Las Vegas is my favourite holiday destination. Not everyone’s cup of tea, or yard of frozen cocktail as the case may be, but for me, it’s everything I love! After two years of not visiting, due to the pandemic and not feeling quite ready to travel, we went on our rescheduled 11 night holiday to the place that my soul comes alive!
It was strange travelling again and I’m sure everyone who has travelled after the pandemic has felt this in some way. It almost felt new, as if I had never travelled before and some of the things I previously took for granted, I appreciated in a different way. I guess the way lots of elements of our life now have just a little more consideration, gratitude and reflection. The long flight however (10 hours,) was not something I had missed!
This year we had chosen to stay in a full apartment at the Palms Place. Always opting for The Strip, this time we wanted a kitchen, a little bit of space and the added luxury of a balcony and spa bath that the apartment we booked through booking.com offered. Free parking and space compensated for not having all the other hotels and attractions of The Strip on our doorstep and as we enjoy visiting the shopping outlets, Fremont Street and had a planned trip to The Grand Canyon, the car was a must.
We booked our car through Avis and on arrival at McClaren Airport to their collection point, we were delighted to have been given a free upgrade to a stunning, red Mustang. The service from Avis was exceptional, professional, reassuring and the car we were given was superb.
Tired yet full of excitement, we arrived at the Palms Place. Parking was easy and check in was quick, with friendly, welcoming staff. Security and staff are at reception 24/7 offering support and safety if needed. There is also a restaurant, bar, small shop, gym, spa and pool on-site open to all guests. I am one of these people who exercises a lot and I wasn’t blessed with the ability to eat what I want and not pile on the pounds. So alongside a big appetite, I have a big commitment to my fitness. The gym at Palms Place is probably the best I have been to in a hotel. It even had the exact same make and model elliptical that is my go to in the gym at home. I was very happy and during the holiday, I enjoyed a few sessions in the gym.
The apartment itself was stunning, spacious and with a spectacular balcony view. We rushed straight to the balcony and there it was, a full view of the magnificent Strip; all the way from the Stratosphere down to Mandalay Bay and every hotel in between. I was in my happy place!
Our apartment had the most comfiest bed (essential to us all and especially after a day of walking on average 25,000 steps.) The sofa was also super comfortable and you could stretch out. Two TV’s were in the living area and one in the bathroom. There was plenty of storage and hanging space, which is always really important to me as I pack everything you could ever possibly need (and more,) on every holiday I go on. My partner continues to be in awe of my methodical thinking and planning, but I just want to cater for every eventuality!
The kitchen area had a great seating section, a fridge and small freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster and hob top. This meant we could have our breakfast (I take my own Weetabix and Yorkshire teabags!) and also have cold beers, drinks and snacks we purchased from Wallmart on arrival. Little touches like kitchen roll were appreciated as were a number of toiletries in the bathroom as well as plenty of towels.
There were things we had to buy including some cleaning products and a sharp knife but it was no major issue and more of a preference of what we use at home.
The bathroom in our apartment was spacious and had some real plus points. A full length mirror and great lighting. It astounds me how many hotels don’t have full length mirrors, so this was perfect. The shower wasn’t as powerful as ours at home but the massive spa bath made up for it. It became a regular event after being out all day, to come in and both of us get in the spa bath to gently massage our achy bodies from the jets. There was more often than not a cold beer in our hands. Bliss!
The balcony had the sun in the morning; ideal for us as early risers. Sitting there eating breakfast, looking out to The Strip felt like a piece of heaven and we would often return to sit there before having a night out, just to absorb the view and take a moment to ensure the memory would be etched on our minds.
A real bonus of the Palms Place was the lack of noise and the privacy. Whilst we love being around the hustle and bustle of Fremont Street and The Strip, I’m at an age where I don’t want to hear a DJ cranking out the tunes full belt at 3am. Nor do I wish to hear people stomping up the corridors, screeching at stupid o’ clock (I have been one of those offenders in the past, apologies to everyone!) The Palms Place felt almost like home in the fact you could come and go without someone trying to sell you this or that, without excessive noise and without crammed lifts. It felt chilled and I enjoyed and appreciated that side of it.
Palms Place is a 20 minute walk to The Strip but there is a regular $2 bus running 24/7 and an Uber costs $10. It’s a definite option if you want to go back to a quieter hotel, if you want a full apartment and memorable view and if you want free parking. Our plan is to stay at Fremont next year, but Palms Place, we will definitely be back!
Helen Aitchison Writes 