Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk: Hello From Las Vegas!Newkirk’s Notes is now part of our is now part of our AccessVegas.com Premium Insiders Advantage. Click the link to learn all about how you can get our super-exclusive “no coupon needed” list of Las Vegas casino food and drink specials, professional answers to your Vegas questions, and the inside scoop on Las Vegas from me and my staff.
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Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Puneet Adobe
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ALL tours listed on our AccessVegas.com tour page (link above) have been hand-selected. We only work with the top, most professional companies and operators who vow to give our readers a great experience! We can not recommend nor vouch for tours not listed on here in the newsletter or on our tour page. Questions? Our tour page lists phone contacts where tour experts are available for live help!
Celebrity Chef Kerry Simon’s most recent restaurant endeavor, Carson Kitchen, has introduced a new rooftop dining and bar experience at 124 South 6th St. in Downtown Las Vegas.
The 910-square-foot, garden-style rooftop patio expands upon the vibrant vibe of the main dining room below, inviting guests to socialize and celebrate with skyline views of Las Vegas’ burgeoning downtown area. The patio offers seating for up to 30 guests at fully-waited tables along with an additional 10 seats at the expansive granite bar. Carson Kitchen’s full food menu is available for purchase on the patio to accompany an array of signature cocktails, small-batch American beers and globally-inspired wines.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino invites guests to abandon their day jobs and get their feet (or in this case, hands) wet as a guest Aquarist with three new experiential programs. Aptly titled Animal Encounters, the program takes participants behind-the-scenes to assist in feeding the Aquarium’s most-admired residents including stingrays, green sea turtles and zebra sharks. á
The Batman Laser Challenge at The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas invites guests to test their inner Super Hero with a fun, physical and mental workout. Using speed and strategy to beat the clock, would-be crime fighters can choose between two experiences, each brought to life with radiating wall-to-wall lasers, fog and themed audio tracks to guide or hinder the racer as they attempt to complete the mission. The five-acre theme park has teamed up with SimEx-Iwerks which, in partnership with Warner Bros. and DC Comics, has created this first-ever Batman themed laser maze.
Tourists and locals alike will continue to have Tuesday nights to look forward to at The LINQ BLOQ Party. Every Tuesday locals with a Nevada ID receive 30% off High Roller tickets, plus a complimentary drink at the Sky Lounge. Everyone is invited to the best locals party on the Strip to celebrate, taste, shop, wander, explore and take advantage of great deals at many of the popular venues located at The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s open-air shopping, dining and entertainment promenade.
There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.
Popeye By Renowned Artist Jeff Koons – Wynn Las Vegas welcomes Popeye by acclaimed American artist Jeff Koons, as part of the resort’s continued appreciation and commitment to public art. At 6 feet 5 inches tall and more than 2,000-pounds, the mirror-polished stainless steel Popeye stands proudly in the Wynn Esplanade. Viewing is free to the public and the display is indefinite.
Red Rock Serenade August 2014 On PBS – Take a cinematic journey through the breathtaking scenery of the American West’s red rock country. From Zion to Canyonlands, Capitol Reef to Grand Canyon National Parks, take a cinematic journey through the American West’s breathtaking red rock country. Video is an excerpt of a PBS special airing this month.
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August 20, 2014 ISSN: 1529-2770 About UsPrivacy Policy
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There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.
David Copperfield August 1-Sept 8 Click for Tickets
Big Knockout Boxing August 16 Click for Tickets
Brad Paisley August 27 Click for Tickets
Dr. Mehmet Oz September 6 Click for Tickets
Neil Sedaka September 6-7 Click for Tickets
REO Speedwagon September 19-20 Click for Tickets
David Copperfield Sept 23ûOct 20 Click for Tickets
Paula Poundstone September 26-27 Click for Tickets
America’s Got Talent Live September 26-27 Click for Tickets
David Copperfield October 28-31 Click for Tickets
Disney Live MickeyÆs Music Festival October 3-5 Click for Tickets
Shania Twain Oct 8-25 Click for Tickets
Jimmy Buffett And The Coral Reefer Band October 18 Click for Tickets
Laura Pausini October 19 Click for Tickets
NBA Preseason: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings October 24 Click for Tickets
Jimmy Buffett And The Coral Reefer Band October 25 Click for Tickets
David Copperfield November 1-13 Click for Tickets
Bill O Reilly and Dennis Miller November 7 Click for Tickets
David Copperfield November 21-Dec 3 Click for Tickets
Pierce The Veil & Sleeping With Sirens December 6 Click for Tickets
Shania Twain December 6-13 Click for Tickets
Alabama December 11-12 Click for Tickets
Jeff Foxworthy & Larry The Cable Guy December 12-13 Click for Tickets
David Copperfield December 15-31 Click for Tickets
Unforgettable Moments Of Love On Ice December 20 Click for Tickets
Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:
If this looks like fun, you need to add this adventure to your Las Vegas itinerary! Just north of Las Vegas, the stunning Valley Of Fire sits ready to enjoy. Starting around $220 per person (about what you’d lose gambling and spend on shopping, beer, and lunch for the day anyway), you and up to 6 friends will be picked up at your hotel, taken to the Valley Of Fire, get 3.5 hours of dune buggy time over this awesome desert terrain, and lunch and bottled water are included. Then, transport back to your hotel where you can shower up for your night on the town. For more details, click over to our Valley Of Fire Buggy Tour
ALL tours listed on our AccessVegas.com tour page (link above) have been hand-selected. We only work with the top, most professional companies and operators who vow to give our readers a great experience! We can not recommend nor vouch for tours not listed on here in the newsletter or on our tour page. Questions? Our tour page lists phone contacts where tour experts are available for live help!
Great Casino Restaurants – New Tropicana Las Vegas
Las Vegas Shows, Concerts, And Headliners
Former Three-Divison Boxing Champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley Attends ABSINTHE – Former Lightweight, Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight boxing champion, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, was spotted attending ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace on Friday, Aug. 1. Following the performance, Mosley met with ABSINTHE’s outlandish producer, The Gazillionaire, and his raucous assistant Penny Pibbets to share words of enthusiasm for the show and pose for photos. Photo Credit: Ben Lewis/Spiegelworld
The Strip-side party spot will celebrate with a 10 percent discount off all cocktails made with Sammy Hagar’s signature Beach Bar Rum exclusively for the holiday.
The discounted libations will include some of Cabo Wabo’s most popular specialty drinks, such as Sammy’s Toasted Colada, made with Sammy’s Beach Beach Bar Rum, Coco Lopez, pineapple juice and garnished with freshly toasted coconut; or Maui Rocker, a mix of Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, Orange Curacao, pineapple juice, grenadine, and fresh sweet-and-sour.
Riviera Hotel & Casino Introduces Food And Drink Specials At R Steak & Seafood Restaurant – The famed Riviera Hotel & Casino is proud to announce mouth-watering new summer food and drink specials at the renowned R Steak & Seafood Restaurant. An intimate dinner setting for any occasion, R Steak & Seafood Restaurant is open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Complete Dinner and $5 drink specials available at renowned restaurant.
db Brasserie Launches Daily Happy Hour, Special Prix Fixe Menus At Venetian – Famed chef Daniel Boulud’s buzzed about brasserie at The Venetian Las Vegas brings French classics, international flavors and Boulud signatures to the Vegas Strip
Chef Daniel Boulud’s db Brasserie opened to fanfare from diners and critics alike and has quickly grown to be one of the most notable restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip. The Venetian Las Vegas-based restaurant, which features a selection of classic French brasserie dishes, along with international flavors all with Boulud’s signature French-American flair, now boasts a daily Happy Hour menu, a 30 Minute Express Lunch, as well prix fixe menus that allow guests to experience a classic db Brasserie dining experience from du dÚbut Ó la fin.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino Las Vegas August 2014 Promotions, Deal, And Events – Ongoing Food and Beverage Promotions: For $5, guests can enjoy a half-pound Jackie Burger, chips and a 12-ounce domestic draft beer inside CafÚ Cortez. The special is available 24 hours; Every Thursday, guests can raise a glass and enjoy $5 French champagne inside The Parlour; El Cortez serves a special nightly dining menu exclusively available at The Parlour from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m; CafÚ Cortez inside El Cortez Hotel and Casino now offers a daily take-out menu available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The take-out menu features a variety of cuisine.
Las Vegas Strip At Night – City of Lights – 2013 – HD sunset ride down The Strip! If you are missing Las Vegas, this will bring that vibe back to you. Author’s Notes: This place is unreal, it’s a fantasy land for adults full of shinny lights, games and attractions to keep you going and going. music by Artist: Keyn project Title: Artcore
Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar – Check out the hot new Mexican bar and grill, located in The Linq. Great innovative home-made menu. (Hint: Great outdoor and balcony seating for seeing the mall and people watching)
Where To Climb And Bike Around Vegas – Is the Las Vegas Strip all you know? Some of the most amazing scenery in the Southwest U.S. like Red Rock Canyon, Valley Of Fire, and The Grand Canyon are just outside our back door and can be seen in 1/2 of a day. Get over to http://www.AccessVegas.com/Tours and find out what amazing experiences you can make part of your vacation!
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $52/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Caesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!The Quad – Best Rate Guarantee – Rates low as $30 a night, Center Strip right at LINQ!
There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.
August 2014
Carrot Top July 30-August 4 Click for Tickets
Josh Abbott Band & The Railers July 31 Click for Tickets
The Budos Band August 1 Click for Tickets
Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone August 1-3 Click for Tickets
David Copperfield August 1-Sept 8 Click for Tickets
Kix Brooks August 2 Click for Tickets
Deer Tick August 5 Click for Tickets
Kumukahi Ukelele & Hula Festival August 8-9 Click for Tickets
Los Tucanes de Tijuana August 9 Click for Tickets
Foxygen August 12 Click for Tickets
Lake Street Drive August 13 Click for Tickets
Carrot Top August 13-18 Click for Tickets
BoDeans August 22 Click for Tickets
Rickey Smiley August 22-23 Click for Tickets
Blackberry Smoke August 29 Click for Tickets
Bill Medley with McKenna Medley August 29-31 Click for Tickets
Charlie Wilson August 30 Click for Tickets
Bachman & Turner August 30 Click for Tickets
King of the Cage August 30 Click for Tickets
September 2014
Atmosphere September 3 Click for Tickets
Susie Essman September 5-6 Click for Tickets
Dr. Mehmet Oz September 6 Click for Tickets
Neil Sedaka September 6-7 Click for Tickets
Bob Saget September 13 Click for Tickets
Mr. Olympia Fitness & Performance September 19 Click for Tickets
REO Speedwagon September 19-20 Click for Tickets
David Copperfield Sept 23û30 Click for Tickets
Paula Poundstone September 26-27 Click for Tickets
October 2014
Disney Live MickeyÆs Music Festival October 3-5 Click for Tickets
Jimmy Buffett And The Coral Reefer Band October 18 Click for Tickets
Laura Pausini October 19 Click for Tickets
NBA Preseason: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings October 24 Click for Tickets
Jimmy Buffett And The Coral Reefer Band October 25 Click for Tickets
November – December 2014
Kiss November 5-23 Click for Tickets
Judas Priest & Steel Panther November 14 Click for Tickets
Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:
ALL tours listed on our AccessVegas.com tour page (link above) have been hand-selected. We only work with the top, most professional companies and operators who vow to give our readers a great experience! Because of this, we can not recommend nor vouch for tours not listed on here in the newsletter or on our tour page. Questions? Our tour page lists phone contacts where tour experts are available for live help!
