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Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 5, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

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!
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…

The Bellagion Gallery Of Fine Art

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Presents “Painting Women” – Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA), the premier cultural destination on the Las Vegas Strip recognized for presenting world-class exhibitions in an unrivaled setting, today debuted its newest exhibition “Painting Women: Works from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.” Culture-seekers and art-lovers can view the exhibit through Oct. 26, 2014.

Organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibition showcases 34 paintings spanning the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, revealing the story of women artists, their activism and artistic achievements. The works represent the increased opportunities for education, domestic independence and artistic training that allowed many women to pursue their dreams of becoming professional painters, dating back to the late 18th century.

Events And Specials During March 2014

THE LINQ

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Sighting: GLEE Star Darren Criss with Cast of Rock of Ages – GLEE star, Darren Criss, attended Rock of Ages Saturday evening, February 15, 2014 at The Venetian Las Vegas. Following the performance, Criss headed backstage to share words of enthusiasm with Rock of Ages star and former GLEE cast member, Jon Robert Hall, and to take a photo with the cast. Criss also shared his sentiments in a tweet saying, “Thanks again to my ol’ warbler buddy @JonHall28 for a rockin time- he killed it as Stacee Jaxx in RockofAgesVegas this weekend!

Grammy Award Winning Violinist Joshua Bell And NFL Stars Vince Young And Zach Ertz Attend Absinthe – On February 9, 2014, Grammy Award«-winning violinist Joshua Bell attended Absinthe. Following the performance, Bell shared his enthusiasm for the show while posing for a photo with The Green Fairy Melody Sweets.

On February 15-16, Former NFL Quarterback Vince Young and Philadelphia Eagles Tight End Zach Ertz attended Absinthe at Caesars Palace with his girlfriend. Following the performance, Ertz expressed his enjoyment for the performance while he met with The Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets for a photo.

Las Vegas Tours And Attractions

The Cromwell Hotel & Casino

Drinking, Dining, And Dancing In Las Vegas

Celebrate National Meatball Day With Meat-Loving Specials At Trevi At Caesars Palace – Trevi Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will honor National Meatball Day by offering several specially-priced menu favorites exclusively on Sunday, March 9.

Executive Chef Peter Scaturro’s classic spaghetti and meatballs entrÚe is made with a hearty serving of pasta served with two homemade meatballs in a zesty marinara sauce and will be priced at $15 to celebrate the holiday. Additional specials include a wood oven-fired meatball pizza for $10, an appetizer featuring two jumbo five-ounce meatballs for $5 and a lunchtime meatball sub on focaccia bread served with patate fritte, priced at $15.

Gambling And Gaming

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

More Las Vegas News

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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! – No polar vortex here, although we’re watching it on TV and hoping that all of our US and Canadian readers getting slammed once again with winterly weather are staying safe and warm. Our 10 day forecast ranges from 72 – 81 F (22 – 27 C) for the highs and we’re going to have flawless weather for our NASCAR race this weekend.

Monorail vs. Light Rail (Part 2) – Last week, we discussed why the monorail has not been extended to the airport and why the SLS (Sahara) may be the last hope of turning it into a success. This week we’ll talk about a new idea for light rail and question why the airport does not have better bus service for visitors.

Unlike many other cities in the U.S. (and around the world), your options for getting from McCarran Airport to The Strip or Fremont Street are limited to renting a car, taking a cab/limousine, or using a shuttle. When you consider the sheer volume of visitors who move through our airport, this is simply not acceptable (unless you own a cab company).

Citizens Area Transit (aka CAT, our local bus service) is making inroads to serving the airport, but still not specifically in a way that benefits tourist. We have two bus lines running the length of The Strip (a limited-stop express and a the regular double-deck Deuce). I have yet to hear why one of them doesn’t operate a split route and circle though the airport. Instead, both continue south on The Strip (Las Vegas Blvd.) down to the Outlet Mall and transit center.

Two bus routes designed for locals cross The Strip and are usable under the right conditions. If you are going to the vicinity of Treasure Island/Wynn/Venetian, you can hop the Centennial Express (CX) right from the airport. BUT… only from Terminal 3. So, keep that in mind. The Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) services both Terminal 1 & 3 and crosses The Strip on Tropicana for those who are staying in that area.

BOTH of these routes provide service into the heart of Fremont Street. The fare is only $2 and the WAX is quicker. Information on both is available at http://www.rtcsnv.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/AirportBrochure_0114_24x11.pdf

However, we’re still talking a bus ride when other cities have forms of rail serving their airports. Unfortunately, some kind of rail down The Strip is a near impossibility. As congested as things are, just the construction would be nightmarish. Running with the traffic would cause all kinds of accidents, and creating a designated lane would make an already crowded street come to a permanent standstill.

The latest push is to run light rail from the airport to downtown, and it is gaining some decent momentum. While aimed at locals, this could be a boon to some visitors if done properly. They know that they want to run it down Maryland Avenue because of the density of housing, UNLV, and similar. They could follow this route http://goo.gl/maps/XJeMJ and zig-zag it over to meet up with the north end of the monorail as well.

However, I’ll be the first to agree that all of the above represents a patchwork at best. And probably only palatable to those who really enjoy mass transit or want to save a buck and stick it to the cabbies!

Terry Fator Video Now Working – Our Terry Fator on David Letterman video was down for a few hours last week. If you tried to view it and couldn’t, you can enjoy it now!

Getting An End To Resort Fees – The move to outlaw resort fees (or make them a LOT more transparent like the airlines now must) is gaining steam.

I would suggest that ALL of you who are concerned about this issue take 5 minutes out of your life and write a snail mail (postal service mail) to Senator Harry Ried and let him know that you disapprove and it is making you — the Vegas visitor — have a negative opinion. You don’t have to live in Nevada to write him. In fact, hearing from those of you around the U.S. and around the world who visit and provide a positive economic impact to our state would be very powerful.

Write him at:

The Honorable Harry Reid
333 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Suite 8016
Lloyd D. George Building
Las Vegas, NV 89101

P.S. Even if you don’t like his politics, be polite and to-the-point. This isn’t about Obamacare or the minimum wage. He needs to be aware that the resort fee issue bothers you.

To the hotel properties who want to continue the fees, I can only say “don’t shoot the messenger” here. It is by far and away the #1 complaint among our readers. I’d love to see a gentleman’s agreement among resort properties to kill the fee and simply bump up the room rates. You’ll get the same amount for the room without pissing off every visitor who looks at their final hotel bill and feels like they were robbed.

I never hear people citing room rates as a reason for visiting here less. Whether to take a trip or not usually comes down to getting decent airfare. We’d still have some of the cheapest rooms in the nation for what you are getting.

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

  • Video – Fremont Street Experience 2013 – Still have that football beer holder you bought on your last visit to Fremont Street? Dig it out, pour your favorite frosty beverage in it, and turn up this video. You’ll almost feel like you are back down there!

  • Piers Morgan On Las Vegas – Before Piers got hired and (evidently) let go at CNN, he did this special on Las Vegas for British TV. Shot during the bust, they did a pretty good job of capturing a nice snapshot of that era.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 26, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms – Tired of the cold? Escape to beautiful Las Vegas with rates starting at $59 + complimentary bottle of alcohol! Palms Resort & Casino – Plan your Vegas trip ahead and secure the best rate! Make your plans now!
Palms Resort & Casino – 20% off Rates & Starting at $35/NT! Palms Place Resort – 20% off Rates. Stay in Contemporary Luxury!
Palms Casino Resort – Rates from $59 and complimentary bottle Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.
Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

El Loco Opens At The Adventuredome Introducing Drops, Twists & Turns For Thrill Seekers Of All Ages – The Adventuredome at Circus Circus has gone “loco” – El Loco, that is! Only the second of its kind in the United States, the new world-class roller coaster is now open and invites thrill seekers of all ages to experience a 72-second, adrenaline-pumping adventure complete with G drops, gravity-defying turns and over-the-edge twists.

Designed by S&S Worldwide, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of vertical and family thrill rides, El Loco’s soaring eye-catching structure offers a unique and exhilarating ride experience in a small footprint. Reaching a maximum speed of 45 mph, El Loco pushes the limits with unique coaster elements that drop, turn and twist riders around 1,300 feet of electric yellow track for a thrill-a-second adventure, including…

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NBA Tickets 5 Seconds of Summer Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
NHL Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Lionel Richie Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Morrissey Tickets
Baseball Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
NCAA Basketball Tickets One Direction Tickets

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Bruno Mars Performed At The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan – Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bruno Mars celebrated Valentine’s Day weekend by rocking the Mophie Stage inside The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for two consecutive nights on Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16.

Both nights Australian DJ Havana Brown, known for her hit “We Run the Night” warmed up sold-out crowds with electric sets featuring popular remixes such as Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.” Following, one of People Magazine’s sexiest men alive, Bruno Mars, took the stage with his eight-piece band The Hooligans. Photo credit: ® Erik Kabik/ Retna/ erikkabik.com

Downtown Las Vegas / Fremont Street Experience

Las Vegas Hotels

Celebrate Spring Break And Mardi Gras In Las Vegas

Rhumbar Welcomes Spring Break With Specials – RHUMBAR will turn its Caribbean-themed patio into the ultimate spring break getaway for those aged 21 and over with all-day music and daily specials from 1 – 6 p.m. The array of $5 drink specials include Rum Punch, Coors Light bottles and vodka mixed drinks. Buckets of domestic beer also will be available for $20. Revelers can savor $8 house cigars, a variety of hookah flavors and The Chonga, a 32-ounce margarita with two upside down 7-ounce Sol beers, for $18.

Join The Fiesta At Tacos & Tequila For Spring Break – Spring Breakers may also enjoy a $5 menu offered daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring Fiesta Nachos, Haba±ero Wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Flautas, Guacamole, Dos Equis bottles, Jose Cuervo shots, well drinks, house red or white wine and sangria. The party never stops with T&T’s Fiesta Weekends complete with a resident DJ spinning high-energy sets and $5 Dos Equis and Jose Cuervo shots every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Trevi Offers Food And Drink Specials For Spring Breakers – College students celebrating their week off from school will enjoy $6 TREVI Bites including tomato bruschetta, fresh stuffed mushrooms, fried calamari, eggplant crisps, homemade meatballs and mini stuffed cheeseburgers.

The Italian restaurant will offer an array of drink specials including $3 classic frozen bellinis made with a refreshing blend of peach nectar, sparkling wine, light rum and peach purÚe; $4 bottled beers including Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Corona, Miller Lite and Peroni; $6 wines by the glass such as chardonnay, pinot grigio, cabernet sauvignon, Chianti and merlot; and $6 signature martinis including the pomegranate cosmo, Italian marga-tini, blue-tini and limone martini.

Dining In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

Gambling And Gaming

This Week’s Top Tours

Vegas Strip ‘copter tour, then dinner at Smith & Wollensky’s is the perfect way to begin your night!
Experience Grand Canyon via Plane, ‘Copter, Hike (optional), BBQ, true Southwest experience!
Drive your dream car (Ferrari, Lambo, more) around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR track starting only $199!
VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour via chopper trip to/from Skywalk, stunning views, expedited/exclusive arrangements.
Western Sunset Horseback + BBQ Dinner Ride through stunning scenery surrounding Vegas. Truly experience the west!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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! – March is staring us squarely in the face and spring has sprung here in Las Vegas. This means Spring Break, St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and the end of what most of you would consider chilly weather. Do pack a light jacket, but leave the heavy stuff at home where you’ve been giving it a wear-out all winter.

