When the COVID-19 pandemic required the closure of non-essential businesses, Las Vegas saw its neon-lit strip shut down for the first time since former president John F. Kennedy’s funeral back in 1963. The city that was known for its 24/7 frenzy of excess and entertainment had to put on the brakes, and life changed. Months after the country went into lockdown, restaurants and casinos started to reopen at reduced capacity, and now, more than a year after the initial restrictions were put in place, Sin City once again beckons.
Restrictions are still in place, such as the mandatory wearing of masks around people who are not part of one’s immediate household, 50 percent occupancy for restaurants, gyms, bars, casinos, and other attractions, and limited public gatherings. However, Governor Steve Sisolak is hopeful that by June 1, Nevada can return to 100 percent capacity levels. And since May, social distancing policies will fall under the prerogative of counties.
For those interested in the best things to do in Vegas, here is a rundown of the businesses and establishments that are open once again.
Hotels and Casinos
The biggest names in Las Vegas’ resort casino scene reopened in early March, such as Mandalay Bay and Park MGM. Capacity limits also rose to 50 percent on March 15, with gaming tables arranged to accommodate social distancing, including plexiglass between players. Since March 22, the LINQ Hotel + Experience also returned to 24/7 operations.
New construction has also dotted the Vegas landscape. Circa and all of its 777 rooms opened their doors to the public in October, which is designed to be the biggest sports booking stadium in the world, as well as the city’s first-ever adults-only luxury casino resort. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas also opened on March 25. And on the horizon, Resorts World Las Vegas plans to open this summer, replete with 3,500 rooms, and a budget of 4.3B dollars.
Entertainment and Attractions
Entertainment venues in Las Vegas have been open since October, but capacity restrictions largely limited the extent to which the public can enjoy them. Now, with 50 percent capacity allowed, some shows are going to return, including Cirque du Soleil, which filed for bankruptcy, but now hopes to reopen in the summer at the Bellagio and Mystere at the Treasure Island hotel-casino. The Life is Beautiful festival is also slated to once again open in downtown Las Vegas in September.
Additionally, celebrities like Usher and Donny Osmond have announced residencies in the city – Usher at the Colosseum in July, and Osmond at Harrah’s in August. Elon Musk’s The Boring Co. Vegas Loop is also planned to start operating, first as a fleet of self-driving Teslas which can transport visitors to both ends of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and later to an actual people mover across various Strip venues.
If you’re gunning for the world-famous Vegas shotgun wedding, you can still walk down the aisle of the Graceland wedding chapel, as long as you and your beloved wear face coverings and submit to a temperature check, along with all of your guests. And the High Roller Observation Wheel is back, allowing happy hour bookings for one 30-minute full rotation.
Bars and Restaurants
Looking for the best places to eat in Las Vegas? The Mayfair Supper Club and Catch are back operating at 50 percent capacity, with up to six people per table, and no reservations required. If you’re mindful about health protocols, there are also various restaurants that offer touchless to-go service. In-dining guests must still wear masks when walking to and from their tables.
Bars, wineries, breweries, and taverns are all open, at 50 percent capacity. Pool parties, however, have transitioned into something more low-key, with socially distanced seating, but no cover charges! And there are new hotspots to visit: Din Tai Fung, The Beast Food Hall, and Brera Osteria.
For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet Sin by pastry chef Claude Escamilla is now open at the LINQ Promenade, and you can treat yourself to a giant chocolate fountain with taps for chocolate, white chocolate, and caramel over your ice creams and desserts.
Moving to Las Vegas
If all of these things excite you and you want to be surrounded by this decadence 24/7, buying a property in Las Vegas is the best thing to do. At present, the city’s real estate market can treat you to record-low mortgage rates, so you can find the best places to live in Las Vegas and find the right one for you.
To make the process as hassle-free as possible, though, it is recommended that you work with a trusted real estate agent to give you the lowdown on all the things that you need to know, including the cost of living in Las Vegas, so you can better prepare for life in the city.
Working with an experienced professional will accord you with personalized guidance in sorting through multiple listings, dealing with technical requirements, making your pitch, closing the sale, and moving into your new dream home. Contact us today!
Get in touch today at 702.419.3212 or email us at loralee(dotted)wood(at)cbvegas(dotted)com.
