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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 25, 2008

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! No question we are in a different climate zone than most of the U.S. Our own I.T. guy Robert works out of Northwest Alabama and is expecting a winter wonderland. Snow may stretch from the deep south up through New York, Boston, and beyond. Here in Las Vegas? We’re looking at temps in the 70’s (F) for the week and finally (hopefully) a break in the partly cloudy weather we’ve had most of February.

Dixie’s Dam Bar Re-Opens At Hooters – We continually hear your feedback loud and strong. You have no interest in going to an ultra-club and paying hundreds of dollars for a bottle of booze just to be able to sit at a table and look impressive for a few hours. Hooters Hotel Casino agrees!

Taking a page out of Coyote Ugly, the bartenders are called “Dixie’s Dancing Divas” andáboth pour the booze and dance to tunes from the jukebox. No bottle service but you can buy a mini-keg of beer for your table. Tables and booths are first come, first served and they note you better check your attitude at the door. There is a $20 cover. Worth it? We’ll tell you first-hand in a couple of weeks as we’re getting ready to do a photo-feature on the place.

No $15 Martini’s Or $90 Steaks Here – So says the owners of the brand new M Resort Casino opening in the very south part of Las Vegas over the weekend. Although the M is very much a Strip resort caliber property, it is family owned and they have been emphatic that they are going to do things old-school Vegas when it comes to both prices and customer service.

Their staff was hired on the basis of friendly, out-going personalities. Prices even at their high-end restaurants are going to be moderate. (Think more in terms of downtown pricing, not Vegas strip even though their rooftop fine-dining venue will have one of the best views in town). Drink stations throughout the casino promise complimentary coffee and soft drinks to everyone.

Is it worth checking out? We’ll let you know soon. Mark is headed down to do a photo-feature which should run in the next couple of weeks. We’ll find out if they have a free shuttle to and from The Strip as well. If they hold to their promises, everyone should make a point to visit and do some gambling and eating just to reward them for getting back to reasonable prices and a focus on the customer.

Cook E. Jarr Still Going Strong – Every once in a while, we get asked if Las Vegas legend Cook E. Jarr is still playing. Yes, still playing and yes, still worth checking out. Catch him at Harrah’s Carnival Court on Friday and Saturday Nights from 6-8 PM. Jimmy Kimmel once said “If you haven’t seen Cook E. Jarr, you haven’t been to Vegas.” I agree. More info at cookejarr.com

Hugo’s Cellar – A recent review of this venerable long-time Las Vegas fine dining establishment at the Four Queens brought it to my mind for the first time in years. Hugo’s Cellar has received raves from visitors for decades. With the demise of the Center Stage restaurant (Plaza) and The Burgundy Room (Lady Luck), Hugo’s Cellar soldiers on as an excellent slice of Las Vegas the way it used to be.

Cheap? Not really (check out their menu). But well worth it. Fine dining downtown on more of a budget? Check out The Flame Steakhouse (formerly Roberta’s) at the El Cortez.

Party Like A Local, With The Locals – Blue Martini in Town Square (about a mile south of Mandalay Bay) is offering local industry professionals a 50% discount from 11 PM to 5 AM, 7 nights a week. Jobs are tough to find, but if you live here (or are hell-bent on moving here despite the economy), getting a job is often all about who you know. This ongoing promotion is open to everybody (must be an industry professional with ID get the 50% off). Might be a good place to start networking.

Get Out Of Town! – Many of you have been reading our newsletter and visiting Las Vegas for years, and you’ve always thought about taking the day to see some of the gorgeous Desert Southwest scenery.

If coming in the next 2-3 months, this is the perfect time to do it! Temps will be neither too hot nor too cold and if you get lucky, you’ll catch the desert in springtime bloom. (No, we can’t predict when that will happen. It varies each year due to weather conditions).

Even if you only want to spend half a day, see Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam. Both are less than 45 minutes from The Strip. Hoover Dam is amazing. Even if you have seen it on TV and think you have no interest, you’ll be blown away. Pictures don’t to the size and scope of it justice.

zion -! 249---Zion National Park---
Zion National Park

Have a full day? Zion National Park in Utah is about three hours away and will take your breath away. Take a virtual ride via Google. Closer to Las Vegas, the Valley Of Fire state park will make you feel like you are driving across the surface of Mars.

41 Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Valley Of Fire State Park

You don’t need to rent a car for your entire stay. Crack open the phone book in your hotel, and you’ll find that many of the major car rental companies have locations in hotels (and you avoid paying the airport taxes and fees when you rent).

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Aliante from $25, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $28, Green Valley from $80, Palace Stn from $25, Red Rock from $90, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $23, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Rock Icon Paul McCartney To Headline Grand Opening Weekend At The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas – The legendary Paul McCartney will headline grand opening weekend of The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Sunday, April 19. (Tickets) “I’m looking forward to Rockin’ The Joint!” said Paul McCartney. “We are honored to have the multi-Grammy award winning artist and rock legend, Paul McCartney, launch us into a new era of rock ‘n’ roll at the all new Joint concert venue scheduled to open at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in April,” said Randy Kwasniewski, President and COO of Morgans Hotel Group Las Vegas and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Click to Read The Full Story …

Comedian Vinnie Favorito Ups The Ante At Flamingo Las Vegas – Favorito Extends His Run With A Three-Year Contract – After continued success performing at Flamingo Las Vegas, comedian and celebrity roaster Vinnie Favorito has announced that he will extend his run for an additional three years. (Tickets) Favorito’s edgy, in-your-face style of comedy has made him a favorite among Las Vegas locals and tourists alike. “Anyone coming to Vinnie’s show should check their humility at the door, no one and no topic is off limits in his theater,” said Don Marrandino, President of Flamingo Las Vegas. “Vinnie never does the same show twice and audience members will never forget their turn in the hot seat, it’s a wild show.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Country Rock Legend Kenny Chesney To Play The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, April 25 – Country great Kenny Chesney will be bringing his Sun City Carnival 2009 Tour to Las Vegas this spring and will be joined by Miranda Lambert & Lady Antebellum. (Tickets) Chesney will play The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, April 25. Following his Poets & Pirates Tour – the most attended tour in any genre of music for 2008 according to Pollstar – the man who’s already sold out the home of the New England Patriots, Boston’s Gillette Stadium, in less than 10 minutes is looking to pick up the tempo, rock a little harder and increase the fun, friends and music. Click to Read The Full Story …

The OASIS Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch – The Oasis Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch is back every Sunday, 11a to 2p, at Panevino Ristorante. (Sunset Road one block of Las Vegas Blvd. literally 5 minutes from Mandalay Bay with a nice view of The Strip in the distance). Treat yourself to a glass of Korbel California Champagne, a delicious brunch and live Smooth Jazz! Call Panevino Ristorante for reservations at 222-2400.

“Hit Man: David Foster And Friends” In Concert At Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, May 9 – Back by popular demand, a concert celebration featuring musicÆs premier songwriter and producer David Foster will take place Saturday, May 9 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center (Tickets). The event will pay tribute to the 15-time Grammy winner and will feature Philip Bailey from the chart-topping band Earth, Wind & Fire, Brian McKnight, Peter Cincotti and Oprah WinfreyÆs protÚgÚ, Charice. Foster also will perform some of the hits he has written or produced during his 40-year musical career.. The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.Click to Read The Full Story….

Junior Welterweight Championship Fight To Take Place Saturday, May 2 At MGM Grand – Two of boxing’s biggest stars will meet in the ring for what could be the year’s biggest pay-per-view event. Five-division world champion MANNY “Pac Man” PACQUIAO and Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight champion RICKY “The Hitman” HATTON, will fight for Hatton’s World Junior Welterweight titles Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. (Tickets) These two boxing artists will have a 20′ x 20′ canvas on which to paint the black and blue masterpiece that the world has been waiting to watch. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Our last issue garnered a couple of very different responses, both of which have merit. For review: I’ve been quite emphatic over the past few months regarding the overblown national and international news accounts that would suggest that Las Vegas is on the verge of demise as a tourist destination. I culminated last week with a published report that Las Vegas was still the #1 U.S. visitor destination and would likely continue.

Responses ranged from those who say “OK, your point is made, move on” to those sharing their excitement about Las Vegas and plans to continue to enjoy the destination. What follows are two very divergent letters in response to last week:

I absolutely love your newsletter for all the information that it provides and all of your insights. However, I do have a little bone to pick with you. You do not have to constantly remind us of how great Las Vegas is and that we should all ignore the gloom and doom that is in the news media. You are preaching to the choir. We get, and read your newsletter because we are interested in the goings on in LV. Stop cheerleading for LV. People will come because we like it there.

If the economy is terrible, well, people will still come, maybe just not as many. LV doesn’t have to be #1 to make it fun to come to. Too much of your editorial is spent on making sure that everyone knows that LV is great and that anybody who says it’s not doesn’t know what they are talking about. Yeah us!!! We get it. Please keep up the great work in informing us of the goings on in Vegas.

There is not a better source available on the web.

Kip Abelson

Ted Responds:

Your point is very well taken and I appreciate the constructive criticism. And we will be moving some of the “how is Las Vegas doing” to the new segment at the end of the newsletter. W

Yes, we have many long-time loyal readers are already sold on Las Vegas and very appreciative of the continued support of our newsletter. But, please keep in mind that we have a churn of readers with new readers all the time, many planning their first visit (or considering planning a visit here). They are truly under the impression that Las Vegas is a dying destination and perhaps they aren’t sure if they want to visit.

Yes, many you would visit regardless of how popular the city is as a destination. But… many first-time visitors (which are the backbone of tourism growth here) visit because Las Vegas is #1 and popular and feel that they should check it out if that many other people are interested in it. Similar to a restaurant or book or popular music artist that people check out because of the buzz. Because the restaurant got a top grade or the book or music artist is #1.

I’ve also emailed journalists and posted on blogs which have propagated the Vegas is dying stories to educate them on how tourism numbers have little to do with the local housing situation (or even our stagnant population growth). I’ve been somewhat of a lone voice on this, but am pleased to report that these types of stories have greatly diminished in the national media and I’d like to think that I played a pretty significant role in that.

Bottom Line: I do appreciate the patience you and other readers have shown with this. The nice thing about our newsletter is you can scan right over a section that isn’t of interest to you, but the continued Vegas is still #1 has obviously been reaching the targeted readers (new visitors and journalists).

As winter turns into Spring, we’re already headed out stronger than ever with our traditional coverage of all that Las Vegas has to offer and back to a 100% focus on the fun and the deals.

Once again, thanks for reading and thanks for the input.

I found this newsletter about a year ago and I really enjoy to read all the news about Las Vegas every time!

At the end of may I will visit Las Vegas again for 3 weeks! I try to do this every year (to be honest, it’s the only reason for me to go to work). We had the first snow this year October 31st and today it’s still snowing. We do have tons and tons of snow and even can’t go outside with the car. Also the last few ‘summers’ were not the best. The last really great summer we had was back in 2003.

I usually travel alone (nobody else stays for 3 weeks in Vegas) and my friends from Switzerland visit me and then travel to other places. This year my boss is in San Francisco and will drive with the car to Vegas for one week. And later another couple visits Vegas for 3 days and we will meet.

Last year I was staying at the Luxor in a tower room. It was so great there that I will stay there again this year. It’s also never a problem to book for such a long time. People here in Switzerland usually stay for 3-4 days in town and then drive or fly away. Back at home they jump in another airplane a travel to a Greek or Spain island and lay in the sun at the beach. That makes no sense for me. I can do all this in Vegas too. The pool areas are so great and relaxing.

Of course I was on several islands in Europe too, but when I went to Vegas the first time in 1998 it was clear for me: that’s the town I will return as often as I can, and it’s every time the best time of the year I have.

I can’t tell you how much I look forward to may 28th when the plane starts!!! There are so much more things to do in Vegas than the Casinos. I travel with empty suitcases and buy as much as I can carry. Then the Motorspeedway is a must too! We also like to walk a lot or drive to Arizona or Utah and visit the National parks. This area is also very interesting. Sometimes I think 3 weeks is not enough…. 😉

Barbara Eichhorn from Switzerland

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great letter! Sometimes, new readers (who have never been to Las Vegas) will write and say “We are coming for three days… what should we see?” I politely tell them that they could stay for a month and not run out of things to do or see as there is plenty for almost every interest. Simply reading our newsletter is the best way to find out what is currently happening.

