If you want to see what life on Mars might be like, then a vacation in Nevada might be the closest thing on earth.  Not to say that it is “out there”, though Las Vegas is definitely not your ordinary town, but Nevada is quite unlike anywhere else in the United States.  There are soaring mountains here, some of which exhibit quite an alpine atmosphere, but much of the state is characterized by open deserts and distant mountains of a reddish hue.  They echo of another planet.  Some would call the landscape here austere.  However you categorize it, it is breathtaking and unforgettable all at once.  There are over 2 million people living in Nevada, but you can guarantee that the majority of natives are found in a couple centralized areas.  This article will cover some of the popular destinations in Nevada and give you an idea of the kinds of Nevada hotels you can expect to find once you arrive. 

You could probably imagine that the bulk of people visiting Nevada come to Las Vegas.  “Sin City”, “The Entertainment Capital of the World”, call Las Vegas what you will, but don’t label it as anything less than fabulous.  The selection of Las Vegas hotels is the best you will find in the state, if not the country.  At the Las Vegas hotels and Las Vegas casinos, you can find accommodations fit for a king, and outside of your room, there are usually a ton of on-premise entertainment options, from dining, to gambling to clubbing.  If you want multi-star Vegas accommodations, it is usually going to cost you, especially on the Vegas Strip, but there are vacation packages out there that can help you find discount Nevada lodging in Vegas.  Some of the best deals on Las Vegas hotels can be found in downtown Las Vegas and on the fringes of the city.  At the Las Vegas Strip hotels, you can catch one of the many Las Vegas shows that feature some of the top entertainment names from all genres.  The Las Vegas hotels are also where you will find some of the best Las Vegas bars and Las Vegas restaurants. 

For a taste of Vegas on a lesser scale, the city of Reno provides fun gaming action not far from the banks of the stunningly beautiful Lake Tahoe.  The Reno NV hotels do offer some budget chain varieties, but most people prefer to stay at one of the Reno Casinos.  Between the two, you can often find plenty of bargains for Reno NV hotels.  Gambling in Reno is fun, but it’s only part of the full list of things to do here.  Hiking around Lake Tahoe is about as good as hiking gets, and the city’s restaurants offer a satisfying array of choices for even the most critical diner.  The affordability of the Reno NV hotels helps to make the city a growing tourist destination.  Just 32 miles south of Reno, the state capital of Carson City can be found.  Carson City has a rich frontier history that you can learn about at the State Capitol Building and at the city’s museums.  If you like golf, there are some pretty amazing Carson City area golf courses that will certainly challenge you while you admire the surrounding scenery.  You don’t have to worry about being far from all the attractions when staying at the Carson City hotels, which range from bed and breakfasts and casino lodgings, to chain hotels and budget motels. 

If you are vacationing in Las Vegas and are wondering what nearby places of interest you can visit, the cities of Henderson and Boulder City are worth consideration.  Henderson is quickly growing, and this second largest Nevada City has some nice, tree-lined streets full of shops and restaurants.  There are also some casinos here that offer a nice alternative to Vegas, and if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss a chance to visit the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory.  There are definitely some tempting Henderson hotels to choose from, especially the casino hotels.  If you want to tee it up when you are in town, you might consider staying at the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas Resort for the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.  As does nearby Boulder City, Henderson provides a good base from which to enjoy Lake Mead.  Boulder City is a tad further south of Vegas than is Henderson, and the Boulder City hotels have among them some good options for budget Nevada hotels.  If you want to get away from the gambling scene, you will head to Boulder City, as it is the only city in Nevada where gambling is illegal.  The Boulder City hotels provide you with accommodations that are under 10 miles from the Hoover Dam. 

At under 100 miles distance from Las Vegas, the small city of Laughlin makes a popular vacation destination for Vegas locals and visitors alike who come to stay at one of the Laughlin resorts.  The casinos in Laughlin are definitely worth a trip here, and though the Laughlin casino shows aren’t quite up to par with those in Vegas, there are many that are worth taking in.  You will find choices for budget Laughlin hotels at the chain hotels and the city’s motels, but it behooves you to first look for deals at the casinos.  The rates can be surprisingly low, especially if you come across a special package.  There’s so much more to see and do in Nevada, but the areas and cities covered are where you will likely end up.  Outside of the cities, Nevada can be enjoyed by driving its scenic byways.  Though the Nevada hotels can be scarce when you are out of the major population areas, you should find occasional lodging options at various rest stops along the way.  If you plan on exploring off the beaten path, you will want to research the area for any places nearby where you can find Nevada hotels, just to be safe.