more feedsCosmopolitan First Impressions
If I needed to sum up my first impression of the Cosmopolitan with one word, it would be "WOW". This place is everything its behemoth neighbor to the south should have been. I've heard the Cosmo referred to as "CityCenter's rebellious little sister" and description fits her to a T (or tee, if you prefer).
Elevator up - Casino level
WOW again, this place has a pulse. Of course, the opening-night crowd did help with this impression, but still, there was a difference here. The decor was tasteful yet fun. There is a hint of whimsy here. This place does not take itself too seriously. The layout is great, the lounges are inviting and many. I was comfortable right away.
They scrapped the old interior plans which had a retail mall(ette) at the Strip entrance and moved slot machines right up to the windows. WOW, another great idea. I sat down at a machine, looked out at the Strip and played my customary opening night wager while watching people on the sidewalk outside - Nice.
This was a great strategy and the polar opposite of City Center whose passer-byers don't even know there's a casino in there (let alone how to get to it). This is the first Strip-front casino since the Flamingo and it's about time
There is also one lounge. Bond, that shares the front windows with the casino, The music can be heard from the sidewalk and will most likely draw a crowd every night.
I didn't explore any further and plan to take photos later today since I decided not to lug my camera around on a crowded opening night.
There have been reports of opening night debacles (mostly in the rooms division) as inexcusable as they may seem, unforeseen things do happen and I predict the Cosmo will be a raving success despite a few opening night faux pas.
My first "WOW" moment was the parking garage. The entrance is stunning. I drove by giant, back-lit chrome letters that spell out COSMOPOLITAN and passed a pristine lobby entrance. After descending down to the self-parking levels I noticed hundreds of red LED lights, each one fastened to a vertical rod protruding from the ceiling. According to the digital readout, the first level was full so I continued to the third level. Whoa, now the aforementioned LED lights were a mix of red and green. This wasn't an art installment but rather and indicator as to where the empty parking spaces were. I could see a group of green three rows away and headed straight for the empty spaces - Brilliant!!!. Examining this further, there is a small sonar device above each space the can sense the presence of a car. The walls of the garage are adorned with art by local graffiti artists.
Elevator up - Casino level
WOW again, this place has a pulse. Of course, the opening-night crowd did help with this impression, but still, there was a difference here. The decor was tasteful yet fun. There is a hint of whimsy here. This place does not take itself too seriously. The layout is great, the lounges are inviting and many. I was comfortable right away.
They scrapped the old interior plans which had a retail mall(ette) at the Strip entrance and moved slot machines right up to the windows. WOW, another great idea. I sat down at a machine, looked out at the Strip and played my customary opening night wager while watching people on the sidewalk outside - Nice.
This was a great strategy and the polar opposite of City Center whose passer-byers don't even know there's a casino in there (let alone how to get to it). This is the first Strip-front casino since the Flamingo and it's about time
There is also one lounge. Bond, that shares the front windows with the casino, The music can be heard from the sidewalk and will most likely draw a crowd every night.
In the middle of the front area is a huge chandelier-like installment which spans three stories and has over two million crystal beads. The interior of the chandelier houses three or four lounges. This is the stunning "must see" that folks will talk about. A cylindrical glass elevator ferries guests through the center to the levels above. Big "WOW" factor here.
The rest of the casino has lower ceilings and simple walls (very comfortable) the ceilings are adorned with more crystals and sheer material. Chuck from Vegas Tripping says the Cosmo is " The first casino resort targeted primarily towards women" and I have to agree. Especially after being served in the casino by a male cocktail waiter. huh? yup!
The second floor hosts various unique shops and meeting facilities.
The third floor hosts a variety of delectable restaurants with (again) very inviting and comfortable decor. There is also a chill area there with a pool table and foosball table...too cool.
The rest of the casino has lower ceilings and simple walls (very comfortable) the ceilings are adorned with more crystals and sheer material. Chuck from Vegas Tripping says the Cosmo is " The first casino resort targeted primarily towards women" and I have to agree. Especially after being served in the casino by a male cocktail waiter. huh? yup!
The second floor hosts various unique shops and meeting facilities.
The third floor hosts a variety of delectable restaurants with (again) very inviting and comfortable decor. There is also a chill area there with a pool table and foosball table...too cool.
I didn't explore any further and plan to take photos later today since I decided not to lug my camera around on a crowded opening night.
There have been reports of opening night debacles (mostly in the rooms division) as inexcusable as they may seem, unforeseen things do happen and I predict the Cosmo will be a raving success despite a few opening night faux pas.
