Walk like an Egyptian! Read how our own Cleopatra experienced the Luxor Hotel in Vegas…
Wrapped within a life-sized pyramid, this Egyptian wonder sits at the end of the Strip, uniquely demanding its space amongst the others. The pyramid may not have taken as long as the real things in the Egypt, but it still took 2 years to build, which is relatively long in the world of modern architecture.
The giant sphinx welcoming you as you enter the promenade, such an exciting feeling, a little like when you watch Indiana Jones for the first time – a tingling sensation alerting your senses to a real adventure! I have never been to Egypt, but the tales of pharaohs and slaves intrigues me, the overwhelming architecture and design of this hotel definitely started to whet my appetite.
It’s a calm hotel, in that there isn’t so much noise and nor are there herds of people. I haven’t got lost once (which is a miracle!), queues are pretty short considering it is such a large hotel and the lifts are never packed out. Going up to the 27th floor for the first time was like a rollercoaster mishap. I don’t know what speeds the lift was doing, but I would have given it a ticket. Just remember to hold on!
The design of the lobby and casino is extremely modern due to recent $300 million refurbishment helping to bring it in line with other newer hotels. My Pyramid Spa Suite was very spacious and had lovely little pieces accenting the hotel theme. The colours were browns and bronzes, again thematic of the Egyptian world. This did mean that the room got a little dark at times. I was very disappointed that there was no wireless internet on offer and moreover the cable for my laptop sat next to the TV, where do I rest my laptop as I type exactly? The spa however was lovely and right next to the window, you really do feel like you’re Cleopatra minus the servants.
Again, like the MGM there is no mini bar or tea-making facilities so bring your own kettle! Although not as big as the MGM or other rivals, the Luxor is more intimate. The small but atmospheric atrium rests under the inside of the pyramid, above the main casino; and it holds a number of eateries and access to booking shows etc.
As it’s my last night in Vegas, I thought I would go and see the Titanic Exhibition of Artefacts. This is the largest Titanic exhibition in the world and as a fan of the great story, I couldn’t miss it. It was astounding. Luxor has built cabins and rooms, decks and even the grand staircase to replicate the scenes. The exhibition showed clothes, tools, china and even revived notes. But the biggest delight of them all was ‘The Big Piece’; a portion of the Titanic’s starboard side hull, 15 tons of history. It was astonishing and I stood there gobsmacked for at least 10 minutes – that’s a long time for me! Who says Vegas is just about shows? I can safely say that was one of the best exhibitions I have ever been to. I think exhibits are the thing here. They currently have another one running called BODIES, about…you guessed it, bodies! But if that isn’t your thing and you just want to relax, there’s also a spa and pool and, of course like any other building in Las Vegas, a chapel!
The Luxor, Las Vegas
Okey doke, I am off to be Cleopatra once more as I dip into my very own tub and live the life of an Egyptian beauty. Catch me tomorrow as I move to the east coast to take a big bite from the Big Apple!
