Beautiful hotel and one of the best buffets in Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan, which only opened in winter 2010, is one of the most expensive hotels in Las Vegas, but also one of the most inconspicuous: there is no real theme to be discerned and shows and attractions are largely sought in vain.

Nevertheless, it's worth a visit, thanks in no small part to the superb Wicked Spoon buffet, which is one of the best in Las Vegas....

Content: The Hotel

- Wicked Spoon Buffet - Parking

The Hotel

The best reason to stay at the Cosmopolitan is obvious with a glance at the map: the location of the hotel is great! It stands between the self-proclaimed City Center and the Bellagio almost in the middle of the Strip. Opposite is Planet Hollywood, but it is also not far from Paris and Caesars Palace.

At first glance, the hotel complex looks quite small, but the impression is deceptive: more than 3, 000 spacious rooms, a 3,200-seat theatre and, of course, a large casino are hidden behind the seemingly narrow but rather elongated façade.

However, if you want to spend the night in the very modern and chicly furnished hotel, you have to have the necessary change in your pocket: If you're lucky, you'll find a room for around 200 euros a night, but prices of up to 400 euros are not uncommon - for the most basic rooms, mind you.

However, the very good location, the beautiful furnishings and the high level of comfort are worth the money. The pool area seems a little concrete-heavy, but makes up for it with nice views of the surroundings, such as the Eiffel Tower.

Wicked Spoon Buffet

While there is a lot on offer for hotel guests, the attractions for visitors are limited: The shows in the aforementioned theatre are aimed more at a local audience with lots of quirky comedy.

But luckily there is the Wicked Spoon Buffet, which has been one of the best in Las Vegas for years: In a pleasantly quiet atmosphere, you can enjoy a wonderful selection of different dishes, some of which are not only very creatively cooked, but also beautifully presented. You won't find any cafeteria flair here!

Even though the buffets at Caesars Palace, Wynn and M Resort offer similarly convincing alternatives, a visit to the Wicked Spoon Buffet is a must if you want to explore Las Vegas from a culinary perspective. Especially since the crowds here are often a bit smaller than at Caesars, where the masses like to stand in line.

While in the early years of the buffet there were only dinners, the offer now starts at 8 a.m. with brunch, $28 on weekdays, $36 on weekends.

It lasts until 3pm, after which dinner continues straight away until 9pm, for a fairly reasonable $42-49.

Parking

The Cosmopolitan's parking garage is on West Harmon Avenue behind or below the hotel. Avoid a long drive along the Strip, so it's best to stay on Interstate 15 until Flamingo Road, then turn onto the Strip at Bellagio and behind the Cosmopolitan to the Self Parking Garage.

Parking fees are $7 for up to four hours, $10 for up to 24 hours. The first hour is free.

Recommended hotels in Las Vegas

• Luxor, cheap, but nice and good, just a bit out of the way.

• The Linq, cheapest, good hotel in the city centre

• The Mirage, very nice classic, a "landmark".

• Paris, upscale, but quite cheap and very central

• Bellagio, a touch of luxury at often relatively fair prices

• Wynn, best choice, if it may be a little more expensive

Read more about the city:

• Las Vegas attractions

• Hotels in Las Vegas

• 3 days in Las Vegas

• The best buffets

• McCarran International Airport