LAS VEGAS CITY GUIDE

Las Vegas. It’s one of the world’s most popular vacation and entertainment destinations. Its name, which translates to “the meadows” in Spanish, conjures up images of slot machines and gaming tables, showgirls, grandiose entertainment, buffets, wedding chapels and sprawling golf courses. This year, distributors, building service contractors and in-house service providers may have to include the Las Vegas Convention Center on that list, as many of them will be spending time there for the 2008 ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America Trade Show and Convention.

The show runs from Monday, Sept. 8 to Thursday, Sept. 11, and though cleaning professionals will be kept busy with the trade show, seminars and networking opportunities, they will definitely be keen on exploring all the city has to offer. However, whether they’re planning on staying out all hours of the night or not, visitors are advised that the late summer heat of the Mohave Desert will require you to stay hydrated.

Getting Around

The burgeoning city of more than half a million people — with an estimated 2 million in the surrounding county area — provides access to its many tourist destinations with busses, taxis, a trolley, a tram and a monorail.

The Las Vegas Monorail runs for four miles along the east side of “The Strip,” or Las Vegas Boulevard, on which many casino and entertainment attractions are located. It starts at MGM Grand and ends at the Sahara Hotel and Casino, stopping at Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas, The Flamingo/Caesar’s Palace, Harrah’s/Imperial Palace, the Las Vegas Convention Center and Las Vegas Hilton in between. It operates daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 3 a.m. Friday through Sunday. A 24-hour pass is $15, and a three-day pass is $40. Single fare rides are $5. Other ticket options are also available.

Two other trams run shorter distances between casino hotels. The Mandalay Bay-Excalibur Tram runs every three to four minutes, also stopping at the Luxor, which is situated between the two. The Mirage-Treasure Island Tram runs between those two casinos every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to midnight.

The DEUCE double-decker bus also provides transport along The Strip. Tickets are $2 per ride or $5 for a day pass.

The Las Vegas Strip Trolleys run daily every 20 to 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. Fare to ride the San Francisco-inspired cable cars is $2.50, with stops at most major casinos, including the Las Vegas Hilton, which is close to the convention center. Group charters are also available.

Let The Gaming Begin

More than anything, Las Vegas is associated with gambling. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 86 percent of visitors said they gambled during their stays. The average amount spent gambling was $627 per visitor, who gambled an average of 3 hours per day. A majority of visitors, 59 percent, prefer slots, with Blackjack coming in second at 18 percent.

This Nevada city is host to an immense array of casino hotels — from the most luxurious and decadent to flashy themes and cheap slots — and many are found on or near The Strip. Casino Hotels with cultural or era themes on The Strip include: the Egyptian-themed Luxor; the medieval Excalibur; New York, New York; The Venetian and Paris Las Vegas, both with a European flair; and Roman Empire-reminiscent Caesar’s Palace. Caesar’s and Paris are ISSA hotels. New casino resorts include the Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, a 50-foot luxury tower with more than 3,000 suites, which celebrated its grand opening in January. Wynn Las Vegas, a tall, shiny sliver of a building, opened in spring of 2005.

For Vegas first-timers, it might be fun to casino-hop to get a feel for what’s out there and what atmosphere is most preferred. When it comes down to it, the slots, machines and tables are basically the same no matter where they are. Cheap tables can be difficult to find on The Strip, so a jaunt downtown, to the Fremont Street Experience (425 Fremont Street), might be another option for those looking to play minus the glitz and high rollers. Fremont Street is a popular entertainment and gaming complex that also features a number of casinos with an old-school feel in comparison to The Strip. Games that can be found in most casinos include: slot machines, blackjack, video and table poker, craps, roulette, and a race and sports book.

Some good news that has everyone breathing fresh air — in addition to the oxygen rumored to be pumped into the air by casinos hoping to keep players awake — is that even though smoking is allowed on the casino floor, it has been banned in most public places. Some casinos, such as the Bellagio and The Mirage, have smoke-free poker rooms.

Beyond The Slots And Tables

Those who are into the European theme can find lots to do at The Venetian (3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South), where the canals of Venice are recreated as they wind through the Grand Canal Shoppes and St. Mark’s Square. Short but sweet gondola rides inside and outside can be purchased with same-day reservations required.

