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Long HaulingSome cabbies (especially departing the airport) like to practice the despicable art of "long hauling," in which they'll drive those unfamiliar with Vegas a circuitous route in order to boost the fare. McCarran International Airport posts approximate rate information on doors 1 and 4 of Terminal 1 as well as at Terminal 3's taxi stands, so be aware. With Strip- and downtown-bound passengers aboard, a favorite trick is driving south from the airport through the tunnel under the runways, then taking the I-215 and I-15 freeways to your hotel. This route is almost always a long haul, which can inflate the fare $8-$12. The only instances in which the tunnel and/or freeways might constitute a legitimate route are if you're destined for South Vegas, Henderson or far West Vegas. Also, if surface street traffic is particularly heavy, a reasonable case can be made for reaching downtown via I-15 by way of Tropicana Ave. (though never the tunnel).
Otherwise, rides from the airport to major Strip and downtown hotels should always be via north-south streets Swenson/Paradise Rd., Koval Ln., Las Vegas Blvd. (the Strip) or Frank Sinatra Dr./Industrial Rd. When you hop in the cab, politely tell the driver “Please don't take the tunnel and freeway.” He may argue it'll be faster. Stand firm, especially if your hotel is on the Strip. If you suspect you're being long-hauled, inform the driver you're hip to the scam and will report him to the Nevada Taxicab Authority (phone 702-668-4000), which in an effort to combat the long-hauling epidemic sometimes operates a taxi checkpoint at the airport's south tunnel entrance. There’s no need to add an expensive and unnecessary headache to your trip.
Las Vegas, NV
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton4455 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169
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Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa160 E Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89109
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Hilton Grand Vacations at Paradise455 Karen Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89109
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Marriott Las Vegas325 Convention Center Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89109
Book NowCity Population
583,756
Elevation
2,181 ft.
Sales Tax
Clark County's sales tax is 8.375 percent. The county also imposes a 12 percent tax on lodgings, with an additional 1 percent tax for properties within the city of Las Vegas boundaries.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
311, or (702) 828-3111 (also valid for TTY)
Fire (non-emergency)
(702) 383-2888
Hospitals
Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center, (702) 733-8800; MountainView Hospital, (702) 962-5000; Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, (702) 853-3000; Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, (702) 961-5000; University Medical Center, (702) 383-2000; Valley Hospital Medical Center, (702) 388-4000.
Visitor Information
3150 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89109. Phone:(702)892-0711 or (877)847-4858
Air Travel
McCarran International Airport (LAS) is about 10 miles south of downtown Las Vegas via Las Vegas Boulevard and 3.5 miles south of the Las Vegas Convention Center via Paradise Road, just a few minutes' drive from the Strip's southern end. One of the nation's busiest airports, it serves most major airlines.
Rental Cars
Hertz offers discounts to AAA members; phone (702) 262-7700 for the airport, (800) 654-3131 for the Strip.
Buses
Greyhound Lines Inc., 200 S. Main St., is the major bus company serving Las Vegas; phone (702) 384-9561.
Taxis
Major cab companies include Desert Cab, (702) 386-9102; Yellow Checker Star Transportation, (702) 873-2000; and Whittlesea Blue Cab, (702) 551-5151. Base activation fee is $3.50 and $2.76 for each mile, plus 54 cents for every minute the cab is waiting or traveling under 8 to 12 mph. Trips to the airport incur a $2.40 surcharge.
Public Transportation
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) provides bus service to most parts of the city. The most useful to visitors are the Deuce double-decker buses serving the Strip. The buses operate 24 hours daily, run every 7-10 minutes and stop at nearly every Strip hotel property.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
