AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Las Vegas – Enjoy 24-hour checkout times only when you book online! Book Now!	Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA Treatments
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!	Save up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las Vegas
Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.	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!	Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals

Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)

This Week’s Top Tours

	Explore the REAL West: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon Skywalk, Native American Points, Western Ranch, and More!
	Time is precious in Vegas: See The Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and much more by air. Four hours of lifetime memories at a great price!
	Stunning Valley Of Fire buggy tour: See the sights guides, then explore on your own! (Friends will be jealous).
	Vegas Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride. Unforgettable views and memories. An experience your friends can’t top!
	Just 45 minutes from The Strip, the wild west lives with majestic views on a breakfast horseback ride!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

Las Vegas Art And Attractions

Las Vegas High Roller Receives Guinness Record For World’s Tallest Observation Wheel – The Las Vegas High Roller is officially the World’s Tallest Observation Wheel after being recognized by Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric at a special reception honoring the team who designed and constructed the wheel on April 17, 2014 in Las Vegas.

• Full story/details/info: Las Vegas High Roller World’s Tallest Observation Wheel

Imagine Exhibitions Gallery Presents ‘Da Vinci The Exhibition’ Now Open At The Venetian – Imagine Exhibitions Gallery presents Da Vinci The Exhibition, a comprehensive and interactive look at the brilliance of the original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci at The Venetian Las Vegas«. Featuring more than 65 fully built, life-size inventions, more than 20 fine art studies and dozens of stunning displays, guests will learn the complex beginnings and lifetime achievements of da Vinci through his discoveries in art, engineering, flight, hydraulics, music, light, anatomy and more.

• Full story/details/info: Da Vinci The Exhibition Now Open At The Venetian

• A day in the life of a Las Vegas mermaid
• Polaroid Fotobar and Museum are ready for their close-up at the Linq

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

• It’s three more years for Boyz II Men’s residency at the Mirage

  Book Boyz II Men Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Blue Man Group At Monte Carlo Offers Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Glance into World-Famous Production

  Book Blue Man Group Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Carlos Santana extends House of Blues residency two years, returns in November

  Book Carlos Santana Las Vegas Tickets Now

• MGM Resorts and Cirque to build 33-acre, open-air venue to host Rock in Rio (with video)

Las Vegas Dining

New York-New York Brings Tom’s Urban And Shake Shack To New Pedestrian Plaza – New York-New York Hotel & Casino is turning up the flavor on its dynamic new plaza experience with the addition of fan-favorite restaurants Tom’s Urban and Shake Shack, opening December 2014.

The restaurants will take the space currently occupied by The Sporting House (closing June 3), and join recently opened retail outlets Swatch, Stupidiotic, I Love NYNY and Starbucks, as well as Hershey’s Chocolate World, which is opening this spring. The plaza is anchored by the property’s famed Brooklyn Bridge.

• Full story/details/info: New York-New York Brings Tom’s Urban And Shake Shack To New Pedestrian Plaza

Portofino At The Mirage Captures The Traditional Flavors Of Italian Coastal Cuisine With New Menu Items – Onda Ristorante and Wine Lounge at The Mirage Hotel & Casino has changed its name to Portofino and added a selection of new menu items inspired by land and sea as well as varieties of fresh pasta made in-house daily. Named in honor of the quaint Italian fishing village, Portofino’s dishes boast the flavors of Italian coastal cuisine with an emphasis on using the highest-quality ingredients.

• Full story/details/info: Portofino Restaurant New Menu Items

• YUSHO Review – In the Monte Carlo
• Bellagio’s Sensi offers sensational sustainable fare
• If You Still Haven’t Been, It’s Time To Add Herbs And Rye To Your Vegas List
• Chef Daniel Boulud’s db Brasserie Now Open At The Venetian

May 2014 Las Vegas

Rhumbar At The Mirage Serves Up Special In May 2014 For National Military Appreciation Month – The Mirage will salute the troops in honor of National Military Appreciation Month with buy-one-get-one cocktails throughout the month of May.

RHUMBAR will welcome service members over 21 years of age with valid military identification to relax on their patio with classic Caribbean libations. signature cocktail include the Old Cuban, a refreshing mix of Champagne, rum, fresh lime and mint; the Zombie, a smooth and subtle combination of rum and apricot, pineapple, passion fruit and lime juices; and the crowd-pleasing Pi±a Colada and many more.

• Full story/details/info: Rhumbar Serves Up Special In May For National Military Appreciation Month

• El Cortez Hotel & Casino May 2014 Promotions, Deal, And Events

Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos

MGM Resorts Unveils Expanded Plans And Programming For “The Park” In Las Vegas – MGM Resorts International has unveiled expanded plans and the first look at programming for its dynamic park, dining and entertainment district taking shape on the west side of The Strip. Creating an interactive neighborhood environment, The Park will connect New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts and the new 20,000-seat world-class Las Vegas arena currently in development by MGM and AEG. 

New York-New York and Monte Carlo both are undergoing significant transformations of their Strip-facing experiences into robust plaza environments featuring casual eateries, bars, restaurants and retail destinations that will ultimately lead to The Park.

