Holidays in Las Vegas - Nevada, USA
The phrase ‘over-the-top’ doesn’t quite do justice to holidays
in Las Vegas. After all, Las Vegas is a place where ‘over-the-top’
has been taken to the 9th degree and then pushed a little further
just for good measure.
But don’t be put off by its brashness or by the rather seedy image
that Las Vegas has acquired and never quite shaken off; there really is something
here for everyone. If you’re looking for fun, a Las Vegas holiday can
provide. Though, naturally, this being Vegas, it’s BIG, BIG, FUN writ
large in giant, luminous, neon letters - they just don’t do understatement
around here!
Remember too that gambling is not compulsory in Vegas. Yes, you will see
plenty of people at the tables almost 24/7 – there are even slot machines
at the airport – but there’s much more to a Las Vegas holiday
than the opportunity to lose your shirt or make a mint. If you want to catch
a glimpse of how Vegas used to be, take a ride Downtown to Fremont Street,
the happening neighbourhood in the '30s and '40s. Things are on a slightly
more human scale here and the classic hotels like The Plaza, the Golden Nugget
and the Golden Gate Hotel Casino have, like true classics, stood the test
of time.
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Las Vegas Sightseeing
Modern Vegas is all about spectacle. It is the kind of holiday destination
where Egyptian Pyramids, giant neon guitars, erupting volcanoes, monorails,
and gravity-defying rides are all just part of the never ending show. At the
Treasure Island for example you’ll find a life-size pirate ship locked
in combat with a British navy frigate. At the Paris Las Vegas there’s
an astonishingly good replica of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe
and, in a similar vein, the Venetian Resort features a fine reproduction of
Venice’s Grand Canal right down to the gondolas. Or you could drop in
at Mandalay Bay and surf the waves in the hotel’s pool – yep,
it really is that big.
Talking of big, check the view of Nevada from the top of the Stratosphere
Tower, the highest free-standing building in the western half of the United
States. Or explore the MGM Grand the world’s largest hotel with some
5,000 rooms. If you like to eat out, this city will amaze: there is so much
choice here from 50’s diners to new wave cuisines, Brazilian restaurants,
sumptuous buffets and truly world-class restaurants like Picasso at the Bellagio
and Renoir at The Mirage.
Elvis Holidays in Las Vegas
Aside from the wonderful theme parks with their jaw-dropping, white-knuckle
rides the show lounges of Las Vegas regularly play host to world-class entertainers.
It’s no surprise that Elvis went to Vegas to resurrect his career in
the late 60’s, and you’ll find plenty of evidence of the King’s
stay at the Las Vegas Hilton.
From 1969 to 1976 Elvis performed over 800 times in the main showroom of
the Las Vegas Hilton. He performed two shows a night, seven nights a week
for three or four weeks at a time. All shows were sold out and he constantly
broke all Las Vegas attendance records.
During his month long engagements Elvis’ home-from-Graceland was the
5,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, 30th floor Imperial Suite at the Hilton.
The entire floor that Elvis occupied was recently converted to three Sky Villa
Suites (at $15,000 per night). The hotel management have also long since replaced
the TV that Elvis put a .44 calibre slug into, but you will find a life-size
Elvis statue in the lobby.
Las Vegas Weddings
Talking of Elvis, Las Vegas is the kind of place where you can get married
or renew you vows and have the whole ceremony conducted by an Elvis look-alike.
Marriage is a serious business here but, if you’re holiday is pushed
for time – and please bear in mind that 100,000 wedding licenses are
issued here every year - then there’s always the 24 hour drive-through
window at The Little White Chapel, the venue for Joan Collins’ marriage
incidentally.
Touring Holidays in Las Vegas & Nevada
Outside the city, spectacular Nevada desert and mountain scenery awaits.
The mighty Hoover Dam, originally completed in 1935, has recently added a
new visitor centre that offers magnificent views over the edge of the Black
Canyon precipice. Those with a head for heights should also try an unforgettable
helicopter trip into the heart of the Grand Canyon or, if you’ve a real
sense of adventure, perhaps a spot of white-water rafting?
To the west of Las Vegas you can find tranquillity and abundant wildlife
at Red Rock Canyon while further afield to the North East, Bryce Canyon and
Zion National Park reveal more natural wonders. For a taste of the old West
try Bonnie Springs or, reaching further back in time, the Lost City Museum
in Overton charts the history of the native peoples and early settlers.
A Surreal American Holiday?
If you want to see what makes America tick, then a Las Vegas holiday is a
real ‘must’. It is an almost surreal slice of Americana that you
will never, ever forget. Where else could they possibly have put the Liberace
Museum, for example? And where else can such hilarious, rampant commercialism
turn into peaceful mountain scenery and amazing desert landscapes in the space
of a short taxi ride?
These days there are theme parks, outlandish hotels and 24 hour gambling
all over the USA, yet Vegas remains as the original, the undisputed champion,
and true daddy of them all! As the song goes, Viva Las Vegas!
Archers Direct Holidays in Las Vegas
For a world of holidays that won’t cost you the earth, you’ve
come to the right place. From escorted coach tours and train tours to resort-based
beach holidays to cruises and short breaks. From Europe to the USA & Canada
to Australia, we have getaways to suit everyone – all featuring
the amazing value that only direct booking can offer.
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