Monorail vs. Light Rail (Part 1) – With no end in sight for the regulation of taxi long-hauling (the cab taking you the long way from the airport), people continue to ask why the monorail simply can’t be run to the airport. The issue: The monorail is a private company and because of past failures financially, it simply isn’t able to raise the necessary capital. The good citizens of Clark County, NV have heard so much bad news about the monorail over the years that there is no public (taxpayer) push to get involved by taking the company over. This would be the first necessary step in using tax dollars to fund the expansion.

The hotel properties have no interest in stepping in. It only realistically serves a few of them and frankly isn’t that convenient of a way to casino-hop due to the location of the stations.

As recently pointed out by our friend Mark over at the 360 Vegas Podcast*, The new SLS (former Sahara, opening Labor Day weekend) could prove to be somewhat of a saving grace for the monorail. The younger crowd they are looking to draw might find it a great way to get down The Strip to other restaurants and clubs. AND… if the SLS brings a decent draw the way Cosmopolitan did, people from the south and mid-Strip will find the monorail an easy way to get to SLS.

* 360 Vegas Podcast is NOT for those with timid ears. They do a great job giving their opinions on Las Vegas but also spend time on off-color jokes and pop-culture tangents. This is not for those of you looking for 60 Minutes.

Why didn’t this happen when The Sahara was operating? The Sahara’s prices, location and (lack of) amenities drew a drive-in, budget crowd from California who were not as likely to spend the $5 per person for the ride. A young group of drinking clubbers will gladly pay that to be whisked from SLS to Hakasan (MGM’s big club) in 15 minutes of air conditioned, partying comfort. Similar, the younger trendy clubbers will do the same to experience the clubs SLS is set to offer. A budget, light-drinking party of four with a car? Not so much.

In Part 2, we’ll talk about why bus service to the airport is so non-existent for visitors, and the concept of light rail currently being floated. In other cities, mass transit generally does a solid job of serving their airport, and in cities such as Atlanta and Portland, you can hop a train from the airport straight into downtown!

Linq Me Up – As many of you are reading this, the Big Wheel, er Linq-Mobile, er High Roller Ferris Wheel — sitting dead in the center of the Strip and lit up as to be seen from 20 miles away — is just about to open. Rumor pegs it as March 1 with an average ride price of $30. Obviously, we’ll be down there as soon as they give everyone the green light with photos, a story, and perhaps some video

Driving home from grocery shopping recently, I just about drove off the road, distracted by how brightly the pods were lit up. They’re making sure it gets noticed!

Terry Fator and MAMMA MIA! – We’d like to welcome two great new sponsors! MAMMA MIA! returns to Las Vegas, this time at The Tropicana in the old Folies Bergere showroom. (Which has been upgraded and received a makeover). Long time visitors may remember it running for many years at Mandalay Bay, and everyone (literally) loved it. Click For Tickets: MAMMA MIA! Las Vegas

Terry Fator continues his extremely talented, hilarious show at The Mirage. He’s hot on the heels of a new DVD release. However, if you’ve caught his previous work on TV or Netflix, don’t assume that you’ve seen it all. He’s constantly adding new acts, characters and bits to his show. You could go once per year and not see the same show again. We’ve included a clip of his recent David Letterman performance in our What We’re Watching area. Click For Tickets: Terry Fator Las Vegas

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

  • Terry Fator 2014 On David Letterman – America’s Got Talent ventriloquist/singer/comedian Terry Fator continuous to wow audiences in his Mirage Las Vegas Theater. Enjoy this recent David Letterman performance.

  • Take A Ride On The New Circus Circus Adventuredome El Loco Rollercoaster – Allowing the vehicle to make tighter and faster turns, El Loco’s small four-person cars feature an innovative open-carriage design giving riders the feeling of flying as they twist around every turn. With a surround-sound system built into each seat of the coaster cars, riders also will enjoy a custom soundtrack featuring the sounds of Latin, Hip Hop and Rock.

  • Las Vegas 1969 – Travel up Interstate 15 to Las Vegas August 1969. A view of old Las Vegas driving down the famous “strip”. Drive by the “new” Landmark Hotel which opened on July 1, 1969.

  • Advice From A Barber: Wynn Edition – A tourist at the Wynn resort and casino in Las Vegas and got a luxury shave at their salon. With Wynn’s permission he recorded the shave, asking the barber to explain what he was doing and answer some questions.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

In January 2014, we asked you to send us your 2014 Vegas plans. We were swamped and enjoyed reading them all. We’ll be printing selected choices over the next few months so that you can hear what others are up to and share in the excitement that anticipation of a Vegas vacation brings!

 

How lovely for someone to ask about your holiday plans and actually really want to know rather than just being polite!

I live in the UK and visited Vegas for the first time in 1997 with my mum as part of a tour and loved it so much that I have been back every other year since 2005, with a mixture of friends and family I had planned to visit with my husband Neil last year but unfortunately our boiler packed up and we had to buy a new one so that put paid to our plans. The good news is that we are back on track to visit this year… hurrah. We normally visit for a week but this year we are coming for two weeks in (Neil’s) hopes that it will be a bit more relaxed.

We have been saving and ebaying and have a tidy amount to spend so we intend to go for it.

Our plan is to visit around mid to late September and have alternate days out doing stuff and days around the pool to recover.

The flights from the UK are horrendously expensive but fortunately the hotel rates are good and we are likely going to stay at the Orleans which is where we have stayed the last three times we have visited. Great hotel and the shuttle to the strip makes it very easy to get about. Looks like they have remodeled some rooms there and we will shell out the extra bit for one of those. I still can’t get my head round the daily resort charges $10 a day on top …ouch…

I am lucky enough to have visited the Grand Canyon twice before but Neil has never been and so we plan to do a helicopter trip there. I also want to visit Laughlin and have seen that you can do a free day trip there which is great. Other things on the agenda that we haven’t done before are Mob Museum, New Wheel (hopefully it will be open by then) – I have been on the London Eye and it is an amazing experience.Plus,  Stratosphere 107 Lounge.

We will go back to see Big Elvis….great show! Going to take Neil to see Human Nature who I saw with a group of girlies on my last trip and I know he will love and also Donny & Marie are on the agenda (for me at least) Will go back to visit all the hotels as usual and will look to do other shows as well (Hoping Rod Stewart might be there)

I am also going to check out some different restaurants to eat in…..last visit we booked what should have been a special meal for my mums 75th birthday at Mon Ami Gabi and we were so dreadfully disappointed. Such poor service and average food. It’s not true that you always get what you pay for. Roulette – blackjack and slots also on the agenda…….

Blimey I feel exhausted just thinking about it but so excited and sitting here on a dreary wet London day typing this has really cheered me up See you in September!!

Best Wishes.

Cheryl

PS When I am working and need cheering up I set my computer to pick up Earth Cam at the Welcome To Vegas sign….where else could you see Elvis posing for photos at 9.30 in the morning ..Viva Las Vegas

&nbps;

Ted Responds:

That sounds like a full trip, and no question that when you are traveling that far, you need to make the most of it!

* If staying off-Strip, The Orleans is a good choice. Big casino, plenty of food options, prices and gambling that cater to locals (IE, your money will go farther), and a very short shuttle ride from The Strip.

* Those who do Vegas for short stretches and go non-stop often wonder how someone can visit for a week or two (or longer). The simply do what you plan to do. Spend one day going heavy, and the next day kicking back. Also when you are here longer, you don’t quite feel so overwhelmed with so much to do and so little time.

* Make sure to check out our Access Vegas Tours Page to book that Grand Canyon trip. There is NOTHING like seeing it from a helicopter where you can get an in-depth trip into the Canyon and see so much of it. Keep in mind that we only work with the best, most safe companies for these tours.

Visiting the Stratosphere 107 lounge is well worth the trip. Just keep in mind to pay attention to when sunset is. For the best experience, get up there 45 minutes before sunset and enjoy cocktails while The Strip lights up and the sun sets in an orange glow over our spectacular desert mountains!

* For those wondering, they can check out the Las Vegas sign live at EarthCam Las Vegas. If you visit the sign during the day, let your friends know and make sure to wave to them.

Sounds like a very full trip and we’ll be eager to hear how it went toward the end of the year!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 12, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Resort & Casino – 20% off Rates & Starting at $35/NT! Palms Place Resort – 20% off Rates. Stay in Contemporary Luxury!
Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Palazzo – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PPROAPU) Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Venetian – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PVROAPU)
Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Palazzo (promo code: PPSUTLF) Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Venetian (promo code PVSUTLF)
Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Venetian (Promo Code: EVHOMQ1) Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Palazzo (Promo Code: EPHOMQ1)
Palms Casino Resort – Rates from $59 and complimentary bottle Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.
Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NBA Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Cher Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets Dave Matthews Band Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Los Angeles Clippers Tickets James Taylor Tickets
NHL Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
College Basketball Tickets One Direction Tickets

Sports And Olympics

Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Shows Feature International Olympic-Caliber Athletes and Performers – Hundreds of athletes from around the world gather to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In Las Vegas, Olympic-caliber athletes and entertainers from across the globe take the stage nightly at Caesars Entertainment’s Total Vegas Resorts. Go behind the curtains and find out how these international entertainers stay in shape and maintain their athletic physique.

Las Vegas Attractions

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Celebrity Sighting: Adam Lambert Attends Rock of Ages At The Venetian – Singer and American Idol alumni Adam Lambert attended Rock of Ages at The Venetian Las Vegas in order to rock out and cheer on cast member and close friend Terrance Spencer (Mayor/Ja’Keith). The two first met when they performed in WICKED together and then later, Terrance performed as a dancer on Lambert’s Glam Nation tour.

After the performance, Lambert went backstage to pose for photos with the cast, including Terrance, and to congratulate them on a great performance.

Downtown Las Vegas And Fremont Street

Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Celebrate National Margarita And Tortilla Chip Day With Specials At Tacos & Tequila Inside Luxor – Celebrate National Margarita Day with two-for-one Top Shelf Margaritas February 22 and National Tortilla Chip Day with $5 Fiesta Nachos on February 24.

T&T’s signature Top Shelf Margarita is made with Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado Tequila, organic agave nectar, Grand Marnier and a margarita mix prepared in-house daily from fresh squeezed limes, and is served on the rocks with a salted rim.

The south of the border party will continue with $5 Fiesta Nachos, in honor of National Tortilla Chip Day. The nachos are topped with black beans, jalape±os, chipotle cheese sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo and crema fresca. Diners may add chicken for an additional $3 or grilled steak for $4.

Gambling And Gaming

More Las Vegas News

This Week’s Top Tours

Air/Land/Water: Experience a Grand Canyon expedition from #Vegas, helicopter trip and Colorado River rafting!
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
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…

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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! – Temps are in the 70’s F this week (as we noted they would be a couple of weeks ago), birds are chirping, the sun is shining… it looks like our two months of winter (Dec. and Jan.) are officially over! Now, if we can just get daylight savings time to kick in and give us some sunshine in the evening to enjoy, life will be perfect. Nothing beats a warm evening walk on the Las Vegas Strip with the Bellagio fountains going off next to you.

Bellagio Fountains by prud_de, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by  prud_de 

Average Visitor Age Declines – For quite a few years, the average age of the Las Vegas visitor hovered right around 50. That number has recently taken a dramatic drop to around 45. What gives?

EDC and EDM, which stand for Electric Daisy Carnival and Electronic Dance Music. Electronic dance music is the “thump thump” music that you pretty much hear everywhere now, and many of the DJ’s who create and or mix the tracks are superstars among EDM fans. This has culminated in a yearly event called Electric Daisy Carnival which draws around 300,000 mostly young people to attend the multi-night festival held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That alone really drags down the average.

