Las Vegas
Nestled in the Nevada desert is Las Vegas or ‘Sin City’ as it is commonly known. Hotels, casinos, nightclubs and restaurants all vie for space amongst the neon and glitz of the 4.2miles of temptation. Despite all the wealth on show, it’s pretty easy to pick up a freebie in Vegas as the city is designed to entice gamblers in to staying a little while longer in the casinos. Free drinks, meals, show tickets and reduced accommodation can all be had if you’re gambling for a while. Play the penny slots and eat and drink for free!
Costs in Las Vegas
- Hostel Prices: There isn’t an abundance of hostels in Vegas but the few available offer free breakfast and wifi included for around $18 per night.
- Budget Hotel Prices: There are plenty of budget hotels located on the strip and slightly further afield, prices start from around $25 per night for a basic room with ensuite. Most hotels have free wifi and many even have a pool which is great as you are in the middle of a desert!
- Average Cost of Food. Most hotels and casinos have a buffet where you’ll pay $10-20 for all-you-can-eat. Snacks are expensive on the Strip and there are few convenience stores, try to stock up at the buffets. A meal at a reasonably priced restaurant will be around $25 per person.
- Cost of Internet. If your hotel doesn’t offer free wifi to guests then getting online can be quite pricey in Vegas, costing around $10 per day (even if you’re only online a few minutes to check your emails.) Still there are a few cafes and diners that offer free wifi.
- Transportation Costs. It’s possible to centre your stay round the Strip but remember that the heat is intense so walking might not always be an option. Hop on the Monorail and you can expect to pay $12 for a one day pass but there are also a few free routes depending on your destinations. A ticket for the 24-hour Deuce bus is $2 and the Las Vegas Strip Trolley is around $2.50.
Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Take in a show. Vegas does entertainment better than anywhere else and you’ll find some of the best acts in the world here. Plus, it’s a better way to spend your money than at the casino. It’s often a good idea to book tickets with your accommodation as it can work out cheaper. Check coupon books for discounts, but aside from this you’ll find that ticket vendors offer huge reductions on unsold tickets on the day of the show, but get there early.
- Gamble. Let’s face it- Vegas is a casino city. Even at the airport you can find slot machines. There is every type of game here. If you can bet on it, you’ll find it in Vegas. Try to leave the credit cards at home though!
- Hoover Dam & Lake Mead. It’s worth making a couple of side trips while in Vegas and 35 miles south of the city you’ll find Hoover Dam. The dam is a massive curved wall, towering 726 feet above bedrock and acting as a plug between the canyon walls to hold back over 9trillion gallons of water in Lake Mead (which by the way, you’ll have fantastic views of), the country’s largest reservoir created by its construction.
- Grand Canyon. You can combine a trip to the Grand Canyon with an outing to Hoover Dam if you take one of the many coach tours for around $85. Try to factor in an entire day for your tour though as the Canyon isn’t as near as you would expect. At over 250 miles away a tour of the Canyon and Hoover Dam can easily take up to 14 hours.
- Shark Reef. As one of the most prestigious sea-life center, Shark Reef Aquarium is a must see. Shark Reef tunnel, which is designed to look like a sunken ancient shipwreck allows you to come face to face with all kinds of sharks, sawfish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles and rare golden crocodiles. Tickets cost $16.95.
- Sratosphere. Offering the best views of Vegas, Stratosphere is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the US. If you’re feeling brave then consider having a go on one of the extreme rides at the top. The aptly name X-Scream propels you headfirst 27ft over the edge of the tower and leaves you hanging over 850ft in the air. Admission to the tower and all rides costs $40.
- Red Rock Canyon. If the bright lights of Vegas get too much for you then head out to Red Rock Canyon for a day’s hiking. At 2.5miles long, the Calico Tanks trail is the most popular in the area. You’ll pass a natural water tank on the way which leads up to a summit offering a great view of Las Vegas. Be sure to pack lots of water and try to avoid hiking in the summer as remember, you are in the desert.
- The Bellagio. Soaring as high as 460ft, The Bellagio Fountains perform a magnificent light and water display set to music. A lot of people choose this spot to propose to their other halves, so that’s a testament to how great it is! Inside, the casino also offers a flower garden and fine-art gallery, although fees are charged to see the gallery.
- Mirage. Designed by the same company and easily competing with the water display at The Bellagio is the Volcano at the Mirage Hotel and Casino. Set to its own soundtrack, the Volcano erupts finely choreographed fireballs and smoke 100ft into the air from the waters below, turning the waterfall to molten lava.
- Clubbing. Clubs in Vegas are some of the most prestigious (read: pretentious) in the world so you can expect to wait in line for a long time, pay outrageous prices for drinks and entry into the club, as well as being rejected if you’re not dressed smartly enough. However, the clubs are amazing inside and the world’s top DJs can often be found behind the decks.
Budget Tips for Las Vegas
- Skip the Weekend: Most people visit Las Vegas on a Friday or Saturday and stay for the weekend which makes accommodation pretty expensive. By visiting the city during the week you can avail of the significantly reduced room rates and restaurant prices.
- Gamble responsibly: It’s Vegas, of course you’ll want to risk a few dollars in a casino, but don’t go wild. Only gamble what you can comfortably afford to lose, because chances are, the House will win.
- Comps: If you’re gambling the casino will often reimburse some of your losses in the form of meals, discounted show tickets and rooms. Make sure to ask about these!
- Coupons: Coupons are almost a currency in Las Vegas, casinos will give you a book of them when you sign up for a (free) player’s card and you’ll find 2 for 1 offers on meals in restaurants on the strip. Aside from this, it’s worth paying for one of the many coupon books, for instance the ‘Pocketbook of Values’ ($37) to save money on food, accommodation and entertainment.
