Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

LAS VEGAS : Overview

OVERVIEW

Las Vegas, Nevada, is arguably one of the best destinations in terms of serving the physically challenged traveler in the US. Every hotel has wheelchair accessible rooms, and some even have wheelchair accessible pools equipped with a poolside lift. All casinos offer entertainment options that are wheelchair accessible from gambling to shows. It’s a great city to visit any time of the year.

LANGUAGE

The national language of the United States is English.

American Sign Language Communication: ASLC can provide sign language interpreters in the Las Vegas area. Please visit their website for more information regarding cost and how far in advance you should schedule an American Sign Language interpreter.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

LAS VEGAS : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

McCarran International Airport: The airport is equipped to handle the physically challenged traveler. Loaner wheelchairs are available, as are individuals to assist with transfers and transport to and from flights. For travelers unable to walk on the plane, “aisle chairs” are available. These chairs are small enough to fit down the aisle of a plane, with the assistance of airport personnel.

McCarran International Airport can be quite busy, so it is best to notify the gate personnel immediately upon arrival if assistance is needed. It takes the ground crew extra time to transport a wheelchair to the tarmac and load onto the flight, which can cause delays if put off. Plus, by notifying the gate personnel early, the traveler has a better chance of being able to board first, which offers the benefits of privacy and availability of overhead bins near their seat.

While waiting, there are a variety of things to keep you occupied at the terminal. McCarran offers a wide range in options for dinning, shopping, and even slot machines, if you haven’t had enough while at your casino!

Wheelchair accessible taxis frequent the McCarran International Airport. To obtain a wheelchair taxi, visit the taxi stand after retrieving baggage. The taxi stand has the ability to call up a wheelchair cab from the cue straight to the front – no need to wait in line. However, sometimes it can take a while, so be prepared!

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Las Vegas has many wheelchair accessible cabs, if you need accessible transport. You can either order one through the cab company, or ask your hotel to order one for you.

Nevada Taxi Cab Authority: This website offers a list of taxi cab services that serve the Nevada, Las Vegas area. Most of the cab companies have wheelchair accessible cabs in their fleet. However, when making a reservation for pickup be sure to ask for a wheelchair accessible vehicle if needed.

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SHUTTLE

There are lift equipped shuttles and limousine services, which are available at the McCarran International Airport pick-up areas, located on the north and west sides of baggage claim outside exit doors 8-14.

Bell-Trans: “Bell-Trans offers wheelchair accessible airport shuttle service to the strip and downtown. When arriving in Las Vegas, go to Door # 9 of the baggage claim staff will be available to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle. You may have a short wait if the vehicle is rotation or in the garage. When you are ready to leave Las Vegas, you will need to call (702) 739-7990 24-hours in advance of your return flight.” Carolee, 8/13/09

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

Ability Center: Ability Center rents wheelchair accessible vans by the day. We have used Ability Center in California and in Illinois, and have been very pleased with the service. Typically, Ability Center needs at least one week notice for rentals and the company doesn’t deliver the vehicle – you must pick it up from Ability Center.

Active Mobility: According to the company’s website, Active Mobility will deliver a rental van right to your hotel. In general, a week’s notice is needed.

Better Life Mobility Center: “We rented a van for a day to go to Red Rock Canyon from BETTER LIFE MOBILITY CENTER 800-456-1371. The staff and service all get very high marks and they were more reasonably priced than others I checked.” Steven, 4/15/11

Wheelchair Getaways: Wheelchair Getaways rents wheelchair accessible vans to the Las Vegas area. According to the website, the company also provides 24 hour emergency vehicle service.

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BUS

CAT (Citizens Area Transit): The Las Vegas Bus system is fully accessible, and has a wheelchair lift to assist the passenger. There is also a reduced fare available for people with a disability. For more information, please call (702) 228-7433.

“Buses are accessable and for $20 you can get a three day pass with unlimited usage.” Steven, 4/15/11

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STRIP TROLLEY

Las Vegas Strip Trolley: The Las Vegas Strip Trolley has a route along the Las Vegas Strip and will pull up to the entrance of each hotel on its route. Most trolleys are equipped with a wheelchair lift mechanism. For details call (702) 382-1404 or visit their website.

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LIGHT RAIL

Las Vegas Monorail: ”It only goes to a few stations right now, but those few stations are within a lot of attractions.” Carolee, 8/13/09

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LAS VEGAS : Accommodations

HOTELS

Las Vegas has numerous hotel options for the physically challenged traveler. Just specify your needs when making the reservation. We have stayed at countless hotels throughout Las Vegas, and have always found the accessible rooms to be more than accommodating for my disability. Hotels we have stayed at include: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, New York New York Hotel and Casino, Paris Las Vegas, and Treasure Island.

Golden Nugget: “Spent several days at the Golden Nugget downtown on Freemont Street. Room (Carson Street Tower)had roll in shower (good), too low toilet (bad), and too high bed (bad). Room also had lower hangers in the closet and motorized curtains on the window. I found two mens rooms in/near the casino that had toilets that were higher and used those during my stay.” Steven, 4/15/11

Las Vegas Hilton: “There are ramps and elevators everywhere. The ramps aren’t very steep. The elevators are a bit slow during high-traffic times. Also, you can rent manual and scooters directly from the bell desk. While the room does have accessibility features (automatic room door, hand-held shower head), the room was quite small and difficult to maneuver in. Also, the bed was much higher than a traditional bed so it was a minor inconvenience to get into.” Carolee, 8/13/09

The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino: “The Rio is an all-suite hotel. It is divided into four different sections (Carnival World, Ipanema Court, Convention Way (Convention Center), Masquerade Village) with signs every to help you navigate. It offers entertainment for all taste levels from gourmet restaurants and even a Burger King to shopping for whatever you may need or want.