• Full story/details/info: MGM Resorts Unveils Expanded Plans And Programming For “The Park”

• A sneak peek at the contemporary and breathtaking Cromwell at center Strip
• Stratosphere welcomes visitor No. 40 million

More Las Vegas News

• Just how boozy do we want Fremont Street to be?
• Original Diva Salon Presents Stylish Hair Trends For Spring 2014
• Park On Fremont Downtown Launches Acoustic Patio On Thursdays

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

• Kentucky Derby Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-4)
• Cinco de Mayo Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-5)
• Mother’s Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 9-11)
• Memorial Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 23-26)

Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…

Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – I don’t want to be too presumptive, but it looks like Las Vegas is well on its way back after years of getting battered by the recession. March set a visitor record (see below), airport numbers are great (see next issue), The Linq and Linq-Mobile High Roller are open and exciting people to come check out. MGM just broke ground on their new arena (see next issue) and unveiled detailed plans/videos/renderings for The Park. (Photo in the stories area and video below in What We’re Watching). Add to that the present mostly flawless weather — with only a handful of extra hot or cool days interrupting highs in the 80’s — and Las Vegas is just amazing.

I’d like to say something to the Las Vegas haters who bashed the tar out of us during the recession all over the internet and had glee in the fact that we’re having tough times: We’re back, and there is nothing you can do about it. Not our problem that you are miserable humans who can’t stand that others enjoy life and like to have fun.

We’re going to continue to offer amazing new experiences, more good times than the law should allow, and continue to be a vacation destination that offers more variety of things to do than pretty much anywhere else on earth.

Where else can you see the Grand Canyon in the morning, enjoy watching a sports event you bet on or taking in a world-class spa experience in the afternoon, dine in one of many restaurants run by world-renowned chefs, then have your choice of nearly 100 shows, concerts, and headliners on any given night to round out your evening? Only in Vegas!

Record-Setting Month – Las Vegas hit an all-time record of 3.7 million visitors in March of 2014. While a huge convention didn’t hurt, it wasn’t the only cause by a long-shot. People are visiting more often, and visiting in droves. If all of the people who were stomping their feet and saying that they weren’t going to visit anymore and stayed away, we’ve had no problem finding people who want to enjoy our fine city.

Yes, oil prices make airfare unpleasant. And, the $2 steak dinners are a thing of the past. However, Las Vegas is still an incredibly reasonable travel destination and I challenge you to find a city you can do more in.

Why MGM’s “The Park” Will Work – We all know that I’m not the biggest proponent of the proliferation of all the shopping/dining springing up on The Strip. We have a limited number of visitors willing to spend a (pretty much) set amount of money. However, those who are detractors of The Park are overlooking the fact that this is attached to a major arena which will be busy many days/night of the year.

With the announcement of Park, I’ve seen internet notions ranging from the thought that only locals will be attending arena events (suggesting that locals won’t be interested in the mall, and ignoring that visitors make up a large percentage of concerts stages here) to wondering why MGM is willing to pour so much money to spruce up a couple of their basic properties.

It’s the arena, folks! In city after city around the US, new arenas (attended almost exclusively by locals) have spurred economic development and profit in the arena area. If MGM does NOT build Park, they lose the 20,000 people per event to other properties up and down The Strip. This way, they build and arena and scoop up tons of extra profit from people who will pass that way both before and after events. Both locals and tourists alike.

Will it lead to a pro sports team here? I hope not. Do we want to be the umpteenth city that the Clippers move to? Are locals going to care? (Probably not as Las Vegas has limitless entertainment options and most people living here already have an allegiance to a team). Plus, we already ARE Las Vegas. We don’t need a team that will all-of-a-sudden brand us as a “big league” city. Besides, how well would a team perform when half (or more) of the audience each night was a visitor rooting for the opponent?!?

We don’t tend to cover the “business” side of Las Vegas much, although I’m plenty capable and will note the following: I truly believe that The Linq and the High Roller wheel were built to work in tandem with the arena that Caesars Entertainment was planning for the space they own behind that part of The Strip.

Being in slightly better financial shape (and seeing good numbers as of late), I believe that the new arena MGM is building behind New York-New York — which will connect to The Strip via this Park project — was a way to cut financially ailing Caesars Entertainment off. Few believe that The Strip can absorb another arena once MGM is finished with this one. MGM will own/control MGM Grand Gardens (16,800), Mandalay Bay Events Center (12,000) and this new 20,000 seat arena. Add to that the Thomas and Mack (18,776) and we’re pretty set.

“Best Of” Voting Continues! – We’re getting near the end of the preliminary (second tier hotels) Play-In round in our “Best Of” Las Vegas voting! Here is the latest updated bracket:

2014 Play-In Round Bracket

No huge surprises. Quad beat Sam’s Town. Gold Coast beat Silver Sevens., and location/amenities certainly played a part, although some of the food deals at Sevens are tough to beat! Four Queens beat Wild Wild West (which is essentially a glorified truck stop). The iconic Riviera moves on in a win over Boulder Station. I could see The Riv being somewhat of a spoiler, as it would face Luxor if it makes it to the main round of 64 hotels.

So… time to vote again. Note: Due to a glitch in our initial rankings, BOTH winners in this semi-final round will move on to next week’s start of the main event where 64 hotels square off against each other, and only one will win!

Vote Now: Best Of Las Vegas Hotels
Play-In Round Semi-Finals

Want to see what the main bracket looks like? Click over to our Access Vegas Best Hotels Main Voting Bracket

All That Swing – We’re often asked where one can find casino lounge entertainment that does not consist of a 21 year old “DJ” playing music that goes “thump, thump, thump”. Top Frank Sinatra impressionist Peter Pavone does a multi-faceted show (he sings, tells jokes, you know… an actual entertainer) at El Cortez’s Parlour Lounge & Bar every Wednesday from 8-Midnight and Thursday from 6-10 PM. Admission is complimentary.

