The Place for Government Per Diem Rate Hotels

City Overview

Excess, decadence, gambling and glamour; few cities are as easily characterised as Las Vegas. For the busy federal government traveler and military traveler, it also provides a vast choice of per diem rate hotels.

From humble 18th-century beginnings in the arid Mojave Desert, at the southern tip of the state of Nevada, Las Vegas has become the world's entertainment capital, where money talks and millions come to live life in the fast lane for a while at least.

Since 1931, when gambling became legal, Las Vegas has had an unstoppable rise - the opulent hotels and casinos attracting the world's biggest stars, from Sinatra to Elvis, developing into the largest, brashest destination resort the world had ever seen.

Even global economic woes have failed to dent the pace of development in Las Vegas. Emblematic of the drive to keep money pouring through the city is the $8.4 billion development, CityCentre, a 27-hectare (67-acre) stretch of hotels, casinos and retail outlets such as Crystals.

Today, Las Vegas boasts a raft of colossal hotels with world-famous names: The MGM Grand, The Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas. The thousands of rooms in each property house high-rollers and dreamers, the neon of the legendary Strip lighting up an adult playground of epic proportions.

Getting Around

Airport

Flights to Las Vegas from the UK are offered by a number of different airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as US carriers: American Airlines, Continental, Delta, United and US Airways. Las Vegas is a year round destination but if you hunt hard, you’ll find cheap flights to Las Vegas. New Year is particularly expensive whereas the hot and humid summers are often the best time of year to find cheap flights.

McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Tel: (702) 261 5211 or 4636
Website: www.mccarran.com 

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is 1.6km (1 mile) from the Strip and 5.6km (3.5 miles) from Downtown.

Airport facilities
These include bureaux de change, ATMs, tourist information, car hire (Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo/National, Payless, Sav-mor, Thrifty and US Rent-A-Car), free Wi-Fi access, a fitness centre, a children's play area, a medical centre, lockers, restaurants, duty-free, shops, bars, a massage centre, an aviation museum, slot machines, shoeshine services and a post office. Plans are underway to build a third terminal.

Transport to the city
The simplest way to reach Downtown and the Strip is by taxi. Alternatively, a bus service is operated by Citizens Area Transit (tel: (702) 228 7433 or 1 800 228 3911; www.rtcsnv.com), with some services running 24 hours from outside the arrivals lounge.

A number of shuttle companies run services to and from McCarran Airport via the Strip and Downtown (journey time - 30 to 45 minutes). Companies include Bell Trans Shuttle Bus (tel: (702) 739 7990; www.bell-trans.com), Las Vegas Limousine (tel: (702) 736 1419; www.lasvegaslimo.com), ODS (tel: (702) 688 6090; www.odslimo.com) and Showtime (tel: (702) 261 6101).

Approximate flight times to Las Vegas
From London: 12 hours; from New York: 6 hours; from Los Angeles: 1 hour 15 minutes; from Toronto: 5 hours and from Sydney: 15 hours.

Trains

There is no Amtrak rail service to Las Vegas. The closest train stations are Needles (CA) and Kingman (AZ). Check for updates on the charter services from those stations to Las Vegas.

By Road

Driving in Las Vegas is the easiest way to get around. Freeways have a speed limit of 121kph (75mph). Primary highways or multi-lane roads have a speed limit of 105kph (65mph). Traffic drives on the right. The minimum driving age in Nevada is 15 3/4 years and proof of insurance is compulsory. Drivers from outside the USA must possess a licence from their home country, but must follow Nevada's restrictions. The American Automobile Association - AAA (tel: (702) 870 9171 or 1 800 922 8228; www.csaa.com) provides emergency roadside and a variety of automobile-related services.

Emergency breakdown services
AAA (tel: 1 800 222 4357/HELP).

Routes to the city
Las Vegas is bisected by Freeway 15, connecting to Mesquite and Salt Lake City in the north and California (Los Angeles and San Francisco via Interstate 5) in the south. Freeway 515 connects to Fort Mojave Indian reservation in the south. Freeway 215 encircles most of the city, and is a convenient way to bypass rush hour congestion.

Driving times to the city
From Los Angeles - 4 to 5 hours; Salt Lake City - 6 to 7 hours; San Francisco - 8 to 9 hours.

