Visiting the Las Vegas is fun no matter what time of year you choose to come. If you are looking for a deal, convention-slow and desert-hot summer is probably the best time. If, on the other hand, you have spare money but would like to walk the strip, Las Vegas's mild winter may be better.
In terms of where to stay, there are so many choices personal taste must be a factor. For budget-minded travelers, Monte Carlo usually has very reasonable rates. It also has a beautiful pool, complete with a lazy river, Diablo's Cantina, a fun Mexican restaurant/bar, and a young crowd. Best of all, it is located right in the middle of the action.
On the other hand, Vegas is not what it used to be, where all people did at their hotels was sleep. Although visitors may not spend a lot of time in their room, it is very easy to go an entire trip without leaving the hotel. For a hotel that offers it all, from dining to entertaining to sightseeing, the Bellagio is great. The AAA five-diamond property has restaurants ranging from a buffet and snack bar to fine dining collaborations with world-famous chefs, and a great night club.
Dining similarly must be tailored to individual tastes. For a gourmet, yet relaxed meal, Sensi at the Bellagio is a must. The cuisine is Italian, Asian, Seafood and American Grill, and the restaurant is beautifully designed. Everything from the waterfalls to the open kitchen to the place mats was hand picked by the chef, and the attention to detail has paid off. The ginger ale is homemade, and a must.
For more budget-minded diners, try the all-day pass at the Excalibur and Luxor buffet. For a very reasonable price, guests can enjoy both buffets all day long.
But of course, no trip to Vegas would be complete without a little gambling. Most casinos offer free gaming lessons during the day, at times posted throughout the casino floor. Buy-in can be steep, though, for someone just learning the ropes. Slots-A-Fun, located in the parking lot of Circus Circus Las Vegas, is great for beginners, with $3 craps, $1 roulette, and $2 blackjack tables.
Outside of gambling, there is still a lot to do. First, one can travel the world. Visit Lady Liberty at New York-New York, take a gondola ride at The Venetian, and climb the Eiffel Tower at the Paris, all in one day.
For thrill seekers, New York-New York and the Sahara both offer roller coaster rides, as does the Adventure Dome at Circus Circus. Of course, who can forget the Stratosphere with its rides?
Walking the strip can be an adventure in itself, and can include stops by Treasure Island, the Mirage, and the Bellagio to catch the Sirens of TI, the volcano, and the Bellagio fountains. Or grab a table at one of the outdoor lounges or restaurants that overlook these features and enjoy the show while eating and drinking.
If there is a concert at Mandalay Beach, it is a sin to miss this Sin City treat. Mandalay Bay features an 11-acre pool area, complete with a man-made beach. Although, like most Vegas pools, the beach is usually only open to hotel guests, occasionally there are special events and concerts on the beach. Nothing beats a beachside concert on the Las Vegas strip.
Finally, what would Vegas be without the strippers and their sexy image? Strip clubs in Las Vegas are a truly unique experience, especially late night on the weekends. Although there are topless girls, the jumbo (by non-Las Vegas standards) gentleman's clubs are also a popular after-hours hangout for locals and tourists, boys and girls alike. The patrons mix and mingle with each other and the dancers. Some, like Seamless, even begin to appear less like strip clubs and more like nightclubs once the major clubs start to close, with strippers replaced on stage by go-go dancers, and DJs spinning live club music. Many clubs also offer free limousine transportation to and from the club, so customers can truly arrive in style.
Whenever the traveler comes, and wherever they stay and play, Las Vegas is sure to be a great get-away.