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What's it really like? Las Vegas lights up the surrounding sun-scorched desert for hundreds of miles. The dazzling hotels, with their neon lights and marble fountains are huge, spectacular and lavish. Modern day monuments of marble and fountains. Architects have copied the best ideas from around the world and planted them in the middle of the wilderness, hence there are hotels of stunning design based on Egypt, Rome, New York and some European grandeur. One thing Las Vegas wasn't short of was space, so room sizes are usually very generous and most of the world's 20 biggest hotels are on the famous 'Strip'. The hotel lobbies are also casinos where the frenzy of dollars being won and lost can be overwhelming and noisy. However, there is always a peaceful oasis by the pool or other activities which offer an escape from the brash n' cash. Note: Smoking is still permitted in some public areas like the casinos and also in hotel rooms. Non-smokers should state their preference for a non-smoking hotel room when booking. Tips:
Days Out: Visitors to the legendary Stratosphere Hotel are taken from ground floor level to the top of the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States in less than 30 seconds - that's whizzing past three floors a second. One hundred floors above the ground are the Roller Coaster plus X Scream and Big Shot thrill rides. It's breathtaking. Caesar's Palace The Forum Shops on the Strip is rammed with fashionable stores and restaurants in the most sumptuous and ornate surroundings imaginable. The resplendent fountains in one of the squares attracts crowds at busy times when the statues come to 'life' for hourly shows. For an astonishing side attraction from the casinos and the heat go along to The Grand Canal at the Venetian Hotel. Unbelievably the hotel has its own dazzling shopping mall with a Venice-style canal running through it offering relaxing 15 minute gondola rides along its route. There's a separate canal on the outside of the hotel with another flotilla of gondolas to ride on. The fountains at hotel Bellagio are breathtaking to watch with professionally choreographed musical routines and rushing water that soars as high as 460 feet. The free show repeats several times in the evening and attracts big crowds. Great views can be had from the top of the Eiffel Tower Experience which is a half-size replica of the Parisian landmark. Mandalay Bay hotel presents the deep blue world of Shark Reef where visitors come face-to-face with sharks, sawfish, giant rays, sea turtles, piranha and rare golden crocodiles. The seawater aquarium is home to over 2,000 creatures. Grand Canyon tours - see below. Nights Out: Spectacular shows, cabaret and concerts all come at a hefty price and may be beyond the average budget. Eating out in the topsy-turvey world of Las Vegas is a disorientating experience. Most people barely notice the time so breakfast, lunch and dinner is served all day and night and except for the plush restaurants casual wear is perfectly acceptable. The most breathtaking natural wonder in the world. The Grand Canyon is a spectacular hole in the ground measuring 277 miles long by about 10 miles wide and almost a mile deep. At the bottom of the main canyon cascades its creator - the Colorado River. There are many ways to explore this incredible phenomenon and the most memorable is by helicopter or small plane. Around five million visitors a year flock to its rims, so some areas have become a little commercialised with fast food outlets and tourist areas but it remains for the most part unspoilt. Winter from November is the least crowded time. Accommodation tends to emulate a more rustic era with lodges of varying standards. Many visitors are day trippers or single overnight stays so the majority of rooms are fairly basic. West Rim - The closest point to visit the canyon from Vegas is on its west rim - approximately 120 miles. Helicopter flights, boat trips, the Skywalk tour and refreshments are available from this location. Note: The Skywalk incurs an additonal cost to most organised trips. South Rim - The South Rim is almost 300 miles from Vegas, however because of its beauty it tends to be the most popular access point to the Grand Canyon. Due to the number of visitors a 'park and ride' scheme operates from the main car park. Mule and horseback rides are available but must be booked, often months in advance and there are hiking trails and rafting trips for the fittest visitors. There are many viewing points accessible by car and this side of the canyon also offers plenty of accommodation. The less mobile and wheel chair users are also well provided for at the Grand Canyon. Days Out: Exploring and experiencing the Grand Canyon in as many ways as possible is the main occupation of the visiting hordes. There are trail and paths along the rim, mule rides to the bottom, flights over the top. All are worth every penny for providing long-lasting memories. Further afield is one of the most awe-inspiring constructions in the United States - the spectacular Hoover Dam. Day trips take visitors through incredible scenery. Souvenir shops are all themed around Canyon curios and American western-style gear. Nights Out: There's limited evening entertainment apart from the occasional saloon-style show and eating out. Most menus stick to traditional cuisine like steaks and burgers. Hay rides into the desert for a barbeque offer a relaxing few hours under the stars. The night sky is truly spectacular away from the bright lights of Vegas. Children: An exciting adventure for children with enough home comforts and amazing attractions to provide for their every needs. Remember children are not allowed in the casinos. |
