Never been to Vegas? Vegas is one of my favourite places on the planet but although I have already been twice, there are so many things left that I want to experience. Read on for fancy frolics, the posiest pools and fail safe tips for an unforgettable Vegas experience.
Pack Light
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Your going to Vegas, it’s 100 degrees. You won’t need your favourite jeans and don’t even think about putting in your gym kit. Margheritas and treadmills don’t mix. On my first trip to Vegas, I packed all manor of unnecessary items from a velour tracksuit (it was 2007) to pajamas, trainers, socks and Uggs and I was charged £60 for excess baggage before I even left the UK. Pack light and you will have more pennies to spend when you arrive.
Your Vegas checklist:
- Bikinis
- Costume jewellery
- Clutch bag
- Heels
- Flip flops
- Suncream
- Party dresses
The Stratosphere-Best Budget Hotel
This is the hotel I chose having no knowledge of the accommodation located on the strip. I was on a budget and this was the only hotel that was in my price range. If you use your room purely as a base, this hotel is the cheapest way to experience Vegas. Swap a sensational suite at any five star hotel for a basic room at the Stratosphere and you can live like a millionaire for the rest of the week. I spent my first visit to Vegas exploring every hotel but my own and although it is at the furthest end of the strip, you are only a short taxi ride from the best hotels, casinos and pools. With only five days to squeeze maximum fun out of Sin City, paying a fortune for a hotel room in the city that never sleeps is pointless unless you have cash to splash. The Stratosphere is a no frills hotel but unlike other 3 star hotels on the strip it has a few awesome aspects that you won’t find at any of the 5 star establishments.
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1)Free soft drinks-At any other holiday destination this would be nothing to shout about but in 90 degree heat, unlimited supplies of coke with ice on tap is a total godsend. Visit a VIP pool in many of the exclusive vegas hotels and you will not only have to pay to get in but you will have to pay up to $8 for a bottle of water.
2) The VIP Rooftop Pool-I didn’t book a basic room at The Stratosphere under the illusion that I would be surrounded by luxury. I had no expectations when I checked in and as a result I was pleasantly surprised. There is a pool area half way up the hotel but what many people don’t know is there is a child free rooftop pool that is a VIP area for those who want to drink alcohol and get rid of those pesky tan lines. The atmosphere at the rooftop pool was one of my holiday highlights and not only was it free for hotel guests you could enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city. Soak up the rays or float around on the foam beds in the pool and enjoy the indie tunes that are pumped from every speaker.
3)The Rides:The Stratosphere is home to the world’s highest observation towers in America and the scariest rides on the strip. Do the rides sooner rather than later and don’t attempt them with a hangover like I did. This was the very last thing I did before I left and it made for a queesy plane ride that I nearly missed by waiting in line for the ride.
Tip: Want to explore? Don’t walk. I made this mistake on my first night in Vegas. The lights from the nearest hotel may seem close but in reality it is further than you think. Don’t expect the temperature to drop as the sun goes down. Walking miles in the desert heat is not a pleasant way to start a night out and you will melt by the time you arrive at the club. If you do walk, wear ballet flats instead of flip flops and watch out for the cockroaches, they like the strip too and running away from them in flip flops is hard. Trust me, I would know.
Moorea Beach Club Mandalay Bay-Party Pool Scene
The pool area at Mandalay Bay is exactly the image that comes to mind when you think about Las Vegas. This is where the beautiful people come to party. Think glamorous cocktails, waitresses that serve you expensive drinks in tiny weeny bikinis and the odd celebrity. This is part and parcel of the Vegas experience and a posh pool party is something you should be part of at least once.
1) The Beach-Mandalay Bay is the only hotel to offer guests their own private beach. You won’t find this elsewhere and it is guaranteed to make your friends back home green with envy.
2) The Setting-The beach club has a rooftop pool with a difference. Music pounding, poolside posing and delicious decadent drinks, there isn’t a better place to frolic in Vegas. With personal attendants and poolside massages, there is no better way to spend those pennies you have saved by staying in a budget hotel.
3) Free Ice lollies-Just when you think you couldn’t love Vegas more, someone throws in free popsicles! When you can’t face drinking more alcohol, this is the next best way to quench your thirst.
Tip:Dress to impress, this is no place for that bikini that used to be white a few years ago. Pack the smallest, brightest bikini with as much bling as you can find, a cowboy hat to provide some much needed shade and the posiest pair of sunglasses you own. The bigger the better. Heels and bikini top optional 😉
Peep Show at Planet Hollywood
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Saving money on your hotel means you can do more fun things like seeing a show. We decided on Peep Show tickets and I would recommend you do too. Showgirls are everywhere in Vegas. Wherever you go there will always be a feathery headdress in your peripheral vision. If you want to see the best showgirls on the Strip, book tickets for Peep Show at Planet Hollywood. The tale with a tease stars Mel B and Holly Madison and it’s not just for the boys. With impressive tricks, debauchery and delightful outfits, this is the perfect way to slip some showgirl glamour into your trip.
Warning: This show will make you want to quit your day job, move to Vegas, live in a penthouse in Planet Hollywood and shake it like a showgirl.
Holiday Lowlight:Glitter Gultch
I love anything sparkly and so as you can imagine going to Glitter Gulch was on my list of things not to be missed in Vegas. Trust me, it’s worth missing. Glitter Gulch promises five blocks of souvenir shops filled with glitzy glamorous gifts. Except it’s just a bus ride from hell to find the same souvenirs that can be found in any Vegas hotel and there is at least five beggars outside each store. Save your time and shop elsewhere.
Have you been to Vegas? What are your holiday highlights?
Stratosphere has consolidated to one resort swimming pool. It is called the Level 8 Pool, and is located on the eighth floor of the hotel. It features a Cafe/Bar, Cabanas, hot tub and Bikini Blackjack. The “European-style” pool on the 25th floor is no longer open.