The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Review for May 2024

The Cosmopolitan, or Cosmo as it’s known, could be considered as one of the lesser-known resorts in Las Vegas. It doesn’t have the history of Caesars Palace, the grandeur of Bellagio or even the kitsch of Circus Circus. However, what it does have is a perfect location and an impeccable reputation.

When I first visited Cosmopolitan, I admit I hadn’t heard of it. But in a very short space of time, it has become one of my favourite places to visit and stay in Las Vegas.

For a modern un-themed resort, it is full of character and has firmly established itself as a must-visit place in Sin City. The chandelier bar alone is one of the most photographed features, not to mention the unrivalled balconies offering spectacular views.

So, what is it like to actually stay and play in Cosmopolitan Las Vegas? Let’s take a look.

Although one of the most popular and successful resorts in Las Vegas today, the Cosmopolitan had a rocky start.

The project took six years to build, following several changes of ownership and design. At $3.9 billion it was the most expensive build on the Strip at that point.

It eventually opened in December 2010 but wasn’t profitable until 2015 after several revamps. As of 2022, MGM took over operations, bringing it into their family of Strip resorts alongside neighbours Bellagio and Aria.  

Externally, the outstanding feature of the resort is its height. With limited ground space, it had to build upwards with a vertical design that is ultra-modern. Internally, it has a chic, boutique, intimate feel that is both elegant and contemporary with an edge.

Location

You can’t get more central on the Las Vegas Strip than Cosmopolitan. What I love about the location is that I can literally walk out of the casino and I’m immediately on the Strip. There’s no big features, walkways or hotel lobby to go through. In fact, the lobby is at the back of the property. One step and you’re in the thick of it. 

Directly next door to the north is Bellagio which is connected by both an inner walkway, an outdoor pathway and an external upper walkway too. 

On the south side is Aria, which is connected by pedestrian bridge via the Crystals Shopping complex. Directly opposite Cosmopolitan is Planet Hollywood which is also connected by a pedestrian bridge. In other words, you can go anywhere easily. 

The Aria Express Tram doesn’t stop at Cosmopolitan but can be easily picked up at one of the close by stops at Bellagio, Vdara, Park MGM, The Shops at Crystals and Aria. 

One of the best things about Cosmopolitan though, is the view from the rooms. Because it has such a central location, most of the rooms come with stunning views overlooking the Bellagio Fountains or the south side of the Strip. Better still most have balconies too.

Due to its central location, Cosmopolitan is in Zone 2 of the fixed rate taxi fee from Harry Reid International Airport which is a flat fee of $25 plus tip.

If you’re arriving by car, Cosmopolitan offers plenty of on-site parking priced between $18 - $23 per night. 

Due to the limited ground-space at Cosmopolitan, the casino is actually one of the smallest on the Strip at 100,000 square feet. But for me, that’s to its advantage as it has a very intimate feel and a great atmosphere.

Walking around the casino, it is laid out in one long space with table games in the middle and slots all around. I don’t feel like the slots are too close together or cluttered, but there are lots of them.

The casino is sleek and modern, comparable still with even brand new casinos, with shiny silver finishing and a purple/silver/blue palette on the walls and carpets. It is stylish and sophisticated but with a fresh contemporary feel and therefore does appeal to a young and trendy crowd. 

That’s not exclusively though, I wouldn’t class myself as trendy and I’m certainly not young, but I love playing in the Cosmopolitan casino nevertheless.

Table Games Selection

I enjoy my fair share of roulette and dabble in a bit of blackjack here and there at Cosmopolitan. The dealers here are always friendly and I just love the surroundings and soft comfortable seats.

As well as roulette and blackjack, you can also play craps, baccarat, and lots of different poker pit variations too. I estimate there to be around 80 plus tables in total, with minimum bets of between $15 - $25.

Classic table games:
 

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Baccarat
• Three Card Poker

Variants:

• High Card Flush
• Fortune Pai Gow Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• Casino War

On the casino floor, I found both 6:5 blackjack and some 3:2 tables with a higher bet minimum of $25. A big plus for roulette players is that single zero roulette is offered here with a $100 minimum bet.

Slots

The slots selection at Cosmopolitan is varied and large with around 1,300 to choose from.

As a keen slots player, I never struggle for anything to play here. The majority of the slots are more modern video slots but there’s also a small selection of traditional three-reel games and video poker too.