For romantics and those who love a great view, Paris Las Vegas (3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South) offers the Eiffel Tower Experience. Visitors can travel to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower replica, which stands 50 stories tall but is about half the size of the original, to view the entire valley. Those interested in proposing marriage at this romantic site can even reserve a semi-private area to pop the question.

There’s plenty of sight-seeing to do simply traversing up and down The Strip, and those interested in some free entertainment are in luck.

The pedestrian mall on Fremont Street is recommended as an evening activity, when the light and sound show — featuring 2 million light bulbs — play out on a large canopy screen that reaches blocks long.

The Fountains of Bellagio, at the Bellagio Las Vegas resort hotel and casino (3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South) provide a free, choreographed water, music and light show to wow visitors. Show times are every half hour from 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, every half hour from noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight daily.

Treasure Island’s (3300 Las Vegas Boulevard South) free nightly pirate battles have been changed to represent more of an adult theme, and they now feature singing, dancing and bare-chested pirates and scantily-clad women.

Those looking for the Mirage Volcano may be disappointed this year: its final eruption was in February, and the water-shooting volcano is undergoing renovation and will not open until the end of the year.

For The Traditional Tourist

For more traditional touristy scouts, Las Vegas offers museums, conservatories and other attractions.

The Las Vegas Art Museum (9600 W. Sahara Avenue) has an emphasis on the international culture of contemporary art. Fine art lovers should also visit the George L. Sturman Museum of Fine Art, which displays the work of contemporary artists, including Calder, Dali and even Robert DeNiro. The museum is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Atomic Testing Museum (755 E. Flamingo Road) portrays world history through representations of the Nevada Test Site, featuring many previously unseen first-person narratives, iconic artifacts and interactive elements.

The Carroll Shelby Museum (6755 Speedway Boulevard) and showroom feature cars from all eras of the car’s manufacturing, including the Cobra. Free tours are held Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m., walking visitors through the manufacturing operation to watch vehicles being hand-assembled. Museum hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Auto fans can also enjoy the collection at the Imperial Palace, (3535 Las Vegas Blvd South) which features antiques and vehicles owned by celebrities and presidents.

The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History at the University of Nevada (4505 S. Maryland Parkway) documents the history of ancient Mexico as well as Western culture and desert life — all of which have played an important role in Las Vegas’ cultural identity.

The Neon Museum (777 Las Vegas Boulevard North) showcases refurbished neon signs, with a collection ranging from the 1940s to present day. Some are restored as public art and mapped out for walking tours, while others are kept in a private Boneyard.

Garden enthusiasts will love the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, crafted by 140 horticulturalists and featuring elegant plant, flower and tree arrangements. Explore the atrium’s gazebos, bridges, ponds and water features, which change each season.

The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel (3333 Blue Diamond Road) has free salt- and fresh-water aquariums featuring more than 4,000 tropical fish, and three species each of sting ray and shark. Underwater fish-feedings and question-and-answer sessions with marine biologists occur daily.

For chocolate lovers, two destinations may stand out: the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens (Two Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, Nev.) and M&M’s World (in Showcase Mall, 3785 Las Vegas Boulevard South). The chocolate factory is located seven miles from The Strip, but for many, the free admission and the behind-the-scenes glimpse into candy-making, and candy-tasting, is enough to lure them away. M&M’s World’s four floors are dedicated to the little chocolate candies beloved by Americans. From candy dispensers to T-shirts and other creative gifts, this store will bring out child-like wonderment in anyone.

For some tourists, no visit is complete without going to the zoo. The Southern Nevada Zoological and Botanical Park (1775 North Rancho Drive) features a variety of endangered cats, Barbary Apes, chimpanzee, eagles, emus and large exotic reptiles.

It’s no zoo but the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino (3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South) is a fascinating educational wildlife display. Leo the lion, whose roars have opened up MGM films for generations, has become a symbol of the company. Leo’s descendants are featured at the habitat, which is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with free admission. More animal fun can be found at the Flamingo Hotel’s (3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South) Wildlife Habitat, where lush foliage surrounds an area full of walkways, streams, waterfalls, ponds and bridges from which to view the habitat’s 300-plus birds, including Impeyn and silver pheasants, a Crown crane and the recognizable Chilean flamingos.