Coach services
Greyhound (tel: (702) 384 9561; www.greyhound.com) operates intercity services out of Las Vegas, linking to major western destinations, including Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Albuquerque, El Paso and Los Angeles. Greyhound operates out of Las Vegas Greyhound Terminal, 200 South Main Street, which provides basic facilities, including a waiting area, payphones and a snack bar.

Local Transport

Public Transport

Public transportation is mostly limited to buses, operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) (www.rtcsnv.com/transit). Tokens are available online. Trolley services run every 30 minutes (www.lasvegas-how-to.com/trolley.php). Three trolley services exit, including one that loops along the Strip.
 
The Las Vegas Monorail (tel: (702) 699 8200; www.lvmonorail.com) runs 0700-0200 from the Sahara Hotel to the MGM Grand. Connect to the LV Monorail by using the free private monorail between The Luxor, Excalibur and New York New York.

Taxis

It is against the law to hail a taxi - use the stands on the Strip and Downtown, or call a taxi from ABC Union (tel: (702) 736 8444) or Yellow Checker Star (tel: (702) 873 2000). Don't forget to tip.

Driving in the City

Traffic is heaviest during rush hour (0800-1000 and 1630-1900). The Strip and Downtown, however, can become congested any time. There is little street parking - hotels and casinos offer free or valet parking.

Car Hire

Drivers must be over 21. National driving licences are permissible, but check if an International Driving Permit is required.
 
Recommended car hire companies include: Alamo (tel: (702) 263 8411; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: (702) 531 1500; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (1 800 922 2899; www.budgetvegas.com), Dollar (tel:1 800 800 4000; www.dollar.com), Enterprise (tel: 1 800 261 7331; www.enterprise.com), Hertz (tel: ((702) 262 7700; www.hertz.com) and National (tel: (702) 261 5391; www.nationalcar.com).

Bicycle Hire

Hire bikes from Las Vegas Cyclery, 8221 West Charleston Avenue (tel: 1 800 596 2953; www.lasvegascyclery.com) or McGie's Bike Outpost, 16 Cottonwood Street, Blue Diamond (tel: (702) 875 4820; www.bikeoutpost.com). Bicycle Nevada (www.bicylenevada.com) has route information.

General Information

Location

Nevada, USA.

Time zone

GMT - 8 (GMT- 7 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).

Electricity

110 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.

Average January temperatures

8°C (46°F).

Average July temperatures

34°C (94°F).

Annual rainfall

107mm (4.2 inches).

Things to do

Sightseeing Overview

While most cities have particular entertainment districts for tourists to visit among other attractions, Las Vegas is one giant entertainment district. Las Vegas Boulevard (the central attraction for this 24-hour city) runs through the heart of Downtown, in the north of the city, and turns into the Strip, in the south.

The city is divided into two halves - Downtown and the Strip. Downtown (known as ‘Glitter Gulch' for the bright neon signs and millions of flashing lights) is the living embodiment of old Las Vegas. Here, the vintage-style hotels, casinos, stage shows and strip joints are joined by the new Fremont Street Experience Mall.

Further south, the Strip is home to the latest, biggest and most ambitious casinos, many of which verge on being mini theme parks.

Tourist Information

Las Vegas Visitor Information Center
3150 Paradise Road
Tel: (702) 892 0711 or 1 877 847 4858.
Website: www.lvcva.com
Opening hours: Daily 0800-1700.

Attractions

Liberace Museum
The Liberace Museum, considered one of the best museums in Las Vegas, offers a view of the city's cultural history by focusing on one of its most infamous entertainers. Liberace became an extremely prominent musician in America and nowhere were his dazzling costumes and stage sets more at home than in Las Vegas. The museum is divided into two galleries. The first houses 18 of his 39 pianos (including his own Rhinestone-covered Baldwin piano and a rare, early English grand piano from 1788) as well as his car collection. The second houses costumes, props and candelabra.
1775 East Tropicana Avenue
Tel: (702) 798 5595.
Website: www.liberace.org 
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1600.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y

Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park
This low-key attraction lends a sense of what Las Vegas was like before gambling took over. Located north of Downtown, Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park is the site of the original adobe fort used by the first Mormon settlers. Built by missionaries from Salt Lake City in 1885, the fort was abandoned a year later, due to the harsh conditions. A shed is the only remaining original building but the rest of the site has been reconstructed. Rangers are on hand to provide interpretation and information. The museum is closed from mid October to mid May.
500 East Washington Avenue
Tel: (702) 486 3511.
Website: www.parks.nv.gov/olvmf.htm
Opening hours: Daily 0800-1630.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.

