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| - Among gambling buffs, the Cosmo has a reputation of being more resort than casino, catering to well-heeled fools who don't know or don't care about statistical advantage. Single/double-deck blackjack here pays only 6-to-5 on blackjack, but that seems to be fairly prevalent in Vegas these days. Somebody commented after my trip that this was supposedly where the beautiful people went, at which I chuckled awkwardly in response and secretly congratulated myself for surviving a week in disguise. I certainly won't complain about the human shrubbery (er... I mean, scenery), but it didn't strike me as more beautifully peopled than other comparable resorts in Vegas, maybe more monied.
The abstract: I stayed here for nearly a week and had a great time: it is a very nice base camp in Vegas. I came here to celebrate my brother's birthday and stayed a few more days with a friend. It was kind of a personal challenge to see if I could endure a week in Vegas. I not only survived but ended up having a great time. Yes, I came to Vegas to relax. Yes, I challenged myself to relax in Vegas. Yes, I am a strange one.
At first I was not super impressed: I was surprised by some minor wear and tear (small carpet stains or furniture wear) in my Terrace Suite -- which is why I am docking a star, but that's being quite picky and partly due to a personal resolution to not become Five-Star Man. But over the course of the week, I really came to appreciate the hotel (it is beautiful), the room (brunch on a balcony overlooking the Bellagio is great a way to relax), the spa, and the little clothing boutiques (I normally avoid shopping but found some time to get fitted).
Good: cool bars within the casino (Bond and Chandelier are my picks), beautiful spa with excellent masseuse pairing (female, strong hands, pleasant looking enough to touch my body but no chance of attraction), good people watching, clothing boutiques are nice (I liked Stitched and All Saints), good customer service, great views of the Bellagio fountain, walking distance to convenience stores like Walgreens for basics.
Annoying: at a high-end hotel, I was surprised to be charged $15 for Internet access for 2 devices every 24 hours. I was surprised to be charged by the hour for use of the tennis courts. Feels "off" to be nickle-and-dimed when you are already paying a premium at a "resort" that advertises these amenities.
Tips: dressier than most other casinos on the strip. Bond is a cool bar and had a Vegas DJ that actually knew how to mix (!!!), playing non-crap house music (!!!). Chandelier has a nice custom cocktail selection. Pool areas seem on the smaller side. Get a room with a view of the Bellagio fountain. If you are a regular or plan to be one, MGM Resorts seems to have a better loyalty program, but the Cosmo's open balconies are unique and hard to beat if you like having a nice room to chill out.
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