North America > United States of America > Southwest (United States of America) > Nevada > Southern Nevada > Las Vegas
Las Vegas
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North America > United States of America > Southwest (United States of America) > Nevada > Southern Nevada > Las Vegas -->
[edit] UnderstandCompared with other cities in the West, Las Vegas is a relatively recent arrival. It was founded in 1905, and for many years it was merely a small settlement in the middle of the desert. However, several pivotal events would come together in less than twenty years to make Las Vegas what it is today:
[edit] Get in[edit] By carSouthern Californians crowd Interstate 15 every weekend going back and forth to Vegas. Expect this drive to be crowded and frustrating, unless you can come and go at off-peak hours. However, many find the 280-mile drive along the I-15 restful and scenic. Attractions along the I-15 include the towns of Barstow, California; Baker, California; the Mojave Desert; and small hotel-casinos at Primm, Nevada (at the California border) and Jean, Nevada. Those who traverse the I-15 should remember that they are crossing a desert, and should carry (and drink) ample amounts of water, especially on hot summer days where temperatures can reach 120 degrees F (48 degrees Celsius). From east of Las Vegas, travellers typically drive on I-40 through Arizona, and then head north toward Vegas on US-93 in Kingman, AZ, before finally picking up I-15. This route will take you along Lake Mead and directly through the Hoover Dam area. Traffic at the Dam tends to be extremely congested and slow-going; usually the slowest part of an otherwise sparsely populated desert area. From the North I-15 meets the Arizona border at the more relaxed town of Mesquite, NV and shortly goes into Utah. The junction of I-70 and I-15 is where most people driving from the Eastern US will take. Those from further north may meet I-15 from I-80 in Salt Lake City. [edit] By bus
[edit] By airMcCarran International Airport(Template:IATA)[6] is served by many domestic and international air carriers. Discount air carriers serving LAS include US Airways/America West, JetBlue, and Southwest. Like most US airports, you can rent luggage carts for $3. MGM Grand properties (MGM Grand, and New York New York) and Harrah's Entertainment properties (Rio, Harrah's, Bally's, Paris, Caesars Palace, and Flamingo) offer check-in desks and luggage transfers at LAS. Getting from LAS to your hotel can be done by airport shuttle companies, rent-a-cars, taxi ($10-20), or limousine ($35). The taxi line is well organized, the city taxi dispatcher will direct you to a numbered space along the curb. You need not tip the taxi dispatcher. As in any city, you can be taken advantage of if the cab driver thinks you are naive or new to the city. Do not allow the cab driver to take you through the I-15 tunnel (an extra $10) or tell you the story about the "big accident" enroute to your hotel, if either of these happens take down the driver's hack license number and call the Nevada Taxi Cab Authority. The CAT 108 bus runs from the airport to right outside the Convention Center and the LV Hilton, taking about 20-25 minutes. It runs at 20-minute intervals from Ground Level Zero (take the escalator down from the baggage claim and walk towards the parking garage; the covered bus stop is on the right). One-way trips cost $1.25 and are a great deal compared to the more expensive options above. When leaving, the 'curbside checkin' counters will save a wait, but cost you $4 + tip, and you won't be allocated a seat number until boarding time (i.e. likely to be a single seat at the back of the aircraft). [edit] By railUnfortunately, due to service cuts back in 1997, Amtrak does not have a route through Las Vegas anymore. There is a daily bus route from Needles, California to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, with a stop in Laughlin, Nevada, is operated in concert with Amtrak's Southwest Chief [7]. Amtrak California's San Joaquins [8] route operates 2 buses daily to Las Vegas from Bakersfield, California as part of its service. [edit] Get aroundIf traveling around the strip, walking is a reasonable option as hotel-casinos are found close to each other. In fact in most cases, at least two hotels are connected to each other either by bridge or underground or in the case of Excalibur, Luxor and Malanday Bay, by a complimentary rail shuttle. Be aware that during the summer, the oppressive heat during the daylight hours may make walking a very uncomfortable activity. [edit] By public transitThe Las Vegas Monorail [9], +1 702 699-8200, runs on the east side of the strip with stops behind several of the hotels and at the Las Vegas Convention Center [10]. It costs $5 one-way, $9 return and $15 for a one-day pass. Do the math before boarding, it could be cheaper for a small group to take a taxi. Because the monorail stops at the back entrance of the hotels, it takes a long time to wind through the maze of casinos, often taking 30 minutes to an hour to get from one point to