The accessible room is truly accessible, although it could use some updating (old-school TV instead of flat-screen). The accessible room offers a built in shower bench and a hand-held shower (non-adjustable). The towel racks are at a wheelchair acceptable height. The suite is spacious and even has a separate dressing area next to the bathroom with a lighted magnifying hand mirror. The curtain has a long handle on it so that a traveler is able to pull the curtain open or closed independently. The Rio offers wheelchair accessible shuttles to Bally’s and Harrah’s.” Carolee, 10/3/2011

Westin Casuarina: “The Westin Casaurina has a great wheelchair accessible room. Hangers are lower, room has more space to get around, and everything in the bathroom is easy to get to. Shower is a tub, but has a removable shower head. The hotel also provides easy access to the strip without the hassle of being on it.” Whitney 9/21/2009

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LUXURY RESORTS

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LAS VEGAS : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Here is a listing of things to see and do while you’re visiting Las Vegas:

Fremont Street Experience: Running through the heart of old downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience transforms the old street into an attraction. Cars are not permitted on the road, and it is shielded from the elements by an arching canopy that has to be seen to be believed. Light and sound shows flash overhead while you wander in and out of famous casinos like Binion’s and the Golden Nugget.

Fountains at the Bellagio: The fountains at the Bellagio can be seen from the street, and the scheduled shows are accompanied by lights and music. It is especially beautiful in the warm summer evening. The fountains are choreographed to Broadway, Opera, Classical and Whimsical music. This attraction is a must see. You can also get another spectacular view from the top of the Eiffel Tower in the Paris Hotel across the street.

Botanical Gardens Conservatory at the Bellagio: We visited the Conservatory during the holiday season and the plants, arrangements, and decorations were breathtaking. Everything at the Bellagio, as you can imagine, is lavishley decorated. The conservatory is located in the atrium of the Bellagio, and the Conservatory horticulture team does a fabulous job creating new themes and decorations for every season.

Lions Habitat at the MGM: The Lions Habitat is located inside the MGM casino. You can get up close to the lion exhibit and watch them feed, sleep, and play – the only thing separating you from these big guys is the glass wall.

Eiffel Tower: If you’re ready to take in some great views of the Las Vegas strip, the Eiffel Tower is a romantic way to do it.  Afterward, if you haven’t had enough of these spectacular views, you can catch more from the Eiffel Tower Restaurant where you can relax, and grab a bite to eat or drink. The restaurant is also a great way to see the Bellagio Fountains and has plenty of wheelchair accessible window views.

Show in the sky: “Thursday through Saturday from 6-11pm (every hour) The Rio puts on a free floor show in Masquerade Village with burlesque dancers, a parade of lights on the ceiling and a performance by “flair bartenders” at The Village Bar.” Carolee, 10/3/11

Stratosphere: “During my stay, I went to the Stratosphere for a party, sponsored by the convention. It provided a spectacular view of the city at night. I must caution you though, you are 109 stories up and the wind can be very strong. Make sure you hold on to your personal belongings if you visit the outside observation deck. The path to the tower wasn’t marked very clearly. Once you found your way, the view was definitely worth it.” Carolee, 8/13/09

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Las Vegas is famous for its wide variety of Las Vegas shows and night life. We have been to many shows and clubs in Las Vegas over the years, and have never encountered any issues with accessibility. On occasion, we have had to take a detour through a kitchen or two to get to our seats because there were stairs, but we always ended up where we wanted to get and had a great time.

Here is a list of shows we have seen: David Copperfield, Lance Burton, Blue Man Group, Carrot Top, Mystère by Cirque du Soleil, and Zumanity – Another Side of Cirque du Soleil. All of these shows were wheelchair accessible and offered wheelchair accessible seating with companion.

iBar Ultra Lounge (Rio): “On the main floor of the hotel is a small bar called iBar Ultra Lounge. As a way to bring in the younger crowd, (over 21) The iBar has joined with Microsoft to bring a unique experience to the tired old “bar scene”. It offers a feature called “Microsoft Surface”, which allows you to chat with other kiosks in the bar among other things. For more info click here.

Although it is geared toward the younger crowd you can definitely see a mix of all ages enjoy the floor show by dancers on small elevated stages (about the size of stools). It has a ramp that brings you right into the bar.” Carolee, 10/3/2011

“All of the restaurants in the hotel [Las Vegas Hilton] were accessible. All of them had ramps and large open seating areas. With the Benihana Village, you may have to go through the kitchen a bit but seeing behind the scenes is half the fun.” Carolee, 8/13/09

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LAS VEGAS : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITALS

There are many  hospitals in the Las Vegas area, we have a compiled a short list: Health South Hospital, Kindred Healthcare, Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, and  Mountain View Hospital.

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

There are a variety of companies that rent medical equipment, including: Ability Center, Active Mobility, Desert Medical Equipment, Emerald Medical Equipment and Rentals, Intermountain Medical Products. Inc, Scootaround, and Universal Mobility Equipment

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LAS VEGAS : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Las Vegas can get extremely hot during the summer months, with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Always make sure to keep plenty of fluids with you, especially if you have trouble regulating your temperature.

“Las Vegas is known for its dry heat. While I was there, the temperature wasn’t too bad. However, it’s not uncommon to be in the 100′s, especially during the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water while in Las Vegas to prevent dehydration and other problems later on.” Carolee, 8/13/09

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