Access Vegas Insider Vibe September 25, 2013

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

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Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

Las Vegas Hotels

Bally’s Jubilee Tower Offers New Accommodations With Great Views At Affordable Rates – Bally’s new Jubilee Tower rooms encompass 450 square-feet and offer unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip. The renovated accommodations yield a modern and stylistic welcoming atmosphere. Various geometric patterns create a contemporary feel, set with neutral tones and striking pops of red visible throughout decorative accents and fashionable wall coverings.


Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts


Everything Football

Cabo Wabo Cantina Inside Planet Hollywood Welcomes Football Fanatics With The Largest Projection Screen And Taco Buffet – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is now offering food and drink specials during all college and regular season football games in the main dining room, as well as in the viewing room on the upper level.

The most popular football games of the season will be shown on multiple high-definition big screen televisions throughout the rockin’ Strip-side restaurant. Game time specials include $19 buckets of Dos Equis, $10 Waboritas, $8.95 Cotija Cheese Crusted Quesadillas and $14.95 Nacho Platters.


Las Vegas Attractions


Zappos / Downtown Las Vegas


Dinner And Drinks


Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate


More Las Vegas News


Neon Dream Helicopter TourNeon Dream Helicopter Tour – Get ready to witness a few amazing landmarks on this Hoover Dam helicopter tour, which also includes a sunset trip down the Las Vegas strip. Get your camera ready for a once-in-a-lifetime view! Soar over the Hoover Dam – an architectural wonder, as you experience panoramic vistas of Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Conclude your tour with intimate, sunset views of the Strip’s mega resorts and hotels including iconic landmarks such as the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Stratosphere Tower, Luxor, Eiffel Tower and historic downtown and the Las Vegas Strip as the city’s famous lights come on in the desert twilight.

Click To Book Neon Dream Helicopter Tour Now!


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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
NFL Tickets Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Britney Spears Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Depeche Mode Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Drake Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Eagles Tickets
Baseball Tickets Elton John Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets Furthur Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Honda Civic Tour Tickets
NBA Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets John Mayer Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
NHL Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Michael Buble Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins 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! – Well, for those of you who avoid visiting during our scorching-hot summers, the coast is clear (at least until about May of 2014). Our 10 day forecast has highs in the 70’s and 80’s F. October’s average high is only 81, with it falling off quickly in November (67) and December (57). Also, keep in mind that those are highs. During the day, 65 with plentiful sun feels great! But here in the Mojave desert, it drops quickly at night. Pack accordingly.

Locals Casinos – Many of our readers rent a car and stay at various “locals” properties around town. I want to point out that this is absolutely NOT something we suggest unless/until you have visited numerous times and taken the time to check out some of these properties so that you know they are right for you. The upside? Easy and generous comps. The recession isn’t over here in Southern Nevada and these properties need business.

My suggestion? Take the free shuttle to the Orleans, M, or Sam’s Town (call each property for details) and give them some play. You’ll be downright surprised/shocked at how great the offers are that start to show up in your mailbox.

But for you first-timers who are just studying up or those who have only visited a few times (or only come for a week once a year), focus on The Strip with a non-weekend evening foray into the downtown Fremont Street Experience. Downtown is very competitive and the gaming odds and food specials are somewhat comparable to “locals” properties.

Why avoid downtown on weekends now (if you can)? Fremont Street and Fremont East have gotten so popular, that you’re dealing with some serious crowds, packed tables, and many of the video poker bars are pretty much completely full. In addition, downtown is the home of events like First Friday. Plus, more and more big-name concerts and TV events that really clog up the area. Visit downtown during weeknights (and earlier in the week if possible) and you’ll be able to enjoy it with some elbow room.

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

  • Siegfried & Roy Kicked Off 10th Annual Oktoberfest At Hofbrõuhaus Las Vegas 2013 – Magicians of the century, Siegfried & Roy kicked off Oktoberfest as honorary keg tappers for the ninth year. The six-week celebration continues through October 31. Hofbrõuhaus Las Vegas offered guests the chance to party as if they were in Munich, Germany for a night as the beer flowed and the Oktoberfest spirit abounded. Hofbrõuhaus Las Vegas is the first German/Bavarian beer hall and restaurant in Las Vegas and is located across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel/Cafe.
  • Siegfried & Roy: A Video Tribute To The Famous Magic Show In Las Vegas – Long before Cirque or Celine, Siegfried and Roy was the must-see show in Las Vegas, selling out at The Mirage night after night at a reported salary of over $1 million per week (combined). If you were lucky enough to see them back in the day, relive the memory with this video montage. If you never saw them, now is your chance to brush up on Las Vegas history.
  • American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks Headline’s Show At Paris Las Vegas – Take a peek at the American Idol winner and headliner, Taylor Hicks, show at Paris Las Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just read your article on Britney Spears and her deal with Planet Hollywood. I can’t believe anyone would pay her so much to lypsinc her recordings. Every time I’ve seen her perform on TV, she doesn’t sing live, just lyp syncs.

Anyone who has a halfway decent voice can have their voices enhanced and then backed up by background singers and sound very professional. Given her past exploits, is she really to be relied upon to fulfill her obligations??

Bill from Connecticut

 

Ted Responds:

Good notes and questions.

I confess that Britney isn’t my taste in music (which ranges from the 80’s pop-metal which I grew up with to both traditional and smooth jazz depending on my mood). However, I’m obviously familiar with her hits, her antics (including a quickie Vegas marriage and shaving her head) and all the rest. And yes, I have seen her perform on TV a number of times, which did seem to involve lip-synching.

For those wondering: Lip-synching is when an artist pretends to sing while the vocals are actually pre-recorded. This is often done by performers who do a very physically active show with lots of dancing, leaving them a little too breathless to sing properly. It is also done with artists whose voices are “doctored” in the studio and who simply are not the best live singers.

Legal disclaimer: We’re not saying that either specifically applies to Spears.

For the record, couple of recent articles indicated that Britney has been in vocal training and will be doing live singing.

Will Britney be able to hold it together and not miss any performances? Will her fan base turn out over the course of 100 shows over two years (hoping to fill around 4500 seats for each show)? As we’ve noted, her demographics somewhat fall in between traditional show-goers and the club crowd. This is a group of fans who grew up with dance-enhanced concerts and should enjoy the show.

If she’s successful, will she put a hurt on club attendance (which some note is waning a bit), or will people see her show then head straight for a club?

We have read recent reports that ticket sales are below expectations early on. But she may draw a nice walk-up crowd as the younger demographic living in neighboring states are know to just pack up and come here on a whim (as opposed to planning their trip ahead of time, buying show and concert tickets well in advance to get good seats, etc).

Lots of questions. We’ll watch it unfold. Caesars Entertainment has quite a bit riding on The Linq, Britney, and their Gansevoort (Bill’s/Barbary Coast) projects. None of which really seem aimed at the traditional Las Vegas visitor.

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 September 18, 2013

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

The Eiffel Tower Experience At Paris Las Vegas Celebrates Its 10 Millionth Visitor With 5,000 Balloon Launch And Headliners Taylor Hicks And Jersey Boys

The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas celebrated its 10 millionth visitor today with the launch of 5,000 red, white and blue biodegradable balloons and a special performance by Paris Las Vegas headliners. Martin Layton, the lucky guest visiting from the United Kingdom, was awarded a seven-day trip for two to Paris, France.

Atop the 460-foot high observation deck, Paris headliners including Taylor Hicks and Jersey Boys caught Layton and his bride-to-be off-guard when they broke from their tourist disguises and performed a celebratory song penned by the musicians themselves with the refrain, ôYou’re our guest, you’re our guest, you’re our 10 millionth guest!ö A boarding pass was then presented by Regional President David Hoenemeyer, Hicks, Jersey Boys and BallyÆs Jubilee! showgirls.


Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts


Las Vegas Art And Attractions

Hotel Art: Hidden Treasures in Las Vegas Resorts – Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and James Turrell. Each a master of art, and all on display on the Las Vegas Strip. Priceless art can be found throughout many Las Vegas resorts û think lobbies, award-winning restaurants and even within guest rooms and suites. Below are a few examples of the breathtaking art located at Bellagio, Aria and Mandalay Bay.

The Who Coming To Las Vegas Via Viva Vision« Show At Fremont Street Experience DowntownRoger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who and Jeff Victor, president of Fremont Street Experience announced at a joint press conference held at Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas that The Who will get its own Viva Vision« show. The light and sound show, titled The Who û Miles Over Vegas will contain stunning graphics built around three iconic songs: ôMy Generation,ö ôI Can See for Milesö and ôPinball Wizard.ö

ôItÆs quite exciting to get our own Viva Vision show, seven minutes of 3D video animation from our early period done in that Pop Art style and using vintage footage. I am very intrigued to see the final show,ö stated Daltrey.


Las Vegas Hotels


Gambling, Gaming, Sports Books, And Football

Delmonico Steakhouse Inside The Venetian Football Season Game Day Menu And Drink SpecialsFootball fans looking to watch the game and still eat like a champion will want to head down to Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse in The Venetian Las Vegas for their Game Day menu and drink specials on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the bar and lounge area. The menu includes Emeril’s signature New Orleans spin on tailgating favorites and specialty cocktails to toast a victory or drown sorrows of defeat.


Zappos / Downtown Las Vegas


Dinner And Drinks

Old Homestead Steakhouse, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, And Serendipity 3 Inside Caesars Palace Unveil New Flavors On Their Cocktail Menus – Delectable new cocktail creations are now available at three popular restaurants within Caesars Palace. Old Homestead Steakhouse is delighting guests with seasonal tastes and inventive infusions in its list of refreshing drinks just added to its menu. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill and Serendipity 3 have also added fresh new mixtures, offering a plentiful supply of thirst-quenching options.

Old Homestead Steakhouse revealed new additions to its cocktail menu right in the heat of the season debuting brisk libations with delicious flavor profiles. The menu features a variety of new drinks created by master mixologists James Demas and Carl Salisbury. From martinis to traditional concoctions with a twist, each cocktail has its own distinctive taste.

James Beard FoundationÆs Taste America ôLocal Flavor From Coast To Coastö Traveling Food Festival Comes To Las Vegas This FallTickets are now on sale for The James Beard FoundationÆs Taste America«: ôLocal Flavor from Coast To Coast,ö a national traveling food festival which will visit Las Vegas on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28.