We do have the “chicken or the egg” issue working. Are more seasoned visitors chased away because of the trends toward the clubs and EDM music replacing the lounge acts? Or have the casinos tightened up their slot machines one notch too tight, leaving gamblers to figure that if they are going to get robbed, they don’t need to fly all the way to Las Vegas to do so?

One thing is for sure: Las Vegas better work on making gambling more appealing to those twenty-somethings if they want a life-long shot at those customers revenue. Shopping just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to financing the multi-decade debt load on some of the gaming properties. once these younger people hit 30 and settle down and start having kids, spending big bucks for a night of clubbing is no longer going to appeal to them until they are 50 and divorced. And… this “shopping” gimmick won’t be filling the financial gap.

Make gambling an affordable pastime for all ages and you’ll get people to gamble. Set slots and table game rules too tight, and then don’t be shocked when people spend their money on other activities. AND… when these 20-somethings vanish as Vegas visitors when they hit 30.

Drinking And Gambling At 18 – Longshot GOP candidate for the Nevada governor’s office Eddie Hamilton wants to spur tourism by lowering the legal age to drink and gamble in Nevada to 18. While the valid argument exists that if one can go to war and die for your country, one is old enough to enjoy adult vices.

On the flip side, the ideas has too many roadblocks to count:

  • The 21 and over drinking age is just short of a federal law. States can lower it, but they lose their highway money from Washington, DC. This is also why we have the uniform .08 “drunk” threshold, and Nevada was one of the last states to bow down to that (with a gun to our head). However, we still have an “aggravated” DUI at .18 which is where you are no longer just a tiny bit buzzed, but are pretty good and tipsy.
  • I can’t imagine many of the hotel properties wanting to rent to anyone under 21.
  • Kids that age aren’t exactly loaded with cash. It is one thing to be a budget tourist. It is entirely another thing to come to Las Vegas and end up drinking yourself silly on The Strip (from beer and liquor bought at the grocery store) all day and night because you literally can’t afford to do much else.

While I don’t applaud the federal government telling states how to set laws like these, I can’t see a change like this benefiting tourism here.

The Next “Locals” Best Kept Dining Secret – Every couple of years, regular visitors who spend way too much time on way too many Las Vegas message boards (you know who you are!) get all excited about a restaurant tucked away somewhere off The Strip that is getting tons of local love and buzz. Lotus Of Siam Thai just a few blocks east of The Sahara (953 E. Sahara) was one such for a long time, and still holds up as a can’t miss place for Thai.

Just about a block away, Fat Choy inside the Eureka Casino is now getting rave reviews for their Asian-American food. One wouldn’t expect to find such a restaurant inside a decidedly mid-market property in an older neighborhood that caters to locals, but then Las Vegas has never been short on surprises. An important note: We do not suggest starting to venture to some of the locals treasures during your first few visits. Just enjoy The Strip and downtown.

However, if you drive in or rent a car and are on your 10’th, 20’th or 40’th visit and enjoy getting out and seeing the various locals casinos or some of the surrounding scenery and attractions here in Clark County, both Lotus and Fat Choy are worth a visit if you enjoy that type of cuisine. You can read more about Fat Choy here: Fat Choy chef knows what he is doing with signature dishes

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

  • Las Vegas Magic Carpet Ride – Flying all over Las Vegas on our very own Magic Carpet. We had a blast filming our “Magic Carpet Ride”! It’s in a booth across from the King Tut Museum on the second level of Luxor Hotel Pyramid. (Description by video author). A fun trip down Las Vegas Blvd and Fremont Street including a few backdrops of the pre-City Center Las Vegas Strip.

  • A Rebirth Of The Social Club: Rose. Rabbit. Lie. – Rose. Rabbit. Lie. at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a modern twist on clubs of the night – a truly communal venue, where the experience lies not only with the power of production, but within the excitement of improvisation. The result is a new genre that blurs the lines between restaurant, bar, club and show to create a grand social experiment; one that arrives in spontaneous moments throughout the evening. This unique venue delivers an unexpected mash-up of experiences that typically live detached from one another.

  • Video – Andre Agassi Image Is Everything, Canon (1990) – One of the most successful ad campaigns by Canon. This commercial became the target of the sports media’s criticism in the early 90s – often accusing Andre of endorsing style over substance. Shot against some awesome vintage images of Las Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I want to thank everyone who sent us an email telling us about their 2014 Vegas plans and thoughts. I was overwhelmed, but read every single one (which took a few hours)! The winner of the random drawing for a choice of various Vegas prizes was Rick Hoirch from Canada. He chose the limited-edition KISS Monster Mini-Golf poster. He’s in town in just a couple of weeks, so we’re going to drop it by his hotel!

Here are some quick take-aways from what many of you were saying. While this does not represent every single email (our readers have pretty diverse interests), there were some themes:

* Most of our readership is 40+, which is something we already had a pretty good handle on. You’ll notice that we concentrate on the more traditional Las Vegas activities like fine dining, great shows, and spectacular tours. Very little in the way of nightclubs.

* In the same vein, most of you showed a great affinity for fine dining. More so than I suspected. In the future, we’ll be diving into that side of things more. (When you are spending that kind of money, you really want the inside scoop).

* Lots of concert fans, which makes sense. No better place to see a concert than here in Vegas. You get out, you are all jacked up and happy, the night is still young, and you don’t have to get in your car and go home! Keep in mind that we have plenty of premium seats to most Las Vegas concerts at our ticketing section: Tickets.AccessVegas.com

* Many of you have surprisingly not visited downtown in years! Some have little interest, others are just so busy on The Strip that they don’t take the time. Still others noted that they do all of the gambling downtown because the odds are better and machines are loser (which is a fact). I do encourage those of you who have not been for a long time to check out all of the changes downtown. Hint: Avoid Friday and Saturday nights. The crowds are crazy. You’ll enjoy the weeknights so much more.

* Customer service needs to step it up a notch. That was a pretty significant thread, and something that some of the properties really need to work on. Attention locals (in the industry), how about you be thankful that you’ve had a job through this terrible recession and treat our guests like gold so they enjoy coming back time and time again.

* Many more of you are embracing the “new” Vegas than we had previously thought. Las Vegas is always changing and those changes bring renewed interest. In the same vein…

* Many, many of you are looking forward to the full opening of Linq and the Linq-Mobile (er, High Roller). Which for a while will be the tallest in the world. Hence, we’ll make sure we keep you up-to-date and get some live reports in.

* Quite a few of you enjoy having a car, either by driving in or renting one and really getting out to see both the local’s casinos (where the food prices and gaming odds are really good), or some of our amazing desert scenery.

* Quite a few of you specifically mentioned wanting to go on a night flight over the Las Vegas Strip via helicopter. I’ve done it and can’t recommend it enough. It is awesome and a view like no other.

BTW, for those wanting to do so or check out some of the other scenic attractions in our area, we only work with the very best tour providers and stand behind them. When you book a tour on our Access Vegas Tours Page, you are getting great rates AND the top companies to assure you have a “memory of a lifetime” experience.

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 5, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Resort & Casino – 20% off Rates & Starting at $35/NT! Palms Place Resort – 20% off Rates. Stay in Contemporary Luxury!
Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Palazzo – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PPROAPU) Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Venetian – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PVROAPU)
Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Palazzo (promo code: PPSUTLF) Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Venetian (promo code PVSUTLF)
Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Venetian (Promo Code: EVHOMQ1) Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Palazzo (Promo Code: EPHOMQ1)
Palms Casino Resort – Rates from $59 and complimentary bottle Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.
Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

DW Grant Vegas Report

Super Bowl Sunday In Las Vegas – What It Felt Like – Vegas is the most exciting place to watch the Super Bowl, outside the hosting stadium, of course. When you hear a cheer go up while walking through a casino during the game, it’s hard to know if someone is celebrating a touchdown or a jackpot.

You just have to be in Vegas to feel it. AccessVegas.com wanted words and pictures to give you some idea what Las Vegas feels like on Super Bowl Sunday, so this year it sent me out on to the Strip to find out.

First, the weather was calm, and at kick off time, about 3:35 pm, it was a crisp 50 degrees. In a lot of places this would be sweater weather. Along South Las Vegas Boulevard, however, hundreds of outdoor heaters were blazing in front of almost every bar and casino, while hot parties heated up revelers inside.

Record betting numbers were expected in every sports book, and Super Bowl XLVIII did not disappoint Las Vegas bookmakers this year. Last year’s record $98.9 million till netted Las Vegas casinos $15.4 million in profit. The 2014 mark was well over $119 million, it was reported later.

Continue Reading What Super Bowl Sunday In Las Vegas Felt Like

Bellagio Presents Stunning Botanical Chinese New Years Display – The Bellagio is celebrating the New Year as the Year of the Horse in its Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, turning its garden it’s a festive sanctuary, boasting cultural meaning, while honoring the stallion that symbolized happiness and luck.

The Bellagio is known for adapting his garden to cultural events, and this time it has turned the usually colorful atrium into a tranquil temple, guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui. They’ve done this well, producing a space of harmony, balance, and positive life energy, right smack in the middle of Vegas glitz and glam.

The moment a visitor walks in they are greeted by the sights, smells, and sounds of Chinese culture, and tranquility. Each garden within the Chinese New Year display incorporates water, ensuring a positive flow of energy; and the three friends of winter – pine, bamboo and plum, symbolizing perseverance, integrity and modesty, respectively. Clusters of red silk lanterns and red firecrackers, believed to ward off evil as they represent happiness and prosperity, hang dramatically from the Conservatory’s ceiling.

Continue Reading Bellagio Presents Stunning Botanical Chinese New Years Display

Luxurious Sky Villa Suites Unveiled At The New Tropicana Resort – The New Tropicana resort in unveils the Sky Villa Suites, which offer an entirely new level of luxury accommodations for guests. Located on the 20th floor of the Paradise tower, the suites offer breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip with floor-to-ceiling windows in an elegant and glamorous atmosphere. The Sky Villa Suites are a key part of the resort’s approximate $200 million transformation that has touched every corner of the property including all 1,467 guestrooms, the casino floor and restaurants, and the Tropicana Theater.

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NBA Tickets Barry Gibb Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Cher Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
NHL Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Marc Anthony Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Phoenix Coyotes Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
– Washington Capitals Tickets One Direction Tickets
College Basketball Tickets Paul Simon Tickets

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Super Bowl Las Vegas 2014

Las Vegas Then And Now

Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Tacos And Tequila Inside Luxor Introduces New Fiesta-Worthy Menu Items – Corporate Executive Chef Saul Ortiz has developed mouthwatering new appetizers and entrÚes, available now at Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino. The popular Mexican restaurant has also introduced a few flavorful new cocktails selections to the drink menu.

Living In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Economy

Las Vegas Welcomes Nearly 40 Million Visitors In 2013 – Meetings and Convention Industry Reaches Five-Year High – Las Vegas welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2013 and reached a five-year high in two key indicators for the meetings and convention industry.

The 2013 year-end statistics, released today by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), point to continued recovery and steady growth for the industry. Las Vegas tourism generates $45 billion in economic impact for the local economy and supports more than 380,000 local jobs.

Despite one fewer day last year due to 2012 being a leap year and less room inventory for the majority of the year, visitor volume was just 58,802 visitors shy of setting a new record in 2013. Las Vegas hosted 39.67 million annual visitors last year, the second highest visitation total ever.

