When I touch down at McCarran airport, I typically get a sky cap to help get my luggage and help me into a cab. The sky cap service is the best way to go because they take you to a separate location and hail a cab for you according to your needs. And there are cabs in Vegas that have lifts if you need one. (If traveling in a power chair, you should make prior arrangements to be picked up at the airport (BellTrans is a reliable option). Most large hotel casinos have an airport shuttle that comes equipped with a chair lift.) I usually get a SUV or mini-van type cab because I can transfer into the front seat and still have room for my chair plus luggage.
All hotels in Las Vegas have accessible rooms. During most of my trips, I’ve stayed at Harrah’s, but I’ve roomed at The Mirage, Treasure Island, Excalibur, Luxor, The Boardwalk (no longer exists) and The Plaza (downtown). Granted, some hotels are better than others, some rooms have roll-in showers and some don’t, and some rooms have more open area than others, so you should search around if you have any specific needs. On one stay at the Luxor, the front desk even asked if I wanted a standard sized toilet or the taller sized one that can be difficult when using a shower chair. That was a pleasant surprise.
On the subject of travel shower chairs, after several trial runs with lesser products, the best one I’ve used is the Multichair 4000 from NuProdx. It’s easy to assemble and fits in a small suitcase. Of course, it’s functionally sound as well. (To find this model, go to http://www.nuprodx.com/.) If, however, you want to rent accessible equipment while on your trip, here’s a link to accessibility info for Las Vegas. Scroll down to the middle of the page to find medical supply venders that serve the city. http://www.vegas.com/lounge/handicapped.html.
The Vegas strip and Vegas downtown area is entirely accessible, complete with elevated walkways at some of the busiest intersections and cut crosswalks along the way. Most of the getting around I do when I’m there is either “on foot” or by bus; those two are the easiest and cheapest modes of transportation. There is also monorail system that runs along one side of the strip on the back sides of the casinos. To ride the rail, though, it costs $5 dollars per ride and it’s more of a hassle to get to the stations.
I mentioned their bus system in the previous paragraph. Well, Vegas recently renovated its entire bus system serving the strip and downtown routes with brand new double-decker buses called The Deuce. And it’s one of the new amenities specifically designed for disabled passengers. Each bus is set up for efficient loading and unloading of wheelchair users. For just $2 a fare, they’re the easiest and cheapest way to travel up and down the strip or to downtown Freemont Street. Be sure to park next to the curb so the driver can see you on approach because he/she will be loading you before any passengers are let on. For more information regarding The Deuce, go to http://www.rtcsnv.com/deuce/.
All Las Vegas shows and entertainment events are wheelchair accessible and
very accommodating to special requests. When in doubt, just ask. For as with
most everything regarding travel, it’s best to call ahead for specific
arrangements.