The five-weekend festival will visit 10 cities from September 20 through October 19, 2013. Taste America will showcase culinary all-stars and public events exploring the nationÆs unique range of local cuisines in Las Vegas along with nine other cities including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Taste America is presented by the James Beard Foundation (JBF) in partnership with Chase Sapphire Preferred« Visa Signature«.


More Las Vegas News


Grand Canyon Day Ground TourGrand Canyon Day Ground Tour û Your first stop on this Grand Canyon day trip will be the awe-inspiring Sedona, the second-most visited destination in Arizona. The lush green forest at the rim descends into Oak Creek Canyon which are comprised of rugged wilderness cliffs. Shimmering Oak Creek, a scenic byway that winds through 2,000 vertical feet of red walled canyon and the red rock monoliths that define the landscape of Sedona. You will have a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the town’s picture-postcard views.

Click To Book Grand Canyon Day Ground Tour Now!


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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
NFL Tickets Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Blake Shelton Tickets
– New York Giants Tickets Depeche Mode Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Drake Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Fall Out Boy Tickets
Baseball Tickets Honda Civic Tour Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets Jack Johnson Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
NBA Tickets John Mayer Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Marc Anthony Tickets
NHL Tickets Pearl Jam Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Pink Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Selena Gomez Tickets
College Football Tickets Taylor Swift 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! – September is flying by. Temperate weather is coming our way. By temperate, we look to be in the 80’s next week. This will sound crazy to some of you, but many locals I know (including myself) start to get a little nostalgic for summer once it starts to slip away. A couple more months and we’ll have to start figuring out which closets our jackets and sweaters are in before we go hit Fremont Street.

As someone who lives in short-sleeves, shorts, and flip-flops — nice ones, not the 2 for $3.99 drugstore variety — much of the year, I’ll have to dig out my long pants. I’m down nearly 20 pounds since May 1 (and dearly missing my buffet ventures, but it is worth it). So, I’m looking forward to wearing some winter clothes that have been dormant for the past few years, and donating the “too big” stuff to charity.

Britney – Well, if you poke your head into a newspaper, TV morning shows, or have simply been awake the past few days, you may know that Britney Spears finally announced her 2 year run here. Want tickets? Check out Britney Spears Las Vegas Tickets. Her reported take per show? $310,000, although it isn’t known if that also has to cover dancers and any musicians. We have a video promo of the announcement in our What We’re Watching segment.

What we’re going to be watching unfold? To date, the thought has been that people under 40 are not as likely to attend live shows, including Celine, Elton, and similar. They prefer the clubs and DJ’s. On the flip side, has Las Vegas simply not been offering headliners who appeal to a younger demographic?

The club scene is pretty much maxed out, with the number of venues hitting the limit of the numbers of patrons. Las Vegas is continually looking to cater to new audiences, and some of the club people who grew up with Britney may be looking for new things to do. Also, her show is said to try to have a club vibe to it. Everyone is watching how this one will turn out!

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We were in Las Vegas in early June…we were going down the strip when we saw something being filmed…. the couple was in a 1968 or 69 red Ford convertible. It was very neat to see something being filmed right there on the strip but now we have been curious as to what it was for. Do you know if it was a movie or what? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mary Denny

PS I believe the very date was June 5, 2013 that they were filming…

 

Ted Responds:

I was downtown late into the evening when they were shooting Ma$e’s “Feel’s So Good” video (which ended up getting tons of MTV play). Even if it isn’t your type of music, fun to see downtown.

I was at the old Klondike when they were setting up to film Vegas Vacation later in the evening. (I didn’t stick around as I didn’t have an entire overnight to devote to catching a few scenes).

I’ve seen car commercials and plenty of other similar productions just by happenstance. Some people made it a mission to seek out Hangover III production spots.

As you can imagine, news of these shoots is generally NOT released to the public as they like to avoid crowds. When it is, they do it on short notice and only put out a note saying they need people for crowd scenes. Your best bet is to keep your eyes open when you watch TV and make sure to go see (or Netflix) movies that are shot in Las Vegas.


Hi, just visited Las Vegas and had a fabulous time. We were a party of four and ate in many places during our stay. We were particularly looking forward to sampling the food at Gordon Ramsay’s Bar and Grill. I had beef cheeks which were very tasty and the remaining three had fish and chips.

The fish and chip meals were disappointing. The chips were soggy and the batter on one guest’s piece of fish was so salty he could not eat it. Unfortunately he did not stay until we left otherwise I would have commented to our server.

The service was good and the staff seemed knowledgeable about the food they were serving. The complimentary breads and dips were tasty and a nice touch.

We thought the menu was limited and some of the choices were expensive as were the drinks.

All in all we had much better meals during our stay particularly the ones we had a Wolfgang Puck’s and unfortunately feel that we could not recommend Gordon Ramsay’s Bar and Grill.

Richard from England

 

Ted Responds:

We’ve always been fans of Wolfgang Puck properties and he took the time to give us a great interview a number of years ago. Considering as a UK resident you were not impressed by the fish and chips, it sounds like their work is cut out for them.

No question that you are paying for both the Caesars location and the celeb chef name. But, one should expect the food to match the price.

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 September 11, 2013

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

Bacchanal Buffet At Caesars Palace Celebrates Its First Birthday

Bacchanal Buffet inside Caesars Palace was one of the most anticipated openings in the country in 2012. Its nine kitchens under one roof helmed by a team of classically-trained, Michelin-starred chefs redefined the Las Vegas buffet experience. In the first year, Bacchanal earned numerous awards including best buffet in Las Vegas by USA Today, Las Vegas Review Journal, Eating Las Vegas and Las Vegas Weekly; best desserts in the city by Vegas Seven; Stone-Cold Stunner by Eater Las Vegas and Surprise of the Year by Desert Companion.


Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Striptease Spectacular Peepshow Concludes Four-Year Run At Planet Hollywood – On Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013, the sexy cast of Las VegasÆ only striptease spectacular, Peepshow at Planet Hollywood bid farewell to the audience as they tantalized the crowd with their sizzling performance one last time, receiving tremendous applause as they took their final bows. Alongside previous Peepshow performers, the cast received red roses and listened to heartfelt speeches given by headliner and TV reality vixen Coco, ôPeep Divaö Cheaza, vocalist Josh Strickland and Peepshow Associate Director and Co-Choreographer, Nick Kenkel. Photo: Denise Truscello/Getty Images

Peepshow came to a close after its 9:30 p.m. performance on Sunday with more than 1,500 performances completed during the four-year run.


Las Vegas Attractions


Las Vegas Celebrates
Mexican Independence Day

SHe By Morton’s Spices Up Mexican Independence DaySHe by MortonÆs, located just steps away from the main entrance of Aria at The Shops at Crystals, will offer a prix-fixe menu to celebrate Mexican Independence Day available from September 13-16, 2013. Diners may enjoy a Mexican-inspired three-course meal, priced at $65 per person.


Gambling, Gaming, And Sportsbooks

Rockhouse And PBR Rock Bar Tackle Football Season With Open Bar Specials – Pigskin-loving partygoers will get psyched-up for football season with open bar access at Rockhouse, located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, and PBR Rock Bar & Grill, inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

The Quad’s Record-Breaking Mega Beat Progressive Poker Jackpot Hits – At 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, 102 players in poker rooms across Las Vegas celebrated as a king high straight flush beat quad jacks inside the Quad Resort & Casino Las Vegas poker room. This is the fourth time the jackpot has hit since its January launch and the first time the jackpot hit at The Quad Resort & Casino. In what was one of the most exciting Texas HoldÆem hands, Micah Kreischer from Lexington, Ohio had pocket jacks while Omar Abu-Eid from Las Vegas, Nev. had the king and queen of clubs.


Downtown Las Vegas


Dining In Las Vegas

Tom ColicchioÆs Heritage Steak Brings Open Flame Cooking To The MirageTom ColicchioÆs Heritage Steak, the newest restaurant from the James Beard Award-winning chef, presents open flame cooking, the culinary art of preparing meats using wood-burning ovens and charcoal grills. Now open at The Mirage, the warm and inviting 230-seat restaurant showcases ColicchioÆs passion for cooking with fire, as each dish is prepared to bring out the rich flavors in the cuisine while using the freshest ingredients available. Located within the iconic resortÆs lush garden atrium, the restaurant is open daily for dinner.

Fungi Is A Federal Flavor This September: Mushroom Grits At La Cave Wine And Food Hideaway Inside Wynn Hotel – The gritty life isn’t just celebrated at breakfast in the South. When you combine a tapas-sized clay pot of ground corn, Pecorino cheese, truffle oil and a loving amount of mushrooms, you are ready to indulge in the epitome of comfort food… with class.

La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway inside The Wynn Hotel also embraces mushrooms in its beguiling cuisine with:


More Las Vegas News


Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon TourFlightlinez Bootleg Canyon Tour û Come experience the thrill and beauty of a Las Vegas zipline with Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon. Located in the historic town of Boulder City. Bootleg Canyon Park is home to over 40,000 big horn sheep, 36 miles of mountain biking trails and centuries of history.

Click To Book Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon Tour Now!


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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
NFL Tickets Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Blake Shelton Tickets
– New York Giants Tickets Depeche Mode Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Drake Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Fall Out Boy Tickets
Baseball Tickets Honda Civic Tour Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets Jack Johnson Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
NBA Tickets John Mayer Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Marc Anthony Tickets
NHL Tickets Pearl Jam Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Pink Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Selena Gomez Tickets
College Football Tickets Taylor Swift 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! – Monsoon season won’t let up, and The Strip (plus those of us who live near it) got absolutely pounded by rain recently. A big storm in a long line of days with clouds and occasional showers. Certainly not our normal weather! If there is an upside, it has taken the bite off of the heat. Evenings have been rain free with unusually comfortable temperatures in the 70’s F.

Linq Wheel construction. North East view

Linq Wheel construction. North West view

The Linq-Mobile Cometh – Staffer Rick Ziegler caught these photos of the Linq project’s “High Roller” wheel (AKA The Linq-Mobile) just a couple of days ago. Ironically, just before the circumference of the wheel was completed and parent company Caesars Entertainment blasted the media with the news.

