How to Use this Guide
Ambassadair Travel Club has created this useful information on the Internet to help you plan your trip. If you want to advance to one of the topics listed below, then just use the mouse to click on the topic you want to read. Here is a list of all areas covered in the Web Site Destination Info for Las Vegas: overview, map, geography, activities, interesting facts, sightseeing attractions, culture, accommodations, optional tours, dining, best kept secrets from Ambassadair staff, entertainment, shopping, weather, time zone, getting around, and packing suggestions. If you have any suggestions or want to comment about Ambassadair's new destination information, then please email us at: journey@iflyata.com.
Whether you fly in or drive in, the glow of the lights of Las Vegas draws you through the surrounding desert to find a larger-than-life, 24-hour town with fun and entertainment packed into every corner. Even the airport has slot machines.
What used to be a strictly adult destination has done much in recent years to increase its draw for more than just the high-rolling, big-spending, all night buffet-eating crowd. The money poured into Vegas has been put to use creating extravagant accommodations, state-of-the-art performance venues, family-friendly attractions, and some of the world's finest restaurants in the town that has gone from being known as "Sin City" to "The Entertainment Capital of the World."
Tucked into the southern point of Nevada, Las Vegas is just 50 miles from California, and 30 miles from Arizona. The city is set in the Mojave Desert and receives only four inches of rain per year.
The city's two key areas are the Strip, a 3.5-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard lined with bright lights, fantastic hotels, and glamorous casinos, and Glitter Gulch, Vegas's downtown, where classic hotels like the Golden Nugget bring in gamblers and sightseers.
Most people who frequent Las Vegas are content to stroll through—or park themselves in—the casinos, take in world-class entertainment and performers, and enjoy the dining and attractions that bring visitors from across the nation to this oasis of light and action in southern Nevada's Mojave Desert.
Even if gambling and basking in the neon glow of the Strip isn't your thing, Las Vegas offers plenty of alternative activities.
HIKING AND OUTDOOR
Just a few miles away, the Nevada landscape shelters interesting hiking spots. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (702-515-5350) has colorful sandstone terrain.
Toiyabe National Forest's 12,000-foot Mt. Charleston is a fun place to stretch your legs. Charleston Peak also offers a prime winter retreat at Lee Canyon Ski Area.
Guided horseback rides travel near the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon, and through the majestic Eldorado Range. For rides through Red Rock Canyon and on Mt. Charleston, try Cowboy Trail Rides (702-387-2457).
WATERSPORTS
Boating, water-skiing, sunbathing, and even scuba diving are all available on Lake Mead, about 30 miles east of Las Vegas.Black Canyon Willow Beach River Adventures (1297 Nevada Highway, Boulder City, 702-294-1414) offers narrated rafting trips on the Colorado River from the Hoover Dam during most of the year.
