Some people say there’s never a bad time to head to Las Vegas. I guess that depends on how much you like the heat. I’ve been there in April and May, and I’ve been there in June. Our daughters have visited in August, and I’ve also visited in October/November/December. I can tell you this — it’s incredibly HOT in those summer months, as would be expected. People like to say, “Oh, it’s a dry heat.” I don’t care. 110 degrees is still fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk weather. Choose your dates wisely if you can.
I remember walking the Las Vegas Strip in December wearing shorts and a golf shirt. A construction worker yelled down at me, “What part of the North Pole are you from?” A belief about Canadians is that we’re accustomed to cold weather — but it’s not a North Pole kind of cold!
Why Elara Stands Out On The Las Vegas Strip
If you can choose your place to stay, Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club is a great resort in a perfect location. The HGV suites are always tastefully decorated and provide you with everything you need for a memorable stay. There’s no casino in the resort, which means the lack of smoke creates a pleasant breathing environment. Fear not, though; a casino is merely steps away at the Planet Hollywood Casino that can be accessed through the Miracle Mile Shops connected to The Elara — it’s a quick step out one door and in through another. There’s not much you can’t get there, including some affordable restaurants and drinks to take on your walk up the Las Vegas Strip. I always bring my Fat Tuesday cup with me when I go to Las Vegas and get it filled in the mall or on The Strip.
Resort Amenities And Relaxation Opportunities
Elara has a lot to offer in the way of quiet time if that’s what you prefer. The pool is beautiful, with a tropical feeling and cabanas. I would highly recommend wearing something on your feet around the pool. During the months of April and May, it can get very hot, and the area around the pool is brutally hot. I wore shoes all the way to the edge of the pool before taking them off and getting in. Service at the pool for drinks and food is great. The folks working there are always friendly and smiling — it makes for a good visit! The Starbucks in the hotel gets busy early, as expected. It’s convenient for a morning bite to eat to absorb the intake from the night before. The Fitness Center is open 24 hours for you to work off all the food you eat in this city, and there are plenty of places to eat in Las Vegas.
Hidden Experiences And Entertainment In Las Vegas
If you want a fun time, look up some of the Las Vegas Speakeasies and try to find them. These are hidden places that might require a password, or you may have to walk through a barbershop to get to a door leading to one of them! Fun times. If shows are your thing — and there’s something for everyone to see in Vegas — look for the discount ticket kiosks on The Strip. There are lots of websites to find discounted tickets as well. I’ve yet to see a bad show in Las Vegas — amazing artists and acts with super talented people.
Shopping Destinations Worth Visiting In Las Vegas
If shopping is your thing — and it is for me when I’m in Vegas — there are two outlet malls. The Las Vegas North Premium Outlets® is an outdoor mall with lots of shops to check out. You can get there by bus. There’s also the Las Vegas South Premium Outlets®, an indoor mall. It’s a bit older but still has a decent collection of shops. I mentioned the bus. You can buy a Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) 24-hour ticket for $8. It’s the cheapest way to get around. One of my favorite places to walk around is The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. It’s a very cool place with some different stores. There are high-end stores, along with some restaurants that serve large portions of food (e.g., The Cheesecake Factory, Carmine’s). Last time we ate at Carmine’s, we had enough food left over to make a homeless man very happy that night.
Museums And Historic Attractions To Explore
If you like museums, they have a lot of those too. Being Italian, I found the Mob Museum quite interesting! In all the times we’ve been to Las Vegas, we still haven’t been to the Neon Museum with all the old Vegas signs in one spot. That is a must-do for my trip later this year.
Do you like nostalgia? Head over to old Las Vegas and The Fremont Street Experience. This is a different area than the Strip. It’s a must-see. For those who like poker, the original World Series of Poker hotel is there — Binion’s Gambling Hall. It’s all lit up, and you can’t miss it. It’s historic.
If you like ziplining, soar above everyone on Fremont Street with SlotZilla. I’ve done this with our daughters, and it’s a blast. It’s quick and a bit pricey, but it’s a cool experience.
Why We Keep Coming Back To Las Vegas
HGV makes Vegas a great trip with a stay at Elara due to the location, the staff and the convenience of being connected to a mall and a casino. We’re heading back down later this year, and I can’t wait! We’re not gamblers — we just love the energy of the city and all the hotels and the shopping, the shows, and the food! And let’s not forget the people-watching, which can sometimes feel like watching a freak show, and that’s something else that makes Vegas so interesting. Treat everyone with respect and enjoy your time at Elara or any of the other HGV Resorts in Las Vegas. We always do. The service and the people are amazing!
Fun And Strange Las Vegas Laws (And You Thought Anything Goes Here):
It is strictly illegal to ride a camel on a public highway.
You cannot legally pawn your false teeth in Las Vegas.
The Fremont Street Experience has its own set of odd bans. You are not allowed to use unicycles, skateboards, shopping carts, or oversized hula hoops (larger than four feet in diameter) in the pedestrian mall.
It is completely illegal to feed pigeons in public.
Taxi Rules Visitors Should Know
It is illegal to hail a cab directly from the sidewalk anywhere on the Las Vegas Strip. You must go to a designated taxi stand at a hotel or resort.
Viva Las Vegas!
Key Takeaways
Why stay at Elara, A Hilton Grand Vacations Club: Elara offers convenient access to shopping, entertainment, restaurants and nearby casino action without having a casino inside the resort.
What Makes Elara Different: Guests can enjoy spacious accommodations, a pool, a fitness center and a smoke-free environment.
Easy Access To Attractions: Museums, shows, speakeasies, outlet malls and Fremont Street are all highlighted as worthwhile experiences.
Transportation Can Be Affordable: Public transportation options such as the Las Vegas bus system help travelers reach attractions and shopping destinations economically.
Local Laws Matter: Visitors should familiarize themselves with regulations regarding cannabis use and transportation while visiting Las Vegas.
FAQs
Q: Is Elara a good place to stay in Las Vegas?
A: Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, offers a central location near shopping, dining, entertainment and the Las Vegas Strip. Guests also benefit from a smoke-free environment, spacious accommodations, and convenient access to nearby attractions.
Q: What amenities does Elara offer?
A: Elara features a pool, cabanas, a 24-hour fitness center, on-site food and drink service around the pool, and convenient access to the Miracle Mile Shops and Planet Hollywood Casino.
Q: What are some unique things to do in Las Vegas beyond visiting casinos?
A: Visitors can explore speakeasies, attend live shows, shop at outlet malls, visit museums like the Mob Museum, experience Fremont Street, or ride the SlotZilla zipline.
Q: What is the best way to get around Las Vegas?
A: The Las Vegas bus system provides an affordable transportation option for reaching attractions, shopping areas and other destinations throughout the city.
Q: When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
A: Travel preferences vary, but visitors who want to avoid extreme heat may prefer spring, fall or winter months. Summer temperatures can regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Are there any cannabis restrictions visitors should know about in Las Vegas?
A: Nevada law prohibits smoking, vaping or consuming cannabis in public areas, including the Las Vegas Strip, casino floors and many hotel environments.
