Las Vegas

Inside Las Vegas: Getting Around

September 17th, 2007 at 06:23am Under Las Vegas

Walking along the resort area of Las Vegas Blvd., known as the Strip, is a fun and convenient way to explore the city and get a feel for Vegas.  Many resorts are located within walking distance of each other, and each has a unique flavor that can even be enjoyed by passing by on foot.  This being stated, the sheer size of the hotels makes hoping around on foot difficult and tiring, especially when glammed up.  Given that valet parking is free at all hotels, it is worth renting a car and leaving it with the valet of each hotel that you visit.  If you do insist on walking, the following information will be of assistance to you,

Stop along the sidewalk in front of Bellagio to enjoy the impressive fountain show that runs on a regular schedule.  Other free attractions with sidewalk views include the regularly erupting volcano in front of Mirage and the pirate ship performances at the Treasure Island lagoon.

First-time visitors should be prepared for a couple local quirks when walking along the Strip.  Many vendors along the sidewalks on the Strip attempt to distribute adult material and advertisements to people passing by, but they are not intrusive and can be easily ignored, although their discarded material sometimes ends up littering the sidewalks.  Also, don’t be surprised to see people walking along the street with open containers of alcohol, often served in large and elaborate souvenir cups.  There is no legal prohibition against this sort of drinking in public in Las Vegas. 

A word of caution - cross Las Vegas Blvd. ONLY in designated pedestrian crosswalks.  There are a number of crosswalks as well as overhead pedestrian bridges and using them will make life easier for you and the drivers trying to navigate one of the busiest streets in the country.  Drivers can be aggressive and traffic can be a nightmare.  So be safe and cross the street in the areas designed for pedestrian crossing. 

In addition to walking the Strip, take a bus or cab to the downtown area, home of the famous Fremont Street Experience.  Enjoy walking the several blocks of Fremont Street between shops and casinos that lie under the overhead canopy which becomes an enormous screen for regular audio and video shows at night.

If you are staying at an off Strip hotel/casino, check and see if they have a courtesy shuttle to the Strip.  Many hotels and casinos also offer complimentary shuttles to the airport for their guests.

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Getting Around - Las Vegas

September 17th, 2007 at 06:18am Under Las Vegas

It shouldn’t be too hard to navigate your way around. But remember, between huge hotel acreage, increased and very slow traffic, and lots and lots of people trying to explore like you, getting around takes a lot longer than you might think. Heck, it can take 15 to 20 minutes to get from your room to another part of your hotel! Always allow for plenty of time to get from point A to point B.

By Car

We highly recommend that visitors rent a car. The Strip is too spread out for walking (and Las Vegas is often too hot or too cold to make strolls pleasant), Downtown is too far away for a cheap cab ride, and public transportation is often ineffective in getting you from point A to point B. Plus, return visits call for exploration in more remote parts of the city, and a car brings freedom (especially if you want to do any side trips — bus tours are available, but a car lets you explore at your own pace rather than according to a tour schedule).

You should note that places with addresses some 60 blocks east or west from the Strip are actually less than a 10-minute drive — provided there is no traffic.

That said, if you plan to confine yourself to one part of the Strip or to Downtown, your feet will suffice.

Having advocated renting a car, we should warn you that the growing population means a proportionate increase in the number of cars. Traffic is getting worse, and it’s harder and harder to get around town with any certain swiftness. We’ve included a list of particular traffic danger zones in the “Traffic Tips” link, but a general rule of thumb is to avoid driving on the Strip whenever you can, and avoid driving at all during peak rush hours (8-9:30am and 4:30-6pm), especially if you have to make a show curtain.

Parking is usually a pleasure because all casino hotels offer free valet service. That means that for a mere $1 to $2 tip, you can park right at the door, though the valet usually fills up on busy nights. In those cases, you can use the gigantic self-parking lot that all hotels have.

Renting a Car — National companies with outlets in Las Vegas include Alamo (tel. 877/227-8367; www.goalamo.com), Avis (tel. 800/230-4898; www.avis.com), Budget (tel. 800/527-0700; https://rent.drivebudget.com/Home.jsp), Dollar (tel. 800/800-3665; www.dollar.com), Enterprise (tel. 800/736-8227; www.enterprise.com), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131; www.hertz.com), National (tel. 800/227-7368; www.nationalcar.com), Payless (tel. 800/729-5377; www.paylesscarrental.com), and Thrifty (tel. 800/847-4389; www.thrifty.com).

Car-rental rates vary even more than airline fares. The price you pay will depend on the size of the car, where and when you pick it up and drop it off, the length of the rental period, where and how far you drive it, whether you purchase insurance, and a host of other factors. A few key questions could save you hundreds of dollars:

Are weekend rates lower than weekday rates? Ask if the rate is the same for pickup Friday morning, for instance, as it is for Thursday night.

Is a weekly rate cheaper than the daily rate? Even if you need the car for only 4 days, it may be cheaper to keep it for 5.

