Name: Kimberly Genevieve

Occupation: Commercial and Advertising Photographer

Place you live: Los Angeles

Can you sum up Las Vegas? Las Vegas is one of the most unique, eclectic cities that I’ve ever visited. The Las Vegas Strip, which spans 4.2 miles, has something literally for everyone and at every price point.

What is the best thing about Las Vegas? Besides all the shows, there’s gambling, concerts, and food. The food in Las Vegas is probably one of my favorite things about this city, and with restaurants from world-renowned chefs like Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsey, José Andrés, and Guy Savoy, your taste buds are in for a treat. My new personal favorite is Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Las Vegas. I also really like GIADA at the Cromwell.

What is a common misconception about Las Vegas? That it’s not a family-friendly city. This is not the truth. There’s SO much to do in and around Las Vegas and something for everyone! When I walked by the pool at the Paris Las Vegas, there were tons of kids splashing and having the best time!

What are the people like in Las Vegas? I feel beyond lucky to have met such kind people in Las Vegas. The locals are friendly and excited to tell you all about their secret spots that no tourist would ever know about, and the staff (especially at the Paris Las Vegas) were so eager to help with whatever we needed.

We also met a lovely couple from Canada during dinner and chatted/exchanged stories about all our favorite spots. I always find it easy to meet people in Las Vegas because everyone is there to have a really good time and leave the stress of work and home behind for a few days and just have the best time!!

If Las Vegas was a person or character, who would it be? Clark W. Griswold from Vegas Vacation. His eyes just light up with such excitement! I saw a lot of people with the same energy and excitement.

What did you love about the Paris Las Vegas? (One) It’s pet-friendly so it was fun to see so many little pups roaming around the hotel. (Two) THE POOL. (Three) The giant oversized slot machines. (Four) The views overlooking the Eiffel Tower and watching the Bellagio Fountains show at night. It’s worth staying at the Paris Las Vegas just for that view!

Tell us about the activities you participated in during your visit? We arrived in Las Vegas in the evening, so it was already dark outside. It’s really a fun city to drive into at night because of all the lights! Seeing all the lights in the distance as we were driving towards the strip brought so much excitement.

Once we arrived, we checked in using Paris’s self-check-in terminals and before we knew it, we were quickly opening up our door to the beautiful Charlemagne Suite. Our room was huge and the views even bigger. I highly recommend reserving for a room with a view of the Eiffel tower and the Bellagio Fountains.

The following morning, we enjoyed an early breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi. We drank freshly brewed coffee, beautifully decorated Bloody Mary’s, ate freshly baked croissants and poached eggs. (So delish!) We walked the Strip right after breakfast and checked out the Eiffel Tower views (croissant in hand). Then we walked to the Forum Shops at Caesars until we had enough of shopping and walking. We returned to the Paris Hotel hours later for some room service and champagne before heading downstairs to the Soleil Las Vegas Pool. We spent a few hours enjoying the sunshine and the views. For our sunset adventure, we went up the Eiffel Tower and the view was truly spectacular! The 20-minute wait was absolutely worth it. The sky turned orange and then pink while below you could see Vegas starting to come alive in a sea of neon lights. The whole experience is spectacular!

If a friend was visiting Vegas for a quick trip what would you suggest they do? We’ve been to Las Vegas countless times since moving to Los Angeles and still, we’re seeing and doing things for the first time every visit. There’s so much to see and do within that 4.2-mile stretch. It makes my head spin a little, haha!

I’d suggest you bring your walking/running shoes, a little gambling money, a nice outfit for the evening, your swimsuit, and definitely your appetite. I’d have them start their morning at Mon Ami Gabi. It’s such a cute Parisian-feeling restaurant with views of The Eiffel Tower and the Bellagio Fountains. Once you’ve downed a few cups of coffee and delicious freshly-baked croissants you should strap on your walking shoes and hit the Strip to take in all the sights that are truly Vegas!  The Paris Hotel is steps away from The Forum Shops at Caesars, High Roller Observation Wheel and The Fashion Show Mall.

Once your feet have had enough walking for one day, just hop in a Lyft or Uber and head back to the Paris Las Vegas Hotel for lunch at either Burger Brasserie, Beer Park, or room service before spending the rest of the day swimming and basking in the sunshine under the Eiffel Tower at the Soleil Pool.

For the evening, I’d recommend a trip up The Eiffel Tower Experience to catch the sunset over “the city that never sleeps”. The views are truly breathtaking!  I’d then recommend starting off the night with a little room service champagne, before heading out to dinner.

For dinner, try Gordon Ramsay Steak – you can never go wrong with a Gordon Ramsay restaurant! Once your bellies are full and happy, I’d recommend going for a walk across the street to watch the fountain show at The Bellagio or maybe checking out one of the many entertainment shows happening all along the Strip. (The Céline Dion show is my personal favorite!)