THE DESTINATION
OVERVIEW
KNOWN FOR:
NIGHT
LIFE
LIVE PER-FORMANCES
GAMBLING
FINE
DINING
SHOPPING
They say "What happens here, stays here…," but Vegas is sure to create memories that you'll carry with you for a lifetime. Emerging from the vast desert like a mirage, this sparkling city has long been an oasis for revelry and debauchery. It's become synonymous with milestone celebrations like birthdays, bachelor(ette) parties, and even quickie weddings thanks to its "anything goes" attitude that traces back to its early adoption of gambling and relaxed divorce laws. But vice is far from all this city has to offer. The city is a hospitality mecca with a dense collection of luxury hotels, extravagant spas, and celebrity chefs. Vegas' claim as the Entertainment Capital of the World is well-justified. You can find just about any event you want here from acrobatic acts to car races to rodeos to adults-only variety shows. Just beyond the city, lies the Mojave Desert with wonders both natural, like the Grand Canyon, and man-made, like the Hoover Dam, for visitors to explore. Vegas is one of those places that you just have to see to believe, so much so that the city is even made a slight change to the longstanding mantra, claiming "What happens here, only happens here…" So what are you waiting for? Viva Las Vegas!
PS: My parents have also been to been to Vegas many more times than I have, so their wisdom is included in these pages
MOST RECENT VISIT: May 2022
THE BOTTOM LINE
So what's the big deal? Here's why Vegas is worthy of a stop on your itinerary:
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CLASSIC BACHELOR(ETTE)
When you think pre-wedding bash, odds are you think Vegas. The city almost feels purpose-built for this thanks to its numerous nightclubs, wild pool parties, and raucous revue shows.
IF YOU ARE A FAN OF FINE DINING & CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Just because Vegas is known for its wild side doesn’t mean that it's lacking in luxury. This is particularly true when it comes to cuisine. Some of the world's preeminent celebrity chefs have outposts here to experiment with new dishes and experiences.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A LONG WEEKEND GETAWAY
Vegas is the definition of an escapism destination for when you need to get away from the world. It's also a hyper-stimulating city so three or four days is about the perfect trip.
IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN TO VEGAS
This is just one of those places that you should visit at least once in your life. Even if you aren't a big partier or gambler there's just so much here, and you have to see it to believe it.
HOSPITALITY ATLAS
WHERE TO STAY
Trying to decide where to stay or looking on-the-fly for your next stop nearby? This guide gives an overview of the key parts of town in Las Vegas, plus a selection of hotels, restaurants, and things to do for each. It then provides more detail for select hotels across the city.
Vegas is full of options for where to stay - most are elaborate complexes with casinos, clubs, and restaurants on-site, built in a variety of themes ranging from the pyramids of Egypt to the canals of Venice. Depending on what you're looking for (and what you're looking to spend), there's something for everyone. Click on the guide to learn more!
COMING SOON
CULINARY CONCIERGE
WHERE TO DINE & DRINK
Gone are the days when eating at a casino meant digging into a discount buffet in between pulls of the handle of your favorite slot machine. Nowadays Vegas is home to some incredible dining options. Celebrity chefs operate highly celebrated dining destinations for ultra-fine dining while regional upstarts from across the country frequently open outposts on the Strip for something more accessible. The dining scene is vast and ever-changing, which can make it difficult to navigate at times.
This guide will break things down so you can check some of Vegas' hot spots off your list and find the right place for the right occasion, from brunch to date night. Click on the guide to learn more!
PS: If you are looking for restaurants by location, click on the neighborhood guide to learn more.
COMING SOON
ACTIVITY PORTFOLIO
TOP THINGS TO DO
Photo: Unsplash*
GAMBLE AT
THE CASINO
Legalization of the gaming industry is the reason why this city sprung from the Mojave in the first place. Whether gambling is the reason you came and you're comfortable at the tables or you've never hit spin on a slot machine, you can try your luck at the casino, responsibly of course!
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
EXPLORE THE
STRIP
In the span of just a few blocks you can be transported from Paris to the pyramids of Egypt to the canals of Venice to the ruins of Ancient Rome and Greece to a tropical paradise to the shores of Lake Como. It's quite literally unreal, in the most spectacular way - hotel hop away!
