Category Archives: vegas

May 24, 2013 · 4:24 pm

Fun & Fine Dining in Las Vegas

Vegas is fit for the King & Queens

I’ve never made it a secret that Lola likes her VIP treatment. One place that comes to mind for VIP’s is Vegas. As I mentioned, I’m hoping to finally experience the Vegas pool party scene this summer. Another VIP perk I love about Vegas is all the great restaurants located there. Casino property owners know that visitors to Las Vegas want the best of the best and that includes the best in fine dining. Over the last decade, Vegas has earned a solid reputation as having some of the best fine dining in the world. If you are heading out to Sin City sometime in the near future, check out our list of restaurants you must visit in Las Vegas.

Tournament of Kings

While not a restaurant, the Tournament of Kings is certainly the most unique dining experience that you will have in Las Vegas. While you eat a medieval style dinner consisting of roasted chicken, soup, and other fare, you are entertained by a medieval style jousting tournament. It is Las Vegas’ version of dinner theater and appropriate for the entire family.

Bright Strip Lights. One Crazy & Delicious City!

Delmonico

If you are a fan of Food Network’s Emeril Lagrasse, then you have to make a stop at Delmonico Steakhouse in the Venetian. Emeril is the head chef at this properties and this place not only serves the best cuts of steak in town, but also has numerous dishes that you will not find at any other steakhouse. Each dish has Emeril’s special touch and the decor is straight out of the 1970’s. Groovy baby.

Michaels

The only non-Strip restaurant on our list, Michael’s at the South Point Hotel and Casino is a trip back into Victorian times. The restaurant has a complete Victorian style and the staff provides black-tie service that includes tableside preparation of meals. South Point is located about 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, but is definitely worth the drive.

Show Me the Money!

Picasso

The Bellagio is known for having the best of everything in Las Vegas from gambling to entertainment, and even food. Picasso is not only the crown jewel of Bellagio restaurants, but it is also the standard that fine dining is measured by in Vegas. Amazingly, close to 85 percent of the original staff from when the restaurant opened 20 years ago still works at the property. Chef Julian Serrano has put together a magnificent French-Spanish menu in a property accented by classic pieces of artwork from Pablo Picasso.

Top of the World Restaurant

If you want a view of Las Vegas that you will not see anywhere else in the city, then a trip to the Top of the World Restaurant is a must. Located at the top of the Stratosphere, the restaurant rotates 360 degrees to give a ever-changing view of Sin City. To be honest, the food here is about average in comparison to most Vegas restaurants, but the views make up for what the food lacks.

Who couldn’t love all the foodie fun that Vegas has to offer?! I hope I will still fit into my swimsuit so I can enjoy the pool party scene too! 😉

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Filed under travel, vegas

Tagged as foodie, las vegas, top restaurants, vegas restaurants, vegas tourism

May 6, 2013 · 8:00 am

#WINNING – Summer Swimwear For The Win with @OrchidBoutique

Because the PERFECT swimwear to compliment your getaway will make it that much better!

Lola’s got some great summertime escapes planned that call for a few new luxe swimsuits & cover ups. After all, you cannot be a poshaholic travelista and be seen in the same thing all over the globe! Not that every last detail is firmed up but, besides returning to Miami next week, I will also be heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in June. Crossing my fingers for Mykonos, Greece in July. AND very likely going to Vegas for end-of-summer fun and FINALLY trying out the Vegas pool party scene. Given these different locales and the activities I’ll be participating in, I decided I should do some luxe swimwear research and found a very ‘Lola Approved’ resource.

The Orchid Boutique™ is an online mecca of unique and gorgeous swimwear fashion. They search the world to cherry-pick an elite group of unique designers and offer the most exclusive luxury swimwear as well as a range of complementing items like jewelry and beach handbags. AND, lucky me, their flagship store is located in South Beach – Miami. Soooo, you know where I’m going shopping next week in Miami to shop for my upcoming getaways.

PLUS The Orchid Boutique and Lola’s Travels have teamed up to do a contest for you! One lucky reader will win a $200 gift card toward a #LuxeSwimwear purchase and shipping at The Orchid Boutique online store.

