Today in Las Vegas Magazine

Tips on Vegas

SOME TIPS ON TIPPING

Las Vegas is a tip-driven resort destination. Having a clear picture of how the system works will help you have a more enjoyable time, while remembering that many service employees receive most of their income in the form of tips. Some general guidelines:

Bell Captains, Bellmen and Airline Baggage Handlers:
While it pretty much depends on the size of the baggage load handled for you, it's conventional to tip around $5 if you have several bags, but no less than $1 a bag. Also, remember that they all can perform many other services for you, such as arrangements for shows, travel, car, etc., so slipping the desk $5 ensures that you'll be well accommodated.

Taxi and Limousine Drivers:
Again, much depends on the service and courtesy, but a fair guide is about 15 to 20 percent. When the driver handles your bags, loading or unloading, you might add a dollar a bag or so. On short cab trips, like across The Strip, a few dollars up to $5 is in order, considering the drivers wait in the cab line.

Showroom Maitre d's and Ushers:
In the few showrooms where seating is not reserved but remains at the discretion of the Maitre d', a tip from $5 to $20 helps get you desired seating.

Front Desk Personnel:
Because of their valuable assistance, at check-in and through your stay, the front desk people act as fill-in concierges, bell persons and more. As such, they are well deserving of tips, depending on the chore, all the way from one dollar to ten.

Restaurant and Room Service:
Waiter and waitresses in Las Vegas usually are tipped the same as in any city, 15% or slightly more, depending on how you enjoyed the service.

Cocktail Waitresses and Bartenders:
For paying customers, a dollar a round for two people, $2 for four and a little more for larger rounds. For complimentary drinks, $1 per drink is appreciated.

Dealers and Slot People:
At the tables, players usually tip by placing a small bet from time to time for the dealers, depending on how luck and their service is treating you. Tipping keno runners and slot people usually comes from good service by the runners and change people, plus your run of luck, of course.

Valet Parking and Maids:
A tip of $2 to the car attendant is in order and, as in other countries, leaving the maid a tip is always appreciated, about a dollar or two per day (maids often change daily).

Spa and Pool Attendants:
For spa attendants, $2 per service is appreciated; for pool attendants, $1 per chair/service.

Hotel Courtesy Shuttle Drivers:
This is a no-charge service by the majority of hotels. The drivers strive to be of help to visitors in many ways and a $1 or more tip per person, or $4-$5 per party normally is warranted.

WEDDING CHAPELS

Las Vegas often is called "The Wedding Capital of the World." Upwards of 100,000 marriage licenses are issued here each year. And the license is all that is required, no blood test or waiting period. One simply goes to the Clark County Courthouse at 200 S. 3rd Street downtown, anytime between 8 a.m. and midnight. The fee is only $50.

Then, for the ceremony and celebration, Las Vegas has more than 50 wedding chapels, offering all sorts of services - even limousine transportation from your hotel and back. The chapel fees range according to extras you order such as flowers, recordings, videos, etc.

The following is a mere sampling from among the multitude of chapels available:

A LITTLE WHITE CHAPEL 382-5943
1301 L.V. Blvd. So. A picturesque, well-known chapel. Site of celebrity weddings. National TV publicized drive-up window.

A SPECIAL MEMORY WEDDING CHAPEL 384-2211
800 S. 4th Street. A New England style chapel, with garden gazebo and drive-up wedding window. Full amenities.

CAESARS PALACE NEPTUNE'S VILLA 731-7422
A new level of elegance in wedding chapels, unprecedented beauty, from dramatic entrance to luxurious Roman-styled interior. Countless marriage services available.

CHAPELS AT BELLAGIO 693-7700
Two elegant chapels with timeless European touches, ornate yet tasteful. Expert staff assists in all details. Many extra amenities.

CHAPEL AT MONTE CARLO 730-7575
Elegantly decorated, French Victorian themed, a beautiful setting. Seats up to 90. Extra courteous staff, full-service florist.

CHAPEL OF THE FOUNTAIN 794-3777
Located inside Circus Circus Hotel, a truly unique chapel, quaint, picturesque fountain setting. All service, special packages.

EXCALIBUR WEDDING CHAPEL 597-7260
In the Excalibur Hotel. Each of the two chapels is decorated with cathedral-style vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows. Unique feature is offering of medieval costumes.

FAMED "THE LITTLE CHURCH OF THE WEST" 739-7971
A historic Las Vegas chapel, in a uniquely beautiful landscaped setting, on the Strip just south of Tropicana. Site of long list of celebrity weddings. All services and facilities available.

FLAMINGO HILTON GARDEN CHAPEL 733-3232
A virtual paradise for weddings, overlooking a lagoon, waterfalls, live flamingos. All wedding services offered.

IMPERIAL PALACE WEDDING CHAPEL 731-3311
Let our luxurious chapel enchant you as the setting for your new beginning. Professional coordinators will guide your magnificent journey to memorable nuptials.

MANDALAY BAY'S CHAPELS BY THE BAY 632-7490
Two elegant chapels, both open and airy with a tropical feel. Serene ambience, close attention by staff. Long list of services and packages.

RIO SUITES' TRIO OF CHAPELS 247-7986
In the Rio's new Masquerade Village Tower, three beautiful chapels. All wedding services, special packages and honeymoon suites.

SAHARA WEDDINGS 737-2800
Sahara Weddings is decorated in a classic Italian theme with soft, neutral colors, hand-painted murals, columns and floral arrangements that accent every photograph of the bride and groom with an elegant, sophisticated background.

THE RITZ OF LAS VEGAS 436-5300
A premiere wedding and reception hall, with two spacious rooms, elegant decor and beautiful outdoor gardens.

TREASURE ISLAND, STORY BOOK WEDDING 894-7700
One of the hotel's jewels, available all hours and offering a most complete selection of services and features.

TROPICANA'S WEDDING CHAPEL 798-3778
Surrounded by the resort's luscious landscape and pool. Offering a complete array of services. Open 7 days.