May is a great month to be here as our 100 degree (F) temps generally have not hit yet, but it no longer gets cold at night. Every day is a perfect day to hang out by the pool or go see some of the amazing scenery of the beautiful Southwest U.S. and every night is perfect for strolling in the neon or taking in a show.

Thanks again for reading and telling your friends. We have a very loyal international readership base (about 25% of our readers) and are very appreciative of the time and effort it takes to visit us regardless of what part of the globe you transverse to get here.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

February 25, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 18, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! I usually like to start out by telling you how great the weather is (and it usually is). Not this past 14 days or so. Rain (and snow-capped mountains ringing the Las Vegas Valley), clouds, sprinkles, and high temperatures in the 50’s (F) on the Las Vegas Strip.

Oh, wait… that is still warmer than the vast majority of the United States during the same period. (Florida had freezing temperatures about a week ago… where is global warming when we need it). Nevermind! Temps looking to be closer to 70 as this newsletter goes out.

Las Vegas Still #1 – From the Orlando Business Journal:

Las Vegas, long considered OrlandoÆs top tourist destination rival, topped the Orbitz reservation serviceÆs list of most popular 2008 tourist destinations.

HereÆs the complete ranking: Las Vegas, first, New York, second; Chicago, third; San Francisco, fourth; Miami, fifth; Los Angeles, sixth; Orlando, seventh; Washington, D.C.; eighth; Boston, ninth; and Atlanta, 10th.

I keep bringing this stuff up, but at the end of the day the media (in general) has tried to pile on with the “Las Vegas… Nobody Is Visiting… Doom And Gloom” angles. It is getting pretty old.

#1 is #1. And… I’d be shocked if we aren’t #1 once again in 2009. Especially with the very low Las Vegas room rates available right now.

Bellagio Gardens Display Schedule – Most of you planning are planning to visit this year (or already live here). The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens’ have released their schedule for the 2009 displays:

  • Chinese New Year: Presently Showing through February 28
  • Spring: March 8 û May 16
  • Summer: May 24 û September 12
  • Fall: September 20 û November 29
  • Holiday: December 6 û January 2, 2010

New Newsletter Segment – I’m starting a new segment called Las Vegas Economy, Housing, and Politics that will appear down below More News, Concerts, and Events. We have significant demand for this information. We aren’t just read by visitors but by everyone from those with a second home here in Las Vegas to investors, hedge fund people, local gaming executives and more.

I’m coming up on 16 years here in Las Vegas. Significantly longer than most local TV and print journalists. This gives me a “big picture” perspective and sometimes angles you won’t read elsewhere.

However, we know that most read for the great travel and tourism information we produce each week. Hence… we’ll move the hard news commentary to a separate part of the newsletter.

Billboard Touring Awards Calls The Colosseum (Caesars Palace) The Top sub-5000 Seat Venue For 2008 – No surprise here on the continued strength of Bette Middler, Cher, and Elton John’s many successful shows. Speaking of, Elton John is hanging it up (The Red Piano Caesars shows), but Better and Cher are still going strong. Side note: Rumours of Cher’s show having ended are obviously not true.

Ticket Info:

Girls Night Out Vegas Tip – When I moved here in 1993, Las Vegas was a “guys” vacation spot. Most female visitors were here with a husband or boyfriend. Oh how times have changed, and Las Vegas is a very popular “girls getaway” spot.

My tip? Smooth Jazz Ladies Night atop the Stratosphere Tower in the Romance Lounge (Level 107 of the Tower). From 7-11 PM on Wednesdays, ladies enjoy half-price martinis and other drink specials, plus the chance to win a designer purse. Other giveaways include a $100 gift certificate to Top of the World, a $50 gift certificate for Romance Lounge, $25 in free slot play, tickets for two to American Superstars and tickets for two to Bite. All in attendance can enjoy live jazz by the William Moran Jazz Trio.

Although slated through at least March 11, 2009, this popular event is likely to continue. My advice? Check with Smooth Jazz 105.7 before your trip to find out event status.

Flickr Users Beware – While not Las Vegas related, I imagine we have a significant number of Flickr (public photo sharing website) in our audience. Flickr is a very popular service, but don’t count on them to keep your photos or care what happens to them. This is especially important to those of you who upload your photos to Flickr without also copying them to your computer:

We here had a paid Flickr photo account and had uploaded around 3000 Las Vegas photos to their site. They were all ours (or a handful of PR photos we had permission to use). No copyright violations or content violations. In addition, we didn’t use Flickr to spam our information. IE, we didn’t post links to our site under the photos.

We DID spend well over 100 hours working to be an upstanding member of the Flickr community. We added descriptions to our photos, geotagged them (put on a map where they were taken) and were active in the Flickr community.

Without warning, Flickr deactivated our account. A paid account. To add insult to injury, it took nearly a month to get a reply as to why (and only after a repeated requests). Their support person was downright rude and pretty much simply said that they don’t have to tell anyone or give a reason for deactivating an account.áCould it have been done by mistake or by someone overzealous who failed to check that we owned the photos and they don’t want to own up to the mistake? We’ll never know.

What we do know is that our photos vanished and over a hundred hours of hard work to be part of the Flickr community vanishes as well. From a paid account. Without warning. A web search found instances where this had happened to others as well. My advice? Use Flickr to post photos at your own risk. If you wake up one day and they are gone (including any community contacts you have created), Flickr won’t notify you or care. Even if you have a paid account.

Still unpacking and organizing from the move. New photo sets (not to be placed on Flickr) and other newsletter features coming soon. Stay subscribed.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Aliante from $30, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $28, Green Valley from $80, Palace Stn from $25, Red Rock from $90, Sunset Stn from $40, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $23, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Fleetwood Mac MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 30 – The legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac has added 29 shows to its upcoming Greatest Hits “Unleashed” tour in April and May. The added tour dates come on the heels of the first leg of dates announced in December, which have nearly sold out. The “Unleashed” tour will make a stop in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 30. (Tickets) The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The tour will include all of the bands’ greatest hits from the course of its extraordinary career. Click to Read The Full Story …

Twin Creeks At Silverton Casino Lodge Goes Bananas With The Monkey Business Cocktail – Swing into Twin Creeks at Silverton Casino Lodge to try Monkey Business ($10) during February 2009, an original cocktail creation from Master Mixologist John DuPont. Monkey Business contains a silky blend of Van Gogh Dutch chocolate vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, Nocello walnut liqueur and CrÞme de Banana. The concoction is served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with a chocolate and walnut sprinkled banana. After receiving a $3.7 million redesign, Twin Creeks boasts an innovative new menu, signature boutique bourbons, extensive wine list and restyled interior and exterior. Designer lighting throughout three distinct dining areas produces the ideal ambiance to enjoy exciting new menu creations. High top tables in the bar area provide casual dining and conversation, while custom designed booths offer seclusion and privacy. New finishes throughout the restaurant such as wood floors, ceiling beams, sheers and candle niches are all part of Twin Creeks’ transformation into one of the best dining options in Las Vegas. Twin Creeks is open for dinner 5 û 9 p.m. Tuesday û Thursday and 5 û 10 p.m. Friday û Saturday.

Dave Matthews Band With Special Guest Jason Mraz Friday, May 8 & Saturday, May 9 MGM Grand Garden Arena – Dave Matthews Band returns with its first studio album in four years and a 2009 spring tour, which will include a stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for performances Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. (Tickets) Fans will experience the group’s first-ever live performances of songs from the new album. The concerts are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. with special guest Jason Mraz. The band’s yet-to-be-titled album is being produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance) and will be released by RCA Records. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’ve been coming to Vegas for many years and have visited at least twice a year in the past 5 years. I love Vegas and I don’t even gamble. We visit during New Years mostly, bet on Bowl Games, flew in from Pittsburgh just to be with a great crowd at Caesars when WE won the Super Bowl year before last. It was spectacular, we were offered a lot of money for our terrible towels. Didn’t sell them. They’re originals from the Iron Curtain days.

Anyway, I am so happy to find this site. Don’t know why I never found it before. I love to hear all the info there is about Vegas. We stay at the Flamingo. It’s affordable and right in the middle of things. I always beg for a room with the a good view of the strip (and thankfully always get it). I open the drapes and see the Fountains at the Bellagio and the beautiful front entrance of Caesars and the big flashing billboards and I know I’m in Vegas and I’m in heaven.

Last year a saw the Family Stone (Sly) at a casino off of the stirp. It was really a great show. If anyone gets a chance to see it GO it was one of the most affordable shows I saw in Vegas. I enjoyed Earth Wind & Fire and the Venetian last New Years Eve.

I am looking for some good places to eat that won’t cost very much. We’ll splurge a few nights on dinner but will have to watch our money. I still going to Vegas and I’m sure there are places I can go, not spend to much and have a good time. Any one with some actual experiences of good affordable places to eat and or places to go, please post it. I will be checking this site often.

Bebe

Ted Responds:

This letter actually came in before this most recent Superbowl (hence the references to the game from three years ago where the Steelers also won). Becuase of our move, we’re a little backed up on Memebers Mania letters.

Just a reminder to everyone looking for Vegas deals: Remember, our EasyVegasDeals.com has been up and running a number of months now. We post various Las Vegas deals and specials as they break. We’ll also soon be launching a separate Easy Vegas Deals newsletter (which has been slightly delayed due to technical issues… we need to upgrade our servers to handle volume).

Readers often comment “I can’t believe I didn’t hear about you earlier!” This is where all of you readers come in. We are a smaller outfit without the huge advertising budget of other travel sites. Our money goes straight into the information and research we provide.

Because of this, we continue to rely on you to tell all of your family, friends, co-workers… hell, tell your worst enemies about our newsletter if they have any interest in travel and Las Vegas! Signing up is free and simple: They simply need to go to our main site AccessVegas.com and use the newsletter sign-up form at the top of that page.

Wanted to see if you can help me with your knowledge of Vegas. I am recently engaged and we are thinking about maybe having our wedding in Vegas however I am wanting to know if any of the hotels or any other places out there happen to have a big suite with a terrace or balcony with a view of the strip where we could have our wedding at and enough people could fit probably like 50+ people. Something totally different instead of a banquet hall setting or what not. Or do you know who I can contact to find this information out?

I know MGM Grand has suites but they are only 1300 sq feet with a terrace and view of the strip.

Thanks,

Alisha Sumpter

Ted Responds:

I absolutely agree that this is a great wedding idea, and many do prefer to get married in a suite with a view instead of the traditional wedding chapel. A suite that large with a terrace is going to be few and far between (and if so, be a very high roller type of suite that will be very expensive). Voodoo Lounge at The Rio has an amazing view and could fit the bill, but renting that out (even for an afternoon) might also be quite costly.

Readers, have you seen (or stayed in) a room that might fit this bill? Or any other thoughts? I’m racking my brain but there must be something I’m overlooking. Email us at the address below.

Hi Ted and Crew,

I live in the UK and love Las Vegas. I have visited three times with friends and family and if I lived in the US I would be out there every other month. My first visit was as part of a tour and Las Vegas just happened to be one of the stops – I was not that fussed either way before we got there and our tour guide said you will either love it or hate it. Well I loved it. I am visiting again in April in a group of 6 and hubby is coming for the first time.

My second visit we stayed at the wonderful Stardust which sadly had gone by our third visit two years ago so we booked into the Orleans which we loved and where we are heading back to this year.

Love your site and use it to research all shows and activities for our trips.

Keep up the good work!

Cheryl from London England

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Las Vegas Economy, Housing, Politics

Obama Says “Don’t Visit Las Vegas” – President Obama’s recent remarks that companies involved in receiving federal bailout money shouldn’t be having business meetings in Las Vegas stirred some anger in both Republicans and Democrats alike (including Mayor Oscar Goodman, D-Las Vegas).

While trying to sound a populist note, the sting of this one may not soon be forgotten. Consider the following:

1. Companies with offices all over the U.S. (and world) routinely need to conduct meetings in central locations. It is simply a fact of doing business.

