A Business Traveler’s Guide To Las Vegas

Introduction

How well do you balance work and play? Your skills will be tested in Las Vegas. Not only is the city one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, it’s also one of the most popular destinations for business travelers. 

Come with a firm budget and strict itinerary, but allow yourself some time to do Vegas right. Here’s what you need to know.

FAST FACTS

  • Las Vegas, "The Meadows" in Spanish, was founded in 1905. 
  • Las Vegas is the brightest city in the world, as seen from space. 
  • Although a plaque commemorating his achievement states Elvis Presley performed 837 consecutive sold-out shows at the Las Vegas Hilton, the King's true streak was 636. Still impressive!
  • The Nevada Test Site, where the government tested nuclear bombs, was located just 65 miles north of Las Vegas. 
  • The famous Las Vegas Strip...is technically not in Las Vegas. It covers unincorporated land in Clark County. 

McCarran International Airport (LAS)

Where to Go:

LAS ranked third among “Mega Airports” in the J.D. Power 2019 North America Airport Satisfaction Survey. If you have time to spare at McCarran, here’s what you could do.

  • After a trip to Vegas—even if it’s a business trip—you could probably use an hour or two of relaxation at one of the airport lounges. Centurion, The Club, and the United Club are all good options.
  • The Village Pub & Grill stands out in a crowd of big-name spots if you’re looking for a bite and a beer.
  • You’ll pile up steps in any airport, but McCarran has taken walking, ahem, a step further. The “FlyFit” program has outlined walking paths for travelers.
How to Get to The Strip

Bus
Cost: $6 (Two-hour pass)
Time: 15-20 minutes

Taxi 
Cost: $15-$20
Time: 10-15 minutes

Rideshare
Cost: $15-$20
Time: 10-15 minutes

Las Vegas welcome sign

Las Vegas Dos & Don'ts

With that ubiquitous tagline (What happens in Vegas…), you may think you can do just about anything in Las Vegas and not worry about the repercussions. That’s not exactly true, but there are best practices business travelers should keep in mind.

DO: 

  • Have a strict budget planned. It’s an expensive city, beyond the obvious temptations.
  • Wear walking shoes. In the summer, the heat weighs heavy, so you’ll want to make sure you have comfortable footwear to move about freely.
  • Embrace the city. Feed off the energy of Vegas, or it may overwhelm you.

 

DON’T: 

  • Arrive without a sleeping plan. It’s a 24-hour city with some of the most lively action taking place after midnight. Bring earbuds or a face mask for sleeping.
  • Forget to bring extra cash. Currency runs the city. Plus, you’ll have ample tipping opportunities, and you’ll want to be prepared.
  • Be afraid to leave the Strip. Vegas is a big city with some hidden gems away from the noise.
Public bus driving down the street in Las Vegas

Five Tips For Getting Around Las Vegas

Getting around Las Vegas is a cinch with these tips.

rideRTC app icon

1. Download the bus app, and ride the bus.

With a comprehensive ride-planning feature, the rideRTC App provides business travelers with transportation options. The bus may not always be the most convenient mode of transit, but you can bet it’ll be the cheapest.

 

2. Don't get caught walking longer distances than you intended.

Call it an optical illusion or a desert mirage. Places on the Strip tend to appear closer than they actually are. Check distances before you plan to walk. Not only will it save you steps, but it can also keep you cool.

 

3. Use ride-share apps.

Cabs are fairly hit or miss in Vegas. If you need to go a few miles in the city, ride-share services like Lyft and Uber are usually far less expensive than cabs. Just pay attention to surge rates.

 

4. Hydrate, and apply sunscreen often. 

This is something you may not think of during a busy workday. Applying sunscreen throughout your stay and keeping water handy can keep you comfortable in the summer heat. This is especially true if you plan to walk anywhere or find yourself waiting curbside for a cab, Uber, or Lyft.

 

5. Don't rent a car.

McCarran’s proximity to downtown Las Vegas means you can get to your hotel at a low cost without stopping at a car rental facility. Parking is also expensive and scarce in Vegas. Skip the rental car with one exception: If you plan to take a bleisure day to visit one of the national parks in the region—the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park to name two—then scoop some wheels.

Two red dice against a black background

Your Las Vegas Soundtrack

You can’t turn on a modern alternative rock radio station without hearing a Las Vegas band: The Killers, Panic! At the Disco, and Imagine Dragons have emerged as some of the most popular acts in the genre. And they all call Vegas home.

Cropped photo of a businessman walking through hotel lobby with suitcase

Best Business Hotels In Las Vegas

Some business travelers want to go all-in on the Vegas experience. Others would prefer finding an escape from the noise. We provide options for both below:

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

There are views aplenty at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. Business travelers who need to bunker in can either stare out at the vibrant Strip or gaze over the desert. Either way, you’ll have access to typical hotel amenities in addition to floor-to-ceiling windows and a “spa-like” bathroom. The eighth-floor pool is a perfect getaway for those needing to escape the bustle of Sin City.

