Frequently Asked Questions

Who should go?

Las Vegas is great for a wide variety of people and reasons to visit, as this nonstop city has something for just about everyone.

Couples
Celebrity chef restaurants and luxurious hotels make for the perfect romantic getaway, plus there's shows and comedy clubs to entertain.

Girls Getaways
Getting away with the girls can be fun-filled at the clubs or relaxing and pampering at the many world-class spas.

The "Man-cation"
Vince Vaughn helped popularize the term in the romantic comedy The Break-Up and Las Vegas is the perfect place for the guys to have some fun and get in some golf and gaming.

Families
Yes, even families can enjoy Las Vegas with great musical entertainment, fabulous pool areas, and tons of tours that are family friendly, including Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, and ATVing in the Valley of Fire.

Spa Goer and Shopper
Celebrity chef restaurants and luxurious hotels make for the perfect romantic getaway, plus there's shows and comedy clubs to entertain.

Active Travelers
24 hours of nonstop entertainment with high stakes casino gaming, Broadway-style shows, live music, and posh nightclubs.

Casino Gamer
From poker to baccarat, Las Vegas is the undisputed king of casino action.

Golfer
More than 50 championship golf courses are in and around Las Vegas.

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What's the climate like?

	Winter	Spring	Summer	Autumn
Average High	60° F	77° F	102° F	81° F
Average Low	35° F	51° F	73° F	54° F
Average Rainfall	0.5"	0.4"	0.1"	0.2"

Although it is quite hot in June, the casinos are always cool, so it’s a good idea to bring along a sweater.

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How do I get around town?

Transfers
Transfers are not included with your vacation package. However, shared van, private limo transfers, and rental cars are available for purchase. Pre-purchasing a shared ride or private limo transfer will save your clients time and money upon arrival in Las Vegas. McCarran International Airport is located approximately one mile from the Strip and eight miles from downtown.

Taxi
Las Vegas is filled with taxi cabs, and for good reason. It is a fast and efficient way to get around town. Just be sure to be savvy about your way around. Tell the driver to go the fastest way. The drivers are paid for time, not mileage, and The Strip is not usually the fastest way. Also, it is not necessary to take the interstate from the airport, taking the interstate will most likely result in a much higher fare. Taxi lines can be quite long during peak arrival/departure times at the airport and most evenings at major casino resorts.

Car
A rental car can be a convenient method of transportation to travel between resorts, if you are planning to leave the Strip, or if you are staying downtown or in the resort collection properties. Almost all casinos offer large parking garages and complimentary valet parking.

Walking
The Strip is easily navigated on foot, and elevated trams and monorails connect many of the most popular casinos such as Bally’s and MGM, Bellagio and Monte Carlo, The Mirage and TI-Treasure Island, and Mandalay Bay and Excalibur with a stop at the Luxor. Pedestrian bridges can also be found connecting the MGM Grand and New York - New York and Excalibur, Bellagio and Bally’s, and Caesars Palace and the Flamingo.

Bus
A fast, cheap, and safe way to navigate Las Vegas is the bus. With convenient stops and minimal charge, you’ll be left with more coins in your pocket. The ride between downtown and the Strip is only $2.

Monorail
This public transit system connects the MGM Grand on the south end of The Strip with the Sahara and the Convention Center on the north end. Stops are made at Bally’s/Paris, the Flamingo Las Vegas, the Imperial Palace, the Convention Center, and the Las Vegas Hilton. One way fares, daily, and multi-day passes are offered.

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What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?

Eating out in Las Vegas can be at a buffet, a celebrity chef restaurant, a great steakhouse, or at someplace with a great view to match the great food. Here are some recommendations:

Best Buffet
They're unending and delicious. Try the Carnival Buffet at the Rio or the Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood.

Best Views
If someone is looking to "pop the question" these restaurants are the perfect backdrop. Try the Center Stage Restaurant at the Plaza for great views of the Fremont Street Experience. The Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere has breathtaking views of the entire Strip. And 11 stories up is the Eiffel Tower French restaurant at Paris-Las Vegas with fabulous views of the fountains at Bellagio.

Steakhouses
Nothing beats a great steak and these temples to beef will not dissppoint. Two of the best in Las Vegas are the SW Steakhouse at the Wynn and Prime at Bellagio.