Gambling And Gaming

Rose.Rabbit.Lie

More Las Vegas News

Say Hola This Valentine’s Day At Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, now open at The LINQ, will offer a specialty menu for two, priced at $75 per couple, to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14.

The dining experience will begin with the choice of Red Sangria made with brandy, fresh fruit juices, strawberry and orange; or the Chayo Margarita, complete with Sauza Gold tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime.

This Week’s Top Tours

Explore the REAL West: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon Skywalk, Native American Points, Western Ranch, More!
Ultimate Grand Canyon South Rim tour, extensive views, lunch at historic lodge, more!
Zoom around Las Vegas Speedway NASCAR track at 160 mph with pro driver, thrill of lifetime!
Soar over the desert at 60 mph, seeing scenic wildlife from ziplines (close to Vegas)!
Spectacular views of Dam/Lake Mead plus memorable guided interior tour. Stunning photo opps!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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! – We’re getting a few sprinkles (something the desert Southwest dearly needs), but they won’t last long. As things stand right now, the forecast high for Valentines Day is 79 (F) degrees! That should make for a really nice evening for couples who want to walk The Strip hand-in-hand, marveling at the extremely romantic Bellagio fountains.

For those pondering a spring visit, average highs for coming months are March/70, April/78, and May/89. For many of you who have suffered a brutally cold winter in much of the U.S., we strongly suggest you get out here, thaw out, and regain a feel of what nice weather feels like.

Somewhat Super Bowl – If you are a Denver Broncos fan, you obviously didn’t see anything remotely “super” in this years game. However, it set the record for the highest number of viewers of any TV show ever, and the Nevada betting handle (amount bet legally here on the game) was a whopping $119 million dollars! For the pragmatic (those who didn’t have a favorite team playing), it was unfortunate that it was a blowout so early. However, those who chose to enjoy it here in Las Vegas had a weekend of excitement nonetheless. If you’ve ever wanted a taste of what Las Vegas is like on Super Sunday, I’m sure you’ve already seen the story by our own DW Grant earlier in this issue.

Some may ask how “Vegas” got the betting line on the game so “wrong”? Denver was a 2.5 point favorite but fell badly. Here’s the deal: The guys running the sports books don’t set the line as their own personal prediction on who will win. They set that line to get even money on both teams. For every dollar bet on Denver, they wanted to see another dollar bet on Seattle. Since they charge 11 to win 10, they simply hand the losers money to the winners and collect their commission (also known as the vigorish, or “vig” for short).

The reality is that while the general public (average Joe’s) were betting Denver like crazy, much of the “smart money” (professional gamblers) was coming down solidly on Seattle. The Seattle win did not surprise the pros in the least (although the margin did surprise nearly everyone).

If you follow us on our AccessVegas.com Twitter account or like us on our VegasFacebook.com page, we posted the story a few days before the game regarding where the smart money was going. Me? I have no allegiance to either team, but cashed a nice ticket on Seattle, who went off at +115 on the money line. (I was paid $1.15 for every dollar I bet for Seattle to win the game outright).

Welcome Dave! – Some of you may know DW Grant from the great show reviews he’s written for us over the years. We’ve decided to bring him on as a pretty regular feature writer in an effort to continue to really capture Las Vegas for you, beyond some of the basic write-ups and information we pass along. If you have anything you are curious about that we should send him out on, write us at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Artist rendering of the SLS Las Vegas

The Sahara Reborn – The new owners of The Sahara — rebranding it SLS Las Vegas — have announced a Labor Day weekend opening for the re-built property. I live a scant 5 minute drive from the property, so I’m hoping for the best. Given the challenging location, the thought that they are not marketing to your typical Circus Circus/Riviera budget crowd, and their stated desire to attract locals, it will be interesting to see where the dust settles.

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

  • The Cromwell First Look – Las Vegas’ first standalone boutique hotel and casino, coming Spring 2014. Say goodbye to Barbary Coast/Bills Gambling Hall. Say hello to Cosmopolitan, Jr.

  • More Las Vegas Footage From The Summer Of 1992 Part 3! – Here is more footage of Las Vegas from the Summer of 1992! We begin driving up Convention Center Dr. toward the Strip, with rare footage of the Paddlewheel…..followed by footage of my wife in our Stardust hotel room…..followed by the Stardust with their new “Enter the Night” sign that replaced the long-running “Lido” show….then a store called “Condomania”….the Royal Hotel on Convention Center Dr…….and we wrap up with shots of the newly opened Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, which was open for only 7 months!! (Description is the videographers, not ours).

  • Wynn Las Vegas Chinese New Year 2014 Horse Sculpture – Wynn Las Vegas and Encore have unveiled three 800-pound Tang Dynasty horse sculptures in celebration of Chinese New Year. The 9-foot-tall, 10-foot-long horses were created by master sculptor Sillipachai “Mod” Toonrud of FORTE Specialty Contractors in Las Vegas and are painted red and gilded in gold leaf.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I want to thank so many of our amazing readers for submitting emails about their Vegas plans for 2014 and general opionons on the state of things for the visitor.

We’ll be randamly drawing a winner from one who will be contacted very soon, and starting next week, we’ll begin printing some of them and taking about the general trends in the feedback!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 29, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Sammy Hagar, Alice Cooper, And Vince Neil Join Chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Daniel Boulud, Charlie Palmer, Wylie Dufresne And More To Fight MSA – A masterful list of superstars comes together for a spectacular fundraiser to support MSA (multiple system atrophy) awareness. The evening finds world-renowned chefs preparing a rock ‘n roll dine-around that reflects the spirit of Chef Kerry Simon and his passion for food, music and imagination. While the culinary team provides the bites, Kerry’s musician friends will band together onstage for the performance of a lifetime as guests rock, chow and mingle for a great cause.

Valentine’s Day Las Vegas 2014

Dine And Unwind At La Cave Wine And Food Hideaway This Valentine’s Day – La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas will seduce taste buds with a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu inspired from cities around the world on Friday, February 14. Priced at $49 per person, the restaurant will offer a five-course menu with optional wine pairings for an additional $25 per person.

Specialty Menu For Two This Valentine’s Day At Tacos & Tequila – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will spice up Valentine’s Day with a specialty prix fixe menu, priced at $58 per couple, available exclusively on Friday, February 14.

Prepared by Corporate Executive Chef Saul Ortiz, guests will fall in love with T&T’s irresistible Valentine’s Day menu.

Cupid Gets Ditched at Rockhouse On Valentine’s Day – Ladies wishing to commiserate, rather than celebrate, on Friday, February 14, are welcome to attend Rockhouse’s annual “Don’t Bring Your Boyfriend to This Bar” party. Located at the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, the ultra-dive bar will offer lovelorn females half-priced “Chick Drinks,” available all day.

The discounted “Chick Drinks” include selections such as Pink Cadillac, a mixture of Ketel One, Sweet Revenge, Watermelon Pucker and Sprite, with a sugar rim; and Rock Me Like a Hurricane, a combination of Bacardi O, Bacardi Rock Coconut, Amaretto, grenadine, orange juice and lime.

Sugar Factory American Brasserie To Serve Romantic Prix Fixe Menu On Valentine’s Day – Couples can celebrate their love with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Town Square Las Vegas on Friday, February 14.

Lovebirds will begin their night of passion with heart-shaped bruschetta, topped with ripened tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil or baked brie wrapped in puff pastry served with apricot jam.

Commonwealth Gives A Toast To True Love And Broken Hearts With Special Valentine’s Day Cocktails – Downtown drinkers will toast to true love or unrequited love with Commonwealth’s featured Valentine’s Day cocktails on Friday, February 14.

The select lovely libations, include the “Little Hot Mess,” mixing Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and strawberry puree; the “She’s My Ride Home,” combining Ketel One Vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, Angostura Aromatic Bitters and Gosling’s ginger beer; and the “Birthday Sex,” made with Ciroc Peach Vodka and Rhum Clement Creole. Created by the cocktail bar’s Boozeologist, Dan Marohnic, the flirtatious concoctions are priced at $10.

TREVI Sets The Valentine’s Mood With Its Three-Course ‘That’s Amore’ Menu – Celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day with Chef Peter Scaturro’s special ‘That’s Amore’ three-course couples menu exclusively on Friday, February 14, at TREVI inside The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Priced at $70 per couple, the prix fixe menu will feature a light starter, the option to choose between three classic Italian entrÚes and a delectable dessert to share. Guests will enjoy the option of pairing their meal with a bottle of Dark Horse Wine, priced at $30 per bottle, or TREVI’s signature Valentine’s Day cocktail, Love Potion Number 9, priced at $9 per person. The Love Potion Number 9 will be available exclusively on Friday, Feb. 14.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill Gets Love Drunk on Valentine’s Day – PBR Rock Bar & Grill, located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, invites Valentine’s Day lovers to revel in romance as they enjoy a tasty meal for two.

On Friday, February 14, the Strip-side restaurant will offer some downright delectable dishes, including the “Smokin’ Hot BBQ Chicken” while encouraging admirers to “Get Some Mac On” with its mouthwatering Dorito Crusted Mac n’ Cheese.

Super Bowl Las Vegas 2014

Dining And Drinking

N9NE Steakhouse At Palms Reveals Revamped Look And Menu Following A Stylish Remodel – The iconic N9NE Steakhouse at Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas? The premier celebrity dining hot-spot, has reopened following a chic makeover. Since the remodel, N9NE has attracted numerous celebrities to experience the steakhouse’s alluring vibe and top-notch cuisine including Matthew Perry, Robin Thicke, Paula Patton, Brody Jenner, Holly Madison, Floyd Mayweather and Pharrell Williams.

Trevi At Caesars Palace Offers Linguine Pomodoro As February $10 Special – TREVI Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will offer linguine pomodoro with chicken specially priced at $10 for the entire month of February 2014. Executive Chef Peter Scaturro’s delightful dish consists of linguine pasta, fresh marinara sauce and extra virgin olive oil.

More Las Vegas News

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

Super Bowl Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
NBA Tickets Coachella Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Fall Out Boy Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
-Brooklyn Nets Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
NHL Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets One Direction Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets The Eagles Tickets
– Vancouver Canucks Tickets Tool Tickets

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! – If you’re humming Baby, It’s Cold Outside then you surely aren’t in Las Vegas, where we’ve been in the 60’s F and pushing 70 pretty much all of January. In the summer, I’ve heard visitors grumble “How can anybody live here” and I’ll simply note that I have no snow shovel in my garage and I run to the grocery store in the evening in shorts. Plus (and some may find this hard to believe), myself and many I know who have lived here for some time really don’t mind the summer heat. We simply don’t like to feel a chill. I probably own more flip-flops than I do shoes!

Artist rendition of Harley Davidson Las Vegas

Rev It Up! – Harley-Davidson has announced a full-line store on The Strip, about halfway between Mandalay Bay and Town Square and just up from the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. During the boom, all kinds of big plans from condos to rollercoasters were announced for the far South Strip area. For now, most of that is still dirt lots. However, as the economy stabilizes, expect that area to start getting filled in over the next few years.

My guess is that because of the depressed land prices, Harley-Davidson and/or the investors were able to pick up the dirt for a pretty good price. No word on the eventual availability of motorcycle rentals yet, but one assumes they will be part of the plan. Friends who ride two-wheels through our surrounding scenic desert say there is nothing else like it!

Football viewing party at Silverton Hotel Las Vegas
2013 Game Watching Party At Silverton

New Jersey Bowl – The Big Super Game is just about upon us. The forecast for the game is looking better than expected (mid-40’s at kick-off) and if you what to go on a whim, re-sale tickets for this game are lower than in previous years. (All available tickets are re-sale as the event is sold out). Because we’re hooked into a nationwide ticket database, you CAN get actual tickets through the game through us at Access Vegas Big Game Tickets.