2. Las Vegas literally is one of the cheapest places to have business meetings, conventions, and events.

Don’t take my word for it. Pick a random few weekdays in the next couple of months and go to our travel partnersáLas Vegas Hotel Deals and see what rooms here are going for. Even top-end rooms at Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo and Bellagio. The go to any national travel site and see what upscale hotel rooms are going for in San Francisco, Chicago, or New York cost.

One of the companies chided by The President’s remarks actually canceled their trip here and rescheduled it for the much more expensive destination of San Francisco!

3. Obama won Nevada largely on the backs of unionized hotel labor. The very same people are are being laid off because Las Vegas travel is down from last year. Although a small state in population, Nevada is a state that Democrats must keep out of GOP hands in close Presidential races. Will the union members forgive and forget? Be interesting to watch.

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

February 18, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 4, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Doom and gloom, doom and gloom… you would think that people have simply quit visiting Las Vegas if you listen to the national media. And a few new-resident bloggers who only have the past couple of years as their reference base.

Nothing could be farther from the truth! If your visit is planned, you won’t be lonely or find a shortage of amazing things to do. If you are holding off visiting, someone else WILL be enjoying that great room (and at a rock-bottom room rate) instead of you.

In fact… the bargain rates won’t last forever. Soon, people will realize that the sky is not falling and everyone is going to start to want to vacation at once. My advice? Book your Las Vegas room now before that crowd starts driving up rates again.

My Personal Trip Report – To ease things during the recent move (which was a combination of personal and business move combined), I spent a couple of dirt-cheap nights in a pretty nice hotel casino. I’ll put those details down in Members Mania including the $20 trick and other advice.

39,000,000 – This is the number of people projected to visit Las Vegas this year, 2009… in the midst of a “terrible” recession. (Actually, some note that the recessions of the 70’s and early 80’s were possibly worse when you look at economic contraction to date).

Just to compare, remember 2006? The red-hot year when everybody from no-name Florida developers to George Clooney were talking about building in Las Vegas because the city was so hot as a destination? Guess how many people visited in 2006: 38,9000,000. Which means…

More people are projected to visit Las Vegas this year than visited during the tourism “boom” year of 2006.

So why are all the gaming companies going broke? Two reasons:

1. They overbuilt. MGM Mirage has CityCenter (too ambitious), Harrah’s built onto Caesars and bought a ton of land at top-of-the-boom prices, and Station Casinos built Aliante smack-dab in the middle of one of the newest (and most highly foreclosed upon) areas of North Las Vegas. For 50 years, people have been saying that Las Vegas would get over-built. It happened.

2. They strayed away from value. When you think you are getting a deal (whether it be on food or good gambling odds or whatever), you actually spend MORE money. How many times have we gone into Target (or even the grocery store) to buy a sale item and end up walking out with a $100 worth of stuff we never intended to buy? Such basic marketing, and yet so lost on many major gaming companies. Which brings me to…

Don’t Be THAT Visitor – Local writer Corey “Oops, I forgot to mention Access Vegas Insider Vibe blog in a recent article” Levitan wrote a humorous piece about what it is like to live here and entertain out-of-town guests. If you live here, you’ll get a kick out of it. If you don’t live here, but regularly come to town to shack up with (and party with) friends that do live in Las Vegas, please… please read It’s deja vu all over again when friends come to visit Las Vegas (and don’t be “that guy” when you visit).

89110 Booziest Zip In Las Vegas – According to a recent article in the Review-Journal, local zip code 89110 has 56 liquor outlets. More than twice of any other Las Vegas zip code. This is an urban/suburban zip code about 3 miles from downtown, not a sprawling rural area. Needless to say, officials are looking to reduce that number. I live nowhere near that area, but I say “What better way to keep people from drinking and driving than to have a bar every two blocks!”

Still Not A Good Time To Move – We always have new readers, some subscribing because they are considering moving to Las Vegas. And we continue to say… Don’t. Unemployment is headed toward 12% (as the construction bust has resulted in empty mini-malls city wide), anyone hiring will first hire locals who are out-of-work, and the federal economic stimulus package has nothing for the gaming/resort industry that drives our economy (not that it should).

Treasure Island New Ownership Means… – We reported on this a few weeks ago, and I’ve been meaning to comment on it but the past few weeks have been a little chaotic around here.

As many of you know, financier Phil Ruffin bought Treasure Island (TI) from MGM Mirage. This could be the first in a number of casino sell-offs as some of the gaming giants are temporarily cash-strapped.áAnd let’s face it: With CityCenter opening later this year, did MGM Mirage really need Treasure Island? Does Harrah’s really need all of their properties with all that great land they own to expand on?

This is a good news for the consumer. Do you know why downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street Experience) has so many better food deals and better gambling odds than The Strip? They have to. Almost every downtown casino is owned by a different owner. Tons of competition, pure and simple.

If (and that is a big IF) more sell-offs diversify hotel ownership on The Strip, expect a return to the heavy competition that established Las Vegas as a bargain resort destination that offered a world-class experience. If you missed this story completely a few weeks ago, reference:

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Aliante from $57, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $28, Green Valley from $125, Palace Stn from $24, Red Rock from $125, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $23, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Jersey Boys Is Las Vegas’ Number One Show – Jersey Boys Takes The Top Spot In Las Vegas Review-Journals’ 2008 Top Ten List – The smash hit Jersey BoysClick Here at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino has been named the number one show of the year by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s largest newspaper. In a year of stiff competition, JERSEY BOYS claimed the top spot for entertainment in 2008 ahead of such celebrated productions as Bette Midler “The Showgirl Must Go On,” Cher and Donny and Marie Osmond. Click to Read The Full Story …

Wolfgang Puck Satisfies Dessert Cravings with the New Seasonal 15-Layer Carrot Cake – Wolfgang Puck invites patrons to indulge in the 15-Layer Carrot Cake, a unique take on the traditional dessert. Director of Pastry Kenny Magana created this mouth-watering temptation which is composed of fifteen savory layers of cake and adorned with candied walnuts, filled with a delectable cream cheese filling and complemented with ginger ice cream. For $12, the seasonal dish is available at Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois and Spago, located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, as well as at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, located inside MGM Grand. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted’s “Trip Report” – Living here, the one thing I admit we cover the least is the actual hotel experience. Fortunately, many of you write in with your experiences to share with everyone. We’ll get back to those next issue and you can always write in your Vegas experiences to us at allvegastv@aol.com

Having spent a couple of recent hotel nights, I’ll briefly share my experiences:

Needing to “get out of the way” (of movers, maintenance/construction people and everything else), I looked for three things in a hotel: Good, cheap, and near The Strip. Palace Station came to mind, and a quick search of their site showed a $25 a night rate. Not bad!

However… you should never book anywhere else without checking our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals. Guess what… they were doing Palace Station at “stay one night, get one free” for much of the month of January. My total for two nights with tax? $30 and change. Not bad for a place literally one mile from The Strip (The Sahara to be specific, but Sahara has a monorail stop that will get you just about everywhere else).

Now… Palace Station has their older courtyard rooms and their newer tower rooms, both of which have been extensively remodeled. Usually, booking the rock bottom rate will get you in the courtyard. Not bad… the room surround a surprisingly nice pool area. But nothing fancy. Here’s where the “tip the desk clerk” situation comes into play:

Upon checking in, I took my ID and my credit card and placed a folded $10 bill in between them, with it sticking out just far enough to see the denomination. I told the clerk “if you have any tower rooms, the higher, the better (for the view), I’d appreciate it.” He punched a few things up, said he could take care of me, and thanked me (for the tip) as he picked up the credit card.

The result? A 19’th floor room with great Strip view, a 42 inch flat screen, modern decor, tile shower (no bath) with upscale toiletries, granite counter tops in the bathroom, King Size bed plus all the usual nice amenities (hair drier, iron and board, safe, big closet, quietá heat/air).

Plus… make sure you ALWAYS look through a coupon book if your hotel gives you one. Mine had everything from a free beer in their Irish Pub to 25% off room service (not to mention a bunch of gambling coupons and other specials).

Final thoughts:

1. I tipped $10 at the desk because it was (after all) Palace Station and a slow Sunday night check-in to boot. Consider $20 a minimum tip anywhere on The Strip or downtown or on a weekend anywhere. Staying at one of the really nice hotels? Make it a $50 if you want them to try to pull an ámajor upgrade (to a full suite, for example).

2. Is Palace Station for the novice visitor? Maybe not unless you are really staying on a budget. There is something to be said for staying right on The Strip. However… with a free shuttle to/from both the airport and The Strip, it might be a small inconvenience for the budget-minded. In addition, you’ll find the usual assortment of casino restaurants with prices well below Strip pricing, and lower table limits as well.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

February 4, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 21, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! We continue to escape the bitter cold that has even enveloped South Florida this past week. Highs generally well into the 60’s although we are having a couple of rainy (yes, real rain in the desert) days as I type. Should be moving through soon.

Speaking of moving… we are in the process of relocating locally to be closer to the heart of The Strip and downtown to provide even a better level of coverage for you! Because of those responsibilities, my sections will be abbreviated this week. However, this issue still has the great Las Vegas news and happenings that you come to expect from us, and we’ll be back with our next issue the first week of February.

Folies Bergere Las Vegas Showgirls

The End Of The Showgirl? – After a nearly 50 year Las Vegas run, Folies Bergere is calling it quits. The 80 person cast and crew apparently no longer works out economically for a mid-priced show. This is a true shame as we’ll be losing one of the last remaining vestiges of “Old Vegas”.

Folies Bergere Las Vegas Showgirls

My advice? See this show while you still can. Many of you may not be able to say that you were ever in the Copa Room at The Sands (where the Rat Pack played and subsequently hosted other big name performers over the years) or that you actually drove a car down Fremont Street (the part which is now the Fremont Street Experience downtown) or that you even saw the Siegfriend and Roy show live.

If you are visiting between now and the end of March, absolutely make a point to see Folies Bergere. Whether you are 21 or 81 (or any adult age), you’ll enjoy this true, living slice of the way Las Vegas used to be. Even the ticket price is easy on the wallet compared to many other Las Vegas shows. Click for Folies Bergere Las Vegas Tickets.

Side Notes: The showgirls are covered (have tops on) in some shows and are traditional (sans tops) in others.

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 7:30p Covered, 10p Adult.
  • Tuesday & Friday – 8:30p Adult.
  • Saturday – 7:30p & 10p Adult.

Can’t make it to town in time? Treat yourself to Jubilee! (Click for Jubilee! Las Vegas Tickets). Not quite the same, but still that Old Vegas stage show vibe and well worth seeing while it is still around.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Aliante from $40, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $29, Green Valley from $125, Palace Stn from $24, Red Rock from $125, Sunset Stn from $40, Texas Stn from $25, Wild Wild W. from $20, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Jersey Boys Is Las Vegas’ Number One Show – Jersey Boys Takes The Top Spot In Las Vegas Review-Journals’ 2008 Top Ten List – The smash hit Jersey BoysClick Here at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino has been named the number one show of the year by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s largest newspaper. In a year of stiff competition, JERSEY BOYS claimed the top spot for entertainment in 2008 ahead of such celebrated productions as Bette Midler “The Showgirl Must Go On,” Cher and Donny and Marie Osmond. Click to Read The Full Story …

The Mirage Las Vegas Launches Wine Nights Featuring Half-Prices Bottles Of Wine – The Mirage Hotel and Casino, much like a fine wine, gets better with age. This year, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, The Mirage is offering its vino-loving guests the chance to purchase bottles of wine at 50 percent off the regular price. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, half-priced bottles of wine are available for purchase at Onda Wine Lounge, Kokomo’s Steak and Seafood, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, Caribe CafÚ and Cravings. With more than 900 labels available, even the most discerning palate will find a wine of their liking.Click to Read The Full Story…

Wolfgang Puck Satisfies Dessert Cravings with the New Seasonal 15-Layer Carrot Cake – Wolfgang Puck invites patrons to indulge in the 15-Layer Carrot Cake, a unique take on the traditional dessert. Director of Pastry Kenny Magana created this mouth-watering temptation which is composed of fifteen savory layers of cake and adorned with candied walnuts, filled with a delectable cream cheese filling and complemented with ginger ice cream. For $12, the seasonal dish is available at Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois and Spago, located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, as well as at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, located inside MGM Grand. Click to Read The Full Story …

Special Performances Of The Beatles LOVE To Benefit Nevada Public Radio – Nevada Public Radio listeners and members have a special opportunity to support public radio while experiencing a little love. Two benefit performances of The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage Hotel and Casino are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5. (Ticket Link For Non-Benefit Shows) All of the proceeds will benefit Nevada Public Radio and must be purchased through Nevada Public Radio. A special feature to this benefit is the “Help! I need somebody” section. When a single ticket is purchased through Nevada Public Radio, that seat will automatically be placed with other single public radio fans. You never know, you might just “find somebody to love.” Click to Read The Full Story and Benefit Ticket Info …

Celebrate Year Of The Ox At Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens ushers in the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox, with a spectacular new exhibit. The majestic centerpiece will be a 15-foot-long ox comprised of more than 10,000 living plants. The ox is the second animal in the Asian zodiac. Just steps away, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune will stand amidst golden lucky coins. Visitors also will delight to discover a trio of charming, 6-foot-tall giant pandas. Made of more than 9,000 living plants, the pandas will frolic in a lush garden filled with towering bamboo. Click to Read The Full Story …

“Defending The Caveman” Settles In Permanent Cave At Excalibur – “Defending the Caveman,” Broadway’s smash hit about the sexes, will begin a permanent performance schedule at Excalibur Hotel Casino beginning Tuesday, January 13. (Tickets) “Defending the Caveman” performances take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with additional performances at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. “Defending the Caveman” has experienced tremendous success in Las Vegas, racking-up an impressive 700 performances since its Las Vegas debut in June 2007. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Memebers Mania will return next issue. This is the section where we feature reader feedback and questions and I give my personal insight to help you have a great Las Vegas vacation!