Membership Update – If all goes well, we’re about a week from being able to take credit card payments for our upcoming membership program. Rest assured, we will maintain the $14.95 pre-enrollment plan long enough for everyone to have a shot at it before we go to the regular early-enrollment price of $19.95.

If you are just tuning in and catching up in back issues in preparation for your trip and going “What is this all about”, please click over to our April 2, 2014 Access Vegas Insider Vibe, scroll down to Members Mania, and you’ll see the details and still be able to take full advantage.

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

• First Look At “The Park” Between Monte Carlo And New York-New York – 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.
• POV Of The First Flyer On SlotZilla Las Vegas Zip Line – The lower lines on the Slotzilla Zip Line downtown at The Fremont Street Experience are now open. Take a ride along and see what the adventure is like!
• Anthony Bourdain Comments On Electronic Dance Music In Las Vegas – For those who missed Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” from Las Vegas last week on CNN, he had some very funny/snarky things to say about the current EDM (Electronic Dance Music) club craze in Las Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am a huge fan of your newsletter 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/casinos 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 recently 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. I 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 casinos 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

Ted Responds:

Thanks for reading and we’re happy to hear that we play a part in helping you have a more enjoyable Vegas vacation. I agree that to-date, The Quad isn’t exactly giving me goose bumps. Down on Fremont, Slotzilla is all but done, as is the new outdoor bar at Binion’s. So, it should get back to being construction free.

Fremont East has taken shape nicely and I strongly encourage people visiting downtown to make their way east on Fremont Street — where it goes from being a pedestrian mall to being and actual street — though the bars and restaurants, into and past the El Cortez and on down to Container Park before turning around. Otherwise, you are NOT seeing all of the fun area of Downtown!

However, you bring up a great point: Nothing stops you from personalizing your Las Vegas experience. You don’t mind staying at Circus, and I’m sure you get across the street to Riviera as well. Classic places like The Mirage, Tropicana, and Mandalay still maintain much of their original vibe, taking you to a distant island. Bellagio and Venetian still take you to Italy.

But yes, it is very unfortunate that you can no longer go to Asia (Imperial Palace) or Egypt (de-theming of Luxor). Hold on, though: As we’ve reported, the massive Asian-Themed Resorts World is set to take the old Stardust spot. With any luck, that will re-teach the people responsible for CityCenter, Quad, de-themed Luxor, and others that themed resorts still rule. They mentally take us away to to another place of relaxation and excitement outside our normal world. Even for those of us whose normal world is Las Vegas!

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!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Las Vegas – Enjoy 24-hour checkout times only when you book online! Book Now!	Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA Treatments
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!	Save up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las Vegas
Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.	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!	Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals

Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)

This Week’s Top Tours

	Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
	Experience Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, all of Vegas by helicopter, save 30%!
	Richard Petty Rookie Tour: YOU drive the Vegas Motor Speedway in a V-8 NASCAR style car!
	Vegas Indoor Skydiving, right on Vegas Strip, winds up to 120 mph, just like the real thing
	Spectacular views of Dam/Lake Mead plus memorable guided interior tour. Stunning photo opportunities!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

The Cromwell Las Vegas Opens!

– The Cromwell sign illuminates on the side of the building as guests received their first glimpse of the standalone boutique hotel.

– An ambassador of The Cromwell readies to welcome the first guests to the hotel.

– The Cromwell’s dealers prepare for their first visitors prior to doors opening on April 21, 2014.

– All of The Cromwell’s first guests were welcomed with a celebratory glass of champagne.

– The first game of Blackjack dealt at The Cromwell.

The Cromwell Las Vegas Celebrates Soft Opening – The Cromwell, the new and first of its kind standalone boutique hotel, celebrated its soft opening yesterday by welcoming first visitors to the 40,000-foot casino. Guests rushed in at 4 p.m. in hopes of being among the first to play and try their luck at one of the 434 slot machines and 66 table games. Photo Credit: Erik Kabik

• Full story/details/info: The Cromwell Celebrates Soft Opening

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

• Absinthe is sexier, raunchier than ever on third anniversary at Caesars

  Book Absinthe Las Vegas Tickets Now

• ‘Jubilee’ reboot is strange and generic

  Book Jubilee Las Vegas Tickets Now

• ‘Pawn Stars’ parody ‘Pawn Shop Live!’ moves from Golden Nugget to Riviera

Kentucky Derby Las Vegas 2014

• Wet Your Whistle For The Kentucky Derby At ROCKHOUSE
• PBR Rock Bar & Grill Celebrates The Derby With Kentucky Bourbon Flights

Las Vegas Dining

• Guy Fieri opens Strip restaurant in hair-raising fashion
• Taste of the Linq
• Southern Fare and Fun at Monte Carlo’s Double Barrel Roadhouse
• Las Vegas locales featured on Guy Fieri’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’

Cinco de Mayo Las Vegas 2014

PBR Rock Bar Goes Loco For $5 Cinco De Mayo Food And Drink Specials – Tequila and margaritas will be represented in full force this Cinco de Mayo at PBR Rock Bar & Grill. Located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the Strip-side destination will offer $5 food and drink specials all day on Monday, May 5.

The festive selections will be offered all day and will include $5 tequila shots, $5 margaritas and $5 personal-sized ‘nachitos.’

