In my last post, I explained why I thought Hotel 32 in the Monte Carlo Hotel was a great deal, and why I would love to stay there on my next trip to Las Vegas.
The top floor rooms are sensational.
But on a trip to sin city, you certainly can’t spend the entire time in your room, which is why I’d like to whisper a couple of recommendations in your ear for when you venture out to explore the rest of the Monte Carlo.
The Restaurants
Brand Steakhouse
I can be picky about my food, and I don’t mean picky like I have exacting standards. I’m picky in the same way a two year old is. I like my food simple and familiar. And Brand Steakhouse was perfect for me.
Our party of 8 ordered an appetizer called “Hot Rocks”, which is thinly sliced sirloin steak literally cooked on a rock heated to 800 degrees. It was fun to pick the pieces of steak up with the chopsticks and maneuver them onto the rock, so of course we fought like children over who got to do it. If you order this, make sure you order more than one:)
For my entree, I also ordered steak. An 8 ounce filet, done medium well. Perfect.
Then, there was my side of green beans, which were the BEST GREENS I’VE EVER HAD! You may think, “How good can green beans be, dude?” No. These were out of this world , cooked perfectly and soaked in lemony, buttery goodness. Yum .
See?
Simple food, just like I said.
Diablo’s Cantina
No need to take a break in the Vegas action, because Diablo’s has the atmosphere of a club with food aplenty. Our group sat down for a flurry of appetizers and drinks, and shared entrees like family, despite meeting each other just the day before. But that’s not the only way to enjoy Diablo’s Cantina. You could belly up to the full bar to watch a sporting event, or head up to the upper level to enjoy drinks or dinner in the outdoor area while listening to live music from the stage. You could easily spend your whole night here, and you don’t have to be staying at the Monte Carlo to take advantage of Diablo’s. It’s located at the front of the Monte Carlo right on the strip so you can duck in anytime.
Andre’s Restaurant
This restaurant was an excellent, unexpected surprise in our tour of the Monte Carlo. We didn’t have an opportunity to eat at Andre’s, but we did drop in unannounced and were greeted very warmly by the restaurant manager. He showed us around the restaurant, which was gorgeous, with blue and gold metallic decor. It really did feel like an oasis in the storm that is Las Vegas.
I was surprised to find that there are private dining areas available for large groups or just a party of 3. You can call or make reservations for these private areas right from the Monte Carlo Hotel website. There’s not even a fee. There was also a small cigar room, which I couldn’t picture myself visiting, but I will admit that I could not smell a hint of smoke while we were in the cigar room.
We also got to view the extensive collection of cordials that Andre’s keeps, which turned out to be my favorite part of visiting the restaurant. There were such stories behind those bottles, like the one from 1945 that wasn’t bottled in France to celebrate the end of WW II. Or the bottle that looked more feminine because it was bottled during WW I, when all the men were at war. As a history buff, I loved this bit of information, and was delighted that it came from such an unlikely place! If you visit Andre’s, make sure you ask about the cordials! You don’t even have to drink them to enjoy it.
Frank Caliendo Show
I was excited to see the Frank Caliendo show because he had been a frequent guest on KQRS, the Minneapolis radio show I listen to, and I wasn’t disappointed. Frank is a master of impressions. My particular favorite is of President Bush (GW), but he also does a stellar John Madden, Dr. Phil, and Bill Clinton. The show is very fast paced, and the medley of Frank’s comedy along with his band make for an entertaining night.
The Spa
I visited the spa on my last day, and I wished I had gone earlier and enjoyed half a day there! My 25 minute facial was perfect. The entire spa area was beautiful, and there’s a definite feel of luxury and indulgence as soon as you enter. The hot tub room was especially roomy and gorgeous with fountains and textured tile. It would have been a great place to sit and while away some time with a couple of friends, which I plan to do next time I visit. In your case, make sure you don’t make the same mistake. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the amenities of the spa after your appointment.
You can find information and make reservations for all of the above by visiting the Monte Carlo website. Enjoy.
