Feature: A guide to the ultimate LGBT trip in Vegas
The flamboyant, anything-goes attitude of Las Vegas makes it the perfect place for the ultimate LGBT trip. This guide by Monarch will give you a taste of what’s on offer but as they say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, so the only way you’ll know just how much fun Sin City can be is by visiting it yourself.
Casinos
When people think of Las Vegas they naturally think of casinos. While it’s highly unlikely that any trip to Vegas won’t involve at least a little flutter here and there, you’ll probably be much more interested in staying up late enjoying the other attractions the city has to offer and laying by poolside during the day. After all, with online casinos now offering you the chance to bet at any time or place, you’ll soon realise that playing games such as online slots away from the bright lights, thumping music and intoxicating surroundings of a super casino is actually more enjoyable.
Hotels
The Blue Moon Resort is a men only hotel located off the strip. This clothing optional hotel hosts a free BBQ event every Sunday, and features a jacuzzi grotto with a 10 foot waterfall. If you’d rather stay closer to the action you can rest assured that all the major hotels on the strip are gay friendly, although special mention must go to the Wynn and Encore, which have a special Pride Concierge programme to help gay guests make the most of their trip.
Concerts and shows
There are huge performers regularly in residence at Las Vegas’ biggest hotels. Celine Dion is spending much of the summer and winter at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace and while Cher hasn’t performed in Vegas since 2011, there are constant rumours that she is likely to make a return before long.
Fans of musicals have a fairly decent selection to choose from. The highlight for the summer must be Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which is running until August 18, but other shows such as Jersey Boys and Broadway Celebration – a compilation of performances from shows such as Hairspray, Grease and Chicago – are also worth catching.
Meanwhile, if you fancy something a little more risqué while in Vegas there are plenty of shows that feature men dancing in very little clothing. Fans of uniform will enjoy Men of Sapphire, which boasts cowboys, firemen and bikers, while Thunder from Down Under showcases the best Australian talent.
Nightclubs
There are plenty of places to keep you up late in Las Vegas. The Drink and Drag Lounge is perfect for those that appreciate a man who knows how to walk in heels, while the Affair conjures up that special brand of Las Vegas magic with go-go dancers, costumed characters and more. If you’re just interested in dancing and don’t want the entertainment to get in the way you could opt for somewhere like Share Nightclub or Gipsy instead.
If you fancy partying during the day then Temptation at the Luxor, a pool party, is held every Sunday from 1-7pm. Whether you want to relax in a cabana while people watching or dive in and get wet, this is a party not to be missed.
Shopping
Many of the hotel resorts are packed with shops. Las Vegas is much more about global brands than boutique, up and coming designers, so if you like a label you’ll be in retail heaven. Saying that, there are a surprising number of antique stores – Lost Vegas Antiques is just one place you’ll be able to pick up a unique souvenir.
Weddings, honeymoons, stag dos and more?
While gay marriage isn’t yet legal in the state of Nevada, gay couples can enter domestic partnerships which fulfil several of the state’s rights of marriage, and there’s nothing to stop you honeymooning here, or perhaps choosing Las Vegas for a stag do. The sheer number of hotel rooms and entertainment options available means that you can just as easily have a romantic week in the lap of luxury or a weekend of late night drinking and debauchery.
In a city that can offer everything you could possibly want, it’s no wonder that Las Vegas has been named one of the top holiday destinations in the USA by gay travellers. So why not take a gamble and see if you can get lucky in Las Vegas?
