room with the kind of relaxing light you usually only get at the spa. While soaking up the sun, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the art placed throughout the space. What looks like a giant silver squiggle mark hanging above the reception desk is actually an 84-foot long fine art piece. Designed by Maya Lin (creator of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington D.C.), the piece is a cast of the Colorado River, and is silver to denote Nevada's reputation as "The Silver State."
Delano Las Vegas
Just steps away from Mandalay Bay is one of the strip's most unique and sophisticated lobbies. As soon as guests enter the Delano Hotel, they are confronted with a 10-foot high split boulder with remarkable colors that are a reflection of Nevada's natural landscape. The hotel is comprised only of suites, and promises an experience to guests more relaxing and detail-oriented than the typical Las Vegas experience. Attention to detail begins in the lobby, with painted mannequins commissioned by local Las Vegas artists flanking a carpet that was cleverly designed to depict the Colorado River. The space's low lighting, elegant color palette, and art-infused aesthetic ensure that guests immediately feel they are receiving the top-of-the-line when it comes to luxury.
Wynn Las Vegas
Considered the highest rated resort company in the world according to Forbes, it makes sense that the lobby at the Wynn would make a lasting first impression. Despite it's location in the middle of the desert, the hotel has created its main entrance to be a lush, whimsical wonderland of exotic plants and colorful art installations. Be sure to check out the hot air balloon and merry-go-round made entirely of flowers while strolling through. Each of the three atriums is seasonally themed, and serves as an opportunity for guests to decompress after a day of high-flying activity. The 8,000 plants on display are changed once a month by a staff of nearly thirty gardeners and florists, which means that guests will see something new each time they visit the property.
The Cosmopolitan
One of the most appealing things about Las Vegas is that it has a little something for everyone. For the techie who wants to opt for a little luxury, look no further than the lobby at the Cosmopolitan. Every pillar in the lobby is covered in LCD screens that showcase an array of digital art that completely immerses every individual that walks through the area. Each of the 408 screens is comprised of more pixels than the average HD television, with art that is always changing so you'll see something new every time you visit. Each installation takes the hotel's theme of "defying expectations" into consideration, providing the viewer with a one-of-a-kind virtual experience unlike anywhere else on the Strip.
Bellagio Las Vegas
When it comes to grandeur, the Bellagio has it covered. The jaw-dropping art installation that adorns the ceiling of the lobby is almost as photographed as the hotel's iconic water fountain show outside. Commissioned by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, the colorful Fiori di Como illuminates the space both day and night with an array of 2,000 colorful, hand-blown glass blossoms. Chihuly intended for the piece to be a point of reflection for guests entering the hotel, and to give them a glimpse of the magic to be found in the botanical gardens after leaving the lobby. Angelinos take note, Dale Chihuly is also on display on Catalina Island in the Los Angeles area throughout 2017.
Caesar's Palace
Is there any property considered more classically Las Vegas than Caesar's Palace? Once the meeting place of cultural icons such as Frank Sinatra, the lobby of the Roman-inspired hotel was re-established in more recent pop culture when the crew of The Hangover took a dip in its iconic golden fountain.The golden opulence of the space is highlighted by Italian Renaissance-themed art works behind the desks, marble pillars and an assortment of frescos feature across the ceiling.
The Venetian
When one thinks of Venice, there is often one word that comes to mind: romance. The Venetian fails to disappoint. Ornate, distinctly Italian frescoes abound, with a domed ceiling that is reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. The similarities to it's Italian counterpart don't end there, however. The lobby also pays tribute to Venice with reenactments of cultural landmarks such as St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. Gold, gold and more gold is featured in the columns, carpet, paintings and other decorations throughout the space, giving guests a peek at the opulence that awaits them in the rest of the hotel.