Does the agency assess a drop-off charge if you don’t return the car to the same location where you picked it up? Is it cheaper to pick up the car at the airport compared to a Downtown location?

Are special promotional rates available? If you see an advertised price in your local newspaper, be sure to ask for that specific rate; otherwise, you may be charged the standard cost. Terms change constantly, and reservations agents are notorious for not mentioning available discounts unless you ask.

Are discounts available for members of AARP, AAA, frequent-flier programs, or trade unions? If you belong to any of these organizations, you may be entitled to discounts of up to 30%.

How much tax will be added to the rental bill? Local tax? State use tax?

What is the cost of adding an additional driver’s name to the contract?

How many free miles are included in the price? Free mileage is often negotiable, depending on the length of your rental.

How much does the rental company charge to refill your gas tank if you return with the tank less than full? Though most rental companies claim these prices are “competitive,” fuel is almost always cheaper in town. Try to allow enough time to refuel the car yourself before returning it.

Some companies offer “refueling packages,” in which you pay for an entire tank of gas up front. The price is usually fairly competitive with local gas prices, but you don’t get credit for any gas remaining in the tank. If a stop at a gas station on the way to the airport will make you miss your plane, then by all means take advantage of the fuel purchase option. Otherwise, skip it.

Many available packages include airfare, accommodations, and a rental car with unlimited mileage. Compare these prices with the cost of booking airline tickets and renting a car separately to see if these offers are good deals.

Internet resources can make comparison-shopping easier.

Demystifying Renter’s Insurance — Before you drive off in a rental car, be sure you’re insured. Hasty assumptions about your personal auto insurance or a rental agency’s additional coverage could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars — even if you are involved in an accident that was clearly the fault of another driver.

If you already hold a private auto insurance policy, you are most likely covered in the United States for loss of or damage to a rental car and liability in case of injury to any other party involved in an accident. Be sure to find out whether you are covered in the area you are visiting, whether your policy extends to all persons who will be driving the rental car, how much liability is covered in case an outside party is injured in an accident, and whether the type of vehicle you are renting is included under your contract. (Rental trucks, sport utility vehicles, and luxury vehicles such as the Jaguar may not be covered.)

Most major credit cards provide some degree of coverage as well — provided they were used to pay for the rental. Terms vary widely, however, so be sure to call your credit card company directly before you rent.

If you are uninsured, your credit card may provide primary coverage as long as you decline the rental agency’s insurance. This means that the credit card will cover damage or theft of a rental car for the full cost of the vehicle. If you already have insurance, your credit card may provide secondary coverage — which basically covers your deductible. Credit cards will not cover liability, or the cost of injury to an outside party and/or damage to an outside party’s vehicle. If you do not hold an insurance policy, you may seriously want to consider purchasing additional liability insurance from your rental company. Be sure to check the terms, however: Some rental agencies cover liability only if the renter is not at fault; even then, the rental company’s obligation varies from state to state. Bear in mind that each credit card company has its own peculiarities; call your own credit card company for details before relying on a card for coverage.

The basic insurance coverage offered by most car-rental companies, known as the Loss/Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), can cost as much as $20 per day. The former should cover everything, including the loss of income to the rental agency, should you get in an accident (normally not covered by your own insurance policy): It usually covers the full value of the vehicle with no deductible if an outside party causes an accident or other damage to the rental car. In all states but California, you will probably be covered in case of theft as well. Liability coverage varies according to the company policy and state law, but the minimum is usually at least $15,000. If you are at fault in an accident, however, you will be covered for the full replacement value of the car but not for liability. In Nevada, you can buy additional liability coverage for such cases. Most rental companies will require a police report in order to process any claims you file, but your private insurer will not be notified of the accident. Check your own policies and credit cards before you shell out money on this extra insurance because you may already be covered.

Driving Safety — Because driving on the outskirts of Las Vegas — for example, coming from California — involves desert driving, you must take certain precautions. It’s a good idea to check your tires, water, and oil before leaving. Take at least 5 gallons of water in a clean container that can be used for either drinking or the radiator. Pay attention to road signs that suggest when to turn off your car’s air conditioner. And don’t push your luck with gas — it may be 35 miles or more between stations. If your car overheats, do not remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled, and then remove it very slowly. Add water to within an inch of the top of the radiator. By Taxi

Since cabs line up in front of all major hotels, an easy way to get around town is by taxi. Cabs charge $3.20 at the meter drop and 25¢ for each additional 1/8 mile, plus an additional $1.20 fee for being picked up at the airport. A taxi from the airport to the Strip will run you $12 to $20, from the airport to Downtown $15 to $20, and between the Strip and Downtown about $10 to $15. You can often save money by sharing a cab with someone going to the same destination (up to five people can ride for the same fare). All of this implies that you have gotten a driver who is honest; many cabbies will take you the long way around, which sometimes means the shortest physical distance between two points — right down the Strip — but longest time on the clock and, thus, meter. Either way, you could end up paying a fare that . . . let’s just say a new pair of shoes would have been a much more fun way to spend that jackpot. Your only recourse is to write down the cab number and call the company after and complain. They may not respond, but at least you tried.

