Expert Tips From a Las Vegas Concierge 

Nobody knows a city like the local concierge team. With the inside track on all the best places to dine, shows to see, and things to do, they’re a wealth of knowledge for all travelers. We talk with a top local hotel concierge in New York City to get the inside scoop on all their expert tips.

Anna Hersel, Director of Concierge Services at The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas

What are your best tips for exploring Vegas like a local?
Hersel: The locals know that currently, we are in that rare window of time where we can truly enjoy the outdoors and what the nature of our desert has to offer! Take in breakfast on a restaurant patio. I personally enjoy the view from The Landings in Henderson, where you can watch the private planes take off and land from Henderson Executive Airport. From there, you can drive to The District at Green Valley Ranch, and an outdoor shopping center with great shops, restaurants and bars. If you’re feeling extra outdoorsy, you can take in one of the many outdoor trails. I like the Historic Railroad Trail as it’s an easy, dog-friendly hike along a former railroad grade. It provides panoramic views of Lake Mead, overlooking the Boulder Basin area!

What should be on every visitor’s “bucket list” when visiting?
Hersel: I keep a checklist of Vegas must-do’s as the city has so much variety to offer, and everyone’s Vegas “bucket list” looks so different! Some of those bucket list items include:

• For the foodie – a dining experience you can’t find at home – Wakuda at The Palazzo
• For the sun-worshipping life of the party – Tao Beach at The Venetian
• For the one that has a unique sense of humor – Atomic Saloon Show in the Grand Canal Shoppes

What’s a good spot to capture a great selfie?
Hersel: The LOVE sculpture in The Palazzo atrium is a beautiful photo opportunity, but the most underrated selfie spot is at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on the Doge’s Palace Balcony facing Las Vegas Boulevard outside of the Grand Canal Shoppes. You can snap a selfie overlooking the canal with a view of both the gondolas and the Strip!

Where’s the best place to take kids of all ages?
Hersel: If you want your kids to have a lasting memory, be sure to take them for a CrazyShake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. If they love animals, I recommend the Lion Habitat Ranch!  Featuring multiple lion enclosures, the Lion Habitat Ranch is a federal non-profit protecting exotic animals. Offering behind-the-scenes tours, feast with a beast, and cub feedings. You can also meet Ozzy, the giraffe! For live entertainment, I highly recommend an acrobatic-style show that doesn’t have a lot of dialogue. This is easier for younger children to follow, and the older kids will be impressed with the skills of the performers!

For a guest looking for a night on the town, what would you recommend?
Hersel: I would start with checking in Prestige Club Lounge on the 36th floor of The Venetian tower. Prestige Club access is the best way to maximize your stay at our resort! I’d have a glass of champagne, get checked in and change for dinner at Mott 32 before heading to “Atomic Saloon Show.” It’s a wild western-themed variety show designed with adult humor in mind.

Any suggestions for the best under-the-radar sites or uncommon things to do?
Hersel: This changes day by day, so be sure to check in with your hotel concierge! They are there to help answer your questions about anything happening at your hotel or in Las Vegas in general. From helping to book restaurants, shows, spas, golf, cabanas, the list goes on and on! Call your concierge when you need just a little bit of guidance deciding between two activities or even when you don’t know where to start and want to build a full itinerary.

What is your expert tip?
Hersel: Give yourself more time than you think you might need to move around your hotel and from resort to resort. Las Vegas resorts are massive and neighboring buildings are further away than they appear! You don’t want to spend your precious vacation time jumping around, so I always recommend visiting two hotels maximum per evening. For example, have dinner and watch a show at the same resort before moving to another location for nightlife. It will save you time and energy!