Photo: Unsplash*
GO TO A
NIGHTCLUB
There aren't many places where you can experience nightlife quite like in Vegas. The clubs are extravagant, featuring expensive bottle service, scantily clad party-goers, and A-list DJs. Plan ahead for tickets / tables, arrive before midnight, and dress appropriately to ensure you get in.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
SPEND THE DAY
POOLSIDE
Had a late night? A pool day can be your chance to relax and recharge in tranquil luxury; it can also be a chance to keep the party going at one of the Strip's over-the-top day clubs. Either way, a pool day is a great way to beat the heat. Check out some top picks below!
Photo: Unsplash*
RELAX WITH
A SPA DAY
With some of the wildest parties in the world, it only makes sense that Vegas would offer some of the finest spas in the world to help get guests back to feeling their best. Build in some time on your trip to rejuvenate and relax with your choice of luxury treatments.
Photo: Unsplash*
GO ON A
SHOPPING SPREE
Vegas is one of the most indulgent cities in the world, so it should be no surprise that there are some extravagant places to shop, or window shop if that's more in your budget. There are also plenty of affordable and kitschy options. Come with extra space in your bag!
LAUNDRY LIST
There's a lot to see in Vegas! Check out this list for a deeper dive into the top things to do as well as a broader set of options that are more off the beaten path, perfect for repeat visitors.
Click on each to learn more!
STRIP SIGHTS
They're practically a Vegas icon - come see the thousand fountains come to life with music every 15-30 minutes
Admire this half-scale replica of the Parisian landmark from the Strip, its 46th-story observation deck, or its restaurant
Take a 30-minute ride 550 feet above the Strip on the largest observation wheel in North America
An extravagant, creative display of florals reminiscent of Mardi Gras floats, Check out the changes each season
The elaborate animatronic show at the Forum Shops brings the story of the lost city of Atlantis to life
Watch (or ride) the iconic roller coaster that twists and turns in front of the "Manhattan" skyline
Pretend you've been transported to Italy, as a singing gondolier propels you around the resort canals
Ride to the top of the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US to see the Strip from above
Ok, so it's not actually on the strip, but it's not far and it's a classic photo op when you come to Vegas!
ACTIVITIES
Driving Experiences
Get your adrenaline pumping whether it's racing an exotic supercar or going off-roading - there are a variety of options
The full-service, gamified golf experience is always a hit, but the Vegas edition adds pools, bars, and a video wall for more fun
Reach up to 35mph as you zipline high above the Las Vegas Strip - great for a thrill and the views
Play in an adult sandbox where you operate bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators to move massive mounds of dirt
Mini-golf
There are a couple of options right on the Strip, a KISS themed course at the Rio and a Twilight Zone themed course at Bally's
Gambling Lessons
Want to press your luck but don't know how? Take a lesson before hitting the table. Many casinos offer lessons for free.
It's part performance venue, part full-service bowling alley with an elevated lounge feel
MUSEUMS
A unique twist on Vegas history - take a tour through a graveyard of neon signs that once lit up the Strip
See the cars and learn about the history of Carroll Shelby, the prolific designer of cars like the Mustang and AC Cobra
It's no secret the mob has had a role in Vegas' past. This museum tells the history of organized crime
Check out the largest collection of pinball machines in the world in a new 25,000 sq. ft. space
Learn about the atomic age, when the Mojave Desert was used as a test site to build nuclear weapons
Come see the only museum collection showcasing the showgirls and art of burlesque that are so distinctly Vegas
POOLS
Both newly renovated pool decks are stunners, from the dozen main pools to the exquisite plunge pool cabanas.
If you're looking for the dayclub, visit Tao Beach Club.
Seven Greco-Roman-themed pools offer something for everyone, from partying to swim-up Blackjack to kid-friendly fun
The pools at the Cosmo reflect its young, fun vibe even at night when you can enjoy a sunset cocktail or "dive-in" movie.
If you're looking for the dayclub, visit Marquee.