Great Casino Destinations
Gaming expert Victor H. Royer is back with more tips on winning at the casino!
Las Vegas Shows, Concerts, And Headliners
Vanna White Attends MAMMA MIA! At The New Tropicana Las Vegas – Wheel of Fortune” hostess Vanna White attended the smash-hit musical MAMMA MIA! at The New Tropicana Las Vegas. Vanna went backstage to meet the cast and was greeted with a fun surprise by the company-they had created “Wheel of Fortune”-type letters spelled out as M-A-M-M-A-M-I-A (pictured in attached photo). Vanna and the cast had a fun time posing with the letters as she expressed her excitement for their performance.
PS Yes, we know that Mamma Mia! is unfortunately closing on August 3. You only have a couple more days left to check it out!
KISS Rocks Las Vegas November 5 – 23, 2014 – Rock æn’ roll legends KISS celebrate 40 years as music icons with their first-ever residency, KISS Rocks Vegas, at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas starting Wednesday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 23. Show time is 8 p.m.
ôWhat happens in Vegas will not stay in Vegas, not if we have anything to do with it. We intend to blow the roof off the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,ö said Gene Simmons, founding member of KISS.
Shania Twain Announces Final Shows Of “Shania: Still The One” At The Colosseum At Caesars Palace – Not many performers have impacted Las Vegas quite like Shania Twain, including a ride down the famed Las Vegas Strip with a stampede of horses to bringing her legendary country-glamour to fans around the world, but today Shania announced the end of her two-year residency SHANIA: STILL THE ONE at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with the final show set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014.
Shania will have performed close to 110 shows during the course of her two years at The Colosseum which began on Dec. 1, 2012. Shania was also recently named ôBest Resident Performerö in the Las Vegas WeeklyÆs annual ôBest of Vegas 2014? issue.
Siegfried And Roy Introduce Three White Lion Cubs To Their New Home At The Mirage – Three new white lion cubs, the latest additions to the Siegfried & Roy animal family, appeared for the first time in public on July 18, 2014 at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage.
The cubs – Freedom, Timba-Masai, and Madiba – are brothers and were born just over 12 weeks ago in Johannesburg, South Africa. They join more than 30 other endangered and majestic animals at the Secret Garden at The Mirage.
Showgoers Can Now Dine Like A Boss With The New Pre-Theater Menu At Buddy V’s Ristorante – Showgoers can now rejoice in a hearty Italian meal sure to keep their stomachs from growling all the way through curtain call with the new Pre-Theater nightly menu at Buddy V’s Ristorante inside Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian|Palazzo. The Pre Theater menu is available nightly from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. for $38 per person (not including tax and gratuity) and includes:
Out With The Old, In With The Classics: The All-New Lobby Bar Is Now Open At Caesars Palace – The newest addition to the Caesars Palace bar and lounge scene, Lobby Bar is a premiere cocktail destination. The former Galleria Bar, Lobby Bar features expansive lounge seating, enwrapping the front-desk reception area to the Palace Court Baccarat tables, and a highly curated beverage menu with classic concoctions and exclusive creations.
The extensive cocktail menu designed by The Modern Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim, offers an eclectic selection of classic libations and contemporary specialties. Bringing with him more than 20 years of experience, Tony collaborated on the menu development as well as assisted with training bar staff, stressing both quality ingredients and proper technique. Developing eight specialty drinks on the menu, Tony was able to showcase his immaculate talent for mixology with the Just for Mary cocktail.
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – Monsoon season is upon us and we saw some pretty intense rain a few days ago, with flooding that nearly wiped out one of the villages up on Mt. Charleston. Now, I know the roof on my back patio leaks in a terrible deluge! (Knock on wood, the roof of my house is fine). Highs are right around statistical average (104 F / 40c), but the humidity is up. If you are coming the next few days, expect it to be a little more sticky. We do have a “cold snap” this weekend with Sunday only projected to be 89 F (32c) and thundery! But, that is the exception for the next couple of weeks.
No, You Are Not Imagining It – Room rates for Las Vegas are creeping up. In June, The Strip average was $123 and downtown was $72. And yes, I was myself surprised at that average for downtown myself. Did you know when the SLS (former Sahara) comes online toward the end of August, Las Vegas will top 150,000 rooms? What is more impressive is that weekend occupancy is nearly 95%. A little math means weekends have around 142,000 full rooms, which means around 300,000+ people in town!
Weekdays tend to have around 10,000 fewer occupied rooms. So, for those of you who want to avoid the weekend party crowd from California and have more elbow room and save a few bucks, hit us up here on the weeknights. Use your weekend at home to recover and get back into the swing of things!
Another tip which I like to remind everyone of from time-to-time is to avoid the three day weekends. Yes, at first it seems like a great situation because you use one less vacation day. But between the much higher room prices and extreme crowds, you are much better off visiting either the weekend before or after a major holiday weekend if you are sandwiching a weekend into a longer stay. The week before and after a major holiday are less crowded and less expensive here, completely making up for the extra vacation day you end up using!
McCarran Medical Clinic and Pharmacy – If you have the very unfortunate need of medical care or medicine while at the Las Vegas airport, a new a full-service pharmacy with licensed medical providers on staff has opened. Unfortunately, pharmacy and medical provider hours are only 9 AM to 6 PM, although the store is open until 9 PM selling TSA-approved sundries.
The Flame Goes Out – The much-loved steakhouse at the El Cortez is getting a makeover into a 24 hour restaurant, which will be called Siegel’s 1941. The name reflects the part- ownership in the property that Bugsy Siegel had in the 1940’s. On one hand, I’m sorry to see the change. I’d take dates there in the 1990’s because it was a great steakhouse (named Roberta’s at the time) while still very affordable as far as steakhouses go. Same with the old Center Stage at The Plaza. On the other hand, after years of Las Vegas cutting the hours of operation of their coffee shops (or getting rid of them altogether), it is nice to see a property bucking the trend.
Vegas Myths And Misconceptions – In this business, I do a ton of homework. I read various blogs and Las Vegas forums on big travel websites for trip reports, watch tons of Vegas YouTube videos, and more. I am constantly astounded by the myths and misinformation about Las Vegas that continues to be spread! I call it “the blind leading the blind”.
Some of it is honest mistakes, I get it. People get home and remember something wrong (like suggesting that MGM Resorts owns Cosmo or Caesars, which does matter if you are using players cards). Some of it is crazy stuff from the past, like the myth that hotels pump oxygen into the casino (a myth that won’t seem to die), and some of it are misconceptions that people have who have never visited. (They don’t drink or gamble, so they would not enjoy Vegas).
So, we wanted to ask you: What are some of the “sure fire” tips you heard which turned out to be bogus (perhaps they were valid in 1993 when I moved here)? What are the worst or most crazy notions people you know think about Las Vegas when you tell them you enjoy visiting here? What about Las Vegas is out there that people are noting and repeating that simply isn’t true? Are you the “black sheep” in your office or organization because you enjoy spending time in our city? Send them to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com and we’ll share as many of them as possible!
P.S. Pumping oxygen into a casino would not only be prohibitively expensive, but create a higher probability of any fire getting out of hand. The reason you feel all jacked up when you are here because all the noise/music/excitement has your adrenalin going and also because you are walking a couple miles per day, which has your blood moving. In fact, if you are thinking about taking on an exercise program that involves walking or jogging, start it a couple of days after you get home from here! You’re body will already be conditioned to get moving.
Rio Voodoo ZipLine – Is open from noon to midnight, and costs $24.95 (Both price and hours have been reduced from when they opened a few weeks ago). We’ll have a report on it soon!
Fremont Street Experience Downtown Las Vegas New Liquor Restrictions – A couple of weeks ago, we noted that when on the Fremont Street Experience downtown, you must now 1. Only buy liquor for mall consumption from a casino and 2. It must be in a plastic cup when you are outdoors.
Now, the restrictions have tightened still. If/when you buy any booze from one of the convenience stores on the mall, they must put it in a bag, and close the bag with the receipt visible. If you walkáout of the store, stop on the mall, and pull the liquor out of the bag to pour it in a plastic cup, you are in violation of the law. The only place you can consume the convenience store liquor is in your hotel room (or back at your house if you are a local, although we locals can obviously buy their liquor at the local grocery store).
What is the bottom line? You MUST buy your liquor at the casinos on Fremont Street if you choose to drink it on the mall. You MUST put it in a plastic cup. (IE, you can’t walk a bottle or can of beer from casino to casino). You can NOT purchase liquor at a convenience store and pour it in a plastic cup for consumption. Except and unless you take the liquor to your room and consume it there or pour it in a plastic up up there. By the way, pouring it into a plastic cup in your room and bringing it back to the mall is also technically a violation. But obviously, not prosecutable.
None of this applies to The Strip. Speaking of The Strip…
99 Cent Shrimp Cocktail Returns – Back in the “good old days” of Las Vegas, the Golden Gate had a 99 cent shrimp cocktail. That went bye-bye with their remodel which removed their famed deli. (Which we still dearly miss). Fortunately, the Haute Doggery in Linq has returned the tradition, and you don’t even have to go downtown! For the rest of the summer, they are offering 99 cent shrimp cocktails (a practice that we hope will be continued longer).
Farewell For Now – August 2014 starts a new era with this newsletter. We’ll continue to offer a free version of it, but without Newkirk’s Notes and Members Mania with all of the insider tips that help you have a great vacation and save you time and money. The free version will continue to have the news and story links, but will contain more advertising over time to help cover costs.
Note to family, close friends, business associates, media (print/blog/podcast): Yes, we will comp you a subscription. Hit the reply button and let us know.
I’ll be over there every issue with the premium subscribers with more tips and advice than ever, more ways to save money, guaranteed answers to questions, and our new Vegas Super Secret Specials Spreadsheet (list) with will easily help premium members save more than the cost of the membership!
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Puneet Adobe
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
Rock Of Ages At The Venetian – Watch show star, Mark Shunock, get into character and talk about his role in this good-time, party concert revival of the 80’s!
“Las Vegas Playground USA” 1964 Tourism Movie – Fantastic color shots of Vegas in its swinging heyday! See the old McCarran airport, casinos like the Stardust and Thunderbird, fun in the sun at the pools, recreation on Lake Mead, golf, horseback riding in the surrounding mountains (you can still do this, see the tour link below), and finish with a vintage look at old Fremont Street and Strip shows.
I know you have had many comments and questions regarding the ôlong haulingö that taxi drivers do in Vegas.
I no longer allow myself to be long hauled as I give specific instruction on how I want to be taken to the hotel and ask the cab driver before I get in it if he is going to argue with the way I tell them how to get there.
I have, however, had them charging extra at the end of the ride like $3.75 or something like that saying that it is some sort of fee that does not show up on the meter. Not every cab driver does this so I have become suspicious of whether or not this is a legitimate charge. My guess is that it is not. I have always been a generous tipper so IÆm not sure of the need to always get ripped off my the drivers.
I have now heard of a new scam going on regarding hotel lines for cabs. The employees are offering for $20 to let you cut to the front of the line and they are pocketing the money and allowing you to cut in front of people who have been waiting their turn.
All of this overcharging and scamming people is becoming a real turn off. I understand people make a living from their tips, but cheating people is not the way to obtain more money. I hope they remember what goes around comes around.
Have you heard of any of this? Thanks.
Rose
Ted Responds:
Note: Rose is a paid subscriber, and one of the benefits of being a paid subscriber is that we guarantee to answer your Las Vegas questions (within reason). We live here. We either know, know who to call, what to check with, or can actually walk our our front door and find out. (I live about 5 minutes from The Strip and Rick lives within walking distance).
