Las Vegas & Cancun Part 1
We flew from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic in Premium Economy which does not disappoint. I had pre booked the row of twos with a window seat and found the seats were really comfortable for our 10 hour and 45 minute flight. There was a great choice of films, all really new releases and a food menu to choose which meal choice we wanted. What I enjoy about the premium economy experience is when you are at the gate getting ready to board you are called to be able to board before passengers flying in economy and enjoy a pre-flight drink. As the Premium section is much smaller than economy it seems much more relaxed.
On arrival in Vegas I was shocked how quickly we went through the American security and within 30 minutes we had passed immigration collected our cases and heading to find our driver. I had pre-arranged a limo to pick us up and do a quick tour of the strip before taking us to the hotel to check in. As we arrived early afternoon I wanted to have some plans to help us stay awake as we have the seven hour time difference against us. When arriving in Vegas the strip looks as if it is in touching distance and having a quick tour of the strip was a great way to start an incredible holiday our first stop was the famous welcome to fabulous Vegas sign and time for a quick photo.
I had booked to stay in the New York-New York hotel and casino which is located on the Las Vegas Boulevard south. I've sent many customers to this hotel and always get good feedback and reviews always seem higher than most other similar hotels. Entering the hotel the atmosphere is electric, the sound of the slot machines and all the attention to detail with the hotel theme is spot on.
Before heading to Vegas I had an itinerary and pre booked a lot of attractions and some restaurant meals to help not get stuck where to start as time is precious in a city that has so much going on.
We really enjoyed a day out to Fremont Street which was under $10 on the deuce bus and the bus is very easy to know where to get off. While in downtown Vegas we went to the neon boneyard where all the old Vegas signs go and some are restored, this was fantastic to see and hear about the sign's history. We enjoyed a zip line above the shoppers on Fremont Street on the upper line which is where you zip line like Superman. We also visited the mob museum which is definitely worth a visit. If we went again we would stay for an evening as you have good entertainment which is music that's free to listen to.
Keeping with the Mob theme the same evening I had booked to go to Capo Speakeasy Italian American restaurant which was an amazing experience. The restaurant has no windows and mob theme restaurant with a password to get in. The singer was superb with old Frank Sinatra classics and food was delicious if you want to experience a night out of Vegas it is worth the cab ride. The service was faultless. See the picture to see my gorgeous meal.
The biggest highlight was the helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon which is overwhelming - a once in a lifetime experience. I had booked to go on a luxury helicopter which had the VIP service from the moment we were picked up from the hotel to the second we returned. To witness the bird’s eye view of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, West Rim, Vegas strip was a memory that will last a lifetime. Upon landing we were taken on a short minibus ride to the skywalk which is an engineering marvel and we got to walk 4000 feet above the Colorado River with a clear glass floored walk. The return flight to Vegas included a strip ride which finished the ride perfectly. The trip was around 4.5 hours in total.
Other highlights...
High roller which is like the London Eye with a good view of the strip.
The Wynn Las Vegas hotel impressed me most - it's extravagant and The Encore is a fantastic luxurious addition where the high rollers of Vegas head.
Another favourite of mine was the Paris hotel this was always a hotel that caught my eye when walking the strip. The hotel is something special, romantic, sexy and full of life. We enjoyed the Paris buffet which is excellent value and also went up to the top of the Eiffel tower to enjoy the viewpoint with more fantastic views before heading to watch Absinthe at Caesars palace which is excellent fun for adults I have never seen a show like it before.
Bellagio fountains were so beautiful to watch with the combination of music and water and light a great free experience in Vegas.
Mirage White tigers, leopards and of course the dolphins.
Vegas Show which was really everything Vegas rolled into one.
Stratosphere Top of the world was a fantastic restaurant with second to none service - great if you are celebrating. The revolving restaurant gives you incredible views of Las Vegas and the strip and you also see the sky jumpers while you dine.
Top tips for Vegas...
Comfy shoes Enjoy the free drinks when you gamble Tips - small denominations are ideal Taxis - you can pay by card I would advise letting me plan some things to do so you get to make the most of this special city and all it has to offer.
Who would I send to Vegas?
Without a doubt couples or groups of friends as it offers a holiday of a lifetime.
Couples planning to tie the knot, I was surprised weddings were not in your face. I have seen many more weddings in Cyprus than Vegas and what a great way to be entertained and have fun and make loads of fantastic memories for such a milestone in your life.
Families who want a few days if doing a multi-centre holiday. I never thought of Vegas being big for families but I was wrong and saw lots of families while I was in Vegas and a lot of the stuff we did families would be able to enjoy. I'm looking forward to using my experience to enhance my customers’ holiday to Las Vegas. I really would return to Vegas as we had so much fun and a week was the perfect amount of time for us.
Read part II for my second week in Cancun.