A Weekend in Las Vegas
So many people come to Vegas just to drink and gamble, but the city offers so much more to its visitors that want more than just a good party. Being only a 4 hour drive from Phoenix, I’m able to visit Vegas often and have learned what works and doesn’t work in the desert oasis so I can get the most out of my trip. I’ve compiled my favorite things to do, places to eat, and tips and tricks for beating those long club lines down below. Enjoy and I hope you win big!
Where to Stay
I’ve stayed on and off the strip and I definitely prefer being on it. I was only a mile off the strip, but if you visit in the summer the desert heat really gets to you and it can take a long time to get an Uber since there are designated pick up locations throughout the city as to not interfere with the taxi service. There’s definitely good deals that you can find on the strip especially if you’re sharing a room with friends! The older hotels like the Flamingo and Bally’s usually have better rates and Groupon offers specials as well. Staying on the strip keeps you close to the action and makes it less of a hassle to get home once you’re ready to call it a night.
Things to Do
1. Walk the strip! This is where all the action is and you can explore the different themes of the hotels and what they have to offer. My favorite resorts to go into are Caesar’s Palace, the Venetian, and the Wynn because of the decorations and things to do inside. Caesar’s offers a free show in the Forum Shops and you can go on a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Venice in the Venetian.
2. Go to a show. I highly recommend seeing Cirque de Soleil as it was an incredible show. There are multiple themes put on by the different resorts that range in price, but La Reve at the Wynn is my all time favorite. It incorporated water and was a breathtaking experience.
3. The Freemont Experience. I believe everyone should make it to Freemont as it’s a whole different atmosphere and more budget friendly. There are always free concerts and if you’re feeling up to it you can ride the zip line down the street! The best part is the street is under a canopy so it keeps you out of the sun and offers a great light show at night.
4. The nightlife. There is no nightclub experience compared to the one in Vegas, but if you don’t plan accordingly your night won’t go too well. The lines for these clubs are LONG and expensive, even more so for the guys. Be aware that there is a dress code for these venues and it is easier to get in if you’re a young attractive woman. Here’s a few ways I’ve been able to skip the line and get into the party faster:
- Use a promoter. This was by far the best experience I had with the clubs in Vegas as I was able to request which clubs I wanted to go to and get access to the way shorter VIP line. The best part: cover fees were waved and we each got drink tickets. This happened by luck when we checked into the hotel and were talking with the concierge who mentioned his frat brother was a promoter for the nightclubs. He gave us his number and we texted him a welcome message and had to answer the questions of how many girls/guys and where we wanted to go then we were set! Altogether there were 4 of us girls and we had a great night!
- Go up to the doorman. It never hurts to go up and talk to the doorman, but I recommend sending a young female up to do it. The line for Omnia was insane so my friend walked up and asked how long it would be to get in. He wanted to know how many were in the group then told her to come back with all of us and he’ll let everyone in. We were a group of 4 couples and the doorman only waived the cover charge for the girls, but this is a great option if you’re an all girl group.
- Make friends. It’s no secret that it’s harder for men to get in these clubs especially if it’s an all guy group so don’t be shocked if they come up and ask you to join their group to get in quicker. A lot of the time guys make a deal with doorman to get in if they bring some girls and their offer normally includes the deal that they will pay for you if needed. Now, if you go this route know that there is no obligation for you to stay with them once you’re in. Thank them nicely then continue on with your night if there is no interest there.
Where to Eat
1. Fashion Show. Right by the Wynn is a large mall with a ton of restaurant options along the strip like Benihana and Kona Grill. If you’re a sushi lover like me check out RA Sushi Bar and sit on the patio to people watch.
2. Grand Bazaar Shops. There’s a great outdoor restaurant area that includes one of my favorites for Chicago style pizza, Giordano’s.
3. Lago. Located at the Bellagio it offers Italian food with a beautiful view of the fountains.
4. Grand Canal Shoppes. Inside the Venetian there are restaurants along the canal and gelato shops for dessert. They offer great views of the gondolas and there is normally live entertainment as well.
I hope you enjoy your time in Vegas and if you come across something new please let me know so I can check it out next time I’m there!
