Fans cheering on the football game.

Planning Your NFL Championship Weekend in Vegas

Football is in the air and we could not be more excited about the upcoming game day weekend. There’s absolutely no better time to plan your Big Game Day weekend in Las Vegas! Watch as two of the best football teams compete for the ultimate win in the comfort of your own suite, at one of Vegas’ best sports books, or with a beer in hand. No matter what you choose, this big sports weekend (February 4th to be exact) is always a hit in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

If you’re ready to plan out your NFL Championship weekend, then we’ve got you covered with a full itinerary of where to watch the game, what to snack on, and the best spots to kick back and relax.

Where to Watch the Game

The NFL Championship is the biggest game of the season and will feature not only great football, but great entertainment. Justin Timberlake will be hosting the halftime show, Pink will sing the National Anthem, and we already know there will be plenty of glitz and glam thrown in. So where should you watch all the excitement?

Best Sports Books

-The Bellagio – The Bellagio is known for its luxury and comfort, but did you also know that their sports book is one of the most popular in Las Vegas? If you want to get away from some of the weekend rush, step into the upscale hotel-casino to place your bets in a more intimate setting. Get catered on hand and foot while you cheer on your team from the plush comfort of this Las Vegas staple.

-Green Valley Ranch – If you want to do the big weekend in true Vegas fashion, check out Green Valley Ranch, located a few minutes off the strip. This huge sports book has not one, not two, but more than 200 screens, including personal seats and over 30 plasma screen TVs. There’s also a VIP section for the high rollers, as well as incredible food and drinks.

-Westgate Las Vegas – Westgate is one of the original sports books in Vegas, dating back to 1986! It has set the standard for sports betting and features 30,000 square feet of entertainment space, 28 screens, and a massive 15 x 20 foot screen for viewing from all angles! Plus, it’s a bit off the strip, so you can avoid the major tourist rushes.

What to Eat

What’s football without snacks? The two go hand-in-hand and there’s no use doing the big game weekend without enjoying the delicious cuisine that Las Vegas has to offer!

-Last year, Umami Burger did a Big Game Bash, which included open bars, game day food, and special giveaways and this year will likely be something similar. The chic burger bar, beer garden, and sports book has it all for football fans and foodies alike.

-Like peanut butter and jelly, beer and football are BFFs. At Beer Park, you can enjoy both the game and the beautiful view from their rooftop patio, while also sipping on one of over 100 beer choices! This hot spot will also feature fun takes on game day classics, like chile verde nachos and mac and cheese egg rolls.

-Tahiti Village’s  17° South Booze & Bites features everything you need on game day, including wings, wide screen TVs and tropical island-inspired seating. Kick back, relax, and enjoy one of our many world-class food options. The stomach is the limit for this football party weekend!

Where to Stay

All this fun can get tiring! Start your NFL Championship weekend off right by picking the right place to stay. Las Vegas has many first rate hotel and suite options available for all.

–Caesars Palace is right in the center of the action on the strip and an iconic Las Vegas favorite. The hotel has food and drinks right there, meaning that after the game you can keep the party going!

-Tahiti Village features some of the most beautiful suites in the area and if you want to take your football weekend up a notch, look no further. Our Royal Tahitian, Bora Bora, and Moorea suites are all first-class and we feature vacation packages to make your trip about more than just cheering on a team.

Whether you’re a seasoned football fan or just here for the snacks, watching the Big Game in Las Vegas is an experience like no other. Whether you experience the rush of the stirp or take the party elsewhere, your NFL Championship weekend will certainly be one for the books.

Overview of the Las Vegas Strip.

8 Things To Do in Vegas During the Winter

Even though Spring and Summer are the prime time seasons for visiting Las Vegas, Winter in this city is a lesser known treasure! In-the-know visitors from around the world escape harsh weather to indulge in the luxuries of Vegas. Winter in this Nevada desert welcomes refreshing temperatures and less-crowded attractions while still maintaining its status as the entertainment capital of the world.