Wish me luck on this move.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

January 21, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 14, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Winter is finally over here in the beautiful Desert Southwest. I just got back from a walk in the 65 degree (F) sun, wearing shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. If winter is in full swing where you are, come on out and visit. Our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals have unbelievably low room rates ranging from basic rooms at $25-30 a night to the very top hotels in Las Vegas (and in the world, for that matter) for under $200 a night. And… last I checked, airfare is down a bit.

I’m not surprised. The past few years, many of you have written and said “Las Vegas no longer caters to the middle class” and has gotten too expensive. Time and time again in this newsletter, I simply said: Give it time. All of these posh new hotel rooms are going to have to be filled and the rates will be adjusted to fill them. I said how Las Vegas will again be an incredible bargain with the ability to rent rooms for a fraction of what a similar hotel room would go for in another city. (Check out what $100 a night will get you in New York or San Francisco, then what it will buy you in Las Vegas right now).

Yes, times are tight right now. If you are in a very unfortunate job or financial situation and a trip just isn’t in the cards, by all means stay subscribed and we’ll bring a little bit of Las Vegas to you each week until you can come back and see us again. But if you even have a few bucks to spend, come on out and enjoy a few days. Nothing takes your mind off of things like a visit to Las Vegas.

Largest Hotel In the World Coming To Las Vegas! – Oh please… how many times have I typed (and mocked) this headline. And yet another group is claiming that they are going to do just this:

A 6,745 room, four tower hotel. And… not even on The Strip. Instead next to the Hard Rock Hotel (on the site of George Clooney’s project that never got off the ground… and that was in good economic times). Bottom Line: If this thing actually goes somewhere, I wish the developers well and (as always) we’ll keep you up-to-date on the progress.

las vegas wetlands park
Photo Courtesy Access Clark County (government)

Las Vegas Wetlands Park – Wetlands in Las Vegas? You bet! Now… if you are in town for a few days to see how much drinking and gambling you can accomplish, this might not be for you. However… if a local or a tourist who enjoys renting a car and seeing things like Red Rock Canyon, you may find the Las Vegas Wetlands a fun adventure for a couple of hours.

The Las Vegas Wash (a wash is what we call a creek here in the desert) has been cleaned up over the past few years, with weirs built to slow down the water flow and create lush, green areas teeming with wildlife. Finding the wetlands is simple: Head east on Tropicana (from The Strip) for exactly 7.9 miles and make a left on Wetlands Park Lane. For more info, read Wetlands Park expands with opening of bridge

Lion King Las Vegas To Play Full Show – Many Broadway style shows have (and continue to) enjoy great runs here, but are often a condensed version of the Broadway hit. The standard notion: With so much to do and see, people don’t want to sit through a really long show. (And the notion that the hotels want you back in the casino spending money more quickly).

The Lion King is going to buck the trend and perform the nearly 2 1/2 hour show, with a standard 15 minute intermission. It will be interesting to see how it works out (and how many people get on a hot gambling streak during intermission and simply don’t make it back into the theatre). Ticket sales are expected to be brisk as this show looks to be a major draw. You may wish to reserve now: Click for Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

Is The Club Scene Over? – We’ve received very mixed reader email on the club scene boom here. Some of you enjoy them, others feel priced out by those willing to spend thousands of dollars in just one night in a club. Readers of all ages have bemoaned the loss of many of the hotel lounges, and I’m among you. Hotels wonder why their gaming revenue is dropping. Could one reason be that the excitement of live music playing on (or just off of) the casino floor made the gambling more fun? DUH!

Local columnist Norm Clarke had an interesting article Celebs cut back on making it rain that is worth a read. Truth be told, Las Vegas being a little less of a celeb hot spot may be a good thing. The focus is coming back to our core business of the past many decades: Give you a reasonably priced room, good food, favorable gaming odds and some of the best shows and entertainment you’ll find on the planet, and you’ll keep coming back for more. Which leads me to these comments…

Loose slots

The Eggheads Just Don’t Get It – Nevada gaming revenue is in a free-fall (down around 8% in 2008). You aren’t gambling as much when you visit, and we don’t blame you. We’ve noted how recent years have brought tighter slots and unfavorable table game rules. Casino management blames it on the economy. I blame some of it on the guys running the casinos:

Even after the mob pretty much left town, Las Vegas was run by guys with resort, gaming, and tourism backgrounds. Not that many years ago, signs likeá99% Payback On Slots, Better Odds On Craps/Blackjack and others regarding easy comps were common up and down The Strip.

Now, things are run by a bunch of guys with educations from prestigious eastern universities whose backgrounds are Wall Street, not Las Vegas Boulevard. And it shows (just look at how Wall Street and Banking have been doing). They don’t seem to understand that you’ll come and (probably) lose a pile of cash. And still enjoy it and tell others what a great time you had doing so.

But… only if you are getting some value out of it. Only if the gambling lets you have a few win streaks. Only if you can go home and tell your friends about the incredible meal deal you had. Only if we offer you some real fun, a chance to win, and value in hotel and meal prices.

The word is starting to resonate. Read (from our local paper) Strip’s Salvation Lies In Offering Value

We’re Number Eight? – After being tops 19 out of the past 21 years, Nevada has finally given up the longstanding “fastest growing state” mantle. Neighboring states Utah and Arizona took the top two honors with Nevada falling to the #8 spot.

When people inquire about moving here, I suggest they check out Salt Lake City, Phoenix (and Albuquerque) as well. I love Las Vegas and it is an amazing place to visit, but unless your fortunate enough to be one of the (maybe) 100 people here with a job like mine, living here isn’t all about shows and buffets. It is about the daily grind just like you’d find anywhere else (even for people like me).

Why Salt Lake City, Phoenix or Albuquerque? All are short non-stop flights to your favorite vacation destination (Las Vegas, of course). Salk Lake offers traditional winters (snow and skiing), Phoenix offers a major city atmosphere with big league sports, and Albuquerque is a mid-sized city which has the beautiful desert mountain scenery of Las Vegas without our 110 degree summers.

Finally, let me leave you with an amazing Las Vegas photo blog find I found. A couple who recently married here posted photos ranging from their plane over the desert and on approach to some very cool shots all over The Strip and Downtown Fremont Street. Enjoy LAS VEGAS marriage pics. Picture Heavy!

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Boulder Stn from $25, Fiesta H from $29, Green Valley from $125, Red Rock from $125, Santa Fe Stn from $39, Sunset Stn from $40, Texas Stn from $29, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Motley Crue To Pass The Joint Into A New Era At The Hard Rock – As the saying goes, “as one door closes, another one opens.” The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will close its legendary concert venue, The Joint, on February 7, 2009 to make way for a brand new expanded and state-of-the-art Joint. As part of their Saints of Los Angeles 2009 Tour, M÷tley Cr³e will help close The Joint doors in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion with two closing weekend performances scheduled for February 6 and 7. (Tickets). Click to Read The Full Story …

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant Celebrates Four Years In Las Vegas – RA Sushi Bar Restaurant will celebrate four years in Las Vegas with a prom-themed anniversary party on Saturday, January 24. The event begins on Saturday, January 24 at 9 p.m. and features live entertainment from Last Pop Nation, Justin Carder and RA’s own DJ G-Raw. Ladies are encouraged to don their most gaudy dresses and men in the craziest tuxes they can find to celebrate the prom-themed event. Click to Read The Full Story …

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2009 AT Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Beginning January 14, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will celebrate the 2009 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox, with a unique display filled with hidden meaning. The Conservatory’s design will be guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui û the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. The dramatic centerpiece of this exhibit will be a botanical 15-foot-long ox. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hello. Love your newsletter!

A group of us just visited Vegas Dec. 7-11, 2008 (we have visited 2 or 3 times a year since 2003). Had a wonderful time as always. In these past years of visiting Vegas right up to our recent trip last week, we have always wondered why a 24/7 city closes most, if not all, of its restaurants at 10 or 11 pm. The fine dining establishments i can understand… but I have always wondered why more casual to fast food places donÆt stay open 24 hours.

Each hotel has ONE restaurant that stays open all nite and the wait is usually unbelievably long, not to mention how long it takes to get waited on and served. It seems a Subway shop or a 24-hour deli would be appropriate for those who want to party until all hours and THEN grab a quick bite to take back to their room.

I stayed at MGM again this trip (which I love, by the way) and they have a Deli that stays open until like 1 am and the line at 12:30 goes on forever. So I canÆt believe that a 24-hour fast food place wouldnÆt make money in the middle of the nite. I was just curious if anyone had any insight as to why all the food courts close at 11’ish and why more casual places donÆt stay open all nite.

Thanks,

Sharla from Columbus OH

Ted Responds:

I’m probably not making any friends in casino management in this issue, and we’ll be returning to our more Las Vegas news in future issues. However, these issues do need to be addressed.

The decision makers at hotel casinos are apt to be tucked into bed and asleep at midnight. They don’t know what is going on in situations like this. They forget that you are partying, boozing and having fun well into the late night and wee hours. And… what does just about everyone want to do after a long night of imbibing? EAT. (Visit any Waffle House or similar restaurant at 3 AM on a weekend. This isn’t just a Las Vegas phenomenon).

The best we can do is highlight the concerns of our readers and let them filter to the decision makers who simply have no clue what is really happening during those late night “Prime Time In Las Vegas” hours.

My wife and I have been coming to Vegas every year since the late 70’s and have seen to many changes. I enjoy playing blackjack, but this year I played maybe twice. The 6-5 payoff on a blackjack in most every casino has taken away the enjoyment of the game. Let’s get the bean counters out of Vegas.

Love your newsletter.

Bill from Orlando

Ted Responds:

For those unfamiliar with what Bill is talking about, the original rules for blackjack (and the rules in Las Vegas for decades) was that you get 3 chips for every 2 chips you bet when you are dealt a blackjack. 15 chips when you bet 10. Now, most Las Vegas casinos only pay you 6 chips for every 5 bet or simply 12 (instead of 15) for every 10 bet.

The El Cortez downtown is still dealing with the original rules and if you really hunt, you may be able to find some others. Bottom Line: If you play a blackjack game where they are only paying you 6 to 5 on a blackjack, you are getting ripped off. Keep walking. How much of a difference does it make? You get dealt blackjack more often than you realize. This can add up to a substantial amount of money per hour that should be in your pocket, but isn’t.

We have been subscribing to your newsletter for several years now and really enjoy it!