If you still have not signed up, we’ll let you in at the introductory price for just a few more days. Then, the offer is gone until September when you have to pay full price to get in:
* There is a $3.30 charge on the meter at activation. You are essentially paying $3.30 to start your trip. Unless you are starting from the airport, which adds another $2.00 surcharge. Hence, when you first step into a cab at the airport, you have already shelled out the approximate price of an airport shuttle!
Shuttles have their pros and cons. You know the price, but depending on how many hotels they have to drop off, you could be in for a 45 or even 60 minute ride.
* The ONLY fee they are allowed to add at the end of a trip (above what is on the meter) is a credit card fee. Note: Not all Las Vegas cabs take credit cards yet. Hence, if you were hit with the fee and using your credit card, now you know what it was (although the driver should have been very specific about it).
* If the driver otherwise demands money above what is on the meter, he is lying. At that point, I would get your bags, only pay what is on the meter, and not tip him. Yes, you can report him, but it will be your word against his and he will claim you misunderstood him.
* The taxi authority has recently put out a very, very helpful pamphlet which you can print off here
It has approximate fares to many hotels, the best routes, a place to write down info if you feel that you were wronged, and both the phone number and website where you can file a complaint!
While unfortunate, I would not trust much of anything a cabbie says. I’ve been long-hauled, told incorrect information, you name it. (I just act like a tourist so I can see how they treat real visitors). They act all chummy and helpful in a quest for a bigger tip, not because they know what they are talking about.
* If you are going to pay an unscrupulous taxi loader to skip the line, first ask how much a limo to your destination is. They will probably get a kickback, which means that you can give them a couple of bucks, spend the $20 you were going to give them on the limo, you’ll find that may be about the same fare as taxi vs. limo. Past that, hotels that find their taxi loaders are doing this are not pleased. Those guys are already making a nice living just by getting a tip every time they open a cab door for guests!
Hope this helps!
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $52/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Caesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!The Quad – Best Rate Guarantee – Rates low as $30 a night, Center Strip right at LINQ!
Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA Treatments
Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little moreàon us.
This tour is the absolute ultimate trifecta: On one afternoon, you will see the stunning Valley Of Fire, the Grand Canyon, and then return to Las Vegas for a captivating flight over the Las Vegas Strip. If you’ve ever wanted to see these great wonders during your Las Vegas stay but were worried it would take half of your vacation, fear not: This tour is for you!áGrand Canyon Sunset Dream Helicopter Tour From Las Vegas
ALL tours listed on our AccessVegas.com tour page (link above) have been hand-selected. We only work with the top, most professional companies and operators who vow to give our readers a great experience! Because of this, we can not recommend nor vouch for tours not listed on here in the newsletter or on our tour page. Questions? Our tour page lists phone contacts where tour experts are available for live help!
Great Casino Deals – Win Cards – Episode 2
This is Episode 2 of our new series of Great Casino Deals with gambling expert Victor H. Royer. In this series we continue to profile some of the great casino deals from Casinos in Las Vegas, including a great gaming promotions from The Tropicana. Get these great cards next time you are in Las Vegas to help you win more at the table games! For more great casino deals, visit: www.MoreCasinoDeals.com
Transformation Of Delano Las Vegas Underway – Luxury All-Suite Hotel Races Toward September 2014 Opening – Delano Las Vegas, the luxury all-suite hotel that will debut at Mandalay Bay in September has completed the installation of its first exterior DELANO sign high atop the Las Vegas Strip.
Although the installation of the DELANO sign is one of the first major visible milestones in the transformation, it is only a small part of everything happening on the ground and behind the scenes in preparation for opening September 1, 2014.
Public spaces are taking shape as construction walls have come down to reveal glimpses of what’s ahead…
PBR Rock Bar To Celebrate National Tequila Day With Margarita Special – PBR Rock Bar & Grill will raise a frosty, salt-rimmed glass to honor National Tequila Day with an all-day margarita special on Thursday, July 24. Located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino the Strip-side bar and eatery will serve up its signature margaritas for just $5 per drink.
Patrons can pair their margaritas with PBR’s Mexican-inspired dishes, such as the Smokin’ Chicken Quesadilla, a crispy flour tortilla filled with pulled chicken, pepper jack cheese, grilled onions and jalape±os, topped with sour cream and Pico de Gallo; or Traditional Fajitas, served in beef, chicken, barbecue pork, shrimp, brisket or vegetarian varieties.
Cabo Wabo Cantina To Celebrate National Tequila Day With Caliente Specials All Week Long – “M┴S TEQUILA!” will be heard within the walls of Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to celebrate National Tequila Day with a week of half-priced tequila shots and margarita specials from Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24.
All week long, tequila lovers will enjoy half-priced select tequila shots including: Cabo Wabo, Milagro, Corralejo, Casa Noble, Tres Generaciones and Herradura. The hottest Strip-side cantina will also serve up a variety of margarita flavors including mango picante, margarita verde, strawberita, Cabo Wabo sangarita and cocorita, starting at $10.
Giada At The Cromwell Debuts Highly-Anticipated Lunch Menu – Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef and New York Times best-selling author Giada De Laurentiis’ first-ever restaurant, GIADA, has received rave reviews since first opening in June, and now the popular restaurant is proud to introduce lunch beginning on July 16, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
De Laurentiis broke the news to her more than 1 million Twitter followers, offering a sneak peek at what lunch at GIADA will look like…
Tommy Bahama In Town Square Las Vegas Shakes-up New Summer Drinks – It’s officially summer, which means extended daylight, warm afternoons and some leeway to relax and take-it-easy. Tommy Bahama helps in the pursuit to celebrate the season with three unique and refreshing cocktails to enjoy all summer long. These drinks feature the brightest flavors of the season, ranging from blueberries to white peaches to titillate taste buds. Read the entire article for the recipe to a perfect White Peach Bellini.
Trevi Las Vegas To Celebrate National Lasagna Day With Lasagna Lovers Specials – Trevi Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will celebrate National Lasagna Day with its delicious deep-dish lasagna pizza and authentic lasagna entrÚe, each specially-priced for the holiday exclusively on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.
Linq’s High Roller Observation Wheel First 100 Days Highlights – During its first 100 days in operation, the High Roller has set records, reached milestones and attracted riders from all walks of life. Key highlights since its opening include:
45th Annual World Series Of Poker At Rio Becomes Biggest Ever – Establishing Several Key Records – In another remarkable testament to the health and strength of the game of poker globally, the 45th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas established a host of new records as poker enthusiasts from 107 different nations traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the game’s grandest spectacle. The WSOP remained the industry standard-bearer, with a record-setting 82,360 entries in 65 events and awarding the largest prize pool in WSOP history: $225,584,873.
High Roller Ride-Through – World’s Tallest Observation Wheel – Ride-through Look at the “High Roller” – World’s Tallest Observation Wheel at The LinQ.
Las Vegas (Spring 2014) Fremont Street Experience – Take a walk through downtown Las Vegas’ famous Fremont Street. This video was recorded on Saturday April 12, 2014.The downtown area of Las Vegas is about a mile north of the Strip. It is the birthplace of legal gambling …and Las Vegas itself.
“Come Fly With Me” Performed By Michael Monge – Catch him performing in Encore’s Eastside Lounge Wednesday through Monday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Drawing inspiration from the musical icons that put the Las Vegas Strip on the map, Michael Monge’s vocals embody the charisma of the timeless lounge performer that made Las Vegas entertainment one of a kind. Monge takes audiences on a ride through decades of music. Here he is singing Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me.”
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA TreatmentsSave up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las VegasCaesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages
ALL tours listed on our AccessVegas.com tour page (link above) have been hand-selected. We only work with the top, most professional companies and operators who vow to give our readers a great experience! Because of this, we can not recommend nor vouch for tours not listed on here in the newsletter or on our tour page. Questions? Our tour page lists phone contacts where tour experts are available for live help!
Great Casino Deals – Win Cards – Episode 1
This is Episode 1 of our new series of Great Casino Deals with gambling expert Victor H. Royer. In this series we will profile some of the great casino deals from Casinos in Las Vegas, including the new Win Cards from The Tropicana. Get these great cards next time you are in Las Vegas to help you win more at the table games! For more great casino deals, visit: www.MoreCasinoDeals.com
July 2014 Events And Specials
Trevi Las Vegas Makes Summer A Dream With July 2014 Specials On Pizza And Ice Cream – Trevi Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will celebrate summer by offering brick oven-fired pizzas for $10 each throughout July along with introducing $5 house-made waffle sundaes to honor National Ice Cream Month.
To celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month, TREVI has introduced a gelato sundae served in a house-made waffle bowl, priced at $5 each. The sweet treat consists of a choice of gelato flavor, drizzled with a chocolate or caramel sauce, whipped cream and topped with sprinkles and a cherry.
Crush Las Vegas Introduces New Summer Cocktails And Beers To Complement The Season – CRUSH eat, drink, love at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino has introduced new summer cocktails and draught beers to the menu, providing refreshing relief from the hot weather. The new seasonal cocktails include:
ò Summer Love made with Bombay Sapphire gin, Pavan Liqueur, strawberry liqueur, fresh lemon juice and prosecco priced at $14;
CRUSH, eat, drink, love, is a 7,000-square-foot restaurant serving a cosmopolitan share-plate style menu with large and small plate dishes prepared by Executive Chef Billy DeMarco. Located inside MGM Grand, CRUSH is open daily for dinner, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Park On Fremont Restaurant Downtown Introduces Seasonal New Menu Items – Park on Fremont welcomes the warmer weather with tasty new menu selections, adding refreshing salads, a new summer smash cocktail and deep fried sensations to the bar and restaurant’s offerings, available now.
Those looking for a taste of South of the Border flavors will enjoy the fish tacos, made with tempura fried Mahi fish topped with coleslaw and chipotle dressing, priced at $9; as well as the Park Paloma, a new summer cocktail made with Cazadores tequila, Pavan liqueur, fresh lime, simple syrup and a splash of grapefruit juice, priced at $8.
New Mixologist To Mix Up Las Vegas Rhumbar’s Cocktail Menu With Exciting Elixirs – RHUMBAR, located at the The Mirage Hotel & Casino, welcomes Lillian Hargrove to its team as lead bartender and award-winning mixologist.
Recently named Campari’s “Best Aperitivo” Las Vegas Champion, Hargrove brings years of mixology experience to RHUMBAR’s cocktail lounge. Through her expertise, Hargrove ensures that each beverage she concocts has a special flair that is reflective of RHUMBAR’s signature libations.
Already at the top of her game, Hargrove has concocted fresh new cocktails for the popular Strip-side bar.
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – Monsoon season is here, which isn’t out of the norm for July. We’ll have a few days of “normal” weather (highs in the low 100’s F), interrupted by a few days of 90’s with some humidity and thunderstorms. Not Florida-style humidity, but more than we’re used to.
MAMMA MIA! Exclusive 30% Savings To Our Readers! – Most of you got a special email from us this past week letting you know that Las Vegas’ happy hit show is giving you this great opportunity to save on a show everybody love! If you missed the email, you can still click to MAMMA MIA! Exclusive Access Vegas 30% Offer
Now, We Can Really Kiss The Las Vegas Hilton (Name) Goodbye – Westgate Time shares purchased the LVH hotel last week, and have big plans. Fortunately, they are not going to turn the whole thing into a owners-only timeshare. Although they plan to turn some of the rooms to luxury timeshare villas, it appears they pretty much still intend to operate it as a hotel casino.