1. Mahana Spa

From revitalizing facials to aromatherapy massages, Mahana Spa is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the desert. The evenings can be a bit brisk in Vegas in January, and what better way to warm up than with a hot stone massage or a nourishing body wrap? Let’s face it – while it’s nice to celebrate with family and friends, the holiday season can leave us feeling tired and in need of some self-pampering. You deserve a luxurious day at the spa now more than ever while also enjoying one of the best Las Vegas winter activities.

2. Lee Canyon

If you’re craving some snowy scenery, a day trip from Vegas can surely satisfy. A short hour drive from the city is Lee Canyon, a full-service ski and snowboard resort complete with snow play areas, snowshoe trails, and tubing hills. Spend the day frolicking in the fresh powder and make your way back to Vegas in time for dinner.

3. See a Vegas Show

Vegas’s large selection of shows attracts audiences from around the world year-round. One of the perks of a Winter Vegas trip is less crowded shows, which means more availability. Instead of having to buy tickets weeks in advance, seats are a bit easier to come by this time of the year. Celebrated shows like Vegas! and Zumanity are available daily for your viewing pleasure.

4. Parties for the Big Game

Vegas celebrates the NFL Championship weekend like it does everything else – extravagantly. Watch two teams battle it out at one of the many game day parties throughout the city. Eat to your stomach’s content, drink craft cocktails, and enjoy the lively Vegas-style environment while you cheer on your favorite team. With so many parties to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect match for you and your group.

5. Third Thursday on 3rd Block Party

A lesser-known casual culinary destination is the block party that happens every third Thursday night on 3rd Street in downtown Vegas. Delicious food trucks line up to offer customers a unique array of foods ranging from exotic to comfort foods. Live art, music, and entertainment join the food trucks and create a well-rounded experience. Get a taste of the local Vegas scene at this authentic roadside function, and move it to the top of your list for Las Vegas winter activities.

6. Exhibitionism – The Rolling Stones Exhibit

Music lovers, listen up! Taking place at The Venetian in January 2018, Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones Exhibit will give visitors a peek into the world of art and music like they’ve never seen before. A mix of fine art, video exhibits, paraphernalia, photography, lyric books, and personal diaries come together to tell the story of The Rolling Stones. Works by celebrated artists like Andy Warhol, David Bailey, and Walton Ford are included in the 500 items on display. This is a not-to-be-missed event for lovers of art, music, fashion, and pop culture!

7. Diva’s Day Out

Diva’s Day Out is Las Vegas’s largest women’s event and features products, resources, and entertainment all geared toward helping women lead happy, healthy, fashionable lives. Taking place on January 27th, this event will feature over 175 businesses and draw over 8,000 attendees. Diva’s Day Out gives women a chance to relax and pamper themselves in a fun, lively environment. The best part? Admission is free! If you or a lady in your group could use a fun day out, this is the perfect fit!

8. Cheer on the Vegas Golden Knights

Bring your friends and your Las Vegas spirit to help cheer on the Vegas Golden Knights as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 23rd! Vegas’s first ever major league professional sports team has cultivated a loyal following in the city. Immerse yourself in the local Vegas pride from the stands of the T-Mobile Arena as you watch the two teams battle it out!

Though famous for its pool-party-filled Summers, Vegas comes to life in a new way in the Wintertime. With the cooler weather comes special events, shows, sports seasons, and nearby Wintery fun. Pair all that will your year-round Vegas attractions and who wouldn’t want to plan their Vegas trip for Winter? Pack your bags and come enjoy the refreshing weather and steadfast Vegas spirit!

Magician Seth Grabel to make official Tahiti Village debut this Sunday afternoon. It’s interactive! It’s early! It’s kid friendly!

Last Sunday, in a rehearsal performance a week before his official Tahiti Village debut on Jan. 14, magician Seth Grabel wowed a roomful of invited employees and their guests with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of sleight of hand trickery, astonishing utensil manipulation, mindboggling levitation, and dexterous card virtuosity.

He was also incredibly funny and engaging.

I was in the audience and can say, without reservation, that Seth’s sheer magic mastery compares with any Strip magician I’ve seen, and he surpasses them all where audience interaction, participation and fun are concerned. Seth never lacked for willing human props, and if they experienced any initial trepidation, he quickly put them at ease with madcap question and answer ventriloquism and subsequently blew their minds with incredible how-did-he- do-that artistry.