• Full story/details/info: PBR Rock Bar Goes Loco For $5 Cinco De Mayo Food And Drink Specials

• Rhumbar At Mirage Celebrates Cinco De Mayo With Festive Specials
• ROCKHOUSE Goes Big And Boozy This Cinco De Mayo With Dos Equis, Tequila And Tacos

Downtown / Fremont Street Experience

• Slotzilla zip lines tested with dummies as attraction sets to open
• Las Vegas Downtown Revival Continues With City’s First Munich-Style Beer Garden
• Park On Fremont Downtown Launches Acoustic Patio On Thursdays
• Las Vegas City Council votes to allow horse-drawn carriages downtown

Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2014

Rhumbar At Mirage Makes This Mother’s Day Pitcher Perfect – RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will offer $40 sangria pitchers for moms to enjoy a well-deserved day of relaxation on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.

Hardworking moms can sip sangria while unwinding on RHUMBAR’s cool Caribbean patio, complete with panoramic Strip views. Moms will be greeted with a colorful Gerbera daisy and will have their choice of two signature sangrias to celebrate the day. For a light and refreshing option, the White Sangria blends white and port wines with apricot brandy and fresh fruit. For a more full-bodied elixir, the Red Sangria balances red wine, port and brandy with fresh fruit and clove, for an extra splash of spice.

• Full story/details/info: Rhumbar Makes This Mother’s Day Pitcher Perfect

Tacos & Tequila Inside Luxor Celebrates Mother’s Day With A Mexican Twist – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will treat all moms to a complimentary rose and serve Mariachi Brunch in honor of the day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 11.

In addition to breakfast items, guests may cheers to moms with two-for-one T&T Top Shelf Margaritas made with Jose Cuervo Especial tequila and Grand Marnier served on the rocks; or Bloody Marias, made with Jose Cuervo Especial tequila, Chipotle Tabasco, fresh cucumber and olive juice and garnished with a green olive, panela cheese and tomato skewer.

• Full story/details/info: Tacos & Tequila Celebrates Mother’s Day With A Mexican Twist

Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Las Vegas Bar To Celebrate Mother’s Day With Lunch And Margaritas For Madres – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar at The LINQ will celebrate Mother’s Day with a four-course lunch and a complimentary Se±orita for mom on Sunday, May 11.

Mothers will be treated to a complimentary Se±orita to start the celebratory meal. The signature margarita is made with Cazadores silver tequila, fresh lime, fresh strawberry and Moscato d’Asti.

The four-course lunch, priced at $55 per person, will begin with the guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds and served with pork rinds or tortilla chips. For the second course…

• Full story/details/info: Chayo Celebrates Mother’s Day With Lunch And Margaritas For Madres

• Celebrate Mother’s Day At Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch At House Of Blues
• ROCKHOUSE Celebrates Mother’s Day With Bull Rides And Free Cocktail
• Tropicana Mother’s Day Restaurant Specials

Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos

• Peeking Into The Cromwell (with photos)
• IGT announces first multistate progressive jackpot network
• Can Casinos Manipulate Your Slot Play via Your Players Card?
• 59 Fun Facts on The Riviera Hotel & Casino’s 59th Birthday!
• Dramatic new look readied for Red Rock Resort
• Casino industry wrestles with issues surrounding medical marijuana
• Top 10 Las Vegas Sports Books

More Las Vegas News

• Kevin James films ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2’ in Vegas
• Las Vegas Tops Most Affordable City for Renters
• For GOP, Las Vegas just makes sense
• The World’s First Polaroid Museum Is Now Open On The Vegas Strip
• Bonnie Springs remains popular draw
• Foreclosure market in Nevada remains steady, new report shows

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

• Kentucky Derby Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-4)
• Cinco de Mayo Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-5)
• Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2014 (May 9-11)
• Memorial Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 23-26)

Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…

Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – As you’ve already seen from earlier in this issue, Barbary Bill’s has a fresh coat of paint and the (how do we say this politely) “interesting” new name as The Cromwell. The casino and one bar are open. Both the rooftop Drai’s dayclub/nightclub and Giada’s (of Food Network fame) restaurant are still roughly a month away.

The good (so far)? A couple of $10 blackjack tables that pay the traditional player-friendly 3/2 ($15-$10 instead of the more modern 6/5 games that only pay $12 for that same $10 bet blackjack) on blackjack bets. Keep in mind that limits and rules are subject to change depending on how busy the joint is. The bad? Gone are the moderate drink prices from the former incarnation. Also gone is the sports book. You have to place your sports wagers at a betting kiosk.

“Best Of” Voting Continues – Last issue, we noted the completion of the first round of the Play-In round for “Best Of” Las Vegas hotel voting. We took a week off to fine tune a few things, and we’re now ready for the second Play-In round! Many of you may want to refresh yourself with a look at the Second Round Play-In Best Las Vegas Hotel Bracket.

As a reminder, these are the second tier properties who are vying for a spot in our main 64 hotel playoffs, which will determine who our readers deem the best property in town! We’re now able to unveil the brackets for the main playoffs: AccessVegas.com Best Hotel Championship Bracket. Those of you who enjoy prognosticating will surly have some fun looking at all the match-ups!

Those with sharp eyes will notice that the main bracket has room for two “play-in” winners. Because of an error, we created two spots instead of one. So, both hotels in the Play-In finals will simply be moved into the Championship bracket round.

So, enough of the talk. Go vote in the Second Round of the Best Hotel Play-In (voting will be open through April 29, 2014)!

