Las Vegas is a great vacation spot, year-round. Winter still has better weather than most of the country, and killer off-season deals. For total Vegas virgins, my crash course is that there are 2 main tourist areas – downtown and the strip. They are not far apart in a car, and there is a bus (the Deuce) that runs between the two. I personally like staying downtown, but still going up to the strip.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Downtown is a little bit more “old Vegas,” with vintage casinos, cheaper prices, and Sinatra and Elvis impersonators everywhere. Take some free pulls on Fremont Street, get your photo with a Million Bucks at Binion’s, play some giant board games at the Gold Spike, and check out the cocktail lounge in the El Cortez (formerly owned by Bugsy Siegel). The Strip is the Strip – I don't have much new to say. Things are a lot bigger and further apart than you may think – keep that in mind when choosing where to stay.- The Venetian has one of my favorite lobbies and is centrally located. The also-central Flamingo has more kitsch at less cost.
- The Platinum Hotel is my favorite non-smoking, non-gaming, off-strip spot, with huge suites and a rare indoor pool.
- The Delano at Mandalay Bay has the only affordable 2 bathroom suites I've found. Mandalay Bay has lot of in-house shopping and dining options, and is connected to the Luxor.
- Look into the suites at the more expensive spots if you have a big group – they just may be cheaper than 2 or 3 rooms, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Circus Circus has an actual midway and amusement park in addition to the casino, and free performers all day long.
Showtime
If you want to see a certain show, look into a night staying at the hosting hotel. That will give you the option of getting dressed up and rocking some killer shoes without a killer journey. The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage has been described as life-changing, and will give you the chance to hang at the 1960s ultra-mod Revolution Lounge – complete with go-go dancers. Pack some of our best mod looks - the Carina Dress or CoCo skirt are perfect.
Maybe it is because I need Excel for any math beyond my fingers, but I am just not a big gambler. However, I will post up at a low-stakes slot on occasion to rest my feet and get a few free drinks. If you like to gamble, do some at the casino where the shows you want to see are – you just may get offered a free ticket.
A Stylish Retro Suitcase
Now, let’s finish packing! Visiting Las Vegas always gives me shoe anxiety. It’s the dichotomy of wanting to look your retro best and having to walk miles each day. I really advise being comfortable – painful feet will ruin your night. Yes, you will be next to a woman in a ball gown, but a great grandma in sweatpants will be on your other side. Truly anything goes. I do flats and even simple sneakers. For vintage inspired Vegas glamour, you can’t go wrong with the classic style of our Milan and Monte Carlo dresses for a fancy 1950s supper club dinner.
Hitting Frankie’s Tiki Room, or the luau at Treasure Island? Pack a skirt or dress in our Tiki Serenade print for a tropical desert moment. Frankie's is worth a trip for retro tiki freaks - it’s between the strip and downtown – keep that in mind to save on cabs. They do offer an aloha shirt discount for drinks on Fridays!
All of those flashy late nights will wear you out. Bring some comfortable knits for a relaxed look on a tired day. Recover with some relaxed shopping at the Container Park downtown, or at any of the malls on the Strip. Our best-selling Super Spy dress and top are flattering and refined yet comfortable. Don’t forget a sweater – it gets cold in the desert at night, and casino A/C is no joke. Las Vegas has loads of interesting subculture, both past and present.
Whether you like, art, food, fashion, music, theater, burlesque, intense rides, or plain old people watching - craft cocktails or foot long frozen margaritas, spenders or free fun seekers - everyone can enjoy Vegas. Overall, Enjoy yourself, and put $5 on red for me!