GOLF
Golf is available at several area courses. Rates at all courses vary depending on the season and the day of the week. In general, summer is when golfers will find the best rates.Angel Park Golf Course—Angel Park's two courses are designed by Arnold Palmer. Angel Park also features a par-3 course, Cloud 9. 100 S. Rampart Blvd., 702-254-4653
Badlands Golf Club – Designed by Johnny Miller with consultation by two-time Las Vegas Senior Classic winner Chi Chi Rodriguez, the Badlands is a true desert golf experience, placing a premium on accurate ball striking. Three distinct nines (the Desperado, Diablo and Outlaw courses) combine to give the Badlands 27 challenging holes set against the spectacular Red Rock canyons. 9119 Alta Drive 702-363-0754
Bali Hai Golf Course – Recognized by Golfweek as one of the "Top 40 Resort Courses in America," Bali Hai transports golfers to a tropical island paradise. The course features seven acres of water hazards, 2,500 stands of towering palms and 100,000 tropical plants. Transition and out-of-play areas are accented with Augusta white sand and black volcanic rock outcroppings. 5160 Las Vegas Blvd S 702-597-2400
Bear's Best—Jack Nicklaus presents 18 of his favorite holes from more than 200 courses he has designed at this Las Vegas collection, the first in a line of nationwide Bear's Best courses. 11111 W. Flamingo Av., 702-804-8500
Las Vegas National Golf Course—This course has hosted the Tournament of Champions and the LPGA Tournament in past years. 1911 E. Desert Inn Rd., 702-734-1796
Oasis Hotel and Casino—Two courses: Vista and The Oasis. 100 Palmer Lane., Mesquite 702-346-7820 or 800-367-3386
Reflection Bay Golf Club – The second Jack Nicklaus-designed course at the exclusive Lake Las Vegas Resort, Reflection Bay is open to the public. The championship course features five holes that play directly along 1.5 miles of Lake Las Vegas shoreline. Additional features are spectacular views of surrounding mountains, waterfalls, natural canyons, and arroyos. 75 Monte Lago Blvd., Henderson, NV 702-740-4653
Royal Links—Inspired by great British Open courses such as St. Andrews and Carnoustie, Royal links honors golf history on courses and in the castle-built clubhouse. 5995 E. Vegas Valley, 702-450-8000
The Falls Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas – The newest course at the exclusive Lake Las Vegas Resort is The Falls Golf Club, designed by renowned architect and PGA Tour great Tom Weiskopf. The course terrain varies through mountains, arroyos, canyons, and desert with nearly 400 feet of elevation change. Water features challenge golfers on six holes, includes waterfalls up to 150 feet tall. The par-five 12th hole offers breathtaking views of the Lake Las Vegas Resort and the Strip. 75 Monte Lago Blvd., Henderson, NV 702-740-5258
Tournament Players Club at the Canyons—Vegas's newest course, managed by the PGA and home to the Las Vegas Senior Classic. 9851 Canyon Run Dr., 702-256-2000
For more information on activities in the Las Vegas area, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau (877-VISITLV, http://www.lasvegas24hours.com/) , or visit the Las Vegas Visitor Information Center at
3150 Paradise Road (702-892-7575).
The Hoover Dam, located about 35 miles east of Las Vegas, is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere. Its massive form creates Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the country. The Visitor Center offers guided 35-minute walking tours every 10 minutes. Longer behind-the-scenes tours depart every hour..
In Vegas, the line between sightseeing and entertainment becomes blurred. You may go to a hotel to see its fabulous art collection and end up staying to watch the dancing fountains. Many of these locations worth seeing also have built-in entertainment. So stop in to appreciate the glorious Las Vegas kitsch, then stay and enjoy the show!
Caesars Palace—One of the elder over-the-top themed hotels on the strip, Caesars still manages to charm visitors, even as they stifle giggles at the toga-clad staff. Recently renovated, Caesars recreates the opulence of the Roman Empire. The Forum Shops feature incredible shopping and some of the areas best restaurants, not to mention talking Roman statues and a show during which Atlantis rises from the deep every hour-and-a-half in a storm of music, lasers, and fire. 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-731-7110 or 800-634-6661
Circus Circus—Even through extensive renovation, the Circus theme remains at this classic hotel and casino on the Strip. From 11 am to midnight daily, catch ongoing circus acts on the midway level, including trapeze artists, stunt cyclists, magicians, high-wire acts, jugglers, and more. Kids can even be made up as a clown, complete with red foam noses. 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-734-0410 or 800-634-3450
