True luxury isn’t sparkle—it’s soul. Maricel Gentile, chef and hospitality insider reveals how The Wynn Las Vegas turns thoughtful service into unforgettable magic.
Luxury is a feeling, not a gimmick or a trick of glitz and glamour. It is a feeling of truly being taken care of. I have always had a soft spot for luxury hotels, and the Wynn Las Vegas hits that spot.
As someone who, early in my career, worked on the Front of House team at the St. Regis, New York City, and helped earn its AAA Five Diamond award, I know exactly what hospitality means and what it takes.
It is not about fancy furnishings and crystal chandeliers; it is about care, consistency, and a quiet kind of excellence. The Wynn Las Vegas gets that.
The Lobby
From the moment you step into the Wynn, you know you are in for something special. The lobby is elegant and vibrant, with beautiful floral arrangements and a seasonal display.
It is the type of lobby that speaks luxury but is not stuffy. It is friendly yet refined. Every detail feels intentional.
The artwork is thoughtfully curated and reflects a timeless, elegant feel that adds a sense of calm and beauty to the space. It is like walking in a gallery and a dream at the same time.
Even before my arrival, the Wynn’s elegance was apparent. Days before my arrival, I received an email not just welcoming me but also with a pre-arrival check-in that would speed up processing once I was on site.
The check-in was friendly, calm, helpful, and on par with the luxury experience.
My Room
My room continued this theme of simple elegance and luxury. Rooms are clean, modern, and warm.
The space feels balanced with soft lighting, rich textures, and a calm color pallet of woods and other natural textures. The rooms continue that modern mid-century feel with sleek lines, marble-topped surfaces, and leather accents. The layout is open yet cozy.
Now, let’s talk about the bed. I am very particular when it comes to linens. Luxury bedding is not about fluff or lace. It’s about quality.
The Wynn gets that just right. The sheets are buttery soft, and cool to the touch. The mattress is supportive yet cloud-like.
The pillows are just right—not too hard, not too soft. The bedding makes for the perfect night’s sleep—not that you will want to sleep much in Las Vegas.
Continuing with the theme of quiet excellence, the room technology hits home here, too. I have stayed in hotels where the room tech feels more like a gimmick than useful.
At the Wynn? It just works, and even a non-techie like me can use it effectively. You can control the lights, curtains, and TV through an iPad, Amazon Alexa, or smart wall switches.
It is luxury at its smartest – high-tech without being intrusive, and it adds to your comfort.
Food
As a chef, food is always on my list of what defines a luxury property, and the Wynn delivers here as well.
From their small outlets and bars to their name-brand establishments, they continue their theme of excellence.
With restaurants ranging from Sinatra, named for the legendary singer, to Mizumi for authentic Japanese, to Wing Lei— which is the first Chinese restaurant to receive a Michelin star—to Delilah, a modern-day supper club, there’s no shortage of incredible options.
Casa Playa, led by Executive Chef Sarah Thompson, brings vibrant coastal Mexican flavors to life.
Add to that SW Steakhouse, Lakeside, Red 8, Allegro, Jardin, The Buffet, and Cipriani, and you have a culinary destination that rivals any in the world.
Not Just a Stay—An Immersive Luxury Experience
Beyond the rooms and restaurants, there’s so much more to love. The luxury shopping is like walking down the most glamorous street in the world—boutiques from the biggest names in fashion, each one more stunning than the last.
Just steps away are two supercar dealerships—McLaren and Pagani. I may not be in the market for a car like that, but just seeing them up close made me feel like I was inside a dream.
Then there’s the golf course—lush, manicured, and peaceful. I’m not a golfer, but I could absolutely imagine myself out there on the green, enjoying the calm beauty of it all.
And let’s not forget the spa. The Wynn’s spa is pure indulgence. Quiet, luxurious, and perfectly designed to help you unwind.
Just like everything else at The Wynn, it’s not just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels. And it feels amazing.
Service
Above all else, for me, what sets the Wynn apart is the service. True luxury is not about expensive accents or big-name chefs. It is about people.
It is about how you are treated and how you feel. Every single staff member I encountered at the Wynn made me feel welcome.
I also observed how staff interreacted with non hotel guests, those visiting for a show or the casino, or those just taking a look at the magnificent property.
Everyone from the front desk, to security, to housekeeping make everyone feel special, not just as a guest, but as a person.
The Wynn Las Vegas has earned its place in my heart. It is a place where hospitality still means something, where design and comfort live in harmony, and where every little thing – no matter how small – add up to something unforgettable.
As I continue to grow Maricel’s Kitchen, I carry that same spirit with me. I may not have the size or scale of The Wynn, but what I can create is the kind of experience that makes guests feel seen, cared for, and inspired.
My dream has always been to create a true culinary experience destination—not just a place to eat, but a place to feel something.
The Wynn reminds me of what’s possible when you treat every detail with intention. It’s a constant inspiration for the kind of warm, refined, and heartfelt hospitality I want to bring to every table I serve.
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