Glitz and Glamour: Las Vegas Accommodation

The Dancing Fountains at the Bellagio1

Widely known as “Sin City” and “The Entertainment Capitol of the World” the city officially named Las Vegas is one of the most popular hot spots to visit. Whether it's gambling, shopping or a just-for-fun trip to the desert city in southern Nevada, visitors will find an array of entertainment, activities, restaurants and a plethora of accommodation options. Las Vegas boasts huge mega-casino hotels that are lavishly decorated with no expense spared. Glitz and glamor is all part of the Vegas getaway. Many hotels and resorts offer guests a self-contained vacation experience with numerous dining and shopping options available on-site as well as attractions and entertainment. Visitors don't have to travel around a lot if they choose to stay at one of these all-in-one type accommodations.

In order to help visitors with their choices on where to stay, WorldWeb.com features helpful links that will help travelers make informed decisions when choosing a Las Vegas accommodation.

Accommodation Directory – This is a complete Las Vegas accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, bed and breakfasts, luxury resorts, inns and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

Secure Room Reservations – Check for room availability and then make secure on-line room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.

Maps – Las Vegas maps can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

ACCESS

Las Vegas is conveniently accessed by car, bus and air. Typically those arriving by car from southern California use Interstate 15 (I-15). While this road may become increasingly busy and crowded during peak travel hours, many travelers appreciate the scenic beauty that is viewed while taking this route. Those traveling the I-15 during the summer months should be sure to bring plenty of drinking water while crossing the desert as the temperatures here can reach 120ºF (48ºC).

For travelers venturing from the east, I-40 is used by crossing through Kingman, Arizona and then taking the I-15. The drive features mostly desert but it does take visitors through the Hoover Dam. Beware that traffic through the Dam area tends to be slow and highly populated.

Greyhound offers extensive service to travelers from various destinations across Canada and the United States. Flying into Las Vegas is another option. Both Canada and the United States have major airlines such as WestJet and American Airlines, respectively, that offer daily service.

	A Luxury Hotel Suite in Las Vegas2

GETTING AROUND TOWN

Once in Las Vegas, visitors have several options for getting around. Walking is a cost effective option especially for those who plan to stay in and around Las Vegas Boulevard also known as "The Las Vegas Strip." However, visitors should be aware that during the hot summer months, walking may be an uncomfortable way to navigate. For those planning to spend most of their time on The Strip, the Las Vegas Monorail offers a quick and effective alternative to walking on this stretch of road.

Public bus service is offered by Citizens Area Transit (CAT), which offers numerous routes and serves the greater Las Vegas Valley. Taking a taxi is another option to conveniently travel through the city. Las Vegas also has several car rental companies for those who prefer this method of transportation. Friday nights and weekends see the most traffic so be prepared for gridlock when driving during this time.

WHEN TO VISIT

Las Vegas is the ideal destination to visit year-round since most Vegas holidays are spent indoors due to the entertainment provided by the numerous casinos. For those planning to enjoy the great outdoors on their vacation, spring and fall offer enjoyable weather with temperatures averaging between 54ºF (12ºC) to a high of 81ºF (27ºC). The desert city is of course the hottest during the summer months when temperatures can reach a high of 104ºF (40ºC). Travelers should ensure they stay sufficiently hydrated during this time by drinking ample amounts of water.

LAS VEGAS ACCOMMODATIONS

When booking a hotel reservation in Vegas, travelers should note that Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular time to visit and therefore, room rates can be quite expensive, while the rest of the week offers lower rates. Las Vegas accommodations are mainly divided into three major areas of the city, The Strip, Off The Strip and Downtown.

The Famous Welcome to Las Vegas Sign3

The Strip
This stretch of road is 4 mi (6.7 km) long and is recognized as an All-American Road, a title that goes to roads located in the United States that are known to be scenic as well as tourist destinations unto themselves. The part of The Strip that is located north of Sahara Avenue is located in Las Vegas, whereas the part located south of Sahara is in Paradise, Nevada. The Strip features many hotel and resort type accommodations that have everything a traveler could want. Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is an example of finding a complete vacation under one roof. Here guests can spend time at the hotel's casino, dine on-site, shop, visit the spa and enjoy some live entertainment. Another one-stop-shop option is the Wynn Las Vegas, which also features an 18-hole championship golf course and an artificial mountain with a five-story waterfall, while The Mirage offers guests a tropical experience with a fiery volcano and a dramatic lagoon pool.