New owner David Siegel may be best known to some of you from the documentary The Queen of Versailles (available streaming on Netflix) and as the man who built the PH Westgate Tower behind Planet Hollywood Hotel, which he subsequently lost it in the financial crisis.
He’s planning to put hundreds of millions of dollars into refurbishment of the iconic property, widely know as the hotel where Elvis had his huge Vegas run. The old Star Trek space will be turned into a nightclub (good luck with that at this location, unless it is a more mellow affair catering to people over 30), but also of interest is that the Shimmer Cabaret is going to be used as a lounge with free live music playing day and night. Real live music, not a DJ. How cool is that!
He’s keeping the property open during the renovations and while we’re not the kind of publication that goes crazy posting zillions of hotel construction photos, we’ll keep you in the loop on the progress. By the way, if enough people are interested in seeing more construction photos of Las Vegas, let us know. We just haven’t heard the demand. Most people just want to know when it is over!
We’re Not The Ones Using It! – Because of the drought here in the Southwest, many readers are asking about Las Vegas and water. Many visitors assume that because of our water features on The Strip, Las Vegas is a big user and waster of water. This leads people to further assume that the dropping levels in Lake Mead are our fault.
Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Although the Colorado River sits right outside our back door, more than 10 times the water we use is pumped up to 100 miles inland to the Imperial Valley of Southern California (Brawley, El Centro) to water crops. Because pretty much nobody lived in Las Vegas when they divided up rights to the river water, they didn’t figure we needed any of it!
The reality: There are more swimming pools in Southern California filled with Colorado River water than there are in Las Vegas.
On a per person basis, the water used to keep the resorts looking lush and the water features running is well used. Yes, the lake at the Bellagio holds a fair amount of water (although not as much as you think as it isn’t that deep), but tens of millions of people enjoy that same amount of water. Also, a little known fact: The lake is filled with water pumped from a well, not the river. When Steve Wynn bought The Dunes hotel (where Bellagio now sits), it came with a golf course which came with well water rights. Honestly, I’ll bet the lake takes less water than the golf course did!
Having said that, if we don’t start seeing some very snowy winters in Western Colorado over the next couple of years (feeding the river at its source), Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico could start to see water restrictions. Keep that in mind if you were planning to move here and you consider a big, green lawn a must. Me? I have desert landscaping. Saves a ton on my water bill and I don’t have to mow it.
As a visitor? Don’t worry about it. Water isn’t going to be cut off to the hotels, and they are pretty water-efficient to begin with. (Saves them money). Also, shower as long as you’d like. Our wastewater is treated and then goes back into the river. (Probably just like where many of you live).
Hey Las Vegas, Can You Turn It Down? – We’ve been getting a more and more steady stream of complaints about how loud the music is all over Las Vegas. Attention Casinos, Pools, and Restaurants: These complaints are NOT coming from only retired people (whose gambling money you really need to do a better job of catering to). I’m talking about people in their 30’s! I can absolutely understand the dayclubs and party spots blasting it out. However, it is getting to the point where you can’t hold a conversation in some restaurants. Talking over a meal… what a concept!
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Puneet Adobe
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
MGM Resorts Presents The Park – An artist video rendering of MGM Resorts International’s project, The Park, which will connect New York-New York and Monte Carlo with an eight-acre outdoor entertainment experience. Get a peek at what is coming!
Exploring The Beauty Of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – The city has giant mega-casino hotels, decorated with lavish care and attention to detail to create a fantasy-like atmosphere. The casinos often have names and themes that evoke romance, mystery, and far-away and exotic destinations. If your friends think that Las Vegas is all slot machines, have them watch this!
Having enjoyed Las Vegas since the 50’s and enjoying each and every visit since then (except for the last 4 years due to my health), I’m ready to go again—-but—–my lovely wife thinks otherwise.
She says Las Vegas is no longer for us. Las Vegas belongs now to the younger generation and my wife and I probably (skip that and insert) assuredly would no longer enjoy Las Vegas as much. She says “It’s no longer the city it used to be, what with the constant changes with hotel themes, downtown is a madhouse and the young people are no longer polite,and rather push you aside than say ‘excuse me’.”
Judging from our last visit, I’m almost ready to agree. What say you???????
Al In Milwaukee
Ted Responds:
First of all, let me note that I’m envious that you got to enjoy Las Vegas in the days of the Rat Pack and through the era when Vegas was “Vegas” and a comp was a comp! And, I wish you returning to good health that allows you to travel regardless of your destination for many years to come.
I do think that we’re going to look back on this era of Las Vegas as the “directionless” era. Steve Wynn once had grand plans to build a massive complex on all the property he owns behind Wynn and Encore (where the golf course is), but the recession scrapped that and he’s busy with Macau. I bring him up because he has no equal when it comes to being a visionary about doing amazing things in Las Vegas.
This Asian-Themed Resort World (former Stardust) looks very cool, very themed, and very promising! (I hope they pin a better name on it when they are done). Perhaps it will be a wake-up call that people really, really like themed resorts. And yes, the boring names have to go. You are coming here to stay in a property that evokes some kind of emotion!
Unquestionably, the current dirty little secret is that we’ll hit a new record in numbers of visitors this year, but it is because of the 20-somethings who often come just to get out of control. We continue to receive notes that the hotel hallways have gotten a bit louder the past few years.
The guys running the two main gaming companies are more bankers and statisticians then they are gambling and entertainment gurus. Having said that, the Linq project has been received better than I anticipated. (Plus, no costumed characters)
However, what is going to happen if we lose the group that has enjoyed Vegas for what Vegas has always been? These 20-somethings are not much in the way of gamblers. The clubs are sucking money out of many of them now, but when they hit 30, are they going to instantly turn into gamblers? Or are they going to go “Vegas is nice, but we have nice malls here and I don’t club anymore, so no reason to return”?
That could be a huge wake-up call for a city built on gambling that needs to return to its roots. Sleeping in, brunch buffet, having some cocktails around the pool, a nice dinner, an amazing show, and then a good dance with lady luck will hopefully never go out of style.
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA TreatmentsSave up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las VegasCaesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages
Goodbye Quad – Caesars Entertainment To Spend $223 Million On Renovations And Will Rename It LINQ Hotel & Casino – Caesars Entertainment announced its newest property, unveiling The LINQ Hotel & Casino as the latest addition to its portfolio of iconic Las Vegas resorts. Located at the heart of Center Strip at 3535 Las Vegas Boulevard, the LINQ Hotel & Casino is a complete re-imagination of the current Quad Resort & Casino.
The Las Vegas hotel will feature 2,256 brand new rooms and suites, a completely renovated welcome experience built around a signature lobby bar, all new retail and spa amenities and a dynamic new pool deck to deliver an entirely new guest experience. Combined with the world’s largest observation wheel, the High Roller, and The LINQ retail, dining and entertainment promenade, The LINQ Hotel & Casino is set to become the new social center of Las Vegas and will welcome its first guests beginning on Oct. 30, 2014.
Urban Inspired Hotel Room Design
The new resort will boast 2,256 rooms including 204 suites along with 29 cabana suites with private access to the all-new pool area. The standard room features a fresh, modern design with floor to ceiling windows, boasting views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip or the High Roller. The centerpiece of the room design will be three distinct accent wall murals featuring stylized interpretations of vintage Las Vegas glamour.
Dee Snider Of Twisted Sister Attends Rock Of Ages Las Vegas – Twisted Sister frontman, Dee Snider, attended Rock Of Ages June 27, 2014 at The Venetian Las Vegas. Snider, who performed the role of “Dennis Dupree” in Rock of Ages during a three-month stint on Broadway in 2010, headed backstage following the show to share words of enthusiasm with the cast and to take a photo. Snider also shared his sentiments in a tweet saying, “What a great show! @rockofagesvegas @VenetianVegas ROCKS! Must see! What a great cast! #facemelted #nogolf #ridetolivelivetoride.”
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – A pretty toasty Las Vegas as we’re getting one of our 2-3 “heat waves” we experience in the summer where the temperatures get over 110F for a few days in a row. We’re used to it and many of us actually don’t mind it. We don’t shovel snow, and we don’t have to layer clothing, we don’t have to put on a warm jacket to go to the grocery store (except at night in the dead of winter).
However, do like a local and stay very hydrated. You are certainly allowed to ask the bartender for an ice-water back with your beer or cocktail. (I often ask for them to use a pint glass and fill it halfway with ice and then full of water, then tip and extra dollar, which beats paying $4 for a bottle of water with three gulps worth in it).
Also, that tap water in your hotel room is very, very safe to drink. Otherwise we’d have 2 million sick people in town (we locals). It does come out of the mineral-rich Colorado River, so it may not taste as good as the tap water some of you enjoy in other places.
However if you don’t have (or are unwilling to buy) bottled water, it will do the trick! Get a couple glasses in you whenever you return to your room, and ESPECIALLY after a night on the town. Dehydration can mean the difference between a mild hangover and a really bad one. Get another glass or two of it down when you wake up. Trust me, you’ll thank me. Our dry desert air dehydrates you way more than you realize!
In our news section is the big story about The Quad being renamed The Linq in conjunction with the $238 million remodel of the property, top to bottom. One thing that confused me (and that I don’t have an answer to yet) is the fact that they are adding bars and lounges. To the casino? Does this mean they are going to take what many consider a very bland casino design and give it some ooomph? The story just broke, so I don’t know yet. However, we’ll be on top of it!
NOTE: The following was meant to run last issue and inadvertently left out.
R.I.P. Steve Rossi – We sadly note the passing of legendary comedian Steve Rossi, a local resident and best known as 1/2 one-half of the legendary comedy team of Allen and Rossi. A decades-long Las Vegas resident, he was supportive of other shows and performers in town up until nearly the end, attending many of our entertainment options regularly. He was also very instrumental in launching the career of the late Danny Gans.
As I’m in my late 40’s, they were a bit before my time. However, I’d love to jump in a time machine and go back to the 50’s and 60’s and experience the headliners and acts that lined The Strip during the Rat Pack era. I wonder if 50 years from now, someone will be saying “Wouldn’t it have been interesting to visit Las Vegas in the era of Celine, Shania, Rod Stewart, Elton John and such” when they look at “old” footage and photos of what we’re doing today!
SLS (Former Sahara) Opens August 23 – How Will It Do? – Lots of questions float around. Will the location hinder the property? Perhaps not as bad as people think, since a large part of their target audience will probably be drive-in visitors from California. Given that owners SBE are headquartered and entrenched in Los Angeles with nightclubs and hotels, it will depend how “hot” they can make SLS. Californians tend to be very, very trendy. Get a great buzz going for SLS and they should do OK.
The bigger challenge is getting people staying at other properties to come all the way up to the north end of The Strip. Here’s an idea: Give anyone presenting a valid monorail ticket free play or some kind of reward that covers the round-trip ride. If people know they can get up to see you without an expensive taxi ride or slow bus ride, they might be more likely to do so. They will see how quick and close you are via monorail, and the monorail company will adore you (and surely work a promotional deal with you).
Finally, how well with they do with locals? They have noted that the property sits at one of Las Vegas’ busiest intersections and Sahara is a major east/west artery. Having said that, Sahara runs past the blank “ass end” of the property and just because I drive by there on my way to see my chiropractor or run some errands, it doesn’t mean that stopping in is going to be top-of-mind.
If they want the locals to help make them successful, they are really going to have to target those of us who live relatively close. Being an L.A. company, I’m dubious about their ability to understand the local market and attract locals. Hey SLS: Come about December 10 and you are scratching your head wondering why you’re not getting any of the local market, give me a shout. I live 5 minutes from your hotel. I’m the kind of local you need to be getting in the door!