Italian
Everyone loves Italian food and Rao at Caesars and Il Fornaio at New York-New York are some of the best.

French
For the perfect combination of butter and cream, head to Andre's at the Monte Carlo or Mon Ami Gabi, with al fresco dining along the Strip at Paris.

Wine
Hands down, Aureloe at the Mandalay Bay with its four-story wall of wine, will impress any oenophile.

Celebrity Chefs
Celebrity chefs abound in the new gourmet Las Vegas. Some favorites are Michael Mina at Bellagio, Emeril's at MGM Grand, and Wolfgang Puck's Spago at Caesars.

In the Know
For those in the know and looking for a great meal at a reasonable price, head to Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens. The steaks are great and all the ladies receive a rose.

Las Vegas has always been a party town. The nightlife starts early and ends early, in the morning that is. Here’s our pick for how to make the most of the fun. And remember, to get the most fun out of a Las Vegas night, opt for Vegas-Passport Ultimate Nightclub Hopping Package that gets you access to the VIP line and free cover at more than 25 of Las Vegas' hottest nightclubs.

Double Your Fun
Head out to a hotel that has two hot nightclubs to double your fun. Try the hot Tabu or the still-famous Studio 54 at MGM Grand. There's also Tryst and Lure at Wynn Las Vegas.

3-in-1
Experience multiple clubs within one club. Jet at the Mirage has three separate dance floors or Pure at Caesars has three separate areas with different types of music.

Heart-Stopping Views
Your pulse — and the party — will get going at the Voodoo Lounge on the 51st floor of the Rio. On Mondays, try the Foundation Room at the Mandalay Bay.

New
Try some new clubs like Polly Esther's at Stratosphere or the Canyon Club at the Four Queens.

Something Different
Take in a burlesque show at Tangerine at TI or Forty Deuce at Mandalay Bay.

Tipping does help! Being generous with your cash will help you get in to some of the more popular clubs.

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Where should I go shopping?

Las Vegas has outstanding malls, outlet malls, and hotel shops. Here are some of the best:

• Fashion Show Mall
  Huge, two million square-foot shopping complex anchored by seven major stores, including Nordstroms, Saks, and Nieman Marcus.
• Miracle Mile Shops
  140 specialty stores at Planet Hollywood.
• Forum Shops
  150 boutiques and shops at Caesars Palace with many European designers.
• Las Vegas Outlet Center
  130 stores just south of the airport on Las Vegas Boulevard.
• Las Vegas Premium Outlets
  120 higher-end outlet stores located near downtown.

There are also many high-end shops located within the hotels. For the best of the best, try Mandalay Place at Mandalay Bay, the Esplanade shops at Wynn Las Vegas, Via Bellagio shops at Bellagio, or the Appian Way shops at Caesars Palace.

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Where are the best spas?

Relax, rejuvenate, and become refreshed at the world-class spas in Las Vegas. Most hotels have spas, but here are some of the best:

• PH Spa by Mandara, Planet Hollywood
• THEbathhouse, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay
• Qua Baths and Spa, Caesar's Palace
• Spa Bellagio, Bellagio
• The Salon, Wynn Las Vegas

Many moderate-priced hotels have great spas. TI-Treasure Island has a great spa called Wet, the Westin Casuarina has the Hibiscus Spa, and the Excalibur has the Royal Treatment Spa.

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Insider tips on gaming

Here are some insider tips on gaming in Las Vegas:

Downtown
The odds are better in downtown with a 98% payout. For your best bet at winning, play blackjack, slots, or wager on sports.

The Strip
The best odds on the Strip are at the Stratosphere and the Riviera.

Local Play
The locals usually play at the off-Strip hotels.

Poker
All casinos will have poker, but for real fun, play at the Rio where the World Series of Poker is played.

High Stakes
For high-wager gaming, the Bellagio and Wynn are the places to be — and be seen.

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When are the local events?

It's hard to outdo the normal, nonstop party that is Las Vegas, but some events stand out above all others.

Superbowl
January or February. Las Vegas is abuzz with activity and parties are going nonstop for the NFLs championship game.

St. Patrick’s Day
March. Pack your green and take part in the festivities and enjoy the parade.

NASCAR
March. NASCAR comes to Las Vegas in early march.