Aboretum
Situated on the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus, the university's Xeric garden includes examples of unique plants from arid regions from around the world. Although springtime is the best time to experience the delicate beauty of the desert, many of the species in the garden bloom at different times of the year.
Arboretum Office, 4505 Maryland Parkway
Tel: (702) 895 3392.
Website: www.unlv.edu/facilities/landscape/visit

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Offers a glimpse of more than 225 species of birds, as well as being an oasis in which to stroll or have a picnic. There are trails with observation areas and benches from which to observe the desert wildlife. The preserve is open daily 0600-1500 (last entry at 1445) and entrance is free. Visitors are asked to punch in a code (listed at the gate), and security will open the door.
350 E.Galleria Drive, Henderson
Tel: (702) 267 4180.
Website: www.cityofhenderson.com
Opening hours: Daily 0600-1400 (March-May); daily 0600-noon (June-Aug); daily 0600-1400 (Sept-Nov); daily 0700-1400 (Dec-Feb).
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.

Restaurants

Expensive

Joel Robuchon at The Mansion
The first and youngest chef to ever win three Michelin stars, Robuchon’s restaurant at the MGM Grand does not come cheap. It does, however, serve up the best French food in North America according to many critics. Sophisticated palates will enjoy an onslaught of flavours, with many ingredients flown in from France. A true, once in a lifetime dining experience. 
 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S
Tel: (702) 891 7925.
Website: www.mgmgrand.com

Le Cirque
It has stood for 30 years as a temple to gastronomy for the New York City dining scene, though its sister location inside the Bellagio has garnered an equally vaulted reputation. Restaurateur Sirio Maccioni brings a touch of the ringmaster to this jewel that sits along the lake overlooking the Fountains of Bellagio. The set menu is served underneath a silk-tented ceiling that accents the polished wood interior. Reservations required. No lunch.
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: 1 877 234 6358.
Website: www.bellagio.com

Twist
Situated on the 23rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is the first U.S. restaurant by world-renowned, three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire. The menu infuses the simplicity of classic French cuisine with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of flavors and textures for which Gagnaire is renowned. 300 illuminated globes light up the ceiling, reflecting the lights of Vegas below.
3752 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (888) 881 9367.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com

Moderate

Chart House
Part of the new Rush Tower development at the Golden Nugget Hotel, Chart House is immediately striking, with its 75,000 gallon aquarium integrated into the interior design. The menu is also predominantly aquatic in nature, with macadamia-crusted mahi and Lobster Francese heading up the signature dishes. The tropical fish floating around among the tables make for a relaxing atmosphere, a world away from the frantic casino downstaurs.
129 Fremont Street
Tel: (702) 386 8364.
Website: www.chart-house.com

Delmonico Steakhouse
Emeril Lagasse's offering at the Venetian Hotel delivers New Orleans-style cuisine that emphasises the finest in American-style cuts of meat. From bone-in ribeye steak to Delmonico chicken-for-two carved tableside, every dish is personally designed by Emeril, and bears his signature style. The traditional oak-wood surroundings are formal yet intimate, which sets a perfect atmosphere for those attending to serious business.
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (702) 414 3737.
Website: www.emerils.com

Gonzalez y Gonzalez
With its ‘fiesta' atmosphere of candy-filled piñata toys and brightly lit courtyard dining, Gonzalez in the New York-New York Hotel and Casino is probably just as popular for its selection of traditional Mexican drinks as for its food. Typical dishes include the more stereotypical Mexican dishes of burritos, enchiladas and tacos (corn or flour tortillas filled with a choice of meat, vegetables and a spicy sauce). 
 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (702) 740 6455.
Website: www.nynyhotelcasino.com

Cheap

Cabo Wabo Cantina
Set inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, this two-level nightclub and restaurant replaces the highly visible location previously occupied by Trader Vic’s. Offering a blend of live music and coastal Mexican fare, Cabo Wabo Cantina features traditional and contemporary selections inspired by Cabo San Lucas as well as a cocktail menu with a heavy emphasis on tequila.
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard. South
Tel: (702) 785 5555.
Website: www.planethollywoodresort.com

JJ's Boulangerie
This small, open French-style bakery with terrace seating serves both pastries and freshly made sandwiches. Set on the edge of a Parisian-style promenade, the bakery is a great place to people watch while sipping a cappuccino. There is also an ice cream and confectionery counter featuring various light desserts at the back of the store.
Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (702) 946 7000.
Website: www.parislasvegas.com