another on the Strip - if you're in a hurry take a taxi. The monorail's carrying capacity of 4000 people per hour is woefully insufficient to handle the evening exodus from the larger conventions which have as many as 150,000 attendees. If you are visiting with a friend from Nevada and want to ride the monorail, consider asking them to buy your fare. By showing a Nevada State ID or Clark County Sheriffs Card (issued to all hotel employees) they qualify for the locals fare of $1, this can be purchased from the customer service booths located at each station. The city bus line Citizens Are Transit [11] (CAT), +1 702 228-7433, operates 49 routes throughout the valley. Most routes operate 5:30AM-1:30AM everyday. Some routes operate 24 hours. The fare is $1.25 for adults and 60¢ for kids and seniors for all residential routes. The Deuce, the London-style double decker bus operating the route along Las Vegas Blvd, costs $2 for adults and $1 dollar for children and seniors, and the fare may be paid directly to the driver. If purchasing a child or senior fare, be prepared to show some form of picture ID to prove your age to the driver. During the larger conventions (such as CES, NAB, and MAGIC) the Deuce also operates on a special one way service from the Las Vegas Convention Center. This service only operates in the afternoon from the convention center to the Strip, the bus travels southbound and services all regular stops from Circus Circus onward. It is important to note that when using this service, tickets must be purchased in advance from the ticket vending machines (located in front of the north and south halls). In addition, 2 additional ticket vending machines are located on the strip, one at the Slots-of-fun/Circus Circus stop and one at the Showcase Mall/MGM Grand stop. It should be noted that when purchasing your fare, the buses do not give change. However, the ticket vending machines do give change, in addition to accepting credit/debit cards. Also it should be noted that CAT buses no longer offer transfer slips that allow you to change buses without paying the fare again, this has been replaced by a residential day pass ($2.50 for adults and $1.25 for kids and seniors) that covers all routes except The Deuce, and an "all-access pass" for $5 that covers all routes on the system. If you try to use a residential pass on the Deuce it will cost 50¢ per ride. If you will be staying for a long period of time (at least 8 days for adults or 4 for children and seniors) and plan to buy an all access pass, a more economic option is to purchase a 30 day bus pass. These can be purchased from either of the two bus terminals (both can be reached by riding the Deuce to Downtown terminal, or to the South Strip Terminal), or from any ticket vending machine. It is important to note however, that if you would like to purchase a child or senior fare pass, you will need to do so from the customer service agent at the terminals. These passes are valid from the first use then for 30 days after and can be used on all routes. If the buses are crowded, a good way to avoid waiting for the next bus is to walk one block east from the strip and use route number 108 - Paradise Road or walk one block west to Industrial Road and use route number 105 - Martin L King Blvd / Koval - which mirrors the strip route. Buying a 24-hr $5 CAT Bus ticket is a very good option, but one has to be aware that the bus stops almost every 200 metres and for at least 10 mins at each stop as there are many getting down and getting in. However, it is the best way to recuperate (in A/C Bus) after a long and tiring walk on the strip. Unfortunately the Monorail and CAT bus are separate and a pass from one won't work on the other. [edit] TaxiOne of the easiest ways to get around is by taxi. It is relatively cheap to go from hotel to hotel. The cab driver is required to turn on the meter and to take the shortest route to your destination. There is a surcharge for rides originating at the airport, but not for extra passengers. Taxi lines (queues) are typically found at the front of hotels. You would be unwise to attempt to hail one on the street, especially on the Strip as it is illegal for a cab to stop traffic to pick up or drop off a passenger. The best way to hail a cab outside of a cabstand is to use the following method: if you are wanting to go north on the strip, stand on the east side about 20 feet before a turn off. The cab you want to wave over will have the yellow lights off. Standing like this allows the cab to turn off the road and pick you up. It is customary to tip the hotel taxi dispatcher $1 or more; tip the cab driver at least 15% of the meter, and about $1 per piece of luggage. [edit] By rental carRenting a car at McCarran International Airport is fairly cheap and popular. The opening of the new rental car facility has increased the wait time to get your car. All the rental agencies are now located under a single roof and all use the same shuttle from the airport to the facility. There have been reports of an extra 30 min increase in the time it takes to pick up