5 Star Las Vegas Travel Guide

Visitor Information Centers

Handy little places around town that can help you get your bearings. There are a number of visitor information centers throughout the Las Vegas area that can assist you with any number of requests.

Las Vegas Visitor Information Center

3150 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109-9096
877-VISITLV (877-847-4858)
Open Mon through Fri 8am to 5:30pm, Closed Sat & Sun

Laughlin Visitor Information Center

1555 Casino Dr.
Laughlin, NV 89029
800-4LAUGHLIN (800-452-8445)
Open Mon through Fri 8am to 4:30pm, Closed Sat & Sun

Nevada Welcome Center @ Boulder City

US 93
Boulder City, NV
Open Mon through Fri 8am to 4:30pm, Closed Sat & Sun

Nevada Welcome Center @ Mesquite

I-15, Exit 122
Mesquite, NV
877-MESQUITE (877-637-7848)
Open Mon through Fri 8am to 4:30pm, Closed Sat & Sun

Las Vegas Basics

Las Vegas, an ever-changing fantasy-land of a city, has seen unbelievable expansion since it emerged from the desert just over 100 years ago.

The sights and sounds of Las Vegas are enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. They stay in some of the most glamorous, unique hotels in the world. They eat at five-star restaurants and expansive buffets. They play at casinos, pools, health spas and golf courses. Sometimes (many times, actually) they even marry each other.

You will be dazzled by Vegas, but the sheer number of things to see and do can seem overwhelming. A little advance planning will help you to enjoy your Vegas trip. Continue reading for basic visitor information (what to bring, things to know) and an overview of this special destination.

Basic Info

Electricity: The United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles). If visiting from outside of North America, you may require an electrical adapter for any electronics or appliances you want to bring. Las Vegas electrical outlets accept the standard North American plug with two flat parallel pins.

Emergencies: For police or medical assistance call 911 (toll-free).

Telephone Area Code: 702 (most hotels/businesses in Vegas) & 725 (new area code). Please dial 10 digits to make a local call (i.e. 702-555-1212)

Tax: There is an 8.1% sales tax on purchases and a 12% tax on hotel rooms in Las Vegas. Properties near Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas incur a 13% tax on hotel rooms.

Las Vegas Do's & Dont's

Do have lots of fun. Don't worry too much about it. And other rules to live by.

Casino Etiquette

It is best to avoid bringing personal electronic items into the casino. Hotel security is always on the lookout for photography and video of casino machines and tables and will quickly remove persons doing so.

All players must be at least 21 years old - no exceptions.

Health

You are in a desert, and your body will need fluids, especially in the summer months. Carry a bottle of water, and be sure to bring sunscreen.

Safety

The high-concentration areas of Las Vegas are among the safest places for visitors in the world. Security is tight, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take the same precautions that you would at home. Be aware of your surroundings and stay away from threatening situations. If gaming, keep an eye on your purse, change bucket or chips. If there is an incident, police and security personnel are generally highly visible.

Smoking Etiquette

Generally speaking, smoking is permitted on the casino floor at most resorts, in some guest rooms and in bars that don't serve food. It is not permitted in public areas such as restaurants, hotel lobbies, the Las Vegas Convention Center concourse areas, or McCarran International Airport.

Las Vegas Tipping & Money

This town is all about people working hard to make you happy. A little tip helps to say thanks. Here's a handy guide.

Credit or charge cards are widely accepted throughout Las Vegas. The most common are Visa, MasterCard and American Express, while Discover, Diners Club and Carte Blanche are also generally accepted. Some vendors may accept international cards like enRoute, EuroCard and JCB.

Cash machines, or ATMs, are available at virtually every hotel. If you need to cash a check, some check-cashing businesses will handle out-of-state personal checks, with provision of verification and personal identification. (Check in advance to see what fees may be charged.)

In terms of budgeting, it all depends on how high or low you want to go. Las Vegas is a great choice for travelers looking for value; it's possible for two people to eat well and have a great time on around $100 a day, not counting room accommodations. Or, visitors can choose from among myriad world-class restaurants and spend more than that per person for dinner. It's all about choice!

Great deals are available on lodging throughout the city, where you can pay from less than $50 for a room to well over $1,000 a night. Prices vary widely depending on the time of year and day of the week.

Tipping Guidelines

In Vegas, 15 to 20 percent of the total bill is a good rule of thumb for tipping. Some additional guidelines follow.

Dealers and slot attendants: A small bet for the dealer is the usual method of tipping at gaming tables. A small tip is also appropriate for keno runners and slot attendants.

Dining: Restaurants in Las Vegas do not generally charge a "service charge." Tipping is appreciated for service after dining between 15 and 20% of the pre-tax bill. (Often, restaurants will tell you up front that a tip will be added automatically for groups of 8 or more)

Hotel personnel: Generally tip $1 to $2 for each bag of luggage. If you are using concierge services, a $5 tip is appropriate.

Taxi drivers and tour guides: Taxi drivers usually receive $1 to $2 for a direct route, or follow the 15 to 20 percent rule, whichever is greater You should provide $1 to $2 to tour guides for each person at the end of the tour.

What to Pack for Vegas.

Hint: Wear what brings out your inner Vegas: gold lame. Feather boa. Leather briefs. Whatever. We're not here to judge.

Bathing Suit - Everyone needs to take the edge off by a pool now and then, and Vegas has some of the best.