Veranda Cafe and Lounge, Clarion Emerald Springs
Designed to accommodate both casual and more formal dining, the Veranda is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The absence of a casino and throngs of vacationers at the Emerald Springs makes this a comfortable setting for business dining. Evening specials often include prime rib or New York steak and the lounge also features a happy hour with hot and cold appetisers.
325 East Flamingo Road
Tel: (702) 732 9100 or 1 800 732 7889.
Website: www.clarionlasvegas.com

Night Life

Nightlife is Las Vegas' best-known pastime. The casinos and hotels may be open by day but only under the cover of night does the city's burst of lights set the atmosphere buzzing. Casinos, restaurants and bars are packed with tourists from all over the world, most in a friendly and genial spirit. Casino hotels tend to house not only the best-known stage shows but also all the late-night bars, nightclubs and live music.

Bars

Baccarat Bar
If you have any James Bond-style fantasies, this is probably the place to live them out. Play a civilised few rounds of baccarat as impeccably-dressed servers bring you luxurious cocktails against a backdrop of live piano music. Shaken or stirred, your Martini will be exquisitely prepared, and there's a sense of refinement to the gambling that you're unlikely to find on most casino floors. Situated in Bellagio's.
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: 1 888 987 6667.
Website: www.bellagio.com

Bar at Times Square
Billed as a reconstruction of ‘the ultimate neighbourhood pub', this bar in the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, aims to recreate the feel of an old New York city bar, complete with polished wooden floors and nightly entertainment. Singing along to the nightly duelling pianos show is highly encouraged, and such is the demand for tables that a reservation must be made. Cozier and more raucous (in a good way) than many Las Vegas bars.
3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (702) 740 6969.
Website: www.nynyhotelcasino.com

Mix Lounge
Set high atop THEHotel at Mandalay Bay Resort, expectant tourists and locals alike queue up in their street-chic attire for a chance to 'be seen' in what is being touted as the 'highest and hottest nightlife destination' in the city. Internationally-famous DJs provide an eclectic mix of music, while the 64th-floor balcony is ideal for taking in views of the city with a cocktail.
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Tel: (702) 632 9500.
Website: www.mandalaybay.com

Clubs

Pure
One of the most popular clubs on The Strip. The 3,400 sq m (36,000 sq ft) venue in Caesars Palace offers clubbers the choice of three environments, themes and sounds, with all rooms interconnected by intimate passageways and an elevated glass-enclosed VIP room at the heart of the action. It also tends to have long queues, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early - reservations are also strongly encouraged.
3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (702) 731 7873.
Website: www.purethenightclub.com

Rain
This 2,600 sq m (28,000 sq ft) adult-only playground in the Palms Casino Resort features an elevated dance floor lit by a 4m (14ft) fireball and dancing fountains of water throb in time with the DJ. Rain is also infamous as the place where Britney Spears partied hard before, during and after her first very short-lived marriage. Reservations are required.
4321 West Flamingo Road
Tel: (702) 942 6832.
Website: www.n9negroup.com

Studio 54
Modelled on the legendary New York nightclub of the 1970s, Studio 54 features live dancers, dance music and a collection of photographs taken at the original club. The music is decidedly high-energy, though if you have the money, you could always hire one of the VIP rooms for some respite. Four dance floors stretch across 2,100 sq m (22,000 sq ft) of space in this Vegas nightclub located at the MGM Grand.
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (702) 891-7279.
Website: www.mgmgrand.com

Live Music

The Theater for the Performing Arts
Planet Hollywood may have a hint of mainstream cheese factor about it, but its in-house theatre still pulls in major touring rock groups and popular acts such as big name comedians. It has 7,000 seats, making it a rare medium-sized venue in Las Vegas - perfect for getting that bit closer to your favourite at, instead of watching them on a screen from the back of a stadium.
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (702) 785 5555.
Website: www.planethollywoodresort.com

The Orleans Arena
A relative newcomer to the Las Vegas live entertainment scene, the arena has already hosted touring legends such as Willie Nelson, Neil Sedaka and Jerry Lewis. This 9,000-seater space within the Orleans Hotel and Casino is also home to its own hockey team and has hosted everything from circus acts to comedians, but it's as a live music venue that it really holds its own, and big contemporary acts pass through regularly.
4500 West Tropicana Avenue
Tel: (702) 284 7777.
Website: www.orleansarena.com

