Las Vegas, Nevada

Have you ever found yourself sitting at home, looking through travel brochures but thought that being on dialysis would stop you from turning these dreams into reality? Well, think again. The number one visitor destination among DaVita dialysis patients is Las Vegas, Nevada. What makes “Sin City” so popular? Well, in addition to the nine DaVita centers that can provide quality care to the visiting patient, there are countless things to do, and they don’t all involve betting your hard-earned cash.

Las Vegas, Nevada is famous for its lavish hotel casinos, and the place to see them is on the Strip. Rows upon rows of tables and slot machines greet you as soon as you walk through the elaborately decorated entrance ways of the themed hotels. The MGM Grand even has tigers roaming around, though they’re kept in a large glass case to ensure there are no unwelcome interruptions to your card game.

Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas

Even more impressive than the hundreds of ways to risk your money are the shops. The indoor shopping malls at Caesars Palace and the Bellagio, to name but two, are breathtaking. The shops are expensive, and the attitudes of the staff are rather reminiscent of “The Devil Wears Prada,” but they’re great places to browse and that doesn’t cost anything. Walking from shop to shop in the comfort of air conditioning cannot be underestimated either, especially with summer desert temperatures well into three figures. 

Another Las Vegas treat are the buffets that run all day. Of course, you want to be mindful of your diet, but for around $20, many hotels on the Strip feature buffets that range from seafood specialties to cuisine from around the world. You don’t need to be a guest to enjoy the buffets, and there’s usually enough variety that you’ll be able to find foods that are recommended for your dialysis diet. One word of warning is that the lines for the buffets can be long, so call ahead for a reservation if they are accepted.

The activities

Vegas is even more spectacular from the sky, especially at night. Heli USA will pick you up from your hotel, and treat you to a champagne toast, while other helicopter services, located just off the Strip, can have you up in the sky and back down within the hour. All cost less than $90. 

While there is everything you could possibly wish for in Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon remains a big draw. Helicopter rides are available, again with hotel pick up. Costs are around $300, and flights take at least three hours. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the West Grand Canyon can be driven to from Vegas in less than two hours.

For those seeking a little cultural enlightenment, the Liberace Museum is well worth a visit. Founded in 1979 by the late entertainer Liberace and located on Tropicana Avenue, just off the Strip, the museum features a dazzling array of “Mr. Showmanship’s” former possessions. Rare antiques, extravagant jewellery, unique wardrobe, historical pianos and his collection of custom cars. The museum is closed Mondays; admission is $12.50 maximum on all other days. 

For art of a different kind, The Gallery of Fine Art at the Bellagio routinely features works by the likes of Van Gogh and Monet, charging $15 for the privilege.

If golf is your thing, you can play TPC The Canyons—a course that charges $210 weekdays nine months a year—or $90 from June 1 through Aug. 31. Of course, there’s a reason for that. It’s more than a little tiring in the sweltering summer sun. Nevertheless, if you’re feeling energetic, and wearing lots of sunscreen, it would certainly make for a fun afternoon. Other golf courses are also available, including mini-golf for those who are not quite Tiger Woods.

After all the shopping, eating and activities what better way to unwind than a relaxing gondola ride? The Venetian hotel includes a canal that snakes through its shopping center with traditionally-clad oarsmen who glide you around while you sit back and enjoy the ride.

The shows

The city has an enviable nightlife, and for good reason. Performers such as Celine Dion, Elton John and David Copperfield frequently entertain in Vegas but tickets are expensive and can often be sold out. Not to worry, there are countless other shows that run year-round that are usually cheaper and easier to get tickets for. Jubillee at Bally’s is a traditional Vegas-style show while Louie Anderson entertains crowds with his comedy routine at Excalibur. Both are available for around $60. Mystere at Treasure Island is another show worthy of mention. Performed in a state-of-the-art theatre and featuring a cast of 72—from dancers and clowns to champion-caliber acrobats—the production is not to be missed, though it’s not cheap with tickets starting at $151.              

Plan ahead for dialysis and no worries

Under most circumstances, visitor DaVita and non-DaVita patients are all welcome to dialyze at the nine DaVita centers in Las Vegas. It is recommended to let your social worker know about your plans to travel as he or she can provide information and assist in making dialysis arrangements for your trip. In-center hemodialysis patients should make arrangements at a Las Vegas dialysis center at least two weeks in advance of their visit. Planning ahead improves chances that there will be availability at the DaVita center that is most convenient for you. Also be sure to bring all relevant medical documents with you. Call 1-800-244-0680 and DaVita will help with your dialysis plans. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are advised to call a Las Vegas-based PD center ahead of time to guard against running out of supplies or to have a back up if your supplies are lost. 

Las Vegas is a truly unique place, and certainly lives up to its billing of “Disneyland for grown-ups.”   Where else in the world can you go from enjoying views atop the Eiffel Tower, to taking a gondola around Venetian canals, to flying over the Grand Canyon all in the same day? If this sounds fun to you, join so many other dialysis patients and plan a trip to Las Vegas.

Get a list of Las Vegas centers on DialysisFinder.com »

This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a physician. Please check with a physician if you need a diagnosis and/or for treatments as well as information regarding your specific condition. If you are experiencing urgent medical conditions, call 9-1-1.