A Las Vegas trip can be many things: a gambling junket, a romantic getaway, a reasonably-priced vacation, or an outing with the kids. The flashy oasis in the Nevada desert offers a little something for everyone. No longer just a gambling destination, Las Vegas has world-class shopping, elegant restaurants, name entertainment, and interesting museums.
Attractions
- Elvis-a-Rama -- Home to over $6 million of Elvis memorabilia, this museum, just off of the Strip, is one of the most popular attractions in Vegas. You'll see the "King's" US Army uniform, his vintage Rolls Royce, and multi-media displays about his life and music.
- Guggenheim Hermitage Museum - Housed inside the Venetian Resort, this museum hosts a variety of changing exhibits. Recent shows have features the Post-Impressionists and works from the Hermitage in St. Petersburg Russia.
- Fremont Street Experience - Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas' "Glitter Gulch," this multi-media presentation is a must-see for anyone visiting Las Vegas. The canopy of pedestrian-only Fremont Street becomes a screen each hour with flashing lights, familiar characters, and vibrant colors - all accompanied by music.
- Shopping in Las Vegas - Las Vegas offers some of the most unique shopping in the world. Many of the resort hotels boast shopping arcades, such as Caesar's Forum shops at Caesar's Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Resort. In addition, the Fashion Show Mall in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip offers a variety of nationally known retailers.
Hotels
Las Vegas offers tens of thousands of hotel rooms, from simple motel rooms to lavish luxury suites. Among the most interesting of the Vegas hotels are:
- Bellagio Hotel - Arguably the most elegant hotel in Las Vegas, the Bellagio sits in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip action. It is known for its luxurious rooms and marble interior, its extensive art collection, and the dancing fountains in front of the resort.
- Luxor Hotel - This Egyptian-themed resort at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip offers 4408 guest rooms as well as an extensive casino, multiple restaurants, and one of the "hippest" night clubs in town. The beacon at the top of the pyramid can be seen from space.
- Circus Circus -- Built in the 1960s, the Circus Circus Resort is still going strong. It combines a traditional Vegas resort with the excitement and flavor of the Circus. The casino floor features circus acts above the gaming action and the resort's 4000 all have a circus flair.
- The Wynn - The newest addition to the Las Vegas hotel scene, this $2.7 billion mega-resort opened in April of 2006. The resort features 2700 guest rooms, a botanical garden and other well-manicured grounds, 75,000-square feet of retail space, and an in-house Ferrari dealer for when you hit it big at the slots.
Planning your Las Vegas Trip
Planning a Las Vegas trip can be as easy as making one phone call or visiting your travel agent. Dozens of tour operators offer travel packages to Las Vegas that combine airfare, accommodations, and transportation to and from the airport - often at significant savings.To get the best price on your Las Vegas trip, consider traveling during the middle of the week and at off-peak times when the city is not overrun with conventioneers. Not only will you save money, but you'll enjoy the city without the crowds.