If you want to call a taxi, any of the following companies can provide one: Desert Cab Company (tel. 702/386-9102), Whittlesea Blue Cab (tel. 702/384-6111), and Yellow/Checker Cab/Star Company (tel. 702/873-2000).

By Monorail

The first leg of a high-tech monorail that will eventually become a citywide mass-transit system opened in 2004, offering riders their first and best shot of getting from one end of the Strip to the other with a minimum of frustration and expense. The 4-mile route runs from the MGM Grand at the southern end of the Strip to the Sahara at the northern end, with stops at Paris/Bally’s, The Flamingo, Imperial Palace/Harrah’s, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Las Vegas Hilton along the way.

These spiffy new trains can accommodate over 200 passengers (standing and sitting) and make the end-to-end run in about 15 minutes. They operate 7 days a week from 8am until midnight.

Fares are $3 (!!!) for a one-way ride (whether you ride from one end to the other or just to the next station), but discounts are available for round-trips and multi-ride/day passes.

Despite a very rocky start that involved a 4-month shutdown while they worked out some kinks like wheels and driveshafts falling off the trains, things seem to be running smoothly now. But don’t be looking for previously announced extensions to the airport or Downtown anytime soon.

By Public Transportation

The no. 301 bus operated by Citizens Area Transit (tel. 702/CAT-RIDE) plies a route between the Downtown Transportation Center (at Casino Center Blvd. and Stewart Ave.) and a few miles beyond the southern end of the Strip. The fare is $2 for adults, 60¢ for seniors 62 and older and children 5 to 17, and free for those under 5. CAT buses run 24 hours a day and are wheelchair-accessible. Exact change is required, but dollar bills are accepted.

Or you can hop aboard a classic streetcar replica run by Las Vegas Strip Trolley (tel. 702/382-1404). These old-fashioned, dark-green vehicles have interior oak paneling and are comfortably air-conditioned. Like the buses, they run northward from Hacienda Avenue, stopping at all major hotels en route to the Sahara, and then loop back from the Las Vegas Hilton. They do not, however, go to the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower or Downtown. Trolleys run about every 15 minutes daily between 9:30am and 2am. The fare is $1.75 (free for children under age 5), and exact change is required.

There are also a number of free transportation services, courtesy of the casinos. A free monorail connects Mandalay Bay with Luxor and Excalibur, and a free tram shuttles between The Mirage and TI at the Mirage. Given how far apart even neighboring hotels can be, thanks to their size, and how they seem even farther apart on really hot days, these are blessed additions — and the more tourists who take them, the less traffic there might be on the Strip.

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Arriving at the Las Vegas Airport

September 17th, 2007 at 06:16am Under Las Vegas

Las Vegas is served by McCarran International Airport, 5757 Wayne Newton Blvd. (tel. 702/261-5211, TDD 702/261-3111; www.mccarran.com), just a few minutes’ drive from the southern end of the Strip, where the bulk of casinos and hotels are concentrated. This big, modern airport — with a relatively new $500-million expansion — is rather unique in that it includes several casino areas with more than 1,000 slot machines. Although these are reputed to offer lower paybacks than hotel casinos (the airport has a captive audience and doesn’t need to lure repeat customers), it’s hard to resist throwing in a few quarters while waiting for the luggage to arrive. We actually know someone who hit a $250 jackpot there on his way out of town, thereby recouping most of his gambling losses at the last possible moment. (He was surprised, too.)

Getting to your hotel from the airport is a cinch. Bell Trans (tel. 702/739-7990; www.bell-trans.com) runs 20-passenger minibuses daily between the airport and all major Las Vegas hotels and motels (7:45am-midnight). There are several other companies that run similar ventures — just stand outside on the curb and one will be flagged down for you. Buses from the airport leave about every 10 minutes. When you want to check out of your hotel and head back to the airport, call at least 2 hours in advance to be safe (though often you can just flag down one of the buses outside any major hotel). The cost is $5 per person each way to Strip- and Convention Center-area hotels, $6.50 to Downtown or other Off-Strip properties (anyplace north of the Sahara Hotel and west of I-15). Other similarly priced shuttles run 24 hours and can be found in the same place.

Even less expensive are Citizen’s Area Transit (CAT) buses (tel. 702/CAT-RIDE; www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/cat). The no. 108 bus departs from the airport and will take you to the Stratosphere, where you can transfer to the no. 301, which stops close to most Strip- and Convention Center-area hotels. The no. 109 bus goes from the airport to the Downtown Transportation Center at Casino Center Boulevard and Stewart Avenue. The fares for buses on Strip routes are $2 for adults, 60¢ for seniors and children. Note: If you have heavy luggage, you should know that you might have a long walk from the bus stop to the hotel entrance (even if the bus stop is right in front of your hotel). Vans are able to get right up to the entrance, so choose a van if you’re lugging lots of baggage.