Watching him live, it is easy to see how Seth was an America’s Got Talent semifinalist and a guest on numerous other TV shows, including Animal Planet, EXTRA, and E! Seth’s show is decidedly family-friendly (the kids in the audience were completely captivated) and, with a 4 p.m. start, it’s a great way to begin your evening in Las Vegas.

If you’re staying at Tahiti Village this weekend, or you live in Las Vegas and want to get out of the house on a Sunday afternoon, I wholeheartedly recommend taking in the Seth Grabel show inside the second floor Kahiko Room above Denny’s. Doors open at 3:30.

Tickets are available at the concierge desk in the main lobby or by calling (702) 440-6915. Get some before they disappear!

By Las Vegas Entertainment Writer

The incredible close-up magic of Seth Grabel is coming to Tahiti Village!

You won’t believe your eyes when magician extraordinaire Seth Grabel brings his bag of tricks to Tahiti Village beginning Jan. 14. Seth will perform mind blowing sleight of hand magic every Sunday at 4 p.m. in our Kahiko Room on the second floor above Denny’s.

A semifinalist on America’s Got Talent, Seth has been wowing audiences with his visionary approach to magic on television and stages across the country for 20 years. Here at Tahiti Village, this versatile performer will demonstrate the art of sleight of hand to mesmerizing effect.

The intimate Kahiko Room is the perfect setting for Seth’s brand of close-up card wizardry and the audience participation that is a large part of his family-friendly show. Tickets are available at the concierge (702) 440-6915 or as part of a special room package on our website.

Don’t miss the incredible Seth Grabel on your next visit to Tahiti Village!

Fireworks galore and abundant activities highlight New Year’s Eve in Vegas!

How do you distinguish New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas from any other night? Not easily. We are a city for which New Year’s revelry is a daily occurrence in spirit if not fact, so in order to meet the expectations of 300,000 or so visitors hoping for an even greater adrenaline rush, we are obligated to up our game – if that’s possible.

Well guess what? It is! There are an abundance of New Year’s Eve festivities in Las Vegas, highlighted by an eight-minute fireworks display above the Strip at midnight. If you’re staying with us over the holiday and looking for something to do on NYE, you won’t suffer for options. Just click here for all the information.

It has been a great 2017 here at Tahiti Village, and we wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. We hope to see you in 2018!

Spending the Holidays in the Desert

Spending the holidays in Vegas is becoming increasingly common as more and more people flee the snow and head for the sunshine. This city’s over-the-top tendencies don’t stop when the holidays roll around. Everything from festive decor to light displays to special seasonal menus exude holiday spirit.

In an effort to make the most out of your desert holiday experience, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate eating, shopping, and otherwise enjoying the holidays and Christmas in Las Vegas:

Best Places to Shop for Gifts in Vegas

Vegas is one of the best places to be when you need to go shopping for gifts. Whether your loved ones prefer designer goods, gourmet snacks, or casual trinkets, this city has you covered.

-Town Square

Complete with a range of trendy retailers, Town Square is a one-stop-destination for all your holiday gift shopping. Make a day of your outing by dining at one of the many restaurants or stopping into a casual eatery. Town Square offers guests convenience wrapped in an elegant package.

-HEXX Chocolate

HEXX is a beloved Vegas chocolatier specializing in fine, artisanal chocolates. If one of your holiday gift recipients has a sweet tooth, this is the perfect option. HEXX chocolate is created from scratch with cocoa beans from all over the world. According to HEXX, each region brings out a specific flavor in the resulting chocolate, similar to wine. Chocolate can be purchased in single bars or in sample packs so your loved one gets a little taste of each region.

-RAO’s

Rao’s Specialty Foods offers an array of gift baskets during the holiday season, each featuring a unique selection of hand-crafted goodies. This gift is perfect for the food lover in your life, as you can personalize it according to their taste.