We’ve been coming to Vegas for four years for the first weekend of the PBR finals. Your newsletter has been extremely helpful.

We’ve stayed at the Excalibur the last couple of years. The first year the rooms were OK, but this year we stayed in one of the remodeled rooms and were very impressed with it. We got to look out over the pools and the improvements in the rooms were really nice.

This is the first year the finals have been at the Thomas & Mack Center instead of the Mandalay Bay Events Center. We were a little worried about transportation, but were pleasantly surprised by the taxi service we got all three nights. Our taxi cab drivers were very pleasant and we felt like they did a great job getting us there and back.

We are auto enthusiasts and really enjoyed the Auto Collection at the Imperial Palace.

Thank you for your newsletter and keep up the great work!!

Debbie R.
Kansas

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

January 14, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 7, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! All year long, national and international news stories have predicted the demise of Las Vegas. Yet, if New Year’s Eve was any indication, 2009 is going to be bigger and better than ever.

More people came for New Year’s Eve this year than last year, despite the doom and gloom of current economic news. Both ESPN and Fox (Network) broadcast their New Year’s Eve shows live from The Strip and both featured incredible daredevil stunts:

Fox last generated their NYE show from Las Vegas twelve years ago when they blew up the Hacienda hotel (site of Mandalay Bay) live at midnight eastern time. If you missed that, I dug out the video from the reams of local TV recordings I make every New Year’s Eve and we have it posted online: The Hacienda Hotel imploded live on the Fox Network

The only downer? This years fireworks were a joke. Because of the Monte Carlo fire, the county has dictated that a structural report must be done from the top on every hotel prior to using it to launch fireworks. Instead of spending the lousy $200,000 to do the reports, the fireworks were shot off from various parking garages and not even visible to the entire Las Vegas Strip.

This was an embarrassment and indications are that next year, things will be back to normal. Editorial note: The head of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors authority has a $100,000 slush fund to buy himself humanitarian awards with, but our leaders can’t find $200,000 to do the reports needed for our trademark world famous fireworks show. Shame, shame, shame on those who made this decision. $200,000 is a drop in the bucket compared to the almost $300 million spent to market Las Vegas each year.

Top 10 Shows In 2008 – The Las Vegas Review-Journal has named what they feel were the best shows of the past year. Click each show for tickets:

  1. Jersey Boys
  2. Tony Bennett
  3. Bette Midler’s Showgirl Must Go On
  4. George Carlin (RIP)
  5. Cirque Du Soleil’s “O”
  6. Tom Jones
  7. The Second City (closed)
  8. Blue Man Group
  9. Donny and Marie Osmond
  10. Cher
famous las vegas sign
Hint: Click on the photo to send it to a friend,
or to download the full-sized version!

Welcome To Las Vegas – 40 million visitors a year come to town, yet very few stop by and see the famous Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Many simply don’t know where it is (just a couple blocks south of Mandalay Bay) and it has had limited accessibility. Until now.

A new small parking lot (12 spots) has opened at the sign, making it safe and convenient to see it up close and get that memorable photo. No access to a car on your next trip? Tell the cabbie to run you by it on your way in from the airport. It will only add a few dollars to your fare. Of you can catch The Deuce bus down Las Vegas Blvd. southbound. After passing Mandalay Bay, the bus will be getting pretty empty. Simply ask the driver to drop you off at the bus stop closest to the Las Vegas sign. The return (northbound) Deuce runs every few minutes.

viva mcdonalds las vegas strip

viva mcdonalds las vegas strip

Viva… McDonalds? A few issues ago (December 3 Las Vegas Insider Vibe), we told you about the cutting edge “only in Vegas” McDonalds opening on the upper-Strip (near Circus Circus… you really can’t miss it). As promised, we sent Mark down to the opening with camera in hand and got some great shots. Check out our Viva McDonald’s Restaurant Grand Opening Las Vegas 2008 Pictures

david copperfield las vegas ticketsFake Or Real – No… we aren’t talking about what you might be thinking (female anatomy). We’re talking magic. How many times have you seen an illusion where the magician supposedly bangs metal plates together or passes through a “real” jet engine (or similar) and you think: Real… my a**. That thing is made of plastic.

Evidently, David Copperfield uses very real steel and metal in some of his illusions. Last month, an assistant in his show was banged up pretty bad when caught in fan blades during an illusion (blades that Copperfield later appears to pass through). He spent a number of days in the hospital.

I’ve had the good fortune to see Copperfield’s show from the front row a number of years ago (archived 2002 David Copperfield review), and it was jaw-dropping. I was literally no more than 20 feet from some illusions and could see no mirrors, trap doors nor how he pulled off a number of his major illusions.

If you are going to be in town while Copperfield is playing, I rate it a “must see” even at the somewhat steep ticket price. The MGM Theatre he plays in here is much smaller than the usual auditoriums and arenas he plays around the world and it is a special opportunity to see one of the great performers of our time like few others get to. Click to check out David Copperfield Las Vegas Tickets

Buying A Las Vegas Home? – While we primarily a newsletter for Las Vegas visitors (and locals who enjoy doing all the fun stuff this town offers), we know that many visitors have a little bit of “What if we moved to Las Vegas” rolling around in the back of your heads. Hence, we do continue to cover the local housing scene from time-to-time.

So… is it a good time to buy in Las Vegas? A recent study called Las Vegas homes “undervalued” and 3008 saw around 30,000 foreclosed homes. Those conditions would seem to make it a perfect time to buy. But even if you have extra investment cash, don’t be too quick to buy that second home here. Las Vegas homes are undervalued on paper, but the true value of a house is if anyone can afford to buy it. With local unemployment heading toward 10% and population growth grinding to a halt, you may be sitting on that “investment” for years before it pays off.

If you are independently wealthy (or have a stable job you can perform from any city) and you are looking to make a permanent move here, I agree: great time to buy. But the quick bucks flipping homes in the Las Vegas housing market are long gone.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Boulder Stn from $25, Fiesta H from $29, Green Valley from $120, Red Rock from $125, Santa Fe Stn from $39, Sunset Stn from $40, Texas Stn from $28, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

44th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards Live From The MGM Grand Garden Arena Sunday, April 5, 2009 On CBS – Country Music’s Party of the YearÖ, the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, honoring country music’s top talent and the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8 p.m. EST/PST on the CBS Television Network. (Tickets) In addition, the Academy has announced the Artist of the Decade Special Honoring George Strait which will be taped at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Monday, April 6, 2009 to air at a later date on the CBS Television Network. Click to Read The Full Story …

New Year to Bring New World-Class Entertainment to Las Vegas Strip – Already home to world-renowned productions, Las Vegas will soon welcome more entertainment powerhouses to The Strip. Here are the must-see productions for your next Vegas vacation:

  • At The Mirage, celebrity impressionist, singer, comedian and ventriloquist Terry Fator will debut his new show. Fator won NBCÆs 2007 season of “America’s Got Talent” and has performed to rave reviews on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Click for Terry Fator at Mirage Las Vegas Tickets
  • At Mandalay Bay, award-winning Broadway phenomenon DisneyÆs The Lion King will debut May 2, 2009. The spectacular production will join the six other highly successful companies ofáThe Lion King worldwide.áClick for Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art to Debut “Classic Contemporary” – On January 23, 2009, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) will debut “Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends.” On loan from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the collection will feature contemporary masterworks by such iconic artists as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol Lewitt and Frank Stella, to name a few. The compelling exhibition will be on view at BGFA through September 8, 2009.

Billy Joel Returns To MGM Grand To Celebrate Valentine’s Day With A Marathon Of Hits – Billy Joel will make his triumphant return to Las Vegas with an appearance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Feb. 14 as part of a limited number of shows in select cities this winter. (Tickets) The engagement will be one of the first in North America since his record-breaking and critically acclaimed “Last Play at Shea” at New York’s Shea Stadium in July 2008. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Since his worldwide return to the stage in 2006, more than one million people have seen BILLY JOEL in peak form, delivering more than two hours of hits at each performance. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’ve been coming to Vegas for many years and have visited at least twice a year in the past 5 years. I love Vegas and I don’t even gamble. We visit during New Years mostly, bet on Bowl Games, flew in from Pittsburgh just to be with a great crowd at Caesars when WE won the Super Bowl year before last. It was spectacular, we were offered a lot of money for our terrible towels. Didn’t sell them. They’re originals from the Iron Curtain days.

Anyway, I am so happy to find this site. Don’t know why I never found it before. I love to hear all the info there is about Vegas. We stay at the Flamingo. It’s affordable and right in the middle of things. I always beg for a room with the a good view of the strip.(and thankfully always get it.) I open the drapes and see the Fountains at the Bellagio and the beautiful front entrance of Caesars and the big flashing billboards and I know I’m in Vegas and I’m in heaven. Last year a saw the Family Stone (Sly) at a casino off of the strip. It was really a great show. If anyone gets a chance to see it GO it was one of the most affordable shows I saw in Vegas.

I enjoyed Earth Wind & Fire and the Venetian last New Years Eve (2008). The first new years eve that I spent in Vegas I did go down to the street right in front of the Flamingo and watched the crazy parade and the fireworks. Again the Flamingo is great because I was right in the middle of things and just turned around and got back into the hotel.

A REMINDER: Right after the fireworks, there is a big crowd that are trying to get into the casinos. My friend did not come downstairs to watch the fireworks (watching a bowl game) and LUCKILY I brought my key) because of the crowd, the hotel staff will not let anyone up to the rooms without a key. The crowd of partiers usually subsides around 1:00 AM.

We’re going back this year leaving Pittsburgh on the 30th and coming back on the Jan 5. I won’t have as much money this year as last. I am looking for some good places to eat that won’t cost very much. We’ll splurge a few nights on dinner but will have to watch our money. I still going to Vegas and I’m sure there are places I can go, not spend to much and have a good time,. Any one with some actual experiences of good affordable places to eat and or places to go, Please post it. I will be checking this site often.

Bebe

Greetings! I thought you and your readers might enjoy this story. My wife and I had planned a trip to Vegas arriving December the 6th. We made our reservations months in advance. However, in early October, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had her surgery and the doctor told us she should do just fine after treatments. She has started her radiation treatments and should finish them in late December.

Now to reason I am writing. We had our plane reservations with Delta Airlines. We live on east coast. After trying to make new arrangements, refund (no way), or credit for later travel, I got in touch with the nicest lady (Ms Walker) from Delta and she worked out a new schedule with us. We will be flying to Vegas on January the 10th for 5 days. The only charge I will incur will be $10 plus change because taxes have gone up since we purchased the original tickets. We just have to give ‘Kudos’ to Delta and its employees for being so helpful in our time of sickness.

Thanks for you great and informative website.

Astor Kinney

Ted Responds:

My best to you and your wife and my thoughts and prayers are with her for a complete recovery and full health. It is really nice to hear about an airline that goes out of their way for you like this and we appreciate our readers sharing things like this.

I go to Vegas 3 to 4 times a year and love it. There are many things to see and do away from the strip. I urge travelers to see all of your city. ( the Springs Preserve etc.) I do the Strip also, but won big at the Orleans!! I’LL BE BACK

Jon from Montana

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

January 7, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 25, 2008

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Special Holiday Issue With Vegas Christmas Photos… And Our Gift To You:

Blue Man Group Las Vegas - Save $35

The famous Blue Men need no introduction. This has been one of the longest running shows in Las Vegas (spanning over 8 years at two different major resort properties) and with good reason:áBlue Man Group delivers an amazing experience every single show!

Isn’t it time you treat yourself a holiday gift? While you’re planning this next Las Vegas trip, take advantage of our special newsletter offer this holiday and save over $35 per ticket on one of Las Vegas’ very top shows!

Purchase Blue Man Group Las Vegas Tickets
Save Over $35 Now!

Also in this special holiday issue: Wynn Encore’s spectacular opening, Bellagio Gardens 2008 Christmas photos, and Las Vegas snowstorm coverage with video.

This is an abbreviated holiday issue. A usually full newsletter format will return next week.

Bellagio Gardens Christmas 2008 Display

bellagio gardens botanical christmas display december 2008

bellagio gardens botanical christmas display december 2008

bellagio gardens botanical christmas display december 2008

bellagio gardens botanical christmas display december 2008

We have plenty more photos where that came from. If you weren’t here for the season, check out our Bellagio Gardens Christmas 2008 Photo Gallery Photo Gallery and enjoy these spectacular images.

