The glitz, glamour and glittering lights of The Strip may steal the Las Vegas limelight, but institutions like The Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace and the ARIA aren’t the only places to stay. Proof that bigger isn’t always better, staying east of The Strip is a great way to experience fabulous Las Vegas, with a side of local Nevada charm.

Casinos may have made Sin City famous, but they’re not its only talent. East of The Strip is the University of Nevada Las Vegas, which gives the area an upbeat student vibe. The area is also home to several large golf courses, a line-up of Paradise Valley shopping malls and the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

East Las Vegas is serviced by the city monorail, which stops at major attractions and resorts along The Strip. Higher end hotels will often offer free shuttle buses, though cabs can be used to reach The Strip in a matter of minutes. For party goers, the late night 24-7 RTC Deuce bus service is another option.

While today the eastern area of Paradise Valley is defined by hotels and casinos, it was once considered prime Nevada farmland. Its high water table made the soil particularly fertile, which earned the district its ‘Paradise Valley’ nickname.