Holiday Events and Activities in Vegas

Don’t let the desert foliage and sunshine fool you – Las Vegas gets festive during the holiday season! The city embraces the holidays just like it does everything else – with vigor and extravagance. If you’re spending the holiday season in Sin City, be sure to check out these events:

-VEGAS! THE SHOW Holiday Spectacular

This year, the renowned Vegas production will take on a holiday twist. Additional dance numbers, shimmering decor, and extravagant holiday costumes will decorate the stage. This is a great option for couples and families alike, as the show is open to all ages. Show times are 7 pm and 9 pm nightly.

-Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan

Get a taste of that classic winter weather in the desert by visiting the ice rink at the Cosmopolitan. The fourth floor outdoor pool that draws guests in the Summertime transforms into a Winter wonderland from November to January. S’mores, seasonal cocktails, holiday movies, and festive music add to the ambience. Tickets are $20 ($10 for locals and hotel guests).

-Annual NYE Party at Tahiti Village

Complete with hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight, this party is always one for the books. Guests are greeted with festive decor, a fresh seafood display, and a dance floor pumping with top tunes. Located in the Skyview Lounge of Tower 5, the atmosphere  of the party matches the excitement of the evening, providing guests with the perfect place to bring in the New Year in style. Tickets are $135 in advance or $150 at the door.

Easy Meals to Make in Your Suite

If you like to prepare your holiday meals yourself, make sure to stay at a resort that offers suites with fully functional kitchens. Here are a few easy-to-prepare, delicious holiday meals so you can both delight your loved ones and save time and money:

–Glazed Ham with Coriander and Fennel

Add a delicious twist to a Christmas classic. This slightly-salty, slightly-sweet flavor complements nicely with the meat and makes for the perfect holiday dinner.

–Striped Bass With Shallot Vinaigrette

This dish is a lighter alternative to most holiday classics. The delicate bass and tarte vinaigrette combine to create an exceptional flavor that will earn you compliments all day and night.

–Roasted Leg of Lamb with Carrots and Honey-Mint Sauce:

Feeling adventurous? This dish takes your taste buds for quite the ride. Each aspect of the meal contributes to the overall flavor, which is equal parts bold and intricate.

General Tips

-Book Early:

Restaurants, hotels, shows, and events tend to fill up pretty quickly during the holiday season as more and more people decide to celebrate in Sin City. As long as you make your reservations early, you’ll be good to go!

-Keep Your Mind Open:

Though it’s smart to have a pretty good idea of what you want to do during your trip, keep your eyes peeled for even more holiday fun along the way. Light displays and other holiday celebrations are plentiful throughout the city.

-Dress for the Occasion:

Though Las Vegas is typically thought to have hot weather year round, it can get pretty chilly in the Winter months (especially at night). Make sure to bring sweaters and jackets with you.

Las vegas embraces the holidays with excitement and spirit – and it shows! From the extravagant decor to the plethora of holiday-themed activities and events, this city is the perfect place to be when getting into the holiday spirit. Celebrate the season with loved ones in this desert oasis that never fails to impress.

Two girls taking a picture while on vacation.

Must Take Pictures While Staying in Vegas

Las Vegas is known for being over-the-top, which makes for some prime photo opportunities. Whether you’re into intricate architecture, towering water shows, or sparkling displays, you are sure to capture some of the best photo opts in Vegas during your trip. With so many attractions fighting for your attention, it can be hard to decide where to point your camera next – which is why we put together this list of must-take pictures while staying in Vegas.

The Bellagio Fountains

The famous fountains in front of the Bellagio create a majestic scene begging to be photographed. A photo of this installation will be gorgeous no matter what time of day you shoot, but the most magnificent shots tend to be taken at sunset and in the evenings, when the water displays are illuminated. Although photos can’t do the regal water shows justice, they come pretty close.

The Fremont Street Lights

Fremont Street is a photographer’s wonderland. Whether you’re shooting portraits or landscape shots, this street will present you with a plethora of well-lit, unique photo opts. Plenty of street performers, neon signs, and quirky displays are available for your photo-taking pleasures. Perhaps the most notable characteristic of Fremont Street is the giant LED covering that spans the length of five football fields and lights up the area in brilliant, luminous displays. Get your camera ready and snap a few shots of the lights playing off of the buzzing street.

