ADOLFO LOPEZ
SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand, Las Vegas
by Joseph Schmitt
It took Adolfo Lopez a few years to get
used to his new life in glitzy Las Vegas. Now seven years
later, he’s glad he made the move from Southern California
to the 24-hour capital of the world. During his tenure
at the MGM Grand (http://www.mgmgrand.com),
Adolfo has steadily moved up the ranks to his current
and impressive position as SKYLOFTS Concierge. Not only
is Adolfo at the top of his field, he’s also at the
top of the MGM Grand, on the 29th floor. MGM Grand perfected
the concept of the boutique hotel within a hotel with
its launch of SKYLOFTS (http://www.skyloftsmgmgrand.com)
in 2005. These 51 two-story lofts range from one to three
bedrooms, all with 24-hour butler and concierge service.
Escaping from the casino crowds is easy with a private
express elevator. Exiting the elevator and entering the
sleek, subdued environment of SKYLOFTS is like being transported
into a parallel universe. Suddenly, Las Vegas seems a
lifetime away.
Adolfo counts himself lucky to be in
such a challenging career, especially at such an impressive
property. “SKYLOFT concierges are unique in that
we handle pre-arrival, transportation, and in-loft check
in, not to mention catering to 24-hour guest needs.
We train for four weeks before we are allowed to work
the job alone. I love a challenge, especially when guests
have unusual requests. So long as it’s not immoral
or illegal, ‘no’ is simply not an answer;
like the time we found and delivered a ping-pong table
at four in the morning!”
What are some great ways to really
get pampered while at the SKYLOFTS?
You can relax in our SKYSPA while enjoying our
signature Thai Raindrop Therapy. This experience includes
Thai table stretches, warm stone massage, and nine different
essential oils dropped onto your spine. You truly walk
away feeling relaxed and revitalized. While you’re
enjoying the therapy in SKYSPA, your butler can set
the mood in your loft with one of our Dream Butler packages.
I would recommend our “Soothing” package,
which includes a chilled eye mask, hot water bottle,
and fresh mint-infused chamomile tea.
The MGM Grand Spa (Tel: 702-891-1111. http://www.mgmgrand.com)
has a treatment called Red Lotus Love Ritual, which
you can have alone or side-by-side for couples. My favorite
part is when the chocolate-goji berry hand and foot
mask are applied to you while you’re in a body
wrap. Imagine 100 minutes of pure pampering and relaxation.
Where should we go for a romantic
dinner in Las vegas?
Joël Robuchon at the Mansion (3799
Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-891-7925. http://www.mgmgrand.com/dining)
is very romantic. The restaurant has 16 tables total,
which makes it very intimate. I love sitting on the
terrace, which only has five tables and a beautiful
garden wall. Known around the world as “Chef of
the Century,” this is Joël Robuchon’s
first and only fine-dining restaurant in the United
States.
The Eiffel Tower Restaurant (3655 Las Vegas Blvd.
Tel: 702-348-6937. http://www.eiffeltowerrestaurant.com)
at Paris Las Vegas is also very romantic. Try to get
a table overlooking the Fountains at Bellagio to help
set the mood.
For a non-casino restaurant, I love to dine at Panevino
Ristorante (246 Via Antonio. Tel: 702-222-2400.
http://www.panevinolasvegas.com).
The architecture of the room along with a great view
of The Strip heightens the romantic feel.
In a city with so many casinos, which
ones draw a hip, fun crowd?
MGM Grand (3799 Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-891-1111.
http://www.mgmgrand.com)
is top of the game when looking for a fun time in Las
Vegas. Our Studio 54 nightclub and Tabú Ultra
Lounge attract great crowds while hosting some of the
hottest parties in town.
Mandalay Bay (3950 Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-632-7777.
http://www.mandalaybay.com)
is another hip place to find fun people. It’s home
to the House of Blues, Mix Lounge, and the exclusive
Foundation Room atop Mandalay Bay. Mandalay Beach also
has one of the best pools in Las Vegas and offers a
wave pool, beautiful cabanas, summer concerts on the
beach, as well as Moorea Beach Club for adult-style
sunbathing.
 The
Mirage (3400 South Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-791-7111.
http://www.mirage.com)
is emerging as a hip place to be seen. JET Nightclub
hosts some of the see-and-be-seen events in town and
attracts both locals and tourists to its doors. LOVE,
by Cirque du Soleil is their hit show featuring the
music of The Beatles. Guests can enjoy cocktails at
the interactive Revolution Lounge before or after the
show.
Las Vegas is the place for great
shows. Are there any upcoming concerts or shows that
you recommend?
Justin Timberlake is bringing his 2007 FutureSex/LoveShow
world tour back to Las Vegas for two performances on
Labor Day Weekend at the Mandalay Bay Events Center
(702-632-7580. http://www.mandalaybay.com)
Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd. For
those who refuse to let go of the 1980’s, Mandalay
Bay is the place to be this summer. The Lost ’80s
featuring General Public, Flock of Seagulls, Dramarama,
When in Rome, Real Life, and Jean Loves Jezebel is scheduled
for Friday, August 24th. And Tears For Fears is scheduled
for Saturday, July 27th.
Bette Midler just signed as a resident artist at The
Coliseum at Caesars Palace (3570 Las Vegas Blvd.
Tel: 877-723-8836. http://www.harrahs.com).
Performances begin February 20th, 2008 and tickets are
on sale now. Until then, you can catch current resident
artists Celine Dion’s A New Day and Elton John’s
Red Piano.
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