Driving Around Las Vegas -- How difficult is it?

[cathcuc]

I'm so exicted that I found this board as part of the Dis! Perhaps you guys can help me. DH, DD age 10 and I are heading to Vegas in two weeks for a dance competition. We are staying at the Encore but the competition is at the Tuscany on East Flamingo Road. We will have to get there three days of our week long trip. How difficult will this be to get to? It doesn't look like it's that far but I've heard traffic on the Strip is bad. Is there a back way? I planned to rent a car since I know the Encore is at the far end of the Strip and the Tuscany is off the Strip. Is taking cabs a better option? I would think they would be way more expensive but will I be lost and tearing my hair out from the traffic? I have never been to Vegas before so I'm pretty clueless. Any advice would be appreciated!!!

 

[skiingfast]

The part of Las Vegas Blvd isn't so bad right in front of the Encore. Gets much worse on the next block.

As you leave the Encore go left onto the strip stay left and make a left on Sands Ave.

Stay right and take a right on Koval Ln. This takes you behind the casinos.

Three or fours top lights down take a Left onto Flamingo.

The Tuscany is on the right of flamingo, south side, at the next light.

I would driving the strip otherwise. It's alright for the passngers as you crawl down the road. But distracting to a driver in traffic.

 

[serene56]

The first time we went we took cabs- it wasnt as expensive as I thought it would be.
the next time we went I took my parents so I needed a car-- driving was not the nightmare I thought it would be.

I used all back roads.- i dont think I ever drove on the strip.

 

[cathcuc]

Thanks for the suggestions and the directions. I feel better about having a car now. Thanks again!!

 

[jlima]

Idea #1 - Valet park at the Wynn south entrance, off of Sands Ave. You may end of doing a bit of walking inside the hotel as the Encore tower is connected to Wynn, but this way, you will completely avoid driving on the Strip if all you are doing is going back & forth to the Tuscany. As you leave the property, make a left onto Sands Ave. Drive about 1/8 mile; and make a right on Koval. Drive past the back of the Venetian, Harrahs, IP and the Flamingo; and when you get to Flamingo, make a left. The Tuscany will be just ahead on your right. Valet parking is free; just tip the person who brings your car $1 - $2. Here is a map of the Wynn/Encore complex; it may help: http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/pdf/AboutUs_PropertyMap_102209.pdf


Idea #2 - Park in the Encore garage; and when you leave the property, turn right on the Strip. At Convention Center Drive, make a right. At Paradise, make a right. Go through the stop lights at Desert Inn and Sands Ave.; then at Flamingo, make a right. The Tuscany will be just ahead on your left.

Go to Mapquest and ask for a map of Tuscany Hotel in Las Vegas; and look at that to get an idea of the streets you will use. Have fun planning your trip!

 

[MarcJ55]

I think you'd be better off taking the Duece to most places and then a cab for those places the Duece can't get you. It's probably not as convenient but may save you money. I've ridden the Duece several times and it is great. Goes straight up and down the Strip all the way to Fremont St (downtown).

 

[kailuagirl]

I think driving in vegas is very easy (except for watching out for all the taxi's), there are several main roads that are easy to find and everything is marked really good.