Terraced pools and lounge chairs all point towards a series of giant screens, perfect for a day of sun and watching the game
Whirlpools, waterfalls, and a winding lazy river provide plenty of fun on this 6.5-acre pool deck.
If you're looking for the dayclub, visit Wet Republic.
This one is truly a pool complex, it's 11 acres complete with a wave pool, a lazy river, and a white sand beach.
If you're looking for the dayclub, visit Daylight Beach Club.
Elegant & sedate, the Bellagio offers a luxe place to relax & enjoy the sun, unique among the many lively pools on the Strip
SPAS
Whether at the recently-remodeled, contemporary Wynn spa or the opulent, Moroccan-inspired Encore spa you can't go wrong with either award-winning option's extravagant amenities and treatments.
Spectacular, Shanghai-inspired amenities await. Soak in views of the strip from the Laconium room or Vitality pool. Enjoy the five Experience Shower Journeys with varying lights, sounds, and scents.
In addition to luxe couple's suites & Ashiatsu massages, try the only Watsu treatment in Vegas, which combines Shiatsu and stretching while floating in a perfectly heated private pool.
What would a Roman-themed resort be without Roman Baths? Try each of the three at different temperatures. Also try the Laconium room or the Arctic Ice room where snow falls gently around you.
Try the Shio salt room with vibrating chairs synced to the music, the infrared-heated Gabanyoku stone beds, the adjacent Kalologie MedSpa, or the selection of whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms.
This 134,000 sq. ft. behemoth offers 150+ services (including a dual-therapist massage & a strip tease class) and the unique Aquavana Hydrothermal Experience with experiential rains, an igloo, and more.
In case the spa's amenities, baths, or hammam experiences aren't enough, splurge on a private Sahra spa suite, complete with its own whirlpools (plural), steam room, wet bar, and more.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOWS
A classic Vegas show performed by the renowned troupe's acrobats, divers, and swimmers in and around a pool of water
Colorful and family-friendly, Mystere is Cirque du Soleil's longest-running show, dating back to 1993
The iconic music of the Beatles comes to life on an circular stage with acrobatics, trampolines, roller skates, and more
With a warrior theme and a dose of martial arts, this show might be the most action-packed of the bunch
This show gets as close to seeing the "King of Pop" as possible, bringing his iconic choreography and music back to the stage
Cirque du Soleil takes New York City with an acrobatic ode to the city that never sleeps
SPORTING EVENTS
Hockey games are always a blast, even if you aren't a huge fan! The Golden Knights play at T-Mobile Arena on the Strip.
Watch the cars go round and round Las Vegas Motor Speedway at the Pennzoil 400, which takes place in March.
You don't have to be a cowboy to enjoy the rodeo. Each December the best of the best ropers & riders come here to compete.
The Raiders play on the Strip at Allegiant Stadium. If the Super Bowl is on your bucket list, Vegas is hosting the '24 game!
Vegas is making a splash onto the F1 circuit. An exciting track layout sends the ultra-fast cars zooming down the Strip.
Horse & rider combos from around the world come to show off their skills & speed at this Show Jumping World Cup event.
Vegas hosts a regional of the college tourney, but there's a Final Four coming in 2028, and it's always a big time for betting.
Vegas is known as the boxing capital of the world, regularly hosting marquee fights. Other forms of fighting are also big here.
Vegas hosts plenty of other teams and events from the WNBA Aces to the Desert Dogs lacrosse to the Harlem Globetrotters.
MAGIC SHOWS
This famous duo pulls off both magic tricks and comedy, all with just Penn doing the talking. It's a Vegas classic
After winning America's Got Talent, the enthusiastic Mat Franco has come to Vegas to put on a show that's great for families!
No stranger to high-profile TV including America's Got Talent, Nathan is also no stranger to fun - great for the whole family!
One of the best known magicians around, Copperfield continues to be a Vegas favorite that's also family-friendly
This grad of Cirque du Soleil & America's Got Talent has a massive social following and puts on a family-favorite show!
Headlined by an America's Got Talent winner, this show is known for great up close tricks and sleight of hand!