It will be the tallest of its kind in the world when it opens, but we’re obviously still a ways away from that (we’ll keep you updated as always). Pods — each holding up to 40 riders — still have to be brought to the site and attached. The enclosed ride will take about 30 minutes and the ride is projected to cost $30.

Our concern? From our calculations (and what we can see now), your view of The Strip will be obstructed during about half the ride by the hotels it sits behind. The view from the top should be pretty cool, though.

It appears that the Linq project will have a mix of upscale shopping along with a fair amount of dining and a hipster bowling alley which will also host big-name concerts. I believe it will be a bellwether regarding whether dining and shopping is more the future of Las Vegas now that gambling is legal in so many areas.

Closing Time? – I’m getting ready to close on a great mid-century home located toward the center of the Las Vegas valley (knock on wood). I like the charm of some of our older neighborhoods and the proximity of both The Strip and Downtown. Wish me luck.

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My wife and I made our first visit to Las Vegas in 1965 on our way to Sacramento where I began my Air Force career at Mather AFB. Since then we have made many trips back and in the last few years have been staying in town longer and longer. We are beginning our annual journey next week and will be in Las Vegas for 30 days staying at several different casinos (4 Queens, Main Street Station, Rio, Flamingo, The Quad, and Silver Sevens) with all rooms comped.

We are not high rollers, but with players cards have managed to get the summer offers for many years. We each get offers so we are able to stay for such an extended time by moving around. This year we are even entered in 5 separate slot tournaments, compliments of the casinos.

We retired for good back in 2006 and have been traveling ever since. We do a lot of cruises because they are a great way to see the world at an affordable price and while on them we completely relax without a care in the world. Las Vegas is our cruise in the desert, and we get the same sense of relaxation without a worry in the world. We love your newsletter, and find it to be the most informative source of information about what is going on in Las Vegas.

Don & Marguerite Marburger

 

Ted Responds:

What a great story and thanks for sharing. In this issue (as we’ve done off and on over the past few months), we’re included a link to a video of Las Vegas from the past.

We have a fair amount of readers who do come for 2, 3, or even four weeks at a time just like you. Those who just come for a few days, hit it hard, and practically go home in a body bag probably wonder how one can spend weeks at a time here. But, it allows you to enjoy pacing yourself because you are not under the pressure to do everything in such a short amount of time. You can get out and enjoy the “local’s” casinos where the odds are better and the food is cheaper.

We often hear from people who enjoy getting down to Laughlin, where you can gamble with a view of the beautiful Colorado River (and winter temps in the 70’s F). Or take the time to do a tour (or two or three). Enjoy a show or two every week instead of having to just pick one out of a town with such a great menu of live entertainment.

Here’s to many great Las Vegas vacations in your future!

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 September 4, 2013

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

Miracle Mile Shops Inside Planet Hollywood September 2013 Events, Deals, And Promotions – Caring, Giving, Changing at Miracle Mile Shops

Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is collecting donations in its fountain for Nevada PEP, as part of the centerÆs Caring, Giving, Changing community campaign. Throughout September, all change tossed in the popular water feature and the centerÆs indoor rainstorm will assist the statewide nonprofit that offers education and encouragement to families of children with disabilities.


Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts


Beer And Cocktails

Siegfried & Roy Kick Off The 10th Annual Las Vegas Oktoberfest At Hofbrõuhaus – The wonderful aroma of quality malt and perfect hops is quickly filling the air and that can only mean Oktoberfest is approaching! Magicians of the century, Siegfried & Roy« will kick off the six-week German celebration at Hofbrõuhaus Las Vegas. Every weekend local celebrities will do the honors of tapping a keg, including Claire Sinclair, Frankie Moreno, the sultry cast of Jubilee! and many more.

Hofbrõuhaus Las Vegas offers guests endless Bavarian fun, food and, of course, Oktoberfestbier. The full-bodied lager is brewed to perfection and is the ultimate centerpiece for the exciting festivities that compare to the real Oktoberfest revelry held in Munich, Germany. Patrons can test their strength during the stein holding competitions and Jõgermeister spankings, or watch the nightly almond and pecan glazing process, adding the finishing touch to an authentic experience.

La Comida East Fremont Introduces Happy Hour – íSalud! La Comida, Downtown Las VegasÆ vibrant, new Mexican eatery, has added a dash of spice to the daily routine with the introduction of happy hour specials, available from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

La ComidaÆs dynamic bar, dining room and patio provide a fun setting for guests to enjoy fresh fruit margaritas and beers, each available for just $5. Margarita selections include the passion fruit margarita, prickly pear margarita, guava margarita, pomegranate margarita and tamarind margarita; all made with freshly made fruit purÚe, tequila reposado, sour mix, and garnished with a salted rim and lime wheel. La ComidaÆs bottled beer assortment includes a variety of Mexican, import and domestic favorites such as Bohemia, Negra Modelo, Dos Equis Amber, Stella, Amstel Light and Coors Light.

Commonwealth Downtown Las Vegas Stays Golden With September 2013 Cocktail Of The Month – Commonwealth will go for the gold with SeptemberÆs featured cocktail, ôGolden Grove.ö The refreshing concoction will be offered all month, beginning Sunday, September 1, 2013 priced at $10.

The thirst quenching cocktail, created by Master Mixologist Juyoung Kang, mixes Grey Goose Orange, fresh orange juice, Triple Sec and Orgeat Syrup and served with an orange slice. Guests will sip on the tasty libation while mingling in the pre-Prohibition era inspired cocktail bar.


Gambling, Gaming, And Sports Books


Las Vegas Attractions


Dining In Las Vegas


Downtown Las Vegas


Las Vegas Hotels


Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate


More Las Vegas News


Mini Baja Buggy Half-Day TourMini Baja Buggy Half-Day Tour û This sun buggy tour adventure is definitely not tailored for the weak at heart. You will get behind the wheel of a true desert racing machine for a 30-minute ride that takes you somewhere between 10 and 15 miles over challenging terrain. On this advanced buggy adventure we want you to think of it as a roller coaster.

Choose a one or two-seater dune buggy for this tour. All buggies are custom built for NevadaÆs rugged terrain, and come equipped with roll cages, seatbelts and helmets for your safety. The buggies are similar to your regular car, has a steering wheel, brake pedal, and gas pedal. Be responsible operate the buggy safely. Highlights: 3.5 hour (approx.) door to door, 30-minute dune buggy ride, Drive 10 to 15 miles over challenging terrain, Choice of one and two-seater buggies, Choice of morning or afternoon departures, Pick-up and drop-off from Las Vegas hotels

Click To Book Mini Baja Buggy Half-Day Tour Now!


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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
US Open Tennis Tickets Beyonce Tickets
NFL Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Depeche Mode Tickets
– New York Giants Tickets Eagles Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Honda Civic Tour Tickets
Baseball Tickets John Mayer Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Lil Wayne Tickets
NBA Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Mumford & Sons Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Pearl Jam Tickets
NHL Tickets Pink Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Selena Gomez Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Taylor Swift Tickets
College Football Tickets Zac Brown Band 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’ve been off for about 10 days house-hunting. This is a very tight, fickle market here right now (which I’ll discuss in future issues). So, just a few brief notes from me and we’ll get this issue out. Fortunately, it is super-packed with all the helpful information you need to get your fix of Vegas, keep up on what is going on, and help you consider what you want to do on your next visit.

We posted on our Access Vegas Twitter page last week that we may have seen the end of the 100 F degree days. We may sneak just into the triple digits for a few more days, but September’s average is 94 F so even if we go a little higher, the super-scorching days are coming to an end.

ALSO, keep in mind that sunset is around 7:30 PM here right now. (We sit on the very eastern edge of our time zone, so we always get earlier sunsets than most places). If you are thinking about watching the sun set and The Strip light up from the top of the Stratosphere Tower or the Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower, arrange to have yourself up there by 7 PM. Highly recommended, especially from Stratosphere. Worth the cab ride to catch sunset from up there!

Football Bars – As promised, here is the link to the list of all the NFL teams who have local bars devoting themselves exclusively to that team. This means they show every single game, showing it on every single one of their TV’s, and also offer food and drink specials. Is this for the average tourist? Probably not. The cab ride could run you a bit and obviously, the casinos have all games that are live on multiple TV’s.

However, if you are the kind of visitor who rents a car, gets out and about, checks out the off-strip casinos (plus Hoover Dam, Red Rock and similar), you might find hunting down a bar for your team tons of fun! You’ll be among a throng of like-minded people all rooting for your team. Check out the entire list: Las Vegas Valley bars pour on the enthusiasm to support their teams

Vegas Facebook – Just a reminder for you Facebook users: You can follow our Vegas-related feed at VegasFacebook.com. No, we’re not going to post photos of little children or kittens. And we’re not going to clutter your feed to death with a zillion stories every day. We post an average of 2-3 times per day with some fun photos and news stories about Vegas that help keep you in the loop. Some of which don’t make publication deadline for the newsletter.

So head over to VegasFacebook.com, “Like” our feed and make sure to Comment and Like the posts you find interesting. We value your feedback.

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


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 August 21, 2013

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

Las Vegas Bars and Nightlife

McFadden’s At Town Square Works For The Weekend With Friday And Saturday Weekly SpecialsMcFaddenÆs Restaurant and Saloon at Town Square Las Vegas will raise a glass to the weekend with Lucky Ladies Night on Fridays and Smoke Bomb Saturdays.

Every Friday night, McFaddenÆs will treat the ladies of Las Vegas to complimentary champagne and their first drink free. One lucky lady will also be given the opportunity to win $500 through a series of bar challenges. All day Saturday, guests can nosh on $8 Smoke Show burgers, featuring Guinness barbeque sauce, cheddar cheese and crispy onion straws, and cheers with $5 bombs from the specialty ôbombsö menu. Patrons looking to let loose from the work week can also celebrate at McFaddenÆs daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. with half-priced drinks and appetizers.


Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts


Gambling, Gaming, And Sportsbooks


Dining In Las Vegas

Step Into the Fire And Savor Hot New Menu Items At Gordon Ramsay BurGRGordon Ramsay BurGR has quickly become one of Las VegasÆ hottest new restaurants, and now itÆs even hotter. Recently igniting its flame wall at the entrance to the restaurant, guests now get a sense of the intensity they are about to experience in Chef Gordon RamsayÆs fiery menu creations right when they walk in. With bold new additions, the BurGR menu continues to take the traditional burger, fries and milkshake comfort food combination to an entirely new level.

Bellagio Continues Tradition Of Extraordinary Culinary Events With Epicurean Epicenter SeriesBellagio, recipient of 14 consecutive AAA Five Diamond Awards, announces the remaining events for the 2013 Epicurean Epicenter Series. The resortÆs legendary chefs continue to create unforgettable culinary experiences, coupled with perfectly paired wines by the resortÆs talented wine team.

The unparalleled series, from interactive cooking classes to exclusive wine and beer pairing dinners, features Bellagio as a culinary arts leader, consistently developing new, fun and educational events that inspire guests and provide lasting memories.


Las Vegas Hotels


Las Vegas Attractions


Bad Boys, Bad Boys! What ‘Cha Gonna Do?


Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


The Dreamer Airplane TourThe Dreamer Airplane Tour û Grand Canyon South Rim tours begin with a 40-minute picturesque flight on an airplane. This ultimate excursion allows you to explore the stunning Grand Canyon by airplane, helicopter and foot. Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport you are welcomed aboard a state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter for an awe-inspiring flight.

Our vessels are here for your comfort. An air tour of the Grand Canyon is one of the most unique ways to see one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. This combo tour of the Grand Canyon also provides you with a ground-level perspective of this natural wonder. Venture onto the scenic trails and various overlooks of the Grand Canyon South Rim. Enjoy a gourmet box lunch amid the breathtaking scenery.

Click To Book The Dreamer Airplane Tour Now!


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
US Open Tennis Tickets Backstreet Boys Tickets
NFL Tickets Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Celine Dion Tickets
– New York Giants Tickets Honda Civic Tour Tickets
Baseball Tickets Jimmy Buffet Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets John Mayer Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
NBA Tickets Keith Urban Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Kenny Chesney Tickets
– Los Angeles Clippers Tickets Lil Wayne Tickets
NHL Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Pearl Jam Tickets
– Nashville Predators Tickets Taylor Swift Tickets
College Football Tickets Zac Brown Band 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! – Wow, Labor Day is just around the corner, and many of you in the cooler climates will be kissing the warm weather goodbye and settling into fall. For us here in Las Vegas, we’re looking forward to our second “summer” of the year. September averages 94 F, October 81 (which many would consider perfect), and November drops down to 67 (chilly for us desert rats, but perfect for many).

I like to suggest an early November vacation to those of you who live where it is getting pretty cold and cloudy in your neck of the woods and ready to still get a dose of warmth and sunshine. Not to mention for you sports fans, football season and betting is in full swing!

Beginning Of The Club Scene Decline – Buried at the end of a local newspaper column by Doug Elfman, he noted that he’s heard some of these famous club DJ’s aren’t packing the house lately. While clubs will never go away, are we seeing a crack in this trend which has taken over Las Vegas the past 10 years or so? Are we going to see a return to more live music? Is Las Vegas going to start realizing that the AVERAGE age of our visitors is nearly 50 years old?

Trains Going Nowhere – The Las Vegas to Victorville (or Palmdale, CA) high speed train that was to be funded by a multi-billion dollar federal government loan guarantee looks to be derailed. A few Senators sobered up long enough to realize how completely ridiculous this concept was and what a long-shot it would be for the train to make enough to pay off the federal loan. Nevada Senator Harry Reid is a big backer of the project and claims it isn’t dead.

In the meantime, the XTrain (a conventional, luxury train running from Los Angeles to Las Vegas) seems to have delay after delay after delay. Which is unfortunate, as we’re fans of that one. If the XTrain doesn’t get off the ground, here’s an idea for Reid: How about taking a tiny fraction of the “Train To Nowhere” money and re-starting Amtrak service between L.A. and Las Vegas to see if it flies. We have the most powerful Senator in the U.S. and is home city doesn’t even have Amtrak service. Try it for a year and see if it breaks even (or makes money). You can always kill it if it fails. If we want to really look toward the future of high-speed ground transportation…

Hyperlooping To Vegas – Revolutionary car designer Elon Musk (he created that all-electric Tesla that ended up being the car of the year last year) has made plans available for a high-speed tube that would take people from L.A. to San Francisco in 30 minutes, with extensions visioned to Las Vegas. For those of you old enough, think about those air-powered tubes banks had (or maybe still have) to get your documents from outside into the teller. We love the idea. But funding and construction probably makes it a couple of decades off.

It would open up a whole new world to Vegas visitors. We’re sometimes asked about day trips to Hollywood or Disneyland by people who don’t realize how great distances are here in the Western U.S. (Southern California is a 1/2 day drive away, making a day trip over there unworkable). This would made that day trip workable, and give us Las Vegas locals a chance to do a day at the beach!

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted, You wrote about the major hotels losing money and I am again just perplexed at this. Why if they are losing money don’t they cater more to the average (poorer smuck) like me and my friends???

We all started going there in the early 90’s during that boom. We would go once or twice a year, every year. Hotels were fun, themed and it was always an allure to go see the next ‘new’ place. Now its all boutique hotels with most of the emphasis on high end shopping, high end night clubs, high end dinning, high end everything.

Now me and most of my friends don’t bother going as Vegas has changed so much, we don’t feel real welcomed there.

How many millions (or billions) of dollars is Las Vegas not earning now that they have crowded us out?? We go now to Indian run casinos where we can find cheap loose slots, lower limit table games and food that we can afford to eat. I miss the old Las Vegas.

And for kids and strollers in Las Vegas, we did that two years ago to show my kids where we got married and it was fun for about a day and half. Then we ran out of kid friendly things to do. But we kept them out of the way, out of casinos, other than to get to our room and a restaurant. It can work, but just for a short time frame.

Ed from Manchester, MI

 

Ted Responds:

Please don’t shoot the messenger with this answer. For better or worse, I’m just telling you the way that it is.

Like many American companies, the hotels are now run by bean counters who are trying to maximize stock prices. The vision is generally about the short term. They are also saddled by debt from money borrowed and spent during the boom that didn’t pay off when things went bust. They are riding the fine line of squeezing every penny they can out of everything they possibly can just to stay afloat (in some cases).

I believe this is one reason visitation is flat year-over-year so far. (Granted, we were just shy of a new record last year). When you come and book a $49 room then get hit with high food prices, high drink prices, and (for many) an unexpected resort fee, that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I also believe that the de-theming is playing a role. Las Vegas has lost some of that magical “Adult Disneyland” feel and I’m not sure why this is lost on the upper management making these decisions.

People are rebelling. They still come, but they buy a cheap cooler when they get here, keep it stocked with beer in their room, buy bottles of liquor to keep in their room, keep a bunch of snack and easy-to-prepare food on hand, and order out. (Hint: Pizza Hut will deliver to your hotel in Las Vegas. You do need to meet the driver at a designated place and have your credit card and ID on you). Eat and booze in your room some of the time, and Las Vegas just got a whole lot cheaper. Use the money you save to go enjoy a show!

Your area Michigan casinos (in many cases) are not riding a mountain of debt. ALSO, in many cases, you are a captive audience. You drove an hour to get there. If you lose a quick $100, are you just going to turn around and drive home? Probably not. Is there the Fountains of Bellagio to go enjoy while you hope your luck turns? No. When you combine the captive gaming audience and less debt, you can offer better prices and odds.

We are looking forward to the Resorts World casino opening in a couple years on the old Stardust property. The owners know what they are doing. They are going for the middle of the market and doing an intense Asian theme. If they are successful, maybe some of their neighbors will take notice. Just as the “family friendly” era of Las Vegas is looked back upon as a mistake, we believe that the recent era of de-theming and tighter gambling odds will one day be looked upon as a mistake.

Speaking of family friendly, I did note that there are some instances where you have to bring a child to Las Vegas. It works if you are responsible and put the child’s interests above your own. Otherwise, save it for their 21’st birthday!


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 August 14, 2013

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

Labor Day Las Vegas 2013

Cabo Wabo Cantina Rocks Labor Day Weekend With GiveawaysCabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will wrap up summer with a weekend-long party starting on Friday, August 31, 2013 through Monday, September 2, 2013.

Park On Fremont To Win The Blue Ribbon With Labor Day Specials And Free Beer – Park on Fremont will pay tribute to an American tradition with a Labor Day beer and burger special, available from Friday, August 30, until Monday, September 2, 2013. Guests will receive a complimentary 16-ounce can of Pabst Blue Ribbon with the purchase of any of the hot spotÆs mouthwatering burger selections such as…


Gambling And Gaming


Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman Enjoys Absinthe – Adding to the lineup of well-known celebrities to experience the StripsÆ hottest show Absinthe at Caesars Palace, Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman was spotted enjoying the hilarious antics from the showÆs host The Gazillionaire, his raucous sidekick Penny Pibbets, The Green Fairy, Melody Sweets and the rest of the eccentric cast of Absinthe on August 8. Stockman was so captivated by the harmonious voice of The Green Fairy, Melody Sweets that he stayed after to snap photos with the cast.

Stratosphere Headliner Claire Sinclair Attends Jersey Boys at Paris Las VegasClaire Sinclair, star of ôPin Upö at Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, attended Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas yesterday evening, July 31, 2013. Following the performance Sinclair went backstage to meet the cast and also stayed for a photo.

Jersey Boys is the #1 Rated Show in Las Vegas and the ôMust see show of the year!ö according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The musical phenomenon Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at Paris Las Vegas is the only place on the West Coast to see this runaway hit that has taken Las Vegas by storm. Jersey Boys is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time.


Las Vegas Attractions


Dining In Las Vegas

Watch Out Coffee, Tea is Back In Las Vegas – The classic cup of coffee that has long accompanied a light snack or a fine meal is now making room for the resurgence of a familiar palate pleaser: tea. Extravagant tea services combine flavorful choices and soothing relief to provide a peaceful respite. Featuring a variety of flavors with organic components and healing properties, tea is returning to tables as an interactive and personalized experience.

The final touch to an epic meal, the Tea Infusions Trolley at JoÙl Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand goes above and beyond expectations.