P.S. Remember, these and any of the photos in our huge Las Vegas Photo Gallery can be sent to family and friends as a free e-card. Simply surf our gallery to the picture you want to send, then use the “Click To Send To A Friend” at the bottom of the image.

Wynn Encore Opening

wynn encore las vegas

wynn encore las vegas
Photos Courtesy Wynn Las Vegas

Historic Snowstorm Hits Las Vegas

wynn encore las vegas

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

December 25, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 17, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! Sleigh bells ring, are you listening… In Las Vegas, snow is glistening! I kid you not… as I write this on Wednesday, I’ve been looking at constant snowfall out of my window. And… it is sticking. And sticking. For hours and hours now.

TV news just showed people having snowball fights… at the Welcome To Las Vegas sign (just south of Mandalay Bay). Except for those hit with flight delays, I have to think that even our visitors who usually expect constant sunshine here are realizing how rare and special it is to be part of this. (If you were here this week, don’t worry: We’ll turn the sunshine back on for you next time you visit).

I realize those of you from cold weather climates are yawning and going “what’s the big deal?” Trust me… snow in a desert resort town when we are more used to 110 degree temperatures all summer is amazing. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were having highs highs in the 70’s. This is truly monumental.

We’d been having some unusually cold and wet weather. We took a few photos the previous few days, thinking we had captured some pretty cool stuff:

stratosphere las vegas clouds december 2008
Stratosphere Hotel Casino enveloped by clouds and fog on December 15, 2008.

stratosphere las vegas clouds december 2008
Snow on the mountains surrounding Las Vegas on December 16, 2008.

However… that didn’t begin to prepare us for today (as I write), December 17, 2008. A couple of photos taken from various staffers and writers homes:

las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008

las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008
Not quite exactly pool weather today. For those interested, we’ll put a few more photos at the end of this newsletter.

Bonus Issue Coming: Treasure Island Sold plus Las Vegas Snow Photos – We’ll have a special edition in a few days talking about the sale of Treasure Island to financier Phil Ruffin (former owner of The Frontier here in Las Vegas).

Anyone can tell you that the news happened. I’ll tell you what it means to your future visits and the Las Vegas experience as a whole. In that special edition, I’ll also include a bunch of spectacular photos of the mountains surrounding our desert valley all covered with snow plus all the snow-related stories and video. Stay tuned and don’t miss the next issue!

las vegas cocktail waitress
Photo Courtesy Las Vegas Review-Journal

What Will That Cocktail Waitress Be Wearing? – Look… let’s not pretend that no one (especially the men) notice that cocktail server bringing the drinks while you gamble. The recent gaming convention brought out some new looks you may expect to see in the next year. Story with photos: Suit Up – The latest cocktail lounge uniforms.

P.S. The cocktail server theme of this newsletter was pure happenstance. The news and photos pour in, we report it. We’ll see if we can do a male revues issue before long for you ladies.

Least Family Friendly City – Las Vegas has been named the least family friendly city… to live in. They determined the average family income and then the cost to raise a family and found the following for Las Vegas:

  • Median Annual Family Income: $58,672,
  • Average Annual Family Budget: $48,058,
  • Budget as Percent of Income: 82%.

Hey, at least hotel rooms are dirt cheap right now. (As always, check out our friends and sponsors Las Vegas Hotel Deals ). Maybe better to visit than live here right now!

vince neil motley crue las vegas club feelgoodsHe’s The One They Call Dr. Feelgood – Vegas Rocks! magazine has announced that Motley Crue’s (and long-time Las Vegas resident) Vince Neil is opening a local bar here in early 2009 called Dr. Feelgood’s. The report notes that the “club will also have a restaurant with killer food and a smokin’ vibe.” Vince Neil Band and Slaughter (band… from Las Vegas… remember “Up All Night, Sleep All Day”) guitarist Blando will be entertainment director. Photo courtesy Vegas Rocks Magazine.

So That’s Where Your Money Is Going – We’ve been vocal critics of the proposed 3% room tax raise. Times are tight and Las Vegas needs to return to the “value” roots of the past where you know you could come here and get a nicer room and better food deals than you may find in other resort cities.

The latest insult is the CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority spending $25,000 of the organization’s money (basically money already raised from visitors) on an out-of-state charitable group that turned around and gave him a humanitarian award.

The LVCVA was taking huge credit for the boom Las Vegas experienced in years past (ignoring the contribution of everything from publishers like myself to the massive celeb coverage generated by hotels like The Palms). Yet, they are slow to take any blame for why their $200+ million budget can’t help keep visitors coming, especially in light of the dirt-cheap rooms and falling airfare.

Side Note: Yes, the economy is bad. But in past bad economies, Las Vegas has stolen visitors from other resort destinations. Gentlemen… where’s your plan to do that? You still have a massive budget to work with. And zero results with chunks of that money seemingly (according to local media sources) unaccounted for. We’re waiting…

Cheap Vacation Condo? – If you were thinking about buying a vacation condo in Las Vegas but were put off by price tags in the hundreds (sometimes many hundreds) of thousands of dollars in the past, the Monterey Country Club condos are starting at $99,000 and are literally in the back yard of the Las Vegas Strip. Click to read Monterey country club condos start at $99,000.

PS If it makes you feel any better, many of those over-priced high-rise condos pretty much have sat empty (and unsold). Whoever thought that people would pay that kind of money for a small high-rise when a great hotel suite is just a couple hundred dollars was insane.

$67,000 – The number of a new jackpot? No… that was a number recently reported on the local PBS Nevada Week In Review program that the average person in the hotel/casino industry makes. Don’t come rushing to Las Vegas… casinos aren’t doing much hiring right now. But not a bad chunk of change.

More “I Told You So” – I’ve been touting the great shows like Blue Man Group, Jersey Boys, Phantom Las Vegas and (the soon to end) Mamma Mia! plus have been a big proponent of going downtown for the kind of great food and looser gambling that made Las Vegas famous.

A survey of local cab drivers highlighted that manyáhave been doing these exact things (and enjoying them): Cab, limo drivers take pulse of tourists

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Boulder Stn from $30, Fiesta H from $29, Green Valley from $90, Red Rock from $90, Santa Fe Stn from $50, Sunset Stn from $38, Texas Stn from $25, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Hard Rock Open Bar – Are you following our EasyVegasDeals.com on a regular basis? If you are, you know that the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino had an open bar event open to the public on Wednesday evening. That’s right… for two entire hours (7-9 PM), every bar was serving free drinks. To all the public. No VIP admission, no gimmick, no slot club membership needed.

As you know, we cram this newsletter full of information. But… there is so much more incredible fun (not to mention cheap and free deals) that happen here in town that doesn’t get included because of deadlines and our publishing schedule.

This is why we’ve started our Easy Vegas Deals blog. We update is almost daily with all of the latest news on great casino and dining promotions that are available to the public. We have three ways for you to keep abreast of the latest and hottest Las Vegas deals and specials:

  • Bookmark EasyVegasDeals.com and check it every day for the latest.
  • RSS Users: You can add our feed http://www.easyvegasdeals.com/feed/
  • Subscribe to our separate Easy Vegas Deals email list by going to Easy Vegas Deals Sign-Up Page Note: List debuts January 5, 2008. You’ll only receive emails when we add new deals.

las vegas sexy cocktail waitress server hard rock hotel

Hard Rock hotel Las Vegas cocktail servers dressed in sexy Santa’s helper outfits during Christmas December of 2008. Photo credit Hard Rock û Erik Kabik.

$1 Any Drink – The last time I remember $1 drinks for any significant amount of time was downtown at The Plaza hotel. The South Point (run by the same family that used to own The Plaza) is bringing this back in a big way, for a short time: Between now and Christmas Eve, ALL drinks at ALL casino bars at The South Point are only $1.00. 24/7 and the information we received had no fine print to it.

We don’t want to encourage drinking and driving, especially since the South Point is a ways from The Strip. However, if you are a local who wants to blow off some steam for a night or a tourist looking for a good place to stay during the next couple of weeks (with a free shuttle to The Strip for hotel guests), check out our South Point Hotel Casino Las Vegas Discount Rates

Tickets For Terry Fator And His Cast Of Thousands Are On Sale – Tickets for celebrity impressionist, singer, comedian and ventriloquist Terry Fator at The Mirage Las Vegas are on sale. Winner of NBC’s 2007 season of “America’s Got Talent,” Fator and his cast of thousands have entertained millions across the country and will make The Mirage their new home in early 2009. “In what seemed like all of a sudden, it took me 25 years to become an overnight sensation. Ever since that life-changing night on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ I feel like I am truly living the American dream,” said Terry Fator. Click to Read The Full Story …

Stratosphere Casino Hotel And Tower Announces “Cocktail Server Blackjack Tournament” Winners – The Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower recently held the first annual “Cocktail Server Blackjack Tournament. Winning first place and $500 each in the “Creative Costume Contest” were Sommer Horris, Brenda Magiros and Melissa Merrick, all cocktail servers from the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower. 37 teams of cocktail servers representing the MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Venetian, Palms, Blackjack Lodge, Big Dog’s and many others competed for the first place trip to Hawaii and $1,500 in the “Creative Costume Contest,” announced American Casino & Entertainment Properties officials. Click to Read The Full Story …

Missed our original photos from this event? Click on over to Stratosphere Cocktail Servers BlackJack Tournament 2008 Photos

Gambling Talk: Poker Tournaments Part 3: Keys To Success – with Victor H. Royer. Join our own “Vegas Vic” in the tenth of a series of poker instruction brought to you via streaming video! This week: Poker Tournaments Part 3: Keys To Success (broadband)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My husband and I get to Vegas at least once a year. Generally we see a show and gamble and relax. My son graduated high school this past June and instead of a party, he wanted to come to Vegas and see Kevin James. So, we were there the beginning of October.

Although I always have a good – no make that great – time while I am there, this time proved to be even better. Since my son is older but not of gambling or drinking age, we found other things to do. While my husband likes to stay in the casino – which is OK with me since he won 2 progressive jackpots on the draw poker machine within 24 hours – my son and I went around the strip. We went to the wax museum. Had an absolutely fantastic time. I never would have thought I could have so much fun there.

Another site we took in was the Secret Garden at Mirage. The animals are beautiful and fun to watch. Fortunately for us, some of the trainers were out there with the dolphins and the lion cubs. We went to the Stratosphere where my son went on all 3 rides at the top. I was in a slot tournament. Although I have been invited numerous times to participate, this is the first time I was able to join.

Of course, the reason we came was to see Kevin James who happened to be with Ray Romano. It was non stop laughter from the time the opener started. After the show, we were hanging around the Mirage and happened to see Martin Lawrence. My son approached him and asked if he could have a picture with him and autograph. Martin was very accommodating, and talked to my son for a couple minutes. I wouldn’t normally bother a celebrity while they are out in public, but we did. Martin was the nicest person. Very friendly. It was good to see a celebrity who will still act like a human being and remember who their fans are. Now, my son is figuring out when he can get back there!!

Some of the other letters you received recently showed some negativity of Vegas. I still saw the brilliant city, service and great attractions that make us come back every year.

Thanks,

Donna from Melrose Park, IL

Editors Note: This was not addressed to us, but to the Editor of the Review-Journal. However… it echoes much of what you write to us, and we couldn’t agree more:

Bring Back Winning:

For decades, the conservatives have taunted that reducing the rate of taxation can result in government revenues increasing. This strategy could also be applied to Las Vegas visitors and gambling, thus resulting in more guests and providing a timely reversal to the gaming industry’s financial ills.

If players felt they could actually win, then hotel room occupancy might increase.

