The Gallery at Delano Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of MGM Resorts International
There’s always something new happening in Las Vegas, from celebrity-chef restaurant openings to brand-new hotels popping up. Most recently, Sin City welcomed Delano Las Vegas to town. The Morgans Hotel Group property, which is situated next to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (in what was once The Hotel), is a welcome addition to the glitzy Strip. It’s far different from its sister location in Miami — Delano South Beach is inspired by the ocean (and known for its pool scene and party atmosphere), while the Las Vegas locale pays tribute to the Mojave Desert (and offers a laid-back escape within its 1.3-million-square-foot space). We found five things that we absolutely love about Delano Las Vegas, and you will, too.
Heed the “Delanoisms”
After our King suite was serviced each morning, we adored returning to find a black-and-white postcard placed in front of the bed pillows. The unique card came with a clever quote on it. A couple of our favorites included sayings from Woody Allen and author/cartoonist Ashleigh Brilliant, respectively: “You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to be a hundred,” and “My life has a superb cast but I can’t figure out the plot.”
Suite Life at The Delano, Photo Courtesy of MGM Resorts International
Another Delanoism comes with turndown. Expect to find a box of berry blue jelly beans from the hotel’s general manager alongside a little card on the bed that says, “Think of this as your escape from the rest of the world. Enjoy the ambience and savor the small delights. Sleep well.” When you flip the card over, you’ll discover an “In the Know” fact such as this one: FDR wore lucky hats during his presidential runs. The ice box in each suite is actually a replica of his hat box. (Insider intel: Delano is named after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.)
Find Your Way to Franklin
The hotel’s lobby bar, Franklin, offers a variety of creative cocktails for all palates. Its director of beverage, Dennis Lofland, says the concept behind Franklin seamlessly blends in with the Las Vegas hotel’s mission, which is to create one-of-a-kind experiences. “We ask ourselves, ‘What can we assemble that is unique,’” he says. With a menu that’s divided into two main categories — “classic” and “creations” — Lofland and his team focus on letting the ingredients do the talking. “We stay true to technique,” he says. On the classic side, imbibers will find drinks such as the Delano Daiquiri and the Basil Paloma (7 Leguas Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, basil and Jarritos grapefruit soda). And on the creations side, choose from the Jefferson Library (Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, pink angostura and Innis & Gunn Scottish Porter) or Mr. Hyde (Oxley gin, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon juice and kaffir lime leaves). According to Lofland, “Spirits need to be round and they need to be complete. There needs to be flavor and a balanced approach.”
The Delano Daiquiri, Photo Courtesy of MGM Resorts International
But just because those libations are a mainstay on the menu, don’t think that Lofland’s crew won’t whip up something exclusive just for you. When we asked him for a super sweet drink, he said he could create dessert in a glass. “As a former chef, I try to bring my culinary mind and apply it to liquid,” Lofland says. And so he did. His tasty concoction is called Sexual Chocolate (cocoa-flavored tequila, vodka, coffee-flavored rum, condensed milk and rock candy syrup).
Absorb All of the Art
When you walk around the hotel, pay attention to all of the artwork that fills the space. Upon entering Delano Las Vegas from the valet area, you’ll be greeted by two humungous boulders (weighing in at a combined 126,000 pounds). Brought in from Jean, Nevada, the 700-million-year-old metaquartzite and brass stones are just the beginning of the desert-inspired features seen throughout the chic property. The trend-spotting continues if you look closely at carpet in the lobby that has a water-like movement in its gray, blue and white hues. This design element was chosen to represent the Colorado River, which serves as a major source of H2O for areas in the southwestern United States. Plus, the hotel’s 64 floors showcase pictures of the Las Vegas Valley and other sandy landscapes.
Dine In
If you partied too hard the night before (it is Vegas, after all), stay in your comfy bed and order room service. The in-room dining menu comes in the form of a newsletter from onsite eatery Della’s Kitchen. Flip to the back and you’ll see breakfast options such as custard pancakes topped with wild blueberries and vanilla butter or the Delano breakfast with two farm eggs prepared any way you’d like, your choice of meat (from Saag’s chicken apple sausage to smoked bacon), caramelized onion hash and Granello’s country toast. After this scrumptious meal, we’d fully understand if you wanted to snag lunch at Della’s Kitchen as well. Our favorite item on the restaurant’s oversized menu is the gooey toasted cheese panini (said to be one of FDR’s favorites) with tomato soup and salad.
Put These Must-Dos on the Itinerary
Book an appointment at the 14,000-square-foot two-level Bathhouse Spa. The 80-minute Desert Stone massage incorporates desert sage and lemon blossom oils along with warm stones to help relax tense muscles. We’re sure you won’t want to leave the treatment room after your tranquilizing service, but we promise that you won’t have to go too far. Make your way to the plunge pool and rest on a chaise lounge before heading back to your room to get ready for Michael Jackson ONE. This Cirque du Soleil show, which is located in Mandalay Bay just steps from Delano’s lobby area, will have you swaying in your seat. Expect to sing along to some of the King of Pop’s greatest hits. Your head will bop to the beat while watching the performers take acrobatics to an entirely different level.