Zip Line Getting Close – While no official date has been set yet, construction is winding down on the Slotzilla zip line, stretching from one end of the Fremont Street Experience to the other. Testing has been underway with crash test dummies, and given the negative publicity that would surround any mishaps, we understand that emphasis on safety is at a premium. (This ain’t no carny ride).

Those who dare will have their choice of a shorter, lower ride stretching about 1/2 the length of the canopy and a full-on, “shot out of a cannon headfirst” experience starting out above the canopy, then ducking you just under it as you hurtle toward The Plaza. One downside that we’re not thrilled with? The landing platform has obliterated most of the view of the iconic lights of The Plaza as you gaze down the Fremont Street Experience. I always liked that view.

It’s Official, Temporarily – The Linq-Mobile (er, High Roller Observation Wheel) has been verified by Guinness as the tallest in the world. If you want to ride it while it holds the distinction, you’ll want to do so this year. Other taller wheels are under construction.

Bummer, No Implosion – The Harmon Tower (that giant billboard next to Cosmopolitan) is coming down. Quietly. A typical Las Vegas hotel implosion simply isn’t in the cards. Too great a possibility that it would wipe out part of the Cosmopolitan with it.

Unfortunately, we may have nearly seen the last of the great era of Las Vegas implosions. Many parts of The Strip are packed in more tightly than ever, refurbishing (a la Sahara and Tropicana) is more cost-effective, and while I personally wouldn’t mind seeing some of the condos come down, that will pretty much never happen because every owner would have to agree to sell.

Like it or not, I think we’re pretty much stuck with The Strip in its present format until Genting gets rolling on Resort World (former Stardust property) later this year. We’re looking forward to it (only 5 minutes from my house, how cool is that) and will work overtime to keep you up on this huge new megaresort as it develops.

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

• High Roller Ride-Through On The World’s Tallest Observation Wheel – This very well done 8 minute video takes you aboard the High Roller for as near of a first-hand experience as you are going to get until your next visit!
• “Lance Burton: Master Magician – The Legend Begins” 1996 TV Special – From time-to-time, we’re asked about legendary Las Vegas Magician Lance Burton. He’s apparently happily retired, continues to live here in Las Vegas, and very active with the SPCA and other charities. He’s also very active on his Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Las Vegas 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s – This approximately 10 minute show contains hundreds of amazing vintage Las Vegas photos put to period music. A great look back at the amazing history of Las Vegas!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am more than ready to subscribe but it is so difficult for us Canadians To pay for the subscribed newsletter. It seems unfair for us to have to wait until you add credit card payment .

I will not be able to take advantage of the early bird price, but I will sign up when you offer the service. I have told a number of my friends here in Canada, and they feel the same way. PayPal is not an option. Please announce when you have the ability to to help us here in Canada.

Just a note, Westjet Airlines, based in Calgary, was the first airline to pass the million passenger mark into Las Vegas.

As always,I enjoy your newsletter.

Allan Huntley

Ted Responds:

For those who have been tuned out for a while (and are now tuning back in as you prep for your next trip and/or working through back issues), we are moving to a paid subscription model on July 1 and offering a special pre-enrollment period. You can visit the Members Mania area of our April 2, 2014 issue for details.

In response to Allan’s heads-up about this:

We WILL be keeping the early-bird price open long enough for readers to have a way to use credit card. Rest assured that we have many Canadian and International readers and you will not be left out in the cold (no pun intended after this past winter).

What we’ll do is make credit card payments available around May 1 (Canadian Dollar, Euro, Pound, Yen, Australian, and many, many more major world currencies), and keep the pre-enrollment price in place until May 15 (instead of setting a subscriber number count on it). Things are going pretty smoothly so far (considering that this is the start of a major venture) and we certainly want to be as inclusive as possible to long-time loyal readers!

A note to the many, many of you who subscribed by check up to this point: We are currently processing them, and you will receive a confirmation note. Please keep in mind that processing time is 3-4 weeks for check orders as we work though them manually. We didn’t want you to think we forgot about you!

However you pay, we appreciate it and are thrilled for your support!

It’s been almost a year since my last visit & unfortunately I won’t make it this year & am having withdrawals…but the extra $$ just aren’t there right now. While the gambling (slots) were really bad the last trip, I was there for a total of 10 Days… I paid discount prices for 3 nights! Total of about $120.00.

I ALWAYS stay “Downtown” on Fremont Street, mainly because I like it there, but also because I am a Widow now, & must travel solo. My best friend used to love to go too…but I lost her also. I feel very Safe “Downtown” & usually stay at the 4-Queens, The “D”, or The Plaza. My last trip, I stayed at all three establishments, and also stayed for the 1st time at The Golden Gate!

Even though I lost my gambling allowance, I still had a wonderful time. I loved the new refurbished rooms at The Plaza (Very large & comfortable), enjoyed the quaintness of the room at the Golden Gate (very small) and the average Rooms at The “D” and The Four Queens!

I go to Vegas to gamble…and average sleep is about 4-6 hours a day….Not a High Roller by any means…but I do use the Player club Cards and would just like to state that the amount of Play from the Downtown Casino’s is definitely variable enough for me & the BEST PART is that when I finally decide I need a nap…..my room is usually within an 5-10 minute walk! At 63 that’s plenty for me.

If I had the $$, I could have gone once a month with 4 choices of hotel rooms. This might not happen for everyone, but on my budget, I truly don’t believe these offers would have rendered the same at the Strip.

