Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

Formerly the Mandarin Oriental, the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas is one of the Strip’s poshest hotels. The property changed hands in 2018, and the sleek Asian flair of common spaces that the Mandarin Oriental is known for is now more subdued. Although some public areas have been updated with new furniture and a lighter color palette, others are still in the process of a revamp, including all rooms and suites, which are expected to debut by mid-2020.
Overall, this is a quieter, more sophisticated option on the Strip, and the lack of a casino means that it’s also smoke-free. It's hard to ignore the hotel's wellness vibe, too, which is an appealing break from the hedonism that often characterizes Las Vegas. The swish gym has free fitness and yoga classes, while the stunning spa offers customizable body treatments, as well as a hammam and sleek relaxation areas with huge windows overlooking the city. Thanks to its mellower vibe and relatively small size, the Waldorf Astoria attracts a wide variety of guests -- from business to leisure travelers and families -- looking to retreat to a quieter spot after a day of exploring the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.

The Waldorf Astoria has an ideal south-Strip location across from the designer-packed Shops at Crystals. There's no casino found on-site, but the nearest option is only a five-minute walk away. The Bellagio Hotel’s fountains and fabulous musical performances are a five-minute drive (or 15-minute walk), as is Paris Las Vegas’s over-the-top French attractions. The iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign takes seven minutes to reach by car, while the Neon Museum -- which has a collection of old Las Vegas signs -- is a 15-minute drive from the property. Downtown Las Vegas is just a bit farther and the 17-minute trip will also bring travelers to the busker-filled Fremont Street Experience. Budget around 10 minutes to reach McCarran International Airport, depending on traffic. Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft operate in Las Vegas.

The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas rooms are some of the Strip’s poshest. They’re currently undergoing renovations in several phases, and the design is expected to move away from the Asian theme that was prevalent at the Mandarin Oriental. For now, however, interiors still blend elements of contemporary and classic Asian styles, including intricately textured tan walls, deep jewel-toned soft furnishings, and handsome wooden accents. At the time of writing, rooms and suites were expected to be fully revamped by mid-2020.
Rooms at the Waldorf Astoria start at 506 square feet and feature huge floor-to-ceiling windows that in many units offer stunning Strip views. The standard room type here is the City View Room, which overlooks the city and the mountains and desert beyond. A step up are the Strip View Rooms, which offer even better views of the neon lights along Las Vegas’ most famous street. Regardless of category, all units are light and upscale, with high-end features such as electronic blinds and walk-in closets. They’re also all large enough to comfortably fit a king bed, a work desk, and a sitting area. Suites, most of which can be found on floors 20 to 22, add a separate living area complete with a dining table, plus either a wet bar or a kitchenette. Presidential Suites -- of which there are four types -- feature private fitness rooms with a couple of machines.
Tech-wise, rooms have big flat-screen TVs with cable channels, Wi-Fi that's included in resort fees, and AV panels with USB and HDMI inputs. Other standard features include air-conditioning, safes, robes, irons, ironing boards, and slippers. Turndown service is also standard. Premier Presidential Three-Bedroom Suites come with butler service.
Gorgeous marble bathrooms are spacious and have double sinks and nickel fixtures. Their stand-alone showers and separate soaking tubs are a luxurious touch, although some guests might dislike the frosted two-way glass panels that separate them from the bedrooms. Bathrooms also include illuminated magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and a range of toiletries.

The Waldorf Astoria eschews the typical Las Vegas trappings and opts for more luxurious and wellness-minded offerings. There are no casino, smoke-filled interiors, or loud entertainment anywhere on the property. Instead, it's a tranquil and sophisticated space. The pool area is located on the eighth floor and features a plunge pool, two heated whirlpools, and two pools surrounded by lounge chairs and cabanas (the latter of which must be rented). Waiter service is available around all pools during opening hours.
The 27,000-square-foot spa is a sleek space that offers massages, hydrotherapy, beauty services, and a Turkish hammam. Day passes are available for a fee. Suite guests get free daily passes for two. The gym has a range of cardio machines, as well as free weights and dumbbells. Fitness classes ranging from yoga to strength training are included in the daily resort fee.
The Waldorf Astoria provides free transportation (when available) to any location within a two-mile radius of the hotel. Valet parking with in-and-out privileges is available for a fee, but there is no self-parking on-site. The hotel has 12,000 square feet of event space, including a large ballroom, three flexible rooms, and a boardroom. There is also a 24-hour business center, and property-wide Wi-Fi is included in the hotel's mandatory resort fee.

The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas has three restaurants that are well-liked by past guests and visitors from other hotels in Las Vegas. The crown jewel is Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, a Michelin-rated chef whose restaurant serves French cuisine. Other options include the Asian-themed Zen Kitchen, the Pool Cafe’s American menu, and the 23rd-floor Tea Lounge. The sleek Skybar has a sophisticated interior and fabulous city views. Room service is available 24/7.