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The ultimate Vegas weekend should start off with a reservation at the best restaurant in the hotel, as most great times are highlighted by a great meal. Make a point to linger over dinner. When done, head to the casino lounge. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and timing is everything.
You can get the best feel for Vegas this way. The casino floor bustles. It's a cacophony of sights and sounds, an energized hum you find yourself swept up in.
You can sleep in the next morning if you want; there's no rush. When you get up, take a walk along the Strip; in doing so, you'll be taking a walk around the globe and through several centuries. Take a thrill ride. You might see a few lions and a shark or two.
Don't forget to nap, as day blends seamlessly into night. Have an amazing dinner followed by a show, maybe some dancing afterwards. Or head back down to the lounge. Or to another show. Or to a nightclub or ultra-lounge with exclusive bottle service and ultra-groomed urbanites. It's ultra everything. You get the idea.
Day two can start off much the same way, but you might not be sure what day it is. There are no alarm clocks, no wake-up calls, no appointment calendars. Which is precisely the point.
You may have lit it up the night before, but you'll still want to check out the town. Go to Hoover Dam, Red Rock National Recreation Area, and maybe, if time allows, Valley of Fire. Or, take half a day for a helicopter ride over the magnificent Grand Canyon. If you behaved yourself the previous night, you could try some golf, rock climbing or river rafting.
That leaves one more night on the town. One more adventure. One more evening of unlimited possibilities.
Vegas, baby. Vegas.
The city was conceived, designed and built for good times, and has become the quintessential destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Planning is, of course, important, as the bride- or groom-to-be should be treated to a well-organized weekend (keeping in mind that well organized does NOT have to mean sedate).
So, what's a well-intentioned best man or maid of honor to do? Start with research. Some weekends are better than others for things like room availability. Your hotel should be able to tell you if one weekend is better than another.
Next, find out what daytime activities will appeal to your group. If you have golf fans, the area is flush with courses for virtually every skill level and budget. There are also some great outdoor adventures such as climbing or hiking in and around Red Rock National Park, Valley of Fire or the Mount Charleston area.
Or, skip the physical activity altogether and spend the day being pampered at a hotel spa.
Your dining choices are endless. Las Vegas has some of the best restaurants in the world, and there's something for every taste and budget.
A production show or concert helps set the tone for the rest of the night. Many shows are perennials, while other concerts are one or two nights only. Check the showguide in advance to help you plan the show entertainment on your trip. Again, though, your choices are limitless: avant garde production shows, celebrity singers and comedians, rock concerts. Since this is a bachelor or bachelorette party, you can always choose from any number of adult male or female revues.
You can use all those hours in Vegas to enjoy drinks in some of the most interesting locations imaginable, from New York to Paris to Egypt, Venice and Rome. All without experiencing jet lag or having to endure airport security.
Binion's Steak House downtown is known for its breathtaking, south-facing view of the Stratosphere and Strip.
Try the Stratosphere's Top of the World Lounge just before twilight to watch the city turn on from 100 stories up.
Mandalay Bay is home to two amazing bars on the top floors of its towers. The House of Blues Foundation Room offers a Moroccan-infused view of the Strip, while Mix, atop its companion tower, THEHotel, is a modernist masterpiece with an amazing view.
The evolution of Vegas' dining scene in the past 10 years has been nothing short of remarkable. For years food here was little more than an afterthought. It's true that most hotels had a gourmet room to keep their customers happy - and on the property - but no one thought of Las Vegas as a world-class city for dining.
How things have changed. Today Las Vegas is recognized as one of the world's great dining destinations, with a long list of renowned chefs and spectacular restaurants that are remarkable for their lavishness, architecture and creativity.
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So much to learn, so little time. We've summarized the essentials for you.
Las Vegas, an ever-changing fantasy-land of a city, has seen unbelievable expansion since it emerged from the desert 100 years ago.
Thirty-seven million visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of Las Vegas 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.
Love is all you need to tie the knot in Las Vegas. Well, you also need $55, valid identification and a social security number to get the license. That's not so bad, though, is it?
Call it getting married without a hitch.
Whatever chapel you choose, it's got you covered. Need a ring or two? They've got 'em. Flowers? Check. Gown and tuxedo? Rentable. Don't want to leave the comfort of your car to make a lifetime commitment to the one you love? Do the drive-thru. (No, you can't order fries with that.)
Other reasons Las Vegas is such a popular wedding destination? It's easy - there are no waiting periods or blood tests required. And ceremonies can cost as much, or as little, as couples want.
Let's not forget that there's always champagne for toasts. Vegas hasn't run out of bubbly, ever.
There's no question that the Las Vegas wedding is an integral part of the popular culture. Everyone has a Vegas wedding story, it seems, and everyone knows the long list of celebrities who have been married here, from Michael Jordan to Elvis to Britney.
Ah yes, Britney. Okay, so that one lasted about as long as a head cold. But lest we get too cynical, let's remember another couple that tied the knot here: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. That was in 1958, and they're still going strong.
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).
Population (2003): 535,395 (City of Las Vegas); 1,641,529 (Clark County).
Telephone Area Code: 702.
Tax: There is a 7.5 percent sales tax on purchases and a 9 percent tax on hotel rooms in Las Vegas. (An additional 2% is added to the room tax for certain Downtown properties adjacent to and near the Fremont Street Experience.)
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -8 (Pacific Time).