Las Vegas justifiably deserved its name as the ‘gambling capital’ of the world – it is 24 hour round-the-clock gambling from the ‘slots’ to the ‘tables’ to the ‘poker schools’ to the TV Sports Bar where you can bet on any ‘live’ sporting event happening anywhere around the world.
Things however have changed considerably over the last few years. It is now the fastest growing city in the USA and as a result there is a lot more to Las Vegas than just gambling. It has now established itself as one of the worlds top Convention Centres. But as a golf ‘buff’ I was delighted to have the opportunity to sample a few of their superb golf courses, of which there are over 80 within an hour and a half drive of the ‘strip’. The 54-hole Paiute Complex built on a former Indian reservation is the most impressive and difficult, although PGA Canyons is not too far behind.
Anyone who has been to Las Vegas or seen the movie will be familiar with the ‘neon-lighted’ offers of “eat as much as you like for $10” or “ Free Beer” with every meal. Beyond all that however there is a great collection of top quality restaurants that would put our ‘star’ restaurants to shame for service, quality and price.
There were many highlights from ‘Venice at Night’ with real life gondolas and tenors in the Venetian Hotel, the ‘Cirque du Soleil’ show at Bellagio’s, with its magic fountain, and the unbelievable roller-coaster at New York New York. Having spent my life in the Travel Industry where visiting hotels is a bit of a ‘chore’ and of professional interest only, I would not have believed that visiting the various hotels in Vegas could be so entertaining, apart from the aforementioned, The MGM Grand, The Mandalay Bay, Treasure Island, Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood were equally fascinating. Worth a mention as well was the the 'buzz' created by the after effects of over 3,000 marriages during Valentines week.
Without doubt the most spectacular highlight was the helicopter Tour to Grand Canyon, which I can only describe as an experience of a lifetime! I can still feel the hairs on my neck tingle as I remember the helicopter hovering almost within touching distance of the walls of the canyon. Simply superb!