Fremont Street Experience—More than 2 million lights on a canopy above a five-block section of Fremont Street entertain pedestrians with four eye-catching sound and light shows each evening during the Sky Parade. Free shows start on the hour from 8 pm through midnight. Look for vintage hotel and casino signs along the promenade, installed by the Neon Museum in an effort to preserve some of the classic Las Vegas atmosphere. 702-678-5600
New York-New York—You can't miss the skyline facade with the Manhattan Express roller coaster winding around and through the buildings. Few Strip hotels are as entertaining just to walk through. Some say it's better than walking through the real Big Apple. The Bar at Times Square's dueling pianos and nightly New Year's celebration at midnight may bring you back after a long day of sightseeing for some evening entertainment. 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-740-6969 or 800-693-6763
Paris-Las Vegas—Stroll down the streets of mini-Paris and see the sights of the "City of Lights." Buy a baguette from the bakery, and, of course, get your picture taken in front of the Eiffel Tower. This half-size replica sticks to the exact specs of the original, even down to the color of the paint. If the view from the ground isn't enough, take the elevator to the top for great views along the Strip. $9-12 for elevator "tour." 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-946-7000 or 888-266-5687
Rio's Masquerade Village—Every day of the week but Wednesday, join the carnival at the Rio Suites for The Masquerade Show in the Sky. The best view is from the second floor of the village, where you can see masked performers and Mardi Gras-inspired floats that move along tracks in the ceiling. Catch some beads and check out the crazy costumes. 3700 W. Flamingo Rd., 702-777-7777 or 800-784-5737
The Bellagio—The hotel's highly regarded Gallery of Fine Art (admission charged) draws nearly a million visitors annually, but the water ballet in front of the Bellagio Hotel has been called the best free show in Vegas. The dancing fountains "perform" to nine songs and are truly delightful to watch. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-693-7444 or 888-987-7111
Mirage—Multiple attractions lure visitors to this hotel on the Strip. Siegfried and Roy's white tigers and exotic animals roam the Secret Garden's seven habitats, and eight dolphins put on daily shows in a $20 million man-made aquarium complex. And after dusk, a volcano erupts outside every 15 minutes. 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-791-7111
Stratosphere—Housed in the tallest building west of the Mississippi, this hotel and casino's tower claims the title of tallest observation tower in the United States. A shopping mall, showroom, lounge, six restaurants, fast-food outlets, and the world's two highest thrill rides, not to mention the 360-degree views from the top of the tower, are well worth the visit. 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-380-7777 or 800-998-6937
Treasure Island—This sister property to the Mirage has revamped its family friendly Battle of the Buccaneer Bay with with "Sirens of TI," a sensual modern interpretation featuring a duel between pirates and buccaneer beauties. 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-894-7111 or 800-944-7444
Venetian—Most resorts have recreated their namesakes on a smaller scale, but the Venetian has done it true to size. Stop by St. Mark's Square for same-day reservations to tour the canals of Venice in an authentic gondola. Cash only. $12.50 adult, $5 child. 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-414-1000 or 877-283-6423
MUSEUMS
Elvis-A-Rama Museum—More than $3 million of the King's personal items, including automobiles and Las Vegas jumpsuits, are on display. 3401 Industrial Rd. 702-309-7200 or 800-634-6441
Guggenheim Hermitage Museum—This state of the art gallery houses masterworks from the Guggenheim and Hermitage museums, including special exhibitions ranging from contemporary painting and sculpture to architecture, design, and multi-media art. Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S., 702-414-2440
Imperial Palace Auto Collection—More than 200 antique and special-interest cars fill the fifth floor of the Imperial Palace's parking facility. 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-794-3174
King Tut's Tomb and Museum—The artifacts in the full-scale reproduction of King Tutankhamen's tomb at the Luxor Las Vegas were handcrafted in Egypt using authentic tools and ancient methods. The creators relied on records from archaeologist Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon's explorations of the antechamber, annex, burial chamber, and treasury housing in Luxor in 1922. $5 admission. 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-262-4000