Sweet 16 – If you didn’t vote in our Best Of Las Vegas Hotels Sweet 16, you still have a few more days to vote in this round and make your voice heard! We have 8 match-ups and you simply click on the hotel you feel is the better property in each match-up. Quick and easy!
Membership Note: We’ve delayed our VIP Premium Membership start until August 1 to work out the kinks. We’ve already contacted our members (who are already seeing a different, reduced ad version of this newsletter). However, the free version (which you are reading now) will not change until August 1.
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
Monte Carlo’s New Open-Air Mall On The Strip Featuring Outdoor Dining, Live Music, and Street Performers – Monte Carlo has completed a multi-million-dollar reinvention of its facade, and they didn’t destroy it as badly as we were worried about. Debuting a lively open-air plaza with six unique dining concepts, vibrant community spaces and dynamic live entertainment, the new plaza delivers a cool, high-energy atmosphere making it a pretty cool place to hang out during the many, many months per year of great Las Vegas weather!
Wednesdays Downtown Street Festival – During May and June, DTLV.com and FEED presented Wednesdays Downtown, a seasonal weekly event that brings together all the good stuff Fremont East has to offer – cocktails, dining, live entertainment, art – and wraps it up in refined, San Francisco-style urban swagger. This is a really cool look at what is going on in the Fremont East area, which is just past the big Slotzilla launch tower on Fremont Street. Word is that this event will resume again this fall, and we’ll keep you posted.
Las Vegas 1962: Come Fly With Me – A nostalgic look back at vintage Las Vegas. The film is from Jeff Altman of Chicago who transferred and color-corrected the 16mm film from his grandfatherÆs and grandmotherÆs 1962 trip to Sin City. The YouTube member posting the video added the opening title and the music of OlÆ Blue Eyes. What a great, historic look at Las Vegas!
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
When show tickets say “no cameras allowed” will I be searched and the camera be confiscated?
I will be traveling to Vegas in August (from the UK) and I have booked an early evening spin on the High Roller followed by Penn & Teller at the Rio. Whilst I have no intention of taking photos during Penn & Teller, I would hate to lose any big wheel photos (and the camera!) if Rio’s “no cameras in the showroom” policy is strictly enforced.
Regards,
Andrew From The UK
Ted Responds:
We found out that Andrew was a paid premium member (we guarantee to answer their questions), and was specifically concerned about Penn and Teller, so we got to work for him!
Specifically for Penn and Teller, you can’t take a professional-style camera into the theater. However, you CAN check it at the box office for safe keeping until after the show. AND… should you wish, you are certainly allowed to take pictures of Penn and Teller after the show when they greet fans.
On a more general note, many shows simply prohibit flash photography.
As a general rule of thumb:
Nice, expensive cameras are going to get you a second look by security whether it be a show or if you are in a casino. They are concerned about the use of unauthorized commercial photography that might not be flattering to them, plus an expensive camera’s ability to zoom into table game areas, to specific people at the pool, etc. Las Vegas still very much tries to maintain guest privacy and anonymity.
The cell phone issue is pretty much one where the cat is out of the bag. Don’t use a flash and don’t be obvious.
And most importantly, follow ALL instructions given to the audience either on the ticket, at the box office or before the show regarding their photo policies.
Great question and happy to help a paid subscriber who supports what we do!
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA TreatmentsSave up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las VegasCaesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages
New Exhibit Honoring Jackie Gaughan Now On Display At El Cortez Hotel & Casino – In conjunction with the Museum of Gaming History, the El Cortez Hotel & Casino unveiled a new mobile exhibit today honoring downtown gaming legend Jackie Gaughan.
“Working with the Museum of Gaming History to commemorate the legacy of Jackie Gaughan has been an incredible honor,” said Alex Epstein, executive vice president of El Cortez Hotel & Casino. “To be able to see the impact Jackie made on the history of Las Vegas and share that with the community is very inspiring.” Photo: Jerry Henkel
Trevi To Celebrate Fourth Of July Weekend With Festive Cocktail And Burger Specials – Trevi Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will toast America by offering an Italian Stuffed Burger and a Red, White and BOOM cocktail available exclusively throughout Independence Day weekend from Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6.
Executive Chef Peter Scaturro will introduce a twist on an American favorite with the Italian Stuffed Burger, loaded with gorgonzola and fontina cheeses and topped with red and yellow tomatoes. The burger, accompanied by steak fries, will be priced at $12.95. PHOTO CREDIT: Executive Chef Peter Scaturro
Celebrate Independence Day At Tacos & Tequila With Food And Drink Specials – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will celebrate Independence Day with fiestas featuring food and drink specials Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6.
Party all weekend long with the Americano Combo, priced at $15 per person, and includes a choice of the Matador Burger or Sonoran Hot Dog, served with Chorizo Cheese Fries and a Coors Light.
Rhumbar Celebrates The USA With Red, White And Blue Patriotic Mojitos – The Mirage Hotel & Casino Strip-side oasis bar, will celebrate Fourth of July with red, white and blue mojitos all weekend from Friday, July 4, through Sunday, July 6.
Each patriotic mojito is handcrafted with a unique flavor profile and priced at $12 each. The red blends Montecristo Platinum rum, raspberry demerara sugar, St. Germain, lemon juice and mint. The white is a concoction of Montecristo Platinum rum, Thai coconut honey syrup and fresh lime juice and the blue combines Montecristo Platinum rum, Velvet Falernum, spiced blueberry demerara sugar, fresh lime and mint.
Fizz To Celebrate Champagne And Fashion On Fourth Of July Weekend With ôPop & Shopö – FIZZ, the lavish champagne lounge inside Caesars Palace, will bring back its popular “Pop & Shop” champagne and shopping experience, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 in celebration of Independence Day.
Each “Pop & Shop” package will include a signature FIZZ champagne flute complete with endless refills, along with a FIZZ gift bag containing special offers, discounts and samples from various retailers inside The Forum Shops at Caesars. Shoppers can feel free to fill up their glasses at FIZZ before perusing the latest fashions, and are welcome to return for refills throughout their shopping sprees. The Pop & Shop packages are priced at $50 per person, and available for purchase at FIZZ.
Score Big At RhumbarÆs World Cup Kick Off Parties – RHUMBAR, located at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, will celebrate the World Cup with viewing parties and new hand-crafted cocktails for most games from the first match on Thursday, June 12 through the final game on Sunday, July 13.
The new World Cup cocktails, made by RHUMBAR’s mixologist, Lillian Hargrove, include the Brazilian Barbeque cocktail, a smoky, sweet rendition of the traditional caipirinha, made with a touch of sea salt to elevate the layers of flavor; and the Leblon Cachaca, made with Lagavulin single malt rinse, rock candy syrup, lime cubes and fresh watermelon juice.
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – So much to get to this week, including my in-depth look at the new, more restrictive liquor laws downtown on Fremont Street.
A reminder that next week, this newsletter splits into paid subscriber and free subscriber versions. The free version will not have the insider articles from me, and will start having more advertising to help pay for the vast amount of work it takes to put this together.
The paid subscribers will continue to receive the insider content, see fewer ads, have guaranteed response to their questions at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com, and our (still in development) Super Secret Spreadsheet of Vegas Deals. Which we’ll explain to paid subscribers next week.
Best Las Vegas Hotels Voting Down To “Sweet 16” – We tossed just about every Las Vegas hotel into the pool with a big playoff to whittle down what you — our readers — feel is the best hotel in Las Vegas. Check out the Hotel Playoff Bracket and you’ll see we had a couple of upsets:
Treasure Island beat Vdara, and Tropicana beat Aria (both by very slim margins). I chalk up the Vdara loss simply to unfamiliarity. This non-gaming, non-smoking luxury property simply isn’t on the radar of many.
The remodeled Tropicana retains its popularity and is no slouch after the remodel a couple years ago. Factor in the fact that our readers just don’t seem to like CityCenter, and I’m not overly surprised about theáupset. (Attention MGM Resorts: Please don’t shoot the messenger on this one)!
The other perhaps minor upset of note was MGM Grand beating Cosmo. I was very sure that Cosmo would make it to the Final Four. The rooms and views are amazing. The mixology program is among the best in town. However, MGM is no slouch and when you toss in The Signature towers, strong dining line-up, and the concerts at the Gardens, it is a strong contender.
Time to vote again and this Sweet 16 round, with all new match-ups!
Making Sense Of The New Fremont Street Liquor Laws – The Las Vegas City Council has banned consumption of liquor from cans and bottles (any glass container) on Fremont Street. No longer can you take that ice cold bottle of beer and walk it from one casino to the other. You must pour it in plastic (cups are now provided at casino exits) or face a $250 fine.
This was primarily done as a first step to stop people from buying liquor at the gift shops and convenience stores which line the Fremont Street Experience. That is correct: While still legal to walk into the one of the gift shops and buy a bottle or can of beer (or pint of spirits), the mere act of opening it on Fremont Street — even if just opening it to pour it in a plastic cup — is now illegal and a fineable offense.
So what gives? Hang tight and as always, I’ll walk you through the entire inside skinny. Including what this means to you, to downtown, and to Las Vegas. You’ll need to follow the bouncing ball pretty closely here (and with our extremely literate readership, that won’t be a problem):
Our area has always had a rule that prohibits one from opening and drinking liquor outside of a grocery or convenience store within 1000 feet of where you purchase it. This is to keep your local 7-11 from (somewhat) turning into a bar.
Having said that, the ordinance is seldom enforced. I’ve lived within walking distance of convenience stores at a number of my residences here during the past 21 years. If I wanted a cold one, I’d go down to the store, buy it, pop it open as soon as I hit the sidewalk and sip it on the walk home. I’ve had police drive by me while having an open container on the street without so much as a second glance. This is Las Vegas. Drinking. Yawn.
Keep that in mind as we move along.
The Fremont Street Experience has been getting more crazy and more rowdy and more crowded now that its popularity has exploded (something we were well ahead of the curve on, suggesting that everyone spend an evening down there as part of their Vegas visit for a number of years now). We’ve even reversed course and gone from telling you to go down on the weekend nights when there was some action (back in the days when Fremont Street was more sedate) to telling you to avoid it on Friday and Saturday nights as of a this spring.
Between all of the stages and the new permanent bars outside the casinos and the kiosks (which were always there) and the buskers (costumed characters, musicians, beggars, etc.) that over-populate the mall, it is crowded. The new Slotzilla zipline has ruined the iconic site lines and now makes the Fremont Street Experience feel even more claustrophobic. Add in drunk trouble-makers and problems are brewing.
The casinos along with the city council came up with a “solution” to deal with the drunken troublemakers. Add more police and arrest the perpetrators, right? Um… no. Their solution to stopping the drunk crazies is to enforce the prohibition of consumption of convenience store liquor in the Fremont Street Experience. Remember that 1000 foot rule I mentioned earlier? Yes, that one.
However, there is no way to tell if someone bought that bottle of Bud from a casino bar or from the ABC store. The solution? Ban all “original containers” of alcohol from the Fremont Street Experience. Bottles/glass and cans. This effectively eliminates the sale from convenience stores for consumption on the mall because the minute you walk out of the store, if you open the container even just to put it in a plastic cup, you are immediately in violation of the law.
The end result? 1. You MUST purchase alcohol to be consumed on the mall from a casino and 2. You MUST put it in a plastic cup upon exiting a casino. You know… kind of like those strict alcohol rules in your city. The ones you come here to get away from!
