Las Vegas, Nevada Wheelchair Travel Tips

Las Vegas, a sprawling metropolis in the heart of the desert, is a city like no other. Originally inhabited by Native Americans and later developed by European settlers, Las Vegas has become a world-famous destination, renowned for its casinos, entertainment, and vibrant nightlife. Dubbed “America’s Sin City,” Las Vegas is a place where nearly anything can happen and often does. It’s a city of contrasts, where the Strip’s glitz and glamour meet the surrounding desert’s rugged beauty.

The city’s slogan may be ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,’ but by my observations, it seems like everyone lets it all hang out as photos get snapped and uploaded to various social media! Whatever pleasure or vice you want to experience, you can here–in excess. All around are flashing lights and outrageous sights. For instance, within sixty seconds, I gazed into a taxi to see an eight-year-old man accompanied by a twenty-something-year-old woman with blond hair in a skimpy sequenced dress followed by a drunk Mickey and Minnie Mouse swerving on the sidewalk with over-sized drinks followed by a child collecting hooker cards of naked women he found on the ground. Ah yes, welcome to Vegas. This city is not for the timid nor the judgmental, so be prepared to be entertained because there’s no place like Las Vegas.

Casinos

Las Vegas is synonymous with casinos, and they are a central part of the city’s allure. Whether you’re gambling, dining, shopping, or catching a show, the casinos are designed to cater to every need. Wheelchair accessibility in casinos is generally excellent, but here are a few tips to make your visit smoother:

• Most casinos feature wheelchair-accessible slot machines and table games. If you have trouble locating them, ask a casino manager for assistance.
• Casinos are large and can be easy to get lost in, especially with their maze-like layouts. Many floors are carpeted, which may slow down manual wheelchairs. Look for marble, granite, or wooden walkways for a smoother ride.
• While some casino entrances might seem inaccessible, there are ramps at every casino, though they might be tricky to find. Keep an eye out for signage indicating accessible routes.

Entertainment

Las Vegas is known for its entertainment, which ranges from comedy shows to world-class musical performances. Wheelchair users will find that most venues are equipped with accessible seating options:

• Shows like Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and various Broadway productions offer accessible seating. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance and specify your accessibility needs to ensure the best possible experience.
• Las Vegas hosts a variety of sporting events, including UFC matches, WWE, Professional Bull Riding (PBR), and more. Most venues, like the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the Thomas & Mack Center, provide accessible seating and facilities.
• Popular concert venues like T-Mobile Arena and Zappos Theater are equipped with accessible seating and restrooms. Many nightclubs also offer accessibility features, though it’s best to contact them directly for specific details.

Additional Attractions

Las Vegas is more than just casinos and shows—there are plenty of accessible attractions to explore:

• The High Roller at The LINQ is the world’s tallest observation wheel, and it’s fully accessible, offering incredible views of the Strip and beyond.
• The Bellagio Fountains is an iconic water show that’s free to watch and easily accessible. You can enjoy it from the sidewalk or from several vantage points along the Strip.
• The Mob Museum features the history of organized crime at this fully accessible museum, located in downtown Las Vegas.
• Neon Museum features the history of Las Vegas through its neon signs at this outdoor museum. The pathways are accessible, but some areas may have uneven surfaces.
• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just a short drive from the Strip, this natural wonder offers accessible trails and scenic drives.

Shopping + Spas

Las Vegas is a shopper’s paradise with a wide range of malls, outlets, and luxury boutiques. High-end shopping can be found at places like The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, and The Shops at Crystals. Most shopping areas are accessible, with ramps and elevators available.

If you’re looking to unwind, Las Vegas offers many luxurious spas. When booking treatments, confirm that the spa has an adjustable-height table for easier transfers. Some recommended spas include those at The Bellagio, The Venetian, and the Wynn.

Las Vegas Hotels Pools

My personal favorite Las Vegas activity is lounging by the pool. Las Vegas is home to a vast array of hotels, many of which offer accessible rooms and pools. Most hotels with pools provide pool lifts. However, not all pools are equally accessible, so it’s best to inquire about specific amenities. No modifications to the lounge chairs and cabanas were found. The lounge chairs are first-come-first-served; they usually fill up quickly after noon, so claim your spot early as possible.

