Its desert surroundings will give you some clue as to the climate you can expect when visiting Las Vegas. With year round sunshine, luxurious hotels, designer shopping, casinos, world class dining and 24hr entertainment for just about every taste, there is quite literally something in this bustling city for everyone.
With many hotels and resorts to choose from it's difficult to know which one is best. We've visited a few of the none typical resorts that focus on entertainment and of course, relaxation.
Bringing all the splendour and old world charm of Italy to Las Vegas, the hotel is packed with decadent art and architecture and stunning furnishings throughout. With a huge variety of activities within the resort itself, you will never encounter a dull moment. From indoor and outdoor Gondola rides to the Casino and World Famous Madame Tussauds – The Venetian is an experience you’ll never forget. If you're thinking of getting married at The Venetian then the hotel can offer couples a huge variety of options for their big day.
Wynn is a stunning complex, comprised of the Wynn and Encore resorts. Together, they hold more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world. Wynn Hotel is an experience of a life-time for any honeymooning couple. With award-winning restaurants, stunning accommodation, exciting entertainment, a pristine 18-hole golf course, award-winning spas, and luxury shopping – there is plenty to keep you entertained.
The Aria
A new 5* The Aria Resort hotel in the City Centre area just off the Strip, with fantastic facilities, pools, restaurants, bars, cafes and a spa.The rooms have a luxurious feel and plenty of high tech touches. For the ultimate experience check in to their more exclusive Sky Suites.
The Cosmopolitan.
The Cosmopolitan is one of Vegas’ newest hotels and has quickly established itself as the happening place to stay or play. It is in a prime position, right on the Strip between The Arai and Bellagio, with views across to the Eiffel Tower of the Paris hotel. The ever-changing graphic pillars in the foyer are a great feature. At certain times of day and night they appear to contain people trying to get out.
The Las Vegas Hotel.
If you are coming to Las Vegas to experience Vegas in her glory days, look no further than the Las Vegas Hotel - LVH - formerly the Las Vegas Hilton. Life size models of Elvis, glitzy shops and low smoky ceilings all add to the 1960s atmosphere.
It is away from the action of the Strip, but on the monorail and bus routes so in easy reach, and with clean, comfortable rooms and rock bottom prices year round it is a fun, safe option for those on a budget.
The Westin
Traditional values with a traditional feel. The Westin is a great hotel for those looking for 4* luxury without the extra glitz. The emphasis is on the things that really matter; comfortable mattresses, thick duvets, thick towels and robes and the Westin's own double headed "heavenly showers" to revive you in the morning.
The rooms have all you need from Starbucks branded coffee to iPhone docks and a wide screen tv. Hotel facilities include an understated casino in the lobby area, on on-site 24 hour Starbucks, a bar, an outdoor pool, spa and ballrooms suitable for wedding receptions.
The hotel is impeccably clean throughout, and although it lacks the interior design flair of some other Vegas hotels it has a really nice traditional American feel. The Westin is just off the Strip so is quieter than some other hotels, but just a block from The Bellagio.
In addition to the big name hotels there are a great range of quirky and unusual boutique hotels to cater to all tastes.
The Artisan Hotel
With its gothic feel and pictures and mirrors on all the walls and even the ceilings. It may be petite, but it still has all you need; a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and gardens.
The Artisan Hotel has amazing rooms and suites with an ambiance of mystery, and no two are alike. From the opulent master suite to the comfortable and elegant standard classic rooms, each is uniquely themed with iconic and contemporary artwork. Even though this hotel is only a couple of miles away from the Strip, once inside you feel like you have stepped back in time
With so much to see and do when visiting Las Vegas, we've done a little research into some of the best things on offer.
Shopping in Las Vegas
The Dancing Fountains
The fountains at The Bellagio really are a sight to behold. Whether you visit them during the day or night (or both) they certainly take your breath away. It's a free show that's choreographed to 30 different songs. Set in a 8.5 acre lake, the 1214 jets of water shoot water 460 feet up into the air. It takes 30 staff, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to keep the dancing water going for the shows that are held every 30 minutes between noon and 8pm and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.
The Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam
The breath taking views of the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon are an absolute must when in Las Vegas. It's possible to visit them both by car if you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of town, but to truly appreciate the size and magnitude of the Dam and the Canyon then a helicopter tour is perfect. There are quite a few companies offering these tours, most of which will pick you up and drop you back off at your hotel.
Taking in a show
Las Vegas comes alive at night with every hotel along The Strip vying for your attention and dollars. Behind the flash and dazzle there are world class concerts, shows and performances, the most famous of which, and a must-do on any itinerary, is Cirque du Soleil. Many of the shows can be booked while you are there. Be sure to search out lots of different websites before you book as you may be able to get yourself a really good deal on show tickets. Remember to always say you're on honeymoon as you never know it may get you a little something free.
Fun for the big kids.
Getting out of town for a day.
If getting away from the Strip is something that appeals and you want to get a little closer to the Grand Canyon, why not hire a car for a day and take a drive down the legendary Route 66. Dropping out of Vegas towards Lake Mead and crossing the Hoover Dam gives you and amazing view and appreciation of the landscape. As you pick up Route 66 head towards Arizona. On the way you'll come to Peach Springs. Owned by the Hualapai Indian tribe, you'll need to pay a small fee but then you'll be able to drive down a dirt track road (please check your hire car insurance covers you). After a short drive you come to the very bottom of the Canyon. If you're set on adventure, once back on Route 66 keep going towards Arizona and you'll come to a little town called Seligman, which was the inspiration for the Disney movie Cars. There is the brilliant 'Road Kill Cafe' and perfect little gift shops.
Las Vegas really is a honeymoon destination that offers everything you could want in guaranteed sunshine and is possibly one of my favorite places to visit.