Las Vegas Art Museum—This $20 million addition to the cultural offerings of Las Vegas includes a mix of mediums, styles, and artists. It's the perfect place to take a break from the noise and glare of the Strip. 9600 W. Sahara Ave., 702-360-8000
Liberace Museum—Find a collection of rare pianos, the world's largest rhinestone, and the million-dollar wardrobe of this eccentric and beloved performer. Liberace Plaza, 1775 E. Tropicana, 702-798-5595
Lied Discovery Children's Museum—Let your children explore this interactive, educational museum exclusively geared to youngsters in a city where few things are. Las Vegas Library, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. N., 702-382-5437
Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Encounter—Wax statues of Las Vegas legends and more including Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino, St. Mark's Library Building, 2nd level 702-930-3530
Wynn Collection of Fine Art – The new Wynn Hotel is home to hotel mogul Steve Wynn’s latest art showcase. Admission $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. 3145 Las Vegas Blvd S. 702-733-4100
THEME PARKS AND AMUSEMENTS
Stratosphere Thrill Rides—These rides pack a triple thrill. The High Roller coaste, the Big Shot (which launches riders 160 feet in the air and then lets them free-fall back to the base), and the X-Scream (dangles rides over the tower's edge), do so on top of the tallest observation tower in the world-The Stratosphere. 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-380-7777
Adventuredome—This domed complex houses rides, animated dinosaurs, and the Grand Slam Canyon Blaster, the only indoor double-loop, double corkscrew roller coaster in the country. There's even a mini-coaster and milder rides for children under 9. You can pay one admission price for unlimited rides, or purchase tickets for individual rides, or purchase tickets for individual rides. Circus Circus, 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-794-3939
Cinema Ride—Six different 3-D motion simulator adventure rides are available at this attraction based in the Forum Shops at Ceasars. 3785 Las Vegas Blvd S. Suite J1, 702-369-4008
Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix—This complex features four go-cart tracks, amusement rides, and an arcade. 1401 N. Rainbow Blvd, 702-259-7000
Manhattan Express—In New York-New York Hotel and Casino, this coaster tops out at 203 feet high, drops 144 feet, and reaches speeds of nearly 70 miles per hour. It claims the only "heartline" twist in the world, comparable to a barrel roll and dive in a jet fighter. $10, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-740-6969
Star Trek: The Experience—If you're a Trekkie or looking to become one, this is the place to start. Begin your adventure with Klingon Encounter and Borg Invasion 3-D. Continue with a visit to the gift shop and Quark's Bar and Restaurant to complete your Star Trek experience. Las Vegas Hilton, 3000 Paradise Rd., 702-697-8700
Wet ‘n Wild Water Park – Over 16 acres of thrilling water rides, flumes, slides and floats give patrons of all ages a break from the Vegas summer heat. Open daily from May through September. 2601 Las Vegas Blvd S., 702-734-0088
Las Vegas is a city of bright lights, tall buildings, and "biggest and best" claims. It's a city built on fleeting dreams: hitting the big jackpot, visiting fabulous international destinations, walking among the rich and beautiful. But it can really happen-or so they want you to think. The reality of Las Vegas is that nothing is real. It's full of "replicas," "scale recreations," "impersonators," and "life-size versions," and visitors love it.
The Nevada town has come a long way from its beginnings as watering hole on the Old Spanish Trail from New Mexico to California, and the Mormon settlement around the spring just north of today's downtown. From Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel's creation of the first hotel, the Flamingo, to the evolution of the themed mega-resorts, mind-boggling casinos, and gourmet restaurants that we know today, Las Vegas is truly a town where nothing is as it seems, and magic is a fundamental truth.
Treasure Island
3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
800-288-7206 or 702-894-7111
http://www.treasureislandlasvegas.com/Once known as Las Vegas' most family oriented hotel, Treasure Island has embraced the recent Las Vegas trend of sophistication and grown-up tastes. These changes at Treasure Island (now also called TI) include the revamping of the nightly pirate stunt show into The Sirens of TI, a sensual battle between tempting sirens and renegrade pirates. Treasure Island is also home to Cirque du Soleil's Mystere, which has been honored eight times as the Best Production Show by The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Casino action, shopping, and fine dining are also available on-site. Rooms feature one king and two queen beds, hair dryers, entertainment centers, and in-room safes.