Tuscan architecture and stylings adorn the Bellagio, which also features a lake, gardens and the hotel's famous fountains that dance and dazzel viewers, complete with music and lights. Luxury and excitement is recaptured with Greco-Roman style at Caesars Palace. Guests here can take a dip in the 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) pool or spend some time in the 23,000-sq-ft (2136.77-sq-m) fitness center and spa. Experience Renaissance Venice in Las Vegas at The Venetian. Featuring more than 4,000 luxury suites and more than a dozen restaurants, The Venetian is home to popular attractions such as the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum.

	The Venetian's Renaissance Venice in Vegas4

Off The Strip
For those wanting to distance themselves from the rush and excitement of The Strip while still remaining close by, Las Vegas has plenty of options. Located a 0.25 mi (1.6 km) away from The Strip, Candlewood Suites is close to attractions such as the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is a non-gaming hotel offering guests a comfortable stay with spacious suites equipped with full kitchens and ample work spaces with high speed Internet. Elegant accommodations are offered by the Las Vegas Hilton which features a casino, full-service spa and tennis courts among other conveniences. Condominium-style guest rooms are offered at The Meridian, located just one block from the Las Vegas Strip. One and two-bedroom suites with balcony or deck and large bathrooms in each bedroom are options at this hotel. The 425-room Palms offers visitors a variety of on-site restaurants, bars and lounges. They also have a state-of-the-art recording and mixing studio.

The Renaissance caters to business travelers requiring meeting and conference services and is close to McCarran International Airport. This non-gaming hotel is also suitable for those simply wanting a relaxing vacation offering 30 luxury suites, an outdoor pool and whirlpool, as well as spa services. For those traveling on a budget, The Hooters Casino Hotel is reasonably priced with casually decorated rooms. Guests can view the Las Vegas Strip from the hotel's tower rooms. For those planning on an extended stay, the Desert Rose Resort offers Condo-style suites with full kitchens, living room and dining room. They also cater to those traveling in groups for special occasions such as family reunions, weddings and business meetings. The resort features a variety of meeting rooms with banquet and theater seating.

Downtown
The Las Vegas Strip is not the only place to have a good time or to find accommodations that double as entertainment venues. Freemont Street is the place to be in downtown Vegas. One of the main attractions is the Freemont Street Experience featuring the Viva Vision Canopy sound and light show and the many street performers entertaining the crowds. Downtown also has its fair share of casinos and restaurants.

Palm Trees in Downtown Las Vegas5

The Fremont Hotel and Casino is a good place to be in order to enjoy the Fremont Street Experience, since it occurs right at its front door. With 447 guest rooms, a casino and on-site dining options, The Fremont is great for a self-contained vacation. Those looking for a smaller sized hotel, Binions is one of the older downtown hotels and casinos, evoking the nostalgia and history of Las Vegas. The hotel features 366 guestrooms, a rooftop pool and sundeck. Another Freemont Street Hotel is the Golden Nugget, offering more than 1,900 deluxe rooms and suites, as well as a huge casino.

Other Accommodations
Big hotels and resorts are not the only accommodation options when visiting Las Vegas. Those wanting to experience the outdoors in the desert city have a few options in campgrounds. Located just south of the Las Vegas Strip, the Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort is a family friendly facility decorated in a tropical “Casablanca” theme and features an 18-hole putting course. The Hitchin' Post RV Park & Saloon has more than 190 RV spaces and an on-site motel, while the Las Vegas KOA is located close to The Strip and is part of the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. The RV park has 399 spaces and guests have complete access to all that Circus Circus has to offer.

Las Vegas is known for glitz and glamour but for those looking for a more intimate and quiet experience, bed and breakfasts are a good option, however visitors will be hard pressed to find choices within the city. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, Michele's French Country Cottage offers guests a relaxing retreat in a French country farmhouse, while the LVR Chapman B&B is situated near attractions such as The Sands Expo Center and The Nevada Performing Arts Center at UNLV.

1. The Bellagio's Dancing Fountains; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
2. Luxury Hotel Suite; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
3. Welcome to Las Vegas Sign; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
4. The Venetian's Renaissance Venice; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
5. Downtown; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA