This is my ultimate favourite escape from the crazy that is the Las Vegas strip. Stepping into the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental immediately separates you from the masses, and by the time you've made it up to the 23rd floor you start to feel relaxed.
Mandarin Bar allows you to sit in your perch (maybe a comfy couch or lounge chair) and take in the lights of the Strip, while listening to classy lounge music and while surrounded by people enjoying the same.
This escape from the madness below comes at a price, with drinks at $18 a piece, but somehow it seems worth it- the drinks are complex and satisfying, the bar snacks (wasabi nuts, salted almonds, and a trail mix) are bottomless and tasty, and the views are pretty much unparalleled on the strip.
The service is attentive and unpretentious.
This is my favourite bar in Vegas, and I will return time and time again until somewhere equally as good comes along!