Treasure Island offers the following amenities:
- Eignt restaurants
- Three Bars
- Casino
- Ten Shops
- Spa and Salon
- Pool and Jacuzzi
- Free Tram to Mirage
- Handicapped Accessible
To book one of Ambassadair Travel Club's optional tours in Las Vegas, please call 800-255-9919 or 317-282-8102. Our Travel Counselors will be able to advise you of the cost. Travel Directors escort each tour and will provide additional information once you are on site in Las Vegas. Depending on the length of your stay, optional tours may vary.
Enjoy Vegas from the sky during your trip. See the glitter of the city or the glory of the Grand Canyon from a helicopter.
Apollo Night Flight—From 1,000 feet in the air, the dazzling lights of Las Vegas's Strip are mesmerizing. See Bellagio, New York-New York, Caesar's Palace, Treasure Island, and circle the Stratosphere Tower. Complete the short flight with a view of the Luxor Hotel's brilliant space beam at the top of the pyramid.
Grand Canyon Flights—Sit back and enjoy a narrated helicopter flight from Vegas to the spectacular Grand Canyon. For a true westen experience, you can include a landing at Canyon West Ranch. The flight also includes the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Grand Wash Cliffs, Iceberg Canyon, and Bowl of Fire. Conclude the five-hour trip with a flight down the Strip.
Las Vegas has attracted famous names and famous restaurants from across the country, quickly moving up the ranks of the elite gastronomic capitals of the U.S. It may take a sizeable chunk of your gambling winnings, but dining in one of the fabulous gourmet restaurants on the Strip is well worth it. And if you don't want to break the bank, American favorites are there to keep everyone happy and entertained on a budget.
Low-priced buffets are available in most hotels and casinos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you want to check out the offerings, ask for a glance at the buffet itself before paying.
RESTAURANTS
$$$$=more than US $60
$$$= US $31-$60
$$= US $15-$30
$ = under US $15Restaurants
Alize – Situated at the top of the Palms Hotel, Alize offers one of the best dining experiences in town. Exquisite French cuisine and panoramic views of the Strip make for the perfect spot to highlight a trip to Sin City. D, Palms Hotel, 4321 West Flamingo Road. Open daily, 702-951-7000 $$$$
Aureole – This restaurant’s fine nouvelle American cuisine is highlighted by perhaps the city’s finest wine collection, which is housed in an open four-story tower where catsuit-clad ladies are hoisted on wires to reach the highest bottles. D, Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S. Open daily, 702-632-7401 $$$$
Buccaneer Bay – This restaurant features gourmet seafood with intimate dining and a balcony view of the Siren of TI show (weather permitting). D, Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd S. Open Wednesdays - Sundays, 866-286-3809 $$$$
Cheesecake Factory—The cheesecake is incredible, but the menu is literally a book of delicious main course choices in huge portions. Waits can be long on the weekends. L,D, Caesars Forum Shops, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-731-7110, $$
Emeril Lagasse's New Orleans Fishhouse—It's good Creole and great Cajun moved west. The stuffed pork chops come highly recommended, as does the professional wait staff. Reservations recommended. L,D, MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-891-7374, $$$$
ESPN – With sports memorabilia, rock climbing walls, and televised games on tap, sports fans can get their fill of more than food at this theme restaurant. L, D New York New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd S. Open daily, 702-933-3776 $$
Ferraro's—Voted one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in the U.S. Veal, steaks, seafood and pasta specialties are served in an Art Deco setting. Nightly piano entertainment. Reservations recommended. L,D, 5900 W. Flamingo, second location in the Stratosphere Hotel, 702-364-5300, $$$