DETAILS, DETAILS…

In order to be entered to win please click the link below and complete the following mandatory steps:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LIKE both Lola’s Travels & The Orchid Boutique Facebook Fan Pages
FOLLOW both of us on Twitter
TWEET about the contest
COMMENT here saying which Orchid Boutique #LuxeSwimwear style you’d choose AND where in the world you would wear it. We’ve made a special Pinterest Board for the contest so be sure to check it out & share your #LuxeSwimwear choice and destination we’ve pinned!

The Orchid Boutique will choose the lucky reader and we will both announce the winner on Friday, May 17 via our Facebook Fan Pages, Twitter and to your email account.

Now for some FUN inspiration!

CABO SAN LUCAS

When I head to Cabo I’ll be staying at the beautiful Bahia Hotel & Beach Club. Not only will I be poolside but most definitely will be spending time at their beach club as well as the legendary Nikki Beach, which is next door. So, what does one wear for lots of beach-filled days in Mexico? These are two styles I’m debating by L*SPACE & Mar de Rosas along with a hot embellished cover up! Viva la Mexico!

MYKONOS

I’m going to Italy in early July and hope to extend and go over to Greece to visit Mykonos. Why? Well, even though I’ve been to Greece it just wasn’t enough time and I really NEED to check Mykonos out. One of my favorite hotel brands, Grace Hotels, has a gorgeous property on Mykonos. Not only do I want spend time at the pool and on the beach but I also think I might need some relaxation time in their boutique spa. So, naturally, I need swimwear suitable for all of these things. What do you think of these options of Sabz Luxury or Aguaclara? They shout out goddess to me – perfect for Greece!

VEGAS

Can you believe Lola has yet to experience the pool party fun of Vegas? Yeah, me either. Well, my number one go-to source, Vegas Chatter tells me the BEST place for a sophisticated (read non-cheesy) pool party is Azure over at The Palazzo. I’ve actually stayed at The Palazzo and definitely agree that it’s a classy joint. So why not give it a go?! For some reason, Vegas always conjures up shiny, sparkly, metallic images in my mind. I think these bikini numbers and sexy coverup by Vitamin A fit the bill quite nicely, NO?!

Which one(s) will I choose? I think it’s going to be a tough decision with so many choices AND I haven’t even stepped into the store! Watch my Instagram account as I show you some of the options I try in Miami. Wish me luck in my shopping endeavors and, of course, I wish you luck in your possible win of a FANTASTIC $200 gift card prize to The Orchid Boutique.

XO – Lola

legal mumbo jumbo: this gift card is non-transferrable; not redeemable for cash, with no cash back from transaction; not redeemable for any previously purchased items.

115 Comments

Filed under cabo san lucas, fashion, greece, mexico, travel, vegas

Tagged as beach fashion, contest, greece, luxury swimwear, mexico, miami, pool party fashion, spa fashion, travel fashion, vegas

April 25, 2013 · 8:29 am

Travel Style – a #FriFotos Special Edition

Stylin’ & Profilin’

Lola’s #STYLE is #lolafied

I’m excited to share that I’ll be co-hosting #FriFotos on Twitter this Friday, April 26. In case you aren’t clear what #FriFotos is exactly, it’s a 24-hour chat that trends internationally. People worldwide share their photos that match the week’s theme and you can play along if you’re on Twitter or Instagram by following the #FriFotos hashtag and including it in your Tweets with your photos.

The usual hosts will be there: @FriFotos who can also be tweeted to as @TravelDesigned, @EpsteinTravels & @CharlesYap. I’m sharing co-hosting with ooo lala @purplepassport AND you can find me @LolaDiMarco. NOW onto this week’s theme. After a little discussion we decided on #STYLE. I think this is a fantastic topic for #FriFotos because it can apply to lots of things with regard to travel. Like is your #STYLE solo travel, backpacker or luxe? Is your accommodation #STYLE swanky, hip or budget? What’s your travel food #STYLE or even libations #STYLE? You get my point, right?! #STYLE is about the LIFESTYLE of travel too. Of course, I think the more creative the better and to help inspire you I’ve put together some ideas to show you LOLA’S TRAVEL #STYLE.