and/or drop off your vehicle, so please add this to any arrival and departure times so you won't be late for anything important. Expect to pay about 50% more for your car rental due to recent tax increases. If you mostly plan to hang around one casino and your time in Vegas is short, you might want to forego a rental car altogether and just take taxis. On the other hand, taxi fares add up quickly, and with car rental so cheap, anyone staying a few days or longer would be better suited with the flexibility of a car. Not to mention that some of the best sights are located outside of Las Vegas and virtually require driving to. There are numerous car rental offices on the Strip, and therefore it is very easy to rent a car from your hotel for a day trip. Remember to rent ahead of time as it can be busy during the weekends. Driving on Las Vegas Boulevard (the "Strip") on Thursday or Friday nights or all day Saturday is an exercise in frustration; gridlock takes over and you can spend an hour or more just going a couple of miles. Do what the locals do and avoid driving long distances on the Strip altogether. Instead take I-15, which parallels the Strip, and get off at the exit nearest your hotel and park there. Casinos have low cost self-parking (often free for guests) as well as valet parking. On Friday and Saturday nights the self-parking lots fill up fast; consider splurging on the valet to avoid cumbersome delays and endless circling around. [edit] See Looking south along the Strip from the Venetian casino-hotel [edit] Sights
[edit] Shows[edit] Free Shows
[edit] Cirque du Soleil ShowsOne of the hottest tickets in town is for the Cirque du Soleil shows. Las Vegas currently features five separate shows, with a sixth show, centered around Elvis, planned for CityCenter (2010). Reserve your tickets well in advance for the best available seating.
[edit] Production ShowsReserve your tickets well in advance for the best available seating. The most popular shows are sold out on the weekends. Make sure to always book your seats directly from the official hotel website. <see name="" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.smartervegas.com"></see>
[edit] Headliner Shows
[edit] Tribute Shows
[edit] Magic Shows
[edit] Adult Shows
[edit] Do[edit] GambleOpportunities to gamble are found in most places in the Las Vegas metro area, even at McCarran airport and small supermarkets. However, please be advised that it is state law that all gamblers must be at least 21 years of age. Even if you are at least 21 years old, you are required to bring to the casino a valid ID that shows your current age or complete date of birth (e.g. driver's licence, passport) as proof of your age. Photocopies of valid IDs are usually not considered valid. In-house security makes rounds of inspections to check compliance. If you are under age or without a valid ID to prove your age and found in the gambling premises, hotel staff will ask you to leave, and could ask the metro police to issue you a citation. Moreover, underage gamblers cannot collect any jackpot; such bets are void and the casino will at best return your wager before asking you to leave the premises. There is a curfew for anyone under the age of 18 and metro police are comfortable transporting violators to a juvenile center. If you are going to gamble in Las Vegas, it would be of benefit if you learn and study the games before you arrive. Gambling pros suggest playing the games with the lowest house advantage, such as craps (dice) with full odds, and blackjack (if you are a skilled player), but tables where a blackjack pays only 6:5 or even money instead of the traditional 3:2 give the house a big advantage, and should be avoided. Bets which have the highest house advantage include slot machines, roulette, and some craps bets (hardways and propositions). If a game is unfamiliar to you, do not hesitate to ask the dealer advice on how to play. Most will be happy to explain the game to you, and even slow down the dealing, especially if you arrive during the daytime at a table that is not crowded. To facilitate gambling in machine-based games, you can use a pre-paid card to make wagers and collect winnings. Obtain one of these from the counter, insert the card into the gambling machine you choose to play and the machine will deduct your wagers as well as add your winnings to it. You can go to another cash dispensing machine to redeem your winnings as well as reload the value. Most casinos offer ATMs and over-the-counter cash\-advance facilities but beware about the charges set by your bank and the machine operator or establishment on collecting credit card cash advances. One reason to gamble, aside from the hope of winning money, is that by doing so, you could receive complimentary ("comp") rooms, meals, and even airfare depending on your play. Most casinos issue free "player cards." It is generally to your advantage to show or insert your player card every time you play a table game or slot machine. At the end of your trip, you can ask the hotel if you are eligible for any comps, you might be