The casino is vibrant, no matter what time I seem to visit. Above the slots hang crystal chandeliers, making it a really pleasant and attractive place to play. And there’s a constant buzz in the air.

You’ll find all the most popular Vegas slots here plus, in my experience, Cosmo tends to get some more exclusive games too that I can’t find elsewhere. That means there is always plenty to choose from, both old and new, including: 

• Huff n More Puff
• Dragon Link
• All Aboard
• Little Shop of Horrors
• Quick Hits
• Planet Moolah
• Lightning Link
• Double Top Dollar

I had a great hit on the Silk Road Dragon Link machine at Cosmopolitan, returning $528 on a $2.50 bet. I also once had a fabulous $800 win on a Chicken Fox game that they then proceeded to remove!

Much bigger wins are possible though – and if you’re anything like me, you still dream that one day it will be your finger on the button when it hits.

In 2021, a lucky winner won $2,101,093.50 playing Monopoly Millionaire at Cosmopolitan. The dream lives on!

Bar-Top Gaming

If you enjoy playing bar-top games then you can play them at two very contrasting bars in Cosmopolitan.

The Chandelier Bar is one of the most ‘Instagramed’ (not a real word, but you get what I mean) places in Vegas. The three-story bar adorned in over two million glistening crystals is a sight to behold. Its definitely one of the THE places to be in Vegas.

The ground floor offers bar-top gaming with terminals to play video poker, blackjack, keno, and a limited number of slots. Situated right within the casino, you can soak up the atmosphere as you play.

Additional bar-top gaming can be found not too far away in the sportsbook bar. However, this has a very different vibe, is much more casual and you get to watch sports as you play. There are 23 bar top video poker machines here situated around the main centre bar.

Both bars offer comped drinks as you play and both operate a light system. Basically, the light attached to your terminal will let the bartender know if and when you have put enough money through the game to warrant a free drink.

When I visited the Chandelier Bar, the bartender asked me directly if I wanted to order a (paid) drink first or if I wanted to play and qualify for a comped one instead. I thought this was a really nice touch and let me know the situation right from the off. 

The range of drinks you can order usually depends on the bar. You’ll always be fine with a beer or a basic spirit and mixer. However, if you want the more premium drinks you might have to spend more or ask the bartender what you can have.

Bar top gaming is one of my favourite things to do to pass the time in Vegas. It’s social, it’s fun, and you can get guaranteed drinks rather than having to wait for waitress service.

Cosmopolitan Sportsbook

Positioned in the southeast corner of the Cosmopolitan casino, the BetMGM Sportsbook and Lounge is a fab place to watch and bet on sports.

I have spent many an afternoon sitting here, watching a game, enjoying drinks and snacks while I do so. There’s dozens of large LED screens, state-of-the-art audio and visuals and really comfy sofas to sit back on.

If you want to place a bet, there are betting counters and kiosks. While I was there a BetMGM representative was going around signing people up to the app and taking questions on the floor too.

The sportsbook bar has its own menu from which you can order drinks and food. Drinks are mostly beers or beer buckets with a small selection of speciality beverages and wine. 

Food options are a limited selection from Tekka Bar, Hattie B’s and Lardo, which are based on an upper floor but are served to you in your seats. I recommend the Lardo Dirty Fries, yum!

Waitress Service

The Las Vegas waitress service is legendary to anyone who doesn’t visit Vegas often. The idea that you can get free drinks all day by spinning pennies is just too much to believe for some. Well, let me tell you, its absolutely true. Well, to an extent anyway.

If you’re playing in a Las Vegas casino, slots or table games, you are eligible for comped drinks, that’s for sure. It’s also true that it doesn’t matter what you’re playing or how much you’re spinning. Whether you’re betting 50c or $500, you can still get free drinks waitress service. It’s one of the big advantages playing in person has over the best online casinos. 

However, the frequency, strength and quality of the drinks varies from casino to casino. Plus, they aren’t entirely free. If you don’t tip, you’ll be lucky to get a second one.

I have always found the waitress service at Cosmopolitan to be excellent. They seem to come around often and the quality of the drinks (bar one or two) are top-notch.

The big trend at Cosmopolitan is to order the Lemondrop Martini or Raspberry Lemondrop Martini. Try it, its delicious. If that’s not your thing, then just ask your waitress what beers or cocktails she can do. Alternatively, they usually have house red or white wine and any spirit/mixer combination. 

