The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is well-known for her love of pups, which is woven through her new 188-room, pet-friendly property. It starts at reception, where a statue of a glamorous bulldog adorned with a gold crown and sparkling jewels sits surrounded by lush magenta florals. On one side of the moody lobby, which could double as a speakeasy, is a wall of elegant cups and saucers fit for Vanderpump, 65, to royally raise her pinky from, while books, dog ornaments, and multi-coloured liquor adorn another wall.
Gigolo Bar. Photo / Leena Tailor
The mystic vibes continue as I emerge into the enigmatic eighth floor with its exquisite black and gold wallpaper and curious wisps of vapour circling the lights. From here, the dim, flowery hallway feels like the next stage of an Alice in Wonderland adventure, which lands me in a lilac-themed room designed by Vanderpump and business partner Nick Alain and features photos of Gigolo (aka Giggy) and Vanderpump. Dazzling views of the Bellagio fountains await.
It’s the same impressive view from rooftop pool Soleil Beach, where I cool off from 42-degree heat, then freshen up in a shower lined with motivational words like, “Bless the ones who curse you”, before slathering on Vanderpump’s luxurious body lotion, which I could only describe as smelling fancy.
The Vanderpump Hotel Double Queen Room. Photo / Credit Caesars Entertainment
Fancy’s how I feel presenting the gold token guests receive at check-in to Gigolo bar staff in exchange for a cocktail. “Lisa sits in this spot so she can have her back to the casino,” we’re told, while being escorted to a black velvet banquette surrounded by roses, red lamps and Giggy’s statue.
Vanderpump 1K Bathroom The Vanderpump Hotel Standard Room Bathroom. Photo / Caesars Entertainment
“Creating a bar in [Giggy’s] honour has always been a dream,” Vanderpump shared in a press release. “To see a giant statue of him in Las Vegas is a meaningful moment.”
The must-try for margarita-lovers is Safe Word, made with reposado and hot jalapeno honey before waiters douse it with sprays of firewater tincture until drinkers reach their spice limit.
Phone Booth. Photo / Leena Tailor
The firewater warmed my insides and sent me on my merry way to snap photos inside a London phone booth – a nod to Vanderpump’s British heritage – and along a hallway of photos showing the media personality and restaurateur with husband Ken Todd, children Pandora and Max, and friends like *NSYNC’s Lance Bass. The gallery’s popular with fans, who frequent the hotel, also home to underground club Drai’s After Hours.
“There are die-hards like my guests earlier who were so hyped,” says my driver. “Lisa’s here throughout the week, so there’s a good chance of seeing her.”
The Vanderpump Hotel Casino Floor. Photo / Caesars Entertainment
As my game of spot-the-dog turns into spot-Lisa’s-initials – imprinted everywhere from carpets to casino chairs – the exception is chef Giada De Laurentiis’ second-floor Italian restaurant Giada. “You wouldn’t think a view of traffic would be so amazing,” enthuses a friend. The seafood tower’s octopus salad is a highlight, but the standout was the creamy jumbo scallops staff threw in with my branzino.
Pinkys. Photo / Leena Tailor
However, it’s Art Deco-inspired Pinky’s by Vanderpump at neighbouring resort Flamingo that feels like it belongs inside The Vanderpump Hotel. With blush pink, green and brass decor, it feels like stepping into a greenhouse, tearoom and fairytale all at once. Chef Joshua Grimes says Lisa “comes here the most and loves us the most!”
Pinkys Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough. Photo / Leena Tailor
While some chefs hesitantly adapt their creations, Grimes simply wants everyone to enjoy his food, and happily whipped up a lettuce-wrapped, Keto take on his mini lobster rolls – the best meal of my trip. The cocktail menu offers an indulgent espresso martini with a chocolate bridge from France, and I was delighted to see Vanderpump Wines (also served throughout the hotel) includes a sauvignon blanc made by Marlborough’s Steve Bird Wines.
Bird’s LA-based importer, Concurrent Wines, approached the Māori winemaker about producing the sauvignon. “I took a deep dive into other wines in the Vanderpump portfolio and noticed several strong themes, [like] family, food and a passion for place,” says Bird, who used grapes from Waihopai Valley’s Pyramid Farm. “These themes [align] perfectly to the ethos underpinning our business – whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga.” It’s also the perfect bottle to take back to your room and practise the hotel’s tagline – “Misbehave Accordingly”.
More must-dos for dog-lovers in Las Vegas
Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre
From a beautiful blue Frenchie dressed as a firefighter rescuing pups, to a schnauzer strutting out of the vet’s on two legs, this entertaining show stars dogs, cats, pigs and horses rescued from animal shelters. The 75-minute spectacle is led by Gregory Popovich. “I’m not training them,” he says, introducing his cats. “I look for their natural habits and entertaining things they like doing, then encourage them to do it.”
Stray Pirate
Dubbed a “dog-inspired, sunken pirate ship cocktail lounge,” the downtown Vegas bar offers rum cocktails like the Stray Dog Grog and artwork of dogs dressed as pirates.
Poodle Room
Perched 89 floors atop Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Poodle Room is members-only, but there are other ways in, like booking the extravagant hotel’s Fleur de Lis suites or dining at omakase restaurant Ito. The elite spot features poodle decor, a cigar lounge, cocktails named after award-winning poodles, and a dessert cart.
Leena Tailor was partly hosted by Vanderpump Hotel and Brand USA