Hard Rock Cafe—You can find them around the world, but the food is all-American. Burgers, gourmet pizzas, salads, and ribs. L,D, Hard Rock Hotel, 4475 Paradise Rd, 702-733-7625, $$
Le Cirque—Sister restaurant to the New York location, this gem in the Bellagio serves contemporary French cuisine. Sizeable wine list. Reservations required. Dress code. D, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd., 702-693-8110, $$$-$$$$
Margaritaville – This Jimmy Buffett inspired restaurant offers Parrotheads its own unique way of getting away from it all. L, D Flamingo, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S. Open daily, 702-733-3302 $$
Morton's of Chicago—Steaks are the specialty but try the whole baked Maine lobster or the veal chops. D, Fashion Show Mall on the Strip, 702-893-0703, $$-$$$
P.F. Chang's China Bistro—Locals and tourists alike can't stay away from the Chinese delicacies here. Call ahead seating available. L,D, 4165 Paradise Rd., 702-792-2207, $$
Rainforest Café – This restaurant’s jungle atmosphere and island-inspired menu make this a fun choice for adults and children. L, D MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S. Open daily, 702-891-8580 $$
Spago—This glamorous L.A. classic now serves Wolfgang Puck's specialties in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Try the café, or make reservations for the dining room. L,D, 3750 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-369-6300, $$$
· Many casinos offer free gaming lessons. These lessons are a great way to try out the games and decide which ones you want to play later on.
· If you plan on gambling, check out the casino’s player club. Player’s clubs come with a variety of benefits and sometimes come with free slot play just for signing up. Also, some clubs cover multiple casinos, so don’t forget your player’s club card when heading out to other casinos.
· Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially in the summer when the high desert heat kicks in.
· If you are looking to go to a show but do not have a preference of which show you see, check out one of the same day half-price show ticket offices located along the strip. As the name of the service suggests, these tickets are only available for purchase on the day of the show. To purchase these tickets, head down to the ticket office (normally after 11:30am) and check out what shows are available that day. Once you pick out the show you want, just go to the counter and buy away (tickets must be paid in person). The list of available shows changes daily and most likely will not include the top shows, but there are normally plenty of worthy options for your entertainment dollar.
The entertainment options in Las Vegas are an endless list of headlining performers, traveling shows, and long-standing engagements that have given the city the new title "Entertainment Capital of the World." On any given night, you can find music, magic, incredible productions, and even something a little more risqué if you're in the mood.
Following is a list of highly recommended engagements and the numbers to call for tickets and more information. Keep in mind that show schedules are constantly changing and before your visit you'll need to find out specifics on what is playing on which nights. If you're online, look at www.lasvegas24hours.com for current show schedules and visitor information.
Blue Man Group— The show's blue (yes, really) stars can make just about anything-including percussion instruments created from PVC pipe-entertaining. Luxor Theatre, 702-288-1000
Celine Dion: A New Day— Celine Dion brings her timeless music to life in this unique spectacle of song, dance, theatre, and state-of-the-art technology. Set in the new, Rome-inspired 4,000-seat Caesar's Palace Colosseum, A New Day is one of Las Vegas' hottest tickets. Caesar's Palace, closed Mon and Tue, 877-235-4634.
