Erin Carter reporting from Las Vegas.
Assault yours senses in Las Vegas; the ultimate theme park with an 18 certificate.
With monorails, limos and even helicopters to shuttle you up and down the four-mile stretch, Vegas certainly embraces those with VERY deep pockets. Accommodation and food are very reasonable though, so for those who can exercise a degree of restraint, a brilliantly fun-filled break can be yours and you may even return with a profit!
Where to start? For big kids, Vegas has rollercoasters aplenty, but the real must-do is the Big Shot at the top of the 1,149 foot Stratosphere Tower (buy the $30 Stratosphere pass for one-day unlimited access). Ladies might want to pop into Bloomingdales at The Fashion Show Mall for designer labels at great prices while the lads can escape the one-armed bandits (if they want to), and catch an American football game at the Sam Boyd Stadium or visit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? So, if you thought pampering packages weren’t your thing, do as the Americans do and book a treatment at one of the hotel spas. The ‘gentleman’s facial’ at the Luxor Hotel’s Nurture Spa costs $75 and we promise not to tell anyone! Not many people visit Vegas for the scenery, but hiking, biking or horse riding around Red Rock Canyon, just 15 miles west of downtown Vegas is well worth it for those with a bit more time.
A trip here isn’t complete without seeing a show, and for the ultimate in camp brilliance try one of the big hitters. Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, Elton John. In Vegas. Doesn’t get much better. For family friendly fun, Cirque du Soleil have a spectacular programme. Or how about seeing the king of Elvis impersonators, Trent Carlini (www.thedreamking.com), at the Sahara Theatre?
You will be spoilt for dining choices along The Strip – try the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel, which has a range of options, from the Sugar and Ice diner, to the complex’s award-winning French restaurant, Alex. The morning after, head to Bellagio for a serious Sunday brunch complete with hair-of-the-dog champagne.
A final tip; avoid summer as it gets so hot. Nov and Feb are great for bargain rooms, smaller crowds and no queues at the rides.