National Finals Rodeo
December. The finest rodeo cowboys in the world descend on Las Vegas for a chance to win a tea-platter-sized National Champion belt buckle.

New Years Eve
December 31. The Las Vegas casinos pull out all the stops to make your New Years Eve one to remember…if you can.

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What are my golf and recreation options?

Golf
Customize your vacation with discounted greens fees and gain access to hotel-affiliated golf courses with a stay at select hotels or receive great discounts and advanced tee times at independent golf courses offered.

Hotel-Affiliated Courses

• The Falls
  Outer nine offers true desert canyon golf. Inner nine plays up and down a desert mountainside. Designed by Tom Weiskopf.
• Reflection Bay
  Five holes play along 1.5 miles of natural shoreline along Lake Las Vegas. Designed by Jack Nicklaus.

  The following hotels have use of these courses:

  • Loews Lake Las Vegas
  • Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas
• Wynn
  The collaboration of Tom Fazio, Steve Wynn, and Mother Nature has resulted in 18 unforgettable holes, right outside the hotel.

  The following hotel has use of this course:

  • Wynn Las Vegas

Independent Courses
Golf packages are available for purchase to the following courses:

• Bali Hai Golf Club
  Tropical-themed course features towering palm trees, white-sand bunkers, and volcanic outcroppings.
• Desert Pines Golf Club
  Natural Carolina landscape including 4,000 pines and white-sand bunkers.
• Royal Links Golf Club
  Links-style course offers a tribute to the greatest holes in British Open history.

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Travel tidbits

Best Burger in Vegas
Food and Wine picked the Burger Bar Las Vegas in Mandalay Place as the best burger joint in town. Star chef Hubert Keller’s menu features a variety of freshly ground burgers, including turkey, lamb, and beef. And almost all (except the Kobe beef) are priced under $10. And if you need fries with your burger, Anthony Bourdain of the Discovery Channel's show "No Reservations" raved about the frites at Bouchon.

Late Night Munchies
Las Vegas is a 24-hour city, and so it is nice to know that if you need food at any time of the day or night you can head to Pink’s Hot Dogs, the brand new branch of the L.A. original. Located at 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South, between the Aladdin and Paris.

Coffee Lovers
If you need to have a cup before you even set foot out of your hotel room, you'd better bring your own pot. Strip resorts don't put coffee makers in the rooms! Most hotels now have many coffee shops for caffine lovers.

No Phones
Don't bring your cell phone to the race and sports books. They are prohibited.

Tipping Made Simple
To estimate a 15% tip for your restaurant check, simply double the city's 7.75% sales tax show on your bill.

Concerts on the Beach
The Mandalay Bay has a Concert on the Beach series which takes place right beside the Beach Casino. Ticket prices range from $40-$55 for advance purchase prices, a bargain at half the price of other headliners.

Arts District
Located halfway between downtown and the Strip is a new and evolving arts district with antique shops, galleries, bistros, and funky bars. Also, on every first Friday of the month, galleries open their doors, bands perform, and performers stroll the streets.

Nightlife
1) Plan ahead. If you know there is a certain nightclub that you want to spend your time in, book a room in the resort in which it’s located. If you call the club and tell them that you’re a guest in the hotel, it could help you bypass the long access lines that can easily reach 45 minutes. 2) Act like you belong. Don’t be afraid to tip the doorman $20 etc. 3) Dress the part. If you don’t fit in, you won’t get in. 4) Travel in groups. Six people is ideal for bottle service and for women, traveling in a group without men gets you more favorable service. 5) Reserve a table with bottle service. It can help you get in to the most popular clubs.

Good to Know:

Airport Name: 3-letter Code:	McCarran International Airport LAS
Best Weather:	September – November and February – May
Best Values:	January, February, June – August, November, and December
Currency:	U.S. Dollar
Language:	English
Time Zone:	Pacific Time, two hours behind Central Time
Proof of Citizenship:	None needed for U.S. citizens
Tipping:	15%-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 bellman (per bag) $2-$3 valet (per use) $2-$3 maid (per day).
Dress:	Anything and everything goes in Las Vegas. However, if you want to eat in one of the many fine restaurants, you’ll need to dress accordingly. Although it is quite hot in the summer, the casinos are always very cool, so it’s a good idea to bring along a sweater.
Tourist Board Phone #:	702-892-7575