Of course, if you are coming to Las Vegas, there is no bad place to see the game. The key is to get situated early. We’d skip the sports books unless you want to set your alarm for way-too-early to get there and get some seats. Instead, we’d suggest checking out some of the popular bar/grill type restaurants the day before the game to see if they are offering any food/drink VIP package which will guarantee you get in.

BTW, I recently noted that after an NFL crack-down, the famed parties of the past had dwindled. We’re happy to see that trend changed this year and hope the NFL just lets people have fun. They got very upset a few years ago that various venues were “charging” people to watch the game. The reality is that you basically pay for a food and drink package for a “Big Game” party. We’ll have our roving reporter D.W. Grant out mid-strip with a full report and photos. If you missed it this year, you’ll have an idea what to expect for next year. Las Vegas is THE place to be for Super Bowl Sunday, and many argue that it is more fun and festive than the host city usually is!

Roving Reporter – As noted, DW Grant is going to start doing some pretty regular reporting from The Strip and Downtown. He’s going to focus on all the cool happenings and updates that may not make big news, but that visitors care about. We look forward to many great reports over the next few months.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

This Week’s Top Tours

Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
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!
Visit Grand Canyon, Mojave Desert, Black Mountains, Eagle Point, Hoover Dam photo op, more. Day tour from Vegas!

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

  • Las Vegas Hotel (Former Las Vegas Hilton) Regal Suite – See what a two-bedroom showcase consisting of 2,600 square feet of space in Las Vegas looks like. Created with an atmosphere of elegant herringbone wooden floors and furniture reminiscent of European castles. The suite features a butler’s kitchen, a luminous sunroom, a Jacuzzi tub, and panoramic vistas of the mountains, downtown Las Vegas and the historic Las Vegas Country Club golf course.

  • Wynn Las Vegas Carousel Floral Design Unveiling – See a time-lapse of the construction of this beautiful new display at Wynn Las Vegas and enjoy seeing the completed project: An entire carousel done in flowers.

  • Camera Video Of The Buffet At Circus Circus From Summer 1992 – Great Historical footage of Circus Circus from over 25 years ago. Check out the prices, and how crowded they are for breakfast!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I was just wondering when resort fees will be higher than room rates. Give them a dime and now they want dollars. No end to their greed now, not only did they tighten the slot machines up but now they jack up the resort fees. I know they can`t say they pay their employees more or cost have gone up. It`s the profit they want up.

kandmmacgrandles

Ted Responds:

I’m no defender of resort fees. Having said that, part of the issue is that Nevada gaming properties have lost money (overall) for five straight years. Don’t get me wrong: much of it is their own damn fault. They got too leveraged, got too ambition during the boom. In fact, in the face of everybody else saying that Las Vegas could grow forever, I famously predicted right here that there would not be enough visitors (and especially higher-end visitors) to fill all those new rooms and you (the visitor) would be able to get some amazing rates in new (or nearly new) properties. Which is exactly what happened.

I do believe properties are being penny-wise and pound-foolish in the struggle to manage their debt. Many of these guys have absolutely no background in running gambling joints and need to understand that they will get their money from you, but it isn’t a crime to let you actually get some good, long play off of it!

I’d also like to see more food and drink specials return. There used to be a day when the hotel coffee shop perhaps barely broke even, but the food was such a value that you’d almost feel guilty if you didn’t lose a $20 bill on the way out. I remember countless late-night breakfast specials in the 90’s and even early 2000’s where the breakfast cost me $22.99 ($2.99 plus my losses)!

There does almost seem to be an unspoken agreement among most Strip operators to not get into a “loose slots” war. Really guys? Does it matter if someone takes 3 hours instead of 2 hours to lose $80 and they have a little more fun along the way (riding the ups and downs of winning streaks)?

I understand that the comped booze is a concern. If someone plays longer, they are going to take more away from you in liquor consumption. Which of course is going to mean they are drunk and a LOT more likely to chase their losses! Hello!!! Back when gamblers were running the casinos, they knew that because they’d experienced it. (I think most of us have experienced opening our wallet one more time under the influence of the comped drinks, when better judgment suggested we don’t).

Finally, The Casino Royale right across from The Mirage has held out against resort fees (at least thus far). So, one way to make your voice heard is to book there. For those wondering, it is a Best Western chain hotel and the rooms are in really good shape according to recent reports. Plus, you get a refrigerator at no charge, which allows you to walk around the corner to Walgreens and stock up on this and that. And, it appears they have in-room coffee makers (many Las Vegas properties don’t). Downside of the mid-strip location is a very tiny pool and the general mid-strip noise.

Doesn’t hurt to go to our Best Western Casino Royale page and punch in your dates on the left-hand side. Add up the location, resort fee, and similar with where you usually stay and see if Casino Royale is a good fit for you!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 22, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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Jubilee Tower At Bally’s Las Vegas Officially Opens, Kicking Off The 2014 Revitalization Efforts For The Center-Strip Resort – It is shaping up to be a great year for Bally’s Las Vegas with an abundance of revitalization efforts currently underway. The center-strip resort officially celebrated the opening of its renovated 756-room Jubilee Tower, with Regional President David Hoenemeyer and Jubilee! showgirls taking part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the event, the Jubilee! showgirls made themselves at home in the one of the new Jubilee Tower Celebrity Suites.

“It’s a new year and a great time to kick off this series of significant milestones,” said Hoenemeyer. “Bally’s is a key piece of real estate on the Las Vegas Strip and we are very excited for what’s in store this year.”

The Jubilee Tower rooms and suites, situated right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, encompass 450 square feet and offer unrivaled views of iconic Vegas landmarks, including the Paris Eiffel Tower and Bellagio fountains. Modern designs meet stylish and contemporary furniture and fixtures, at a fraction of the price of comparable Strip accommodations. Rates start at just $79 per night. Photo Credit: Erik Kabik

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Las Vegas Hotels

Attractions And Events

Cabo Wabo Cantina Hosts Knockout UFC Viewing Parties From January Through March – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will host action-packed UFC viewing parties from January through March.

The rockin’ restaurant will serve drink specials including $21 buckets of Budweiser and Bud Light. Killer margaritas made with Cabo Wabo Tequila and specialty cocktails made with Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum will also be available. Patrons may catch all the action on multiple high-definition televisions downstairs.

Dining And Drinking

Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar Blends Party Atmosphere And Innovative Mexican Fare At The Linq – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar opened on Wednesday, Jan. 1, as one of the first venues at the much-anticipated Caesars Entertainment development, The LINQ. The high-energy retail, dining and entertainment district introduces a new concept in Mexican dining, combining a DJ, mechanical bull, a vast tequila and cocktail selection and a blend of authentic and innovative Mexican fare by Executive Chef Ernesto Zendejas. Photo: Brian Mannasmith

More Las Vegas News

Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
Experience Grand Canyon via Plane, ‘Copter, Hike (optional), BBQ, true Southwest experience!
Drive your dream car (Ferrari, Lambo, more) around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR track starting only $199!
VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour via chopper trip to/from Skywalk, stunning views, expedited/exclusive arrangements.
Grand Canyon, Route 66, Mojave Desert, more, direct from Vegas. Full day tour only $229 includes snacks/lunch/fees!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

Super Bowl Tickets Allman Brothers Tickets
NHL Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Cher Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Coachella Tickets
– Detroit Red Wings Tickets Elton John Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Fall Out Boy Tickets
– Vancouver Canucks Tickets George Strait Tickets
NBA Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Lorde Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets One Direction Tickets
AMA Supercross Tickets The Eagles Tickets

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! – Through an error, Newkirk’s Notes was not included in the newsletter last week until about 24 hours after we sent. You can go catch up at Access Vegas Insider Vibe Jan. 13, 2014. It was brief, but I reminded everybody that you only have until the end of this month to write us about your Vegas plans for 2014 and be entered into a random drawing to win some cool Vegas stuff!

Mall at Treasure Island Las Vegas

Announcing The Sedona, Arizona International Airport – Or maybe not. What you see above is the rendering of what the corner of Treasure Island is going to look like once they turn it into dining and shopping. (It looks like part of an airport to me, hence the section title). Gone will be the tropical palm trees and pirate motif which has adorned that corner for the past two decades.

Let’s Linq Up – As promised, here are a number of photos of the 1/2 (if that) opened Linq project. We’ll reserve judgment until it is fully up an running. I still believe that a big challenge will be to get people off The Strip and down what looks like a side-street. The High Roller wheel (which should be taking passengers in a few weeks from what we understand) is supposed to be the big draw, but it is actually tough to see from right there on The Strip until you look straight down The Linq mall.

Linq Las Vegas sign

Linq Las Veas walkway

Linq Las Vegas stores

Chayo second floor at Linq

View of Linq from second floor of Chayo

Chayo interior

Linq Las Vegas big vertical sign

Will this be the next big thing, or just another mall like the ones in your town (granted, without a 550 foot tall wheel), and will it draw? Time will tell. Give us your thoughts after your next visit.

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

  • Wynn Resort Tour 2014 – The man who reinvented modern-day luxury Las Vegas, Steve Wynn, takes you on an up-to-date tour of his stunning property.

  • Forever Grand Wedding Chapel At MGM Grand – Ever wondered what a wedding inside a Las Vegas resort can be like? Take a peek!

  • Piers Morgan Las Vegas Special – This bust-era (2010) look at Las Vegas, shot while Piers was still a British television presenter. He interviews the movers and shakers and provides an insightful look at the city and what makes it tick.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Visited in November and had brunch at the Sterling Brunch Buffet on Sunday and heard from some people there that the steakhouse was closing and being replaced by a burger place.

Are you kidding me? Vegas doesn’t need another burger place. There are so many new ones that have already just come in on the strip in the casinos.

The steakhouse is one of the few “retro” Vegas restaurants left to eat it at. I know the Sunday brunch is extremely popular and I asked if that would be going away too and they couldn’t answer that question. Do you know anything about this? What have you heard.

Thanks,

Rose from Colorado

 

Ted Responds:

All is not lost. The steakhouse has been replaced by BLT Steakhouse, which is a sister restaurant to BLT Burger at The Mirage. Hence, the confusion when you were there. The remodeled restaurant space is about twice the size. We’ve also heard rumors about the Sterling Buffet, but for now it appears to be marching on.

By replacing in-house (owned and managed) restaurants in this manner, the casino gains a good restaurant ownership/management team while shedding the risk and marketing pressures.

Having said that, I think one has to be very careful when replacing the “tried and true” classics that have such a loyal following.

My advice? The Circus Circus Steakhouse is by far the top-of-the-heap when it comes to old-school, casino-run steakhouses. It continues to be incredible and we’ve never, ever had a negative comment about it. The only downside is that you have to get up to the north Strip and deal with Circus Circus. But, you won’t be disappointed.

Since you say that you read every email…

We used to be visitors from the Pacific NW until October 23, 2012, then we became Permanent Residents of Las Vegas. I personally still love this newsletter and read it every time a new issue comes out.

This is truly a great community of people no matter how you look at it. Yes, sometimes it can seem to be expensive, but shop around there are good deals to be found everywhere here. At times, there are too good to be true offers and makes you think.. did I read that right?

As far as having unpleasant workers in hotels/casinos. Every one can have a bad day, but there are many more good days than bad around here. I find that most of my encounters are pleasant. For the most part, people who live here, love it and are happy.

Thank you for taking the time to defend this great city as you do.