Tipping is the key to getting frequent waitress service. Tip well and you’ll get offered more drinks, its as simple as that. I recommend between $2 - $5 per drink.

High Limit Gaming at Cosmopolitan Casino

There are two high limit gaming areas on the main Cosmopolitan casino floor. 

The high limit table area has 17 tables including baccarat, mini-baccarat, single zero roulette and blackjack. I saw minimum bets starting at $100. 

With an exclusive bar, luxurious lounge seating, stylish artwork and more chandeliers, the high limit area is every bit as prestigious as you think it will be.

Meanwhile, the high limit slot lounge has the same ambience, hosting around 65 slots. This area is fancy, without question, but if you’re a mid- level gambler who is happy to spin at $5 a press, then don’t be scared to give this a try.  

I used to feel intimidated to go into the high limit slots areas, but now I quite enjoy it for a quieter and more refined slot session. The Cosmopolitan high limit slots has private restrooms, lounge seating and TV’s, so it’s a nice place to take a breather too.

I played some Huff n More Puff in here doing $5 spins, but the wolf just didn’t want to play with me that day!

The high-limit slots spill out on to the main floor at Cosmopolitan around the high-limit area too, so don’t be caught out by that if you plan to low-roll. Always check the denominations before you hit spin.

Cash and Payment Options 

When it comes to gambling, cash is still king in Las Vegas. You will need the green stuff actually in your hand to feed into the slots or buy-in at a table. Card payments aren’t accepted.

Every casino has ATM’s on site, and Cosmopolitan is no different there, but fees can go up to $10 per withdrawal so always try to bring your gambling dollars with you.

Winnings are paid out in cash too, which is something even fast payout online casinos can't do. Slot winnings comes out in a ticket known as a TITO (ticket in, ticket out). You then take that to the cage or a machine to convert into cash. With table games, you get chips that you redeem at the cage.

All other spend, other than gambling, can be done on a card. Paying for hotels, attractions, dining and drinks can all be done digitally. It’s just your gambling spend that you need in cash, plus tips of course!

As an MGM-operated property since 2022, The Cosmopolitan will eventually move over to the MGM Rewards program in time. This date has already moved several times and, at the time of writing, it is not yet fixed.

In the meantime, Cosmopolitan continues to operate its Identity Rewards Program. It works the same as all Vegas casino rewards programs in that you build up points and use them to receive discounts, perks, and benefits in resort.

Signing up to the program is easy, you just need to be 21 or over and have some photographic ID. Once done, you can start earning Identity points every time you spend money at the Cosmopolitan. 

You just hand the card over or use it when you play slots or video poker, or when you pay for hotel rooms, dining, drinks, spa treatments or even shopping. 

Points can then be converted into resort credit that you can use for free slot play, or to make purchases – rooms, dining, spa, shopping etc.

The Cosmopolitan Identity program has four tiers and you can release certain benefits at each level as shown below:

• Velvet: earn slot play and room discounts
• Sterling (4,000 tier points): as above plus one comp night a year, a 2-4-1 Wicked Spoon buffet per month, complimentary self-parking
• Gold (20,000 tier points): as above plus waived resort fees, 2-4-1 Wicked Spoon buffet every day, complimentary valet-parking
• Platinum (50,000 tier points): as above plus airline transportation, $250 annual resort credit, priority lines, early check-in, and late check-out

The trick with rewards programs is to not get bogged down with climbing the tiers. Just spend what you would normally spend, show your card whenever possible, and enjoy the benefits that come with it. 

Should you join Identity Rewards?

Well this is a tricky one. Ordinarily, I’d say yes without hesitation. But with Cosmopolitan transitioning to MGM Rewards then it might not be the prime time to sign up.

However, for anyone who is an Identity Rewards member, there’s sure to be tier matching with MGM Rewards when the handover is completed.

Because we don’t know exactly when this will be, then it doesn’t hurt to join the scheme now. 

In terms of earning points, you will receive five Identity Points for every $1 spent on hotel, spa, dining and shopping. Slot play will earn you one Identity Point for every $2.50 wagered on reel slots, and every $6 wagered on video poker.

When it comes to claiming rewards, 100 Identity Points buys you $1 resort credit or $1 freeplay on slots or video poker.

I treat rewards programs like a cashback offer when shopping. If you’re going to spend that money anyway, you might as well receive something back in return.

Even on the lowest tier you’ll be surprised at what offers can come your way. 

