Spanish traders en route to Los Angeles along the Spanish Trail in the early 1700s  sought a route that would pass through the then unexplored Las Vegas Valley.  At the time, the Spaniards referred to the route through the valley as "jornada de muerte," journey of death.  A young scout named Rafael Rivera was the first person of European ancestry to look upon the valley. His discovery of a valley with abundant wild grasses growing and a plentiful water supply reduced the journey by several days.  

The valley was named Las Vegas, Spanish for "The Meadows."

In 1855, a group of Mormon missionaries were the first non-natives to settle in the Las Vegas Valley. They built an adobe fort, which is now a museum. The area appealed to them because of the valley, located along the Old Spanish Trail.

The completion of the main railway, linking Southern California with Salt Lake City in 1905, established Las Vegas as a railroad town. The availability of water made an ideal refueling point and rest stop. The railroad was the principal industry in Las Vegas for the next 25 years.

Beginning in 1931, the construction of Hoover Dam brought an influx of construction workers which started a population boom and gave the Valley’s economy, which was in the grips of the Great Depression, a needed boost.

Hoover Dam is probably the biggest contributor to the expansion of Las Vegas. Liberal laws and influence of organized crime wrote the rest of the history...
On March 19, 1931 gambling was legalized in the State of Nevada. One month later, the city issued six gambling licenses.

Divorce laws were liberalized in the State of Nevada, making residency easier to attain. A "quickie" divorce could be attained after six weeks of residency. These short-term residents stayed at "dude ranches" which were the forerunners of the sprawling Strip hotels. 

The last two decades, Las Vegas is enjoying unprecedented growth. Not only have many industries relocated to the expanding town,  high real estate prices in California did the rest of the job. Cheaper housing, loaded with modern amenities, combined with a keen marketing plan to open Las Vegas Boulevard to the American family, by building mega theme resorts, completed the strategy. 

The forecast is a population of 2,000,000 by the year 2005. Infra-structure is continuous being improved, and freeways connect throughout town.

The Aladdin

The new luxury Aladdin Hotel opened Aug. 18, 2000, on the same site as the original Aladdin and is within 3 miles of the McCarran International Airport. The 34 acre Aladdin Resort Complex includes the following, all connected under one roof: 100,000 square feet of spectacular gaming space, 500,000 square-foot "shopping adventure" featuring retail, dining, entertainment and night life. The hotel features the Theater of the Performing Arts, a 7,000-seat multi-purpose entertainment venue and the "London Club", a luxurious and exclusive European-style gaming salon. 

Bally's

Bally's is a deluxe, ultra modern, high-rise hotel. Bally's is just minutes from McCarran airport and conveniently located on the center of the Strip. Since its' opening Bally's Las Vegas has been considered one of the city's most elegant resorts, offering its guests "a touch of class" in every aspect of service.

The Bellagio

The accommodations at the Bellagio are unrivaled. With its Tuscan architecture along an 8-acre lake, guests are greeted with the world famous Fountains of Bellagio that express the romantic spirit of the resort. More than a thousand fountains dance in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light. Guests enter the resort's opulent lobby featuring a ceiling with a sculpture of hand-blown multicolored glass created by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The art is inspiring. Nearby, a botanical conservatory is home to exotic plants and flowers. The Bellagio also features gourmet dining establishments such as New York's Le Cirque, Aqua and Picasso. Via Bellagio and an elegant shopping promenade. The Bellagio staff is nothing less than expert.

The Boardwalk

Boardwalk Hotel is the Strip's affordable alternative for staying and playing. It is surrounded by the newest Mega-Resorts - Bellagio, Paris, Monte Carlo, MGM Grand and New York-New York. The hotel's facade replicates the sights and sounds of Coney Island's golden era. A replica of the famous Coney Island Cyclone Roller Coaster, an authentic 1906 Ferris Wheel and a turn-of-the-century full-sized Parachute drop on the outside of the Boardwalk's hotel set the stage for the casino's cheerful, fun-filled atmosphere.

Caesars Palace

From the moment you walk through the doors of Caesars Palace, you know you’ve arrived at the most prestigious resort in the world. Impeccable service. Luxury. All the little details that make the difference between an ordinary visit and a spectacular experience are yours.

