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NIGHT+DAY Ins and Outs (IOs)

Whether you are keeping a dogeared Night+Day guide as your bible to exploring a city, or just relying on NightandDayGuides.com, you’re in the right place for the latest and greatest happenings. Herewith are hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and attractions that have been open long enough to be tested and earn our recommendation.

May’s Top 5 New Recommendations

LAS VEGAS • ARIA LAS VEGAS • Contemporary (4,004 rms)
Designed by New Haven-based architecture firm Pelli Clarke Pelli (whose César Pelli mentored the likes of Maya Lin), the 61-story Aria is the centerpiece, not just of CityCenter, but of the new Las Vegas Strip—which is looking considerably less Disney and more avant-garde these days. The interior of the pair of curved steel-and-glass structures is somewhat more predictable (casino, flashy restaurants, high-end boutiques, thumping nightclubs), though rooms are kitted out with the latest in technology—a personalized automation system controls everything from temperature and lighting to music and wake-up calls—and there are world-class art installations throughout the property. Basic rooms are adequate, if nothing special in terms of design; instead, opt for one of the palatial Sky Suites, which have tufted white vinyl headboards, freestanding soaking tubs, and funky artwork (like the ubiquitous hand sculptures). $$ 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Harmon Ave.), 702-650-7565 / 866-359-7757
arialasvegas.com

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LOS ANGELES • THE MERCANTILE • Cafe
Sunset Boulevard is ready for its close-up again, thanks in large part to “it” proprietor George Abou-Daoud. The New York native’s sixth eatery along the resurrected one-mile strip shares the “boutique quality without the exclusive policy” of his other venues (Delancey, Bowery, Mission), but offers a fresh take. By day, it’s a European deli and market, offering gourmet twists on lunch fare (charred jalapeño goat cheese on a BLT, fennel-crusted albacore salad with fingerling potatoes) as well as artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and homemade pastries (the in-house ice cream and flourless BTOs—“Better Than Oreos”—are musts to take home. At night, it transitions into a buzz-worthy wine bar, ideal for a date, girls’ night out, or pre- or post-movie at the ArcLight just down the block.
Daily 11am–midnight. $
6600 Sunset Blvd. (Leland Way), 323-962-8202
themercantilela.com

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NEW ORLEANS • GUERLAIN SPA • Spa
Located inside the newly restored Waldorf-Astoria Roosevelt New Orleans, which originally opened in 1893, this brand-new spa fills you with calm before you even meet the masseuse. The hushed interior is decorated with tan marble, dark wood, and freshly cut flowers. And since the name Guerlain is most often seen on bottles of perfumes, it makes sense that before you start a treatment, you must first choose a scent, which follows you throughout your visit. At the end of your treatment, visit the “retail playground” to sample a full range of Guerlain fragrances and skin care products. Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 10am–6pm.
$$$$ The Roosevelt New Orleans, 123 Baronne St. (Canal St.),
504-335-3190
therooseveltneworleans.com/guerlainSpa.php

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SAN FRANCISCO • MARLOWE • American
This cozy new venue (in the space that formerly housed South) serves international home cooking—classic dishes such as steak tartare, polenta with mushrooms, and, of course, a good old hamburger. It does so with panache, sourcing local ingredients when possible, and pairing entrées with an eclectic list of international wines that emphasizes lesser-known grapes. The refreshed space retains the same elbow-to-elbow aesthetic. A fun addition is the chalkboard with quotations about food chosen by the restaurant’s Twitter followers.
Mon–Wed 11:30am–2:30pm and 5:30–10pm, Thu–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm and 5:30–11pm, Sat 11:30am–2:30pm.
$$ 330 Townsend St. (Fourth St.), 415-974-5599
marlowesf.com

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TORONTO • POP NIGHTCLUB • Nightclub
The shelf life of clubs is short in the Entertainment District, but the inventiveness continues with this dance club, which has brought ’80s style to the club ’hood—from the pop culture theme nights to the Wham!-esque color of the neon lights. One side of the vast space is dedicated to twenty-somethings who adore Kanye, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga. The other side is a luxe neutral setting of banquettes filled with a chilled crowd who take a little conversation with their dance party. Partygoers book the limo service to skip the lineups, and reserve red booths with bottle service on Friday nights to ensure continued preferred status, while serious dance fans come Sundays for Factory night, a tribute to Andy Warhol. Wed–Sun 10pm–3am.
217 Richmond St. W. (Duncan St.), 416-593-6116
popnightclub.com

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