we have been 4 times already and you don't have to gamble to have fun! we really liked the Bellagio
water show--but it wasn't long enough. light show on fremont st. was great also! will go back next year again.

Hope this advice helps someone who might not be too familiar with Las Vegas.

1. If it's your first trip, choose a hotel on the Strip so that you can easily access many others. Also, from the airport if your cabbie heads up the Strip, you are most likely getting screwed.
2. If you enjoy playing craps, try the tables at The Casino Royale, next to Harrahs. They have 100X odds and $1 minimums. The joint is pretty low-brow otherwise.
3. If you fancy blackjack, head downtown where it is easy to find single and double deck games. On the Strip it is nearly impossible.
4. Getting a cab at the HardRock or Rio on the weekend is a nightmare.
5. IF you stay at The Mirage (other high-end hotels as well), be prepared to wager $25+ per hand to qualify your play for even a food rating.

I am an avid repeat visitor to Las Vegas and i think that it is by far the best vacation destination for adult couples or groups. Most of the entertainment is geared toward adults having a care free wonderful time weather you like to sight see, gamble, eat at fine restaraunts,see top of the line shows, nightclub,dance, shop at the finest shops, be pampered by their magnificant spas & salons, it is by far the place to go.. I do not reccomend it as a family getaway..after all if you are looking for theme parks, go to Disneyland... Vegas is and has always been the "adult playland" and should remain that way.. we have enough family destinations in the US, leave Vegas alone...I love it...my husband & I go at least once a year and it is a great time to either sit back and relax at the wonderful resort hotels with all their lavish luxorius ammenities or any of the above activities......

Unfortunately, the majority of the 30+ million tourist who visit the Entertainment Capital of the World make the big mistake of just staying on the Strip. Some seldom leave their hotel to see what the city and its surrounding area really has to offer in both entertainment and enjoyment.

A short distance from the Strip is downtown Las Vegas which is much safer then what it use to be with the world's largest light and sound show under the four-block long canopy, the "Freemont Street Experience." The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino that would out shine many of the Strip hotels if it was on Las Vegas Blvd. and a dozen hotels and casinos with better gambling odds, lower limits and food prices.

Several miles south of the Strip on Boulder Hwy. are a number of smaller, friendlier hotels and casinos that really appreciate you're business and do everything possible to let you know they are grateful you stopped in.

Within a few miles and less than an hours drive of the Strip you'll find hundreds of interesting sights and attractions to make your visit more memorable.

For ideas on what to do or see, make the short trip to the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority at 3150 Paradise Road, which is to the right of the Las Vegas Hilton and one block from the Strip.