Las Vegas
Lights, gambling, shopping, parties and alcohol all best describe this oasis in Nevada. It is Disneyland for grownups and the perfect place to let your naughty side out of the closet and be whoever you want to be. However, the average tourist will visit only for the atmosphere, to explore the strip and perhaps lay a five dollar bet on the roulette table. Even if you do not like gambling, you can easily spend a week visiting the attractions, live shows and shopping opportunities all the hotels have to offer.Las Vegas never sleeps and is guaranteed to keep you buzzing until it is time to leave.
Getting ThereLas Vegas is in the middle of the desert. If approaching by car you will have driven for hours with desert either side until you hit the city. Once there, it is not advised to drive down the strip itself as the traffic is terrible so approach from the downtown end or parallel. Many of the hotels have parking for guests which can be arranged on check in – besides very few people only stay for the day. Las Vegas does have an international airport which is a short cab ride from the strip itself. The runway is parallel to the action so it makes for a good entrance and exit. This is probably the best way to approach Vegas if you can get that cheap internal flight. For those with limited funds, there is a Greyhound link which arrives into the bus station in downtown. If you are staying in downtown then need not travel any further, but if you managed to get a good deal on a hotel, the strip is a cab ride away.
The Luxor
Getting Around
The best way to get around Las Vegas is definitely on foot. You get to see so much more and appreciate the atmosphere. A cab during the day on the strip would not be worth your while as you would be quicker to walk the length of the strip in rush hour.
If you do need to rest your legs or escape the midday sun then you can take the monorail which runs behind the strip. It starts at the MGM Grand and runs through to The Sahara opposite Circus Circus with stops in between. You can buy a single journey for $5, a day pass for $12 or 3 day for $28. They run everyday from 7am until 2am Monday to Thursday and 7am until 3am Friday to Sunday.
Money Savers1 All you can eat buffets Many of the hotels have this deal to entice in the hungry customers. My advice is to get there at 10 am and eat until you can eat no more. This can then get you through the day until another bug fill up at dinner time. Do it the American way.
2 Mid week deals You will find all the bargains mid week in Vegas. You will find you may be able to get a room in a mid range hotel like the Luxor for well under $100. You will not loose much atmosphere mid week as Las Vegas is always busy but of course the weekend is when it all happens. However, you will pay a lot more for the experience.
3 Food courts You can find food courts in Vegas where the food is varied and cheap. The best one I found was in the Venetian; the Chinese was exquisite.
Things To Do and See (By Hotel)The vast majority of the attractions are inside the hotels on the strip. Below is a guide of the top attractions and amenities listed by hotel. All hotels have a casino, shopping, restaurants, and amusements to some degree, and if they don’t the hotel next door definitely will. Note that the exhibits and shows do change.
The Luxor This pyramid is Egyptian themed and boasts the largest atrium in the world and the brightest beam which shines directly up into the night sky. It currently houses the Bodies exhibition showing real organs and animal cut in half but in the past has had an exact replica of Tutankhamen's Tomb. It has the widely renowned LAX night club and 11 restaurants and bars to eat at. The Luxor is considered as mid priced accommodation with the best deals coming mid week. From the Luxor you can walk directly to Excalibur and to the Mandalay Bay.
New York, New York It is exactly what it says on the tin. Themed like the streets of New York this hotel is just as outrageous. You can ride the rollercoaster which rockets around and through the hotel, have a drink in Times Square and getting down at the Coyote Ugly Bar designed to mimic the movie in every way. There are shows, a steakhouse, fine dining and an ESPN zone for you budding sports fans. This is where I would stay if I were to go back!
New York, New York
The Bellagio The crème de la crème of Las Vegas is the Bellagio. It is the most prestigious venue for those who do like to splash the cash. It is located slap bang in the middle of the strip and is instantly recognisable by the dancing fountains out front. The Bellagio has the finest dining, excellent exhibits, a chic nightclub, top range shopping, and aquatic displays with acrobats which perform in a European style theatre. If you cannot afford to stay here go for a walk inside and perhaps buy yourself a crepe in the lobby next to the biggest chocolate waterfall in the world.
Paris At the heart of the strip is the Paris Hotel. The entire interior has been transformed to make you feel like you have been whisked of to France. The centre piece of Paris is the half scale Eiffel Tower which pierces the hotel. You can climb this structure and get great views up and down the strip at both day and night. Of course there are also bistros, cocktail bars and cabaret shows galore to add to your experience in Paris.
The Venetian You may have guessed that this hotel is themed much like Venice in Italy. This large hotel has a network of waterways flowing through the public areas where you can take a ride on a gondola and be serenaded just like the Real McCoy. There are always several shows running at the Venetian so be sure to check out the timetable before flying to Vegas. There are a good range of shops and dining available including a food court with a modestly priced set of options. For evening entertainment there is a comedy club, numerous bars, and a 10,000 sq ft night club. Also look out for the changing colour of the ceiling as it fades between night to day every couple of hours. The Venetian really does have a lot to offer and is also the home of Madame Taussauds Las Vegas.
Caesars Palace One of the biggest hotels is Caesars palace and it has the largest shopping mall in Vegas. Themed like ancient Rome, Caesars Palace comes complete with a 4000 seat Colosseum currently featuring performances by Cher, Bette Midler and Elton John. To add to the entertainment of normally the biggest live shows on the strip, there are several bars and the PURE nightclub. Dining ranges from top end cuisine to your all you
Circus Circus Often missed as it is at the far end of the strip, Circus Circus as its name implies is themed like a Circus. This giant tent is one of the cheaper options for accommodation on the strip but is worth a look if you can walk that far. The centre of the hotel is the Adventure Dome where there is an indoor theme park with rollercoasters and rides to spin you round. You can pay as you go or buy a full day pass for $25. Surrounding the action are the amusement arcades and stands where you can win prizes. The kids will love it.
Things To Do For FreeIf you are not feeling too flush then you can definitely still have fun in Vegas. Here are some free things to do and ways to save money.
Caesars Palace musical statues Located amidst the shops are the musical statues which come to life every hour with a music and lights show. It gets crowded so get there with time to spare.
Planet Hollywood show This shopping complex has free shows to watch if you catch it right. I have seen acrobats, dancers and musicians so you may never know what you are going to see. Grab a bite to eat and watch the show.
Bellagio fountains Made even more famous by the scenes at the end of Ocean’s 11, you can watch the fountains dance and sway to lights and music every 30 minutes. The fountains themselves are impressive and reach an enormous height.
Bellagio chocolate fountain The biggest chocolate fountain in the world can be seen just beyond the lobby in the Bellagio. Why not also stay for a crepe or another tasty treat in the café next door.
Acrobatics at Circus Circus In the big top you are treated to some of the finest acrobatics for the small sum of $0. Check the schedule for performances to time it just right, and if you get there early you can take a ride at the theme park.
MGM Grand Lions If you have ever seen a movie made by MGM you will have seen the trademark lion roaring at the start. Well he and some of his friends live in the MGM Grand hotel, so go and visit him and watch him be fed.
Treasure Island live show The mock up of a pirate scene (complete with galleon) can be seen out the front of the Treasure Island casino and hotel. Watch the swash buckling action for free all at a safe distance. Warning, you my get wet.
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