Expert Tips From a Local 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 Las Vegas to get the inside scoop on all their expert tips.
Mitch Herrington, The Prestige Lounge inside Palazzo Tower at The Venetian Resort
What are your best tips for exploring Vegas like a local?
Herrington: I personally enjoy exploring the area of town closest to my neighborhood in Summerlin. Close by is Red Rock Canyon for hiking, Downtown Summerlin for great restaurants and shopping, Mt. Charleston for cooler temperatures, and Desert Breeze Park for basketball, soccer, and recreation.
When I have out-of-town guests, I like to bring them back to the Strip to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for out-of-this-world meatballs at LAVO Restaurant and excellent steaks at Wolfgang Puck’s CUT.
What should be on every visitor’s “bucket list” when visiting?
Herrington: Two places I think should be on everyone’s Vegas “bucket list” are the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign at the end of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street downtown. And how can you come to Las Vegas and not visit The Venetian Resort and take a ride down the Grand Canal on a gondola, either in the Grand Canal Shoppes or Strip-side?
Other must-stops I would recommend include the observation deck at the top of the Stratosphere Tower for great views of the entire valley, Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon.
What’s a good spot to capture a great selfie?
Herrington: There are so many great spots for selfies right at The Venetian Resort. My favorite is the larger-than-life “LOVE” art installation located in The Venetian’s waterfall atrium. You can also capture great selfies on a gondola ride, in front of our Instagrammable “Celebrate You” wall in Restaurant Row, or even take a selfie at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas standing next to your favorite celebrity wax figure.
For a guest looking for a night on the town, what would you recommend?
Herrington: A great night out on the town in Las Vegas can take many forms, depending on what you’d like to do…and in Las Vegas, there’s something for everyone. At The Venetian Resort, guests can start the night with an amazing dinner at one of the many restaurants by celebrated chefs, including Wolfgang Puck, and Emeril Lagasse, then have a cocktail at one of the bars of The Cocktail Collective—Juliet Cocktail Room, Rosina, or Electra.
To keep the night going, definitely check out one of the many nightclubs Vegas has to offer. At TAO Nightclub inside The Venetian Resort, you can listen to tunes provided by celebrity DJs, have the concierge desk book a VIP table for bottle service, or just enjoy an evening of grooving to your favorite top 40, hip hop and house beats on the dancefloor.
Or, if you want to take the party out and about, rent a private limo or party bus and cruise the Strip, stopping at all the places of your choice.
Any suggestions for the best under-the-radar sites or uncommon things to do?
Herrington: One of the best under-the-radar things to do is visit the Seven Magic Mountains. Located just south of the city, visitors can encounter seven 30-foot tall neon-colored totems made from large boulders. The public artwork is from Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone and was due to be dismantled and discontinued at the end of this year but has now been extended through 2026.
Golden Knights Fans can catch a glimpse of their favorite players during a practice session at the City National Arena located next to Red Rock Casino, about 30minutes from the Strip.
And Lake Las Vegas has a variety of fun activities, including kayaking, flyboarding, and boating on an Italian-style lakefront.
What is your expert tip?
Herrington: Be sure to sign up for a free GRAZIE Rewards card, The Venetian Resort loyalty gaming incentive program. In addition to earning rewards based on casino play, new cardmembers can instantly receive a 10% discount at Canyon Ranch Spa, 20% off floral orders, up to 20% to 30% off suite reservations, 10% off gondola rides, and more. Log in here for more information.
