‘Travel + Leisure’ gives Las Vegas yet another doubtful list ranking

Andy Ward

Even with hospitality being a main revenue generator for the city, Travel + Leisure still ranks Las Vegas as the 12th rudest city in America.

By Erin Ryan

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 | 6:45 p.m.

Our friends at Travel + Leisure have a thing for lists, and Las Vegas is usually on them. You’d think the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority would be thrilled, until you look closer at the highs and lows we’ve cracked. For instance, we rank No. 12 on T + L’s new roundup of America’s Rudest Cities. That’s “friendlier” than last year by four whole slots, but “voters apparently still think that it’s a look-but-don’t-chat sort of town.” Given the importance of hospitality to our very survival, that perspective is questionable. And it’s not our only dubious T + L distinction. The 2011 America’s Favorite Cities survey, which polled visitors and residents about everything from pet-friendliness to style, does get some things right. Vegas ranks high for hotel options, wild weekend, cocktail hour, luxury stores, singles/bar scene, fine dining and people watching. On the eyebrow-raising side, Vegas ranks low for public parks/outdoor access, ethnic food, city pride and offbeat vibe. But the unfair depictions go both ways. In the category of live music/concerts and bands, visitors think we’re No. 3, while residents rank us No. 4., beating New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Austin and LA. Let’s call it a draw.