All of the major car-rental companies are represented in Las Vegas, if you choose to rent a car while you are in town.

Visitor Information

All major Las Vegas hotels provide comprehensive tourist information at their reception and/or sightseeing and show desks.

Other good information sources are the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 3150 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109 (tel. 877/VISIT-LV or 702/892-7575; www.visitlasvegas.com), open daily from 8am to 5pm; the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, 3720 Howard Hughes Pkwy., #100, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (tel. 702/735-1616; www.lvchamber.com), open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm; and, for information on all of Nevada, including Las Vegas, the Nevada Commission on Tourism (tel. 800/638-2328; www.travelnevada.com), open 24 hours.

Help for Troubled Travelers — The Traveler’s Aid Society is a social-service organization geared to helping travelers in difficult straits. Their services might include reuniting families separated while traveling, feeding people stranded without cash, or even emotional counseling. If you’re in trouble, seek them out. In Las Vegas there is a Traveler’s Aid office at McCarran International Airport (tel. 702/798-1742). It’s open daily from 8am to 5pm. Similar services are provided by Help of Southern Nevada, 953-35B E. Sahara Ave. (Suite 208), at Maryland Parkway in the Commercial Center (tel. 702/369-4357). Hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.

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Las Vegas Gambling Basics

September 17th, 2007 at 06:13am Under Las Vegas

The gambling scene, not only of North America but also of the entire world has one illuminated name that cannot be left out. Las Vegas - the city of paradise for gamblers. The casino resorts and the luxurious hotels in the city have left behind all holiday destinations. The city is full of opportunities, opportunities to thrill your senses in every possible way. Competition however has been on a high for the city from more than one city, which in deed has made the place go from being good to mighty good.

Owing to the competition it is facing from other cities it is today being forced to add value and substance and take the gambling scene to a step ahead. The result has been a boon to the casino goers in terms of amazing resorts cum casinos cum hotels. Be it the monumental el Coretz or the enchanting Bellagio, the place is filled with resorts and casinos and now places which are a mix of bests of both.

Among other things one of the most remarkable is the return of poker. Fresh and improved versions of the game played in the snazziest of casinos by novices and pros alike has captured the fancy of many a players. A visit to any of the poker stations can never make you believe that the game was once played in smoke filled tacky rooms.

The success of Las Vegan casinos depend on the enticing experience which always gets the rich and famous to the tables once again.

With the upcoming of High stakes lounges, moneyed players enjoy the comfort of private, luxury gaming rooms. Thus the rich and the famous have another reason for returning to the tables with wads of cash.

However the Las vegans take good care of the economy class too, though along the years average prices in the city has been on an uphill ride, yet they managed to give provide plenty of playing room and a lot of fantastic sights too.

The flashiest place on earth caters to the needs of peace lovers with the same hospitality as it serves the poker lovers. Vegas is filled with spas and golf courses to sooth the exhausted nerves of their guests with tranquility that is phenomenal considering what this place is better known for.

Slots might be called as the games with the worst odds in favor yet they are sporty and offer gamblers a one-on-one game of chance in a non-threatening casino world.

The most exclusive of retailers and chefs from around the world have been hand picked and planted in the city to provide you the shopping and the dining experience of your life time.

The ambience takes you to the annals of the history, right in the lap of Venice of the yesteryears. Thus if you are looking for an experience to get the best the world had to offer, the place is got to be Las Vegas. All you need is time and loads of cash, even if you are low on it the place still won’t disappoint you.

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Fast Facts - Las Vegas

September 17th, 2007 at 06:11am Under Las Vegas

Area Codes — The area code for Las Vegas is 702.

Babysitters — Contact Around the Clock Child Care (tel. 800/798-6768 or 702/365-1040). In business since 1987, this reputable company clears its sitters with the health department, the sheriff, and the FBI, and carefully screens references. Charges are $54 for 4 hours for one or two children, $12 for each additional hour, with surcharges for additional children and on holidays. Sitters are on call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and they will come to your hotel. Call at least 3 hours in advance.

Banks — Banks are generally open from 9 or 10am to 5 and sometimes 6pm, and most have Saturday hours. ATMs are plentiful all around town. See also “Cash & Credit” below.

Cash & Credit — It’s extremely easy, too easy, to obtain cash in Las Vegas. Most casino cashiers will cash personal checks and can exchange foreign currency, and just about every casino has a machine that will provide cash on a wide variety of credit cards.

Conventions — Las Vegas is one of America’s top convention destinations. Much of the action takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109 (tel. 702/892-7575), which is the largest single-level convention center in the world. Its 1.3 million square feet include 89 meeting rooms. And this immense facility is augmented by the Cashman Field Center, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, NV 89101 (tel. 702/386-7100). Under the same auspices, Cashman provides another 98,100 square feet of convention space. Additionally, there are massive convention facilities at many of the big hotels, including the MGM Grand, The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, and more.

