Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas... is typical of Las Vegas.

Welcome to Las Vegas, a swarming arrow of people all heading in a million directions at the one time. If you haven’t been to Vegas before, there’s a lot to take in, both good and bad. Vegas is an overdose of attractions and things to see, so have a plan. Don’t try and do everything in the one day – you’ll come up ‘snake eyes’!

First off, when you arrive get ready for check-in. In Vegas, check-in is unlike anywhere else. Even in top hotels you should expect to see rope lines and between 9 and 20 check-in staff working like the clappers to process the sheer volume of people booking into these massive Vegas hotels. Don’t be surprised to see 70 people in the queue.

Las Vegas can be mind-blowing. But like all such experiences, that sometimes means that the inhabitants don’t think like you do. Expect expensive food bills – although the food is generally good quality for being overpriced. My recommendation is “I love burgers” located in the Venetian arcade. Do yourself a favour and go the Haagen Daas chocolate shake, you won’t regret the $6 price tag...well at least not for too long.

When in Vegas the first ports of call I recommend are as follows:

See all the themed hotels – whether it’s the mystique of Egypt or the allure of Paris Las Vegas, the themed hotels make Vegas otherworldly

Do the free shows – there are many free attractions and many that aren’t overly expensive. On the must-see list will surely be: the Pirate Show at Treasure Island, the lions at MGM, the Volcano at the Mirage, (of course) the fountains at the Bellagio, the Gondolieri and St Marks ‘streetmosphere’ at the Venetian, the dolphins at the Mirage, the ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, see the triple chocolate fountain in the Bellagio. Remember that inside each resort there is usually some unique feature – take it all in.

There is one must do whilst you’re in Las Vegas and it’s also the opportunity to rescue a bit of real service from your Vegas sojourn. See the Grand Canyon with the best service provider by far in Vegas: Maverick Helicopters. Take the afternoon option for a great combination tour that will fly you out in state of the art helicopters and with well-presented pilots, over Lake Mead. The flights will then head straight for the canyon, touching down in a great spot - complete with seating - so that you can enjoy a champagne and crackers afternoon tea. Then it’s back out of the canyon to hover over Hoover Dam. From there, because of your wise choice to head out on the afternoon run, you will fly back into the airport via the Strip – just as the evening lights are all activated. We’ve previously recommended other providers, but we’ve found that you can’t go past Maverick for quality and service. And the Grand Canyon? Well it’s one of the must-sees that you’ll find unforgettable.

I only wish the rest of Vegas would take a lesson in politeness from Maverick’s books. For more expert tips for navigating the city of sin, see an Imagine Expert on 02 4296 9822