When Duran Duran announce a run of shows, fans pay attention. When they announce four nights in Las Vegas, you start checking flights and looking for your show ‘fit.
As you probably know, this spring, the band takes over the sleek new theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas for May 2, May 6, May 8, and May 9, turning a typical Vegas weekend into something a little more… Duranified. The shows follow their appearance at the BeachLife Festival in California on May 1, meaning the band will arrive in the desert already warmed up and ready to go. If you’re a Duranie, this is a Save A Prayer-level pilgrimage (but with casinos and cocktails and confetti). Don’t miss it, because after Vegas they’re headed to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and other stops in Europe.
Below are a few ideas designed for Duranies who appreciate a good martini, a good vibe, and know when to shout “1, 2, 3, 4” during Rio.
Vegas can either feel glamorous or like a bachelor party. The trick is choosing the right version of Vegas. Most of us aren’t flopping around Tawny-style on car hoods anymore, so these ideas lean more glam then flimflam.
Ticket tips
• Tickets are on sale at the evil Ticketmaster
Hotel tips
Mid-week Vegas (Sunday–Thursday) is dramatically cheaper than weekends. If you’re going to the May 6 show, you can often get luxury hotels 40–60% cheaper. Plus. many Vegas hotels waive resort fees for players club members, which is worth signing up for even if you never gamble.
Tips for May in Vegas
Fontainebleau – Vegas has 150,000 hotel rooms that range from bed-bug-infested to Kardashian infested. The Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a brand-new resort and is elegant, modern, and free of pirate ships and fake volcanoes (and, we assume, bed bugs and Kardashians). Rooms are sleek, restaurants are serious, and the theater hosting Duran Duran is intimate by Vegas standards. If you stay here, your concert commute is an elevator ride.
Other Vegas hotel ideas:
The Cromwell – Small and stylish, but a bit outdated (a renovation is coming!), but a good bargain for a hotel located in the heart of the Strip.
NoMad Las Vegas – If your Vegas fantasy involves velvet furniture and excellent cocktails, this is your place. Also home to one of the best bars in the city.
The Venetian – Every room is a suite, which means more space for the concert pre-game.
Mothership Coffee – Eccentric and perfect if you like pour-overs and pastries that look like a piece of art.
Vesta Coffee Roasters – Vegas locals swear by this place. Minimalist with excellent espresso.
Public Us – Arguably the best coffee in Vegas. Great for people who have strong opinions about coffee beans.
The Henry – Cosmopolitan. Vegas brunch for people who prefer great eggs Benedict over bottomless mimosas.
BabyStacks Cafe – Hawaiian-style pancakes that will change your understanding of breakfast. The macadamia nut pancakes are a religious experience.
Bouchon Bakery – Inside the Venetian. Croissants so good they should come with a warning label.
Lotus of Siam – Legendary Thai restaurant beloved by chefs and Vegas insiders. Worth the Uber.
Estiatorio Milos – If Simon Le Bon were having dinner in Vegas, it would probably be here. Pristine Greek seafood and a room that is so beautifully sophisticated.
Mother Wolf – Inside Fontainebleau and absolutely spectacular. Roman pasta is the perfect pre-concert dinner.
Chandelier Bar – Three levels of glittering cocktail magic. Order the Verbena, Vegas’s most famous secret-menu drink.
Ski Lodge – Hidden speakeasy inside the Cosmopolitan. Feels like a luxury cabin party hosted by people who like special gummy bears.
Sand Dollar Lounge – Live rock, excellent whiskey list, and a strong chance of hearing someone play a Duran Duran cover at 1 a.m.
Neon Museum – A graveyard of classic Vegas signs glowing in the desert. Try to book the “Brilliant!” show there. It uses projection mapping to “re-light” the broken signs, and it’s spectacular.
Area15 – Immersive art, cocktails, and really weird experiences. And be sure to check out Omega Mart inside Area15. It’s what you’d get if a grocery store and an escape room had a freaky baby.
Fremont Street Experience – Vintage Vegas neon, street performers, and the chaotic fun of old‑school casinos.
Red Rock Canyon – 30 minutes from the Strip. Scarlet desert cliffs, quiet hiking trails, and scenery that makes you forget slot machines exist.
Valley of Fire State Park – One hour from Vegas, otherworldly red rock formations that look like a Bowie album.
Hoover Dam – Yes it’s touristy. But it’s also an engineering marvel.
Longtime fans know that when Duran Duran settles into a city for a few shows, they like to make the rounds. Or, at least Nick does.
Punk Rock Museum – Nick visited a few years ago.
Cirque du Solei – Nick attended LUZIA at the Royal Albert Hall.
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