Dentists & Doctors — Hotels usually have lists of dentists and doctors, should you need one. In addition, they are listed in the Centel Yellow Pages. See also “Hospitals,” below.

For dentist referrals, you can also call the Southern Nevada Dental Society (tel. 702/733-8700) weekdays from 9am to noon and 1 to 5pm; when the office is closed, a recording will tell you who to call for emergency service.

For physician referrals, call the Desert Springs Hospital (tel. 702/388-4888). Hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Emergencies — Dial tel. 911 to contact the police or fire department or to call an ambulance.

Highway Conditions — For recorded information, call tel. 702/486-3116. You can also tune in 970 AM for traffic news or 1610 AM for highway reports.

Hospitals — Emergency services are available 24 hours a day at University Medical Center, 1800 W. Charleston Blvd., at Shadow Lane (tel. 702/383-2000); the emergency-room entrance is on the corner of Hastings and Rose streets. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, 3186 Maryland Pkwy., between Desert Inn Road and Sahara Avenue (tel. 702/731-8080), also has a 24-hour emergency room.

For more minor problems, if you are on the Strip, the Imperial Palace has a 24-hour urgent-care facility, the Nevada Resort Medical Center, an independently run facility on the eighth floor, with doctors and X-ray machines. It’s located at 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. S., between Sands and Flamingo streets (tel. 702/893-6767).

Hot Lines — Emergency hot lines include the Rape Crisis Center (tel. 702/366-1640), Suicide Prevention (tel. 702/731-2990), and Poison Emergencies (tel. 800/446-6179).

Liquor & Gambling Laws — You must be 21 to drink or gamble; proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it’s always a good idea to bring ID when you go out, especially if you look young. There are no closing hours in Las Vegas for the sale or consumption of alcohol, even on Sunday. Don’t even think about driving while you’re under the influence, or having an open container of alcohol in your car. Beer, wine, and liquor are all sold in all kinds of stores pretty much around the clock; trust us, you won’t have a hard time finding a drink in this town. And even though people still do it with abandon, a law was passed recently forbidding open containers on the streets, so you shouldn’t be carrying that giant plastic Eiffel Tower full of strawberry margarita from Paris over to Bellagio.

Lost & Found — Be sure to tell all of your credit card companies the minute you discover your wallet has been lost or stolen and file a report at the nearest police precinct. Your credit card company or insurer may require a police report number or record of the loss. Most credit card companies have an emergency toll-free number to call if your card is lost or stolen; they may be able to wire you a cash advance immediately or deliver an emergency credit card in a day or two. Visa’s U.S. emergency number is tel. 800/847-2911 or 410/581-9994. American Express cardholders and traveler’s check holders should call tel. 800/221-7282. MasterCard holders should call tel. 800/307-7309 or 636/722-7111. For other credit cards, call the toll-free number directory at tel. 800/555-1212.

If you need emergency cash over the weekend when all banks and American Express offices are closed, you can have money wired to you via Western Union (tel. 800/325-6000; www.westernunion.com).

Identity theft and fraud are potential complications of losing your wallet, especially if you’ve lost your driver’s license along with your cash and credit cards. Notify the major credit-reporting bureaus immediately; placing a fraud alert on your records may protect you against liability for criminal activity. The three major U.S. credit-reporting agencies are Equifax (tel. 800/766-0008; www.equifax.com), Experian (tel. 888/397-3742; www.experian.com), and TransUnion (tel. 800/680-7289; www.transunion.com). Finally, if you’ve lost all forms of photo ID, call your airline and explain the situation: They might allow you to board the plane if you have a copy of your passport or birth certificate and a copy of the police report you’ve filed.

Newspapers & Periodicals — There are two Las Vegas dailies: the Las Vegas Review Journal and the Las Vegas Sun. The Review Journal’s Friday edition has a helpful “Weekend” section with a comprehensive guide to shows and buffets. There are two free alternative papers, with club listings and many unbiased restaurant and bar reviews. Both City Life and Las Vegas Weekly are published weekly. And at every hotel desk, you’ll find dozens of free local magazines, such as Vegas Visitor, What’s On in Las Vegas, Showbiz Weekly, and Where to Go in Las Vegas, that are chock-full of helpful information — although probably of the sort that comes from paid advertising.

Parking — Free valet parking is one of the great pleasures of Las Vegas and well worth the dollar tip (given when the car is returned) to save walking a city block from the far reaches of a hotel parking lot, particularly when the temperature is over 100°F (38°C). Another summer plus: The valet will turn on your air-conditioning so that you don’t have to get into an “oven on wheels.”

Pharmacies — There’s a 24-hour Walgreens (which also has 1-hr. photo processing) at 3763 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (tel. 702/739-9638), almost directly across from the Monte Carlo. Sav-On is a large 24-hour drugstore and pharmacy close to the Strip at 1360 E. Flamingo Rd., at Maryland Parkway (tel. 702/731-5373). White Cross Drugs, 1700 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (tel. 702/382-1733), open daily from 7am to 1am, will make pharmacy deliveries to your hotel during the day.

