Tag Archives: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN SIN CITY

Posted on 2013/01/14 | Leave a comment

Loving Husband

I’m playing catch up and getting around to blogging about spending Christmas at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. It was spectacular. We arrived to a very busy Valet on Sunday the 23rd and got checked in rather quickly. We’ve always been welcomed in VIP but the lines were so swift we enjoyed the leisure of the open lobby and the people-watching Sin City always promises. After a fabulous upgrade, we arrived to our incredible suite facing the Bellagio Fountains and felt complete bliss. We were home.

Ice Rink Cosmopolitan

I called down to the Bell Desk and asked for our bags while Jacques opened up the curtains and sliding doors. Man, I love this place. Deciding to wing it for dinner until we arrived, Jacques and I walked the resort and found our dinner plans for the weekend before having a glass of wine at the Chandelier Bar. Later that evening we had made plans to see my stunning girlfriend Amber in Fantasy at Luxor. She was fierce. Girl danced twirling circles around that grand stage. Lead singer Lorena Peril has quite the voice and carried the show like a true professional. We were so happy we attended. Afterwards we found ourselves at the neon masterpiece of Peppermill for a spot of late-night grub before turning in. Love the lights of The Strip in my distant view as I slide into slumber.

Amber Stauser

Monday we woke and hit it down towards Wynn/Encore and the Fashion Mall for a spot of shopping. We always stop at the General Store near the Sahara for souvenir buying. I got mom and myself some very fun stuff! Back at the resort we enjoyed our annual lunch at China Poblano. Taste Bud Explosion, down. We wanted to have a moment in the room with some of the showgirls and champagne because there was a delicious bottle delivered to the suite for birthday which was very generous. However, no one wanted to drink before their show so with the cool weather only Amber came over for a round of ice skating at the Ice Rink at BLVD Social Club. Translation: The swimming pool iced over for fun and frolic under the cold night’s air above the radiation of the neon bulbs of The Strip. We had a blast and it meant a lot to me that she came over and spent time with us.

The Cosmopolitan - Bellagio

Christmas Eve we had dinner at Milos inside The Cosmopolitan and it was culinary brilliance. I love seeing Jacques enjoying dinner that he finds really good. My man knows food and I’m lucky because he does. After dinner we walked The Strip before the chilly evening wind called us inside the casino for Wheel of Fortune slot machine realness. I won my money back and that was fine. The warm bed was calling my name even more than the sounds of the dropping coins.

Steven Michael

We love Las Vegas and ALWAYS enjoy ourselves. The Cosmopolitan is the ONLY place we stay. I can’t wait to go back. #777

→ Leave a comment

Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS, OUR BIG GAY LIFE

Tagged , , , , , ,

MORNING VIEWS OF SIN CITY

Posted on 2012/12/24 | Leave a comment

The Cosmopolitan exterior

From my balcony view at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, I see The Strip beginning its new day of carrying hope-chasers and thrill-seekers to their next destination, translation: CASINO. As I type this quick blast of thought, I see early morning neon still burning down way at Treasure Island TI, the Bellagio Fountains have yet to begin their parade of shows and I realize I could honestly sit and look at The Strip for hours. A twinkle of chrome catches my eye or a hotel window from neighboring resorts calls my view while a low rumble of sound creates the soundtrack accented with a speeding taxi horn or the boots and hollers of party girls in heels or sexy studs out with their bros. There’s a definite winter chill in the air. Last evening I was able to wear this fabulous black velvet jacket and leather pants down to Luxor to see my dear sister Amber tear up the floor in the choreography-heavy Fantasy. Those girls are fierce and lead lady Lorena Peril has the pipes to sing many into the ground. We had a great evening ending at Peppermill for some quick late night grub then back into our warm bed while seeing The Strip wind down its day once again. A text came in from Amber saying she was heading this was to hit Marquee. It was 2 a.m. The city never sleeps… But we needed to. Off for a day of shopping, ice skating and a hot toddy or two. Mary Christmas.

The Las Vegas Strip from The Cosmopolitan

And BIG THANKS to Renata in PR & The Cosmopolitan for the Birthday Champagne and hospitality. Always Fierce. X

→ Leave a comment

Posted in DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS

Tagged , , , , ,

CHRISTMAS AT THE COSMOPOLITAN LAS VEGAS

Posted on 2012/12/06 | Leave a comment

The Husband and I always try to do something fabulous for the holidays. This year is no exception. Hello, Sin City! To know that Las Vegas is the place would be a surefire winning thought. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is the ONLY place we find ourselves these days when traveling to The Strip. They always treat us very well and we continually have one fierce experience each and every time we arrive. We love that damn place!

