Las Vegas Conventions
Just about every week, thousands of people invade Vegas for conventions, so let us give you a few pointers to make life a little easier while you're attending the big show.
Q: I'm going to a convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Do you have any tips to make life easier amid all the chaos?
A: We can assure you that there will be tons of traffic when the convention begins and lets out every day. Plan to get there early in the morning and leave a little bit early if you want to avoid it. The most convenient parking is across Paradise Road opposite from the convention center. But get there early, it fills up fast. With Vegas' monorail system, life is easier for convention-goers. For a fee, you can hop on the monorail at many hotels along the Strip and get dropped off right at the convention center.
Q: Where should I stay if I'm attending a big convention?
A: Well, if you're attending a convention at the Sands Expo Center, your best bet is the Venetian or the Palazzo, which is connected to the expo center. The LVH - Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is closest to the Las Vegas Convention Center. If you're looking for affordable rates on hotels, the Riviera is close to the Las Vegas Convention Center too. If you're attending a convention at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, it's most convenient to stay at Mandalay Bay,Four Seasons or the Luxor, which is next door and is connected to Mandalay Bay by a walkway.
Wynn and Encore are connected by their upscale meeting rooms, and have plenty of space for nearly any size event.
Q: Should I get a rental car or just take a taxi?
A: If you've got a group of people with you and have to tote lots of things, consider a rental car. If you're traveling alone and are simply carrying a briefcase, we'd go with a taxi. But to really impress those clients, take it from us, you've got to rent a limo or a stretch Hummer.
Q: I will need internet access on my visit. Do most hotels charge for it? Where can I connect for free?
A: Nearly every hotel in Las Vegas offers internet access in some form for guests. Most have wireless networks, but others still provide cables for wired high-speed service in their rooms. Some hotels even offer both forms of access.
The cost varies. Generally, internet access will be priced in one of three ways: 1) Free; 2) With an additional charge, which tends to range from $9.95 to $24.95 for a 24-hour period; 3) Included in the resort fee (This is a mandatory charge that must be paid by all guests on top of the room rate and is used to cover items like internet access, spa and fitness center access, phone calls and more.).
We've compiled a chart outlining the policies at the city's major resorts and motel chains. Click here for details. [Note: These policies are subject to change without notice. It is recommended you contact the hotel you plan to stay at by phone or e-mail to get the most up-to-date information.]
In addition to the rooms, many hotels have internet services available in their business centers (for an additional charge) and in other locations on the property. The best place to find free internet access is in coffee shops including Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Seattle's Best and Java Vegas Coffee. Other restaurants, sports bars, attractions and even McCarran International Airport provide free Wi-Fi as well.
Q: What if I need to make copies of a report or fax something to the office back home?
A: Vegas is a full-service town. You need something? Vegas will make it happen. Most major hotels have business centers that offer copying, faxing, mailing, computer services and more. The closest copying center near the Las Vegas Convention Center is a FedEx Kinko's near the Gordon Biersch on Paradise Road.
Q: I've got clients to entertain while I'm in town for the convention. Where can I go for Las Vegas entertainment?
A: Well it all depends on who the clients are and what type of convention it is. If you're looking for some naughty entertainment, you'll want to take them to one of Vegas' strip clubs. Let us suggest some of the higher-end clubs like Sapphire,Treasures and OG Gentlemen's Club. If you've got clients who aren't afraid of a little fun, but maybe don't want to get as wild as the strip clubs, try taking them to a show like "Fantasy." For drinks and a wild time, you might want to try Coyote Ugly or Shadow Bar.
If you don't want to get too crazy with your clients, just stick to a nice, classic show like "Mystère" or "LOVE", especially if they're Beatles fans.
For drinks, try a classy place like V-Bar or Tabú. If you're looking to seal a big deal with clients over dinner, impress them with the upscale Le Cirque, Prime or Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare. If money is no object, don't miss Joël Robuchon inside MGM Grand or Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace. You might also want to check out Tao at the Venetian. Not only can you get a great meal there, you can unwind at the hip nightclub afterwards.
