The entrance to Nobu Las Vegas is so unassuming, it would be easy to walk straight past it. Set within the sprawling Caesars Palace resort in what was once the Centurion Tower, the boutique hotel’s lobby is tucked away in a corner, steps from the jangling slot machines.
We say boutique because, despite having 182 rooms and suites, by Vegas standards it’s little. Once you step through the shimmering gold-paneled doorway, the chaos of the casino quickly fades away. There isn’t a Greco-Roman statue in sight here; instead, you’re whisked past the black lacquer reception desk into the hotel’s quiet private corridor (you can let out a sigh of relief now).
Nobu Caesars Palace was the very first hotel venture from Robert DeNiro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa, following a string of wildly successful sushi joints. And, while Nobu hotels seem to be popping up just about everywhere these days, the flagship is still home to one of the brand’s biggest restaurants.
If you’ve visited any of Matsuhisa’s eateries, you’ll have some idea of what to expect. Minimalist, Japanese-inspired interiors exude a sense of calm; this is pared-back luxury at its finest. Everything feels so immaculate – so glossy and sleek – it’s hard to believe the boutique celebrated its 10th birthday this year.
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Stay
They might be steps from the action, but the rooms at Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace are serene havens. We stayed in one of the spacious Deluxe rooms overlooking Paris Las Vegas’s iconic half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. Thoughtful touches abound from the sumptuous Italian linens to the rosemary and white tea-scented bath amenities.
Nobu brought in Rockwell Group for an all-encompassing revamp back in 2021; the cozy interiors are inspired by kintsugi – the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold epoxy. Expect gleaming quartzite-and-gold coffee tables, super-soft carpets and comfy sofas (the ideal spot for sipping your morning coffee).
The most exclusive abode of all is the 10,300-sq-ft Nobu Villa. A favored spot among celebs, the rooftop suite features an enormous outdoor terrace looking out over the Strip complete with a firepit and tranquil garden.
Dine
Of course, the real draw at Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace is the food. The moodily lit restaurant feels seriously exclusive; glamorous couples sip cocktails at the bar, while throngs of diners wait their turn to be seated. Adorned with glowing paper lanterns and curved wicker panels, the dining room is open until late and has the type of buzzy atmosphere that makes you feel lucky to have a table.
Our waitress was exceptionally attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu with tips to experience a varied assortment of Matsuhisa’s dishes. Trust us when we say kick things off with Nobu’s signature crispy rice and spicy tuna appetizer; bite-size morsels of golden rice are topped with a generous dollop of melt-in-the-mouth tuna and jalapenos (I could have eaten ten).
Next, we dived into a decadent lobster and shiitake salad before trying Matsuhisa’s famed black cod with miso (as delicious as everyone says). If you can, save space to squeeze in dessert – Japanese sweet treats range from green tea cheesecake to vanilla miso tarts and flourless chocolate cake.
And if you need a night off, the expansive in-room dining menu lets you have Nobu food delivered straight to your door without having to take off your slippers. Everything from breakfast through to dinner can be ordered – including the $170 Moriawase Sushi and Sashimi bento box.
Relax
One of the best places to nurse a sore head is at the resort’s gigantic Qua Bath & Spa. With three tranquil Roman baths, an aromatic steam room and ice room, it’s the perfect place to unwind and relax. Expert therapists are on hand to carry out an array of Nobu-branded treatments.
The hotel also has a dedicated fitness center (you can even have a Peloton bike delivered to your room if you can’t face going downstairs).
Explore
When it comes to location, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace is hard to beat. The boutique hotel-within-a-hotel is right in the heart of the action; within seconds of leaving your room, you can be playing blackjack or dining at one of the resort’s many gourmet restaurants.
The hotel is situated in the middle of the Strip right across the street from The Bellagio casino, so if it’s the classic Vegas experience you’re after it’s a safe bet. Front desk staff go above and beyond to make recommendations for your stay, making reservations and printing tickets for shows so you won’t have to lift a finger.
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