New Menu Items And Specials Elevate Dining Experience At Buffets Within Caesars Entertainment Resorts – The wide variety of buffets within Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts introduce unique additions to their extensive existing menus as well as special deals in celebration of summer. Below are brief descriptions of the hot summer buffet dining options at Caesars EntertainmentÆs citywide resorts.


Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

 

 


Canyon Air Express Helicopter TourCanyon Air Express Helicopter Tour û Your Grand Canyon helicopter trip begins in the Las Vegas Valley where you will board a luxurious ECO-Star helicopters. As you ascend above the valley you will see rock formations and gullies, leading up to Fortification Hill, an extinct and illusive volcano. The tour continues towards the vast and bountiful Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States.

Click To Book Canyon Air Express Helicopter Tour Now!


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
US Open Tennis Tickets Beyonce Tickets
NFL Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Honda Civic Tour Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets John Mayer Tickets
Baseball Tickets Justin & Jay-Z Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Keith Urban Tickets
NBA Tickets Lil Wayne Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Los Angeles Clippers Tickets Michael Buble Tickets
NHL Tickets Pearl Jam Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Taylor Swift Tickets
– Nashville Predators Tickets Train Tickets
College Football Tickets Zac Brown Band 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! – The wacky weather (record highs, thunderstorms, power outages, casinos flooding) seems to be a thing of the past, and we’re settling in for average the next couple of weeks. Highs around 105 F with the overnight low around 80. Still a bit too toasty for some, but I personally prefer it to the chilly, short days of winter.

The Biggest Loser – Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, and The Cosmopolitan all posted second-quarter losses. Caesars Entertainment lost $212.2 million, MGM Resorts tanked $145.5 million, and the Cosmo (which is basically a foreclosed on, bank-owned property) lost just a little over $25 million — about $280,000 per DAY. On one property! That amount will buy you a 3000 sq. ft. home in a nice Las Vegas neighborhood.

What does that mean to you? At the end of the day, these companies are most likely going to hold the line on tighter slots, bad blackjack rules, and expensive drinks. They literally don’t have a choice. It is interesting to see that many of the food and drink specials we publish are in the restaurants inside properties. Restaurants which operate independently of the hotel and are able to establish their own prices without regards to zillions of dollars of debt to service.

Will the house of cards fall down for any of these companies? MGM Resorts should do fine in the long run. Although they won’t be building another CityCenter anytime soon (which they have the land to do so across from The Sahara). The bank that owns Cosmo can eat the loss until they resort is worth enough to sell. Caesars Entertainment? Some conjecture that their debt is not sustainable. They appear to be banking (no pun intended) on online gambling, which they seem to have a nice stake in. If that doesn’t happen, could we see them selling off some of their Las Vegas hotels (the way that MGM Resorts sold off Treasure Island a few years ago)? Speaking of…

DSC07135, Treasure Island, Las Vegas, Ne by jimg944, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic Licenseáábyáájimg944á

Retail Will Not “Save” Las Vegas – Treasure Island just got plans approved to rip out their corner facade and put in retail (see above and below). The pirate show will stay, but the ship won’t move as far away from the bay (as it won’t have anywhere to go). This comes on the heels of Monte Carlo destroying the beautiful facade of their property for more retail and dining. And of Treasure Island essentially marring the front of their hotel with that horrible looking red restaurant.

Look, I’m no math major. But to me, the numbers just don’t add up. Visitation is flat and each visitor only has so much to spend. If you divide that disposable income by (for example) 1500 shops, bars, and restaurants instead of 1000, each venue will bring in less money. So what does this mean for you? More competition = more deals!

No Pot Soon – Organizers are going to wait until 2016 to attempt to put a measure to legalize marijuana on the ballot here in Nevada. They cite the time needed to organize and fund the petition drive.

Stop The Strollers! – An incredibly disturbing trend the past couple of years (especially) is seeing parents pushing strollers and dragging young children around into the later hours of the night. Listen… I realize that some people have legitimate reasons to bring children to Las Vegas. Perhaps the husband is attending a convention and the wife and young child come along for the price of airfare. He works during the day while she sees the sites pushing the child around. But any responsible parent is going to be back in their room with milk and cookies before the evening gets late.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. For some reason, many people are thinking that a Vegas vacation with their young (and very young) children is going to be something resembling fun. The reality is that these are usually the most miserable looking people that you’ll see out. They aren’t having any fun. They can’t just hit the bar for a drink, then start gambling when the mood hits. And I have to assume that a vacation with the parents and young kids all sharing a room isn’t going to exactly be the most romantic getaway the couple has ever had.

If your children aren’t old enough where you are comfortable with them being on their own in a vacation city, they are simply too young to bring to Las Vegas. Let alone shoving them around in a stroller at midnight.

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

  • Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme sing, “This Could Be The Start Of Something Big” – With the passing of Las Vegas’ beloved iconic performer Eydie Gorme at the age of 84, and the continue requests we receive from readers wondering where they can still see traditional lounge music (pretty much nowhere, casinos consider it too expensive), we pulled up a couple videos of the same song: This Could Be The Start Of Something Big.
  • Noreen’s Lounge: Home of the Steeler Nation – With such an influx of people moving here from all over the United States and the absence of our own NFL team, each year numerous bars across Las Vegas devote themselves ENTIRELY to one football team for the season. While the “home team” is on TV, ALL of the TV’s are tuned to that one game, food and drink specials abound, and team devotees enjoy the camaraderie of their former city-mates (and those who just simply happen to follow the team as their favorite).

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I recently visited Las Vegas for my 50th birthday. I stayed at the Cosmopolitan. Very nice and no problems. However, My family and I saw the Criss Angel Show Believe…What a disappointment. For $100 and more, what a let down. He talks for about 20 minutes about how he struggled to make it and then puts on a sub-level show. You feel like he is just winging it and really doesn’t care.

What a rip off. It’s amazing that he goes on about being the best magician but his show was not good at all. He has a midget go around with a fake penis and doesn’t he realize that there are children in the audience.

Unprofessional. So disappointed. $600 down the tube. What an embarrassment.

Perry

 

Ted Responds:

You aren’t the first (or last) person who can’t “believe” that this show has lasted this long. While Criss Angel fans really enjoy the show, over and over I’ve read comments from everyone else. Who didn’t.

To insure you’ll really enjoy yourself and support what we’re doing here at the same time, we ask/suggest everyone at least check out the shows we note in our Featured section at the top of this newsletter. (Use those links so they know we are sending you). ALL of them are critically acclaimed, long-running, top Las Vegas shows. We’ve never gotten complaint #1 about any of them. And, there is something for just about every taste!

PS I’m just a couple of years away from 50 myself. (My, how time flies when you don’t know what you are doing). Happy belated birthday!


Enjoy and look forward to your newsletter. Happy to become a paid subscriber.

Do you have any updates on the new Downtown Grand? Curious about hotel, casino, dining, rates and so on,

Many thanks for bringing Vegas to me all year long.

Cynthia

 

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the kind words. We’ll start to release more membership details and answer related questions over the next few weeks. (We’re a bit behind as I’m house hunting, which is always a pesky little distraction. My lease is up in a couple of months, although I will note that my trial-run of living close-in to The Strip has been favorable).

For those who loved the old Lady Luck, you’re not going to recognize it after this renovation is done. The Downtown Grand is shaping up to be the class of Las Vegas. We’re heard talk of innovative dining, and in the next week or two will run a video previewing their signature restaurant Stewart and Ogden (the streets the property sits on, and two historical Las Vegas characters). All in all, you’ll have your choice of 8 bars and lounges, and 11 restaurants. A pretty aggressive line-up!

They will also have a pool deck on the casino roof (open to the public, from what we understand, but don’t quote us on that) and outdoor blackjack along 3’rd Street. The entire area has been dubbed DT3 (for Downtown Third).

An opening date hasn’t officially been announced, but mid-October seems to be the consensus rumor. We’ll obviously be down when it opens, bring you our thoughts, and plenty of photos!

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 August 7, 2013

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

Restaurant Guy Savoy, Old Homestead Steakhouse, And Gordon Ramsey Steak Earn 2013 Wine Spectator AwardsRestaurant Guy Savoy and Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace and Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas have been honored in Wine SpectatorÆs 2013 Restaurant Wine List Awards. Restaurant Guy Savoy has successfully renewed its coveted Grand Award, Old Homestead earns the Award of Excellence for the second time and Gordon Ramsay Steak is proud to be a new recipient of the Best of Award of Excellence.

Wine SpectatorÆs Restaurant Wine List Awards are earned based on the wine listÆs selection, its pairing with restaurant cuisine and the general appeal to wine lovers. Wine lists are judged on a variety of criteria including vintages and appellations for all selections, complete producer names and the presentation and appearance of the list.


Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Fantasy Introduces Bombshell Vocalist Jaime Lynch As New HeadlinerJaime Lynch brings sex appeal and a sultry voice to the Fantasy stage as the new headliner for the popular revue at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Lynch recently stepped into the limelight at the Atrium Showroom as she began her new gig as the lead singer in Fantasy.

ôFantasy is ever-evolving to showcase the most beautiful and talented women in Las Vegas,ö said Anita Mann of Anita Mann Productions, the production company behind Fantasy. ôWith Jaime as our new headliner, we look forward to introducing exciting new performances featuring our gorgeous dancers and new leading lady.ö


Las Vegas Attractions


Las Vegas Nightlife

Commonwealth Downtown Vegas Feels Refreshed With August 2013 Cocktail Of The MonthCommonwealth will beat the heat with August 2013Æs featured cocktail, ôAugust Afternoon.ö This cool cocktail, created by Mixologist Juyoung Kang, combines Ketel One, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, PeychaudÆs Bitters, basil and egg whites. While sipping on the unique concoction, guests can enjoy live DJ performances and breathtaking views of Downtown Las Vegas from CommonwealthÆs 2,000-square-foot rooftop. The tasty libation will be offered all month, priced at $10.