If roller coasters are of interest, some hotels on The Strip feature them as part of their theme park offerings. New York, New York’s (3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South) Manhattan Express roller coaster lifts riders to 203 feet and drops them at 67 miles per hour before simulating a jet fighter’s barrel roll. The thrilling ride is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, at a cost of $10. At Sahara (2535 Las Vegas Boulevard South), the coaster begins with a blast from 0 to 70 miles per hour in four seconds before a big loop. This ride is also open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The Canyon Blaster ride at Circus Circus Adventuredome (2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South) has a double loop and corkscrew. The Adventuredome is open from 10 a.m. to midnight daily. At Stratosphere Tower (2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South), the High Roller coaster sits 900 feet above the ground but is otherwise not a thrill ride, with a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour. Open 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily and until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Off The Beaten Strip

Take a break from the noise and neon to experience the natural wonders of the Southwest. Satisfy an affinity for outdoor sports, take an air excursion, or hike through a natural park.

The Las Vegas area boasts more than 30 golf courses. Still, it’s recommended to call early — possibly even before arriving in town — to make a tee time. Call again a day or two in advance to confirm the real travel time to the course, and be sure to arrive early.

Those who don’t care to leave The Strip can still play the game. Try Bali Hai Golf Club (5160 Las Vegas Boulevard South), with a tropical theme including 2,500 palm trees and more than 100,000 tropical plants.

The Royal Links Golf Course (5995 East Vegas Valley Drive) replicates the gorse-and-links feel of the historic British Open golf. Holes here play homage to a number of great moments in British Open history, from Prestwick, the first host of the Open Championship in 1860, to the 10th Hole, reminiscent of the Road Hole at St. Andrews.

For a taste of true desert golf, try the Badlands Golf Club (9119 Alta Drive), where three nine-hole courses create the ideal desert golfing experience as golfers trudge through dry, sandy terrain between holes.

Angel Park Golf Club (100 S. Rampart Boulevard) was designed by Arnold Palmer and features 36 holes of championship golf, a 12-hole short course and an 18-hole putting course. It is commonly called the city’s most complete golfing experience.

Those who have a day or more free should try to visit the Grand Canyon, which makes a wonderful day trip by car, bus, or even helicopter. Considered one of the world’s natural wonders, the canyon — carved into the rocks of the Colorado Plateau — is about 300 miles southeast of Las Vegas in Arizona, and is 277 miles long itself. Many visitors head to the south rim, which is the most accessible part of Grand Canyon National Park, featuring a visitor’s center, lodging, restaurants, a gift shop, and a variety of scenic overlooks. Those who enjoy hiking can find challenging trails, and there are also ranger-led day hikes and walks on the Rim Trail as well as into the canyon.

The North Rim is open from mid-May to mid-October, and the South Rim is open daily, 24 hours. A number of air tours are also available for a different perspective of this natural wonder. For about $300, one can take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon as well. Other adventures, such as white water rafting in the Colorado River and long hikes into the basin, are options for those who want to extend the trip.

Other canyons in the region include Bryce Canyon, which is 270 miles northeast of Las Vegas in Utah, Grapevine Canyon near Laughlin, Nev., and Red Rock Canyon, which is just 15 miles west of Las Vegas.

Inside Red Rock Canyon is Spring Mountain Ranch, with 520-acres of sprawling pastures ideal for enjoying a picnic. Tours of the ranch house are available, and include history of former residents including Howard Hughes.

Another fascinating way to see canyons, for those who have a bit more time, is to ride horses or mules along canyon trails. Both Red Rock and the Grand Canyons offer horseback rides.

Lake Mead, the country’s largest man-made lake, was created by neighboring Hoover Dam, and the two are also popular destinations, either as a stop on the way to the Grand Canyon or a trip in and of themselves. Those looking to sunbathe, swim, kayak or jet-ski can relax at the lake, which has 550 miles of shoreline.