So, the rowdy, trouble-making drunks (which includes a fair amount of locals just going down there to cause trouble) can still buy a zillion-ounce high octane slushy drink and get plastered and still cause trouble. However, you can’t duck into the ABC store and buy a nice cold “oil can” of Fosters and walk the street with it.
Does this affect The Strip? NO. I want to emphasize that, because any rumor that Las Vegas is parting with decades of being libation-friendly won’t be good PR for the city in general. This story already made news in papers around the nation (which is why I’m giving you an in-depth, real look at it, unlike others who are simply repeating the story). On The Strip, you can still waltz right out of the casino with a glass drink in your hand and go as you please. Buy that $1 bottle of beer at Casino Royale and head over to The Mirage.
So what’s up with the future of Fremont Street? Good question. Some of you have found it enjoyable and have done entire trips down there. However, we’re hearing from more and more of you who are basically saying “Did it, OK for a night, but The Strip is for me”.
Add to that the undressed problem with the buskers, these new liquor laws, casinos starting to charge for parking unless you are a guest or gambler (Strip casinos parking is FREE and unencumbered), the reduced sightliness because of Slotzilla and similar, and we may see that migration back to The Strip. We’ll be on top of it!
Oh Say Can You See… – Fireworks on the Las Vegas Strip this July 4? Yes you can! At 9 PM, Mandalay Bay, Stratosphere, and Caesars Palace will shoot them off. If you are center-Strip, you can then walk down the Linq to the High Roller, where fireworks are slated to go off at 9:30 PM.
Mandalay Bay is hosting a pool party with a classic rock band for $20. Stratosphere will feature two parties: Level 107 atop the tower (adults only) and a pool party (all ages) featuring Las Vegas legend (in his own mind) Zowie Bowie (Chris, we kid because we love) for only a $10 admission. Plus, food and drink specials. And, the fireworks are by Grucci (the Hallmark of fireworks shows). Here’s a taste of Zowie Bowie:
Hopefully, this is getting us one step closer to something I’ve been suggesting for a long time: A July 4’th “close the strip” fireworks spectacular like we do for New Years Eve! Coordinated fireworks going off the roofs of a number of hotels at 9 PM and closure one side of The Strip from 8-10 PM so everyone can enjoy it with some elbow room. We’re already the best spot in the U.S. to do New Years Eve (I’ll put our fireworks show and celebration up against that little ball drop in New York any time). Let’s become the country’s place to be on July 4 as well!
Here’s last years New Years Eve Las Vegas Fireworks:
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
Absinthe Las Vegas Preview – You’ve heard how crazy Absinthe is. You’ve heard that it is a must-see Vegas show (as long as you aren’t easily offended). You’ve thought about going. Enjoy this great video preview, then grab a ticket and enjoy it for yourself on your next visit!
Celebrity Chefs Doing It Right – Local Food critic John Curtis talks about the new offerings by Giada, Guy Fieri, Daniel Boulud, and Kerry Simon and breaks it all down for you.
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
Could you recommend a 1.0-2.5 mile jogging route that is safe downtown? Or maybe a park with a jogging path or an athletic field with a track in the area? Not many downtown hotels have fitness centers. Not staying at Plaza this time.
Thanks for any ideas!
Gina from Belen, NM
Unfortunately, no parks or schools close to downtown with jogging paths.
This route http://goo.gl/maps/7t6Mf is just shy of 2 miles. Will take you by our new Smith Center, the Clark County Government Center, the Furniture Convention area, and our new city hall. It is plenty safe during the day (and reasonably safe at night if you are not alone as a female).
This route http://goo.gl/maps/DtXKV is the most “tourist scenic” You’ll go up Ogden past The Cal, Downtown Grand, revamped Gold Spike, loop around the El Cortez, Container Park, and back down Fremont Street.
However… this route has lots of stoplights. The first route will let you run, run, run with only 4 intersections you’d have to wait on if you stick with the inside loop.
I would otherwise not get off the beaten path downtown as some areas are still hit and miss.
Just a note to readers: This is the kind of help we guarantee (within reason) to offer personally to our paid subscribers in the future. Answers to questions that may be too specific to be featured in the newsletter, or may simply take some extra time and local knowledge on our part.
In fact, we’ve already had some paying members starting to take advantage of this help via email. And for those who support us (and help us pay the light bill and our employees pay the rent), we’re happy to help!
Just want to let you all know I took a ride on the high roller last week. Totally an awesome view and is reasonably priced. Will definitely do night ride next time out.
Ed
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA TreatmentsSave up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las VegasCaesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages
Film And Television Star Jennifer Tilly Attends Absinthe At Caesars Palace – Film and television star Jennifer Tilly was spotted attending Absinthe at Caesars Palace on May 30, 2014. Following the performance, Tilly met with cast to share words of enthusiasm for the show. Tilly also tweeted about her experience at ABSINTHE following the performance, mentioning “With the cast of @AbsintheVegas. What a fabulous show! It made me want to run away and join the circus!”
Def Jam Co-Founder Russell Simmons Attends Rock Of Ages – Def Jam co-founder, Russell Simmons, was sighted attending Rock Of Ages on, May 30, 2014 at The Venetian Las Vegas. Following the performance, Simmons joined the cast backstage for a photo and to share his enthusiasm for the show.
Set in L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, ROCK OF AGES tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. ROCK OF AGES takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! This hilarious, feel-good love story celebrates the great rock songs of the æ80s including such sing-out-loud songs as “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “I Wanna Know What Love Is,” “Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin'” and more.
Miller Lite Presents Miller Lite Go Fridays At The Flamingo Go Pool
Dining In Las Vegas
FAME – Food-Art-Music-Entertainment Now Open At Linq Las Vegas – FAME – Food-Art-Music-Entertainment is now open at Caesars Entertainment’s, The LINQ, and has introduced a new concept blending a high-energy Chinatown Food Market serving authentic street fare combined with live entertainment.
Epicurean Charitable Foundation To Host 13th Annual M.E.N.U.S. Gala At MGM Grand Las Vegas – Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) will host its 13th annual M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring & Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) gala on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at MGM Grand.
Jayde Fuzion M Resort Las Vegas Adds All-You-Can-Eat Sushi To Its Menu – Jayde Fuzion at M Resort Spa Casino proudly offers all-you-can-eat sushi Sunday through Thursday at the sushi bar. Guests will enjoy unlimited sushi, nigiri and hand rolls, along with complimentary sake, for $24.95 per person (pre-tax). “What sets our all-you-can-eat sushi menu apart from the rest is our premium selection of fresh fish, flown in daily,” says Chef Mark Sandoval.
The Steak House At Circus Circus Celebrates 32 Years With Supreme Anniversary Dinner Special – In Las Vegas’ ever-changing culinary landscape, THE Steak House at Circus Circus is one restaurant that has remained a crowd favorite. This year, the award-winning restaurant celebrates 32 years of mouth-watering cuisine and impeccable service. To mark the occasion, guests can indulge in a $32 Petite Filet dinner special through the month of June 2014.
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – World Cup fever is in full force in Las Vegas. This is the one time every four years when American’s actually act like they care about soccer, and that isn’t a bad thing. For our international visitors coming here the next few weeks, rest assured that you’ll be able to watch (and bet on) the games.
While always huge around the world, we’re seeing unprecedented interest in the World Cup in the US this year! We have a growing list of restaurants and bars that are specifically catering to World Cup fans with various specials and more. Check out World Cup Las Vegas 2014
Not Sure If It Is April Or June – Our weather has been fantastic. Highs in the high 90’s (35-37c), super-pleasant evenings in the low 80’s (26-29c), making for perfect nights out on The Strip. Granted, those temps will bump up for our two hottest months of July and August. But for now, the only complaint has been the crazy wind. We expect it in April, and our little slice of desert is always on the windy side. However, it has been “hold on to your hat” windy the past week!
Las Vegas Is Heating Up (Literally) – Las Vegas has heated up around 4 degrees in the past couple of decades. Before everyone cries “global warming”, the phenomenon is shared by other fast-growing cities. The more you pave over everything, the more heat from the day (especially here where the sun shines daily, cooking all of our pavement and concrete) stays around and radiates back into the air throughout the night. I encounter that phenomenon on my covered back patio, which says warmer than the other outdoor areas well into the late night during the summer. Welcome to desert living! Full story is here: Analysis: Las Vegas getting hotter faster than most other cities
What A Concert Venue! – One of the great places to see a concert in Las Vegas is no doubt at the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool. The above photo is from the recent Kid Rock concert. You are outdoors and overlooking The Strip as the show is broadcast up on their huge marquee to boot. If you want to see if one of your favorite artists is playing Boulevard pool this summer or fall, check out Concerts And Headliners At The Boulevard Pool Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
If You Like Jazz And Lounge Instead – For those whose idea of fun isn’t particularly a rock or pop act, Las Vegas super-photographer Ira Kuzma (a friend and reader) gave us these suggestions:
* Kenny Davidsen’s Friday night gig at the Tuscany in the T Spot lounge 10:30 pm-2am. Kenny has a great band and a different vocalist each week, along with a merry band of backup singers, who jump in to grab the mic for a tune. You never know who you will see onstage or in the audience as stars from the Las Vegas show and entertainment scene pop in.
Tuscany is a pretty nice, all-suite hotel and casino just 1/2 mile west of Bally’s on Flamingo Road. To put it in perspective, the same distance from Bally’s to Mirage. A quick, cheap cab ride. Video highlight:
* The Dispensary – Jazz on the weekends, late into the evening. This is for those of you who rent a car as the 2451 East Tropicana Avenue location is too far to walk. The Dispensary — which happened to be my local bar some 10 years go — is a great old-school Vegas bar and famous for their $5.95 half-pound burger and fries. Video from Dispensary:
* The Bootlegger – Kelly Clinton-Holmes (wife of long-time Las Vegas headliner Clint Holmes, and a talent in her own right) hosts what can best be described as an all-star jam session Monday nights at 9 PM. You are very likely to see more than one local celebrity in the audience enjoying some of Las Vegas’ best musical talent. Here’s Clint Holmes himself vocally jamming with Elisa Fiorillo (Prince & The NPG, Michale Buble, etc):
You can see Ira’s work and follow him on his Ira Kuzma Photography Facebook page. While you are at it, head over to VegasFacebook.com and follow us as well!
Move Over, San Antonio Riverwalk – A busted water pipe turned the brand new Linq Las Vegas into a muddy river of water, closing the mall and many of the stores! Video:
We understand all has pretty much returned to normal. BTW, readers are continuing to love The Linq (although I don’t think we’ve heard from anyone yet who has taken the ride on the Linq-Mobile, AKA High Roller).
Vote, Vote, Vote! – Make your voice heard as our Best Las Vegas Hotel Playoffs continues. Click over to Best.AccessVegas.com and click away! You’ll be given two hotels at a time, and simply pick the one you like better or feel is the better property.
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
Las Vegas To Crack Down On Aggressive Panhandlers And Performers At Fremont Street Experience – Downtown Las Vegas is enjoying a business and arts rebirth, drawing tourists back to the original heart of the city. However, with the return of tourists, the number of street performers and panhandlers has increased in places like Fremont Street Experience. Some tourists have complained that they are occasionally aggressive, demanding tips and handouts. Those complaints have not escaped city leaders
Valley Of Fire State Park – Just a ways north of Las Vegas sits an area of rugged, weathered, stark rock formations spread across the land which look more like the surface of Mars then they do earth. Enjoy this spectacular pictorial show and then plan to go enjoy seeing it for yourself. This is one you’ll be talking about for a long time and easy to fit into your Las Vegas visit.