I have always been treated very well by staff at all the hotels, and have very often been offered a choice of rooms as well. Also, for the most part, the rooms Downtown rent at a considerable savings over the rooms at the Strip, & those savings downtown, will more than cover the taxi ride to the Strip. So if you don’t need the fanciest room, you might consider a detour this year!

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great report! If it makes you feel any better, sometimes when I get tied up with the management side of this business and life happening and don’t get downtown or to The Strip as much as I’d love to, I get withdrawals too! (They usually kick in at the one week mark).

Many have wondered about how safe downtown is, and in particular females traveling alone. While anything can happen anywhere at anytime, the amount of security and cameras in Las Vegas makes it an extremely safe place. Even for the solo female traveler!

Downtown gaming seems to simply keep inching a little higher all the time and because most of the properties are owned by competing owners, you have real competition for your gambling dollar. They are generally not as encumbered by huge debt and a bunch of bean counters trying to squeeze the visitor endlessly.

Don’t get me wrong: The Strip is still the place to stay for those who come for the world-class shows and restaurants. Very few views like those from some of the rooms on The Strip. But, we’ve been actively encouraging people to take their wagering dollar downtown until The Strip returns to being a little more gambler friendly. As I’ve noted before, I want the return of big spinning cars available to be won sitting out on the sidewalks and huge neon signs that say “Our Slots Pay Back 99%”!

Few notes on Fremont Street Downtown:

1. You may wish to avoid Friday and Saturday nights now. I do. The area is now so popular that weekend evenings are super-crowded and pretty crazy. Fremont Street has the same gambling, food, and live bands seven nights per week. Go when you don’t have to fight the people who are a little out-of-control.

2. Because the live music often lasts until midnight or 1 AM, light sleepers staying downtown should request a room as far away from Fremont Street as possible, preferably facing the other direction. (Main Street Station guests may want to request a room that isn’t on the freeway side).

3. The old rooms at Golden Gate are really tiny. For those of you who like elbow room, something to keep in mind.

Thanks again for the great report!

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!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

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Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Las Vegas – Enjoy 24-hour checkout times only when you book online! Book Now!	Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA Treatments
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!	Save up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las Vegas
Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.	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!	Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals

Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)

This Week’s Top Tours

	Vegas Strip helicopter tour, then dinner at Smith & Wollensky’s is the perfect way to begin your night!
	See the Grand Canyon and experience the Skywalk without eating up your entire day by flying over and back
	Ever want to race a dune buggy through the Nevada desert terrain? Now’s your chance!
	Witness Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and fly down into the Grand Canyon by helicopter. Plus champagne and BBQ at The Canyon!
	Grand Canyon, Route 66, Mojave Desert, more, direct from Vegas. Full day tour only $229 includes snacks/lunch/fees!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

Brian Urlacher And Roger Clemens Team Up To Win 13th Annual Michael Jordan Invitational At Shadow Creek – Former Chicago Bears All-Pro Linebacker Brian Urlacher and former All-Star New York Yankees & Houston Astros Pitcher Roger Clemens ran away from the 19-team field on Sunday to win the 13th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino.

• Full story/details/info: Brian Urlacher And Roger Clemens Win 13th Annual Michael Jordan Invitational

Linq Las Vegas

• Sprinkles Cupcakes makes Las Vegas debut
• First marriage proposal on High Roller
• Chewing Over Our Dinner At Flour & Barley In The Linq
• Which Rooms Have The Best View Of The High Roller Observation Wheel?
• A Trio Of New Linq Venues Make Their Debut
• High Roller observation wheel at the Linq is ‘forever changing the skyline’
• Sprinkles Cupcakes Sweetens Up The Linq

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Las Vegas Casting Announced For MAMMA MIA! – Tickets On Sale Now – After a nationwide search, full casting has been announced for the highly anticipated Las Vegas production of MAMMA MIA!, which begins performances at The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas May 8, 2014. The talented cast features MAMMA MIA! alumni, including all three Dynamos as well as several Las Vegas locals who will join the company.

The Las Vegas cast will be led by Christine Sherrill as Donna Sheridan, Kimbre Lancaster as Sophie Sheridan, Mary Callanan as Rosie, Alison Ewing as Tanya, Trey Ellett as Harry Bright, Steve Judkins as Bill Austin, Sean Allan Krill as Sam Carmichael and Jordan Bondurant as Sky.

• Full story/details/info: Las Vegas Casting Announced For MAMMA MIA!
• Click to Book Tickets Now: MAMMA MIA!

Country Music Star Ronnie Dunn Attends Jersey Boys At Paris Las Vegas – Country music star Ronnie Dunn, of legendary duo Brooks & Dunn, attended Las Vegas’ #1 show Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas on April 3, 2014. In town for the Academy of Country Music Awards festivities, Dunn stopped by to see the show and to meet the cast following the performance.

• Full story/details/info: Country Music Star Ronnie Dunn Attends Jersey Boys
• Click to Book Tickets Now: Jersey Boys

• The many personas of Olivia Newton-John play out at Flamingo

  Book Olivia Newton-John Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Possible UNLV stadium seen as host for six annual events

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

• Las Vegas, Nevada is in the Top 10 Best Cities to Start a Business
• Area Home Sales Drastically Slow in February
• Las Vegas economy trails all other metros since recession
• Laughlin: The town the recovery forgot

Dining, Drinking, And
Other Recreational Activities

Guy Fieri Makes Official Las Vegas Arrival At The Quad To Launch “Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen And Bar” – Chef, restaurateur, New York Times Best-Selling author and Emmy Award-winning TV host Guy Fieri made a grand entrance at his first Las Vegas restaurant, Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar.