Gambling And Gaming


Dining In Las Vegas

KGB: KerryÆs Gourmet Burgers Introduces Tasty Monthly Burger and Shake CombosKGB: KerryÆs Gourmet Burgers at HarrahÆs Las Vegas offers new monthly burger and shake combos available now through the end of the year. Presenting diners with fresh menu items to try at every turn of the calendar, each flavorful burger and shake creation, crafted by Chef Kerry Simon, is only available for its designated month. Ordered separately, the burgers are $14 and the shakes are $6, while the burger and shake of the month combo is $18.

The delicious creations for October 2013 are the Philly cheesesteak burger and strawberry banana milkshake. Topped with American cheese, peppers, onions, mushrooms and smothered with white cheddar cheese sauce, the thinly-sliced grilled steak is served on a white bun. Alongside the Philly cheesesteak is the strawberry banana milkshake made with homemade strawberry banana ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries.


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

  • Labor Day Weekend Las Vegas 2013
    (August 30 – September 2)

Air, Land, And Water TourAir, Land, And Water Tour û Experience a Grand Canyon expedition with a helicopter trip and a Colorado River rafting trip. This adventure will leave you in awe as you experience scenery from one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Experience a helicopter tour to the bottom of the canyon at Grand Canyon west, where you will enjoy a champagne toast, bottled water, and continental breakfast. When you arrive at the Boulder City Airport you will meet up with the rafting crew. Your voyage will be fully narrated and motorized as you depart from the base of the Hoover Dam and float 12 miles down the Colorado River. The Colorado River rafting tour makes several stops along the river. Lunch will be served upon reaching Willow beach, Arizona where the rafting crew will transport you to your hotel at the conclusion of the tour.

Click To Book Your Air, Land, And Water Tour Now!


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
US Open Tennis Tickets Beyonce Tickets
NFL Tickets Blake Shelton Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Eagles Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Honda Civic Tour Tickets
– Green Bay Packers Tickets John Mayer Tickets
Baseball Tickets Justin & Jay-Z Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets Justin Bieber Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– San Francisco Giants Tickets Kenny Chesney Tickets
NHL Tickets Lil Wayne Tickets
– Philadelphia Flyers Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Matchbox Twenty Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets One Direction Tickets
College Football Tickets Taylor Swift Tickets

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Tournament Of Kings by Terri DÆRichards

Pageantry, Fireworks, And Knights On Horseback – Tournament of Kings – Hear Ye! Hear Ye! û come one, come all to “Tournament of Kings” at the Excalibur — a throwback to the more themed era on the Las Vegas Strip. While newer properties have abandoned the Disney-like themes of their predecessors, and many of those existing previously have re-branded themselves, the Excalibur Hotel Casino retains its full on Medieval fantasy motif.


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 on assignment again this week. We’re continuing to work on some very cool new things we’ll be bringing your way over the next 2-3 months.

Last issue, I told you about our “Best Of” poll where everyone goes in the pool and you get to vote for an unbiased result. We’re also working on the mother of all Las Vegas deals website application which will be available to paid subscribers only. There is nothing else like it out there and we’re going to guarantee it will save you at least the cost.

We have some other cool new things we’re keeping under our hat for now, one of which will help you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to the dreaded resort fees. If they are here to stay, let’s at least get our moneys worth. (And if you don’t like them, you seriously need to write your US Congressperson and Senator about legislation to make them transparent, just like the airlines have to do).

Please enjoy this issue prepared by staff!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley


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


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 July 31, 2013

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

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Snoop Dog Attends Rock Of Ages At The Venetian – Rapper, singer/songwriter and actor Snoop Dog (aka Snoop Lion) attended Rock Of Ages at The Venetian Las Vegas on Sunday. Snoop watched the outrageously fun musical and then went backstage to meet and greet with the cast and take photos. Backstage, Snoop gave a speech to the cast gushing about how much he loved the show.

Esteban Joins Lineup Of Free Live Happy Hour Performers At Tropicana – Acclaimed guitarist Stephen ôEstebanö Paul and daughter, violinist Teresa Joy, will perform an exclusive special engagement in the Tropicana Lounge at The New Tropicana Las Vegas Monday to Saturday August 5-23, 2013. The father-daughter string duo will take audiences on a cultural trip rich with music ranging from classical to flamenco, pop, Broadway and a few very special Spanish ballads. Performances will be held during the Tropicana LoungeÆs Happy Hour from 5-8 p.m.


Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos


Las Vegas Attractions

circus circus adventuredome photo: Adventuredome at Circus CircusCelebrate 20 Years Of Family Fun At The Adventuredome August 22-25, 2013 – Cupcakes, confetti and clowns will abound as The Adventuredome at Circus Circus prepares to turn 20 years young on August 23. To mark the milestone, one of AmericaÆs largest indoor theme parks will host a month-long celebration that will include special pricing, commemorative gifts and a birthday party in true circus style.

Beginning July 29 guests are invited to submit their favorite park photo memory to The AdventuredomeÆs Facebook page for a chance to win a staycation prize package including:


Las Vegas Real Estate


Dining In Las Vegas

Rockhouse Offers Nacho Average Taco Tuesdays Specials – Taco-loving partygoers can enjoy food and drink specials all day, every Tuesday at Rockhouse, located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, during Taco Tuesdays. Priced starting at $1.50, guests can nosh on a selection of mouthwatering tacos such as…


Las Vegas Pools

Rehab Crowns Winners Of Rehab Bikini Invitational 2013Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas officially wrapped up the final round of its REHAB Bikini Invitational 2013 on Sunday, July 28, narrowing down the fierce competition to determine its REHAB Bikini Team 2014.

The top 10 girls include Stevie Lynn who took first place. Photo credit: ® Joey Ungerer


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

  • Labor Day Weekend Las Vegas 2013
    (August 30 – September 2)

Battlefield Vegas Shooting Package TourBattlefield Vegas Shooting Package Tour û Ever wanted to experience a bit of those ear-splitting booms of a machine gun burst? Now you can as they echo through the air conditioned, indoor range at Battlefield Vegas. Battlefield Vegas has the largest selection of full auto machine guns in Las Vegas and gives you the most realistic first person shooting experience of your life. You can train just off the strip at the 5 acre military complex complete with Willis jeeps, troop carriers and Huey helicopters. Get the full military experience with a little history in the mix guaranteed to make you feel like your in the heat of the battle.

Click To Book Battlefield Vegas
Shooting Package Tour Now!


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
US Open Tennis Tickets Beyonce Tickets
NFL Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Dave Matthews Band Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Eagles Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Honda Civic Tour Tickets
– Green Bay Packers Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets John Mayer Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Justin & Jay-Z Tickets
Baseball Tickets Justin Bieber Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Kenny Chesney Tickets
– San Francisco Giants Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Boston Red Sox Tickets Matchbox Twenty Tickets
Ultimate Fighting Championship One Direction Tickets
College Football Tickets Taylor Swift 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! – We’re just into August and I’m wondering where more than half the year has gone. It continues to be a year of construction with SLS (The Sahara), Downtown Grand (Lady Luck), The Linq (Harrah’s) and the facades of New York-New York and Monte Carlo being re-done.

We’ve debated about posting construction photos as it isn’t pretty and we’re just biding our time until we see the end results. However, have no fear if visiting soon. The vast majority of the tourist areas are alive and humming!

At this point, we’re probably the most excited to see what they do with the old Lady Luck. It isn’t going to be the homey low-roller property that it used to be. But with a downtown location, they can’t go nuts on the upscale side either. Set to open before the end if the year, room rates are rumored to be around $60 (which we assume is mid-week rates). Speaking of downtown…

Free Wi-Fi Downtown – You’ll soon be able to take out that tablet or laptop nearly anywhere downtown and enjoy advertising-supported free wi-fi that is said to be faster than 3G but not quite up there with 4G. We’re also not sure how the signal will be inside hotel rooms and at this time, they are going to block video sites. Having said that, who comes to town to sit in their room and watch YouTube?!? We’ll let you know more when we do. In the meantime, the full story is at Free WiFi service coming to downtown Las Vegas

Top Hotels In Las Vegas – The Weather Channel recently posted a list of their Top 10 best hotels in Las Vegas:

10. Mirage
9. Aria
8. Mandalay Bay
7. Venetian
6. Luxor
5. Bellagio
4. New York-New York
3. Caesars Palace
2. MGM Grand
1. Cosmopolitan

We were a little surprised to see The Luxor up so high, but they didn’t really give explanations. We recently came across an old Vegas Travel Channel special from the ’90’s which counted down their Top 10 (obviously at the time), including the reasons they gave for each:

10. Venetian – Because it is where the whales go to play.
9. Rio – Best Free Show (the now-defunct Show In the Sky)
8. Bellagio – For their famous VIP poker room (now moved to Aria)
7. Binion’s – Good blackjack (still better than most of The Strip, but not what it used to be)
6. Stardust – For their infamous sportsbook (which we still miss).
5. Green Valley Ranch – Loose slots and good game selection.
4. Lady Luck – Above Average Comps (not sure if the replacement Downtown Grand will follow suit)
3. Stratosphere – Hottest Hidden Values (good odds).
2. Palms – High video poker payouts.
1. MGM – Biggest selection of games (due to sheer size of the property)

Speaking of best hotels…

A True “Best Of” – Las Vegas has many “Best Of” awards floating around. Advertisement after advertisement promotes this and that as being awarded the “Best Of” in some awards or other. What has troubled me to various extents is that most polls have a flaw or bias. The local paper’s “Best Of” routinely ends up with the readers awarding Outback Steakhouse as best steak in a city where Emeril Lagasse and Charlie Palmer have restaurants! Why? Because locals don’t visit The Strip.

Other awards either are purely editors choices (which are inclined to all kinds of bias) or similar to the paper, draw from a shallow well of like-minded people. Another thing that bugged me is that we never know who finished second or third or. Who was right up there with the best!

We’re fixing that. In a couple of weeks (knock on wood), we’re going to launch our own “Best Of” poll. We’ll start with hotels, and it is going to be done March Madness style. (For those unfamiliar, basically a playoffs). You won’t be picking from a few nominees we select. It’s going to be “everyone in the pool” and may the best property win.

When you vote, you’ll be shown two hotels and you’ll choose one. Then you’ll be shown two more and pick one. At the end of that round of voting, the winning hotels move on in the competition. At the end, we’ll award Gold, Silver, and Bronze to the top 3 (unless the Olympics sues us at which time we’ll call it something else). We’re going to have a blast!

