Secret on the Strip: A Review of the NoMad Las Vegas
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In 2016, when MGM Resorts International announced the $550 million renovation and rebranding of the Monte Carlo Hotel, it simultaneously revealed the opening of a 239-room boutique hotel on the upper four floors of the newly rebranded Park MGM Las Vegas. It would be the third location of the luxurious NoMad hotel chain, complementing its existing portfolio of New York and Los Angeles properties.
This hotels-within-hotels idea is actually quite common for many major Vegas hotspots -- you can find a Four Seasons hidden within the massive Mandalay Bay resort, or the trendy Nobu Hotel residing on the upper floors of Caesars Palace. These "secret" hotels present an exciting option for Vegas travelers, since there’s typically nothing boutique about the massive, glitzy casino resorts lining the Strip.
Before heading off to China on my first long-haul adventure as TPG's reviews and travel intern, I spent four nights in Las Vegas to review two of the newer properties on the Strip: the Park MGM and its luxurious little sibling, the NoMad.
Booking
We booked both my stay at this property and the Park MGM through Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection portal, which entitles card holders to a suite of benefits including free breakfast to late checkout. You're able to preview your hotel-specific benefits on the primary LHRC booking page -- here I learned NoMad would provide $35 in credits per person for breakfast at the Primrose Cafe (the same deal as my PMGM stay, albeit $5 higher), and that my food-and-beverage credit would be bumped up to $100 for the duration of the stay ($50 more than my PMGM allotment).
More generally, the LHRC program is sort of like a more basic version of American Express' Fine Hotels and Resorts program. Published benefits include:
- Daily breakfast for two
- A special benefit unique to each property
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- A room upgrade, if available
- Early check-in and late check-out, if available
While it's not officially outlined, it seems that you'll have access to the LHRC with the following Chase cards:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Ink Business Cash Credit Card
- United Explorer Card
- United Club Infinite Card
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The two-night reservation at the five-star NoMad hotel came out to $538.20 -- ironically, more expensive than my stay at the Park MGM, because that booking included a pricey weekend night.
Location
When I pulled up to the Park MGM hotel's primary street entrance, I found the NoMad's relatively discreet red-awning entrance off to the right.
As part of the massive Park MGM complex, the hotel occupies front-row real estate on the Las Vegas Strip.
Check-in
Because I had already been staying at the adjoining hotel, I made my way over to the NoMad lobby around 9am to inquire about an early check-in. The two hotel lobbies were connected indoors via a corridor just past the central elevators, where I could immediately notice the stark contrast in interior decor from one brand to another.
The NoMad's lobby had a dark, moody ambience to it. The atmosphere throughout all public spaces maintained an Old World, refined sense of luxury that seemed rather unique in a city like Las Vegas.
The friendly front-desk agent happily offered to assist with my early check-in, and after reviewing available inventory, she said she could offer me a room right away -- a full six hours before standard check-in. Since I needed to check out from the Park MGM within two hours anyway, it was all good.
Once I got the room keys, I made my way up to my room on the 29th floor.
Room
The 528-square-foot Atelier Room was a small step up from their standard king, which was a complimentary, space-available upgrade provided as a benefit from booking through LHRC. It featured a large primary bedroom with a king bed, table and velvet couch.
The room was tastefully adorned with custom-made furniture and original artwork, and even a freestanding tub for indulging in a relaxing, hot bath. I liked the tub itself, but the placement was certainly ... different.
One of my favorite features of the room was the large foyer, beautifully equipped with hardwood floor and adding a significant amount of square footage. The extra space really gave the room a junior-suite feel.
In this foyer was a mahogany desk, well-stocked minibar and a large closet. The minibar had a solid variety of snacks and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. As is the case in most hotels, though, the prices were pretty outrageous, so I didn't even consider indulging in it.
In classic European style, the bathroom was separated into a shower room and water closet, essentially a room with just a sink and toilet. While this layout isn't quite ubiquitous in US hotels yet, it's convenient if you’re traveling with someone who might be occupying one of the two rooms at any given time.
The shower room had an elegant sink basin and a massive walk-in shower. The NoMad got its bath and beauty products from the French brand Cote Bastide.
The water closet was directly across the hall, and while small, it really had everything you would need.
Food and Beverage
The breakfast venue for both the NoMad and the Park MGM is the Primrose Cafe. The food and service at the cafe were excellent, offering a perfect meal to get a jumpstart on my day.
I particularly enjoyed the two-egg breakfast, which was accompanied by smashed fingerling potatoes, toast and ham or sausage.
They also had smaller bites available, like the smoked-salmon bagel.
I also tried one of their craft morning cocktails, which was smooth and refreshing.
The Nomad’s sixth-floor private pool had its own standalone restaurant and bar. The food and drinks were great, and, as always, you could enjoy them from the comfort of your lounge chair. There was also a shady seating area for those wanting a casual, sit-down lunch.
On my second evening at the NoMad, busy with preparations for my departure to China the following morning, I decided to save the trip downstairs and order room service (for which my $100 food-and-beverage credit was eligible). I ordered the Scottish salmon, which was simple but delicious.
The parent Park MGM hotel hosted 11 different restaurants, ranging from casual to downright luxurious and covering just about every palate.
Amenities
While guests had access to all three Park MGM pools, the sixth-floor NoMad pool deck offered an exclusive retreat from the hustle and bustle down below.
It boasts some amazing panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline, complete with lounge chairs and private cabanas (available for reservation).
NoMad guests had access to the massive Park MGM casino, which offered world-class gambling facilities.
Overall Impression
I really enjoyed my stay at the NoMad Las Vegas. The brand-new hotel boasts a truly refined sense of old-fashioned luxury right in the heart of the city. While some major amenities are shared with the massive and not-so-boutique Park MGM, the hotel maintains its charm with its unique public spaces and exquisite guest rooms. The NoMad offers a much-needed change of pace from the Sin City's frenzy without skimping on important amenities that make it uniquely Las Vegas.
All photos by the author.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.