pleasantly surprised. And if you arrive at the casino prepared to lay out $1000 or more, don't be bashful; ask the pit boss to be "rated" for comps before or while you begin playing. Separate from comps, many hotels offer discount packages for travelers who book a Sunday-Thursday night arrival. Most of these packages offer gambling coupons or a matching play -- see the Sleep section for details. In the 90's, many casinos took their poker rooms out and replaced them with slot machines, but recently poker has made a comeback and more casinos offer it. Texas Hold'em can be found at almost all Las Vegas poker rooms along with 7-card stud, Omaha and others. Not all casinos have a poker room, so call the casino or ask a gaming floor attendant. Casinos with non-smoking poker rooms include:
[edit] Get MarriedLas Vegas is the wedding capital of the world. To get married, first go to the County Clerk's Office and apply for a marriage license. Both parties must have valid ID, such as a driver's license or passport. The cost is $55 per couple. The Las Vegas Wedding Bureau is open from 9AM-midnight seven days a week, including holidays. No blood test or waiting period is required. Once you have a marriage license, the wedding ceremony can be performed by any priest, minister, or Justice of the Peace authorized to perform weddings with in the Las Vegas area. Numerous wedding chapels are located around the Wedding Bureau and on the Strip. You can choose an elaborate theme wedding, such as an Elvis impersonator as officiant, or a simple ceremony and reception celebration. Most major hotels and Vegas Wedding Chapel offer wedding packages for those who wish to plan a larger wedding ceremony. But don't let a lack of planning stop your nuptials; all Vegas wedding chapels can perform immediate weddings with no prior appointment, although it is recommended to make a reservation for your wedding. If you make a reservation most chapels will provide courtesy limousine transportation from your hotel to the chapel and back. Lastly, making a reservation decreases the likelihood of having to wait. Remember your wedding is a special event and want the best regardless of how much you plan to spend. You can receive a quality service at very affordable prices in Las Vegas. It is advised to check with the Las Vegas Better Business Bureau before making any arrangements. You may check the local BBB reports online [38]. [edit] Mountain Activities
[edit] TennisLas Vegas is a great place for tennis fans. Not only do many of the hotels offer excellent courts but public courts abound as well. Vegas is also home to many amateur tournaments, UNLV tournaments, as well as The Tennis Channel Open [40]. [edit] Other activities
[edit] BuyMany of the larger casinos now include high-end shopping areas with designer stores. Additionally, Las Vegas is a hub for outlet malls, with numerous offerings scattered throughout the area.
, about 1 km south of Mandalay, is a new outdoor mall in the shape of a small mediterrenean town and stands out as such amidst all the other, air-conditioned indoor malls in Vegas. The idea of open-air shopping in the heat of the desert might seem crazy at first thought, but an extensive network of trees, shadow alleys and water sprayers let you actually enjoy sunny afternoons outside. All shops and restaurants have their own, distinguished one- or two-storey houses. The town actually centers around a real town square featuring trees, ice-cream and coffee stands and benches to rest. The mall has a huge book store and Las Vegas' only outlet of Swedish fashion store "H&M". </buy> [edit] EatLarge casinos will invariably offer a variety of dining options, ranging from the omni-present buffet to simple cafes to gourmet restaurants. [edit] BuffetsThe most famous buffets in Las Vegas are at the Rio, Bellagio, Paris and Planet Hollywood (formerly Aladdin), though the newly opened Wynn buffet is becoming more and more of a favorite with tourists and locals alike. The best buffets typically run about $30 a person for a weekend dinner. Lunch is your best value at most buffets when they are around half price, breakfasts are cheapest and often have a great spread too. Do not forget that tipping your buffet waiter 10-15% is customary. You can leave cash on the table at the end of your meal or tip the cashier at the counter on a credit card.
[edit] Restaurants[edit] On the Strip[edit] Off the Strip[edit] Downtown[edit] OtherLuv-It Frozen Custard: Hidden a bit north of the Stratus Tower, this family operation offers excellent frozen custards with outstanding toppings. A short quarter block east of South Las Vegas Blvd, on the north side of Oakey, they share a parking lot with a convenience store. Currently open from 1:00 PM every day in summer (May-Sept.); closed on Sundays & Mondays other times; Christmas/New Year is their time for 2+ weeks of vacation. [edit] Drink[edit] BarsIn Las Vegas, free drinks are offered to all players, even those playing 5-cent slot machines. It is customary to tip the cocktail waitress at least $1 per drink (unless you like going thirsty).
