John Proctor Travel: Viva Las Vegas
There are so many reasons why Las Vegas should be on your bucket list of places to see. It’s a destination like no other: a city built in the desert with the contrast of the orange canyon landscape mixed with the vibrant colourful sights of Vegas.
The city which never sleeps, Vegas is a place where self indulgence in the seven deadly sins is encouraged and enjoyed to its fullest. So what can Vegas offer you? I too had my reservations about the appeal of this artificial city, and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. However, this trip has proved to me that Vegas is an adult playground and has something for everyone.
My first impressions of Las Vegas as we flew over the desert were these: arriving on a clear blue-sky day, my excitement increased as we approached the vast and impressive blue waters of the Hoover dam. Due to the location of Vegas, the climate in November was cold but crisp, dry from the desert but refreshing in the cool sunshine – a lovely change to our wet British winter weather.
Entering into the city, I was surprised by the greenery on the sides of the roads, leafy palm trees and pristine lawns. And the hustle and bustle of the strip is a sight to see; having never set foot in the US before I was wowed by the enormity of the roads and the scale of the buildings, which was a recurring factor seen in the sizes of food portions to the room sizes!
The majority of people I came across in Vegas were American citizens, and whether on holiday or working out there, the lack of inhibition to start up conversations with fellow beings was evident throughout the trip.
The high quality standard of the hotels in Vegas will blow you away. I don’t think there is anywhere else in the world with as many world-class, beautiful, extravagant hotels in such close proximity as there is here. This alone is also a reason to stay and play in Vegas. So with so much choice of accommodation on offer, where are the best places to stay?
For those who are looking for luxury, and the finest quality 5* service, should look at the Palazzo, the Venetian, The Bellagio, the Aria or the Wynn/Encore properties. Each with their own individual characteristics – The prestigious Venetian hotel stands out with its Venice themed interior: the Italian opera music filters through the air, as the gondolas make their way through the canals under the bridges, meandering their way through the heart of the shopping lanes. This is a sight to experience even if you choose not to stay here!
Alternatively, if golf is an interest of yours, The Wynn properties have an impressive 18-hole golf course attached to the hotels, and the interior décor really has the wow factor with its inspired intricate details designed by the well respected Mr Steve Wynn himself.
Arguably the most famous and celebrated hotel in Vegas, the sophisticated Bellagio boasts Italian style and elegance
If you prefer airy, light spaces the Aria hotel is perfect for you. This hotel is unique to Vegas in that the exterior and interior design has been constructed to reduce energy consumption. This means the amount of floor to ceiling windows are extensive, and the light flooding through the lobby entering the building is really noticeable. The décor is minimal and light, full of large spaces, and the feng shui of the furniture has been placed just so to create a calming relaxing effect despite the exciting chaos beyond the hotel walls.
On the other hand the Bellagio Hotel is absolutely stunning: arguably the most famous and celebrated hotel in Vegas, the sophisticated Bellagio boasts Italian style and elegance, having won AAA 5 diamond award 12 years in arrow from 2000 to 2012. The hotel oozes class, and has features such as housing the tallest chocolate fountain in the world!
The Bellagio fountains in front of the hotel are a highlight in Vegas, choreographed to music which perform every 30 minutes in the afternoons, and 15 minutes between 8 pm and 11pm, there really is no excuse to miss the event.
For those looking for hotels on a smaller budget, Vegas offers many 4* alternatives. The Paris hotel offers a delightful French Parisian theme with its very own half sized Eiffel Tower replica, charming cobbled streets and prestigious restaurants such as Gordon Ramsayís Steakhouse.
For hen dos or girls out to have a good time, look no further than the glamorous glitzy Cosmopolitan. With ostentatious design, and glittering cocktail bars and clubs, this hotel is a cool and upmarket base to stay.
Alternatively New York New York is a building which will capture the heart and imagination of young and old alike. The outside of the building is an impressive sight with a small replica statue of liberty, and an awesome rollercoaster which entwines through the interior and exterior of the building. Evening entertainment here such as The bar at Times Square is a must to experience for the sing along and merry atmosphere!
Vegas also caters for those strapped for cash and in need of modest 3* accommodation. The medieval Camelot themed Excalibur hotel is not only in an ideal central location but also a fun filled and friendly option for families and friends alike.
Alternatively the 3* Tropicana hotel is a wonderful option for any budget, promising the best of all worlds, in cost, style and location. This was my favourite hotel as the light, bright and airy dÈcor mixed with the 4 acres of cool tropical pool area gives a feeling of an open beach resort space despite being in the heart of the strip. You also have to go and try the MOB attraction here ñ itís a unique way of learning about the days when the mob ruled Vegas and is a very amusing and interesting presentation.
Las Vegas offers excitement, sights and fun along every step of the way. If relaxation is your sin, you can unwind by the poolside with a cocktail and indulge in spa treatments as much as your heart contents. If your weakness is thrill-seeking, theme parks are rife, jeep rides to the Hoover dam are available, and helicopter tours offers sights of the Grand Canyon and the strip at night. The excitement doesn’t stop there as the museums, attractions and shows take the centre stage in Vegas – make sure you see a Cirque du Soleil show whilst here as they are world class mesmerising performances, and often exclusive to Vegas. The sin of greed in the form of both gambling is inevitably a large and delightful part of Vegas life, whether you’re dipping your toe in the game for the first time, or a serious better, there are casinos suitable for every level in every hotel to try your luck! And be prepared to bring some loose trousers as the huge amount of award winning restaurants in Vegas, and Americaís notorious larger than average portion sizes, the foodies out there will be heaven.
One cannot forget to mention the shopping opportunities in Vegas, with many shopping malls and outlet stores, bear in mind you may want to pre-pay for extra baggage on your inbound flight!
Overall, I believe Vegas is a truly magical place like no other destination, the buzz and excitement crammed into one small resort is immense, and though surreal, surprised me on many levels with its friendly, charming and down to earth inhabitants. Vegas will offer an ideal escapism from the slog of work, though touching back down to reality eventually is probably a good idea…