The Cosmopolitan has something that most other Las Vegas hotels can’t offer and that is private balconies. 

There are a few properties that offer a handful of VIP rooms with a balcony but not in abundance like Cosmopolitan and not as central on the Strip either. It’s certainly a USP.

The other big positive at Cosmopolitan is the size of rooms. When originally designed, the plan was for Cosmo to be largely a condo hotel, featuring privately owned condominiums or vacation homes. This resulted in most of the 3,033 rooms being designed more as apartments than traditional hotel rooms. 

This element of apartment-sized and styled rooms, added to the private balconies, is what makes Cosmopolitan one of the most sought-after (and costly) places to stay on the Strip right now.

In my opinion, the price-tag is appropriate though - even the hotel lobby is stunning. New visitors will probably get the same surprise as I did the first time I walked in. 

The ultra sleek reception features floor to ceiling columns wrapped in LED screens showing various pieces of digital art. When I first walked in, the columns showed moving silhouettes and shadows of bodies twisting and turning as if they were trapped inside the screens. 

It was visually stunning, but a little unusual. A moment later, it had switched to large glowing bookshelves making the lobby look like a giant library. A few moments later, it switched to something different again. It was captivating.

I must mention one more thing before I move on and that is the Cosmopolitan scent. Yes, scent.

In case you’re not aware, most Las Vegas resorts have a scent. It is a deliberate tactic to heighten the senses and make the casino a more pleasant place to stay (and spend money). Just like walking past a bakery full of fresh bread.

It would be remiss for me not to mention the scent of Cosmopolitan as it is intoxicating and absolutely 100% works on me every single time! In fact, just writing about Cosmo from 5,000 miles away is enough to fill my nose with the scent of the place…

Cosmopolitan Rooms

As I’ve already mentioned, Cosmopolitan rooms are special. There are two hotel towers to choose from. The Boulevard Tower is the one closest to the Strip at the front of the resort. The Chelsea Tower is further back and directly off the hotel lobby.

The most basic room you can book is a City Room which is still 460 square feet and designed immaculately. The City Rooms are the only ones not to have balconies.

The most popular rooms are the Terrace Studios and Terrace Suites which start at 620 square feet with a 110 square feet private terrace. 

The best room I’ve stayed in personally at the Cosmopolitan is the Terrace Studio Fountain View. Everything about it was modern, stylish, open, and welcoming. 

It not only had a comfortable king size bed, but also a separate living area with a big corner sofa and coffee table, plus an additional desk and chair. There were also two large TV’s, good wardrobe space and a kitchenette area with an empty fridge for personal use. 

The room was decorated in neutral colours - greys, silvers, whites - with dashes of colour on the cushions and large seductive artwork on the walls. 

The bathroom was luxurious, with his and hers sinks, two light-up mirrors, a jacuzzi bath and an enclosed glass fronted shower that could fit 10 people. I didn’t test it, but I’m pretty sure it could hold that many. Maybe next time… 

The pièce de résistance, though, on top of all of that inner beauty, was the private terrace with the view over the Bellagio Fountain Show. It was breathtaking.

Of course, all the usual amenities were there – safe, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, plus there were luxury toiletries in the bathroom and robes too. I did once manage to accidentally change the combination on the safe and lock myself out of it, but that was my brain malfunctioning, not the safe! 

Quite frankly I would happily still be living at the Cosmopolitan if they’d have let me. 

For those with the budget, bigger suites are offered such as Lanai Suites, Bungalow and Penthouses in both towers. My hope is that one day I can stay in the one of the Wraparound Terrace Suite Fountain View Rooms – it’s on the bucket list.

If you like to travel with your four-legged friend, then pup-friendly rooms are offered at Cosmopolitan. Up to two dogs per room are allowed and a nightly charge of $100 plus tax per dog will be applied.

Cosmopolitan Pool

There are two main pools at Cosmopolitan to enjoy. 

The Boulevard Pool overlooks the Strip so you feel like you’re right in the heart of all the action. The multi-level pool deck offers stunning views and has an upbeat social vibe to it.

Although I haven’t actually used the pool here, I have bizarrely ice skated on it. During winter, the Boulevard pool area is turned into a make-shift ski resort with an ice-rink. That was lots of fun!

The Chelsea Pool, meanwhile, is more of a relaxing retreat to the side of the resort on a higher, and quieter, floor. 