Circus Circus

The first themed mega resort on the strip still caters to young and old. Offering free circus acts, midway and an adventure dome to keep the children as well as the parents entertained, a large RV park augments the accommodations at the hotel. All offered on economy prices, makes this hotel one of the more affordable on the Strip.

Excalibur

Excalibur Hotel and Casino, offers accommodations and entertainment, designed around the medieval theme of the famous sword, the legend of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin. A Medieval castle surrounded by towers, including moat and fire-breathing dragon, strategic located at the 4-corners point of the Strip and Tropicana makes a magic lure for families and couples alike. Moderate pricing and fun for all compliments your stay.

Fitzgeralds

At 34-stories high, Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel is Downtown Las Vegas' tallest hotel/casino with 624 beautiful deluxe rooms and 14 comfortable, well-appointed suites to choose from. Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel has earned the prestigious AAA Three Diamond Rating for 2002 and is located along the Fremont Street Experience. 

Flamingo Hilton

Bugsy Siegel's desert dream, The Flamingo, has anchored the Las Vegas Strip since they started rolling dice in 1946. This self-contained casino and resort offers everything an adventurous vacationer could want — including a Wildlife Habitat and a 15-acre Caribbean-style water playground. Set on the famous four corners of Las Vegas Blvd. and Flamingo Road, this hotel combines heart-pounding Las Vegas excitement with hospitality and service that's second to none. 

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

Steps from the baccarat tables and nightclubs, discover the city's most acclaimed hotel – a serene, intimate, non-gaming environment with generously proportioned quarters. A glittering pool and full-service spa. Truly intuitive Four Seasons service. 

Golden Nugget

The Golden Nugget's three towers offer 1,907 beautifully decorated accommodations composed of richly furnished guest rooms and suites. Recently, they have all been redesigned and refurbished to feature warm beige and brown tones and a selection of custom bath amenities  Located on the doorstep of the Golden Nugget, you'll find  the Fremont Street Experience, the exciting pedestrian promenade

Hard Rock Hotel

Opened March, 1995, and enjoyed great success,  a $100 million expansion is just completed, adding a new 330-room guest tower, four new restaurants and the expansion of the hotel’s famed Beach Club and Pool, along with other new attractions such as the Rock Spa and Baby’s Nightclub. Selected as one of the top 25 coolest places to stay in the world by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Hard Rock hotel is a shrine to rock and it’s superstars. 

Harrah's

Harrah's Las Vegas is located in the center of the Las Vegas strip. Enjoy 24-hour action in more than 103 thousand square feet of festive Carnival themed casino space. Enjoy some of the city's finest new restaurants, dine or play in the new ground level sports book, or enjoy the comfort of the new high limit table and slot areas. Fun extends outside to the strip's only indoor/outdoor bar, overlooking the Carnival Court entertainment and shopping areas. 

Las Vegas Hilton

Elegant accommodations and exceptional amenities combine with the signature-brand of service to create an engaging atmosphere that could only be the Las Vegas Hilton. So, relax and enjoy the view from any of the 3,000 well-designed rooms and suites.

Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas

Situated on the shores of Lake Las Vegas, 17 miles from the famed Las Vegas Strip is the Mobil 4 -star, 4-Diamond award winning Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas Resort, Spa and Casino. This destination resort offers a variety of amenities unlike anywhere else in Las Vegas including two-championship golf courses and plenty of water activities.  

Imperial Palace

A first-class destination resort centrally located in the heart of the fabulous Las Vegas "Strip," minutes from McCarran International Airport and easily accessible via all major highways. The "Beauty of the Orient" right in the center of the five-square-mile Las Vegas resort corridor.

Luxor

Enjoy your vacation Egyptian Style. This unique casino hotel offers architectural inspiring accommodations, fine dining, as well as incredible entertainment. You can also enjoy a night full of dancing at "RA" The Night Club, or see a 3D show at the amazing IMAX Theater. 

Mandalay Bay

Located in the South End of the Las Vegas Strip about 2 miles from the McCarren International Airport, Mandalay Bay offers large luxurious, exquisitely furnished rooms and suites ideal for that special weekend or Honeymoon getaway or a family getaway. Unique amenities include an 11-acre tropical beach and an exhibit called Shark Reef.
The House of Blues is one of many venues to care of entertainment. 