Fans of Fieri were in attendance as Guy manned the grill cooking up his signature Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger.

• Full story/details/info: Guy Fieri Arrives At The Quad To Launch “Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen And Bar”

UNLVino Celebrates Founders With Re-Imagined Grand Tasting Event – Hundreds Of Premium Beverages, Top Vegas Restaurants, Live Entertainment! – To celebrate its 40th anniversary and pioneering visionaries, UNLVino, Nevada’s original wine festival, will host the largest Grand Tasting celebration in its history. The event will introduce a completely re-imagined, immersive culinary experience that brings together the best of the Las Vegas community.

• Full story/details/info: UNLVino Celebrates Founders With Re-Imagined Grand Tasting Event

• Las Vegas lays out tough rules for medical pot businesses (with video)
• Hop On Over To Trevi This Easter For Food And Drink Specials
• Wicked Vicky Tavern Introduces Wickedly-Good New Menu Items At Riviera
• Three Years is a Magic Number for Downtown Las Vegas’ Insert Coin(s) Arcade Bar
• Cheer For New Beer At Commonwealth In Downtown Las Vegas

Gambling And Gaming

• Does 4-Coin Slot Machine Hit Jackpot More Frequently Than 3-Coin Machine?
• Gambling Now Everywhere At Cosmopolitan Hotel
• Venetian And Palazzo Make The Move To 6:5 Blackjack

Las Vegas Hotels

Riviera Continues April 2014 Food, Beverage, And Gaming Promotions – Guests and Riviera Rewards members of the iconic Riviera Hotel & Casino are invited to take advantage of the great food, beverage and gaming promotions available in March including $3 drinks, $2 beers, and $1 blackjack.

• Full story/details/info: Riviera’s April Food, Beverage, And Gaming Promotions

• As megaresort trend fades, companies focus on luxury in ‘small’ settings
• SLS Las Vegas to unveil new pool playground and nightclub Life
• At Venetian, da Vinci Returns With Less Art, More Inventions
• The 6Cs of The Cromwell: Champagne, Caviar, Cocktails, Coffee, Cotton Candy and Cosmetics
• Cosmopolitan billboard to start flashing love notes

More Las Vegas News

• Mapping Downtown Las Vegas’ Appearances in Film
• Las Vegas advances in hunt for 2016 GOP convention

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

• Easter Las Vegas 2014 (April 20)
• Kentucky Derby Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-4)
• Cinco de Mayo Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-5)

Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…

Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Hello from a very “summery” Las Vegas, where daytime highs have gotten just a bit into the 90’s F (32C) this week. We have a couple more days of this unusually warm weather before we settle back into the 80’s (26-31C). I feel that it is safe to tell you to leave the jacket and home and pack a swimsuit if pool time is part of your Las Vegas adventure.

Best Of Voting In Progress – Last Sunday, you should have received an email noting that our Best Of Las Vegas “Best Hotel” voting is now open. We’re in the first round of the Play-In Round round. The Play-In Round is where second tier hotels are vying to win a chance to be one of the 64 properties which go up against each other once we get to the main round.

Here are the brackets for current match-ups:

AccessVegas.com Best Of Las Vegas
Play-In Round Bracket

If you have not voted yet, what are you waiting for? Head over and vote now!

We’ll soon be adding more categories like buffets, steakhouses, attractions, and more. If you have any suggestions for categories you’d like to see us do a “Best Of” on, please drop us a note at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Important Note: We will not be doing a “Best Show” category. Five of the absolute very best shows in Las Vegas help support us with advertising: Absinthe, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, Rock Of Ages, and Terry Fator (Mamma Mia! was a smash hit here before, and we know it will be once again). We would not want to be accused of rigging the voting. One of the things we’re very proud of with our “playoff system” way of voting is that YOU decide. We’re not pulling strings behind the scenes.

  by  Alaskan Dude 

Virgin River Gorge Update – Last year, we suggested that those of you with access to a car (or who were willing to rent one), drive north of town through Arizona’s stunningly beautiful Virgin River Gorge. It is truly one of the most scenic parts of the U.S. interstate highway system and less than two hours north of us. Make a morning of it, and you can grab lunch at do some gambling in Mesquite (a very friendly three-casino town about 80 miles to our north) on your way back and, still arrive in Vegas with plenty of time for a nap, dinner, and a full evening.

Except um… don’t for the next 2-3 years. The seven sets of aging bridges in the gorge are getting replaced, and traffic will be one lane each way in sections, clogging up that stretch of interstate. (Read more at Long waits are here for travelers using I-15 through Virgin River Canyon gorge).

For our friends from Utah, Colorado and other points north and east who use I-15 to visit us? Here’s the little secret: Before I-15 was built through the gorge, Highway 91 was the main road from L.A. to Salt Lake City. (The Vegas Strip was once part of it). And… Highway 91 still exists as a well maintained road, bypassing the gorge!

Let everybody else blindly get stuck in the construction mess. A detour over old 91 around the construction mess is only 9 miles longer, but you’ll have plenty of clear sailing. It will most likely just be you and some savvy locals. Here’s the Google Map for the suggested detour.

Not Renting a car and still want to spend a morning (or afternoon) checking out the amazing scenery here in the southwest? Hop on over to our AccessVegas.com Tours Page and you’ll find tours to Red Rock Canyon (just outside of town), Valley Of Fire (you’ll think you are on another planet) and The Grand Canyon!

