las vegas, 2023
Overview/Overall impression
There is an endless amount of entertainment for all. You do not have to be a gambler to enjoy the Las Vegas Strip. There is so much to see and so much detail in all the architecture and design that goes into the casinos. It is easy to spend days wandering around and seeing amazing art in stores and throughout all the different casinos, which often have elaborate displays. In one afternoon, you can visit Paris, New York, or Venice.
quick bits
| Language | Currency |
|---|---|
| English | Dollars |
| Power Outlets | Visa |
| Type A/B | 90 day visa free access for most countries |
Getting around (transportation)
Airports: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). This is the only airport in the area. As far as airports go it is pretty basic and designed to simply move people in and out. I have been to other airports, like the Portland International Airport, which is just beautiful and really strives to make passing through or coming and going from this airport a whole experience for travelers.
Train: none
Bus (including the Deuce!*): To get from LAS to the strip is pretty easy and you have a few options. First to get where you catch the bus at LAS: ……
*What is The Deuce you ask? This is a special bus that goes at regular intervals up and down the strip from South Strip Transit Terminal to Fremont Street. If you buy a bus pass for a single ride up buy a 3-day pass allowing you unlimited rides on any bus and The Deuce for three days. We found that downloading the RTC app is the easiest way to get and use our passes. We have never needed to rent a car while in Vegas. You can buy your pass ahead of time, it does not activate and start the 3-day usage until you use it for the first time.
Where to stay
Excaliber: We have stayed at this hotel a handful of times and have never been disappointed. They have comfortable beds with welcoming staff and some decent views. The only possible downside is that it is at one end of the strip, so you need to be open to walking a fair distance to get to events or dinners on the other side of the strip. The price of this hotel reflects its location so it can be a great place to stay that often costs a little less. More often than not we stay within the casinos as we make our way down the strip to events or places we want to go that are on the other side. It is an adventure in and of itself as there is so much to see as you make your way down. The Las Vegas Strip was well designed for easy walking travel while staying indoors 90% of the route along the strip.
Flamingo: This hotel is a favorite. It is centrally located on the strip making getting around that much easier. The bed was comfortable and the views were nice.
Circus Circus: This hotel seems a little ‘over the top’ but is still a good hotel. Like the Excaliber it is located on the end of the strip so you need to be prepared to walk or take the Deuce to get to the other side of the strip for any activities you might want to do. The price is less than the Flamingo due to its location. The decor may seem a little outdated or hokey but the beds are comfortable and it has some nice restaurants and a Starbucks for those who want a nice coffee hit in the morning.
Things to do - from free to moderately expensive
Concerts: We have been to many concerts in Vegas. The only one currently running in 2024-25 that we have been to was Shania Twains: Come on Over. She put on a spectacular show and her voice continues to be amazing. We would recommend seeing this show for anyone, country lover or not.
The Sphere: This is beautiful from the outside. Find a good view of this, especially after dark. However, for us, it was not worth the price to go inside. We visited in early 2024. They only had about 4-5 stations for visitors to view or interact with their exhibits before the main event which is their movie on a ginormous screen. The movie was preachy and preached things we have heard for ages and know already about how we need to take care of the earth…which we all really should be actively doing! The first half was beautiful scenery and wildlife which was just spectacular to view on this epic size round screen. The entire second half was preaching and honestly not attractive or pleasant imagery at all. As for the 1 hour we had in the galley before the show, as I mentioned they had only a few exhibits and there were far too many people to have any time at all to appreciate any of it. Only the lucky people that were at the front of the line got to interact with the exhibits. It was all just poorly planned in execution from how they let people in and the short window before the movie started. I would skip this unless perhaps going to see a concert inside.
More to come…