MegaCities Las Vegas Documentary – Find out what makes Las Vegas work behind the scenes from how all of the casinos are powered through electricity to the 7000 employees that make a hotel casino hum. Well-produced, interesting 45 minute show.
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
Sorry guys, my fingers are in countless, very cool new projects that we’ll be bringing you over the next couple of months and I slammed nose-first into deadline on the newsletter this week! However, you know that read everything you send and appreciate hearing your questions, comments and trip reports!
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA TreatmentsSave up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las VegasCaesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages
Giada De Laurentiis’ First-Ever Restaurant, GIADA, Is Now Open At The Cromwell Las Vegas – The most anticipated restaurant opening of 2014, Giada De Laurentiis’ first restaurant, GIADA, is now open at The Cromwell Las Vegas. The cornerstone of the boutique hotel and casino, GIADA boasts priceless views, signature dishes and a warm and inviting atmosphere, all a reflection of De Laurentiis’ vision.
Clairol Natural Instincts sponsored the grand opening celebration for brand spokesperson De Laurentiis, who changed her Natural Instincts shade to Amber Shimmer for the occasion, offering invited guests a first look at the space in advance of the restaurant’s official opening day today.
Elevating The Lobby Bar Experience, Bound By Salvatore Is Now Open At The Cromwell – Now open, the newest addition to The Cromwell Las Vegas’ luxurious lineup, Bound by Salvatore, brings a new meaning to the lobby bar experience. Salvatore’s more than thirty years of experience shines with perfectly executed classic cocktails, never-before-seen espresso cocktails, elegant champagne cocktails and signature creations.
Featured on the carefully-curated menu are Salvatore’s signature cocktails, many of which are iconic and are synonymous with the famous bartender. The Breakfast Martini comes from Salvatore’s wife insisting he eat breakfast, to which he replied with a gin cocktail mixed with the finest orange marmalade, the same topping he uses for his toast. Also featured is the Spicy Fifty, which combines the best of sweet and sour on the palate with a warm finish.
Full story/details/info: Bound By Salvatore Is Now Open At The Cromwell
Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar Honors Padres With A Macho Meal For Father’s Day – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar at The LINQ will treat dads this Father’s Day to a complimentary Don Margarita with the purchase of the De La Tierra platter on Sunday, June 15.
Satisfy dad’s cravings with the De La Tierra platter. The family-shared meal is served with New York strip steak; pork tenderloin and Spanish chorizo, paired with sides of grilled cactus leaves, Mexican street corn, spring onions, cilantro rice, black beans and flour tortillas, priced at $55.
Bier Garten At The Plaza Hotel Downtown Las Vegas Offers Father’s Day Dad’s 2-1 Beer – For Father’s Day on Sunday, June 15, Bier Garten is celebrating dads. Sons and daughters can treat their dads to a beer at downtown’s back yard beer garden with Bier Garten’s buy one get one free beer offer on Father’s Day.
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – I hate to start on a down note, but our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of Las Vegas (aka Metro) Police officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo. Those of you who follow the national U.S. news know that their senseless slaying while on duty was one of the top news stories of the week. That area of East Las Vegas up against Sunrise Mountain was my neighborhood and stomping grounds from about 1998 to 2003, so it particularly hits home with me. Both were the fathers of very young children.
The Real Weather – This past weekend, I read an out-of-town Vegas source say that it was going to be 113 degrees (45c) this week. Huh? We have had a couple of days running 4-5 degrees above our 99 F (37c) June average, but the 10 day outlook has us pegged right at average. We were suffering through a string of 115+ (46+ c) days about this time last year, but not this year (so far). While there are people from out-of-town who report on Vegas who do good work, I am occasionally troubled by reports that are that far off-base. If we were facing 113 this week, it would be the talk of the town!
Rock And Roll All Nite, Party (At The Hard Rock) Every Day – I still remember opening night of the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas very well. Passing actress Sherilyn Fenn (who I had the hots for at the time) on the way to the crowded bar. Playing craps right next to (then) Guns ‘N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum. It was 1995 and the Hard Rock was rockin’.
However, it would take nearly two decades before the property really started living up to its name with residencies by Def Leppard and Axl Rose instead of a more general “rock ‘n roll” theme that encompassed just about everything.áNote: I have a real problem calling Axl and the current assorted sidemen Guns ‘N’ Roses. Vince Neil is a solo act — and bills himself as such — without Motley Crue bandmates Tommy, Nikki, and Mick at his side. Axl, bring back Slash and we’ll talk.
Hot on the heels of rumors that Guns ‘N’ Roses will probably be doing residencies at the Hard Rock for quite some time is word that the legendary band KISS is getting ready for a line-up of shows this fall. (I have another connection there as current KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer and I used to run in some of the same musical circles in my hometown or Portland, Oregon when his band Black ‘N Blue had a few major label albums and a brush with rock stardom. Somewhere, I still have a photo of he and I together backstage at a show).
No word on the dates, but if you read this newsletter each and every week, you know we always have the section where we show you the latest concerts we’ve added. So, stay subscribed and stay tuned!
We’re Now On Flipboard – For those of you who prefer reading internet content magazine-style on your tablet, the free Flipboard app (for Android and iThingys) has most of the stories that we feature and link to available. Get on Flipboard, do a search for AccessVegas.com and hit the subscribe button. Very important: For some reason, you need to hit the little refresh circular arrow at the bottom left-side of our magazine cover to make sure you are reading the latest additions we make each time you open the app.
For those of you who prefer the traditional newsletter style (which has more info), we are getting ready to do a complete redesign to make it easier to use, and with a modern “easy on the eyes” design. We’re also exploring a digital magazine that can be viewed on any device, but one thing at a time!
Click, Click, Click, Click, Click – We get a surprising number of emails asking for details about something we blurbed out or noted here in the newsletter. Info which is usually contained in a link that accompanied the story! I love all of our readers to death, but we are not equipped to be able to handle questions on information where we’ve posted and linked to the info in question. Please click over to read an article/story before asking. Having said that…
Our premium paid membership program subscribers will have the promise that we’ll answer anything we can (within reason) to help you figure something out or plan for your next trip. Your contribution helps us keep appropriate staffing levels up, and that allows us to return the favor! (We do read every email to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com and do appreciate them, but can’t reply to them all due to time constraints).
Been out-of-the-loop and unfamiliar with our pending premium membership? There is still time to save by purchasing before July 1! Click on over to:
Best Las Vegas Hotel Voting – We had a little IT glitch that erased all the votes in our most recent round of voting. Regular readers know that we’re conducting a playoffs of all major Las Vegas hotels to let you decide which is the best! No “Editor’s Picks” or nominations here. This is about “We The People” who visit Las Vegas! Check out the bracket then click to vote. It is fun and easy:
Say Goodbye To The Harmon – The giant, curved building that has been Las Vegas’ most expensive billboard for the past number of years is finally being dismantled. Due to construction defects, the building was essentially deemed structurally unfit before it was finished. While rare, we do have seismic activity here in Las Vegas and “the big one” could bring it tumbling down. No implosion for this one. The proximity to the (recently sold for $1.75 billion) Cosmo could make a misfire extremely expensive.
No word on a replacement. One can hope for a park-like area of nice scenery and maybe a couple of restaurants to make up for the greenery that has been destroyed by the shopping mall construction in front of Bally’s just up the street. But with the way things are going, it will probably end up a Walgreens or CVS.
Here’s some video of the spectacular New Years Eve implosion of the Hacienda Hotel to make way for Mandalay Bay:
“Las Vegas Playground USA” 1964 Tourism Movie – This incredible 13 minute feature highlights all of the things that made Las Vegas amazing 50 years ago (many of which still make it amazing today)!
Kaskade At Encore Beach Club – If you are like us, you are probably scratching your head at how a guy who looks more like a investment banker or CEO earns millions per year performing to club-goers and pool partiers worldwide. If you’ve ever wanted a quick taste of what these pool events are like and either didn’t want to fight the long waits (or parade around in a swimsuit in front of a bunch of 22 year olds), this video will give you a little taste of what all the “excitement” is about.
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
We have just returned to the UK after our 10th trip to Vegas after five years absence, and have noticed a great many changes, not all good ones. The CityCenter area was being constructed when we where last there and it now looks great. The Aria, Cosmopolitan and Crystals especially so. Went on the high roller at night, the best time to see the lights of the city. Slots a bit tighter, but still enjoyed playing them.
Now a few negatives. We stayed at the Excalibur and were constantly harassed by folks trying to get us to book shows. If we wanted to book a show we are quite capable of doing this ourselves. Complained to the front desk but the guy did not seem interested.
We knew about the sex card pushers on the strip, but were surprised to see many beggars and costumed people on the sidewalks and bridges. I don’t mind giving money to buskers but how many of these beggars were really starving- as some of their placards said. They looked quite well fed to me.
However we will be back next year.
Harry Cadman from the U.K.
I am a huge fan of your news letter and a long term Vegas visitor. I like to stay at the north end of the strip @ Circus Circus. Although there are better hotels to stay at, I just like the vibe of Circus Circus. I feel like Vegas is my second home as I visit each year and have done for the past 10 years.
I too have noticed the changes in Hotels and atmosphere when visiting them. They seem confused as to what they are trying to be. Some say we are Hotel/Casino’s but in fact they feel more like shopping malls. The Quad is just terrible it has no atmosphere at all and the casino is all over the place. You have small parts of a casino here and there it’s poorly planned out and a complete waste of someone’s money in my opinion.
I visited a week or so ago and even the ticket slappers on the strip were few and far between and the street entertainers were all but gone too. I visited Fremont and that too looked like a building site, LOL.áI am sure it will look great when it’s finished but the Golden Nugget was full of atmosphere and I enjoyed my time in there. Don’t get me wrong there are of course still Casino’s worth visiting and will leave you amazed by there beauty, like the Venetian, Bellagio etc ….
I will continue to visit Vegas for as long as I am able but as each year passes the vibe of the town get more and more confused.
Vegas Pete
I want to thank both Harry and Pete for their great reports. Las Vegas certainly still deals with some negatives, and being an independent publication, we can (and do) speak out about them here. The slots are still too tight, and for some reason the calculator-driven CEO’s of these major gaming companies can’t grasp the concept that you are OK with losing your $200 for the day, but you’d like to have it take much of the day to do it so you get some entertainment out of it.
The continued growth of restaurants and the fact that over 70% of visitors go see a show just proves that you are finding better ways to spend your money than on the tight slots and bad-rules blackjack.
I agree with Pete in that I have yet to warm up to The Quad. Having said that, I’ll give it another try soon and see if it has grown on me. They wanted/needed to dump the Imperial Palace name (my understanding is that they did not own it), but they could have simply changed it to IP. Just like Treasure Island became TI and Las Vegas Hilton became LVH. The same amount of money dumped into Imperial Palace could have made it amazing, while keeping the cool theme.
Having said that, The Linq is being more favorably received than I originally thought it might. People are indeed wandering down this new “side street” for a relaxing stroll.
I do think that in the future, this will be looked back on as Las Vegas’ “lost period” when it wasn’t sure what it wanted to be next. Do you try to hold the gamblers? Do you cater to the clubbers who can’t go 3 seconds without posting a social media selfie (which, BTW, is free publicity for the city), and will this onslaught of shopping succeed? A possible Caesars Entertainment bankruptcy (which we’ll discuss next issue) could play a major roll in shaking things up!
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Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA TreatmentsSave up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las VegasCaesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages
Guns N’ Roses Launched Second Residency, An Evening Of Destruction. No Trickery! – They’re back! Legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses marked its triumphant return to launch its second residency.
