Where to Stay

"Glitter Gulch" is awash with the brightly-lit hotels as far as the eye can see. Pyramids, skyscrapers and magical castles present an enchanting scene as you make your way through the desert mirage. The come-hither look of swaying palms, dancing fountains and pirate ships can present quite a dilemma when choosing where to hang your hat, but what a delightful dilemma it is. No matter the reason for your visit, perfect accommodations await. Business or pleasure, with the kids or on your own, Las Vegas has something just for you.

The Strip

Located on the southern end of the Strip is McCarran International Airport with many great lodging facilities nearby. Alexis Park Resort and Spa is an extremely convenient location for a quick business trip. No gaming is available here, but a spa, gourmet restaurant and business facilities are at your fingertips. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is just minutes from the terminal and provides a fun atmosphere to mix business with pleasure. These two locations are also handy if you have business at the University of Nevada. You can see the runway from your window at the Excalibur and the Luxor. Each venue has its own fantasy theme to take your mind off work for awhile. Mandalay Bay offers its guests many of finest dining options and more upscale accommodations. See the Statue of Liberty at New York-New York Hotel, or watch the lions play at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. The Miracle Mile offers a unique shopping experience at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The city of lights is represented with Paris Las Vegas complete with its own Eiffel Tower. Bellagio is the epitome of luxury with Tuscan architecture, gourmet restaurants and upscale shopping. Caesars Palace has been around awhile, but it is always terrific; excellent accommodations along with a grand casino add to its luxury. The romance of Italy is captured at the Venetian with the Grand Canal Shoppes and the Gondola Ride. With marvelous rooms, great gambling and restaurants galore, you never have to leave.Treasure Island offers a fun pirate-themed stay with a tropical touch. If your business trip takes you to the Las Vegas Convention Center, you might like the Courtyard by Marriott or the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. Circus Circus is near the Convention Center as well and offers a central location between downtown and the airport. All of the large hotels offer modems, data ports and onsite business facilities for fax or copying. It is no problem to arrange a business meeting, large or small and superior catering is always available. The Las Vegas Strip is second to none when it comes to fabulous resorts.

Downtown

This is not your father's Las Vegas. Whether you arrive by car, train or plane, downtown is a great place to stay. This area has been revived with the Fremont Street Experience. The familiar places are still there, but they are bigger and better than ever. Under a canopy of lights, one can leisurely walk from casino to casino. The perennial favorite, the Golden Nugget, has an updated look but retains the same great service and amenities. The Four Queens is also a popular choice, especially with Hugo's Cellar, one of the best places in town for a romantic dinner. Binion's still has the nostalgic feel of the old days both in the casino and in the rooms. Go back in time at the El Cortez, built in 1941: it still looks the same, but with an additional 200-room tower. Old-timers will remember the tile bathrooms and wooden floors. The Plaza Hotel is better than ever offering fine dining at the Center Stage Restaurant overlooking the neon extravaganza of Fremont Street.

Off the Strip

Away from the vibrant energy of the Strip but still within an easy distance to all the major attractions, there are many lodging options that have all the plushness that one would expect from a Las Vegas hotel and casino. Popular with the younger crowd, The Palms Resort & Casino is a hotspot for vacationing celebrities and MTV loyalists alike. The Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino is a fun, Carnaval themed resort, featuring one of Vegas' most acclaimed buffet. The Orleans Hotel Casino brings a taste of the bayou to the desert, while the Gold Coast Hotel Casino emanates Spanish charm. Finally, the Red Rock Casino Resort Spa is a great place to experience fine dining and great nightlife without ever leaving your hotel.

Outside the City

If you're looking for a little relaxation and invigoration, there are plenty of luxury options outside the city with all the outdoor activities and spa treatments you could possibly want. Loews Lake Las Vegas Spa Resort is an outdoors lovers dream, featuring two different golf clubs as well as activities on Lake Las Vegas and Lake Mead. The Montelago Village Resort is a Mediterranean village in the mountains of Nevada. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas offers guests an array of aquatic activites while J.W. Marriott Las Vegas is a golf paradise, with eight different golf courses. Finally, the Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino offers everything you would expect from any of the hotels on the Strip, minus the crowds and chaos.

Even though there seems to be an endless supply of rooms, conventions and special events fill them up fast. If you're planning on attending a popular event reserve a year in advance to be safe. Room rates can fluctuate drastically, so if you're on a budget, planning ahead is highly recommended. Even the luxury resorts offer very reasonable prices at various times of the year.