In years past, the wonderful high spirit of Las Vegas included the sound of constantly exploding jackpots…

Continue to read Bring Back Winning (forth letter down on that page)

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

las vegas mayor oscar goodman showgirls christmas tree

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)

Bonus Photos:
Snowfall In Las Vegas December 17, 2008

fronsty the snowman las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008
Frosty visits Las Vegas. No word on how his luck was at the tables. (Hard to see, but his arms were made from small fallen palm frawns).

las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008
Palm trees with branches weighed down from the snow. Word is that many of them all over the city may be damaged beyond repair. We hope not. We love our desert palm trees!

las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008
Not exactly “lounging by the pool” conditions as the chaise lounges are covered with snow and the jacuzzi sits empty.

las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008
Who says the trees don’t lose their leaves here!

las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008
Cars and trees covered with snow. Extremely rare site in Las Vegas.

las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008
All that these trees need are some lights and decorations!

las vegas snow snowstorm december 2008
This poor tree isn’t used to branches weighed down like this.

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

December 17, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 3, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! They say the law of averages catches up with you, and our unusually warm fall has given away to more “average” December/January daytime temperatures in the upper 50’s (F). Leave the shorts and bathing suit at home,ábring a jacket. Granted… it can often be 10 degrees warmer (or colder) than the average but let’s just say that pool parties are on hold for a while. Winter is a great time to see all those great indoor activities you skip the rest of the year.

My advice? Top of the Stratosphere Tower (which has both indoor and outdoor viewing areas) around sunset. The winter sunsets over the mountains to the west are spectacular.

On another note, the past few newsletters have focused on the Las Vegas economy (at least where tourism is concerned) a bit more than we have in the past. This isn’t a shift in direction. We’ll always cover visitor activities first and foremost. However, the Las Vegas economy continues to be national and international news. Hence, I’ll be noting my thoughts on it.

New Years Eve Stunts Planned – Besides the usual amazing fireworks up-and-down the Las Vegas Strip on New Years Eve, three major stunts will take place for nationally televised audiences:

  • Robbie Knievel is going to jump the brand new (upgraded) Mirage volcano fountain at 6 PM. I’ve seen Robbie jump live. Even more amazing than seeing it on TV as you fully grasp the height and true distance of such jumps. Click to Read Full Story
  • Robbie Maddison will jump 120 feet and land on top of the Paris Las Vegas Arc de Triomphe replica. Yes… land ON it according to the info we have. Click to read Maddison has Arc in his sights
  • Rhys Millen will attempt a back-flip with a truck (something never before accomplished). If this sounds familiar, he was going to try this last New Years Eve here but an injury forced him to call off the stunt. Location not yet announced, but The Rio was where last years stunt was held.

las vegas stratosphere hotel casino

las vegas stratosphere hotel casino

Strat Pictures – If you have not been to the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino (or have not been lately), we’ve added some new interior photos so you can take a little visit from right where you sit, anywhere you are in the world. Click to view our Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel Casino Photo Set

Viva McDonald’s – The first ever Las Vegas-themed McDonaldÆs in the world is opening up the upper-Strip (just south of Circus Circus). This location is going toáfeature state of the art technology (including digital video screens) plusáMcDonaldÆs largest built kitchen. We’ll have more details soon and are working to get a photographer over to the opening. Now… if they could just bring The Stardust back…

las vegas santa trainSanta Train – Few know that we have a full-scale operating tourist railroad here in Southern Nevada! If in town this coming weekend, you can take a ride for a mere $2 per person from 10 AM to 3 PM (train leaves at the top of each hour for the 45 minute trip). Train leaves from depot at 601 Yucca St. in Boulder City, Nevada (about 30 minutes from The Strip). More info at http://www.nevadasouthern.com

Thanksgiving In Las Vegas – Hate to say “told you so” but Thanksgiving was a great time to be here. Some rare rain burned off to temps in the 70’s (F) and sun. To those who still can’t understand Thanksgiving in what has always known to be Sin City, check out this story: Once a slow time of year, Las Vegas attracting more visitors for Thanksgiving

Wynn Opening Full Speed – Wynn Las Vegas’ Encore edition is set to open December 22. We expect a full-scale extravaganza that will help bring international attention to Las Vegas. Steve Wynn has never let anyone down (going back to his implosion of The Dunes hotel in a fireball) but no one has ever opened a hotel like this one in this type of economy.

No shortage of a buzz surrounding the “encore” commercial produced to promote Encore. Steve Wynn himself is seated on the ledge of the top of the building to tout his new property. Youtube videos:

New Jersey Boys Cast Member – After six months of successful performances at The Palazzo, Jersey Boys Las Vegas welcomes Deven May to the talented company. May has assumed the role of Tommy DeVito. No stranger to the role, May is well known for his portrayal of Tommy DeVito from the first national tour. Presented in Las Vegas in a unique, custom-built theatre, The Palazzo is currently the only place on the West Coast to seeáJersey Boys. This show continues to get rave reviews from those who see it. Check out Jersey Boys Las Vegas Tickets

Let’s Go Bowling – Can’t Make Las Vegas? At least treat yourself to another great party in one of the cities hosting a College Football Bowl game. We have the best seats at competitive prices. Hey, you deserve a little Christmas time treat. We have NCAA College Football Bowl Game Tickets

Interesting Side Note: Stomp Out Loud has been named the official show of the 2008 Las Vegas Bowl (Tickets). I’m sure this was done before the decision to close the show (in hopes of finding it a venue more suitable to the size of the show). We wish them all the best. Stomp Out Loud is a great show and worth seeing if you can catch it by the end of the year. Stomp Out Loud Las Vegas Tickets

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Boulder Stn from $30, Fiesta H from $29, Green Valley from $90, Red Rock from $90, Santa Fe Stn from $50, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $25, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Thank You For The Music! – TicketsáOn Sale Friday For Final Performances Of Mamma Mia! At Mandalay Bay – Benny Andersson and Bj÷rn Ulvaeus’ global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA!, based on the songs of ABBA, will play its final performance at Mandalay Bay Theatre in Las Vegas on Sunday, January 4, 2009. TicketsClick Here for the final performance are on sale. After nearly six years on The Strip, MAMMA MIA! prepares to end its record-breaking engagement after celebrating more than 2,100 performances and two million guests to date. Click to Read The Full Story …

T&T (Tacos & Tequila) At Luxor Begins Mariachi Brunch Every Sunday With Drink Specials And Live Music – T&T (Tacos & Tequila) at Luxor now spices up the weekends by offering Mariachi brunch every Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Guests can feast on delicious Mexican entrÚes and enjoy drink specials and live Mariachi music. T&T’s Executive Chef Saul Ortiz mixes up a zesty Sunday brunch featuring an assortment of breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. Brunch items include albondigas soup with a Mexican meatball in a spicy tomato mint broth ($8); Chilaquiles, mixed with crispy tortillas, chicken, red or green sauce, panela cheese, crema fresca and onion ($13) and the machaca burrito, with scrambled eggs salted dried beef, black beans, Oaxaca cheese, salsa verde, crema fresca and habanero salsa ($14). Click to Read The Full Story …

Country Music Sensation Lorrie Morgan To Perform At Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel – American country music singer Lorrie Morgan to perform at the Casablanca Room inside Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel on Saturday, December 13 at 8 p.m. Morgan is one of country music’s most popular and successful female artists, having charted over a dozen top ten hits including “Five Minutes,” “What Part of No,” and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” which all landed at number one. As the daughter of Grand Ole Opry star George Morgan, Morgan spent many nights backstage at the Opry and made her debut there at the age of 13. By the age of 21, she was opening shows for award-winning country singer George Jones. Click to Read The Full Story …

“Defending the Caveman” Moving To A New Cave – “Defending the Caveman,” Broadway’s smash hit about the sexes, is proud to announce a limited engagement at Excalibur December 15 – January 11. Tickets “Defending the Caveman” performances are 7 p.m. nightly inside the Thunder from Down Under Showroom with additional matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. “Defending the Caveman” is a hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate. It offers side-splitting opinions on contemporary feminism, masculine sensitivity, and the erogenous zone. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: No Limit Texas Hold’em Tournaments Part 2 – with Victor H. Royer. Join our own ôVegas Vicö in the tenth of a series of poker instruction brought to you via streaming video! This week: No Limit Texas Hold’em Tournaments Part 2 (broadband)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

To celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday and our 34th anniversary we visited Las Vegas 9/29/08 through 10/8/08. We stayed at the Wynn & renewed our vows at the Wynn Lilac Wedding Salon. So many people asked why we would go to Vegas if we don’t gamble… we toured Lake Mead & Hoover Dam, visited the Dolphin Habitat and the Secret Garden at the Mirage, saw the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, finally got up the nerve to ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower and take in the nighttime view of the strip and the Bellagio Fountains.

Saw Le Reve and Blue Man Group. Saw the new aquarium at Caesars Palace, Liberace Museum, Car Collectors Collection at Imperial Palace…& so many other things too many to list. Gambling? Who needs it when Vegas has so much else to offer. We are already looking forward to our next trip to Vegas!

Rich & Lynn from Oakland, NJ

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great report! More and more, people are coming to enjoy everything else and skip the tables, and yet so many (who have yet to visit) continue to think of Vegas and gambling.

Hoover Dam has always been amazing and the rest of your activities I would recommend to almost anybody.

Congrats on the renewal of vows. What a great way (and great place) to celebrate 34 years!

How do I get coupons for shows in Vegas?

Maggie

Ted Responds:

Your time in Las Vegas is valuable. Just because a show is offering a coupon doesn’t mean it will be a good use of your time.

I’d suggest reading our newsletter week after week to find out information on the many current things to do and see. From time-to-time we will note specials or discounts on shows and other events and attractions.

If you get to town and you see a coupon for something you want to see (usually in the local in-room magazines), by all means use it. However, don’t waste time on a first visit specifically chasing activities just because they have a coupon.

Correction: We recently said that Allegiant Air flies from Toledo, OH to Las Vegas. They do not. They serve only Tampa and Orlandoáfrom Toledo. The closest Allegiant city to Ohio is South Bend, IN. However, the drive from Detroit or Cleveland (and surrounding areas) still might be worth it if you save enough. The one way to drive down airfares overall is to travel from the city that gives you the best deal. We thank the many readers who pointed this out.

Find your newsletter very informative. Thanks to a letter from a reader, we experienced a wonderful dinner at The Range restaurant at Harrah’s followed by some excellent jazz music. This is “the best kept secret” on the strip. Are there any other comparable places?

Thank you,

Mary from Milwaukee, WI

Ted Responds:

Glad our advice helped. Envy Steakhouse (just off The Strip on Paradise) has a smooth jazz Sunday brunch, as does Gorden Biersch (restaurant row on Flamingo at Paradise) but we still can’t find another place on The Strip restaurant offering live, relaxing lite jazz every night of the week like The Range does. Even if not grabbing a bite to eat, we suggest people head up their for a cocktail and enjoy getting away from the hustle, bustle, and noise of the casinos.

Often Asked Question:

Special Specific Casino Offers? – From time-to-time, we receive questions about an offer a certain casino sent a regular visitor ranging from why we don’t mention it here to specific questions about the offer (or casino host making it).

If you are a regular player at a certain hotel, they will offer you things based on your play. (Granted… they are only offering you a fraction of your expected losses, but if you are coming you might as well take advantage of it). Why don’t we publish those offers? They are computerized and customized for you, not for the general public. This is no different than your credit card company. They may offer you 1.9% interest on a cash advance , and offer your next door neighbor 8.9% on the same cash advance check offer. Two different customers with two different spending or credit profiles.

Also, we have no connection to the casino hosts or marketing people who make these offers. They are a completely separate part of a resort’s marketing department. We are in no position to answer questions as to why (or why not) you got a certain offer nor and dealings you have with them.

If you get an offer from a casino and can use it, by all means do so. However… if it isn’t the same offer someone else you know got or if you have a problem with it (you arrive and they put you in a different kind of room or moved you to another hotel altogether), you will need to take that up with the specific hotel that made the offer.

By all means… if you book your room through our travel partners like Las Vegas Hotel Deals or patronize one of our show sponsors (see right hand sidebar) and you encounter a problem with no resolution, let us know ASAP. Knock on wood, we’ve had not one complaint this year regarding any of our advertisers as we are very careful to only work with top companies that offer you great deals and get the job done!

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

December 3, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – November 26, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Special Events
Photos and Wallpaper

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! A cloudy Las Vegas with scattered rain showers, that is. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving weekend. Even if you live outside the U.S. or Canada and aren’t having a Thanksgiving celebration sometime during this month, take a little time to count your blessings. Life isn’t perfect, but if we dig down and look around, we can all find something to be thankful for.

