LAS VEGAS
Area: Cities
Country: United States of America


Location:
In the SW of the United States, in the S tip of Nevada State, near the California and Arizona state borders. 40 mls NW of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Downtown is 6 mls N of McCarran airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 702

Website:
http://www.lasvegas24hours.com

Position:
In flat desert, ringed by distant barren mountains.

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 system, the real heart of the city is the 8-ml stretch of a very busy dual-carriageway called Las Vegas Boulevard _ or "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 pursuits are found and the dazzling neon is brightest. Downtown is much more cramped and rather seedy in parts, especially around the Glitter Gulch show venues, though revitalisation around Freemont Street has improved things. 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 neon lights light up. 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 is a host of outdoor sporting pursuits. You will either love it or hate it, but most visitors thoroughly enjoy the experience, although generally ending up considerably poorer!

Suitability:
One of the great playgrounds for the rich and famous. It has become equally popular with a middlemarket clientele aged 30+ with money to spend; younger packaged tourists, attracted by the good-value motels and smaller hotels, make up an increasing proportion of the visitors. 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".

Accommodation:
The first proper resort hotel, El Rancho, opened in 1941. Now there is absolutely everything from humble and very cheap motels to completely outrageous, de luxe hotel complexes. The later giant hotels are virtually self-contained resorts _ designed to attract free-spending couples and families who are not necessarily interested in gambling. Themed properties, from King Arthur to Long John Silver, are all the rage. The overall standard cannot be bettered anywhere and rates are incredibly good value _ even in the top hotels _ owing to very stiff competition and the fact that most venues make most of their money from their casino revenues.

Shopping:
Available on a grand scale. A choice of indoor shopping malls that lie back from the "Strip" area and are best reached by car. Many of the better hotels have their own arcades offering exclusive designer wear and jewellery. Jeans, trainers, T-shirts and designer sunglasses are particular bargains.

Entertainments:
Daytime: a wide choice of outdoor sports in and around the hotels. Wet 'n Wild water park adjacent to Hotel Sahara on the "Strip" is popular during the hot daylight hours. Golf. Nightlife: almost all properties have their own casino, but you are under no obligation to partake and dress code is casual. Children cannot gamble and must be accompanied in all gaming areas. Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin performed here frequently as do many established stars such as Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Liza Minelli. Major boxing matches are held here.

Eating:
A huge choice of snack bars and restaurants in any of the hotels. Great value and button-popping portions as is the American way. Most hotels hand out special offers and free drink vouchers to passing punters to draw them to the gaming tables. If you take advantage of this it's possible to eat very well for next to nothing.

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.

Local-excursions:
Daily bus tours to and flights over the Hoover Dam; flights over the Grand Canyon. Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes, has its own National Recreation Area for boating, fishing and choice of water sports.