By FPL_Staff
Planning a fun weekend in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada? Read on for Vegas tips and tricks from a frequent Vegas visitor!
Where to Stay
The hotel you pick will depend mostly on 2 things: budget and location. If you want to be in the middle of it all, I recommend a hotel directly on the Strip. There are several to choose from and usually if you book a package (hotel and flight together) you can get a great deal. Popular travel sites will even try to throw in show tickets or attractions at a discounted rate before you book. Generally, hotels on the Strip are costlier than hotels off the strip. Research and read traveler reviews before you book.
Whatever hotel you chose, be sure to sign up for their free rewards program. Hotels will sometimes provide incentives ($10 casino play or a free drink) just for signing up. Keep in mind though, you will get promotional emails after signing up.
Where to Eat
Restaurants in Vegas can range from popular fast-food staples to Michelin-starred fine dining experiences, so where you eat will also depend on your overall budget.
The Miracle Mile Shops are a budget-friendly option for meals on the strip. I had a full hot breakfast at a Mexican cantina for $5.99 and it was delicious! (This was May 2023.)
If expense is not an issue, there are many hotels with fine dining options including the Bellagio, the Wynn, the Venetian, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Palazzo. Reservations (at least 3-4 days in advance) are necessary and required for almost all fine dining experiences. If you are celebrating a special occasion, be sure to note that in the reservation. You may receive a special surprise from the chef!
What to Do
As an entertainment juggernaut, Las Vegas has a show or attraction for just about any interest. There are acrobatics, comedy, variety, magic, and theatre around every corner. Make sure you book directly with the venue (be careful of street vendors offering to give you “free” tickets). Visit Tix4Tonight.com for discounted tickets to popular shows. They also have last minute deals at their in-person locations on the Strip.
If you like sightseeing, you can walk through the most popular hotels on the Strip and see interesting free sites. At the Bellagio, you can view the famous Fountain show, ornate lobby ceiling and lush conservatory. At the Venetian, you can view a replica of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Caesar’s Palace has a free water show called “The Fall of Atlantis” at the Forum Shops. Each hotel has a different theme and atmosphere, so it’s worthwhile to explore.
Obviously, gambling is a major draw for tourists, but please gamble responsibly. Remember: the house always wins! Insider tip: if you are gambling, the servers will give you free drinks and keep them coming if you tip!
Get ready for Vegas with these library selections:
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