Yes, there is the seedy part of Las Vegas with all the crazy groups of bachelor/ette party-goers, strippers and call girls (which by the way is illegal), but there is also the wife/girlfriend-friendly part of Vegas that I love. The place has some of the best hotels, restaurants, shopping and clubs and all walking distance if you are staying on The Strip.
Stay in style
Hotels in Las Vegas are not just places where you sleep, they are mini cities, each one unique and interesting to visit. Some have themes, like Paris, complete with a mini Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomph. Others, like Bellagio or Wynn are opulent with beautiful no-expense-spared décor and top restaurants.
You truly do not have to break the bank to stay in a nice clean place on The Strip. There are hotels to suit everyone’s taste and wallet. The Monte Carlo hotel is a great example of a well-priced hotel with a good location and great amenities.
Eat indulgently
Las Vegas is a foodie’s dream! Each meal can by enjoyed at a different world-class chef’s restaurant, such as Joel Robuchon or Alain Ducasse. Gone are the days of cheap buffets and suspect food. Las Vegas has become a true culinary destination and the best display of the gastronomic genius of Vegas, is apparent each May during the annual food festival, Vegas Uncorked! It is four days of pure bliss for anyone who loves food, with the grand tasting where you can taste small dishes from over 70 chefs or the chefs luncheons and dinners, where you can meet your favourite chefs while eating their food and listening to them discussing it.
Shop extravagantly
Shopping in Las Vegas is awesome! Inside some of the hotels like Caesar’s Palace and Planet Hollywood, you get regular high street or fabulous designer shops. My favourite places to shop in Las Vegas are the three outlet centers where you can find designer brands at ridiculous prices. The furthest is about 30-45 minutes drive from The Strip, but most hotels can help you to arrange transportation.
Relax and unwind
Las Vegas truly is an oasis in the desert with its huge swimming pools and water features. Stay in a hotel with a great swimming pool because between all the partying, shopping, gambling and walking, one does need a few hours of relaxation by the pool. Or go all out by renting a private cabana. My favourite Vegas pools are MGM, Wynn, Monte Carlo, Mandalay Bay and Caesar’s Palace.
Many hotels also have world-class spas, so do pamper yourself with a facial, massage or mani- and pedicure.
Be entertained elegantly
The rich and famous from all over flock to Las Vegas for the nightlife! You can find some of the best clubs in the world, but be sure to dress well because getting in can be quite difficult. Most night clubs are inside the hotels and it will be easier for you to get in if you stay in the hotel.
All the hotels also have their own theatres and they put up amazing and jaw-dropping shows like Cher, Cirque du Soleil and Phantom of the Opera. You can also find great magicians like David Copperfield and comedians such as Wayne Brady.
Las Vegas caters for everyone, you can have fun on any budget! You can blow the bank with five star hotels and food, but can you enjoy yourself just as much in all of the mid-range hotels and restaurants. Everything goes and everyone feels welcome. You feel just as welcome in a fancy outfit as you do in a t-shirt and shorts. Las Vegas is a contradiction in so many ways, but most obvious is the fact that it is in the middle of the desert and yet it is lit up like a space ship and is covered with pools, water features, musical fountains, spas and much more. For these reasons and so many more… I love Las Vegas!
5 spectacular water features
1. Bellagio fountain show (free)
2. The Venetian canals and gondola rides
3. Mirage’s Volcano show (free)
4. TI (used to be Treasure Island) – Sirens of TI show (free)
5. Caesar’s Palace fountains