Posted by Mark Adams at 12/18/2010 3:02 AM 
Categories: reviews, Mark's Commentary, Vegas Project Updates
Tags: cosmopolitan grand opening
Categories: reviews, Mark's Commentary, Vegas Project Updates
Tags: cosmopolitan grand opening
I completely agree with your review, I was there opening night and went back the next day to try the buffet, the way the food is served is very unique and delicious if not a bit pricey, the players club also does something different in that you gain points by eating at any of there establishments! and there were very cleaver by handing out temp cards opening night so you can start gaining points and not wait in line all night. I will definitely be returning.
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Look forward to the pictures, sounds great.
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There is only one negative issue about the COSMO.
The lanes in the underground parking are very narrow.
Two SUV's coming towards each other may turn into a game of chicken.
Someone.... or both, may need to move over a couple of inches.
Other than that, it's fantastic.
They even have the best 2 pool area on the entire strip, located on the 4th floor.
And even the 2 pool area are designed over 3 floors.
The pool areas are imaginative, beautiful, creative, and entertaining, just walking around the 2 pool area, covering both COSMO buildings.
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Your impressions on the place seem to mirror those of the R-J and the general public.... Everyone agrees that Cosmo has learned from the mistakes of others (CityCenter!) and made their place classy without being pretentious....looking forward to the pics!....
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Terrific pics.Toured CityCenter in october-your First Impressions comment
"This place is everything its behemoth
neighbor to the south should have been"
is right on the money!
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My wife and I are looking forward to staying at the COSMO on 01/02/11 we are celebrating our anniversary. We have stayed everywhere--Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Wynn, Palazzo, Trump etc. But never, ever, have we anticipated staying at our new digs as we have for this trip. My research on the Cosmopolitian has been quite extensive--management, physical plant, amenities, gaming, shopping, the chefs---all TOP DRAWER reaching out to a "curious" clientel. Well you had me at Hello.
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We arrived to stay at the Paris for the first time with 1 hour to go to grand opening on the Cosmo. We went over to see it that evening but the lines were horribly long to get in from the street, so we went in the next day. Absolutely awesome interior decor. We want to stay there next time we come for sure. The slots were very...very nice to us also! Worth the visit~
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We had a terrible experience at this hotel, no one really cared about the horrible service we received, no towels in the room, no hangers, nothing in the fridge, no robes,no iron, the list goes on and on. We were not told about any of the specials we had signed up for. The manager said they would send up a bottle of Champagne for our troubles, well, it was sent up 2 hours later and we were charged for it! Vegas has a lot of nice places to stay and if we do not hear from this hotel we will never stay there again and let all of our friends know how uncaring the managament is!
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I absolutely agree this is definitely one of the strips most exciting openings it is original in its debut the atmosphere is irresistible, the store fronts are unique and impressive. I agree that it is very feminine in its art and decor but I don't think so much so that it offends the male. Rooms are fantastic, and you feel luxury and comfort in the same sense.
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the Cosmo is awesome! finally there is some real competition for the Wynn/Encore dreamscape. You gotta check out the chandelier bar, its awesome. it huge and has 3 floors and appears to be hanging from the ceiling like, well, a chandelier! they have an awesome bar that is right on the strip with go go dancers to boot. this place is everything i had hoped that loser city center would have been. (when are they blowing up the Harmon?! that will be the most fun i have with that ridiculous eye sore)
can't wait to go back and try the Marquee club, they were telling me its 3 floors and huge. life just keeps getting better.....
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oh yeah and its not too soon to start thinking about summer! this place has a pool on the 5th floor that overlooks the strip, thats right, its right on the strip straight up from the rush of the crowds. how awesome. and the lady told me they are building another pool that will be a european topless style. i love that this hotel embraces the strip and is just one step away - - instead of the city center method where they think were all fools with their cheap strategy to try and suck you in and trap you there , plotting to try and make it so far away from the strip that the lazy fools wont want to leave , that place blows, im staying at the aria in a couple weeks for a birthday, i hope the downtown LA office tower hotel rooms are at least nice !?!?!
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We must be reviewing a different resort. After almost 12 months, they apparently have forgotten there customers. 5 day stay - not one day without a major customer satisfaction blunder that would have been the subject of business 101 lectures.
Horrendous for all but the youngest night club visitors. Not what I would have expected for a location like this.
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Ehh, not impressed with the low ceilings. 80's casino feel with that...hot dancers in the windows saved me from walking out. Sorry, i know you typically prefer people to agree with you, but i cannot on this one.
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