The Mandalay Bay Events Center
A 12,000-seat sport and entertainment complex, this centre has been the setting for superstar concerts, major sporting events and television specials. It has featured everyone from Steely Dan to Stevie Wonder to Paul McCartney and Wings. The space afforded here gives the touring acts some room to put on stage spectaculars, and there are state of the art video screens and projectors to add to the atmosphere.
3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel: (877) 632 7400.
Website: www.mandalaybay.com

Shopping

Although Las Vegas is best known for its casinos, the city has gained popularity for shopping. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of boutique shopping in Las Vegas, featuring major European and American designers, as well as inexpensive factory outlet shopping.

Shopping centres
Shops are located anywhere tourists might happen to pass with money in their pockets - in other words anywhere in Downtown and on the Strip. The Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes are situated among cobbled walkways that wind through designer boutiques culminating in a replica of St Mark's Square. The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino offers the Miracle Mile, a shopping complex offering over 170 brand name retail shops. The 2010 CityCentre development houses Crystals, a 46,450 sq m (500,000 sq ft) commercial district showcasing an array of exclusive retailers.

Key areas
Factory outlet malls are also very popular in Las Vegas, due to the considerable savings they offer on brand-name goods. The Belz Factory Outlet World, 7400 Las Vegas Boulevard South, offers over 140 outlets with brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger and Liz Claiborne.

Shopping hours
Stores are open seven days a week, normally 1000-2200.

Tax information
A non-refundable state sales tax of 7.25% is charged in Las Vegas (Clark County Nevada).

Events

Fremont Street Mardi Gras
April
Traditional Mardi Gras celebrations.
Fremont Street

Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival
April
Bringing live music to outdoor and indoor stages.
Various venues
Website: www.yourjazz.com

Jazz Festival
June
Live jazz bands from all over the country congregate for a three-day festival.
Fremont Street arcade

CineVegas Film Festival
June
A celebration of cutting edge film making.
Palms Casino Resort.
Website: www.cinevegas.com

Las Vegas Music Festival
June-August
Highbrow offerings come to the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Various venues

Bikefest and Music Experience
September
Anything with an engine and two wheels is celebrated.
Plaza Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and Lady Luck Hotel and Casino
Website: www.lasvegasbikefest.com

Best in the Desert
October
A 480km (300-mile) desert and mountain race from Las Vegas to Reno, over a three-day period, in the longest off-road race in the country.
Website: www.bitd.com

Laughlin Mile Dragon Boat Challenge
October
A friendly race/competition with participating teams paddling in traditional 13m- (44ft-) long Chinese war canoes. 
Laughlin
Website: www.visitlaughlin.com 

Parade of Lights
December
Annual holiday pageant of boats.
Lake Mead Marina, Boulder City

Fremont Street Experience New Year's Eve Party
December
A New Year's Eve extravaganza.
Fremont Hotel and Casino

History & Culture

Las Vegas is not exactly the world capital of high-brow art. True, it possesses a fine philharmonic orchestra and a ballet troupe, but these do not draw the visitors in nearly the same numbers that popular entertainment does. Most major hotels offer concierge services and can order tickets.

Visitors can go online to Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) to order and pre-pay for tickets.

Music
Artemus Ham Concert Hall
Home to the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra, this 1,800-seater theatre housed within the UNLV Performing Arts Centre serves up a wide range of artistic performance, including light opera and ballet as well as the symphonic productions. Pop music and jazz also sneak in, but in general it’s aimed more at discerning classical music fans than your average Las Vegas concert-goer.
4505 Maryland Parkway
Tel: (702) 985 3535.
Website: http://pac.unlv.edu

Theatre
The Las Vegas Little Theatre
Founded in 1978 as a community theatre, the LVLT puts on slightly more serious productions than the hotel-casinos, be it the classics, modern playwrights or even musicals. If you’re looking for Shakespeare, or avant-garde plays then you’re probably in the wrong town, but the classics are handled well here – think Streetcar Named Desire and productions of that ilk.
3844 Schiff Drive
Tel: (702) 362 7996
Website: www.lvlt.org 

Dance
The Nevada Ballet Theatre
Since its conception in 1972, this has been one of Nevada's larger cultural institutions and performs many of its productions at the Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV Performing Arts Center (see above). Many of the revues and touring shows incorporate or are devoted to dance.
Tel: (702) 243 2623
Website: www.nevadaballet.com

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