Vdara Hotel and Spa

This dramatic high-rise all-suite hotel connected to CityCenter is both non-gaming and non-smoking. The overlapping crescent design of Vdara will offers spectacular views of the city. Amenities will include the Sky Pool and Lounge, Vdara Health and Beauty spa and fitness center, and Silk Road Restaurant.

Don't forget to pack: a shower cap (there are some in the spa)
Nice extras: complimentary water in the fridge; face gel cleanser in the bathroom
What you'll love: slippers and super-soft short robes; the 5-minute walk to Bellagio; free in-room Wi-Fi

I checked into a Deluxe Guest Suite, ultra-modern in decor with a 36th-floor view of CityCenter. I felt pampered in Vdara's ultra-soft robe and supremely comfortable bed with thick comforter and king-sized extra plush pillows (I only needed one). I could control the view with electronic shades and blackout curtains, and watch the flat screen TV from the sofa, desk, bed or dining table for two.

The small kitchen in the entry hall was a convenience, with a new one on me: side-by-side minibar and mini fridge. Two bottled waters were stocked in the fridge daily, compliments of the house. A microwave, small stove and sink were also included, although any supplies beyond a couple of coffee cups are by request only. I'm not a coffee drinker but the Keurig pod coffee maker and Green Mountain coffee in the fridge looked impressive.

Had I stayed longer, I would have enjoyed a soak in the free-standing, six-foot bathtub. The bathroom continued the color theme of white and dark chocolate, with a roomy free-standing shower, single sink and lots of vanity space. The lighting around the sink was the rarest of kinds, one that made me look about 10 years younger and ready for my cover model debut; I wish that lighting could follow me everywhere.

When I'm ready to splurge next time I'll stay in a Panoramic Suite. The layout is similar to the condo hotel rooms at Palms Place, with a modern design, freestanding bathtub, living room, kitchen, and windows all around.

Just off the lobby, Silk Road is a sparkling, sleek eatery with a great people-watching view of the walkway in between Vdara and ARIA. I perused the respectable wine list before deciding instead on a Ketel One martini, extra dirty; one of the best I've been served. Dinner service was discontinued soon after my visit, but I'm assured breakfast and lunch are equally worth a taste. (If the chicken coconut soup is not on the lunch menu, request it; you'll thank me later.) I was also a big fan of the baba ganoush dip served with the flatbread.

Many more dining options are available at Bellagio (a five-minute covered walk away), and over at CityCenter's ARIA and Crystals.

I walked into the spa just to take a look and ended up savoring an hour and a half of bliss. After an express manicure, I settled in to a massage chair and sipped champagne while enjoying a 50-minute deluxe pedicure which I highly recommend (ask for Kazue). I left feeling exactly as a spa should leave you: as if all is right in the world.

The next morning I was back for a 60-minute jetlag massage. This is the kind of spa you'll want to come to early and stay late, with its candlelit Jacuzzi room, steam room and sauna, and a meditation lounge perfect for snoozing under a cozy blanket to the sound of running water after a relaxing treatment. (Locals note: Vdara offers a 20 percent discount, and you don't have to be a guest at the hotel.)

On my visit it was too cold for the Sky pool to open, but I peeked out at the third floor scene with its backdrop of CityCenter high-rises and gracefully curved lounge chairs.