Cirque de Soleil’s Ka – Acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and martial arts are on display in this story of separated twins looking to fulfill their destinies. New York New York, closed Wed and Thur, 800-929-1111
Cirque du Soleil's Mystere— Powerful combination of performance art, acrobatics, and ballet. Treasure Island, closed Mon and Tues, 702-894-7722 or 800-288-7206
Cirque du Soleil's O— Breathtaking acrobatics in, on, and around a 1.5 million gallon pool. Bellagio Theatre, closed Wed and Thu, 702-693-7722 or 888-488-7111
Cirque de Soleil’s Zumanity – Nowhere else but Las Vegas can you find this adults-only erotic version of Cirque du Soleil. New York New York, closed Wed and Thur, 702-740-6969 or 800-693-6763
Danny Gans—Named "las Vegas Entertainer of the Year" for six years running, Danny Gans has marveled audiences with his unique show of comedic impressions ranging from musical outtakes to movies scenes. Mirage, closed Monday and Friday. 702-792-7777 or 800-627-6667
Elton John's The Red Piano— Beginning in February 2004, Elton John began an exclusive engagement of 75 shows over 3 years at the new Caesar's Palace Colosseum. Vibrant visual imagery and Elton's timeless music combine to create a unique spectacular unlike any other Elton John performance. Caesar's Palace, 888-4ELTONJ
Jubilee— Classic Vegas-style revue complete with topless showgirls in improbable feathered and bejeweled headpieces and costumes. Jubilee Theatre, Bally's, closed Fr, 702-967-4567 or 800-634-3434
Lance Burton, Magician— The best magic in town for the price tag. Monte Carlo, closed Sunday and Monday, 702-730-7160 or 800-311-8999
Legends in Concert— Crowd-pleasing celebrity impersonations. Imperial Palace, closed Sunday, 888-777-7664
Penn & Teller – The famous magicians Penn & Teller put on a truly unique show full of magic, juggling, acerbic comedy, stunts, and quiet beauty. Rio, closed Tue, 888-746-7784
BARS & NIGHTLIFE
Baby's—The young, hip, and beautiful, including visiting celebrities, frequent this hot spot in the Hard Rock Hotel. Cover charge. 4475 Paradise Rd., 702-693-5555
Ghost Bar – Venture into Ghost Bar and sip a cocktail 50 stories above the lights of Las Vegas. As the view draws you in, the music of the live DJ fills the background. From the “ghostdeck”, you can view the Skin Pool Lounge below from a see-thru acrylic floor. Palms Hotel, 4321 West Flamingo Road, 702-942-7777
House of Blues—With a capacity for almost 1,800 guests, the house of Blues hosts an eclectic mix of live music. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, 702-632-7600
The Beach—Combo sports bar and booking center and nightclub downstairs. No cover except when live entertainment is featured. 365 Convention Center Dr., 702-731-1925
Ra—Dance like an Egyptian in the Luxor. Cover charge. 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-262-4949
Rain – Fantasy meets reality at Rain Nightclub, a 28,000 square foot playground created for adults only. Fourteen-foot fireballs light up an elevated dance floor as glistening bodies dance to a beat that is so contagious; the dancing water fountains struggle to keep up. Palms Hotel, 4321 West Flamingo Road, 702-942-7777
Risqué—A convergence of elegance and energy comes to life at Risqué, where appetites for pulsating music and late night flambés are served. Paris Las Vegas, 3655 las Vegas Blvd S, 702-967-4729
Studio 54—Take a step back in time to the disco era. No cover for women. MGM Grand Hotel, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-891-1111
VooDoo Lounge—Live jazz and cool views from this sky-high bar in the Rio Suites Hotel. 3700 W. Flamingo Rd., 702-777-7777
MALLS AND OUTLET STORES
Looking for a place to spend your jackpot? Las Vegas has several shopping malls anchored by Dillard's, JC Penny, Marshalls, and Macy's. For upscale department stores Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue try the Fashion Show Mall.
Boulevard Mall—3528 Maryland Parkway
Fashion Show Mall—On the Strip at Spring Mountain Rd.
Galleria at Sunset—At Sunset and Stephanie off I-95
Meadows Mall—4300 Meadows Lane
If the tables claim more of your money than your wallet, shop for a bargain at any of these area outlet stores. Find typical offerings including Bugle Boy, Pfaltzgraff, Van Husen, Corning/Revere, Tommy Hilfiger and more.