 

The Venetian Resort

Finding peace and quiet in a city like Las Vegas is a challenge. For weary travelers, solitude is at a premium, but they’ll find it at the Venetian. The hotel’s rooms are, according to its website, “nearly double the size of your average Las Vegas hotel room.” With that ample space, you’ll be able to make yourself at home while still enjoying only-in-Vegas amenities like the cabanas and daybeds that line the pool.

 

SpringHill Suites

This hotel puts you near the Strip at a bargain price. But that doesn’t mean it has bargain features. Relax and take in the views of the city in the rooftop pool or retire to the hotel bar. The rooms themselves balance work and leisure, with king beds and a work desk that’s hidden behind a small wall. 

 

Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel

The ultra-stylish lobby will set the tone for your Las Vegas trip with its modern decor. But business is a few steps away from the Renaissance, whether at the nearby convention center or upstairs at the desk in your room. You’ll find a smart TV there as well.

 

Wynn Las Vegas

At the Wynn Las Vegas, you’ll make the most of a bleisure stay. The resort features a business center and free Wi-Fi as well as a poolside bar and 24-hour room service. If you have a few hours to kill, bring your clubs so you can tee it up at Wynn Golf Club.

 

Embassy Suites By Hilton

“Beautiful hotel without the Strip price,” according to TripAdvisor, the Embassy Suites by Hilton is best for lowkey business travelers who want to get in and out of Vegas. It’s close to both the airport and the convention center. Plus, you don’t have to leave the hotel for Vegas perks: Made-to-order breakfast is complimentary, as is the evening reception.

People working at conference table in a coworking office

Where To Work Outside Of Your Las Vegas Hotel

To get work done in the party capital of the United States, you’ll have to set up shop at a place that speaks to you. Maybe it’s one of these four spots.

PublicUs

This coffee shop and modern breakfast stop at the edge of bustling Vegas offers just enough solitude for business travelers to escape the noise without escaping the city. PublicUs is ideal for a quick meeting before you start your day in earnest.

 

Bloom

Women business travelers will find an oasis at Bloom. “Co-Working for Women, Designed by Women,” declares its website. Bloom features all the usual amenities (well, with the exception of men) of a co-working space with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. $35 gets you a day pass while $158 for five visits makes sense for travelers who have an extended stay or know they’ll be back in Vegas.

 

Work In Progress

In the heart of downtown, Work In Progress brings an appropriate “work and play” atmosphere to Vegas business travelers. The coworking spot dishes out day passes for $30. You’ll find unlimited coffee, private phone rooms, and...ping pong. In addition, meeting room space starts at $20/hour for those who need to rendezvous with colleagues or clients.

 

Clark County Library

At the very least, you’ll get a chuckle out of folks for telling them you honestly went to the library during your Vegas trip. But there’s a reason libraries are popular spots for freelancers and travelers. They’re quiet, free, and give you a chance to work in an academic setting. The Clark County Library promises tranquility near the Strip. 

 

Three cocktails with garnishes on bar top

Best Happy Hours To Entertain Clients In Las Vegas

Isn’t every hour happy hour in Las Vegas? Many places have two, so business travelers who work late have options.

Downtown Cocktail Room

The “halfy hour,” so-called because all menu items are half-price between 4 and 7 p.m., is one of the most popular specials in the city. And yet the Downtown Cocktail Room finds the right balance between trendy and welcoming, new school and old school. Find your way to Mike Morey’s Sip N’ Tip, a lounge within a lounge, for a more intimate setting.

 

Eureka!

Eureka! pulls no punches. Instead, the establishment relies on the classics: craft beer, good whiskey, and tasty American food. Business Travelers can head here early or late for the deals: The first happy runs 3 to 6 p.m., the second 10 p.m. to close.

 

The Underground

A speakeasy located in the Mob Museum, The Underground brings patrons back to the Roaring Twenties. The menu features favorite cocktails from the era, such as Giggle Water (fruit-infused vodka, lillet, bitters, and sparkling water) and the Bee’s Knees (gin, lemon, and jalapeño honey).

 

Cleaver

Established in 2018, the Cleaver gets right to the point with its description: Butchered meats, seafood, and classic cocktails. Stop in between 5 and 8 p.m. for all the happy hour specials.

 

Herbs & Rye

Some business travelers look for happy hours with good drink deals and special pricing on appetizers. Others seek steak. And why not? At Herbs & Rye you’ll sip on delicious cocktails and gorge on half-priced steaks. The offer runs 5 to 8 p.m. and midnight to 3 a.m. for those night owls.

