Jaunted

Yet step inside the lobby and you enter a Victorian-Gothic-Baroque palace outfitted with replica master paintings covering the walls and ceiling. Empty picture frames suspended on cables near the bar even encourage patrons to get their Magritte on, which isn’t that hard to do after a few ginger-vodka “Kashmirs.”

The thirsty are invited to settle into overstuffed furniture more befitting Professor Plum’s library than a Vegas bar, while the cocktail menu offers its exotic liquid fare at, frankly, Strip ultralounge prices.

But the faithful, mostly locals, don’t seem to mind forking over wads of cash or the faintly musty smell – truly odd for the desert – emanating from the ebony-colored fountain in the lobby. Eclecticism rules the day, and it’s not unheard of to witness members of Vegas’ British ex-pat community being serenaded by a guitarist singing French folk songs.

To get to the Artisan, take Sahara Avenue west from the Strip about a half-mile, take the last right (Highland Drive) before the on-ramp for I-15 North, and follow it under the overpass. The Artisan Hotel will be on your right. Valet parking only.

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[Photo: Beatriz E. Dominguez C.]