A Vegas mainstay magician, this show is packed with pyrotechnics and dramatic, daring tricks
RAUNCHY SHOWS
Fun and sexy, this muscle-filled male revue is a favorite of bachelorettes and divorcees alike
It's a cabaret meets a big top circus. The unique (and sexy) variety of talent consistently sells out shows
If you saw the movie and wanted to experience the real-life version, this show is for you
This adults-only variety show is quite literally out there, telling the tale of a space odyssey from Uranus
Saddle up for a wild ride of raunchy, wild-west themed performances in this adults-only variety show
OTHER SHOWS
Bald, blue men put on a unique performance complete with neon-paint drums, marshmallow tricks, and comedy
This classic, family-friendly dinner show is exactly the medieval-style entertainment you'd expect - complete with jousting
Modeled after the famous NYC outpost, this intimate comedy show is one of the best in Vegas if you're looking for a laugh
FULL GUIDE ON THE GO
TRAVEL TIP:
NIGHTCLUBS
The hottest clubs in Vegas are just that, hot, which means the top clubs can shift from time to time, even from night to night based on who is behind the DJ booth. For this reason, and because of subjectivity and personal taste, I won't be declaring the top clubs in Vegas. That said, Tao Group, recently combined with Hakkasan, tends to dominate the scene. Check them out below:
TAO GROUP
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Tao Nightclub at the Venetian
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Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand
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OMNIA Nightclub at Caesar's Palace
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Marquee Nightclub at the Cosmopolitan
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JEWEL Nightclub at ARIA
LAS VEGAS PARTY PASS
-
Get multi-day, multi-venue access with one pass, including multiple clubs in one night
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Access to the 5 Tao Group nightclubs Thursday through Sunday (or a holiday Monday)
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Starts at $99 - click here to learn more
ITINERARY
3-DAY BACHELORETTE ITINERARY
01
Land in Vegas and hit the town running! Gather your group, and head to the Cosmopolitan for a dinner experience complete with performers at the "Italian-psychedelic" restaurant Superfrico and a shot-ski at the Lodge. Then venture down the Strip for a bachelorette must do, a sexy, energetic male revue show (click here for options). Cap off your night with a drink at the dazzling Chandelier Bar - grab a drink at each level if you're up for it.
02
Change gears from nightlife to daytime fun and book a cabana at one of the Strip's elaborate pools. To keep the party going, head to a day club. Or, for a little more balance & personal time, snag a stunning plunge pool cabana at the Venetian. Build in some time to reset & grab dinner. If you were able to revive at the pool, you might be up for a night at a club. But, in the likely case you're slowing down, stick to a night of classic bachelorette games!
03
Shake off your inevitable hangover with a final brunch - Bardot Brasserie, Lavo, or Bouchon are all great options. Depending on when your group is scheduled for departure, you might consider one final activity. Consider walking through the retired lights at the Neon Museum, posing for a photo in front of the iconic Vegas sign, or simply exploring the Strip - perhaps taking a gondola ride or exploring the gardens and fountains at the Bellagio.
Photo: Unsplash*
JOURNEY BUILDER
ITINERARY ADD-ONS
Get away for the day with a day-trip nearby, or if you're not quite ready to cut your trip short, extend your itinerary and hop to another destination.
Photo: Unsplash*
HOOVER
DAM
The Hoover Dam is an engineering feat, rising 726 feet in the air to restrict the flow of the Colorado River. It's the largest concrete structure of its time. Despite the Great Depression, construction took only 5 years and was completed in 1936. Today the reservoir it created, Lake Mead, is a popular spot for recreation year-round.
Photo: Unsplash*
DEATH
VALLEY
Parts of the park will have you questioning whether you've been transported to another planet. Mysterious rocks that move on their own, extreme heat, sparkling galaxies, and cliffs splattered with bright colors all feel otherworldly, enough so to serve as a backdrop for Sci-Fi favorites like Star Wars and The Twilight Zone.