Hoover Dam is about an hour away from Vegas by car, and as late summer can be quite hot, it’s advised to go early in the morning to avoid the heat. The dam was built on the Colorado River, and was once the tallest dam in the world at 726.4 feet. More than six tons of concrete was used to create the dam. A Discovery Tour, which costs $10, includes a presentation by a tour guide on the construction of the engineering feat, a view of the generators and an overview of Lake Mead and the Colorado River.

The Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge near Pahrump is a haven for photographers, featuring unique plants, nature trails and picnic areas. In September, it might still be warm enough for a swim in the Crystal Reservoir, and it is prime time to watch the migratory birds.

Death Valley National Park features the Racetrack, an oval dry lake bed known for its rolling stones that, after a rain, are blown off the cliff by howling winds. One of the park’s craters, Ubehebe Crater, is 800 feet deep and half a mile long.

Zion National Park in Utah is about a two and a half hour drive from Vegas, but makes a great day trip. Canyon walls reach 3,000 feet tall, but are dwarfed by Watchman, the 6,555-foot wall at the park’s south entrance. In addition to the nearly 800 native species found at the park, autumn leaves may be beginning to turn in September, producing an awesome sight.

For radiant views of red sandstone rock formations, head 50 miles north of Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire, a 35,000-acre park known for its colorful and picturesque formations.

In northwest Las Vegas, visitors find Floyd Lamb State Park and its ponds, scenic walkways and picnic areas. The site also served as a dude ranch and a cattle and vegetable ranch. Fishing is also available onsite. Another close excursion is Mount Charleston, which reaches 12,000 feet in elevation. Hikers can find a variety of trails, wildflowers, waterfalls and trees. Cabins and campsites are available as well.

Adventurers may want to try tandem skydiving, which does not involve training classes but rather harnesses you to a jumpmaster that goes along for the skydive. Some skydiving companies even offer video footage or still photographs from the jump. Shuttles cart skydivers from The Strip to the locations just outside of town, and have customers back within about four hours. Weekends are busier for the companies, so make a reservation in advance.

For a real treat, visitors can purchase night helicopter flights up and down the strip. At a cost of $80, Heli USA will pick customers up at their hotels, offer free champagne while waiting in the flight line, and drop off when the ride is over.

Nightlife

Vegas is known as much for its pulsing nightlife as it is for its casinos. Dozens of shows are playing at any given time, from comedy acts to performance troupes to celebrity headliners. Performance tributes featuring impersonators are quite popular as well. A night on the town, for some, is incomplete without some cocktails and a dance floor — and this town has something for everyone.

There is no shortage of dance clubs along The Strip. Most have cover charges ranging up to $30 — though women sometimes have a reduced or no charge. Jet, located in the Mirage (3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South), features three different dance floors, offering a variety of music including ‘80s, Hip-Hop, House, Rock and Top 40. With cutting-edge lighting effects, this club is a hot spot for all types.

Rain at the Palms Casino Resort (4321 W. Flamingo Road) is known for its Hollywood and pro athlete regulars, its trendy atmosphere’s focus on water sets the tone, whether featuring Hip-Hop, Rock, Techno or Trance on its multiple floors.

New York’s famed Studio 54, which crashed and burned after decadent times in the 1970s and ‘80s, has been recreated inside the MGM Grand (3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South). Four levels keep it interesting as club-goers dance to Techno, Top 40, House and R&B.

Tao, in the Venetian (3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South), is one of The Strip’s most popular and trendy destinations. Asian artifacts complement the décor, and an outdoor terrace and multiple bars allow a change of scene from the dance floor, where patrons move to House, Hip-Hop and R&B music.

For more of a laid-back, cocktail-lounge experience, have a drink at the Caramel Lounge in the Bellagio. The bar features community tables and ottomans, or enjoy a cigar at the bar.

Peppermill’s Fireside Lounge (2985 Las Vegas Boulevard South) is a retro-feeling, cozy bar that focuses less on trendiness than it does on yesteryear ambiance. Flat screen televisions play old performances by Vegas legends and a bubbling fire pit is reflected in mirrored walls, lending a romantic feel.

Tickling Funny Bones

If laughter is a must, Vegas delivers the goods with celebrities performing all over town at any given time. Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson is a regular at the Luxor (3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South). The bushy red-haired comedian is known for his box-of-gags routines and dark, observational humor. At Paris Las Vegas (3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South), check out Anthony Cools, a comedic hypnotist who taps into the inhibitions and desires of his audience. He performs six nights a week at 9 p.m.

