After an underwhelming stay in Encore last year, I decided to try the opposite end of the Strip to see if it was any better. The Four Seasons is ranked as one of the best hotels in Vegas, so I went in with some pretty high expectations. I can honestly say this hotel met, if not exceeded, every single one of them.
At Encore, any request I made to the staff was answered with either "No" or "That costs extra." Compare that to Four Seasons, where they offer complimentary water during check-in, complimentary coffee and tea, complimentary shoe shines, complimentary newspaper of your choice, complimentary turn-down service, and even a complimentary house car that will take you anywhere you want to go within a three-mile radius.
In addition to all these amenities, the staff actively went out of their way to accommodate me, even greeting me by name when I walked through the lobby. This was a welcome change to the rest of the city, where you're just another face in the crowd. In fact, the entire hotel felt like an escape from Vegas - there were no lines during check-in or check-out, no masses of people crowding around a nightclub, no shrieking or laughing coming through a connecting door, and not a single slot machine to be heard as you walk through the hallways. It's an oasis of serenity in one of the most vibrant cities on Earth.
There are downsides, unfortunately. The dreaded resort fee is here, although if an extra $20 per night will break your budget, this probably isn't the best hotel for you. Mandalay Bay, which houses the Four Seasons, is located on the far end of the strip, meaning it's a long walk to anywhere. There are only two restaurants specific to the Four Seasons, a steakhouse and a café, and both are quite pricey (though the food is excellent). Finally, it can be a bit of a scavenger hunt to find where the entrance to the hotel is hidden, especially after a long day and a few drinks.
Despite these few problems, it's easy to see why the Four Seasons holds a place as one of the top hotels in Las Vegas. The rooms are not cheap, but if you can afford to stay there, you'll get to enjoy one of the few five-star hotels in the city that actually deserves its rating.
- Four Seasons Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Four Seasons
