Tuesday, February 19, 2013

HOW VERY COSMOPOLITAN - LAS VEGAS, NV on "TRAVEL TUESDAY"

Sitting next door to the Bellagio and its beautiful gardens is the most recent and, by far, most extravagant jewel in the Las Vegas crown - The Cosmopolitan opened its doors in December 2010.
Not to be missed - billed as the most expensive hotel ever, the centerpiece of the Cosmo is "The Chandelier" - a three story bar boasting 2 million glass crystals.  Playing tourist for the day, I snapped some shots of the artworks (aside from the jaw-dropping bar) that make up this grand Vegas adventure...
Evident as soon as you enter from the parking garage (actually, the parking garage is an amazing work of art, itself...large lighted signs indicate just how many spaces are available on any level, as well as green/red lights over each parking space so you know where to aim on your travels down any aisle), the artwork throughout the hotel and casino is spectacular.  The blue gal welcomed us as we were waiting for the elevator from the garage...the pink blown glass chandeliers, while I can find no information on them, I have a suspicion are Chihuly glass - someone correct me if you know for sure...
The lobby of the hotel boasts an ever-changing display of artworks - large columns of LCD screens feature moving displays of some very beautiful art pieces, while mirrors on the ceilings capture visitors below.  This day we were treated to peacefully twirling and undulating sea anemones...
that eventually changed to black and white moving graphics on all the columns.  I had heard, since the opening, that one of the displays had what appear to be people trapped inside of the columns.  I always called "malarkey" since on my numerous trips through, with out of town guests, I had never seen it...until last week.
These images were all taken within minutes of each other - like I said, the display is in constant motion - along with your mind.  Cosmo's now famous tag line?  "Just the right amount of wrong", which was exactly what I was thinking as I was snapping away - almost like a voyeur.  This really was cool, though.  There was a wolf in there, too...don't ask.
Glass and crystals abound...
Some of the most interesting and beautiful pieces are on the ceiling.  The upper right, and lower left photos are of chandeliers constructed entirely of ball chain...teeny tiny ball chain!  The yellow and orange stained glass lighting can be found above a bank of escalators.
Fabulous shopping and eateries can be found on the upper levels of the casino...if you squint at the lower right photo, you can see what it spells out a little easier...it was changing so fast, I had to snap the shot quickly, before it disappeared, which is why it's a little fuzzy.  I hate subliminal messages - they make me thirsty!
And, if you get hungry while exploring, and are up for a Cosmo version of "Where's Waldo", you can try and find the little joint known only as Secret Pizza...there is no particular name it's known by...nor is there any signage leading you to it.  Nor, is it advertised as even being in the hotel - AT ALL!  But it's there, and it's worth finding!  Don't ask - try and find it on your own...once you have, the aroma and a long hallway covered with record albums leads back to a little slice of NY pizza heaven.  If you're absolutely stumped and desperately hungry, you can ask a hotel employee, or get ahold of me.  Definitely worth finding!
And more glass and crystals!  I can attest to some mighty spectacular rooms at the hotel (my husband's company installed the elevators and escalators, and we were treated to a night there, before the grand opening).  Even if you're not staying, this is an absolute MUST SEE on the Vegas Strip.  And, by all means, do the silly touristy thing and succumb to the subliminal - have a "Cosmopolitan" at the Cosmopolitan (I liken it to holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa in your souvenir travel photos of Italy).  I admit - I downed one, the first time I went.  Damn sign!

14 comments:

Elisabeth said...

AMAZING chandelier/bar! Those crystals must be amazing to see in person! And all those ice creams look delicious :) Have a great week! Elisabeth x

Hindustanka said...

Fabulous trip, Tanya!
There is so much of glass in the hotel! So wonderful works..I can't even say what I liked out of all, I can imagine how stunned you must have been when seeing it in real...
I'm glad you had an opportunity to see "Cosmopolitan", great experience!Those people trapped in the columns...brrr:)
Have a nice week ahead!
Hugs,
Anna.

Cindy said...

WOW! I would love to see this hotel! It does look like Chihuly glass, I am betting it is.
I have never been to Vegas, but this might pique my interest! Great shots!
xo
Cindy

Jackie said...

I love to go there and drink in the chandelier bar, even if it is just a cup of coffee with good friends! I like a goofd mimosa there as well! Can't wait to go see it again!

Tanya said...

It was a fun day out, was it not, Chica?!!! I would have posted the photos of you and your Sis, but since you didn't put them on your own blog, I didn't want to push my luck...does this shoe make me look fat?! :-)

Dorthe said...

Tanya, I can`t, even a little, imagine, how very beautiful all those crystal and glass chandeliers have been in true life- what a fabolous sight ,and those coloums, filled with different displayes, the food and drinks-all is special and a gorgeous experience, dear.
Hugs,
Dorthe

Becka said...

Hi Tanya-
Wow- Las Vegas is surely an exciting place.
I was visiting there once in 2009.
My highlight of the trip was dessert at the Bouchon. I posted about it here at another blog I used to keep...
http://emptynestnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/bouchon.html
Have a lovley day.
:) Becka @ Girasole Farm

DearHelenHartman said...

Stunning. Of course you had to have a Cosmopolitan there, it wouldn't make as good of a story if you'd had a martini.

Createology said...

I cannot even believe I missed seeing this amazing destination when I was there in Las Vegas doing the VIP Nascar event in March last year. (I only say VIP Nascar because I am not a true fan of Nascar-I much prefer Formula One.) Now I shall send my daughter there as she lives much closer. Thank you for the travel tips and tours...I really enjoy them through your eyes.

My Garden Diaries said...

That chandelier is insane! The art work is outstanding too...I would probably get stuck in the lobby just admiring all of the different pieces! You gotta wonder how neat of a job it must be to put a place like this together! I mean they can just rock out anything they want! Talk about creativity!

Curtains in My Tree said...


After several years of seeing Vegas when I was a teenager I went a few years ago and was amazed at all the luxury in the Hotels on the strip.

I was with a couple who was there on business and I SHOPPED OMG the shopping will WOW you if you love clothes, shoes, jewelry on and on

Oh and the food was fabulous also everywhere we ate


Vicki Boster said...

Tanya- this is a beautiful hotel-- one of our favorites. My best friend's son is the hotel manager there-- we have had the royal tour there!!!
I love that gorgeous chandelier!!
Vicki

Kadee Willow said...

Bravo! Great job in showing us around! I was hooked on the parking garage... letting you know how many spaces are available on each floor??? Genius! Well, I'm hooked! Want to join me for a Cosmo at the bar??!!

Jackie said...

Your photos are amazing, what kind of camera do you use???