Nevada
Neon Nights, Desert Dreams & Unforgettable Thrills
Hotels in Nevada
Welcome to Nevada
Step onto a street ablaze with neon, where fantastical mega-resorts recreate world landmarks, fountains dance to music, and the air buzzes with excitement 24/7. Las Vegas isn't just a city; it's a phenomenon – the self-proclaimed "Entertainment Capital of the World," built on dazzling shows, high-stakes casinos, celebrity chefs, incredible pools, and sheer, unadulterated escapism. It’s a playground built in the desert, constantly reinventing itself.
For first-time UK visitors, Las Vegas usually means diving headfirst into the iconic Las Vegas Strip, exploring the famous themed hotels, catching a spectacular show, trying your luck in the casinos, and soaking up the electric atmosphere. For returners, Vegas offers more layers: exploring the vintage charm and revitalised energy of Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street), discovering incredible off-Strip restaurants, catching different shows or concerts, relaxing by luxurious pools, or using Vegas as a base for incredible day trips to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam. While primarily known as an adult playground, Vegas also offers attractions for families willing to navigate the environment.
Airports in Nevada
Reaching Las Vegas directly from the UK is straightforward:
Flights: Direct flights operate from London Heathrow (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic) and sometimes London Gatwick or Manchester to Las Vegas. Numerous connecting flights are also available via major US hub cities. The sole main airport is:
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Located just south of the Strip, making transfers to major hotels very quick and convenient (often just 10-20 minutes).
Transport options in Nevada
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft)
- Airport Shuttles
- Walking: The Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) is best explored on foot
- Buses (Deuce & SDX)
Official Spoken Languages
English is the primary language spoken. Communication is extremely easy for UK visitors. Given Las Vegas's international draw, you'll hear many other languages, but English is the lingua franca of the service industry.
Weather & Climate
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring Las Vegas. Choose based on whether you prefer pool weather (late spring/early autumn) or cooler sightseeing temperatures. Summer requires caution due to extreme heat.
Must-Visit Destinations in Nevada

Walk & Wonder Along The Strip
This is the quintessential Las Vegas experience. Stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard, especially at night when the neon lights are dazzling. Marvel at the incredible themed mega-resorts: watch the spectacular Fountains of Bellagio dance, see the canals and gondolas inside The Venetian, admire the Roman grandeur of Caesars Palace, the pyramid of the Luxor, the chic elegance of Wynn/Encore. Pop in and out of different resorts, people-watch, and just soak up the unique, over-the-top atmosphere.

Be Amazed by World-Class Entertainment
Las Vegas is unrivalled for its sheer volume and quality of resident shows. Catch a breathtaking Cirque du Soleil production (multiple shows like 'O', 'KÀ', 'Mystère' offer incredible acrobatics and artistry). See major music superstars in residency (pop, rock, country legends often have long-term Vegas gigs). Be baffled by incredible magic shows or laugh out loud at top-tier comedy headliners. There's a show for every taste – book tickets well in advance for popular acts!

Experience Casino Culture & Explore Resorts
Even if you're not a gambler, stepping into a few iconic casinos is part of the Vegas experience – feel the energy, hear the sounds, see the spectacle. Explore the incredible themed interiors of the resorts beyond just the casino floor – discover the stunning floral displays in the Bellagio Conservatory, browse the high-end shops at The Forum Shops at Caesars or Crystals, visit unique attractions within hotels like the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay or the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas. If you do gamble, set a strict budget beforehand and treat it purely as entertainment.

Venture Beyond the Strip (Downtown or Day Trip)
Escape the main Strip bustle for different perspectives. Head Downtown to experience the Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall covered by a huge LED canopy displaying dazzling light shows, lined with older casinos, street performers, and offering a zipline ride. It's vintage Vegas with a party vibe. Alternatively, take a popular day trip outside the city: marvel at the engineering feat of the Hoover Dam (approx. 45 mins drive), explore the stunning desert landscapes of Red Rock Canyon (just outside Vegas), or embark on a longer tour (coach or helicopter) to the Grand Canyon (West Rim with the Skywalk is the most accessible day trip, ~2.5 hours drive).
Tips for First-Time Visitors
The Mojave Desert air is incredibly dry, and the fierce indoor air conditioning also dehydrates you quickly. Drink significantly more water than you normally would, even if you don't feel thirsty. Carry water with you. Using lip balm and moisturiser is also a good idea. Dehydration (especially if combined with alcohol) can hit quickly and spoil your fun.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! (It's the Desert!)
Due to the enormous size of the resorts, distances along the Las Vegas Strip are much greater than they appear. Walking from one end to the other is a multi-mile trek! Comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential. Factor in walking time between properties, or utilize the Monorail (east side), Deuce/SDX buses, free resort trams (limited routes), or taxis/rideshares for longer distances along the Strip.
The Strip is Longer Than It Looks! (Wear Comfy Shoes)
Be aware that almost every major hotel on and off the Strip charges a mandatory daily resort fee, typically ranging from US$30 to $50+ per night, plus tax. This fee covers amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, gym use etc., and is charged in addition to your quoted room rate. This significantly increases the overall cost of your stay, so factor it into your budget when comparing hotel prices.
Factor in Resort Fees (They Add Up!)
Las Vegas revolves around casinos. If you choose to gamble, approach it as entertainment with a strict budget you are prepared to lose. Set a time and money limit before you start playing, and stick to it. Understand the basic rules and odds of any game you play. While casinos offer free drinks to players (remember to tip the cocktail server $1-2 per drink!), don't let this encourage excessive gambling or drinking. Know when to walk away – chasing losses rarely ends well.
Set Limits & Gamble Responsibly
Las Vegas: Experience the Razzle Dazzle!
Las Vegas is a unique, dazzling, and sometimes bewildering spectacle – a true adult playground built on entertainment, indulgence, and fantasy in the middle of the desert. It’s a city of bright lights, big shows, incredible resorts, world-class dining, high-stakes energy, and endless possibilities for fun and excitement. Whether you hit the jackpot or not, the experience itself is unforgettable.
Easily accessible with direct flights from the UK, Vegas invites you to leave the everyday behind and immerse yourself in its vibrant, 24/7 world. Plan ahead for shows and dining, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, set your limits, and most importantly – embrace the fun, the glamour, and the sheer unique craziness of Las Vegas! Enjoy your trip!