Police — For non-emergencies, call tel. 702/795-3111. For emergencies, call tel. 911.Post Office — The most convenient post office is immediately behind the Stardust hotel at 3100 Industrial Rd., between Sahara Avenue and Spring Mountain Road (tel. 800/297-5543). It’s open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm. You can also mail letters and packages at your hotel, and there’s a full-service U.S. Post Office in the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace.

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Getting to Know Las Vegas

September 17th, 2007 at 06:10am Under Las Vegas

Located in the southernmost precincts of a wide, pancake-flat valley, Las Vegas is the biggest city in the state of Nevada. Treeless mountains form a scenic backdrop to hotels awash in neon glitter. Although it is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, for tourism purposes, the city is quite compact.

Did You Know?

Las Vegas (Sin City) has more churches per capita than any other city in America.

Illusionists Siegfried and Roy have sawed a woman in half more times than anyone else.

Visitors on a trail ride once brought a horse into the crowded casino of the Thunderbird Hotel. They put a pair of dice between his lips at the craps table and he threw a natural 7.

In January, a Las Vegas visitor can ski the snowy slopes of Mount Charleston and water-ski on Lake Mead in the same day.

Former president Ronald Reagan performed at the Last Frontier in 1954. Those who saw him said he was a pretty good song-and-dance man.

Bandleader Xavier Cugat and Spanish bombshell singer Charo were the first couple to exchange vows at Caesars Palace, 2 days after its 1966 opening.

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The Nonstop Party,Las Vegas

September 17th, 2007 at 06:08am Under Las Vegas

A nighttime view of The Strip in downtown Las Vegas.

For a jolt of high-intensity entertainment, Las Vegas is your best bet. In this adult amusement park, every night is New Year’s Eve. A long weekend is just about the right amount of time to spend here, too; you may not be able to stand it any longer.

“This is a place where you can do anything, go exotic or extreme, all in one gulp,” says Monti Rock III, a show biz columnist for a Vegas weekly.

As the 18- to 35-year-olds discover Vegas, nightclubs are replacing showrooms. One of the best is Studio 54 at the MGM Grand (3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; +1 702 891 7254), a magnet for visiting celebs and notables.

“It has spectacular sights and sounds, multilevels, niches, and dance floors,” says Rick Ramirez, author of Sin City X: Generation X’s Guide to Las Vegas Nightlife. Post-Gen-Xers might prefer Club Rio (3700 W. Flamingo Rd.; +1 702 252 7777). “Their mainstream formula attracts the ‘older’ singles,” Ramirez says.

As for gambling, the city’s casinos have become high-tech arcades where electronic slot and poker machines blink and bleep until dawn. While there’s very little to distinguish one casino on the Strip from another, locals prefer to gamble in the downtown or “neighborhood” casinos such as Palace Station (2411 W. Sahara Ave.; +1 702 367 2411) and the Orleans (4500 W. Tropicana Ave.; 702-365-7111).

No matter where you play, a good place to stay is the Venetian, whose guest rooms are the largest in town. The Venetian is also home to many fine restaurants, including Valentino’s (888-283-6423), which serves superb Italian cuisine and has a great wine cellar. Or, to escape the madding crowd, stay at the Alexis Park (375 E. Harmon Ave.; +1 702 796 3300), a non-casino resort that features town house-style suites with amenities such as fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.

Among the latest dining choices are trendy steak houses; one of the best is the Yukon Grille (Arizona Charlie’s Hotel & Casino, 740 S. Decatur Blvd.; +1 702 258 5200). The dining room has a fieldstone fireplace and Western tack and serves great broiled steaks. Or feast on the aged Midwestern beef and the to-die-for banana cream pie at AJ’s Steakhouse (Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 4455 Paradise Rd.; +1 702 693 5000).

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Spending your time in Las Vegas

