Guest
Info
Travel to the USA
ESTA
International visitors to the United States require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, otherwise known as an ESTA. ESTAs cost around $21 and last for two years.
The application process is super simple, to apply for one, click here.
Immigration
Queues at the US border are often very, very long. To fast track your entry, download the MPC (Mobile Passport Control) App, an official fast track system created by the US Customs and Border Protection. You can download it free from the App Store here.
This was tried and tested on a recent trip to NYC and saved us literally hours in queues at the border.
Time Zone
Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone which is 8 hours behind the UK and Portugal, and 9 hours behind Switzerland.
Vegas Hotels
Vegas is famous for its iconic hotels,and there’s really something to suit everyone, and every budget.
We will be staying at Planet Hollywood from Thursday 16th until Tuesday 21st, and then Caesars Palace from Tuesday 21st until Sunday 26th.
We have listed some of our favourite options on The Strip below from South to North, each with our pros and cons to help you if you’re not sure where to choose!
Resort Fees
Heads up about Vegas resort fees: Most hotels in Las Vegas charge a daily resort fee on top of your room rate—often between $30 and $50 per night, plus tax. These fees typically cover things like Wi-Fi, gym access, and local calls, whether you use them or not.
Unless stated, they’re not included in your initial booking total, so be sure to factor them into your budget to avoid surprises at check-in or check-out. Always double-check your hotel’s policy so you know exactly what to expect.
Transport
Getting In and Out
Las Vegas is serviced by Harry Reid International Airport (formerly known as McCarran International Airport), which is located around 15 minutes from the Las Vegas strip.
The best way to get from the airport is to take a taxi - there are set fares from the airport to the hotels.
Zone 1 $21: Luxor Hotel, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand
Zone 2 $25: Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Planet Hollywood
Zone 3 $29: Caesars Palace, Paris LV, The Venetian
(Prices correct as of May 2024)
Getting About
Taxis
The best and easiest way to get around Vegas is to use Taxi Apps - Uber and Lyft are the most popular and not too expensive.
Walking
Exploring Vegas on foot is a must but don’t underestimate the distance between the hotels - you could end up walking a lot further than you think!
Monorail
The Las Vegas monorail stretches from the Sahara Hotel in the North to the MGM Grand in the South (it’s not great for hotels on the west side of the Strip). Single tickets are $5.50 per person but honestly an Uber is just as cheap and much easier.
Money
Info
In the US, the currency is the US Dollar (USD), with notes like $1, $5, $10, $20, and coins such as cents (¢). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s handy to carry a bit of cash for tips or small purchases. You can get dollars at the airport, but you’ll often get a better rate by ordering ahead or using an ATM - just check your bank’s fees for overseas use.
Taxes and Tipping
The state of Nevada impose a 8.375% sales tax. Remember when shopping the price on the ticket is not what you will pay, and tax is added at the till.
Tipping is annoyingly expected in the US. Expect to tip around 15-20% on dinner bills $1-$2 per drink in a bar, or $2-$3 per bag for a bellhop.