Actor and friend of the band Nicolas Cage helped kicked off the sold-out show by getting concertgoers amped up as Guns N’ Roses prepared to take Las Vegas by storm.
Full story/details/info: Guns N’ Roses Launched Second Residency
Now Open at Bally’s, BLT Steak Brings Back Legendary Sterling Brunch – Now open at Bally’s Las Vegas, BLT Steak brings sophisticated design, quality service and classic steakhouse fare to the revitalized hotel and casino. BLT Steak also reinstates the award-winning weekend staple, Sterling Brunch.
Regarded as the premier brunch in Las Vegas, the Bally’s institution of forty years, Sterling Brunch made its triumphant return on May 24, 2014, with the same excellence in service and fare but in a more modern and stylish presentation synonymous with BLT Steak. Sterling Brunch will now be offered both Saturdays and Sundays, and will be showcased in a sleek built-in buffet space with roll-top chafers. Guests will once again be able to indulge in the finest fare of caviar, lobster tails, fresh-shucked oysters, Alaskan king crab legs, and never-ending glasses of Perrier JouÙt Champagne, mimosas and bloody marys. Gluten-free items will also be available, and a personally guided tour of all offerings will be given upon request.
Full story/details/info: BLT Steak Brings Back Legendary Sterling Brunch
Trevi Heats Up The Season With New Italian Menu Specialties And Cocktails – Trevi Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, has introduced three new specialty menu items and cocktails to enjoy during the spring and summer seasons.
Executive Chef Peter Scaturro evokes the best of land and sea with dishes including: chicken limone featuring grilled chicken spun with broccoli, sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts in a zesty lemon cream sauce.
Full story/details/info: Trevi’s New Italian Menu Specialties And Cocktails
First Friday Las Vegas Celebrates The Art And Science Of Sound For “Hear, Here” On June 6 – First Friday Las Vegas, the largest arts and culture festival in the Western United States, has become the leader for family-friendly activities, art, cultural enrichment, educational efforts, imagination, community and more; mostly low cost or free of cost, for every age.
Full story/details/info: First Friday Celebrates “Hear, Here”
McCarran Medical Clinic And Pharmacy To Open Its Doors At McCarran International Airport
How to be a high roller, or pinch pennies, at Vegas’ sparkly CityCenter
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – Memorial Day is behind us, temps are pushing 100 F (38 C), and summertime is here. Depending on where you live, many of you have already seen the #VegasSeason ads (which parody all the fervor around Christmas marketing). We sit on the edge of our time zone, which means a really early sunrise this time of year. For those of you who simply can’t get off of Eastern time during your visit, you’ll find our 5 AM sunrises don’t have you waking in the dark. For you night owls, the weather around midnight (or later) is quite comfortable. For you show-goers, shoppers, and gamblers, you’ll be indoors all the time anyway!
15’th Anniversary Issue – I don’t tend to make a big deal out of milestones. They are a nice way to show longevity and get a pat on the back, but as I always say, “Time flies when you don’t know what you are doing!” And… our 15’th Anniversary Issue was actually last week. (I had the date wrong in my head). So, now this newsletter is 15 years and 1 week old.
You can go take a quick look here: Access Vegas Insider Vibe û May 20, 1999 We’ve come a long way, but that also necessitates our need to move to a paid membership program (just as you pay for other publications that provide you content and insight you enjoy). The first issue was basically one article! Click For Membership Details
The Vegas Spread – With those disinterested in baseball already focusing on NFL football, and some sportsbooks posting early lines, I’m reading articles that say “Vegas thinks this team will win x number of games…”. Here’s they way it actually works: Las Vegas oddsmakers simply pick a number that they feel the betting public will embrace.
For example, if the over-under on how many games a certain team will win this year is 9, that doesn’t mean that Vegas experts think the team will win exactly 9 games. What that means is that Vegas thinks that half the bettors out there who may place this wager think that the team will win more than 9, and half will feel that the team will win 9 or fewer. The Vegas line is simply set so that an even amount of money gets bet on each side of a particular wager they offer.
The casino simply hands the losers money to the winners, taking a commission for their profit. Which is why you need to generally bet $11 to win $10 on games. That extra dollar goes to the casino.
Laughlin Tours – You asked and we answered! We get pretty regular requests for day tours to down to Laughlin. Imagine better gambling, lower limits, a minimum of rowdy 22 year olds, and reasonably-priced food. All in a group of casinos along a beautiful river walk, one after the other.
The price? $10 gets you a round-trip experience in a luxury motorcoach, and a lunch buffet it tossed in. From there, you are free to do what you want. For those of you who have thought about taking a day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Valley Of Fire, or similar, this is a great way to get your toes wet (and finding out that you won’t vaporize if you get off The Strip and enjoy some of our stunning desert scenery).
Downtown Jumping The Shark? – A few years ago, while many out-of-town “Vegas” bloggers were oblivious to it, downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience were heating up. We knew because we were down there seeing it with our own eyes. And… passing the info along to you.
However… times are changing and a few months ago I started to suggest staying away from downtown on weekends. (I don’t go down there on Friday or Saturday anymore… too busy, crowded, and crazy).
Derek Stevens, the CEO of the D Las Vegas and the Golden Gate, told the council, ôI am on the front line. I don’t want to belabor what we’re seeing on TripAdvisor.ö He was referring to comments from people who say they’ll never return to such a sleazy downtown and advising others to stay away.
ôIt’s a fact that it’s mass chaos on Fremont Street,ö acknowledged Councilman Stavros Anthony, a retired police captain. ôThere are bums eating out of garbage cans; people are really drunk. Ma and Pa Kettle from Iowa are not going to go back to Fremont Street.
At this point, I’m not saying to stay away. The food and liquor prices are still decent, and the gambling odds are better. If staying down there, the El Cortez, Main Street Station, California and Lady Luck Downtown Grand are a block away from the mayhem and noise. But for now, we’re suggesting avoiding Fremont Street on the weekends. Too crazy and too crowded. Speaking Of…
The Strike – As we send this out, a few downtown hotels still have not settled with the union, who is threatening a June 1 strike of hotels that have not agreed to their demands. The hotels still without contracts are Four Queens and Binion’s (same owners) Plaza and Las Vegas Club (same owners) and Golden Gate. Ironically, the last strike was a 9 day strike against the Golden Gate in 2002.
I’d guess that these will get settled. However, with our still high unemployment rate and plenty of qualified casino workers out-of-work, it wouldn’t be difficult for properties who wanted to go non-union to do so now. The Frontier was picketed during a 6 year strike in the 90’s and they still seemed to get people in their door during that time.
Ride The Las Vegas (New Mexico) X-Train – We’ve chronicled the push to bring upscale rail service to Las Vegas from Southern California. The train is to have comfortable luxury seating, wi-fi, two lounge cars, and more. One little glitch: They can’t come to an agreement with the two railroads who own the tracks.
Instead of twiddling their thumbs, X-Train is prepping to start tourist service between Santa Fe, NM and Lamy, NM. (OK, neither is Las Vegas, NM but this is in the same general region). If you live or vacation in that area and take a ride, we’d love to hear all about it at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com so we have an idea of what the Las Vegas – L.A. service may be like! We’re bullish on the concept not just because it will be a new way for Southern Californian’s to get here, but an additional way our European friends (already used to rail travel) to see the great Southwest in comfort as the pop over to Hollywood for a couple of days during their 2-3 week Vegas stay.
Great Casino Slots – Takes the Cake (aka The Lost Episode) – Regular readers remember a series we did with noted gaming author Victor Royer about some of the interesting newer slot machines available now.
This misfiled video was lost at the time, and since Takes The Cake slots have become more popular than ever. Victor wanted us to also share that at that time the game was only available with a max-bet of 225 credits. But today – as you will see from the real-money in-casino play footage – the game is available with a max-bet of 450 credits.
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
SLS Las Vegas: Reimagining the North Strip – Take a behind-the-scenes look at the construction chapter of the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, formerly the Sahara Hotel. In recent years, the North end of the Las Vegas Strip has shown the effects of a struggling economy. Today, the area is transforming with SLS being the first hotel in years to open on the burgeoning North end of the Strip Labor Day Weekend 2014.
Chef David Walzog Brings Rare Species Of Fish From Ocean To Table – Lakeside Restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas is redefining what ‘fresh seafood’ means, making rare species of fish available to Wynn Las Vegas diners, many for the first time. Join Chef David Walzog on his journey to Hawaii and see what it takes to bring the fresh fish from “Ocean to Table.”
Wayne Newton: May 23rd, 1989 Full Concert Live From The Las Vegas Hilton – “Wayne Newton: Live In Concert” Pay-Per-View Special carried live inside the Las Vegas Hilton in its entirety from May 23rd, 1989. Prepare yourself to enjoy this two-hour show!
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
Last issue, we asked our European friends why they choose to visit Las Vegas during our hot summers (as opposed to other times of year). Here is a sample of the great answers we got:
Coming from the UK, our summers are usually short, wet and very rarely does the temperature go above 85F (29C). So to visit Vegas in the summer is a must for me, The Triple digit Temperatures just add to the atmosphere, it’s a desert Town, you need the heat to go with it.
Also it is a pleasure to walk around at night with temperatures still in the 90’s F (32-37 C) even after midnight. Though one of the years I must visit Vegas on New Year’s !!!
Darren Cresswell
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In response to your question, I’m from London UK and think that maybe we Brits choose to visit in July and August because our schools shut down for 6 weeks from mid July till early September. If you want a family holiday in Vegas the kids can come with you or if you want an adult holiday away then the kids go away to Summer schools. We as parents get fined if we take our children on holiday during Term time.
We also want to be guaranteed the good weather!! The UK in July/August can still be wet, cold and windy!!
Thank for a fabulous website, I love looking at it. Keep up the good work!! Can’t wait for my next visit to Vegas……..in October!
Kind regards,
Kim Barnes
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I have a home in Las Vegas which I have had for a number of years after moving to Vegas from Los Angeles approximately 10 years ago. I really love it here. I have a second home in London and have lived in the UK for over 10 years and got my British citizenship a few years ago.
In regards to your question as to why Europeans visit Las Vegas in the Summer it is a tradition that many Europeans take their long vacations during that time of the year. In most European countries people by law get at least 4 weeks of paid vacation and companies expect that most of these days will be taken in the Summer. In France it is a tradition that people take the entire month of August off and go on their vacation, leaving the big cities for the countryside or for other countries. Many restaurants and shops and companies in France close during this time period so people can take their vacation then.
Have you ever tried going to Paris in August? If so, you will see a lot of shops and restaurants will be closed for that month. As this practice is quite ingrained in the culture of many European countries I wouldn’t expect any quick change in peoples habits in regards to when they take their vacations.
Hope this answers your question. And, keep of the good work on your Newsletter.
gmofield2000
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Thanks to everyone who wrote in. We’re always working to understand your Vegas travel habits and wishes to better serve you!
Note to Darren: Yes, you must do New Years Eve at least once to knock it off your bucket list. The entire Vegas Strip is closed to traffic with fireworks going off from 7 hotel rooftops. We’re the only Vegas publication that I’m aware of who devotes space each year with our advice, tips, and tricks for experiencing New Years Eve in Las Vegas.
Note To All: We have not made a big deal of it yet, but our new YouTube channel has over 300 videos on it now, including New Years Eve fireworks, poker lessons, Butch Harmon golf lessons, retro and archived video of Vegas shows and clubs, implosions and more! Go to your channel https://www.youtube.com/user/AllVegasTV/videos and make sure to bookmark it. With that much to watch, you’ll want to come back time and time again!
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
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