Camera - There are plenty of snapshots to take, and plenty of sunlight to help capture the moment.

Dress Clothes - For a five-star restaurant or gala show.

Golf Clubs - If you're a fan of the game, you'll want to check out the Vegas courses.

Power Converters/Adapters - If you're visiting from outside North America, you may need power converters.

Sunglasses - There are 320 days of sunshine a year, so chances are you'll need some shades.

Sunscreen - You'll want to keep this close at hand, especially in the summer months.

Walking Shoes - You'll cover a lot of ground from the Strip to downtown, so make sure your shoes are comfortable.

Warm Clothes - If you're visiting any time between late October and early April, Las Vegas could be chillier than you might expect.

Weather - Since most of the Las Vegas Valley is at an elevation over 2,000 feet, the winter months can be more chilly than you might think, particularly in the evenings. Long pants, a sweater and/ or a jacket are recommended if visiting between late October and early April.

During spring and summer months, t-shirts, shorts and athletic shoes are a common sight in the hotels and casinos.

Las Vegas, with its arid climate, sees more than 300 days of sunshine per year, with an average annual rainfall of only 4.13 inches (10.5 cm) and an average humidity rate of 29 percent.

View Las Vegas average monthly weather conditions

Things to Do with Kids

We admit it: This town was made for grown-ups. But that doesn't mean we don't love kids. Take a look at the broad range of family-friendly activities we have to offer.

Most importantly, look for accommodations with a pool. Many Vegas hotels feature huge video arcades and diversions like roller coasters and other rides. The choices for shows and events have also diversified, and it is easy enough to find entertainment suitable for families. In addition, children under 12 can often stay free in their parents' rooms, and well-priced buffets are ideal for families. Many hotels provide programs for children and teenagers, while babysitters and childcare facilities are also sometimes available. Inquire with your hotel.

Visitors under the age of 21 are prohibited from loitering in casinos, and the Strip has a curfew. (Hotel security officers keep a keen eye out for anyone underage near any slot machines or table games.) Children under 18 are not allowed to be out after 9 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult.

It may also be a good idea to rent a car for your stay. Distances on the Strip can be deceiving, and a lot of walking is required to see everything.

View Las Vegas Attractions Suitable for Kids

Everyone has a Good Time in Vegas

Everyone's welcome here, and we make sure of it. Here's our guide for travelers with special needs.

Hotels - Las Vegas has more accessible guest rooms than any other city in the country. Hotels offer rooms with roll-in showers, transfer showers, and tubs with built-in or portable seats.

For swimming pools, many Las Vegas hotels have lifts to assist you getting in and out. You may also find a beach entrance.

Take time to talk to the reservation operator about your specific requirements, or if you need additional details, ask for the hotel's ADA Coordinator.

Showrooms, Lounges and Restaurants - Most of the larger hotels have assistive listening devices for the hearing-impaired available at the showroom or lounge entrance. Wheelchair seating is also available in most restaurants, lounges and showrooms, but please call ahead for details.

Gaming - All hotels have accessible slot machines and many have sit-down table games and room for wheelchair users. Gaming personnel are generally trained in assisting vision and hearing-impaired persons to play the table games.

Interpreter/Translator - If you need a sign language interpreter for the gaming schools offered at many of the casinos, please ask in advance. Most bingo rooms have Braille cards and large-print cards. A few larger rooms have electronic bingo for blind players or those with hand dexterity problems.

Airport - Phone access - McCarran International Airport has text telephones (TDDs) throughout the terminals. Lift equipped shuttles and Limousine services are available at McCarran International Airport (located under the GO tab on the website). Pick-up areas are located on the north and west sides of baggage claim outside exit doors 7-13. Please note that there are both group shuttle and "for-hire" stretch limousine services.

Taxis - All taxi companies in Las Vegas have lift-equipped vans accommodating one wheelchair. Ask in advance for an accessible taxi van.

Paratransit - RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) - If you are certified to ride paratransit, bring your certification and you will be allowed to ride for up to 21 days without a Nevada certification. Call (702) 228-4800 for more information or visit www.rtcsnv.com.

Parking - Bring along your hometown dashboard parking permit or your personal vehicle or if you plan to rent a vehicle in Las Vegas. Out-of-state permits are recognized. Temporary disabled parking permits are available through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Please visit www.dmvnv.com for more information. A physician's statement will be required. Alternatively, valet parking is available at most hotels.

Las Vegas Facts

Las Vegas has inspired plenty of myths, legends and lore. Here, though, are a few surprising and actual facts.

When Paul Anka first played Vegas he was too young to be allowed in the casino.

Bugsy Siegel named his casino the Flamingo after the long legs of his showgirl girlfriend.

In Nevada it is mandatory that video slot machines pay a minimum of 75 percent on average.

Vegas Vic, the enormous neon cowboy that towers over Fremont Street, is the world's largest mechanical neon sign.

Howard Hughes stayed at the Desert Inn for so long that he was asked to leave. He bought the hotel.

Camels were used as pack animals in Nevada as late as 1870.

Over 39 million people visit Las Vegas each year.

Seventeen of the 20 biggest hotels in the U.S. are in Las Vegas.

Best Selling Hotels

Click on one of these best selling Las Vegas Hotels
for more details and to make reservations.

Best Selling Shows

Click on one of these best selling Las Vegas Shows
for more details and to buy tickets.

5 Star Las Vegas Travel Guide

Las Vegas Tips & Advice

Las Vegas Guide