We’re very excited about spinning around the Ice Rink at Blvd Social Club. I love ice skating. And above The Strip – PLEASE! I was wondering how will that work. I bet there will be platforms under the water and ice on top, or maybe even complete ice in the pool water. Looking forward to finding out! Our stunning showgirl girlfriend Amber from Fantasy at Luxor is meeting us on Christmas Eve for s’mores and hot toddies over the neon wave of The Strip with show friends while Coco Montrese from Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas will be bringing her husband. Iconic holiday classic White Christmas will be playing on the large digital marquee above our heads. How brilliant?! A time to make great memories.

I see that the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be there on New Years Eve. They are quite the iconic rock band. We love their music. Wish we could be there to see them since my birthday is the First of January. Nonetheless, Christmas at The Cosmo… Life doesn’t get much sweeter! Looking forward to seeing just how the resort will be decorated to the nines for the holidays. It seems booking just the right performer on NYE is crucial to a successful night. It’s quite the business there in Las Vegas. I see that being the trend. Last year we arrived on the First and the billboards paved the highways into Las Vegas exciting visitors and locals alike of New Year’s Eve celebrity headliners. No doubt it’s the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ timelessness that makes them such a great fit at The Cosmopolitan.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is such an original. Any fan of my blog or my magazine columns know that it’s THE place I stay over all others. There’s nothing that compares to it. There are other amazing resorts on The Strip and we’ve stayed at them all. But when you slide the balcony doors open to feel the warm radiation that all the neon love provides or have that view of the Bellagio fountain show exploding in front of your very eyes, there’s no place I’d rather be in the world.

I have to admit that after our initial visit to the resort when I covered it for the magazine and blog for the very first time, I’ve been obsessed with everything The Cosmopolitan is about. The staff treated us so well and with such respect that they’ve created a fan for life. The VIP treatment was impeccable and was like nothing I’d experienced before. I was overwhelmed and didn’t want to leave. We NEVER do. From culinary deliciousness of Scarpetta to the hidden gem pizza place on the 3rd floor, The Cosmopolitan provides that pure adult playground atmosphere with class and trendy refinement. I always thank them for the never-ending attention and generous courtesy always provided for Jacques and I.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS, OUR BIG GAY LIFE

Tagged , , ,

JUST RETURNING TO LEAVE AGAIN

Posted on 2012/03/07 | Leave a comment

Here’s a quick blast! I just returned from Sin City and we had a truly fierce time. Since then I’ve had two columns due and tried to get back into the swing of work since being away to my personal Heaven, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. More details will follow but for now just know that I’m back and ready to head into March, full-throttle and full steam ahead. WHURK IT, ME!

Next week I leave for Gayton “Gay Dayton” Ohio to judge the All American Goddess at Large national pageant which should even throw me even more out of my element from the comfortable warm bubble I live in here in Palm Springs to the 180-degree turn and near freezing temperatures I’ll find in Dayton. I’m ready for the challenge and to see some really good drag. I need it, baby! BRING IT! X

→ Leave a comment

Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, JUDGING DRAG PAGEANTRY, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, PALM SPRINGS

Tagged , , , , , ,

WATCH. OUT. VEGAS.

Posted on 2012/03/01 | 1 Comment

I have been all a Twitter about our upcoming trip to Las Vegas, Sin City, my out-of-town town. Preoccupied would be such an understatement, however, I digress.  One more day of work and then I’m off for three as we two hit it to the Strip. Saturday brings an always welcomed road trip with the man I love to the place I worship. Always have, always will. After checking in at the gorgeous and privately sleek Palms Place, we’ll grab some wonderful dinner at Palms Resort Casino and head to the grand opening of Share Nightclub and Ultra Lounge until the wee hours if we can make out late. I’m ready for some serious Nomi Malone action on my lap from a private dancer. Honesty, please.

THE FIERCE FILM – SHOWGIRLS

Starring Elizabeth Berkley as “Nomi Malone”

The celebrities from the Gay Mafia will be in attendance on the red carpet and I’ll be telling all with vivid detail and delicious dish. Sunday we’re moving over to The Cosmopolitan for our second night. We couldn’t be in Las Vegas and not stay there one night. Heaven. We’ll be seeing Vegas: The Show at Planet Hollywood and then a nightcap somewhere. Hate me. I would. Details soon! ♠♣♥♦

→ 1 Comment

Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS, OUR BIG GAY LIFE

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

STEVEN TAKES SIN CITY

Posted on 2012/01/18 | 1 Comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 109

ONE NIGHT IN HEAVEN

As we all know by now that what happens in Vegas during one of my fabulous trips is told here with every gruesome detail of debauchery. Quick recap if you’re just joining in… I love Las Vegas! Always have, always will. OK, with that said, let’s dig into the ultimate sin of having your cake and eating it, too! This is how I celebrated my birthday — my way, in Sin City during the New Years’ holiday.

