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Super Bowl 58: WSJ Travel Columnist Explores the World of Las Vegas Upgrades & VIP Packages
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Las Vegas, known for its extravagant entertainment and relentless pursuit of luxury, beckons visitors with promises of opulence at every turn. From the dazzling lights of the Strip to the thrill of the casino floor, Sin City offers a playground where excess knows no bounds, according to a report filed by Wall Street Journal travel columnist Dawn Gilbertson. She embarked on a purposeful journey to discover just that, documenting the added costs incurred during a weekend in the vibrant oasis of Las Vegas.
For those descending upon the city for events like the Super Bowl, extravagance is not just encouraged but practically mandatory. Gilbertson reported that from lavish poolside seats priced at $200 to exclusive bottle service at nightclubs commanding $800, the city’s businesses spare no expense in catering to the whims of its high-rolling guests.
In a bold experiment reminiscent of the film “Yes Man,” one intrepid traveler embarked on a quest to indulge in every upgrade and VIP package Las Vegas had to offer, aiming to decipher which experiences were worth the hefty price tags and which could be skipped without regret, according to the WSJ report.
Setting parameters to maintain some semblance of fiscal responsibility, the traveler bypassed exorbitant offerings like a $3,999 helicopter ride to the top of Valley of Fire State Park for yoga or a $4,000-a-night upgrade to a three-bedroom presidential suite, as per the report in the WSJ. Instead, they opted for more modest indulgences, such as early check-in for $75 and a city view upgrade for $57 per night.
Upon arrival at the luxurious Palazzo resort, the allure of upgrades began immediately, with offers for enhanced experiences flooding in. The WSJ report indicated that from massages in reserved seats at the Aria sportsbook during an NFL game to private lounges before a show at the Sphere, the traveler spared no expense in their pursuit of luxury.
As the traveler navigated the city’s maze of upgrades and VIP offerings, they pondered the true value of each indulgence. According to the information provided in the WSJ report, while some experiences left them feeling underwhelmed, others offered moments of genuine luxury and enjoyment, highlighting the nuanced landscape of Las Vegas’s upscale offerings.
In a city where excess reigns supreme, the quest for the ultimate upgrade becomes a thrilling adventure in itself, with each decision shaping the narrative of a truly unforgettable Vegas experience.
In the heart of Las Vegas lies Area15, an eclectic blend of arts and entertainment that beckons visitors with promises of immersive experiences and otherworldly adventures, according to the WSJ report. At the forefront of this cultural oasis stands Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, a whimsical journey into a surreal grocery store that transcends the boundaries of reality.
For a mere $54, patrons gain entry into this fantastical realm, where aisles of faux La Croix in mashed-potato flavor and dizzying hall of mirrors await. However, the WSJ report said that for those seeking to elevate their experience, a $99 VIP package promises exclusive perks such as a souvenir pin, VIP lanyard, a cocktail, and a 15% discount at the gift shop. Yet, amidst the surreal charm of Omega Mart, one can’t help but wonder if the true essence of the experience lies beyond the confines of a mere upgrade.
As the adventure unfolds, the allure of Area15’s free attractions beckons, offering a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Las Vegas’s cultural landscape, as was noted in the WSJ report. Opting for a $35 pass, which includes access to five attractions, visitors can indulge in the outdoor Liftoff ride, offering sweeping views of the iconic Strip.
Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas resort scene, the Wicked Spoon buffet at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas stands as a beacon of culinary delight. Despite the demise of many buffets during the pandemic, the Wicked Spoon continues to draw crowds with its sumptuous offerings, as was pointed out in the WSJ report.
During a Saturday brunch visit, a throng of eager diners awaited entry, with wait times stretching to an hour. However, for those willing to splurge on a $35 VIP pass, expedited access awaits, offering a head start on the $62 all-you-can-eat feast of snow crab legs, sushi, and slow-roasted strip loin.
Yet, amidst the indulgence, a moment of unexpected generosity shines through as the manager overseeing the line comped the fee, citing the pleasure of engaging in conversation with patrons, as was reported by the WSJ. It’s a reminder that amidst the extravagance of Las Vegas, genuine moments of connection and hospitality are never far away.
With newfound freedom, the journey continues, with a $33 unlimited mimosa package adding a touch of effervescence to the culinary experience. Gilbertson’s report added that despite the 90-minute time limit, the allure of Las Vegas’s vibrant offerings beckons, promising endless adventures and unforgettable moments in the city that never sleeps.
The adventure began at the luxurious Palazzo resort, where Gilbertson opted for a $75 early check-in and a $57 per night upgrade to a city view room. With taxes and fees factored in, the total cost amounted to $214, setting the stage for a weekend of indulgence.
Next on the itinerary was a visit to the Sphere, where Gilbertson splurged on a Director’s Seat package for the ‘Postcard From Earth’ movie experience. Priced at $245, the package included VIP entry, access to a preshow private lounge replete with complimentary beer, wine, and snacks, a souvenir T-shirt, and premium seats for the 50-minute cinematic journey.
The journey into the surreal continued with a visit to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, where a $99 VIP package awaited. Gilbertson reported that this extravagant offering included VIP entrance privileges, a stylish lanyard, a magnetic card providing additional details on exhibits, a coveted souvenir pin, and a refreshing drink at the bar Datamosh.
Area15 beckoned with its myriad of attractions, prompting Gilbertson to invest $35 in a pass granting access to five unique experiences, including the exhilarating Liftoff ride and the whimsical Wink World, crafted by a co-founder of the famed Blue Man Group.
The culinary delights of Las Vegas were not to be overlooked, as Gilbertson savored a bottomless mimosa upgrade at the Wicked Spoon buffet within the Cosmopolitan. Priced at $33, this indulgent addition complemented the $62 brunch feast, offering a symphony of flavors amidst the vibrant ambiance of the bustling establishment.
At the Aria Resort, relaxation awaited in the form of a reserved seat in the BetMGM Sportsbook, priced at $190, which covered the minimum food and beverage spend along with a generous tip, Gilbertson reported. Additionally, a blissful 20-minute neck and shoulder massage at the sportsbook, including gratuity, provided a moment of reprieve amidst the exhilarating energy of the bustling venue.
As the sun set over the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Gilbertson reveled in an intimate dining experience at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant within the Paris resort. Investing $80 to reserve two coveted window seats, she soaked in panoramic views of the city’s glittering skyline and the mesmerizing Bellagio fountains, savoring every moment of the enchanting evening.
Even the journey to and from Las Vegas was not exempt from indulgence, as Gilbertson opted for upgraded boarding on her Southwest Airlines flight, investing $50 for a touch of added comfort and convenience.
In conclusion, Gilbertson’s journey through Las Vegas’s labyrinth of upgrades and VIP packages offered a tantalizing glimpse into the city’s culture of extravagance and luxury. While each experience came with its own price tag, the memories forged amidst the vibrant tapestry of Sin City’s allure were truly priceless, embodying the essence of indulgence in the ultimate playground of opulence.