[edit] Nightclubs/DancingNightlife in Las Vegas is never hard to find, with a club or lounge in nearly every hotel and casino. Most clubs remain open until 4am, with various after-hour clubs available for the truly hard-core partiers. Drink prices can range anywhere from $4 - $8 for a domestic bottle of beer, $8 - $10 for well drinks, and $200 or more for a bottle of alcohol. Clubs are always busy on weekends, and may also be packed during weekdays at places that have Service Industry Night (SIN), usually Tuesday through Thursday when locals working in the service industry have their night off. A good way to find out what places are currently hot in Vegas is to ask service staff who look like party-people. People working inside hotels are bound to recommend the hotel's institutions, so rather go for waiters or shop-assistants in restaurants or malls outside the hotels. The top clubs will charge a cover of $15 or more. Exceptions include those who have reserved a table, ladies, and sometimes locals. Expect to wait in a line, depending on the night, anywhere from ten minutes up to a couple of hours. A general rule of thumb is to get there early (before 10pm), and while the club may be emptier the line will be shorter and you may avoid paying cover. Be aware that tables in Vegas often come with a bottle purchase; unless you keep buying bottles from the hostess they will ask you to vacate the table so that someone else can occupy the table. The dress code varies by club and bar. The general rule of thumb is most of the time women know what to wear when they are going out, and men should avoid wearing tennis shoes, tank tops, hats, t-shirts, and blue jeans.
[edit] Ultra PoolAn Ultra Pool is a mix of a pool, and club all in one.
[edit] Ultra LoungeAn ultra lounge is a mix between lounge and a night club, but the difference to "real" night clubs is tiny and vanishes completely, when the DJ pulls out hard-core dance hits.
[edit] SleepThe vast majority of visitors to Las Vegas arrive on Friday or Saturday nights and stay for the weekend. As such, room rates can seem ridiculously cheap from Sunday-Thursday night but zoom upwards on weekends. Travelers can plan a trip to their advantage: by staying, say, Sunday through Thursday, one can not only save a bundle on hotel rates, but also take advantage of package deals that may include a show, meals, and gambling coupons -- occasionally worth more than the cost of the hotel room itself. Be aware that many amenities that are included for free in other cities may be quite expensive in Las Vegas; most hotels charge for use of the fitness center with rates around $20 to $40 per visit, local calls are usually billed, and wireless internet is generally at least $12 per day. In Las Vegas parlance, the words "hotel" and "casino" are interchangeable. [edit] On The Strip[edit] Off The Strip
[edit] SuburbsMany modest hotels, well-away from the Strip and downtown, cater to "locals"; many offer lower rates and (often) better games. Amiong them are:
(please develop) They are complemented by plush, full-resort hotels/casinos in select locations. Examples include: (please develop) [edit] Bed & Breakfast[edit] Camping[edit] ContactLas Vegas Airport has free WiFi. On the Strip some internet cafes exist with prices from 20¢/minute.
[edit] Stay SafeGiven all the gambling and its lure of easy money, Las Vegas attracts a small unsavory element. Some desperate people wind up here who are willing to do desperate things, like rob you, to get money. Be vigilant, and do not leave any valuables visible in your car. If you are lucky enough to win a large jackpot, you can ask the casino to hold your winnings in its safe, or to pay you with a check, to avoid carrying a large amount of money. If you insist on your winnings in cash, all casinos will have security personnel escort you to your car, room, etc upon request. Major casinos are generally very safe; casinos take security seriously and have security cameras as well as uniformed and plainclothes security personnel roaming at all times. Despite the advertising slogan What happens here, stays here, Las Vegas has laws that are enforced as in any other American city. For example, drunk driving and illicit drugs are not tolerated and will result in arrest. Prostitution is likewise illegal in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, although it is legal at licensed brothels in some rural counties of Nevada. The closest legal brothels to Las Vegas are located in the town of Pahrump, some 60 miles (100 km) to the west. Diamond Cabaret - Gentleman Club: A complete rip-off. First you pay an entry fee of 40 Dollar, then -after entering- they charge you an extra fee of 20 Dollar for full cover of soft drinks (only!!!) or you have to leave. You can´t stay without the additonal soft drink charge. Your 40 Dollars entry fee are gone anyway. Call for the police if you get in trouble. Remain vigilant while driving. Las Vegas Boulevard ("The Strip") is notorious for fenderbenders and other collisions, due the amount of stop and go traffic and the numerous distractions (pirates, volcanoes, etc) offered to drivers. Many people are also driving intoxicated as well; Nevada has an unusually high frequency of traffic deaths with alcohol involved, and most of them happen in and near this city. Expect extremely low humidity and temperatures above 40°C (104°F) May through September. Bring sunscreen and wear loose, light-colored clothing that substantially blocks sunlight. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. [edit] Get out
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