I turned forty-something on 01/01 or as many call it “thirty-nine for another year.” The husband and I aren’t into big parties so we always discuss how to spend our special days respectively and that’s how we do it. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and I have a very nice relationship with one another. The place is sick! I couldn’t think of a better location for our one night getaway. This stunning resort offers everything I need for comfort and joy. Unique surroundings celebrating individuality of the guest delivering immediate results for every person’s whim or desire. And those magnificent open-air balconies are decadent.

The anticipation grew within me as flashy billboards that dress the sides of I-15 heading into Las Vegas increased in volume and intensity. Since laying low on New Year’s Eve and saving our mojo for Sin City, we lived vicariously through the bright marquees that told of The Dutchess Fergie strutting her “Fergaliciousness” at Mirage, Mary J. Blige bringing her diva style to RPM Nightclub at Tropicana and Kim Kardashian collecting her $600,000 paycheck at TAO at The Venetian for ringing in NYE.

Once we checked into The Cosmopolitan, we discovered that our upgraded suite faced the fabulous fountains of Bellagio. I was in heaven. That’s what I personally call The Cosmopolitan, “Heaven,” because it is. I immediately opened the sliding doors and caught the first of many fountain shows we would witness during our stay. We called down for the bags and within a blink they were delivered to our room and unpacked. Soon after, we headed over to Bally’s to pick up our tickets for Jubilee! and run the Strip for a few minutes before dinner.

The energy downstairs in the casino at The Cosmopolitan was still rowdy and right on target for ringing in the New Year from the night before. Wheel of Fortune slot machines shamelessly gobbled up the twenties we fed them as we strutted through. It didn’t ruin our good moods. However, it was when we entered Bally’s that there was some concern. Talk about Hunger Games.

We took the moving walkway up to Bally’s and entered. It was quite surreal being there considering the property was once MGM Grand where I would visit as an impressionable child with my parents. The hotel hasn’t changed much since then. As soon as we entered, this aggressive sales chick basically jumped on us sinking her teeth into us seeming concerned about our travel needs. I immediately replied, “Get to the pitch. We have to go.” She laughed and pushed us off on an anxious sales guy. We declined their offer and continued on to pick up the show tickets.

Downstairs I strolled through memory lane as we walked past shops where I once spent my trip allowance on Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. Although, I don’t recall desperate sales dudes standing at kiosks offering what appeared to be counterfeit Louis Vuitton and Chanel iPhone cases at special deals “because it was a slow night.” The Strip called us back outside and we were off to enjoy a birthday ritual of shameless plunges into sushi and sake oblivion back at The Cosmopolitan.

With a few minutes to spare I slid into the sunken Japanese tub back in the room for a soak and got lost in the burning neon bulbs of the Strip that radiated before me. Ah, bliss. Once arriving downstairs to Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill we ordered a ton of delicious sushi displayed extravagantly on long boards and even had a generous round of sake complements of the resort. Luckily the walk over to Bally’s afterwards for the show would help walk off our amazing cuisine.

Jubilee! celebrates its 30th anniversary and is quite spectacular still today. Topless showgirls in stunning costumes of beads and rhinestones, grand sets that rise and fall throughout, and familiar songbook classics performed with heart and experience is what any theatre addict will find nightly inside the ballroom at Bally’s. It greatly satisfied the repressed showgirl deep inside me. It’s a must-see for any true Vegas junkie. You can bet on it!

2011 © PULP

→ 1 Comment

Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS, MY WORDS IN PRINT, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, STEVEN SPILLS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SIN CITY AND STEVEN MICHAEL

Posted on 2012/01/03 | Leave a comment

I just returned from a fabulous visit to Las Vegas and as always, we had a fierce time. Sin City and Steven Michael always get along. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which I call pure heaven because it is, treated us very well with an upgraded suite and a round of drinks on the house. It gives me everything I love in a hotel room. Immaculate furnishings, an open air balcony and a spectacular view of my favorite place on earth (yes, strong words!) The Las Vegas Strip. The Husband and I found ourselves in a sushi and sake serenade at Blue Ribbon Sushi and Grill on Sunday for my birthday dinner. Delicious! Oh, yeah! I became another year more experienced on Sunday. More mature?! Better like fine wine? Yes, older. It’s all good. Like I say that my mom now says that my Husband also says, “It is what it is.” Cause it is…

Our balcony view of the Bellagio fountains was spectacular and I honestly could sit watching the twinkling neon bulb wattage of The Strip all day and all night. I’ve seen the view plenty of times but I never grow tired of it. There’s always something to catch my attention, my eye, my homage. After dinner, we caught Jubilee! at Bally’s which is now celebrating their 30th anniversary. It was surreal walking in the place considering it was formally the MGM Grand that I would stay in as a child, rather young tween, with my parents. I tell the story of my father tossing me a few hundred dollars and sending loose on The Strip to shop, cruise and get cruised even though I wasn’t sure what was going on at the time.