MGM Grand

Largest hotel in the world. Features 5005 elegant guest rooms including 751 suites and a  full amusement park. Besides wildlife exhibits, this casino hotel has the size of a mini-city with shops, restaurants and other amenities. 

Mirage

Ultimate luxury in the heart of "the Strip", the erupting volcano set the tone for extra ordinaire development of the Boulevard. Mirage is home of a Dolphin habitat, Siegfried & Roy's, world famous white tigers and a reception area backed by a huge reef tank. 

Monte Carlo

Inspired by Mediterranean architecture, the Monte Carlo resort  features everything reminiscent of the famous Monaco playground to top-name entertainment. A large relaxing pool area  flanks tennis courts and the Street of Dreams helps to attract families. 

New York

Why not bring  the Big Apple to the desert? Designed as the New York skyline, this casino hotel, topped with a roller coaster brings you the appetite of Manhattan, Coney Island pavilion, Broadway and much more. 

Orleans

Celebrate Mardi Gras 365 days a year. From the French Quarter exterior replete with magnolia trees to the interior sights and sounds, The Orleans combines the flair and flavor of the famed Big Easy with the fun and dazzle that make Las Vegas the world's most exciting vacation destination.

Palace Station

Just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, guests enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas with the personalized service that has made this hotel a local favorite for over 25 years! 

The Palms

Let the sultriest new resort in Las Vegas seduce you a hundred different ways. Have a drink 50 stories above the city at Ghost Bar. Become immersed in a nightly rainstorm of sound, light and music at Rain, Las Vegas' hottest dance club. Watch a sensual poolside lounge transform into an outdoor nightclub at Skin, then escape to a truly decadent spa. 

Paris

Experience the passion, excitement, and sophistication of the City of Light while visiting the entertainment capital of the world. Paris Las Vegas is conveniently located in the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip, yet it transports you to one of Europe’s most romantic cities.

Rio

The Rio stands in a class by itself. The beautiful hotel-casino offers the extravagance of suite living, the excitement of first-class shows and lounges, the action of non-stop gaming, and the luxuries of the world's top resorts. The Rio is Harrah's sister resort and complimentary shuttles run between the properties.

Ritz Carlton

Just 17 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip and a 25-minute drive from McCarran International Airport. The Mediterranean-style luxury resort features 349 luxurious rooms and suites, a spectacular Italian-inspired Spa and fitness center, 36 holes of championship golf, beach and lake activities and Italian gardens. 

Riviera

Preparing for its Golden Anniversary in 2005, the historic Riviera is one of the State's premier destination spots offering the passion and excitement of nostalgic Las Vegas and the Rat Pack Era, combined with a modern day, multi-million dollar remodeling of rooms and convention facilities, bringing the property up to par with today's mega-resort competition.

San Remo

Situated directly across from the MGM, hotel San Remo is an alternative to the impersonal hustle and bustle of the larger properties at a much more affordable price. In fact, the primary goal at the Hotel San Remo is to provide all guests with a special brand of personalized service,

Stratosphere

Centrally located, the Stratosphere Hotel & casino, is on the North side of the Strip, close to Downtown and the Fremont Street Experience. Besides offering the highest level dining experience in Las Vegas, the top of the tower has its own roller coaster.

Treasure Island

Pirate themed adventure casino resort offering excellent hotel accommodations as well as gaming, attractions and fine dining. Nestled in the center of the strip, next to the Mirage, millions of tourists flock to its frontage where every night at several intervals a pirate ship attacks a British frigate. Only in Las Vegas... 

Tropicana

This central Strip location offers guests spectacular views of its glittering neon lights or of the lush, tropical ambiance of the stunning five-acre garden oasis. The Tropicana also features over 1,800 spacious, comfortably appointed rooms and luxurious suites for your relaxation and pleasure.

Venetian

The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, is the premier all-suite luxury resort and convention destination on the Las Vegas Strip. Inspired by the beauty of Venice, this casino resort features gondolas, a replica of Plaza San Marco and interior ceiling frescos, reminiscing to the era of Da Vinci. Upscale shopping and plenty of gambling.

Sahara

Stop in for the action of $1 Live Blackjack around-the-clock or strap yourself in for intense virtual racing reality at the Las Vegas Cyber Speedway. Enjoy the brand new gorgeous pool paradise, a variety of restaurants, over 1,700 comfortable rooms, and captivating casino floor. It's time to play.