LOLAPINK

Theres no doubt about it. My travel #STYLE involves lots and lots of PINK wherever I can pull it off!

Lola’s drink #STYLE of choice is COCKTAILS

Seen here are a Dark & Stormy at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Ultimate Gin & Tonic at SLS Beverly Hills, CA, 3 different versions of Negronis at Four Seasons Florence, Italy & the delicious Eastern Standard at Soho Beach House, Miami.

my travel #STYLE most certainly includes LUXURY hotel stays

Don’t know what your #STYLE is for accommodations but mine’s definitely one where I’m looking for something special! These properties absolutely fit the special #STYLE bill. Seen here are two Four Seasons properties: Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, CA and Four Seasons Milan in Milan, Italy. AND two Relais & Chateaux properties: Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento, Italy and Villa Galicci in Aix en Provence, France. I can assure you that I have never stayed in any Relais & Chateaux or Four Seasons property that didn’t meet every expectation in GREAT #STYLE.

Lola’s #STYLE also goes with HIP hotels

My travel #STYLE enjoys finding the new hot spots too. These hotels certainly exude a HIP #STYLE. We’ve got Mondrian SoHo in NYC, W Barcelona in Spain, The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas & The James Royal Palm in Miami. All very HIP. All very COOL.

FACT: Lola hearts the #STYLE of a beach vacay

It’s gotta be NO surprise that my travel #STYLE is definitely one that leans toward beach vacations. Sun, sand & the sea make me so happy! Here are a few of my favorite beachy spots: Miami Beach in Florida, Gouverneur Beach in St. Barts, Lucy Vincent Beach in Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Cas Abao Beach in Curacao.

very important in my world…minibar #STYLE

One thing that I’ve found that really sets some properties apart is a beautiful, well-appointed minibar! First up is the BEST up so far – Soho Beach House, Miami. To the right is Mondrian SoHo, NYC. Below is Four Seasons Florence, Italy. To the left is W Barcelona, Spain. If you love a cocktail to start your evening off right or to have a night cap at days end, a minibar with serious #STYLE is essential! Just sayin’

Lola’s #STYLE is definitely all about a FAB hotel pool

I don’t care if it’s not even warm enough to sun yourself, there’s something amazing about the #STYLE of great swimming pool. Granted, I prefer the sunshine & warmth option in my travel plans. Found here are Delano South Beach in Miami, W Barcelona in Spain, Petit Palace in Santorini, Greece and Soho Beach House in Miami. I ask you what’s not to LOVE about these pool’s #STYLE?

I hope these examples of #STYLE has got your creative juices flowing. It will be so FUN if you come PLAY along on Friday on Twitter with #FriFotos. Don’t forget to tweet to me @LolaDiMarco and add the hashtags #STYLE and #FriFotos to your photos. I look forward to seeing you & your travel #STYLE there!

xo – LOLA

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Filed under amalfi coast, barcelona, california, caribbean, cocktails, curacao, europe, florence, florida, france, greece, hipster hotels, italy, martha's vineyard, miami, milan, new york, spain, st. barts, swanky luxe stays, travel, USA, vegas

Tagged as FriFotos, style, travel photos

May 2, 2012 · 7:04 am

my 7 super shots – done lola-style

when i got tagged by my travelin PIC (partner in crime) Leah of Leah’s Travels to do the HostelBookers’ 7 Super Shots i actually snickered to myself. like i said, i am no real photographer and think many of my *best* shots are of me taken by someone else. WHY? because these shots really tell the stories of my travels and the people i meet!

a photo that takes my breath away:

in the bathroom of the playboy club in vegas

you’re probably thinking “why does this take lola’s BREATH AWAY?” well, for starters, i’m not totally sure how i ended up at the playboy club in Vegas let alone in the bathroom with these characters. when i entered the loo these two were striking similar poses which, of course, i felt necessary to replicate. WHAT THE….

