The Cosmopolitan is a stylish center-Strip resort next to Bellagio, known for rooms with private balconies, the three-story Chandelier bar, Marquee nightclub and a dense restaurant row. It is run by MGM Resorts and suits couples and groups who want energy over quiet, with the fountains and the center Strip on the doorstep.
The Cosmopolitan opened in December 2010 on a narrow site between Bellagio and CityCenter, and it built its reputation on design and attitude rather than a theme. It is owned by an investor group and operated by MGM Resorts, and it is also bookable as part of Marriott's Autograph Collection through the MGM and Marriott partnership. It has about 3,000 rooms and suites in two towers, Chelsea and Boulevard.
Its biggest selling point is that most rooms have a private balcony, which is very rare on the Strip. Terrace rooms and suites facing Bellagio look straight onto the fountain shows. Even entry-level rooms have a small living area, but ask for a fountain-facing room if the view matters, because city-view rooms look over CityCenter instead.
The public spaces are built for nights out. The Chandelier is a three-level cocktail bar wrapped in crystal strands above the casino, and it is worth a visit even if you stay elsewhere. Marquee runs both a nightclub and a pool dayclub with big-name DJs. The Pool District has three areas: the Boulevard Pool overlooking the Strip, which also hosts outdoor events, the quieter Chelsea Pool, and Marquee Dayclub for the party crowd.
All are seasonal, so check what is open for your dates. The Chelsea, a 3,200-seat theater, books concerts and comedy, and the casino covers about 100,000 square feet. On weekends the lobby and casino stay busy well past midnight, so ask for a higher floor if you want to sleep early.
Dining is packed into a couple of floors, which makes it easy to try several places in one stay. José Andrés runs Jaleo and China Poblano, and Scarpetta, Momofuku and the Wicked Spoon buffet are also here. Secret Pizza, an unmarked slice counter down a record-lined hallway, is a late-night favorite. Museum of Illusions and ARTE Museum are next door in the 63 building, and Bellagio's fountains and Conservatory are a short walk away.
The trade-offs
Weekends are loud, lines for clubs and restaurants are long, parking is paid and a nightly resort fee is added. During the Las Vegas Grand Prix (held each November) expect road closures and peak prices.
Why stay here
- ✓Most rooms have a private balcony, rare on the Strip; fountain-facing terrace rooms overlook the Bellagio shows
- ✓The Chandelier: a three-level cocktail bar wrapped in crystal strands above the casino, open to everyone and worth a visit even if you stay elsewhere
- ✓Pool District with the Boulevard Pool, the quieter Chelsea Pool and Marquee Dayclub, all on a seasonal schedule
- ✓Jaleo, China Poblano, Scarpetta, Momofuku, the Wicked Spoon buffet and the unmarked Secret Pizza
- ✓Marquee nightclub and dayclub with big-name DJs, plus The Chelsea, a 3,200-seat theater for concerts and comedy
- ✓Next door to Museum of Illusions and ARTE Museum in the 63 building, and a short walk from the Bellagio fountains and Conservatory
- ✓A nightly resort fee and paid parking apply, so compare the full cost before you choose
- ✓Right next to Bellagio and walkable to the fountain shows
Good questions
Do rooms have balconies?+
Most rooms have a private balcony, which is rare on the Strip, and terrace rooms overlook the Bellagio fountains.
What is the Chandelier?+
A three-level cocktail bar wrapped in crystal strands above the casino, open to everyone.
Is The Cosmopolitan good for nightlife?+
Yes. Marquee nightclub and dayclub, The Chelsea theater and a dense restaurant row make it a nightlife-first stay.
