Las Vegas. Sin City. The ultimate adults playground. However the city is named, the fact remains that Las Vegas has remained the world’s most renowned gambling destination over the course of many decades. This desert city, located in the midst of the dry and sandy planes of Nevada, lures visitors from every corner of the globe – and not merely to gamble.
Though the world-class casinos certainly draw people from far and wide, Vegas has more than one string to its bow. The city acts as an all-inclusive retreat which has everything the most discerning traveller could desire – glitzy hotels, nightly entertainment in many forms, big music stars headlining shows, and of course, the chance to gamble and win big.
Almost every year, new casino resorts pop up in different corners of the world – most notably in Asia and even some in Europe. So what’s to keep people coming back to Vegas time after time?
The Michelin-quality food
All of the many hotels in Vegas boast excellent restaurants and bars, but the city is also home to numerous standalone restaurants with fantastic reputations. For starters, Le Monde De Joel Robuchon has three Michelin Stars and is a worthy candidate if you are looking for a real VIP dining experience. One of the most romantic hotspots for dinner in Vegas is two Michelin-star Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace, which is one of the famous chef’s two flagship restaurants where he himself spends time in the kitchen as Head Chef. For diners looking for a little more than simply excellent cuisine, Picasso at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino offers guests a glimpse into its namesake’s ceramic work and paintings. The restaurant is French and Spanish-inspired and diners can choose from a store of over 1,500 wines in the cellar. Ensure you make a reservation well in advance if you want to eat at any of the renowned restaurants in Vegas, as they fill up fast.
The 24-hour life
Many people who visit, and the people who live in Las Vegas themselves, often call it the city that never sleeps. The strip and surroundings are always thriving with activity, especially Downtown. The 24-hour nature of the city makes it the perfect destination for any holiday, but especially for those looking to party. It’s no coincidence that Vegas is one of the most popular spots for stag-dos and hen parties! Everything is always available, one of the biggest appeals of visiting this city.
The world-famous casinos
It goes without saying that gambling is not simply a game in Las Vegas, but an art form! Where better to gamble than the place where you can drop into any one of dozens of casinos all on the same street? With every game thinkable available somewhere in Vegas, there really is no better place to hedge your bets. Whether poker is your forte or you prefer the slots machines, there are enough games (and winnings) to spend weeks exploring the casinos of the strip. Before a trip, make sure you put your best foot forward with a little practice. Perhaps set up a pre-Vegas poker night with your friends to refresh your skills, or you could play online with some of the great games at Fair Go Casino.
The great outdoors
So you’ve spent all night at the poker table. After a cat nap, you’ll be needing to get outside into the fresh air and to see some natural sunlight. Though Vegas is a cacophony of music, materialism and movement, some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders sit just next door. There are five stunning national parks close to the city; Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Death Valley National Park, Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors often go hiking and four-wheeling through the reserves, or, for the thrill-seekers among us, there are plenty of scenic helicopter rides also available.
The Hollywood-worthy hotels
Las Vegas relies on the tourism industry almost entirely to drive its economy, which explains why the Strip and all the hotels located there strive to maintain the international status of the city as one of the world’s top holiday spots. Hotels regularly encourage staff members to do anything they can in order to satisfy guests, and a number of hotels, including the Aria, The Mandarin Hotel (now the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas), and The Bellagio, have earned the top Five-Star AAA Diamond Rating. Not only is the service above and beyond, the hotels are designed by leading hotel designers from around the world, the suites are nothing less than what you see in The Hangover movie, and staying in one of the Strip’s celebrated establishments will be an experience within itself.
Image at the very top of the article credit: tank_bmb/Bigstock.com
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