 

Japanese fusion sushi burrito in takeout container

6 Places To Grub Out In Las Vegas

There’s no shortage of tasty, creative meals here. Bet big on flavor.

Jaburritos

It’s a hybrid of two of Americans’ favorite dishes: sushi and burritos. Does the combination work? Go find out. Save room for a sushi cupcake and a mochi ice cream pop.

 

Dirt Dog

Dirt Dog is one of those places that you don’t know whether to be intrigued or disgusted. Just look at this menu. But you have to try something. Go with the dirty street corn if the hot dogs scare you off.

 

Lakeside

Yes, you can still find fresh fish in the desert. Located in the Wynn Las Vegas adjacent to the Lake of Dreams, Lakeside features a Hawaiian-inspired menu with fish caught in the waters surrounding the islands.

 

The Barrymore 

Sometimes you want a good old-fashioned steak in an old-fashioned setting (while sipping an Old-Fashioned?). If that’s you, the Barrymore, located off the Strip, is your place. The restaurant is lined with throwback decor and the food is delicious.

 

Cafe No Fur

Vegans, rejoice. This restaurant in Chinatown delivers comfort food all day and most of the night, so no matter where you are in the city, you can get your hands on tasty vegan bites. Feast on a Beyond Burger or try the vegan Philly cheesesteak.

 

Hash House A Go Go

A mouthwatering mix of modern favorites and Southern comfort staples fill the menu at Hash House A Go Go. Brunch is a must, and Hash House A Go Go doesn’t discriminate: They serve it all day long. Try the Sage Fried Chicken and Waffles, a house specialty.

 

 

People in a spin class

Sneak In A Workout In Las Vegas

If you plan on enjoying the food and drink of Las Vegas, it’s probably a good idea to mix in a workout or two. Here are some ideas:

SoulCycle

Hop on the bike at SoulCycle for an intense 45-minute class that will have you changing Las Vegas’ moniker from Sin City to Spin City. For $38, you’ll get a good sweat in and gain a license to some guilt-free living in Vegas.

 

Planet Fitness

Say what you will about the quality of the individual gyms, but it’s hard to beat the deal Planet Fitness offers: $23 a month gets you access to locations across the country. And in Vegas, that gives you 13 choices. Stop in for a quick workout and session in a massage chair, free to Black Card members, to get your mind and body right on your business trip.

 

Run the Sunset Lake & Dunes Loop.

Located just southeast of McCarran International Airport, this 3.1-mile loop provides runners with an easy map to stay on their exercise schedules. The views are great, too.

 

Bike the Bonanza Trail. 

The Bonanza Trail surrounds a major athletic complex close to downtown Las Vegas. You’ll feel good about a nice 10.6-mile ride on a bike (5.3 miles in each direction), and who knows? You may be inspired by the soccer games that will surely be taking place below.

 

Hike the Las Vegas Overlook Trail.

This requires more time, of course, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor if you have some. There are several picturesque hikes near Las Vegas proper, with the Las Vegas Overlook Trail giving you a view of the Strip from a distance.

 

 

Bands of Colored Mountains in Red Rock Canyon

Las Vegas Bleisure Travel Done Right

What can’t you do on a bleisure trip to Las Vegas? The possibilities are endless. Here’s a sample itinerary for those who feel burdened by choice.

Grab a donut or two at the Donut Bar Las Vegas. 

If you’ve ever wanted to sample a caramel latte or mud pie donut, this is your spot. Donut Bar ups the donut game with unique flavors and healthy portions (if not healthy food). Stop in for a cup of coffee and breakfast to get your day started right.

 

Hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

This park (pictured above) filled with natural wonders is a short Uber ride from downtown Vegas. That proximity makes Red Rock Canyon a more viable travel option than famous attractions like the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Death Valley, and the Hoover Dam.

 

Get dinner at BLACKOUT Dining in the Dark.

Enjoy a meal with your senses elevated. That’s the goal here, at any rate. BLACKOUT Dining turns the lights off, allowing your senses of taste and smell to take over while your eyes remain in the dark. The menu is full vegan, which, for some patrons, adds to the sense of adventure.

 

Attend a Golden Knights game. 

The NHL’s youngest franchise announced itself in a big way during the 2017-18 season. Not only did the Knights deliver a typical-Vegas in-game experience—with music, dancing, and mini operas greeting fans—they were downright good on the ice. The Knights reached the Stanley Cup Final on their first attempt. It’s a tough ticket to come by, but the mix of sports and entertainment makes the price of admission a bargain.

 

After the game...

Well, now you’re getting into true Vegas hours, and there’s plenty to do. Whiskey Down is a high-limit, 24-hour lounge with a collection of rare whiskeys for business travelers with deep pockets. For the best views of Vegas at night, head to the Skyfall Lounge on the 64th floor of Delano Vegas. You really can’t go wrong closing your evening there, that is, if you close it at all.

 

 

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