The cheesy entertainers of yesteryear have been shown the door, replaced by world-class entertainers such as Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group and Elton John. There are brand-new thrill rides, sumptuous pool complexes with wave machines, lots of golf courses and amazing shopping, from designer boutiques to out-of-town factory outlet stores. And don't forget those casinos! Las Vegas really does have something for everyone.

General Description

Originally a mid-19th-century oasis for westbound wagon trains, Las Vegas really developed when the railroad, in 1905, and the Hoover Dam, in the 1930s, were built. It is now the gaming and entertainments capital of the world. Spaciously laid out in the traditional US grid pattern, the real heart of the city is the 8-ml stretch of very busy dual-carriageway called Las Vegas Boulevard – or the "Strip" – that runs from the airport to the original city centre (Downtown and beyond).

Along both sides of the Strip the vast majority of accommodation and associated leisure venues are found and it's here that the dazzling neon is brightest. Downtown is much more cramped and rather seedy in parts, especially around the Glitter Gulch show venues. In the light of day, the city is a harsh cocktail of concrete, steel and reflective glass that appears particularly naked and bereft of beauty under the blazing desert sun.

However, the place takes on a whole new personality after sunset when the millions of lights go on. Although famed for being a 24-hr city – there are no public clocks anywhere because they are irrelevant – Vegas is more than just a glitzy, over-the-top gambling and entertainments centre. The sun shines virtually all year round for sun worshippers and the low humidity makes it a preferred choice for sufferers from respiratory diseases. There's also a host of outdoor sporting pursuits. You will either love it or hate it, but most visitors thoroughly enjoy the experience, although generally end up considerably poorer!

Public Transport

An efficient bus service plies the Strip and operates throughout the Downtown area. Taxis are more numerous and convenient but more expensive. Greyhound and Trailways services run state-wide and beyond. Amtrak trains run from the Downtown station on Main Street.

Location

Location: In the southwest of the United States, in the southern tip of Nevada State, near the California and Arizona state borders. 40 mls northwest of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Downtown is 6 mls north of McCarran airport.
Position: In flat desert, ringed by distant barren mountains.

• Dialling Code: 702
• Website: www.lasvegas24hours.com
• Serving Airports: Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS)
• Flight time from the UK: 11 hrs

Market/Suitability

One of the great playgrounds for the rich and famous, though it has become equally popular with a middlemarket clientele aged 30+ with money to spend; younger package tourists, attracted by the good-value motels and smaller hotels, make up an increasing proportion of the visitors. The huge, themed, resort-style hotels are also attracting more families, as they are the few places to offer a variety of non-gambling entertainment. If you like nonstop action, 24-hr licensing and restaurants, bright lights and sunshine, this is the place. Also very popular for "quickie weddings", with dozens of wedding chapels along the Strip. There are always exhibitions and conferences taking place, and these attract people in their thousands.

Shopping

Available on a grand scale. Most of the bigger hotels have their own shopping arcades, from the exclusive to the more mundane. Fashion Show Mall towards the north of the Strip has big-name, high-end department stores, such as Bloomingdales. Factory outlets on the city's outskirts offer cut-price designer clothes and discounted name brands. Cheap souvenir and T-shirt shops abound on the Strip and in Downtown.

Entertainment

Daytime: Wet 'n Wild water park; the Adventuredome (a 5-acre indoor theme park on the Strip); roller-coasters and thrill rides in many localities; numerous museums including Liberace, Elvis, the Guggenheim Hermitage, the Guinness Book of Records, Madame Tussauds; the Bellagio Fine Art gallery; luxurious health spas; golf. The bigger themed hotels host plenty of attractions, including the Atlantis aquarium at Caesars Palace.
Nightlife: over 50 casinos (most hotels have their own) as well as ubiquitous slot machines, but you are under no obligation to partake and dress code is casual. Children cannot gamble and must be accompanied by an adult in all gaming areas. Many of the hotels host regular performances by stars such as Elton John, Billy Joel, Sting, the Rolling Stones and Celine Dion. Live music such as rock, jazz and country. Broadway plays and musicals. Showgirl reviews, such as Folies Bergere, including some topless shows. Also comedy, magic shows, hypnotists, circuses including the Cirque du Soleil. Plenty of cinemas and Imax theatres. Numerous nightclubs. A proliferation of strip and lap-dancing clubs in true old Vegas style. Major boxing matches.

Eating Out

A huge choice of snack bars and restaurants in any of the hotels. Many of the bigger hotels have opened "celebrity-chef-endorsed" gourmet restaurants. Great value and button-popping portions as is the American way. Plenty of steakhouses and the ubiquitous buffet – be prepared to queue.

Accommodation

Everything from humble and very cheap motels to completely outrageous, de luxe hotel complexes. The more recent giant hotels are virtually self-contained resorts – designed to attract free-spending couples and families who are not necessarily interested in gambling. Themed properties are all the rage, from Long John Silver to a raft of hotels inspired by cities around the world. The overall standard cannot be bettered anywhere and occasionally, rates can be incredibly good value. Top hotels, however, are less inclined to offer discounts unless you're a big-spending gambler. Luxury self-catering is possible in an increasing number of all-suite towers and condominiums. Some good deals are to be had off the Strip, in Downtown and in the suburbs. Families are less well catered for

Local Excursions

Daily bus tours to and flights over the Hoover Dam; flights over the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon. Helicopter flights over Death Valley. Balloon tours over the desert. River rafting on the Colorado River. Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes, has its own National Recreation Area for boating, fishing and choice of water sports.

• Bookmark this page –
• Print this page