By Andrew Collins
Gay & Lesbian Travel Expert, about.com
As Las Vegas has skyrocketed in popularity as both a place to live and visit, it's also become one of the nation's foremost destinations among gay and lesbian travelers. But it also differs from cities with well-defined gay scenes, in that relatively few GLBT travelers to "Sin City" come here specifically to check out gay nightlife. Instead, most come to see and do all the things mainstream visitors do here: gamble, see shows, eat at celeb-operated restaurants, and explore the spectacle that is the the Strip.
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Given this, if you're a gay traveler to Vegas aiming to experience
at least some of the city's gay scene, does it make more sense to stay
at a hotel on the Strip or away from it?
Well, the answer to this
questions depends on several factors. Here's are the pros and cons on
where to stay in Vegas, depending on your objectives in visiting
America's most outrageous city.
Check out these profiles and scenarios, and consider which ones you identify most closely with:
Profile A: The Vegas Virgin: You're
traveling with a significant other and have never been here before, and
you're aiming to see all the major attractions and casinos. You
wouldn't mind checking out a couple of gay bars, but this is a minor
aspect of your trip.
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Advice: Stay right on the Strip. You won't need a car to get around, and you'll be steps from all the major resort casinos.
For sheer luxury, the stunning Wynn and adjacent Encore
have set new standards for opulence, design, and customer service. Even
better, they've set a standard for gay-friendliness, as the hotels have
a Pride Concierge program (702-770-LGBT) designed to help gay and lesbian guests make the most of their trips to Vegas.
Other terrific high-end properties include THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons, Bellagio, and Venetian - also consider Venetian's super-swank sister property, the all-suites Palazzo. If you're on a tighter budget, the New York-New York and Luxor properties are excellent options on the Strip.
Profile B: The Party Monster: Viva Gay Las Vegas: You're
single and/or traveling with party-minded friends. You may have been to
Vegas before, but either way, you're keen on hitting plenty of gay
clubs.
Advice: Stay near but off the Strip. A good bet is the Hard Rock Las Vegas Hotel & Casino,
a hip, upscale property on Paradise Road that's near the Strip and
within walking distance of the so-called "Fruit Loop", a small circuit
of popular gay bars that includes Freezone and Piranha. The trendy celeb-favored Palms is another cool just-off-Strip option, although it's west of the I-15 and slightly farther from most gay nightlife.
Profile C: The Outdoorsy Romantic: You're
traveling with a significant other and plan to visit the Strip here and
there. But mostly you're seeking a luxurious, relaxed getaway in the
desert that's convenient to the action but safely away from the crowds.
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Advice:
Rent a car, and stay on the outskirts of Vegas, either in the Henderson
or Summerlin areas. Head to the Strip when you want to, but enjoy some
peace and quiet back at your off-Strip hotel. In Henderson, the
gay-friendly Green Valley Ranch Resort is within a short drive of the gay beach and recreational activities at Lake Mead. In or near Summerlin, on LV's far west side, you can choose among the ritzy J.W. Marriott, the chic and hip Red Rock Casino Resort, or the more affordable but still pleasant Suncoast Hotel. Out here, there's a bounty of high-end restaurants and shops, and you're close to great hiking at Red Rock Canyon and - a bit farther afield - Mt. Charleston.
[post_ads]Another good luxury bet that puts you out in nature is the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort, which on the site of the former Ravella, which was prior to that the Ritz-Carlton. Also in this same area, the beautiful Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is a gorgeous compound with a stellar spa and some great dining options.
Profile D: The Non-Gamer: An increasingly common presence in Las Vegas,
you're the kind of traveler who loves hanging out on the Strip to see
shows, eat well, and shop, but you have no interest in gambling and
would still rather spend your nights at a slightly quieter though still
attractive property.
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Advice: Stay at one a
handful of excellent properties within a walk or short cab ride of the
Strip that are either nongaming or have small casinos. Good bets include
the beautifully designed Renaissance Las Vegas (with its retro-hip Rat Pack-inspired design), the swank Platinum Las Vegas, or the low-keyed but upscale Westin Las Vegas Hotel.
Profile E: The Shoestring Traveler: You're
counting pennies and simply need a roof over your head and a relatively
comfy bed (that may or may not have a frighteningly garish bedspread).
Advice:
Try one of the low-cost off-Strip casino resorts. No matter how broke
you are, avoid the downtown properties unless you're into a low-rolling,
hard-core gaming scene. Most of these places are dreary, although Main Street Station
is a clean and pleasant exception. Better bets that offer great rates,
decent-enough rooms, and relative proximity not just to the Strip but
many gay bars include the cheap but surprisingly well-kept Sam's Town (a favorite with locals), the Orleans Hotel & Casino, the Suncoast (mentioned above), and Boulder Station.
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Of
course, you may wish to combine two or more of the above strategies in
designing your own perfect Vegas vacation. Just keep in mind that while
the city does have about 15 gay bars and a fast-growing gay population,
it's a top destination because of all the fabulous mainstream
attractions, not because of the particularly notable gay scene. If
you're single and on the make or are otherwise vacationing alone, Vegas
can be a tough place to meet a date, as most Vegas visitors travel here
with significant others or friends.
The good news is that Las
Vegas continues to become more progressive and gay-friendly every year,
and for the most part, GLBT travelers will encounter as warm a welcome
here as they would in any big U.S. city. And, of course, the caliber of
concerts and shows in Vegas ranks among the best in the world. So pick
your ideal lodging, and come to Vegas!