Belz Factory Outlet World—7400 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Fashion Outlet Las Vegas—30 minutes south of the Strip, adjacent to Primm Valley ResortRESORT SHOPPING CENTERS
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace—Restaurants and classy boutiques line these "ancient" Roman streets under a man-made sky that changes with the time of day. Caesars Palace
Grand Canal Shoppes—Upscale boutiques within the Venetian. 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Paris Le Boulevard—It's not the Champs Elysees, but the shopping in Paris-Las Vegas is still good. 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Via Bellagio—Pricey, but even window shopping at Chanel, Tiffany, Gucci, Prada, and more is exciting. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
SPECIALTY
Gamblers General Store—If you want to buy your own slot machine, this downtown store is the place to go. 800 S. Main St.
Gamblers Book Shop—If you're a gambler, gambling researcher, or just curious, you'll find all you need at this bookstore. 630 S. 11th St.
Summers in Vegas are hot and winters are cool. From June through September, the average high temperature is 100 degrees. December and January only top out at 55 degrees. Spring and fall are comfortable times to visit. Average rainfall in Las Vegas is about 4 inches annually, and the humidity is low year-round.
Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.
RENTAL CARS
If you're staying in town, a rental car is probably not necessary, although most hotels offer free or validated parking for guests. Valet parking is also free, but expect to tip $1 to $2. Watch out for heavy traffic areas during rush hour or on the Strip at night. If you would like to venture out of the immediate area to see Hoover Dam or Lake Mead, a rental car makes the short drive easy. All major companies are represented at the main terminal of the Las Vegas McCarren International Airport. Most hotels have an in-house rental agency.BUSES
Citizens Area Transit (CAT) buses are an affordable and convenient way to get around town (702-228-7433). Route 301 runs every 7 to 15 minutes, 24-hours a day along the Strip and to Fremont Street downtown. CAT Schedules and maps are available at the airport, the Downtown Transportation Center, and throughout the city. Fares are $2 one-way and $5 for an all-day pass.PEOPLE-MOVERS
People-Movers have been built in an effort to help fight the congestion along the Strip. The newest addition to the city, which opened in Summer 2004, is the Las Vegas Monorail. The Las Vegas Monorail currently services seven stations spanning from the MGM Grand to the Sahara in as little as 14 minutes each way. The monorail is expected to run seven days a week from 6 am - 2 am with one-way fares costing $3 per person, $5.75 for a round-trip, and $15 for all-day passes.
Free monorails also run between Mandalay Bay to Luxor and Excalibur, between Bellagio and Monte Carlo, and between MGM Grand and Bally's. Free shuttles also take you from the Mirage to Treasure Island. Bridges and walkways over the Strip also connect resorts at key intersections.TROLLEY
The Las Vegas Strip Trolley (702-382-1404) stops approximately every 15 minutes at the resorts along Las Vegas Boulevard until 1:30 am. Under $2 for adults, children under 5 free.TAXI
Taxi transportation is available from stands in front of most hotels and can also be hailed on the street. Keep in mind, however, that it's illegal for the taxis to stop in the road and the driver may have to pull into the nearest side road or driveway. You can often ask at the front desk or talk to a bellman to find out approximate fares to popular destinations. Yellow Checker Star Cab (702-873-2227), Whittlesea Cab (702-384-6111), and ABC Union (702-736-8444) all provide taxi service in Las Vegas.BY FOOT
In a city with as much to see as Vegas, getting around on foot is the way to go. Pedestrian walkways link resorts over Tropicana Avenue and Flamingo Boulevard, and cross Las Vegas Boulevard at the same points, making it easy to avoid the traffic. Even late at night, as long as you're on the Strip in a well-lit area, walking is very safe and convenient. Be careful! Distances are often longer than they appear. But the people-watching alone makes walking worthwhile.
Las Vegas attire is casual for sightseeing and in the casinos. Keep the weather in mind and if you're visiting in the winter, bring sweaters and jackets. Even in the summer, the temperature indoors is artificially chilled by air conditioning, and a sweater may come in handy. Dressier clothing is nice for dining in one of the city's gourmet restaurants or taking in some of the more exclusive shows.
Copyright © 2005
Ambassadair Travel Club