Free day beds are offered at both, but you can also book pool-side day beds and cabanas for a more VIP pool experience. Both pools also have a pool-side menu offering speciality cocktails and light bites.

For party-goers, the Marquee Dayclub is an additional pool area that offers a pool-party vibe. But this is strictly adults only.  

Bars

I would say Cosmopolitan is more suited to cocktail and spirits drinkers when it comes to the range of bars. Although the sportsbook bar offers a more casual environment, the other bars tend to be more high-end. 

Some favourites include: 

• Chandelier Bar – the most famous of them all with three floors of crystals  
• Clique Bar – sophisticated casino bar serving exotic cocktails 
• Vesper – stylish lobby bar with handcrafted drinks and cocktails
• Sportsbook bar – casual sports bar with bar top gaming.

There are three more ‘secret bars,’ or speakeasies if you like, at Cosmopolitan. The Barbershop, Ghost Donkey, and Ski Lodge all have well concealed entrances and offer different drinking experiences. 

I won’t spoil it by telling you where they are, but it can be fun to find them. 

However, the Chandelier bar is a must-do, and they have a speciality drink that isn’t on the menu called a Verbena. While some people love it, others really don’t. It certainly has a unique taste – in fact it has two – so give it a go if you dare.

Buffets and Restaurants

Restaurants are where Cosmopolitan shines. It has food of all varieties, cuisines, and for different budgets too.

The Wicked Spoon buffet is one of the best in Las Vegas and offers incredible fresh food and huge variety too. You can catch all-day brunch from 8am to 3pm during the week and 9am to 4pm at weekends.

I have eaten here several times and my favourite foods have to be the wicked mac ’n’ cheese, the creamy mashed potato and the chocolate covered strawberries. Delicious! The line gets really long on weekends, so go early.

There are simply too many restaurants at Cosmopolitan to go into in detail but some of the most popular include Blue Ribbon, The Henry, Jaleo, Momofuko, Scarpetta, STK and Beauty & Essex (which also has a hidden entrance).

The Block 16 urban food hall on Level 2 is also a big hit, giving a more casual dining experience. Here you can enjoy Hattie B’s, Tekka Bar, Lardo’s, District Donuts. Sliders. Brew, and Bang Bar by Momofuku.

Then there’s the popular EggSlut serving all day breakfast (I’ve seen people queuing in their pyjamas for this), Milk Bar, Supefrico and Pablo Cantina too. And I still haven’t covered them all. 

Cosmopolitan is a food-lovers haven, so if you enjoy trying not only different cuisines, but varying dining experiences too, then Cosmopolitan is worth a try.

If I could recommend one food from one place, then it would have to be the Signature Short Rib Benedict from The Henry. You will not regret it.

Shows and Entertainment

The Chelsea is Cosmopolitan’s main entertainment venue hosting a range of music and comedy performances. Bruno Mars had the first residency, but acts such as the Killers and Adam Sandler have also performed here.

Live music can also be found in Barbershop Cut and Cocktails most evenings with a faded karaoke night on a Tuesday. Clique has guest DJ sets every Friday and Saturday night.

Marquee Nightclub provides a huge draw for the party crowd, open Wednesdays and then again Friday to Sundays from 10.30pm. Although I haven’t been myself, judging by the queues outside, its still one of the hottest tickets in town.

The Boulevard pool also has a Sunset Cocktail hour on a Friday and Dive in Movies on a Monday night where you can watch a movie on the giant screen while swimming.

Art features heavily at Cosmopolitan with installations and interactive experiences throughout. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, murals, photography and digital art too. 

If you’re an art fan, you can take home your own piece of original art using one of the Art-o-Mat machines in Cosmopolitan. Made from repurposed old cigarette vending machines, artwork is dispensed directly from the machine via a pull-knob mechanism. Well, its certainly unique!

I think it goes without saying that I’m a big fan of Cosmopolitan. The location, the rooms, the design and décor, and the general feel of the place all make it one of my favourite places to stay in Vegas.

I love the casino floor, its small but intimate and laid out well. I can play all the games I want to play and some I didn’t even know I wanted to play too!

The bars offer a range of options, but the restaurants are even more vast. 

There’s something about the venue being designed vertically instead of horizontally. It makes it all feel more condensed and manageable as opposed to somewhere like Caesars Palace which feels like a maze.

The only downside to the resort for me personally is the cost as I can’t stay here as much as I’d like to. But when I do, it’s worth every dime.