Alan & Lisa

 

Ted Responds:

Yes, we read them all and reply back as able. What we usually don’t have time to do is help people with specific research or detailed itineraries. Although, that will be offered when we (finally) roll out a paid membership option around the end of the year.

I realize that times are tough for some visitors, but I still can’t figure out a similar vacation place they can enjoy for the same amount of money. Plus, you don’t always have to be spending, spending, spending.

If lady luck is not in your favor, you can take your drink and people watch on The Strip, catch the fountains or volcano, journey to the top of the Eiffel Tower (for about the price of a few minutes of losing), window shop while gondolas filled with love-birds row by… I could go on, but you get the idea.

There is still no place on earth like our fair city.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 15, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Super Bowl…oops, we mean…”The Big Game”

Rhumbar At The Mirage Hosts Big Game Tailgate Party – RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will turn its stylish cocktail patio into a pigskin paradise in honor of the Big Game on Sunday, Feb. 2.

RHUMBAR will host the Big Game Tailgate Party for guests to enjoy the biggest matchup of the season with all-inclusive food and drink packages priced at $150 per person.

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Rocktellz & Cocktails Presents The Jacksons At Planet Hollywood – RockTellz & CockTails is proud to welcome legendary musical group and Rock æn Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Jacksons to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip as the critically-acclaimed seriesÆ next legacy artist. The Jacksons, including Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon, will perform 40 shows, beginning Feb. 20, inside the famed propertyÆs PH Showroom. Tickets for RockTellz & CockTails Presents The Jacksons will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. PST.

Arts, Attractions, And Activities

Las Vegas Dining

Park On Fremont Downtown Las Vegas Introduces Mouthwatering New Menu Items And Cocktails – Hungry Downtown dwellers can enjoy new cocktail and dining options from Park on Fremont’s tasty new menu, available now. Guests can start their dining experience with items from the “Pickings” section, including the Garbage Fries, homemade fries topped with melted cheddar and provolone cheeses, bacon, jalapenos, green onions, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, avocados and sour cream; and the Mac & Cheese Balls, deliciously fried in Panko breadcrumbs. Patrons can warm-up with the hot spot’s new soup selections, featuring Boston Clam Chowder and House Made Chili, both served in a bread bowl.

Drinking, Dancing, And Celebrating

The Pub At Monte Carlo Kicks Off 2014 With All-New Gus’ Beer & Bites Line-Up – The Pub at Monte Carlo will bring guests delicious pub-style cuisine and exclusive craft beer pairings with the 2014 Gus’ Beer & Bites beer pairing dinner series. In each interactive monthly event, The Pub at Monte Carlo Executive Chef Damis Irizarry will create a five-course menu that captures the distinct flavor profiles of the evening’s featured beers.

Take A Piece Of Vegas Home With Trevi’s Souvenir Cups Inside The Forum Shops At Caesars Palace – Trevi Italian Restaurant is now offering cocktails on-the-go in Las Vegas sign souvenir cups at the walk-up gelato bar inside The Forum Shops at Caesars. Guests may choose from different varieties including strawberry daiquiri; pi±a colada; and Trevi’s signature Bellini, a refreshing blend of peach nectar, sparkling wine, light rum and peach puree.

Downtown Las Vegas

More Las Vegas News

Hoover Dam & The Dam Bridge Ground TourHoover Dam & The Dam Bridge Ground Tour û On this ground tour you will experience the Hoover Dam with the best views from the Arizona and Nevada sides of the famous Colorado River. Then enjoy a guided tour inside this National Historic Landmark that includes live presentations, an amazing film about the history and construction of Hoover Dam, the exhibit gallery, observation deck, and a trip down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You will have many photo opportunities during this tour and don’t miss out on taking pictures of the newly constructed The Mike OÆCallaghan / Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, (The Bypass Bridge) from the Hoover Dam side.

Click To Book Your Hoover Dam & The Dam Bridge Ground Tour Now!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

NFL Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Britney Spears Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Cher Tickets
Super Bowl Tickets George Strait Tickets
NHL Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Elton John Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Lorde Tickets
NBA Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets One Direction Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets The Eagles Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Coachella Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Allman Brothers Tickets

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’m taking care of administrative duties this week, so no real column. If it makes you feel any better about not being in Las Vegas, I haven’t been able to take much advantage of our stunninly sunny 60+ F degree days either!

We’re very much looking forward to March and March Madness (the US college basketball tournament). It will be here before you know it, with 70 degree days, mild evenings, and plenty of excitement in the air.

Speaking of, we’re getting very close to rolling out our own “Best Of Las Vegas” contest. I sat down and thought about how our readers could have a true voice that wasn’t subject to ballot stuffing or influence by certain groups. A real, true, accurate “best” poll. I’ll have the details soon, but think in terms of The Olympics or March Madness. Voting is going to be fun, and done in a random style that virtually prohibits ballot stuffing.

In the meantime, you still have until the end of the this month (January 2014) to write and tell us about your Vegas plans and thoughts for 2014. One random person is going to win a cool, “out-of-print” Vegas-based prize from us. Details are in the Members Mania section of our January 8, 2014 issue (click the link to check it out).

Stay Tuned and 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

  • Caesars Palace Guide To Gaming With Orson Welles – This is a 30 minute video from 1978, produced by Caesars Palace to highlight their table games and restaurants:

  • Fremont Street Experience March 2-4, 2013 – Was your last trip to Las Vegas a while back and you’re in need of that “Vegas” feeling? Never done Downtown Las Vegas and want a true slice of what it is like? Enjoy this video!

  • Las Vegas Buffets For Every Budget – Before Las Vegas became the dining mecca it is today, it was the land of the buffet. But even the buffet has benefited from Sin City’s gourmet explosion, mostly abandoning the notion that quantity is better than quality. Whether you’re serious about food or just see it at sustenance, there’s a buffet of buffets waiting for you on the Strip.

  • Balloon Floral Art Installation At Wynn Las Vegas – A behind-the-scenes look at how premier event designer Preston Bailey’s vision became a reality at Wynn Las Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

This section will return next week. In the meantime, join the many who have already turned the tables and given us their thoughts about visiting in 2014 (see Newkirk’s Notes for details and link).

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 8, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Film And Television Star Pauly Shore Enjoys Rock Of Ages – Film and Television star, Pauly Shore, attended Rock of Ages December 13, 2013 at The Venetian. Following the performance, Shore headed backstage for a photo with the cast and to share words of 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!

Downtown Las Vegas

Football Specials And Super Bowl Sunday

Rockhouse Tackles Open Bar Specials During The Super Bowl – The hot spot will offer game day specials running one hour before kickoff until final whistle. Priced at $100 per person, guests will receive access to an open bar of well cocktails and domestic drafts. Priced at $175 per person, guests will have access to a premium open bar and guaranteed seating.

Gambling And Gaming

Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak Recognized By Zagat Among “25 Most Important Restaurants Of 2013” – “In a short period of time, Heritage Steak has become a destination restaurant in Las Vegas and the response from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Vice President of Food & Beverage Julian Griffiths. “Tom and his team have done a great job of creating a unique culinary experience at The Mirage and we are humbled to be acknowledged as one of the most important restaurants of the year.” Photo: Biondo Photo.

Rice And Company Inside Luxor Celebrates Australia Day With Thunder Roll – Rice & Company at Luxor Hotel and Casino will celebrate Australia Day Sunday, Jan. 26, by offering the Thunder Roll, a sushi roll created in honor of the handsome blokes of Australia’s Thunder From Down Under, the top male revue show in Las Vegas performed at Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

The Thunder Roll, priced at $18, is made with a blend of soft shell crab, tuna, avocado and cucumber, wrapped in seaweed and topped with spicy mayo and kabayaki sauce. The specialty roll will be available throughout January and in celebration of Australia Day, will be half price Sunday, Jan. 26.

Arts, Attractions, And Activities

More Las Vegas News

VIP Skywalk Sky High Fun TourVIP Skywalk Sky High Fun Tour – The Skywalk glass-bottomed observation deck allows you to venture beyond the ledge of Grand Canyon West and walk along the skyline. After 45 minutes of ground time at Grand Canyon West, you will board your return flight back to Las Vegas with views of the downtown and Strip. This Skywalk Grand Canyon experience only comes along once in a lifetime don’t forget to bring your camera!

Click To Book Your VIP Skywalk
Sky High Fun Tour Now!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

NFL Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Britney Spears Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Cher Tickets
– Carolina Panthers Tickets George Strait Tickets
NHL Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Kings of Leon Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Lorde Tickets
NBA Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets One Direction Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Paul Simon Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Pink Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets The Eagles Tickets

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! – Normally, we’d tell you how great the weather is and while much of the nation was suffering, we were very fortunate to be having short-sleeve weather. However, our thoughts have been with those of you in large swaths of North America who have been facing bitter cold that many areas have not experienced in at least 20 years. We hope that you’ve all made it through as good as could be expected and will be seeing more seasonal weather.

Coming Changes – We asked for some recent feedback regarding the direction we want to take the newsletter in 2014 and it appears everyone is pretty happy. In response to reader input, we are going to increase emphasis in some of the following areas:

* Detailed Event Information – We do make pages for Super Bowl, New Years, Memorial Day, Cinco De Mayo and similar. However, they have been poorly organized and don’t contain any of our first-hand tips for enjoying such events.

Side Note: To our credit, we’ve provided our readers detailed advice and tips for Thanksgiving, New Years Eve, and Super Bowl in previous issues. However, we really need to make organized sections with articles, making this easy to find. Specifically because you simply won’t find some of these “been there, done that” tips elsewhere.

Why not? You may not realize this, but the majority of Las Vegas travel information online (sites, podcasts, blogs, etc,) does not come from Las Vegas! I’m not saying that makes it bad, and I know some of the people who produce Las Vegas information from other places who do good work. However, we’ve DONE New Years Eve, July 4’th, Super Bowl Sunday, Cinco De Mayo, Mardi Gras and all of the other big events on The Strip and/or Fremont Street.

Often many, many times. I notice (for example) that many of these out-of-town Vegas sites get very, very quiet around new years, not even burping about our biggest, most-visited time of year. Perhaps because they’ve never done New Years Eve here? Just asking. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t make them bad sources of information. But someone has to give you “boots on the ground” first-hand tips about the most popular times to be in Las Vegas!

* Hotel Reviews – We get lots of questions about hotels. Which is the better tower to stay in, what parts of a certain hotel may be more recently remodeled, etc. Tracking all of that info is really, really tough and takes a lot of time and effort (which is probably why nobody we know of is doing it). I don’t think the job can every be fully done, but when we introduce our paid-subscriber model (for those who choose a higher level of information from us), we’re going to put someone on it and see what we can do.

“But Ted, haven’t you heard of Yelp and other rating sites?” Yes, and guess what: Two guests can stay in the same property the very same night, but be in two different towers (remodeled at two different times) with two different views and have two totally different experiences.

No promises on this one as we’ll have to see how many people pitch in as paid subscribers and thus what our budget is going to be. But, it is something I’d certainly like to do.

* Tours, Tours, Tours – I’ve touched on this before but if you are a regular visitor and you have yet to experience the Grand Canyon, Valley Of Fire, or even shorter excursions like Red Rock, Hoover Dam, or a Night Flight over The Strip, you simply have no clue how much you are missing out! I realize some say “Well, I’ve seen pictures of them”. That is like looking at a picture of the most amazing steak ever grilled and telling yourself that you just had it as a meal.