Jubilee! is chock full of original showgirls with the glitz and gorgeousness of what Las Vegas is all about with grand sets that amazingly raised and lowered during huge production numbers, topless divas who owned the stage with legs to there and sexy thong-wearing male dancers with bare chests blazing. However, a few who could have left pants on. Just saying. We actually sat in the same cushioned booths that I would sit in as child watching shows with my parents. Things haven’t changed very much on the property except the very aggressive people who work there. This one woman nailed us as soon as we walked in about two nights for $99 and WOW! She was too damn much. I told her to get to the point and give the pitch. She did. We immediately declined, picked up my gracious media tickets, walked quickly around and hit The Strip. But not after having a desperate guy standing downstairs at a kiosk try and “make me a deal because it was slow” by selling me counterfeit Vuitton and Chanel iPhone 4 cases with bling. We were slightly in shock that the resort would allow that to go on.

More details will drop in my “Steven Spills” installment next issue of PULP so that’s all for now… What happens in Vegas, will end up here. Stay tuned.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS, OUR BIG GAY LIFE

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

HERE’S TO TWO-THOUSAND TWELVE

Posted on 2011/12/30 | Leave a comment

You may know, you may not. If you do, here it is again. If you didn’t, here’s something new and exciting for you to hear and me to say. HAPPY NEW YEAR, you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, me! BEST WISHES, we! Heading into Las Vegas on Sunday and arriving as the town should just be awaking from the extremist night they had prior on New Year’s Eve. My birthday happens to fall on the 1st so celebrating the way I always want to… We’re driving into Sin City for the night. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be home for the evening. Donn Arden’s “Jubilee!” at Bally’s will be entertainment. Share Nightclub will provide some gay entertainment and queens on the move, afterwards. SUPER XCITED:))

More details to follow… in ’12.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS, OUR BIG GAY LIFE

Tagged , , , , , , ,

ARIA ON MY MIND

Posted on 2011/12/18 | Leave a comment

I’m looking forward to my birthday getaway to Las Vegas in two weeks. We’re staying at The Cosmopolitan and our view will be of City Center including Vdara and ARIA. Last round we stayed at The Cosmopolitan our view was of the fountains of Bellagio and the stunning water show. This time to save a few duckies I decided that the $60/night view charge to see the fountains would pay for lunch and some slots. Yes, the room price at The Cosmopolitan was approximately sixty bucks more for the view of Bellagio, Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas compared to our view this trip of MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel & Casino and Aria. Now, the view is worth it, trust. No Tea. However, I’ve seen it and we are there 24 hours so as long as I have an open-air balcony, I’m so good. Happy Birthday Me! Details shall follow of our dinner, time together and evening out on The Strip. Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for ’12.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS, OUR BIG GAY LIFE

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

MIZZING LIZA WITH A Z IN VEGAS

Posted on 2011/10/05 | Leave a comment

Ah, timing. It can be our friend and our foe. I (try and) see everything as an opportunity regardless if fate offers me the chance of choice of when it arrives or if it’s beyond my control at any given time. For my faithful readers many of you know I just returned from Sin City and had the biggest time at Wynn Las Vegas and up and down The Strip for a few days with Jacques. Since staying at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the spring we have found it being a very tight race for BEST resort between The Cosmopolitan and Wynn/Encore in our experienced opinions. They’ve both treated us very, very well.

Whenever I’m looking for some online gaming or to brush up on some casino techniques before heading to Las Vegas, I press it over to best casino games. They have playing strategies and game details, online reviews of the top sites and more. You can never learn enough when it comes to gaming if that is your thing. But if it is, always remember to game responsibly. And send me a postcard or souvenir. Large with short sleeves. XL with long. Just saying.

Well, guess what… Liza Minnelli will be at the Hilton Las Vegas (brilliantly, I’m betting!) this weekend with friend Jeff Tracta who offered us tickets to a pre-show party with Liza and the concert. Sadly, work calls us and we can’t get away. Plus we were just there, even though The Husband said we would be going otherwise. Sad faces loom but again, everything happens for a reason and happens when it’s meant to. Especially in this situation. Ah, Liza. I would have been honored to meet thee! And I simply love seeing Jeff perform his character voices. Oh, well. C’est la vie! Next time…

And finally something I was checking out recently  while I was surfing the Internet about casinos going green that I found very interesting. The Palazzo, Red Rock Casino and City Center are three of the first properties to get in on a more energy-efficient way of providing a positive movement for the environment and humans alike. Plus, with the amount of power consumption that the neon bulbs soak up alone on The Strip makes one think about what damage the city is creating on its own. As much as I love Sin City, my honesty must be heard, too. Check out the link and give me your feedback on what you feel.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS

Tagged , , , , ,