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just got back from another exciting trip to Las Vegas. I used Bell Trans Shuttle company and they were great – no complaints. They were on time picking us up to go to the airport. Our friends that were meeting us ended up taking a taxi and paid 20 dollars to go to the Monte Carlo- seemed expensive to me!

We all had a great time, saw the new Michael Jackson ‘One’ Show – it was great! Had entertained the idea of seeing KA, but due to the unfortunate tragedy of the performer, it was canceled until further notice. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and the performers in attendance on Saturday.

We took them to the Minus 5 Bar – we lasted 25 minutes – we’re from Seattle, so the cold doesn’t get to us as quick! We went to Fremont – absolutely loved it, and tried to make it back, but couldn’t. Our friends had so much fun, that they wanted to go back this weekend!

What is so wonderful about Vegas is that there is ALWAYS something new to try out!! Whether it is a new restaurant, bar, or show, there is always some new adventure!! We all had a blast and will be back soon!!

Cheers!

Sonja from Seattle

 

Ted Responds:

$20 is indeed steep to go to the Monte Carlo unless it is 9 PM on a Friday night. As we’ve noted, one of the first things we’re going to do for (future) paid subscribers is really do some work and reviews on all the ways to get from McCarran Airport to The Strip and/or downtown. We’ve only had raves about people who choose to go the limo route! But obviously, that ups the cost of your trip.

After the terrible tragedy at KA (we ran stories about it in our More section in previous issues), the show is back in operation. I actually have an old show from one of the cable channels (saved on a DVD) that chronicled a fix to the platform used during the finale where the accident happened. (That maintenance documented had nothing to do with the accident and was routine). I thought about posting a few minutes of it on YouTube so people could better understand the scene, but that hit me as so morbid and I didn’t want anyone to think we were looking to profit off a death.

The Minus 5 Ice Lounges are located at Mandalay Bay and Monte Carlo. They seem to be a consistent, quirky hit. I’m sure they did well during some of our record-setting heat this summer! To the uninitiated, the entire venue is kept at -5 C (23 F) and everything is made of ice. The bar, your seats, even the cocktail glasses you drink from! As someone who is a wimp when it comes to the cold (and loves the heat), I must confess I haven’t tried it, but we’ve only heard good things.

I have to laugh because over the years, I’ve had nightmares that we’d have a week when we have NOTHING for the newsletter. Ya… right. It is a full-time job just to keep up on it all! Which is why we save you the time and distil it down for you here each week. Glad you enjoy it!

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 July 24, 2013

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

Food & Wine All-Star Weekend Returns To Bellagio, Aria, And MGM Grand October 4-6, 2013 – The fourth annual FOOD & WINE All-Star Weekend, hosted by Bellagio, Aria and MGM Grand, returns to Las Vegas October 4-6 with new programming and even more talented culinary superstars. Renowned sommeliers and mixologists, along with celebrity chefs such as Joel Robuchon, Michael Mina and Shawn McClain, will collaborate on epicurean events as they engage guests in an agenda full of culinary fun. The action-packed weekend includes an educational wine class on Syrah with a Master Sommelier, a cooking demo on how to make sushi ten ways, a once-in-a-lifetime dinner with a Michelin-starred chef, a lively pizza party and more.


Las Vegas Attractions


Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Do You Have That “Burning Love” For Elvis? Caesars Entertainment Vegas Resorts Have Just What You Need – Nearly 60 years ago, on July 30, 1954, Elvis Presley, at the age of 19, performed his first concert, and it didnÆt take long for him to become an international sensation.

Clear Channel Announces The 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival Line-Up And Adds New Daytime Festival Village – Clear Channel today announced the artist line-up for the biggest live concert event in radio history, the iHeartRadio Music Festival, taking place in Las Vegas on September 20 and 21. This yearÆs extraordinary line-up includes Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, J. Cole, Elton John, Muse, TiÙsto, Chris Brown, Keith Urban, fun., Miguel, Bruno Mars, Phoenix, Zedd, Maroon 5, Tim McGraw, Ke$ha, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Benny Benassi, plus a rare live appearance by legendary rock band Queen + Adam Lambert, this year’s Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star winner, The Summer Set and other special surprise guests to be announced later. Ryan Seacrest, host and producer of the top-rated nationally syndicated LA Morning drive-time show – ôOn Air with Ryan Seacrestö on Clear ChannelÆs 102.7 KIIS-FM, will return for a third record-breaking year to host the Festival, kicking off the two-day event on the evening of Friday, September 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.


Las Vegas In August


Dining In Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas Welcomes Steve Martorano’s Italian Restaurant – ItÆs Official! Steve Martorano is partnering with Paris Las Vegas to bring his restaurant to the Las Vegas Strip. The popular cook, DJ and cookbook author will bring his brand of Italian American fare to a second Las Vegas location in early 2014. In addition to his popular restaurant at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, MartoranoÆs will join the dining roster at Paris Las Vegas, fast becoming Las VegasÆ next culinary destination.

The new location at Paris Las Vegas, joining MartoranoÆs Rio spot which will remain open, will serve lunch and dinner and have a projected 200+ seats, including a large bar area and patio dining reminiscent of MartoranoÆs original restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Immortal Burger Honors Michael Jackson At Slice Of Vegas Inside Mandalay PlaceSlice of Vegas at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place has dedicated its latest burger to the King of Pop himself, welcoming the official debut of Michael Jackson ONE to its new home at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. For $16.95, the Immortal Burger features a brioche bun spread with SliceÆs “Secret Sauceö and a half-pound short rib/chuck patty topped with provolone, roasted tomato, basil, grilled onions, sautÚed mushrooms, bacon, ham, capicola and salami. Perfect for a pre-show bite, the massive burger is then finished with a spicy marinara and sealed with a second slice of provolone.

Emeril Lagasse’s Restaurants Celebrate Lobster Week July 29 – August 4 – Emeril Lagasse’s Las Vegas restaurants, Delmonico Steakhouse, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House and Table 10, have created special lunch and dinner menus to celebrate Lobster Week. The menus run July 29 through Aug. 4 and feature Chef Emeril’s signature flair on classic and re-imagined lobster dishes.


More Las Vegas News

Vegas Downtown Brew Festival Returns In September 2013 With Local Craft Beer, Food, And Music Artists – Motley Brews is hard at work culling local talent to create a more immersive and fulfilling experience during the Downtown Brew Festival to truly celebrate the beer, food and music created by the Las Vegas community. The Nevada Craft Brewers will return with more specialty one-off beers, local celebrity chef Christian Dolias of Cutthroat Culinary will treat VIP’s with four courses in the Brewers Lounge and local indie rock artists Rusty Maples and American Cream will hit the stage for a full night of entertainment.


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

  • Labor Day Weekend Las Vegas 2013
    (August 30 – September 2)

People view the grand canyon on the Skywalk on the Canyon Celebration Sky High Fun TourCanyon Celebration Sky High Fun Tour û Man-made wonders and natureÆs spectacular beauty collide when you visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Through this Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour, witness landmarks that people journey to see from all over the globe. Tours take to both the air and ground for an all-encompassing voyage of a lifetime. Guests will stroll along the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge that suspends 4,000 feet above the mighty Colorado River. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is one of the finest examples of how man and nature can create awe-inspiring beauty and intermingle them as one.

Click To Book Your “Canyon Celebration” Sky High Fun Tour Now!


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:


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! – A week after the unbelievable July 19’th storm that pounded the Las Vegas Strip, much has returned to normal. Although, I had a brief power loss a couple of days ago and all I could think of was “here we go again” as losing power for 5 hours during that one evening well into nighttime in July wasn’t exactly the highlight of my month. In our What We’re Watching segment, we’ve linked to three storm videos that I’m sure you’ll want to check out.

No “normal” Newkirk’s Notes and no Members Mania this week. I’ve been hard at work on some amazing new projects! Some of which we can hint at, some of which we need to keep under wraps. Some of which we’ll make available to everyone, some only to our (future) paid subscribers that will really give them the inside track, including saving time and money on each and every visit.

I can say that we’re also getting ready to totally revamp and upgrade our Las Vegas Photos area. We’ve been around a long time and the old software we’re using simply can’t keep up. Also, we used to have a spectacular area of Las Vegas computer wallpaper and we need to sort that out and repost it so you can enjoy it.

Yes, we realize that you can go to Flickr or a search engine and search for Vegas photos. And often end up seeing some really lousy ones. (Why don’t people toss the crummy ones before posting to these sites)? We have thousands of really great, professionally shot, full-size Vegas photos that we want to make available to you. And… once get them all up, we’re going to get someone out taking new ones on a regular basis so that you always have great, new Vegas photos at your fingertip!

That and much more coming in the next few weeks and months as strive to bring you what you want.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley


What We’re Watching –
Videos Of The Las Vegas Flooding July 19, 2013


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 July 17, 2013

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

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts


Summer Cocktails

Chill Out! Brisk Summertime Refreshments In Las Vegas – As the blazing summer sun turns up the temperature in Las Vegas, everyone tries to find ways to beat the heat. These tasty delights are sure to provide relief for anybody looking to stay cool and refreshed.

Rhumbar Celebrates National Tequila Day With Cocktail Specials – Rhumbar at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will double the fun on National Tequila Day with two-for-one tequila libations Wednesday, July 24. Priced at $12 each, guests will have their choice of two cocktails: Spicy Lover, made with Cuervo Platino Tequila, English cucumber, Mexican cilantro, lime juice, sweet agave nectar and a dash of spicy Tabasco pepper sauce or the Pineapple Chipotle Margarita, served on the rocks, and made with Ambhar tequila, Dutch Orange Curaþao, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice and Monin Pineapple Chipotle Syrup, spiced up with a dash of Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Rocks National Tequila Day With Tequila Specials – ôM┴S TEQUILA!ö will be heard from all around as Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino celebrates National Tequila Day with a week of half-priced tequila specials and buy-one-get-one margaritas from Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26.

All week long, guests will enjoy buy-one-get-one margaritas featuring 10 different, exotic flavors including banana, spicy mango, coconut and sangarita. Tequila lovers may also celebrate with half-priced selected tequila shots such as Cabo Wabo, Milagro, Cazadores, Tres Generaciones and many more.