Colorado River Grand Canyon Helicopter L by big-ashb, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by  big-ashb 

We’re going to start to be doing some ride-alongs to show you what the tour experience is like. We’re also going to debunk some popular myths. Many think of taking a tour as being on par with being in a cramped old Greyhound bus 20 years ago and have no idea of the luxury of modern equipment which lets you really enjoy yourself.

Others worry that they will have to go back to McCarran and go through TSA and that whole thing to take an air tour. Nothing could be farther from the truth (at least when it comes to the companies we select and suggest to you). When you enjoy an air tour, you go to a private air terminal (in the same area of the airports as the private jet terminals), nice surroundings, comfy chairs, no lines, no 2 hour wait, no TSA!

P.S. Like in the second picture, there are tours that actually land you in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, putting you in a select group who have touched the canyon floor along the rugged Colorado River. All tours are available at AccessVegas.com/Tours

* Gambling – We’ve had lots of requests for gambling information, and the gambling story links we’ve been providing have been very popular. We’re going to dust off some “oldie but goodie” articles by our gaming author Victor H. Royer that may be new to you (games like craps, and money management strategies have not changed that much) as well as work on some fresh content about the latest you’ll find on the casino floor. Victor has written more gaming books than I have fingers and toes to count them on. He knows his stuff! (Go to Amazon and do a search for Victor H. Royer and you’ll not only see what I mean, but want to grab a few of his books while you are there).

* Talking About Laughlin – We get regular inquiries about whether the day trip is worth it, are there bus tours to take down there, renting a car for the day when you are on The Strip or downtown, and similar. For now, we have a brief overview of this casino oasis sitting just 90 miles south of Las Vegas:

Laughlin as seen from SR163 by jdnx, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by  jdnx 

About Laughlin – We know that some of you enjoy taking a day trip down to Laughlin, or actually spending a few days there every year. A bit more laid back then Las Vegas (and a bit cheaper), Laughlin has taken a hit from Indian gaming in California. But, it has a couple of things that Indian gaming can’t match:

1. The beautiful Colorado River and riverwalk, backing all but one casino.

2. The Vegas/Atlantic City-like ability to walk from casino to casino to casino. A great way to try to change your luck, ore when you need a change of surroundings.

Laughlin is named after Don Laughlin, a fascinating gentleman who bought an old hotel on the Colorado River and spurred the area in to what it is today. You can read more at Don Laughlin feels right at home and more about Laughlin in general (as a casino destination) at River Walk links casinos on tourist corridor

Have no worries, we’re still going to continue to bring you all the great information you’ve come to expect from us. We’d just like to cover more of the information you’ve been requesting over the past year.

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

  • Elvis Impersonator Trent Carlini: The Dream King – Trent Carlini, a nationally recognized Elvis tribute artist and winner of ABC’s “The Next Best Thing”, is now performing at the LVH (the original Las Vegas home of Elvis). This show features unbelievable visual media, multiple costume changes and more than 25 different Elvis hits, in which Trent Carlini truly showcases the King’s life in entertainment.

  • Behind The Scenes At Estiatorio Milos Restaurant Inside The Cosmopolitan – Estiatorio Milos at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is just one of dozens of Strip restaurants literally going to great lengths to bring the freshest, most authentic ingredients to their customers. From seafood to beef to greens, the practice of “sourcing” — culling ingredients from their naturally-occurring locales — has become increasingly common at Strip restaurants over the past decade as the city’s dining profile has risen to be competitive with Los Angeles and New York.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Normally, this is where we print your responses, thoughts, and questions. However, we’re going to turn the tables just a little bit this time. We’d like you to tell us about your Vegas plans for 2014:

How many times do you plan to visit (if you are going to at all)? Are you planning to gamble more or less? Do you plan to visit the new Linq outdoor shopping/dining mall and/or ride the new High Roller wheel? Do you plan to stay downtown or spend more (or less) time downtown? Are you much for hitting the locals casinos and why? Are you going to stay in the same hotels as usual, or perhaps try something new? Anything else when you think about regarding visiting Las Vegas in 2014?

We’ll read them all (as we always do), print some selected ones, AND everyone who drops us a note in response to this will be entered into a giveaway for something cool from our prize closet. You’ll have your choice of a Mac King Trunk-Of-Tricks magic trick set (great for a kid or kid-at-heart), a brand new Sahara collectible spoon (still in its wrapper), or a promotional poster from the opening day of KISS Mini-Golf (surely a collectors item already).

Dropping us a note to enter is simple:

* Send an email to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com with the subject line: Vegas 2014

* Put a little effort into telling us your plans and thoughts. At least a few lines. Entries that are just an attempt to win and don’t tell us anything will be disqualified.

* We would appreciate your city/state/country but no info will be made public and all personal information will be deleted.

* Must be 21.

* We reserve all rights.

* Winner will be chosen at random among eligible entries and notified by email at the end of January, 2014.

Good Luck!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 1, 2014

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

O’Sheas Is Open Again!

O’Sheas Casino Officially Returns To The Las Vegas Strip
The Fan Favorite Reopens Its Doors

O’Sheas Casino, a Las Vegas Strip classic, re-opened its doors on December 28, 2013 at the much anticipated new location inside The Quad Resort & Casino. Bally’s Las Vegas Jubilee! Showgirls, The Quad’s headliner, Jeff Civillico, and Mr. Lucky himself, Brian Thomas, were all there to help welcome the venue’s first guests.

The opening featured an official ribbon cutting by Eileen Moore, Regional President and General Manager of The Quad Resort & Casino. An eager crowd full of O’Sheas’ faithful, old and new, packed the bar to commemorate the special day.

Caesars Entertainment Introduces Purple Zebra to the Las Vegas Strip – The atmosphere and spirit of O’Sheas returned to the Las Vegas Strip in a new space with a nod to the legendary casino on December 27, 2013. The brand new Purple Zebra, a whimsical candy and slush bar, also opened across the way at Flamingo Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Dezmotif Studios and MOSER Architecture

Las Vegas Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

VegasÆ Best Party Rock Of Ages Celebrates First Anniversary At The Venetian – On December 18, 2013 the high-octane musical Rock Of Ages celebrated its first anniversary in Las Vegas at The Venetian. Following the conclusion of the performance, cast member Mark Shunock (ôLonnyö) addressed the full house to thank them for their support of Rock Of Ages and then he led the cast in a celebratory shot to mark the occasion. After the performance, the company hosted a æ80s themed after party at Insert Coin(s) in Downtown Las Vegas. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg

Drinking And Dining In Las Vegas

Commonwealth Downtown Las Vegas Lays It On The Line With JanuaryÆs Cocktail Of The Month

Downtown drinkers will win big with CommonwealthÆs January featured cocktail, the ôYou Bet Giraffes.ö The seasonal selection will be offered all month, priced at $10.

The lucky libation, created by the Downtown cocktail barÆs Boozeologist, Dan Marohnic, mixes Damarak Gin, CrÞme de Cocoa liqueur, Cocchi Americano and lemon juice. Partygoers will gamble on the cool concoction while mingling in the prohibition era inspired cocktail bar.

Gambling And Gaming

Las Vegas Real Estate

Las Vegas Attractions

More Las Vegas News

Valley of Fire Buggy Driving Experience TourValley of Fire Buggy Driving Experience Tour – A perfect experience waits for novice and expert dune buggy drivers on this Valley of Fire tour package. All buggies are custom built for the rugged Nevada terrain, and come equipped with roll cages, seatbelts, goggles and helmets for your safety. The buggies are similar to your regular car with a steering wheel, brake pedal, and gas pedal. This dramatic red landscape of the Valley of Fire creates a backdrop for an amazing sun buggy ride.

Click To Book Your Valley of Fire Buggy Driving Experience Tour Now!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

NFL Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Britney Spears Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Cher Tickets
– Philadelphia Eagles Tickets Elton John Tickets
– Green Bay Packers Tickets George Strait Tickets
NHL Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Lorde Tickets
NBA Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets One Direction Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Paul Simon Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Pink Tickets
College Bowl Game Tickets The Eagles Tickets

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! – Happy New Year to all, wherever you are in the world (and we have readers in many, many countries). Whether 2013 was a good year for you or had its bumps (which was my case), I wish you all a great 2014.

Two TV specials streamed our festivities live, and we did alert our Access Vegas Twitter followers (Twitter.com/AccessVegas) as well as our Access Vegas Facebook followers (VegasFacebook.com).

Some confusion existed as Fox TV did their countdown show live from Las Vegas, but didn’t show our spectacular fireworks. Here’s the scoop: Fox did their show from Mandalay Bay starting at 8 PM our time, as to be live to the east coast. They celebrated “midnight” at 9 PM our time. We don’t shoot fireworks off at midnight Eastern time. We do it at midnight Pacific time. Hence, Fox showed that boring ball drop* from New York.

THEN… the special was tape-delayed to the rest of the nation. Even people in our own time zone watched the old footage, sans any Vegas fireworks.

* Let’s do a comparison: It was around 25 degrees at midnight in New York City as people braved the weather for 60 seconds of “excitement” (if that is what you want to call it). At midnight here? 45 degrees and we had nearly 9 minutes worth of fireworks shot off from the tops of 7 resorts across a 3 mile party zone.

And I mean party: Unlike the Big Apple, people on the Las Vegas Strip were allowed to drink and mingle and move around. The Strip was closed from 6 PM to 2 AM, allowing revelers to walk the length of the famed street at will, cocktails in hand.

For those of you who missed it, we have video story links and a couple versions of the full fireworks show in this special news section:

New Year’s Eve Video, Fireworks, Stories

Thousands pack Fremont Street Experience for New Year’s Eve (with video)

Las Vegas Rings in 2014 (full fireworks video)

Las Vegas fireworks show rings in New Year better than ever before (full fireworks video)

Las Vegas Strip produces high energy party to kick off New Year (with video)

2014 Look Ahead: Numerous attractions coming to Las Vegas (with video)

Cleanup crews work overnight after Vegas New Year’s Eve Party (with video)

Welcome Back, O’Sheas! – I know that we’re making a really big deal of it this issue, but we’re super happy to have O’Sheas reopened. If if it isn’t quite the old dive-bar version right there on The Strip that many of us knew and loved for the college-party atmosphere (even if college was a few decades ago for some of us).

It is part of the partially-opened Linq project and we’ll have lots more pictures next week. (Part of the mall and the High Roller Ferris wheel do not open for a couple more months. We’ll report exact dates as they become available).

O'Sheas exterior

Patrons playing video poker at O'Sheas bar

Patrons playing beer pong at O'Sheas

View of O'sheas and Linq area from Chayo restaurant

Linq sign of coming attractions

Programming Note – As 2013 ended, we ended our long-time affiliation with i4Vegas hotel booking. I’ve always been transparent about what we do and why we do it:

* Over the years, we promoted i4Vegas heavily and we do appreciate those of you who supported us by booking with them. The problem was that if you went direct to their site (after hearing about them from us) instead of using the booking box on AccessVegas.com or the box we always had here in the newsletter, they didn’t know you were a reader and thus we were not getting credit for sending you.

They only wanted to pay for the impact that they could measure (who came directly from our site or newsletter) and we could no longer afford to give away what was basically free advertising. We wish them well, but if you were loyal to them because of us, understand that we no longer see any benefit.

* Our deal with them was exclusive, which prevented us from passing along the (seemingly) zillions of Las Vegas specials popping up all the time. This hotel market is very, very competitive and one hotel is always trying to out-do the deals that the next one offers!

We’ve just recently sealed agreements to pass along great specials and savings to you from the Caesars Entertainment hotels, Venetian/Palazzo, and The Palms. We’re working on adding other properties, and also look forward to the ability to offer some very special deals to our readers.