For some stand-up comedy, visit the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana (3801 Las Vegas Boulevard South). The club has featured talented stand-up comics since 1983 in an intimate, classic lounge setting. Shows are at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. nightly, with tickets that are about $25 and include a cocktail. Improvisational comedy is also a hit here, at the Improv Comedy Club at Harrah’s (3475 Las Vegas Boulevard South), where three new comedians perform each week. Showtimes are Tuesday through Sunday at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Second City Las Vegas theater company’s sketch and improv comedy is performed in the Flamingo (3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South) at Bugsy’s Celebrity Theatre. The original show opened in Chicago in 1959, nurturing the talent of many comedic greats — and now it can also be seen in Vegas.

Those lonesome for the family pet can see furry friends perform with the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, which showcases the juggling and comedy skills of Gregory Popovich as well as the talents of 15 cats and 10 dogs. All animals were strays that have been rescued from animal shelters and trained to perform. Shows are in the afternoon Thursday through Monday at V Theater at Miracle Mile Mall at Planet Hollywood Casino Resort.

Music And More

Check out American Superstars, the ultimate tribute show, at Stratosphere. From Elvis to Michael Jackson, and Tim McGraw to Christina Aguilera, the performers — including the band and dancers — guarantee a night of prime entertainment.

An Evening With Dean and Friends features one-man-show Tom Steven invoking the legendary Dean Martin as well as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones and more, at Riviera Hotel and Casino’s (2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South) Le Bistro Theater Wednesdays through Sundays in the late afternoon. Also at Riviera is Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was, Tuesdays through Sundays at 8:30 p.m.

The renowned Blue Man Group performs at the Venetian, and the troupe of three men painted blue and dressed in black continues to wow audiences. The show is part performance art and part comedy, as the performers never speak but produce creative percussion expression as they interact with the audience.

Cirque du Soleil is one of the hottest tickets in town, and visitors can pick from a number of Cirque du Soleil shows playing during ISSA/INTERCLEAN: Mystere, at Treasure Island, ventures into a world of brilliant colors and creatures; “O,” at Bellagio, is an aquatic show that goes beyond circus and theater; LOVE at The Mirage is a tribute to the Beatles’ music; and Zumanity, at New York New York, is an imaginative and flirtatious performance.

Le Reve, at Wynn Las Vegas, is named after a Pablo Picasso painting that’s name translates to “the dream.” The show features acrobatics, aquatics and flight as it explores the concepts of love, list, redemption, loss and laughter.

Musicals are hot in Vegas as well. Mamma Mia!, showing at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino (3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South), is based on pop group ABBA’s songs, weaving them into a plot involving a soon-to-be-wed woman and her mother. Monty Python’s Spamalot, a spoof on the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail, is showing at the Grail Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.

Some shows are just as rehearsed but wow the audience in a different way. Hypnosis and magic shows are quite popular, shocking and surprising audiences as magicians practice their art of illusion. Penn and Teller, featuring Penn Jillette of "Dancing With The Stars" fame, offers a mix of comedy and magic — and revealed secrets to tricks. The duo perform at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino (3700 Las Vegas Boulevard South). At Planet Hollywood (3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South), illusionist Steve Wyrick entertains Saturday through Thursday with “Steve Wyrick: Real Magic” at the Miracle Mile Shops.

And finally, if you need even more entertainment, shopping opportunities are plenty on The Strip, with a number of mall-type facilities inside hotel complexes, including the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the Shoppes at the Palazzo and Le Boulevard at Paris Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Factory Outlet Center (7400 Las Vegas Boulevard South) offers a typical outlet mall experience, as do the Las Vegas Premium Outlets (875 South Grand Central Parkway) and Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas (32100 Las Vegas Boulevard South).

Many visitors pack as much as possible into their Vegas vacations — and the same way it’s hard to resist not going back to the buffet for seconds, it’s encouraged to pile on all the experiences possible. With all that, plus the trade show, who even has time for sleep? Hopefully, at least the presenters.