Photo: Unsplash*
NELSON
GHOST TOWN
About an hour away from Las Vegas, you can explore what looks like the real life version of Radiator Springs from Cars. Rusted out cars and vintage gas station signs, even a wrecked plane, accessorize the old wooden buildings that supported the Techatticup mine from its initiation by the Spanish in 1861 to its closure in the 1940s.
Photo: Unsplash*
ANTELOPE
CANYON
Antelope Canyon is the stuff of dreams - and iconic computer wallpapers. Its undulating, almost psychedelic, walls have been carved by erosion over thousands of years and now serve to mesmerize those lucky enough to visit. You can't visit alone; you'll need to be escorted by a guide as you are on Navajo land - plan ahead!
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
GRAND
CANYON
From Las Vegas, many choose to visit the Grand Canyon's westernmost section. Taking a helicopter can afford astounding aerial views in just under an hour, but some oppose the disruption to the canyon. If you wish to visit the popular South Rim, famous for its stunning vistas and adventurous hikes, plan for a 5-hour trip by car.
Photo: Unsplash*
UTAH'S
MIGHTY 5
Utah is home to 5 impressive and fan-favorite National Parks. Zion is the closest at just 2.5 hours away, but all are within reach. Explore the red rocks, arches, and hoodoos that are synonymous with the American West. Beyond the Mighty 5, consider some of the nearby areas with other designations that might be less crowded.
TRAVEL TIP:
Be realistic about how much and how often you can go out.
A trip to Vegas, even if it's just a few days, is a marathon, not a sprint. It's easy to overdo it early on and make the rest of your time miserable. Pace yourself and plan for some downtime to balance things out.
MATCH MAKER
WHO SHOULD GO
SHOULD LAS VEGAS BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
BEST FOR:
SMALL GROUPS
LARGE GROUPS
COUPLES
BACHELOR (ETTE)
SPEED
JAM-PACKED
PHYSICALITY
MINIMAL
COST
MODERATE TO VERY EXPENSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Vegas will keep you busy all day and all night. Thanks to the way the casinos are constructed, you might not even realize how much time has passed. It's easy for it to all feel like a blur here. Despite how busy you'll be, the hardest you'll most likely physically push yourself is walking from one casino to another or dancing into the early hours at a club.
COSTS
Vegas has a huge range of prices. Some parts of the city cater to the ultra-rich, while other venues focus so heavily on budget, you won't believe they stay in business.
Prices can also vary depending on timing. I've stayed in the same high-end hotel 3 years apart, both times in the month of May, and paid less than $200 per night for one stay and over $600 per night for the other.
Everything else you pay for also varies. Shows can range from $50 to several hundred dollars; dinner can range from quick and cheap to the most expensive meal of your life; a table and bottle service at a club can cost thousands. Keep in mind - if you're willing to gamble, you can receive big discounts and "comped" benefits during your stay. The easiest of these being free drinks at the table!
DATE SELECTOR
WHEN TO GO
WHEN SHOULD YOU PLAN TO EXPLORE AND FOR HOW LONG?
IDEAL STAY
3-4 DAYS
IDEAL SEASON
LATE SPRING OR
EARLY FALL
PLANNING TIME
1 MONTH OR MORE
IDEAL STAY
A long weekend is just about perfect. It's enough time to breathe a little and either recover before your next night out or enjoy more of Vegas than just the party scene. Beyond a long weekend, sensory overload can start to set in and you'll likely feel ready to head home.
IDEAL SEASON
You can really go to Vegas whenever. The summer months will be the hottest, but you'll likely be indoors or poolside no matter what. During the winter, many of the day clubs will be closed. Holidays and events, like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Electric Daisy Carnival, fight nights, etc., can drive up traffic in the city.
PLANNING
Depending on what you want to do, you might not need much lead time at all. If you are looking to see a show or eat at a specific restaurant or stay at a specific hotel, you should start earlier to get those hot spots reserved, especially depending if a big event is in town or it’s a holiday.
LOGISTICS PLANNER
WHAT TO BOOK
WHAT PESKY DETAILS SHOULD YOU TACKLE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE?
AIRPORT
LAS - LAS VEGAS
~3 miles from the Strip
TRAVEL TIME
1HR. 15 MIN.