Celebrate Your Wedding (and before) In Las Vegas


Dining In Las Vegas

Bacchanal Buffet At Caesars Palace is Once Again Named Best Buffet In Las Vegas – Three Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts’ dining venues have earned recognitions in the 2013 Las Vegas Weekly Awards. Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace was named Best Buffet in Las Vegas by yet another group, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace earned Best Room Service and Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas‘ sticky toffee pudding was named Best Reason to Save Room for Dessert.

The highly-acclaimed Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace was chosen by Las Vegas WeeklyÆs readers as the Best Buffet in Las Vegas.


Las Vegas Attractions

Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month In August – While art may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering Vegas, itÆs not uncommon to experience, even unknowingly, masterpieces by many of the art worldÆs biggest names right on The Strip. Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month in August and be immersed in the artwork offered throughout MGM Resorts.


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

  • Labor Day Weekend Las Vegas 2013
    (August 30 – September 2)

Exotics Racing Driving Experience TourExotics Racing Driving Experience Tour û Calling all gear heads! If you have a thing for fast, exotic cars we have the experience for you! Located just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Exotics Racing packages give you the original super car driving experience! It is a top rated attraction with the world’s largest and most impressive fleet of cars. They have pro-racing instructors that coach you, lap after lap, to the limit on the 1.2 mile exclusive racetrack! Prior to hitting the track, you will receive detailed driving instructions in a classroom environment and ride along in a Porsche Cayenne GTS for your track discovery lap. Then meet your personal driving instructor who will be by your side during your exotic driving experience.

Click To Book Exotics Racing Driving Experience Tour Now!


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
US Open Tennis Tickets Beyonce Tickets
NFL Tickets Blake Shelton Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Dave Matthews Band Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Eagles Tickets
– Green Bay Packers Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets John Mayer Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Justin & Jay-Z Tickets
Baseball Tickets Justin Bieber Tickets
– New York Yankees Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Los Angeles Angels Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– San Francisco Giants Tickets New Kids on the Block Tickets
– Boston Red Sox Tickets One Direction Tickets
Ultimate Fighting Championship Taylor Swift Tickets
College Football Tickets Vans Warped Tour 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:

UPDATE – We were already running behind this week with the newsletter as we’ve been busy with new AccessVegas.com projects. (Hey, we have to pay the bills). Just as we were finishing up on on Friday night and preparing to send, I noticed that The Weather Channel (which was on by happenstance) was burping a LOT of alters.áI went online to see the alert details, only to find out that the area around the Stratosphere (about 1.5 miles northeast of us as the crow flies) was going to get pummeled. As were other selected areas around the valley.

The Strip flooded, near hurricane force winds had pouring rain going sideways, Caesars casino had standing water indoors, and the roof of Gilly’s in front of Treasure Island (also about 1.5 miles away as the crow flies) had the roof cave in. You can view that video here: Roof caved in at Gilley’s in Las Vegas! (No, that is not a cute water feature).

Us? We lost power. For 5 hours. Fortunately, The Strip did not (although I’ve seen various reports that Fremont Street did, everything is still being sorted out). Here was the cool part (if there is anything “cool” about losing power for 5 hours in Las Vegas in July): Because of the cloud cover, the lights of The Strip reflected off the sky and illuminated our area pretty nicely.

This storm ironically was pretty much a duplicate of the 1994 storm which tore down the Hilton sign (then the largest in the world), outing power and causing damage on The Strip and around the valley. Oddly enough, we recently linked to that video in our What We’re Watching segment. KTNV Las Vegas: News On The Bad Storm of July 1994

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re 2/3 of the way through the hottest month of the year, but fortunately after tying records just a few weeks ago, things have really mellowed into the average range with highs in the low 100’s F. For those thinking we cool down in September like many places do, the average for that month is still 94. October falls down to 81 and by November, we’re in the upper 60’s. So, plan accordingly.

Many enjoy visiting in October because that’s when large parts of the U.S. are really feeling fall kick in. Plus, football season is in full swing, and the husband can spend the day in the sportsbook while the wife shops or takes a spa treatment.

Many assume that Thanksgiving (U.S.) is dead in Las vegas, and that was the case many years ago. But now, you have far-flung families meeting in here and others simply treating it as a four-day weekend. Every restaurant from the buffets to the ritzy celeb chefs put on Thanksgiving fare for the holiday.

Britney, Britney, Britney – The buzz surrounding Britney Spears doing a residency show at Planet Hollywood continues to heat up. It appears that the show will be a concert, but with a nightclub feel.

Here’s what will be interesting to watch: Club-going twenty-somethings tend to eschew “live” entertainment (singers and musicians) and instead prefer DJ’s. As this group gets into their 30’s, will we see residency concert “shows” like this transition them into consumers of live music, or will that generation make it into their 40’s and 50’s still bopping to electronic music? The future of the kind of entertainment Las Vegas offers will hand in the balance.

It’s Not Easy Being Green – Or maybe it is for Mandalay Bay. They have 20 acres of flat-roof convention space sitting around and doing absolutely nothing. They are going to cover it with solar panels, which will provide around 20% of the energy needed for the resort during high demand periods. This also helps them get in good with convention planners who (more and more) won’t book facilities unless they meet certain green standards.

If You Are Thinking About Moving Here – Have a job lined up or plan to be financially independent (retired without the need to work, independently wealthy). Las Vegas unemployment actually recently inched back up again, and local employers have always been wary about hiring new arrivals. They want someone who can handle living here, whether that be the temptations or the weather.

I’ve always suggested that if you want to move here, come for a couple of weeks, stay in an extended stay property away from The Strip, rent a car, and really get to know the area. You’ll have a much better idea of what regular life is here. I love it, but it’s not for everyone.

Good News On The Airline Front? – The second half of this year, the number of airline seats available for flights into Las Vegas will see a small rise. Generally, more capacity creates more favorable fares. Keep in mind that where you are flying from and how busy Las Vegas is during a certain week are going to be the key factors determining how much your airfare is going to be.

I’ve actually thought up a proprietary software we’re going to make available to future paid subscribers that will let you look at any month and instantly see a “heat graph” of when rooms and flights are projected to be higher or lower (once again, using a proprietary formula I’ve developed). This would allow you to look at your available vacation days and instantly see which ones stack up with the times Las Vegas is going to be the cheapest instead of just punching in some dates and getting sticker shock because you didn’t know the rodeo was in town or it was a Mexican holiday.

Light Rail To The Airport? – For those hoping for a non-taxi, mass transit option to get between the airport and The Strip, don’t hold your breath. One isn’t even on the drawing board. However, a long-term plan for Maryland Parkway does make mention of light rail.

Who, what, where (and why should you care)? Maryland is a major north-south street paralleling The Strip which runs from the airport all the way to downtown and beyond. It is one of the most highly trafficked streets in town, making it an attractive option for something like light rail.

For those of you who are starting to prefer staying downtown, the ability to get off your plane, jump on a train and comfortably and quickly ride downtown would be a nice concept. If it did well, we could see extensions running over to The Strip. We’re in favor of anything that gives us all more transit options so we aren’t tied to taxis.

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Absolutely love this newsletter. I just wanted to tell you, I had my fill of cab drivers years ago after witnessing a horrible accident right outside McCarran. airport A cabbieáwasn’t paying attention and smashed into another cab. The cab flipped and the newly arrived tourists were takenáto a hospital insteadáof their hotel. I decided,i would take the bus.

$5.00 bought me a 24 hour pass,and took me down Maryland Parkway to a stop right across from The Stratosphere. Not for everybody, but at least I knew what I had to fork out.

The Deuceáis a good way to get around, but not on weekend nights unless you use itáfor short trips. Not Mandalay Bay to downtown!

I agree with you,about the limos. Again, a flat fee and you won’t get the runaround. Years ago, I grabbed a cab at the airport. I told the driver I have twenty bucks. Take me to the Stratosphere. He turned off the meter and zipped me thereáin ten minutes. Just like anything in Vegas.It’s all about negotiation.

Keep up the good work.

Jim from San Diego, Ca.

 

Ted Responds:

As noted in our light rail story, I’m all for looking at the various options to get around. No longer will the bus get you from McCarran airport to The Stratosphere, but relatively new Westcliff Airport Express (click for schedule and route) does stop at The Strip and Tropicana before taking a non-stop run up the freeway to downtown. For newer readers, you can go to the shuttle and limos area at the airport and hire a town car or limo on the spot and they will give you a set fee for where you are going.


I rent a car each time I vacation in LV. However, it seems that the fees are beginning to equal the cost of rental. ItÆs very discouraging since hotels charge fees etc. Another reason to look elsewhere closer to New England to spend my vacation dollars! Any comments?

Thanks,

Jim from Mass.

P.S. I also have changed to hotels with no fees or low fees (SamÆs Town). No Station Casinos ever and no longer South Point since they have added fees.

I am also against having to pay up to $40 extra for services that I have no use for. I also agree with the statement ôjust raise the room ratesö since these fees are not an option. In your list of places to stay that do not have resort fees, I think Orleans in also one of them, unless they just changed. It is off the strip, but a decent place to stay with clean rooms.

Keep up the good work with all your up to date information.

Doris Osborne

 

Ted Responds:

Unfortunately, exorbitant taxes and fees are part of the rental car game in any city. Back when the rental car tax was raised to pay for our new performing arts center, I spoke out against strongly. We’re well aware that many of our readers like to come here for 10-20 days at a time, which means you are really contributing to our economy. This often includes a car rental so you can explore everything you want to do and see, whether on The Strip, downtown, or at other area casinos.

Unfortunately, both Sam’s Town and The Orleans have instituted fees. However, both Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Eastside Cannery are about a stone’s throw from Sam’s Town and do not have resort fees.

On our to-do list is creating a map of Las Vegas to show where the fee-less properties are. For example, The Clarion is 1/2 block off The Strip on Convention Center Drive (just a block or so up from Wynn/Encore) and they do NOT charge a fee. We’re also looking at building a proprietary resort fee analyzer software for future paid members that will let you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to resort fees.

Short of federal legislation aimed at airline and hotel fees, our hands are tied beyond that. We don’t profit from them, and we realize how irritating and deceptive they are.

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.

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