Driving into 'town' gives you an initial impression of something which is everything from garish to fascinating. Whilst the bright lights attracted record numbers of visitors through the 00s, the economic downturn affected even destinations as unique as Vegas. That hasn't though stopped the expansion.

There are 148,000 rooms in Vegas and 16,000 were built in the last 3 years. From 2008 the city was hit hard by the downturn with rates about a third of the previous highs - you can now get a room at say the Tropicana from about $50 a night whilst the Wynn rates are now down to $150/200 with suites at $900 plus.

Virgin owner Sir Richard Branson has just written of how this is the perfect time to start a new business because prices & costs for everything are low and this is true for holidaying in Las Vegas. I was told by many that things this year are picking up somewhat.

We stayed at the very luxurious Wynn Encore for the first night of my visit. Built two years ago for $2.8 billion, with it's adjoining sister hotel the Wynn, 12,500 people are employed in the two hotels! I got typical great (and I stress the word 'great') American service at the desk on arrival.

My room was truly sumptuous and looked right down the Strip - I woke up next morning to press a button to open the blinds, unfolding this amazing view. There was much more to admire and consider

No expense was spared in the hotel's decor - a variety of tastes but always interesting! Planted fresh flowers abound and the hotel is carefully split between the gigantic gambling areas and everything else, facilities which are those of a hotel which is truly one of the elite in the World, and not one for those on a budget.

For example we were escorted around the Spa areas which were the ultimate in peace and tranquility - and cost $300 plus per hour. Nothing compared with the front lounge seats for 6-8 people in the night club where on a popular night you have to spend at least $10,000 on drinks! A Methuselah of Crag costs $55,000.

Staying in the Wynn Encore is like being cocooned in timeless luxury set apart from the outside world and no doubt a good inducement to gamble! I played black jack quite profitably, appreciating the very helpful croupiers.

Waking that first morning in 'Vegas I had really little idea of how good the golf was to be and how warm the welcome was at everywhere we were to go - that's all to come in Part II of this story ...

Other links to visit :

El Segundo Sol

Editors Notes:

This is the first week of four where our Features Section will concentrate on late Summer and Autumn Holidays (or opportunities for 2012) for you to peruse. We have reported from all across the Globe , 'golfed' as far away as New Zealand and Argentina, but Las Vegas was one of our most special trips

Each Friday we will lead with a new feature on this incredible place - and wonderful golf across the state of Nevada, as well as so much more to see and do.

Think The Grand Canyon, sunshine and shopping, as well as links for all pockets and this is the right time to go with lots of discounts and specials available...