Fortunately, our current weather isn’t miserable and the rain is infrequent enough that it shouldn’t be interrupting anyone’s vacation. Nice change of pace for we locals and what the heck… much warmer than most of the rest of the United States this weekend.

As I just looked out my window (literally as I type), I saw the Virgin Air 747 coming out of the clouds with a plane full of our European friends (probably some readers among them) getting ready to touch down. I’m continually thankful and appreciative of the time, cost and effort you exhibit to make the Las Vegas visit whether you are a few hours away by car or spending half a day on an airplane to visit from the other side of the world.

Phantom û The Las Vegas Spectacular continues the amazing run at Venetian Las Vegas.

A couple of months ago, Phantom passedá1,000 performances which included:

  • “The Phantom,” has spent 1,000 hours in the make-up chair, equating to over 41 days
  • The delicate ingenue “Christine Daae” has had a total of 11,000 costume changes to date
  • Mr. Ubaldo Piangi has belted out 2,000 high Cs, the ultimate note for any tenor
  • More than 3,802 hours have been spent maintaining the other star of the show, the one-ton, 15-foot tall, 16-foot wide chandelier
  • The crew has executed 14,000 elaborate set changes, creating 13 separate locations on stage each night
  • Nightly, “Christine Daae” shares two kisses with “The Phantom” and three with the charming “Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny,” amounting to 5,000 kisses since opening night

From the moment you enter the magnificent custom-built theatre you are immersed in the storied Paris Opera House and become part of The Phantom’s world. Featuring every beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber song from the original, spectacular sets, new effects, and a breathtaking chandelier experience, Phantom is an only-in-Vegas experience.áClick for Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Tickets

Historic Las Vegas Hotels and Showgirls – I found this great YouTube video with a montage of vintage Vegas stuff. Well worth a look especially if you have some extra time off this holiday weekend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkxJVeJMCGM

hilton grand vacation club las vegas

hilton grand vacation club las vegas

Hilton Grand Vacations Photos – If you are like me, you’ve seen this place up (more or less) across from The Sahara but never given any thought to walking inside the place. After all, it really isn’t a casino or entertainment venue. When we sent Mark to shoot some current photos of The Sahara (see previous issue), I had him snap a few of the Hilton Grand Vacations. Nice place… click on any of the above photos for a quick virtual tour.

Screeching To A Halt – For the first time in 40 years, Clark County (Las Vegas area) has LOST residents. An estimated 10,000 people have left town this year. That in stark contrast to the usual 4000-5000 per month who move here each month. In addition, Nevada unemployment is at 7.6%, the highest in 23 years and headed for the 10% mark.

What does that mean to you, the visitor? Perhaps something good: Las Vegas got “hot” starting about 2002. Reality shows, non-stop coverage on travel networks and celeb-gossip programs. This brought way too many carpetbaggers to town. People who didn’t care about Las Vegas, the history, the live-and-let-live tradition which attracts visitors, and who only saw visitors basically as people with wallets to be drained. Unfortunately, Las Vegas’ reputation took a bit of a beating as customer service went downhill while prices went way up. This is starting to change!

Those of us who have been here many, many years and love our town and love helping and serving (and are gratefuláá for) our visitors will be here long after the present economy has flushed out those who never belonged here in the first place.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Boulder Stn from $30, Fiesta H from $29, Green Valley from $90, Red Rock from $90, Santa Fe Stn from $50, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $25, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Nevada Ballet Theatre Dazzles Audiences With Its Cherished Holiday Favorite, The Nutcracker! – The most famous cast of holiday characters, including Clara, Fritz, the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy, reunite for Las Vegas’ most cherished and beloved annual event û The Nutcracker! Staged by Ballet Mistress Clarice Geissel-Rathers, with original choreography by Bruce Steivel, this annual tradition will be presented on Wednesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 28, 2008 at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre, 4505 Maryland Parkway. Perhaps the most famous fairytale ballet of all time, The Nutcracker premiered over 100 years ago in St. Petersburg, Russia. Click to Read The Full Story …

mandalay bay shark reef las vegas

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Fun at Shark Reef Aquarium – This holiday season, Santa will be making his list and checking it twice at Mandalay BayÆs Shark Reef Aquarium. Children are invited to share last minute holiday wishes with “Santa in the Shipwreck” December 21-24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With each paid admission, children under the age of 12 also will receive a complimentary candy cane and photograph with jolly St. Nick to remember this unique holiday experience. Entry to Shark Reef Aquarium is $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages five through 12. Children four and younger receive complimentary access. Click to view Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Pictures


New Treasure Island (TI) Las Vegas Room Design

Rest Easy With the New Room Designs of TI and Circus Circus – This fall, Las Vegas visitors are invited to indulge in the new contemporary comforts of Treasure Island and Circus Circus. At Treasure Island, tempting new room designs pair plush luxuries with modern conveniences. Framed by soothing neutrals and draped in crisp white sheeting, each roomÆs dreamy focal point is the TI Elite Sensational Pillow-Top Bed. Specially designed to provide uniform shape, true back support and soothing comfort, the bed is so sensational, itÆs available for purchase. To keep visitors plugged in, TI also made must-have technologies standard û from 26-inch LCD flat-screen televisions to MP3/iPod-compatible clock-radios. High-speed Internet access also is available.

At Circus Circus, guests are invited to be among the first to experience a modern new room decor that combines a calming neutral palette with fun pops of vibrant color. Located in the propertyÆs West Tower, each standard accommodation features a pillow-top mattress, sleek marble-topped workstation and comfortable sitting area. Hi-tech amenities include 32-inch plasma televisions and wireless Internet access.

Fall Into Relaxation At The Spas Of MGM MIRAGE – From a revitalizing coffee pedicure to an aromatherapy massage designed to melt away the stress and strain caused by long summer days, these fall-inspired treatments leave spa-goers relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

  • Hot Cafe y Horchata Pedicure, MGM Grand Spa û Enliven your day with this energizing foot treatment. The stimulating 50-minute pedicure includes a hot coffee foot mask and a sweet milk foot soak. ($95, Monday-Thursday; $105, Friday-Sunday)
  • Moroccan Jasmine Tea Manicure and Pedicure, Kim Vo Salon at The Mirage û This intoxicating 90-minute service begins with a gentle sugar scrub infused with exotic jasmine oil. Next, guests enjoy a calming manicure and pedicure before a nourishing jasmine- and green tea-infused creme leaves hands and feet silky smooth. ($155)
  • Relaxation Massage, The Spa at New York-New York û During each indulgent 50- or 75-minute session, a citrus aromatherapy oil awakens the senses while a gentle scalp massage melts away tensions. The latter treatment also includes an exfoliating peppermint foot scrub and massage. As a special treat, guests are invited to enjoy a delicious orange and chocolate bar after their service. ($125, 50 minutes; $185, 75 minutes)

Gambling Talk: Introduction To Poker Tournaments – with Victor H. Royer. Join our own “Vegas Vic” in the tenth of a series of poker instruction brought to you via streaming video! This week: Introduction To Poker Tournaments (broadband)

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

This will be our first trip to Vegas. We will be staying at the MGM Grand. I was actually in Vegas many years ago when I was like 13 so I don’t count that. We will be in town for an expo but will have the late afternoons and evenings free. What would you say would be the things not to miss?

We are in our early 40’s and still like to be on the go not couch potato kind of people. What would you say is the best place to get a great Prime Rib dinner as my fiance is a prime rib lover. Any advice you could give would be helpful as we would like to make the most of our time in Vegas.

Thanks,

Colleen from New Jersey

Ted Responds:

With so much to do and see, I try to steer clear of suggesting “must see” things to those who have never visited or have not been here in years. Also… you’ll be back (trust me on that one) so don’t kill yourself trying to do everything. Especially when here for a convention. Some tips:

1. DO go read the back issues of our newsletter (archive links are listed by month on the right sidebar… scroll down the site when you click to it) You’ll be far better informed than most other visitors and thus be able to make the most of your time.

2. Primarily Prime Rib in the Orleans gets raves both for food and atmosphere. A quick two mile cab ride from your hotel, The Orleans is a nice, big, full-size casino with a mix of locals and tourists:áOrleans Hotel Casino Las Vegas Photo Set

3. Voodoo Lounge on top of the Rio won’t scare off those over 30. Call ahead to verify but usually no cover until sometime in the evening. Moderate dress code enforced (don’t show up in a t-shirt and old tennis shoes). If possible, get there 45 minutes before sunset and watch The Strip light up in front of your eyes outdoors while you enjoy a cocktail.

Many of the photos in this set were taken there at sunset (the others were taken from Stratosphere): Las Vegas At Dusk Photo Set

I know there are free shuttles to off strip casinos/hotels such as the Rio, Sam’s Town……….but is there any free shuttles to the new Cannery or Silverton? Is there still a free one to Gold Coast? A lot of the sites are not updated on free shuttles……….. IF I am going to spend money, I would rather do it IN the hotels/casinos……….not on getting there.

Thanks!

Yankee

Ted Responds:

I absolutely agree that you’ll have a better chance of winning at a “local’s” casino. No guarantees… you can have a bad run of luck anywhere. But state revenue statistics seem to show that year in and year out, local’s casinos pay out the best.

We stopped posting a free shuttle list some time ago because that information is subject to constant change. If you print it out and then it isn’t accurate when you arrive, we get the blame!

Many off-strip hotels do have a free shuttle. Some (like South Point last time we checked) are only for guests going to and from the strip. Others are happy to take visitors from the strip to their casino and back.

My advice? Call the various hotels you wish to visit upon your arrival. Tell them you are staying on The Strip (or downtown if the case) and ask if they have a free shuttle there and back, from where, and what hours it runs.

Enjoy your visit and let us know how it went when you get back!

We love coming to Las Vegas. Try to come 2 times a year but the cost of a flight from Ohio is getting way out of our price. Any tips on how to save money on a flight and still have money left to gamble with?

Jeanne from Lorain, OH

Ted Responds:

You can always check your local paper travel sections for package deals (sometimes a regular charter flight deal may be available that you wouldn’t find online). For example, Allegient Air has non-stopsáfrom Toledo (not too far from you) and usually has really reasonable pricing.

Also, keep in mind that airfares may be up, but hotel prices are down. If you have to spend more for air, make up the difference with your choice of hotel. Let’s face it, most of the time in Las Vegas you just need a place to put your luggage and get some shut-eye. Our friends at I4Vegas continue to really have some great deals: Las Vegas Hotel Deals

As a long time recipient of your excellent newsletter I thought it was about time I made a small contribution. My wife and I have just returned to the UK after our latest visit to Las Vegas, (about our 12th trip in the last 10 years or so), once again we had a wonderful time.

Even though we are not big gamblers, we only play the low stake slots, we still enjoy the atmosphere and feel of the place. Our main vices are the restaurants and the shops so here are a few recommendations your readers might like to try.

  • Carnevino Located in the Palazzo Hotel – This is one of the best in Las Vegas, food, service, atmosphere all top class, itÆs a little pricey but well worth a visit.
  • The Steakhouse at Circus Circus – Best steakhouse in Las Vegas. They also have a Champagne Brunch, (Sunday 9:30, 11:30 and 1:30), itÆs the best in Las Vegas and only $35.95, don’t miss it.
  • 9 Fine Irishmen at New York New York – Great Irish bar, Saturday night live Irish Band, Magners, Guinness and a bloody good sing song not to be missed.(The foods pretty good as well).
  • Memphis Championship Barbecue. 2250 E.Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas, NV 8911 (702) 260-6909. www.memphis-bbq.com – The ribs are the best you will ever taste anywhere and also the service and food are great and the prices are as good as the food.
  • Montana Meat Co. Durango, (9135 S. Durango Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89113. (702) 407-0362 www.montanameatco.com – Excellent food, great service and above all very reasonably priced.

If anyone fancies a little road trip away from the bright lights of the strip take a trip to see the Pioneer Saloon 30 miles south of Vegas at Goodsprings you may even see the ghost. ThatÆs all, hope this is of use to someone keep up the good work and see you in Vegas come Superbowl Weekend.

John & Sheila from Leeds, England

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

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All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

November 26, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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