Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas

As the wedding capital of the world, Las Vegas is a couple's haven during Valentine's Day. Whether you are dating, co-habitating, engaged, or married, here are the Top 5 Romantic Date ideas for couples spending Valentine's Day in Las Vegas:

Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas: Visit Lake Las Vegas

One of Las Vegas' best-unkept secrets, Lake Las Vegas offers a picturesque serene getaway from the glitz and glamour of the Strip. About a 20-30 minute drive from the center of town, Lake Las Vegas emulates a northern Italian village where shops, residences, and luxury hotels dot along the lakefront. The ultimate couple's escape for locals and tourists alike, here are three romantic things to do during your stay there:

• Take a private gondola ride on the lake. The MonteLago Village Resort offers a Valentine's Day Gondola Cruise Package starting at $254, which includes a one-night stay plus a 60-minute gondola ride. For $394, add 30 minutes and dinner to the package. Both cruises offer champagne to add romance to your evening.

• For couples looking for a more affordable cruise, the LaContessa Cruises offer packages ranging from $20 to $25 per person. Make reservations by calling the MonteLago Village Marina at (702) 856-0078.

• Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort offers a complimentary botanical garden tour every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Stroll hand-in-hand while you learn about the flowers and soak in the early morning sun. Call (702) 567-6000 for more information.

Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas: Take a Balloon Ride

One of the newest attractions to hit the Strip is the Cloud Nine Balloon Ride located across the street from Mandalay Bay. The largest land-tethered helium balloon ride in the world, Cloud Nine passengers board a circular gondola at the base of the balloon and rise about 500 feet above the Strip. Views are breath taking, as you can see all the way around the valley. Pilots on board every flight ensure passenger safety, and rides run from 10a.m. -10p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tickets start at $25.99 per person, and they offer two Valentine's Day packages that include dinner at either Planet Hollywood or on the LaContessa Cruise at Lake Las Vegas. Purchase tickets at Cloud Nine's website or by calling (800) 585-8688.

Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas: Dine with a View

For a romantic Valentine's Day that requires dressing to impress, head over to the Stratosphere and visit their Top of the World gourmet restaurant, where you can dine 800 feet above the Las Vegas strip in an elegant setting that revolves 360 degrees as you eat. The Top of the World restaurant has been a favorite romantic hotspot for both locals and travel guides. Reservations are highly recommended.

For guests who can't afford the restaurant prices, which can start at $50 per person, I recommend checking out the Level 107 Lounge that is also located in the Stratosphere Tower. Featuring the live music of Afterglow, the Level 107 Lounge is open Wednesday to Saturday starting at 4pm. On Friday, February 12, the Level 107 Lounge will toast the Valentine's Day holiday with by selling a glass of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries from 5p.m. - 9.pm for $22.70 per person (including tax and gratuity).

Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas: Head to Summerlin

For locals wanting a romantic Valentine's Day without having to compete with the tourists, there are several romantic restaurants located in the northern Summerlin area. Here are three of my favorites:

• The Melting Pot, located at 8704 W. Charleston in the Boca Park shopping center. What could be more romantic than fondue, especially with chocolate? Their special four-course Valentine's Day menu is priced at $69 per person. Make reservations online or by calling 702-384-MELT (6358).

• Vintner Grill, located at 10100 W. Charleston Blvd halfway between Hualapai Way and Town Center Drive. Created by Executive Chef Matthew Silverman, this contemporary American bistro features large comfy sofas and outdoor canopies. The menu changes every day to insure the usage of fresh seasonal ingredients in every dish.

• Kona Grill, located at 740 S. Rampart Boulevard in the Boca Park shopping center. Blending a unique east meets west flavor, the Kona Grill offers affordable pricing, great happy hour drinks, and alternative menus to meet health restrictions or diets.

Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas: Indulge at the Spa

Ahhhh, the Spa... What could be more romantic than getting a couple's massage or pampering yourselves together? Most of the hotels in town offer a spa deal for Valentine's Day or couples, but here are three spas that more comprehensive menus to honor the holiday:

• The MonteLago Village Resort offers a Valentine's Day packages starting at $324, which includes a one night stay plus a one hour in-room couples' massage.

• The Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian offers both special treatments for Valentine's Day as well as regular romantic getaway packages.

• The Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel offers three additional treatments during February that feature, what else? Chocolate...

Top 5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas: Final Thoughts

Please note that Valentine's Day packages in Las Vegas are subject to last-minute additions, changes, or cancellations. Always call the hotel or restaurant a couple of days before your trip to confirm your arrangements.

Celebrating Valentine's Day in Las Vegas can be a truly romantic date for couples. For a list of other things to do on this holiday, see the article titled, Top 5 Things to Do in Las Vegas on Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Sources:

Personal experience

Valentine's Day Events, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Things to Do, Lake Las Vegas Events

Valentine's Day Specials, MonteLago Village Resort

Loews Lake Las Vegas, Loews Hotels & Resorts

Valentine's Day Special Deals, Cloud Nine Balloon Ride Las Vegas

Top of the World Restaurant & Lounge, Stratosphere Las Vegas

Valentine's Day the Melting Pot Way, The Melting Pos of Las Vegas

About VG, Vintner Grill

About Kona Grill, Kona Grill

Canyon Ranch SpaClub, The Venetian Hotel, Resort, & Casino

Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Gwen Navarrete, Top 5 Things to Do in Las Vegas on Valentine's Day, Associated Content