OMNIA Nightclub

It may seem strange to include a nightclub on a list of the best photo opts in Vegas, but the reason quickly becomes apparent upon entrance into OMNIA. The centerpiece of the club is a giant, dancing chandelier that moves to the music, just as the dancers do below. The 30-foot display combines with brilliant light shows to create a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. The club’s lush interiors and organic shapes make it a feast for the eyes – and the camera.

The High Roller

This attraction offers arguably the best view of the strip from above. Whether you’re scared of heights or crave an adrenaline rush, there’s an opportunity for the perfect Las Vegas Strip pictures. Take a ride on the High Roller at sunset and take a few shots of the glittering city from the top. Or, stay on the ground and make the High Roller itself the focal point (there’s a great point of view from the LINQ promenade). However you choose to utilize the tallest wheel on the planet for your photo-taking purposes, you’re sure to end up with some jaw-dropping images.

The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan

If you’ve come to Vegas for the glitz and glamour, this one’s for you. The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan glitters with elegance and class. This enormous display of glittering crystals encompasses three unique bar experiences that offer a variety of perspectives. For photo taking purposes, the best views come from the bottom level outside of the chandelier, the third level inside the chandelier, or at the second level of The Cosmopolitan looking over the chandelier. Though these perspectives may offer the best compositions, any view of the chandelier will yield incredible, sparkling images.

The Excalibur Castles

An oldie but a goodie, the Excalibur Castles offer a royal photo op. The intricate castle designs transport you to medieval times while the colorful castle tops and bustling surroundings bring you right back to present day Vegas. Snap a detail shot of the architecture or bring your wide-angle lens for a shot of the entire thing. This quirky Las Vegas classic won’t disappoint when it comes to the best places to take family pictures in Las Vegas.

The Shopping Arcade at the Venetian

This Venice-inspired attraction in the Venetian screams “photo op” from the sky-themed ceiling to the authentic gondolas floating along the indoor canal. There are several bridges along the Arcade that are perfect for portraits while any angle of the canal makes for a gorgeous shot. For a unique perspective, take a ride on a gondola and take photographs while drifting along the canal.

The Las Vegas Sign (of course)

This photo op is more classic than cliche. Featured in almost all Vegas movies and pictured with countless celebrities, this sign is a must when it comes to Vegas photography. Be wary as you will probably not have the sign to yourself – it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city. But, that classic Las Vegas Sign shot will be well worth the wait. Try timing your photo sesh for sunrise or sunset for an added effect.

This photogenic city is packed to the brim with camera-ready scenes and insta-worthy locations. With so much to do and see, you won’t be able to put your camera down for long. Make sure to document your experiences so you can look back and remember how dazzled you were by the entertainment capital of the world!

Contestant riding a horse at the NFR.

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Coming to Vegas

If you’re visiting Las Vegas this month, you’re in for a real treat because the rodeo is in town! That means it’s time to slip on those cowboy boots, dust off your belt buckle, and plop that cowboy hat on your head! But, to be more specific, it’s not just a rodeo that’s in town, it’s the rodeo, the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo! Let Tahiti Village be your source and host for all things rodeo, and discover what you’ve been missing!

National Finals Rodeo (NFR) History

If you are attending this year’s NFR, then you will forever be a part of one of the greatest rodeos in history. Starting back in 1958, the NFR was established to showcase the nation’s top fifteen money-winners in each event, including calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, and team roping, all competing for the ultimate world champion title. Talk about a variety of events to get everyone in the crowd excited about a good old fashioned rodeo!

Throughout the history of the NFR, the locations have moved around the U.S., eventually ending up in fabulous Las Vegas! In the beginning, from 1959-1961, the NFR was held in Dallas. Following, it was Los Angeles’ turn to host this one of a kind event from 1962-1964. After the event took place in LA, Oklahoma City successfully bid to be the host of this rodeo event. After a couple of their successful venues brought in groundbreaking annual revenues, the NFR remained in the area through 1984.

