Planning a Las Vegas Weekend Getaway
Las Vegas is the ultimate weekend getaway spot. It offers trips to fit a variety of styles, budgets and tastes. Whether you're interested in a quiet couples retreat, a spring break party extravaganza or a little family vacation, here are a few tips for making the most of your Las Vegas weekend getaway -- including how to forget everything back home.
Q: My husband and I are sneaking away for a kid-free weekend in Vegas. Where should we stay? We'd also like to see a show and have a nice, quiet dinner. What do you recommend?
A: You'll usually find fewer kids at the higher-end resorts. Three good ones to check out are the sophisticated Wynn Las Vegas and its stunning sister property Encore plus the always elegant Bellagio.The Cosmopolitan is the newest hotel built on the Strip. Its rooms are chic and offer such indulgences as oversized terraces and soaking tubs (both of which wrench up the romance factor!). The Venetian and The Palazzo are also fine choices. Not only can you enjoy the beloved Broadway show "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular", but the lineup of restaurants is a world apart from dining out as you currently know it (i.e., cleaning up the leftovers in a McDonald's Happy Meal). Try Valentino for a never-ending wine list, candlelight setting and delicacies like lobster sausage.
Q: I'm planning a getaway to Vegas this summer and I just want to relax. Where can I get some sun and a massage?
A: You couldn't have picked a better time than summer to visit Vegas. Here hotels don't just one-up each other in the casinos, but their pools keep getting bigger and better. To find the perfect pool for you, check out our pool guide. Plus, rising temperatures bring about another type of event unique to Sin City -- the opening of the pool clubs. Not sure what these are? Take the energy and sex appeal of a nightclub, but now picture it at a pool during the day. Most hotels host pool parties are complete with exotic cocktails and DJs spinning music. The vibe is super sexy. Popular ones to check out are Wet Republic at the MGM Grand, Bare at The Mirage, Tao Beach at the Venetian and the party that started them all - Rehab at the Hard Rock.
Like the pools, if you want to find the best place to relieve stress, take a look at our spa guide. It will explain some of those exotic massages you may have heard about. With 51 treatment rooms, Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace offers unique experiences like the Hawaiian-inspired Lomi Lomi massage, along with numerous relaxation therapies designed to evoke Roman bathing rituals.
Q: I hear Vegas is really busy year-round with holidays and conventions. Are there better times than others to visit?
A: Hey, there's no bad time to visit Vegas. But if you're looking to find out how far out to book your trip, check our list of major holidays and conventions that come around each year. That should help out a lot. In general, you'll find Las Vegas is busy from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. If you're looking to avoid crowds and score peak deals, consider coming in mid December or in February after the Super Bowl. As for our Southern California friends who have the flexibility to drive to Vegas anytime, here are a few driving tips that'll help you stay sane.
Q: I'm coming to Vegas for the holiday weekend. Are there any special parties or events I should know about?
A: A holiday plus a weekend equals one thing in Vegas -- parties! We always know the best nightclub parties,shows and restaurants for each holiday and we're more than willing to let you in on the best-kept secrets in Vegas. Just check out these pages:
- New Year's Eve
- Super Bowl
- Valentine's Day
- St. Patrick's Day
- Cinco de Mayo
- Memorial Day Weekend
- July 4th
- Labor Day Weekend
- Halloween
