Although Las Vegas can be viewed as the playground for Middle America, it offers a fair share of attractions for gay visitors the world over. Gay tourists usually find Vegas to be welcoming despite the relatively few gay-specific venues and a local crowd that is still surprisingly closeted. Las Vegas is enjoying an enormous boom, and in addition to its casinos, buffets and extravagant shows, the city has several gay gyms, a gay and lesbian community centre, and a number of gay bars and nightclubs. Vegas is divided into two main areas, the famous Strip and less-visited Downtown. Most of the action is now on the Strip, which has become dominated by the enormous themed-hotels.
Downtown is home to a seedier, but somehow more authentic Las Vegas, vestiges of which still exist.
Those who sincerely hope to experience gambling as it might have existed on a pirate galleon will be appeased on the Strip. Regardless of the season, however, glitter and sequins are always in fashion. Amenities include a clothing-optional pool, hot tub, and indoor sauna, and all rooms have TVs, VCRs, and phones. The all-suite hotel is across the highway from the strip, and standing in the buffet line that snakes through the casino can be tedious. Bring plenty of quarters to pass the time.