Membership Update – Last week, we opened up a special pre-enrollment for our paid newsletter membership program launching July 1, 2014. Since some tend to let our newsletters build up and then read through them all as their trip date gets closer, this will be news to some of you. Each week, we’ll be running this info until we launch.

Paid subscribers will get the newsletter with less advertising, a special members area of well-organized deals (which will make it pay for itself), and exclusive notes, tips, and inside scoops for having a great vacation here which will not be made available to those on the free subscriber list.

We are limiting the early pre-enrollment price of $14.95 to the first 1000 people. You can find all the details in the Members Mania section of our April 2, 2014 issue (link to click).

IMPORTANT NOTE: The $14.95 price will be available until we let you know in a future newsletter. Some were worried about paying if they didn’t know whether they’d be among the first 1000. Bottom line: Grab it while we’re still making it available. We’ll let you know right here when it ends, and modify the April 2 issue to remove the option once no longer available.

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

• The Food At The Julian Serrano Restaurant Inside Aria – Julian Serrano stretches the boundaries of small plates and introduces guests to delectable interpretations of his native Spanish fare. Gather for lunch or dinner in an environment that rivals the energy of the innovative cuisine served. From the detailed dÚcor to the hot tapas, flavor is abundant.
• Cocktail Recipes Demonstrated At Fizz Las Vegas Inside Caesars Palace – Take a peek inside this relatively new, gilded, upscale mixology and champagne bar, Fizz inside Caesars Palace.
• More Footage Of The Las Vegas Strip – Now At Night – From Summer, 1992! – Producers Notes: Here is some more footage of the Las Vegas Strip, now shot at night, from 31 floors up at the Stardust! Shot in late July, 1992, shot on hi-8.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Regarding your article about the changing face of Vegas:

So true, my first experience was in the late 80s and it left an great impression on me. But it was another 20 odd years for my second visit, again it was great, a lot of buzz, hummer giveaways at every corner, loose slots, huge and varied buffets and generally everybody was laughing and having a great time.

Now over the last ten years have been back every second year and there is no comparison of 10 years. Have stayed at the Luxor when it was a Egyptian themed casino and it was great, now well it doesn’t know what it wants to be, terrible. Yes, accommodations are cheaper, but a lot of the glitz and spirit has left town.

Now I stay at a varied accommodation throughout Vegas and one is Circus Circus for nostalgia value! I went to “Slots-O-Fun”… My god, has it changed. It used to be full of people playing the table games now it is automated, hardly anybody in there, dead and boring.

The buffets have shrunk, food is still good and I suppose the price is still good. Shows are great, no doubt about that. Coming from Australia, there is no comparison on the quality.

Last but not least, it is hard to win or even break even, and no what people say, a huge reason people travel from all over the world is to say they have gambled and had a great time in Vegas.

Will be coming over next year, but with more of an emphasis on sightseeing, more shows and less gambling. Comps aren’t really worth it.

Cheers,

Manny

Ted Responds:

The various rewards cards (especially by the two big boys) are finally tuned machines that psychologically really get people chasing comps. No doubt about that. If one is going to do some serious gambling, and don’t get me wrong: Soak up all the comps you can. But never lose sight of the fact that comps are based on a percentage of what you lose over time. Except for a few video poker pros, there is no way to overcome that percentage. Gamble for fun, take what they offer.

Gaming revenue continues to become a smaller and smaller part of the revenue stream here. It will be interesting if we reach a tipping point where enough people have reduced their gambling budget to where we see the intense competition for the gaming dollar like we used to. Where did all of those “We Have Loose Slots” neon signs from the past go? For now, everyone is being sucked into the themed games with the rumbling chairs, special bonus rounds, and the like. They are no doubt entertaining, just so long as you know that you are paying (sometimes dearly) for the entertainment!

We do feel that your dollar is better spent on shows, tours, attractions, and the like. Do you want to go home and tell people about all the money you lost in the slots, or tell them how you flew down into the Grand Canyon! When you get a ticket to a top show, you KNOW that you are going to get a set amount of value and enjoyment (and plenty to tell your friends about).

It will be interesting to watch the changing face of Las Vegas, and see how people respond. I wish the boring corporate suits running the town would glitz it back up again also!

Just love the story about home values in Las Vegas. Thanks for telling it like it is. I was wondering if you know what happened to Johnny Carson’s home? It is at 3333 Seminole Circle. Last I heard, it was not occupied. Not too far from The Sahara, where Johhny was king in the 60’s and 70’s.

Thanks for the good stuff.

Jim from San Diego

Ted Responds:

We noted it a couple months ago (maybe a little more). It does not appear to be for sale, although lots of empty homes in Las Vegas are still pre-foreclosure. (The bank simply has not started foreclosure proceedings yet, but nobody lives there and no one is paying a mortgage).

It sits right in that sweet spot along the east side of Maryland Parkway that I talked about recently. Super close to tons of shopping and day-to-day living needs, about 3 miles from the center of The Strip by car, and along Desert Inn which gives easy non-stop access to the west side of town (The Strip is a tough dividing line to cross because of traffic), and in an area of some very attractive mid-century modern homes.

I go right by it on the way to my chiropractor, so I will make it a point to stop by and have a look-see next time. Google Maps image of the properly is from 2011, so who knows what it looks like now?

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!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.