FROM LAX >> LA
WALKABILITY
SOMEWHAT WALKABLE
Travel mainly via walking & ride share / taxi
CAR NEEDS
NOT RECOMMENDED
Unless doing a day trip
GETTING THERE
Vegas is quite easy to get to, and most major US cities will have direct flights, often with multiple options per day. Here are some flight times for reference:
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Los Angeles: 1h 15m
-
Houston: 3h 15m
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Chicago: 3h 45m
-
NYC: 5h
-
London: 10h
GETTING AROUND
When you arrive in Vegas, your plane will practically touch down on the Strip. Because of this, I don't recommend a car - rideshares or taxis will do the trick. You can also take advantage of public transport offered to-and-from the airport and around the Strip / downtown with RTC busses.
The good news is - the Strip is compact in the sense that the major casinos are right next to each other. The bad news is, each casino is massive, so it can take a while to walk across one property let alone multiple. Traffic on the Strip is also always jammed. This means what seems like a quick trip can take longer than planned - just keep this in mind.
TICKETS & TOURS
You probably won't need a tour, but you'll likely need tickets for shows. There's a lot to choose from - ranging from magic to comedy to Cirque du Soleil to music residencies to male revues and more. You may also want to plan ahead to reserve cabanas and tables at day clubs and nightclubs, especially for certain clubs and dates when a major DJ is headlining.
LANDING GEAR
WHAT TO KNOW
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING & AVOID AN UNNECESSARY HICCUP?
NEED FOR CASH
NECESSARY IN SOME CASES
SAFETY
LOW RISK
MEDICAL PREP
NONE
See below for COVID
TIME ZONE
PACIFIC | UTC -7
3h behind ET (NYC)
SPENDING
CASH NEEDS
Everyone should have some cash on hand to use for tips, which come up pretty frequently. Also, if you are planning on gambling, make sure to have cash - you'll need it. ATM machines are available quite readily but often charge notable fees.
TIPPING CUSTOMS
-
Waitresses (including for bottle service): ~20% with variation based on service
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Drivers: 10-20% depending on service
-
Spa: 15-20% depending on service
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Valets, housekeeping, bellmen: A few dollars per day or per service
-
Drink servers (even if the drinks are free): A few dollars per drink, with more on the first round or if you want frequent service
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Dealers: For every game besides poker, tip a few dollars every so often, a few percent when you leave, or ask if they'd like a "dealer bet." Poker should be higher because the dealer greatly impacts the game and earns much of their pay from tips
SAFETY
No matter where you go in a Vegas casino, someone will be watching. If you happen to do something that even sniffs of impropriety, someone will be by your side faster than you can blink. Because of this, Vegas casinos are likely one of the safest crowded public spaces in the world.
Of course, away from the casinos, Vegas is just another big city crowded with tourists. Bad actors might have an easier time targeting those that get too drunk or flash big casino payouts. Stay smart as you would in any city, and you should be quite safe.
MEDICAL PREP
The city does not require masks or vaccines, and the state of emergency has ended. Most, if not all, businesses and public spaces are similarly free of COVID restrictions. This information is subject to change and refers to the latest policy updates announced in May 2022.
REQUIRED READING
REFERENCES & RECOMMENDATIONS
IN PRINT
FACT
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The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream by Stefan Al (2017)
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Citizen Hughes by Michael Drosnin (1985)
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Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas: How Jay Sarno won a Casino Empire, Lost It, and Inspired Modern Las Vegas by David Schwartz (2013)
FICTION
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S Thompson (1972)
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The Desert Rose by Larry McMurtry (1983)
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Leaving Las Vegas by John O'Brien (1900)
ON SCREEN
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Ocean's Eleven (2001)
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Casino (1995)
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The Hangover (2009)
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
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Vegas Vacation (1997)
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Rounders (1998)
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21 (2008)
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What Happens in Vegas (2008)
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Indecent Proposal (1993)
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF REFERENCES
MORE TO SEE
Grand Canyon: PTO Travel Pro* | 21 Bachelorette Destinations for Every Party: Unsplash* | Los Cabos: PTO Travel Pro*
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