There are a few things apart from other famous cities you'll notice in Las Vegas.
- If you come by plane, the slot machines in the airport will give you the first hint about what's happening here.
- If you arrive at night-time you'll be dazzled by the grandiose light-show of the city, that reaches two tops: the Strip, and the Freemont Street, particularly the so-called “Freemont Street Experience”.
- And finally, if you arrive at daytime, you might be a little confused about this city that gathers together other famous cities' skylines. You must know you're still in Las Vegas, admiring its famous themed resorts; New York New York, Orleans, Paris Las Vegas or Venitian Resort & Casino are a few of them.
- In Las Vegas hotels are not located near the attractions, they are the attraction.
Getting There
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- By air: At the South end of Las Vegas Boulevard (the Strip) lies the McCarran International Airport. When you arrive you can choose shuttle transportation to the city, available by several private companies, or taxi services. Also, car rental services are available.
- By bus: Greyhound bus terminal is placed on Main Street. The buses drive to and from all main cities.
- By car: Las Vegas is accessible through highways from North-side of the country (through the desert) and South (it's linked to major south-west American cities).
- By train: not recommended! All travel guides state this would be the worst choice for a Las Vegas trip, as there is no direct railway service and you'll have to switch several means of transport.
Making a Room Reservation
Here too, you have several options: agency booking, on-line reservations through hotels' own web-page or agency-sites, airport reservation or directly at the hotel reception. This last option is not recommended, as you might not find the room that suites you best.
- Agency booking is probably the safest option, if you have a friend that works as a travel-agent; otherwise it is rather uncomfortable.
- On-line reservation is easy and nowadays truly safe. You might find great discounts and bargain room-rates. Most sites allow you to check the room-availability and provide detailed information about accommodation. "Vegas" and "Las Vegas" are useful keywords.
- Reservations at McCarran Airport: more and more resorts opened airport check-in desks, where you can make your room reservation. Some hotels also provide luggage transportation by hotel staff.
Transport in the city is available by the local bus company Citizens Area Transit (CAT), four monorails, or shuttle service companies. Monorail provides easy access to main Strip resorts, MGM Grand to Sahara. Airport shuttles operate every day, provide door-to-door transportation and don't charge per person but for groups of four. Cabs and limo services are also available.
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How to Pick a Hotel
Well, that only depends on your plans and budget.
If you come by air and only for a short time, you certainly need to book a room at a hotel with easy access to the airport.
If you mind the noise and crowds, a no-casino, off the Strip hotel may suit you. Although on the Strip, Four Seasons is one of the best non-gaming resorts in town.
If you bring in the kids, you should know a few very important things. First of all, Las Vegas is called both "sin city" and "The Disneyland for Grown Ups". That should be very suggestive about the kid-friendly services you'll find here. Only few hotels have child care facilities (that means baby-sitting services, cribs etc). Four Seasons provides amenities for children but no child-care. Orleans and The Palms offer complete child care facilities.
If your budget is quite tight, see details about cheap hotels Downtown and off-the-Strip hotels or Las Vegas hostels.
Finally, if you really want to be spoiled, search for famous Las Vegas resorts.