The cabanas and other VIP areas come with pricey food and beverage minimum. Hotel pool areas do not allow outside food or beverages for “safety control” but the real reason is so they can make money. Look for the gals in matching bikinis or guys in matching shirts with name-tags to take orders for food and beverages. As a paying guest of a hotel, you can access the pool for free. You can pool-hop, but a visitor fee is likely required, especially on certain days or during a promotional event.

Hotels with a wheelchair accessible pool lift:

• Aria: portable hydraulic lift with hard plastic chair with armrests
• Bally’s: stationary lift with hard plastic seat and armrests
• Bellagio: a hammock-style seat at the main pool and a ramp into the pool
• Cosmopolitan: a portable lift at each pool, battery-operated with a remote. There is a hard plastic chair without armrests but a seat-belt can be added
• Excalibur: portable lift with a hard plastic chair
• Luxor: 1 portable and 1 stationary hydraulic lift with a hard plastic chair and no armrests
• Monte Carlo: stationary hydraulic lift in the first pool (the lagoon) with a hard plastic chair and footrests, no armrests
• Mandalay Bay: stationary hydraulic and portable with a hard plastic chair and armrests
• MGM Grand: a portable hydraulic lift with a soft plastic chair, no armrests
• Mirage: 2 stationary hydraulic lifts on either side of the pool with a hard plastic chair
• New York New York: new manual lift with plastic chair
• Paris: stationary, hydraulically powered lift with a hard plastic chair equipped with a seat-belt, no armrests or footrest
• Plazzo: Portable, hydraulic lift with a hard plastic chair, armrests, and a removal footrest
• Rio: portable lift with hard plastic chair
• Treasure Island: stationary hydraulic with hard plastic chair and armrests
• Venetian: 2 portable hydraulic lifts with hard plastic chairs (one has armrests)
• Wynn: portable, manual lift with a hammock-style seat

Hotels reported not to have lifts:

• Palms Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Caesar’s Palace
• Trump Towers
• Circus Circus

Transportation + Wheeling

The Las Vegas Strip is where many of the most popular hotels are located. If staying somewhere on the strip, the most common way to travel is by wheeling yourself. The Strip is flat and has smooth sidewalks, though some areas near Caesar’s Palace feature cobblestones. The walkways are often crowded in the evenings when the sun’s blaring rays have vanished, especially on weekends and national holidays. Some crosswalk intersections have curb cutouts that do not line up well. Multiple elevated walkways are accessible via elevators, making it easier to cross busy intersections. Finding the elevators, at times, takes some searching.

Transportation around Las Vegas is relatively straightforward for wheelchair users:

• Accessible taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Companies like Yellow Checker Star and Whittlesea Blue Cab offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
• The Las Vegas Monorail is fully ADA-compliant, offering an accessible way to travel along the Strip. Elevators are available at each station. It operates between Sahara Avenue and the MGM Grand.
• Shuttle services from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International) to hotels are available, but you must request an accessible vehicle when booking. When making a reservation, you MUST tell them if you are in a wheelchair and require the vehicle with the lift. Tours around Vegas and to the Hoover Dam are also available through the Airport Shuttle.
• Paratransit Service is also available in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Restaurants

Las Vegas is a foodie’s paradise, offering a vast selection of dining options. Many Las Vegas restaurants are wheelchair-friendly, offering accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. For detailed reviews of specific restaurants, you can refer to local guides or reviews by residents like Fred McKay, who specializes in reviewing wheelchair-accessible dining options.

Wheelchair Rentals + Equipment

If you need to rent a wheelchair or other mobility equipment during your stay, several companies offer services in Las Vegas:

• Ability Center: (702) 434-3030
• Better Life Mobility Center: (702) 876-9606
• Desert Medical Equipment: (702) 876-9171
• Las Vegas Wheelchairs: (888) 678-6267
• Medical N Mobility: (702) 233-3770
• Mesa Medical: (702) 263-8511
• Scootaround: (888) 441-7575
• Scooters4Less Inc.: (877) 524-5308
• Universal Mobility Equipment: (800) 852-3006

Home + Car Rental Option

Barrysvegascondo.com is just off the strip and is equipped with two bedrooms, Hoyer lift, kitchen, private pool, and more. Plus, Berry rents out an adapted van for $30/day.