September 13th, 2007 at 07:33pm Under Las Vegas

On your way from Los Angeles to the desert you will find Las Vegas, the capital of American gambling industry. Las Vegas is located in the south of Nevada State, approximately 80 km east of Californian border and 50 km west of border with Arizona. Las Vegas is divided into two parts: Strip with its business centre, and Glitter Gulch. Summer is very hot and winter is cold, so the best time to go to the city is autumn and spring.
Its no use staying in Las Vegas for more than three days. But a short visit to the city, especially if you are in Los Angeles, is advisable (its only a 2-3 hour car ride from Los Angeles to Las Vegas). There is a casino in every hotel, from five-star to the cheapest ones. But better book in advance. Local hotels are real state of art! Each has its own peculiar feature. For instance, Imperial Palace boasts of its huge concert hall where Elvis Presley used to perform, and an excellent car museum. When you are tired of endless golden bumpers and silk seats, go to medieval-style Excalibur, or pyramid-like Luxor with an artificial underwater river.
Having found yourself in Las Vegas, the best thing to do is to enjoy your time, play, loose and win. The best place to do that is the night Strip, deep in the ocean of multicoloured lights. MGM Grand Hotel guests don’t even have to go outside: the whole week won’t be enough to visit its casinos, cinemas, 2 concert halls, 6 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, 4 cocktail halls, 10 tennis courts and a shopping mall.
You can go to see a gigantic neon clown sitting on the Circus-Circus roof. There is a Grand Slam Canyon small attraction park (now Adventuredome) found next to it. The square formed by Fremont and Main Streets (in the city centre) is known as Glitter Gulch. First neon displays appeared here as early as in 1929, and now this district is drowning in neon lights. Some of the city’s most known casinos are located in the district. Those are Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, and Gold Spike. Local shops sell lots of souvenirs. The district’s important attraction is Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park – its monuments, photos and ruins tell the story of the Mormons who lived here in the 19th century. The Mirage is another place of interest. It’s a small tropic forest with an artificial volcano, surrounded by a lagoon. There are 54 waterfalls, a huge swimming pool and an aquarium inhabited by about 1000 fish species.
Car fans can visit Palace Auto Museum with a collection of cars that previously belonged to celebrities, including cars of several American Presidents. The museum is located at Imperial Palace Casino.
Hoover Dam is a huge dam, a true architecture masterpiece built not far from the city. Its one of the world’s highest dams. Behind it is a huge 180-km long reservoir. This is an excellent place for rowing, water skiing, diving and fishing. The dam is located south-east from the city centre and there is Red Rock Canyon 20 miles west of it.
Overton is a calm small town 2 hours ride from here, which boasts of its museum with ancient exhibits. There are several hotels, bars and shops found in the city. Travel north, and you will get to ancient Indian settlements - Anasazi Indian which forms a part of Lost City Museum. Some exhibits are several thousand years old!

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Stratosphere Tower

September 13th, 2007 at 01:04pm Under Las Vegas

The Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. From the observation decks and restaurant guests enjoy outstanding views of the Las Vegas Strip. Nightly the illuminated Stratosphere Tower is visible throughout the Las Vegas Valley

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For ladies only in Vegas

September 11th, 2007 at 06:57pm Under Las Vegas

Texas Hold ‘Em poker is still hotter than a chili pepper, and while women play, most tournment rosters are stacked with men. Now, girls who want to have fun in Vegas can play in their own no-limit poker tourney, every…

Original post by kyancey For All Your Travel Needs Best Travel Rates Online

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Vegas is sizzling this weekend

August 30th, 2007 at 05:47pm Under Las Vegas

A good time is a sure bet this weekend in sizzling 100-degree Vegas, where tourists will be laboring over (hopefully hot) slots and poker tables. There’s lots new to do, too. The Luxor’s LAX nightclub is opening Friday night, with…

Scotland

Original post by kyancey For All Your Travel Needs Best Travel Rates Online

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Finding A Chapel To Fit Your Needs

July 3rd, 2007 at 10:13pm Under Las Vegas

Las Vegas is not “The Wedding Capital”, with over one hundred thousand ceremonies held each year, for nothing. The choice for a venue can be quite daunting because of the variety of choices; but whatever dream wedding you have in mind, it is possible to make them come true in Vegas.

A quick browsing on the internet will give you an idea how easy it is to make your dreams a reality. Casinos and independent chapels offer a one stop shop for those planning to get married quickly with little planning. You can get your photography needs, catering services, flowers and even wedding attire in just one place.

If you are a busy couple wanting to get married in style with little effort on your part, you only need to book your reservation and arrive like guests to your own wedding.

Las Vegas wedding chapels are very affordable because they can provide you with everything you need including florists, photographers, elegant tux for the groom and gown for the bride.

Your wedding can be as simple or as extravagant as you want it. The only limit is your imagination. An Elvis wedding is possible for those who worship the king of rock! You can also choose other impersonators for your themed wedding and have your wedding broadcasted live in the Internet.

The most important part of choosing a chapel and planning your wedding is knowledge of how Las Vegas chapels operate. A Las Vegas wedding guide such as “The Vegas Wedding Book”, which was written by a Las Vegas Wedding Chapel insider, will give you tips and information essential in planning your Las Vegas wedding, including questions to ask when researching chapels.

While every chapel is unique, the majority of Las Vegas wedding chapels have the same packages and amenities at varying prices. It is important to have a basic idea what you are looking for. Take into consideration the type of wedding you require; do you want a formal one or a playful and non traditional one? How involved do you want to be in your wedding planning? Answering these questions will point you to the right chapel. Being prepared will with information will make all the difference in the world.

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Do I Need A Wedding Planner For My Las Vegas Wedding?

July 3rd, 2007 at 10:13pm Under Las Vegas

Okay, so you are still teary-eyed after saying yes to your boyfriend’s proposal to live happily ever after. What next? It’s time to get your feet on the ground and plan your dream wedding.

