Have you ever considered traveling to Las Vegas during COVID-19? Wonder what it’s like right now? Working from home has been great, but it has also had its challenges. I needed a change of scenery, and Vegas seemed to fit the bill. Everything from the current vibe in Vegas, to their “work from home” specials and where to eat is included below. Keep reading for everything you need to know about traveling to Vegas during this crazy pandemic!
Working from Las Vegas during COVID-19 at Caesars Palace
In order to encourage more people to go back Vegas, some hotels are offering crazy Work from Vegas specials. These specials are around $99-$150 per night, include some type of voucher ($15 coffee voucher, $50 meal voucher) depending on where you stay, and also offer work stations in your room as well as by the pool. These offers are valid for travel Sunday-Thursday.
After looking at different hotels and their safety protocols, my boyfriend and I decided to stay at Caesars Palace (my personal fave). We drove from San Diego, so we arrived in Vegas around 4:30pm, which was perfect for check-in. You must be wearing a mask the entire time you are in the hotel. Security takes your temperature at check-in and only 4 people at a time are allowed in the elevators.
The Workspace Situation
Our room had a great work station that included a pretty large desk and two chairs. Since my boyfriend had to bring his big monitor for work the desk was perfect for him, but I chose to work from bed. The regular WiFi network worked for us, but they do have options to upgrade if you need to.
It was so nice to be able to work from bed, while having the view of the strip. It helped me stay motivated throughout the day and reward myself with lounging by the pool. Overall it was a pretty fun way to visit (and work) in Las Vegas during COVID-19.
The Amenities: Casino & Pools
Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis
Every day we would finish work around 4ish and go to the Garden of the Gods pool – one of their 7 pools. Caesars is limiting capacity in their pools, so they have a system where you can text to virtually stand in line. Once it’s your turn, you’ll receive a text telling you they’re ready for you. Since we wouldn’t leave our room until later in the day, we never had to wait in line. All of the chairs / cabanas were spaced 6 feet apart, and masks were required at all times. The only time we didn’t have to wear one was when our entire bodies were in the pool. Security consistently walked around and monitored the mask situation. When we bought drinks we would pull down our mask, take a sip, and then put it back on.
Casino
The casino floor was eerie. The poker room had acrylic dividers for every single person, including the dealer. The tables didn’t have dividers, but social distancing was still a thing. Although if you really think about it, everyone is touching the same cards and chips so perhaps it’s not the best idea to gamble. If you do end up doing it, be sure to wash your hands right after and to not touch your face! Every slot machine had a note about social distancing.
PRO TIP: If you’re going to go to take advantage of these specials, definitely avoid Sunday. Walking through the casino floor on Sunday was CRAZY! It honestly shocked me to see how many people were in the casino and walking along the strip. I instantly thought we had made a huge mistake, but as the days went on it was less and less crowded. I would say Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days. There’s almost no one around and these were the days that I felt the safest.
Ready for some drinks? Try the Vanderpump Cocktail Garden!
As an avid RHOBH fan, I have been dying to visit the Vanderpump Garden for a while! The last time I was in Vegas I wasn’t able to stop by so this time I made sure to go and MY GOD I loved EVERYTHING!
First off, the ambiance & lighting was amazing – bravo Nick Alain! Then, when I saw they had THE goat cheese balls on the menu, I lost it! I have been imagining what they would taste like ever since Stassi first obsessed over them on VPR. We also ordered the sliders and truffle chips – which were also delicious!
But what really killed it.. THE DRINKS! There’s no reason why you would know this, but I have this weird obsession with lavender. I feel like just allowing it into any part of my life will solve all of my problems and give me a great sense of relaxation lol. So of course I ordered the Giggy Tonic, lavender included, and the Rome is Burning, which is a smoked black cherry Manhattan.
The cocktail garden is completely inside and even if you’re having drinks, your masks has to be on at all times. The only time we were allowed to completely take our masks off was when we were eating. The tables are spaced nicely and there aren’t any acrylic dividers.
Want to Venture Out? Try Carbone or SW Steakhouse
Carbone
New York’s infamous restaurant Carbone has a location at the Aria, so this was a must! Reservations are necessary, and believe the hype about the spicy rigatoni – it’s bomb! Also, I love a good bread basket and theirs is W.O.W. and they literally bring you a mini block of parm for you to eat with the pickled cauliflower they bring you, on the house. Like.. what!?
Carbone is completely indoors and masks are required unless you’re at your table. The tables are spaced 6 feet apart, but there aren’t any acrylic dividers.
SW Steakhouse
Another amazing place to try is SW Steakhouse! What I loved about this steakhouse was the fact that it was outdoors/indoors. We were seated inside, but were facing the wide open area of the outdoor seating. To our surprise, our dinner also came with an awesome little show. They have a waterfall that projects different lights and images on it, while music plays. The show closed with a girl projected on the screen singing Beyonce’s ‘Halo’. It was magical!
Also magical was the rib eye! So juicy, but not too fatty with the perfect charred crust.
SW required masks at all time, but had a little placemat on the table for each person’s mask (adorable). This place made me feel a little better since there was the continuous flow of fresh air.
Final Thoughts on visiting Las Vegas during COVID-19
Hopefully these tips are helpful to you! I definitely want to add that I’m not actively encouraging people to be traveling during a pandemic. We decided to go to Vegas because of the great “work from home” specials and the safety protocols they had in place. As Vegas starts to open up some lounges and clubs, it will only get busier and potentially a little less safe. Hopefully by reading this, it will help you make a more informed decision.
