Luxury Travel Review Nobu Hotel Las Vegas

Photo Credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik

A stay in Las Vegas can run the gamut of experiences, but if you’re haute, you know what’s up: you’re following in the footsteps of Miley Cyrus,Justin Bieber, Johnny Depp and Calvin Harris by staying in the $35,000 per night Nobu Villa owned by Robert De Niro, Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper at the Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace and digging in to Matsuhisa’s high-end Japanese cuisine at Nobu. But what if you could take things to a completely new level, and not only stay in the Villa and eat at Nobu, but have the elusive master chef, Nobu-san himself, cook your dinner and be the first to try Japanese wine that is only available in Japan? You can’t pay for that kind of experience…. but guess what? It happened.

THE EXPERIENCE

Photo Credit: Patrick Gray/Kabik

On September 9th, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and master of wine, Yuji Aruga of Aruga Branca wines from Katsunuma Jyozo Winery, hosted an exclusive Japanese wine dinner at Nobu Restaurant and Lounge at Caesars Palace. It was the first event of its kind ever held in Las Vegas, though Chef Nobu and Yuji have a long-standing friendship. Guests were welcomed with a variety of cocktails, as well as canapes including fried oysters and the signature crispy rice before sitting down to a seven-course Omakase dining experience paired with a variety of Argua Branca wines served cocktails and canapes upon arrival, and then will be seated for an unforgettable Omakase experience, paired with an eclectic mix of wine including blends only available in Japan, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of those attending.

To top that, founder Yoshichika Aruga started making wines in 1937 and promised to “make only wines of great quality, even if we produce just one barrel.” Meaning that what guests drank may never be available again. Courses served included sushi; Khoirabi salad; black cod; Japanese A5 Wagyu; and ginger chawanmushi. Items were paired with Aruga Branca Issehara; Aruga Branca Pipa; Aruga Alcacer DCXLI; plum wine; and Nobu’s own Koshu selection. As the evening wore on, Nobu himself walked around the room, graciously greeting each guest who had paid $395 for the experience.

THE RESTAURANT

At 12,775 square feet, Las Vegas location is the largest Nobu restaurant worldwide which says a lot given that there are locations literally everywhere (including at home here in L.A. at the glorious Nobu Malibu). The design is based on the Japanese notion of wabi sabi, a design aesthetic of simplicity, evocative transience and beauty in unexpected and natural rawness.You’ll find a sushi bar, three teppanyaki tables, two semi-private chef’s tables, a private dining room and a bar and lounge in the 327-seat eatery that features Matsuhisa’s signature high-end sushi and Japanese cuisine.

THE DESIGN

The Nobu Hotel is a hotel within a hotel, a chic and stylish tower located inside Caesars Palace, formerly known as the Centurion Tower. As designed by David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, guests will find a sleek Japanese aesthetic utilizing natural materials. Raw, natural materials in neutral tones are juxtaposed with hints of terracotta orange, purple and aqua, and unexpected bold graphics representing traditional and contemporary Japanese forms which complement the Japanese-inspired furniture which reflects the influence of George Nakashima. All rooms also have Japanese artwork incorporating traditional prints and expressionist graffiti-like forms selected by Chef Nobu, while bathrooms feature teak fittings complemented by stone tile.

THE ROOMS

There are 181 rooms and suites at the Nobu Hotel, all of which include luxurious Fili D’oro Italian linens, Nature Bisse amenities, a 55-inch television, an iPad docking station and a minibar curated by Chef Nobu, as well as access to 24-hour in-room dining. Guests will also be offered Nobu’s signature hot tea served complimentary in-room upon arrival; a nightly turndown service with pillow menu and scented lavender pillow mist; a technology kit with Apple and Android chargers and an HDMI cable; a Nobu Hotel app that allows guests to order room service, request hotel services, browse dining menus and connect to concierge services; priority reservations and VIP access to Nobu Caesars Palace restaurant; complimentary access to the Venus Pool Club at Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis; and complimentary VIP access to Omnia nightclub.

THE VILLA

The three-bedroom 10,300-square-foot Nobu Villa is a behemoth in the best way. It also happens to be the hotel’s only rooftop villa. Upon entering, you’ll find Japanese-inspired design, lemon-ginger scents, custom music, fine cuisine made by Nobu chefs and spa services. The sky deck offers Strip views, a fire and water feature, a full bar and barbecue pit, a dining area and a secluded Zen garden with an Italian-made whirlpool. Complimentary round-trip airport limo service is included the reservation. There’s also a jacuzzi, a sauna, a gaming room and butler pantry, making this high-end villa one of the top spots for celebrity parties and gatherings for the billionaire set.