Somehow, everything comes into focus and you start to panic. “So where do I start?” you ask yourself. For first time brides and grooms, planning a wedding can be quite daunting. You may take into consideration the possibility of eloping.

What better place to elope to than Las Vegas, “The Wedding Capital of the World”? Three hundred and sixty five days of the year couples from all parts of the globe come to Las Vegas to have the wedding of their dreams. The stereotypical “Tacky Vegas Wedding” is a thing of the past. Unless that is what you are looking for and then that is possible as well. This, of course is the beauty of a Las Vegas Wedding. Whatever your wedding dreams, wants and needs it can and will be done for you at a fraction of the cost.

You may consider the possibility of hiring a wedding planner, but do you need one?

Most of the wedding chapels in Las Vegas (both in the casinos and independent chapels) have in house “wedding coordinators”.

These coordinators will work with you to choose a wedding package and plan you reception (if needed). There are also independent coordinators that can put together the most intimate and extraordinary weddings.

If you are looking for a simple intimate wedding with just you, your fiancé, and maybe a few friends and family members you most likely will not need the assistance of an outside coordinator or planner. If your plans include a large wedding party, guest list and reception you may want to enlist the services of a coordinator who will be dedicated to your needs.

The question is what your needs are. Once you agree on what type of wedding you want, you will be able to decide if you really need a wedding planner.

A wedding planner or coordinator can be very useful as they know the ins and outs of the whole Las Vegas Wedding circuit, but what is most important in planning your wedding is arming yourself with information. Weddings are big business in Las Vegas and if you were to do a search on the internet you will see story after story of couples who felt misguided or deceived by wedding chapels, coordinators or venders simply because they didn’t’ understand or ask how things worked.

Research is the best investment you can make for your big day. A guide such as “The Vegas Wedding Book” written by a Las Vegas Wedding Chapel insider, is full of tips, questions to ask and chapel secrets to assist couples with planning their wedding without being taken in by hidden charges. It is advisable to do your own research as is suggested in this guide prior to making any decision or plans for your wedding.

Enlisting the help of a wedding planner may be the route for you in creating a stress-free environment before your wedding date and on the big day itself. However, you have to contend with an additional budget for their services. The payment for wedding planners vary depending on how they charge, whether it is package style or if they ask for a per hour rate. Some wedding planners base their fees on the total budget for your wedding.

Here are some of the reasons why you may opt for a wedding planner:

1. Experience - Wedding planners have years of experience in wedding preparations and you can expect them to know even the smallest details that you need to take care of before your wedding. They also know the best wedding chapels in Las Vegas and they will be able to give you tips in organizing your special day.

2. Contacts - These people have been involved with the Las Vegas wedding scene for years. They are in close contact will suppliers who can give you the best deal for everything you need from documentation, photography, catering, gowns, etc. The best thing is, they also know which suppliers are reliable and which are not.

3. Information and Negotiation Skills - You can be sure that if you want to get the best prices possible for your wedding requirements, your wedding planner can haggle for you. Planners use their inside information to negotiate with suppliers and service providers to get the best deal.

Las Vegas wedding planning can be a thrill but it can also prove challenging for those who are not from Las Vegas. If it’s a big wedding with all the bells and whistles then a wedding planner can be of great service, but ultimately not really necessary, especially if you have the right guide.

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Las Vegas: A desert escape

November 17th, 2006 at 06:23pm Under Las Vegas

Memorable experience: Hiking in the southern Nevada desert. Unless you’re a die-hard gambler, Las Vegas and The Strip can grow a little tiresome after 48 hours or so. So if you’re looking to mix things up – or just spend a day that doesn’t involve losing money at the blackjack tables – consider a side trip to Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park and the surrounding Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
The Valley of Fire State Park is just about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas on Interstate 15, but the scenic way involves taking Lake Mead Drive, which roughly follows the Lake Mead shoreline as it winds through the sandy and mountainous Nevada desert. We were wowed by our drive through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, taking several opportunities along the way to get out of the car for mini-hikes across dry river beds and to the […]

Original post by benabramson For All Your Travel Needs Best Travel Rates Online

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Las Vegas: Where Halloween comes early

October 31st, 2006 at 11:23am Under Las Vegas

Memorable experience: This past weekend in Las Vegas I saw the grim reaper, two Rainbow Brites, two Little Bo Peeps, three flight attendants from defunct airlines, a half-dozen Dorothys, more nurses than I could count and Penn and Teller. The latter were eating lunch at Spago at The Forum Shops at Caesars, and they were playing themselves. The rest were all dressed up early for Halloween, and as the trend goes, their costumes were generally so over-the-top sexy they wouldn’t have looked out of place on Vegas showgirls. 
The city’s Halloween celebration, security guards at the Venetian told us, has become a multiple-day event that stands out even in a city where you’re expected to drop your inhibitions. We saw exactly what that meant Saturday night when, after a terrific dinner at Piero’s, we walked along the north end of the Strip, watching as glitzed-up revelers headed to Treasure Island […]

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