With a flight time just shy of 11 hours from London Heathrow, we touched down in the bright and bustling world-famous Las Vegas. This was my second time visiting but even when we were coming in to land, it was evident how much things had changed and progressed in recent years with new hotels and attractions along the Las Vegas Strip.
We were staying at the Park MGM Resort, the first and only non-smoking hotel currently along the Strip. With its grand, yet bright and airy decor, spacious rooms, prime location and of course a huge Casino to boot, the hotel was perfect. Las Vegas hotels are like no other I have ever experienced anywhere else. There is literally everything you could imagine under one roof! And if that still isn’t enough, you can use the facilities and endless number of restaurants and bars in any of the other hotels as well!
After a good night's sleep, we headed out for breakfast at Denny’s Diner. They just do breakfast differently in the States and there is so much on offer! Breakfast here will see you all the way through to your evening meal!
We then headed to Paradox Museum. This is one of the newer attractions that wasn’t there the last time I visited. Here you will be transported into what seems like a parallel universe where your own photography brings the museum to life. Things here are certainly not what they seem, your mind plays tricks on you and you’ll leave wondering how what you have just seen and experienced can be real!
No Las Vegas visit is complete without taking a trip down past the Luxor and Mandalay Bay Resorts to the famous ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada’ sign.
Later that evening we headed over to the MGM Grand to await our transfer to the airfield for our night time Helicopter flight over the Strip. Now, I am not a great flyer, nor am I great with heights but this trip pushed me to my limits! (A bit more about that later)…but I am so so glad that I had the opportunity to experience this incredible place from the air. The Helicopter tour only lasts about 12 minutes but I have to say it was the highlight of the trip for me. We then headed back to the MGM Grand for dinner at Crush. Here you will find some of the best steak and burgers in Vegas.
Day two saw us head over to the fabulous Wynn Hotel for their world-renowned Bottomless Brunch! 2 whole hours of endless cocktails and the largest buffet I have ever seen with every type of food from all over the world! It is so popular, and the queues can sometimes exceed over an hour so pre booking is definitely recommended. We then had a leisurely walk back along the Strip and even had some time to laze by the pool at our hotel soaking up the hot desert sun.
That evening we headed towards the Hard Rock Cafe for the FlyOver Las Vegas. This is an interactive simulator that transports you across the Wild West of the USA. A very fun and mesmerising experience that I would definitely recommend.
We weren’t done yet…after the flyover, we headed across to New York New York to watch their newest spectacular Cirque de Soleil show, Mad Apple. This show differs slightly from some of the other Cirque shows that showcase incredible acrobatics and aerial artists. Mad Apple is a new concept that brings the audience in with the show with comedic breaks in the routines. An amazing evening that had us laughing and gasping all at once!
On our third day we had visits planned at several of the hotels along the strip. This was the perfect opportunity to see the differences between the hotels and how best to help choose the right hotels for our customers. We visited the Bellagio first. Of course, famous for its spectacular dancing fountain displays. This hotel boasts a great location on the Strip and is probably one of the grandest in Las Vegas. The lobby’s fresh flower display was a real sight to behold. An iconic hotel in its own right.
Next up was Aria. I think this was one of my favourites. With its modern decor, spacious rooms and an abundance of eateries and bars to choose from. Last of the day was the Mirage. Recently acquired by the Hard Rock group, this hotel is in for a lot of very exciting changes in the coming months. Again, its prime location and favourable price point is always a winner. Cocktails at the Rhumbar finished off the tour perfectly.
Now remember when I said earlier that I was not the best with heights?!….we only went and did the FlyLinq and High Roller! The FlyLinq is a zip line that runs above the bustling street that leads down from the Linq Hotel! The views were spectacular but my hands are still shaped like a claw from gripping on so tightly! I am so glad that I did it though. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then this attraction is definitely for you! The High Roller is a 550ft version of the London Eye that provides some of the best views across Las Vegas and a must for the best photo opportunities.
On our last day, we headed a short stroll up the strip to Caesars Palace. Nestled conveniently between the Bellagio and the Mirage, makes it another great location. Again, there is absolutely everything that you could need and want within the hotel. The hotel has several different towers that provide varying levels of accommodation ensuring that there is something suitable for everyone, be it a family, couples getaway or a girls/ boy's trip.
Of course, the casinos are a massive draw for people visiting Las Vegas but as you have read, there is so much more on offer. If gambling isn’t your thing, you certainly will not be short of an abundance of other activities to keep you entertained.
I absolutely loved my second visit to Vegas and wouldn’t hesitate to jump at the chance to go again. Sin City, crazy, magical, and where anything goes!
