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Las Vegas, Nevada Travel GuideINTRODUCTION Las Vegas is the largest city in the otherwise lowly-populated state of Nevada. Even by American standards, Las Vegas is a very young city, and if it weren't for the building of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, it may never have become the city it is today. Today Vegas is known as “The Entertainment Capital of the World" and is home to some of the finest gambling, shows, shopping, thrill-rides, clubs, and all-around ostentatious entertainment in the world. In “Sin City,” as Las Vegas is sometimes called, it is possible to see trained tigers, lose a fortune, try to eat all you literally can, view an hourly-erupting volcano, win a fortune, partake in pirate spectacular, go on a gondola ride, go rock climbing, get married by an Elvis impersonator, and view a few more man-made miracles, all in one night.  Vegas Paris Casino HISTORY After Nevada was annexed from Mexico in 1855, Mormon missionaries set up a fort in modern-day Las Vegas in the hopes of converting the local Native American population. After their attempts failed, they returned to Salt Lake City, and the area became a ranching site and a popular stopping point on the Mormon Trail. In 1905 the railway from California finally came, allowing Las Vegas to grow large enough to officially become a city. Real growth, however, did not occur until work started on Boulder Dam (today Hoover Dam) in 1931. That year gambling was also legalized. Eventually the city proved too seedy for prohibition politicians, so those who worked on the dam were forced to live in the newly-created Boulder City. That, however, did not stop them from spending their spare time in the city of sin. After the prohibition era ended, organized crime moved into Las Vegas, turning the city into the gambling and entertainment capital of the world. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
ATTRACTIONS RESTAURANTS Shibuya ($$$$) – An expansive marble sushi bar and a virtual aquarium set the stage for Master Sushi Chef Yoshinori Nakazawa’s creative rolls and sashimi dishes, while dynamic teppanyaki seating creates intimate environments for enjoying the culinary performance of teppan griddle cooking. Craftsteak ($$$$) – Celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio has brought his distinctive version of the American steakhouse to Las Vegas. Craftsteak’s ingredient-driven menu features the highest quality meats and produce, presented with minimal interference as a la carte options in order to showcase the integrity of their farm-fresh flavors. Mix ($$$$) – Since its opening in 2004, Mix has earned a well-deserved reputation for globally-informed French cuisine, stunning design, and spectacular views of the Strip. To drink, choose from 1,200 bottles of wine, stored in a two-story closet that forms the dining room’s south wall. Aureole ($$$$) – This sleek, dramatic restaurant, located in the Mandalay Bay Hotel, offers a stunning setting to enjoy the equally stunning American cuisine. The seasonal menu offers prix fixe and tasting options, showcasing the best produce available. Ferraro’s ($$$) – Owner Mimmo Ferraro’s prized family recipes are presented proudly on the menu and emphasize homemade breads, pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and Italian desserts. The house specialty is the award-winning Osso Buco: a braised veal shank served with faro. Studio Café ($$) – Studio Café blends the comforts of a late night diner with the class and distinction of the Golden Era of Hollywood. Open 24 hours, the Graveyard Menu features highlights from the repertoire to help fuel late-night outings. LODGING Bellagio ($349-$750/night) – This world-famous luxury hotel remains a top getaway despite the considerable competition from new upscale properties. Its selection of restaurants is arguably the best in the Strip. Then, of course, there’s the Bellagio fountain show: more than 1,000 fountains erupt in a choreographed water ballet across the man-made Bellagio Lake. The Italianesque pool evokes a Tuscan village. Just don’t expect a peaceful, romantic stay – nothing with a huge casino in the middle of it can be that serene and restful. Palms Casino Resort ($99++/night) – With three hugely popular clubs and a rowdy pool scene, the Palms knows how to party. Located about a mile from the Strip, the hotel is, by Vegas standards, quite isolated. But given the huge range of entertainment facilities, guests could happily spend their entire vacation without setting foot outside the complex. Fun themes include the bowling suite, complete with two regulation-size bowling lanes; the Hot Pink suite, which is pink, silver, and furry; and the fantasy granddaddy of them all: the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, which has, among other incredible features, an outdoor Jacuzzi that juts out from the building. Alexis Park Resort Hotel ($47-$160/night) – Offering a quieter (and more moderately priced) alternative to the Strip’s bustle, the Alexis is set among 20 lushly landscaped acres with a sprawling courtyard as its centerpiece. SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand ($1330-$7560) – An ultra-chic sanctuary on the top two floors of Las Vegas’ MGM Grand hotel, SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand debuted in 2005 as the quintessential loft environment. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Vegas skyline and a vast range of personalized amenities. USA Hostels Las Vegas ($15.80-$55.00) – This hostel offers travelers hotel amenities, including a swimming pool, a hot tub and a sundeck. Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall and Saloon ($39.95-$49.95) – Decked out like a turn-of-the-century bawdy house, this bustling little hotel-casino is decorated with brass, crystal, rich oak, and stained wood. It doesn’t have a swimming pool of its own, but guests can enjoy the use of the neighboring Flamingo Pool. Downstairs, Drai’s is known as one of the most raging after-hours nightclubs in town. 
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