a photo that makes me laugh or smile:

blow up man-doll sandwich in miami

c’mon, be honest, this makes you LAUGH just a little doesn’t it? there was a bachelorette party going on that day in Miami. we were at the swanky Delano enjoying a lovely afternoon by the pool. it was time to shake up the place a bit! THE. END.

a photo that makes me dream:

seaside in santorini

as i mentioned in my “real” 7 Super Shots post, going to Greece was a dream come true. this photo reminds me that it wasn’t a dream that i went there. i actually AM there in this picture BUT i continue to DREAM of going back!

a photo that makes me think:

groundhog day in budapest

i got stuck in Budapest when the Icelandic volcano ash cloud debacle happened in April 2010. it was actually quite fabulous to have an enforced extension to what was supposed to be a short getaway. downside was that things got a little repetitious and i picked up a few BAD habits that made me THINK “maybe it’s time to get outta here or i’ll be needing serious rehab!”

a photo that makes my mouth water:

rum punch at st. jean beach - st. barts

there’s much about this picture that makes my MOUTH WATER. fun times, happy friends, beautiful St. Barts, the beach, the ocean, the sunshine…BUT those RUM PUNCHES! they could make anyone’s mouth water – SCRUMPTIOUS i tell you!

a photo that tells a story:

miami airport

what’s the STORY here? what does this photo say to you, HMMM? feel free to TELL ME in your comments!

a photo that i’m most proud of (aka, my NationalGeographic shot):

lolafying the locals

for this honor i coulda gone REAL “National Geographic” with a topless shot. that’s what i remember most about flipping through that periodical in my younger day! BUT i decided it isn’t really worthy of a National Geographic title. SO i chose this. this is a local fortune teller on Miami beach. he takes his craft VERY seriously. he told me my fortune and scared the living daylights out of me by saying someone had put a curse on me but for a nice sum of cash he’d remove the curse. again, WHAT THE….

why am i PROUD of this shot? because after he finished his rounds, i was able to sweet talk him into snapping a pic with me. see how i got him to loosen up & smile?! i gave him some boa feathers to remember me by. HA! the jokes on him – he’s now under a LOLAFIED spell!

10 Comments

Filed under greece, miami, st. barts, travel, vegas

Tagged as travel photography

January 2, 2012 · 9:45 am

Cosmopolitan, LV: let’s be monogamous

i know what you’re thinking…monogamy in Vegas? this cannot be a popular word in “sin city” but after my stay with the Cosmopolitan i now can confidently say i can be monogamous…with them!

the gorgeous chandelier at Cosmopolitan

honestly, i get kind of freaked out by Vegas. it’s dark & smokey. everything directs you down winding paths that makes you feel like you are walking in circles through the casinos and shops. there’s no quick escape and while i’m betting there’s good money-making reasons for this it can make one can start to feel confused, trapped & claustrophobic (a little issue of mine). on top of all that, i don’t gamble or take in shows. so why do i go to Vegas, you are wondering?? for the food, cocktails & fun, of course! BUT MOST OF ALL because it is such a scene and some of the best people watching i’ve ever partaken in!

Vegas is an adult play ground – everybody’s heard that! it’s over the top. there’s Paris, there’s Italy, there’s Egypt & New York. whatever you want – it’s there for the taking. this is part of why i’m guessing monogamy isn’t a word commonly thrown around. ya know…with all that “what happens in vegas, stays in vegas” and “know the code” business. it’s a wild & weird place – that’s for sure.

yummy cosmopolitan

but despite all this i have found somewhere simply wonderful! i prefer the understated, the cool, the clean, the classic yet with a dash of unexpected sassiness…the Cosmopolitan. i mean, c’mon who couldn’t love a place that’s tagline is “the right amount of wrong”. if you ask me, though, there is nothing wrong but only the very right at the Cosmopolitan.

showing off their fab flair - one of the funky giant shoes scattered about the Cosmopolitan

so, as unpopular as it may be, i can safely have a monogamous relationship in Vegas despite all of the other shenanigans. i could have stayed all day and night in this one property and would have been perfectly happy! i felt safe. thank you, COSMOPOLITAN. you are the one for me and i am prepared to solely commit to you! every time i come to Vegas, i promise to only sleep with you!