Finally, the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas, won the bid to become the new host for the rodeo and since 1985 the rodeo has continued to be held in Sin City at the Thomas & Mack Center. The NFR has become the biggest client to the venue, bringing in over 170,000 fans each year for the anticipated 10 day event. Not only is this event loved by many, but in 2001 Wrangler became the title sponsor for the National Finals Rodeo, giving it the name it deserves!

Now that we’re caught up on the history of the event, it’s time to get into the specifics of this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Everything You Need to Know About the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

2017 marks the 33rd year that the Wrangler NFR is being held in Las Vegas, and this is an event that you will not want to miss! It’s time to make your way out to the wild wild west for this premier rodeo, a 10 day event in the desert. If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas or even heard stories about the city, you’ll know that every event held in the city is done to the fullest, and the NFR is no exception. Now it’s time to fully prepare for this 10 day event!

  • When

This year’s NFR, the “Super Bowl” of rodeos is held on December 7-16, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. This timeframe creates the perfect window for you and your fellow rodeo lovers to plan a much needed trip to Sin City! Not only will you be able to enjoy the rodeo events, but you will also have plenty of time to explore the city during one of the less busy times for tourism. Catch a show on the Strip, enjoy an unforgettable meal, or simply explore the city and everything that makes this area great!

  • Where

As the destination in Las Vegas for sports and entertainment, the 2017 NFR will be held at The Thomas & Mack Center. This venue not only hosts the NFR every year, but it is also home to UNLV athletic events, World Championship boxing, monster truck finals, and much more! Get your feel of one of the best venues in the area when you attend the 2017 NFR.

  • Schedule of Events

Before the meat of the NFR begins on Thursday, December 7th, you will also see that the rodeo events officially kick off on Sunday, December 3rd, starting with the Miss Rodeo America Contestant Introductions. Following these days leading up to the first day of events, you can also catch the Miss Rodeo America Horsemanship Competition & Public Speaking, PRCA National Convention Registration & State of the Association, and the PRCA Trade Show & Silent Auction. December 7th marks the first day of the official schedule! The Wrangler NFR consists of 10 rounds starting on Thursday, and at the end of each event there are two champions. So, get your tickets today and don’t miss out on all the fun of the rodeo. You’ll also want to keep autograph sessions in mind while in town for the main events! The top 7 rodeo events that you can expect to see this year are:

>Bareback riding
>Steer wrestling
>Team roping
>Saddle bronc riding
>Tie-down roping
>Barrel racing
>Bull riding

Who

The 2017 Wrangler NFR Contestant Roster consists of over 100 skilled rodeo performers, looking to make the final cut of this years events. Some names include Sage Kimzey for bull riding, Tanner Aus for bareback riding, and Brody Cress for saddle bronc riding, just to name a few! Also, be on the lookout for some unforgettable opening acts as well as live performances before and after each night of the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Now that you have a better understanding of how one of the greatest rodeos came about and a brief overview of the events happening this year, it’s time to get out to Las Vegas for one of the biggest events in the desert! Looking for a place to stay? Look no further than Tahiti Village! With resort style rooms, you and your whole party will be nothing but comfortable while staying in Las Vegas.

Ring in 2018 at our New Year’s Eve party!

If you missed last year’s festive New Year’s Eve party, we hope you made (and will keep) at least one 2017 resolution: to ring in 2018 with us here at Tahiti Village! Our 10th floor Skyview lounge in Tower 5 offers an unimpeded Strip view and is an excellent location to watch the awe-inspiring fireworks display at midnight. Our balcony offers one of the best vantage points in Las Vegas. You’ll also enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, an enticing chilled seafood display, party favors, party hats, dancing to great tunes pumped out by our in-house DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 10 p.m. Admission is $130 in advance and $150 at the door. We hope to see you here and wish you all a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2018!

Rodeo star Luke Brown is coming to Tahiti Village!

Meet rodeo cowboy Luke Brown from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Tahiti Village. He’ll be in our lobby signing autographs, posing for photos, and performing a roping demonstration. Luke competes in team roping on the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo circuit, and will be in Las Vegas for the NFR’s annual stopover Dec. 7-16. Don’t miss this great opportunity to chat and pose for pictures with Luke Brown!