So, hang tight for all of that as we ramp all of that up over the next few weeks. 

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

  • Wynn Las Vegas Carousel Floral Art Installation – A behind-the-scenes look at how premier event designer Preston Bailey’s vision became a reality at Wynn Las Vegas.

  • Three Sheets Las Vegas Part 1 – Join Zane Lamprey as he makes his way across the globe seeking out adventure and alcohol in exotic brew-halls, bars and other alcoholic beverage-selling establishments and the locals that frequent them. Part 1 features the Voodoo Lounge flair bartenders, a look inside the Napolian Suite at Paris Las Vegas, and a find out what makes up a $777 hamburger.

  • Three Sheets Las Vegas Part 2 – The show continues with a wine tasting in front of the Bellagio fountains with a master sommelier, a visit to Blush nightclub for infused vodka shots, and poker (and cocktails) at the Hard Rock.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Read your recent article about the changing face of Vegas.

So true, my first experience was in the late 80’s and it left a 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 accommodation is cheaper, but a lot of the glitz and spirit has left town.

Now I stay at a varied accommodations throughout Vegas and one is Circus Circus: Nostalgia and value. I went to slots a 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, but definitely not shopping. I can do that here, LOL.

Cheers,

Manny

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the note, and no doubt you are preaching to the choir here! I do miss the “feel” that The Strip had in the 90’s and on into the 2000’s. Car giveaways, tons of promotions, ever-present claims of loose slots… the casinos would do just about anything to get you in the door and you could play for a while on $20.

Neon and cheap booze abounded. Tacky? Perhaps. But it sure was fun!

Sometimes, I wish that I could take some of the upper management making all of these decisions and put them in a time machine and let them take a walk down The Strip of that era.

I’m at a complete loss what the casino properties are going to do when this shopping thing doesn’t go as well as predicted. Don’t get me wrong: Forum Shops, Grand Canal, Fashion Show and similar will always do well. Upscale shopping has been a hallmark of Las Vegas for a long time. But this new saturation of more mid-range shopping will be interesting to watch.

Fortunately, you are hard-pressed to beat our caliber and variety of entertainment and very few vacation destinations are a hop, skip, and a jump (a quick one by plane or helicopter tour) from the breathtaking site known as the Grand Canyon.

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 18, 2013

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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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Celebrating Christmas And The Winter Season

Bellagio’s Conservatory And Botanical Gardens Presents A Merry Winter Wonderland – Las Vegas’ Largest Indoor Tree, Topiary Polar Bears and Life-Size Chocolate House Add a Dash of Holiday Spirit This Season.

The magic of the holiday season has taken over Bellagio as the Las Vegas resort’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens unveils a glistening winter wonderland. Featuring The Strip’s largest indoor holiday tree, moss-embellished reindeers, a life-size chocolate house, live seasonal music and a family of topiary polar bears, the dazzling display transports guests through a holiday dream through January 5.

La Cave Wine And Food Hideaway Inside Wynn Las Vegas Introduces Winter Selections – La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas has welcomed the cooler weather with new seasonal menu items for fall and winter created by Executive Chef William “Billy” DeMarco, as well as holiday infused cocktails.

Along with the cooler weather comes a new crop of fresh ingredients, which DeMarco has integrated into hearty winter selections such as the airline chicken breast covered with squash puree and tomato apricot chutney.

New Year’s Eve And New Year’s Day

Park On Fremont Starts The New Year Right With Hangover Brunch – Whether hungover partygoers are sporting last night’s outfit or pajamas, Park on Fremont’s New Year’s Day brunch will cure whatever ails them on Wednesday, January 1, 2014.

The Downtown eatery will serve delicious options including the Ranch Skillet, served with a bed of red potatoes, sausage, onions, peppers and cheese, topped with eggs over-easy and salsa; the French Toast, vanilla bean soaked brioche topped with drunk mixed berries, syrup and powdered sugar; and the Breakfast Waffle, homemade waffles covered with yogurt, bananas, strawberries, caramel sauce and powdered sugar.

SHe By Morton’s Rings In 2014 With Festive Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Feasts – SHe by Morton’s, located at The Shops at Crystals, just steps away from the main entrance of Aria, will offer two separate prix-fixe menus Tuesday, Dec. 31. Celebratory menus will be offered at 7pm and 9:30pm seatings.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Las Vegas Shopping And Attractions

Final Cabin Attached To The Las Vegas High Roller – The Las Vegas High Roller hit another construction milestone December 3, 2013 as the observation wheel’s final passenger cabin was attached to the wheel’s rim. The addition of the 28th cabin is another major accomplishment in the construction and engineering of the world’s tallest observation wheel which is a now a distinct feature in the Las Vegas skyline. The 550-foot tall wheel will be the focal point of The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s $550 million outdoor retail, dining and entertainment district. Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

The Cosmopolitan Opens The Chelsea – A Sophisticated And Intimate Venue – The Chelsea, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ new 40,000-square foot performance and event space, will debut over New Year’s Eve with a performance by Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bruno Mars, bringing a more intimate and memorable guest experience to entertainment and meetings in Las Vegas.

Grand Bazaar Shops Transforms Busiest Corner Of The Las Vegas Strip Into An Outdoor Retail Experience – Las Vegas is all about experiences. And what the Vegas Strip has long needed is a major retail destination which truly redefines the shopping experience. Grand Bazaar Shops™ is an innovative, uniquely merchandised venue that will give Las Vegas its first truly urban shopping scene.

More Las Vegas News

Fabulous Meets Sophistication With The New Flamingo Las Vegas Garden Chapel – Flamingo Las Vegas now offers guests a fresh new wedding experience with its beautifully redesigned Garden Chapel and all-new wedding packages.

The renovation was completed in September by Westar Architects and encompasses the chapel, lobby, reception, hallways, bridal room and restroom.

Navagator Plus Helicopter Combo TourNavagator Plus Helicopter Combo Tour – Get an authentic taste of the Southwest during scenic Grand Canyon air tours with VegasDaze. Learn about the Hualapai Native Americans – a historic tribe dating back to as early as 600 A.D. During your Grand Canyon aerial experience you’ll understand why the name “Hualapai” means, “people of the tall pine.” This special Grand Canyon West Rim tour is experienced by both plane and helicopter.

Click To Book Your Navagator Plus
Helicopter Combo Tour Now!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

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.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

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:

NFL Tickets Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Cher Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Eagles Tickets
– Houston Texans Tickets Elton John Tickets
NHL Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Kanye West Tickets
NBA Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets One Direction Tickets
-Brooklyn Nets Tickets Pink Tickets
College Football Tickets Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tickets

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! – No white Christmas for us (although just outside of town, Mt. Charleston had plenty of snow a couple weeks ago). We’re coming in a very seasonal 60 F (give or take a couple) everyday now through Christmas, with plenty of sunshine in the forecast.

Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even A Mouse – This is generally a quiet time of year for news and the newsletter before Christmas has usually consisted essentially of an online Christmas card. Not so much this year, as you’ve seen from what you’ve already read. Just a few quick news bits that we may go into more detail in the future:

* Barbary Coast (Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall) project finally appears to have a new name: The Cromwell. Caesars Entertainment has yet to confirm it, but local news sources seem pretty confident about it. No, we’re not fond of the name either. And yes… it sounds like the name of some preppy character from one of those 80’s movies.

* Harmon’s Slow Demise – The ill-fated Harmon Hotel (just to the south of Cosmopolitan) looks like it is coming down piece-by-piece. It simply sits too close to surrounding properties to make for a safe implosion. Many of our readers were not only hoping for an implosion, but that some extra dynamite would take out CityCenter while they were at it!

* No More NFR – Just a week or two ago, we told you all about the National Final’s Rodeo and how being in town for it — even if you don’t have tickets — is a must for any country fan. Ooops. The NFR is packing up and leaving after next year, after a 29 year run in Las Vegas. Orlando (Actually Kissimmee) tossed a few million more dollars at them to cover increased prize money and promised a new 24,000 seat arena.

Las Vegas still may counter with moving the event to the (soon to be constructed) 20,000 seat MGM arena behind New York, New York. But… the money is still an issue.

If we lose it, we’re simply going to start a competing event. People have been coming to enjoy top rodeo in Las Vegas for nearly three decades and local organizers are counting on the fact that it is the Vegas experience and tradition that will draw visitors to the new event.

Hope you are enjoying this issue and we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

  • Caesars Christmas Greetings – Enjoy a fun (and funny) greeting from cast members of various Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas shows including Donny and Marie, Chippendales, Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding, Jubilee!, Legends In Concert, Jeff Civillico, Mac King, Frank Marino’s Diva’s, George Wallace, X Burlesque, Anthony Cools, Absinthe, Recycled Percussion, Taylor Hicks, Matt Goss, Big Elvis, Vinnie Favorito, Million Dollar Quartet, Jersey Boys, and Veronic.

  • Bellagio Conservatory And Botanical Gardens Holiday Tree Arrival and Time Lapse – Follow the Bellagio Christmas Tree from its origins in the forest to the installation at the resort.

  • Glenn Diamond: The Cowboy’s Christmas – Our gaming writer Vegas Vic wants to wish you a Merry Christmas by sharing his alter-ego’s song about the story of a lonely cowboy from long ago, who one night on the prairie saw the star of Bethlehem shining in the sky, on a bright moonlit night. It filled his soul, and that’s why from then on, those of us in the American West, call this day the Cowboy’s Christmas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’ll be spending the weekend with a buddy at a non-gaming facility on the north end of The Strip, and I’m looking for ideas of where to go to watch the game (and possibly bet on the game, too, though I can get my bets down anyplace before the game). Are you planning to write up something about where to go, what it takes to gain admission (some are invitation only, I gather), that sort of thing?

Thanks!

Scott Pohl

 

Ted Responds:

Ever since the NFL cracked down on charging admission for an event you show their games at, the landscape has really changed. There are still some watching parties and events, but not like it used to be where you paid $100 to watch it on a zillion big screens set up in a ballroom with a betting station and unlimited food and drink included.

We start to get Super Bowl event listings right after the new year, and will post them without delay when we do. These days, some special venues are still set up with free admission and food and drink specials, just about bar (or bar and grill) is doing something, and the game is shown on every TV in every property.

But, we suggest getting where you are going to go well before kick-off (like 2-3 hours before) and parking yourself there so you have your seats and making a day of it. Oh… and don’t even try to get a seat in any of the sports books. People set their alarms for dawn to stake those out.

Per betting in general, the #1 rule is “don’t wait”. You don’t want to be in the long lines on Saturday and ESPECIALLY Sunday morning. All the bets will be available all week long. Make getting your bets down the first thing you do when you hit town.

For those driving in or renting a car and staying at a non-gaming property (or renting out a house), hit a locals casino (Palace Station, which is 4 minutes from The Sahara and Rivera comes to mind, Gold Coast if you are center Strip, Orleans if you are South Strip) where you’ll find lots more parking and not have to navigate a mammoth Strip casino. Just remember that you have to return to cash your tickets OR mail your tickets in for redemption (info is often on the back of the ticket on how to do so).

Near downtown? Pull up to the valet at Plaza, tell the guy you are running in to make a sports bet, and hand him $5 to keep the car close. Or use their free parking garage and when the attendant asks if you are a guest of the hotel, simply state that you are there to make sports bets at their sports book. Their sports book is pretty much next to both the valet entrance and the parking garage elevators.

Obviously for those of you staying at a casino, they all have sports books on-site. But still… bet early! You really don’t want to be in that weekend line.

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