Subscription Banner

Advertisement

Luxury Vegas Flights,
Private Terminal (no TSA),
Start At $89.
This is a bucket list item:

Take a Las Vegas city tour with Maverick Helicopters - Click Here

Enjoy Our Archives

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 22, 2010

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
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Most of you are receiving this over on Christmas Eve or over the Christmas weekend, and I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. We’ve been on the job and have all the latest news and Las Vegas information — plus a BIG jackpot winner — to tell you about.

All Fogged In – We had a full week of clouds and rain. I mean nearly constant rain and drizzle with complete cloud cover. If you were visiting, take solace in the fact that you saw a rare sight here in Las Vegas during some of the extremely low clouds: The towers of the Las Vegas Strip vanishing up into the clouds!

News Editor Rick Ziegler and I were headed east on Sahara just past Valley View a few nights ago, and he says to me: Where is the Stratosphere? Usually it towers over that area. After looking really hard, we could barely see the bottom of the tower column as it vanished into the clouds. A couple more blocks and we looked over to see the Encore tower similarly shrouded, with the top few floors totally engulfed in the fog. Pretty cool (and extremely rare) to see!

Don Reynolds, Dorothy Reynolds (winner), Jill Crosswhite, Gary Crosswhite
Plant Hollywood Las Vegas Guest Wins $2.9 Million On Penny Slots û Dorothy Reynolds Wins Millions on Her Family Vacation to Las Vegas

On Tuesday, Dec. 21, Planet Hollywood Las Vegas guest Dorothy Reynolds won $2,948.494.50 on the progressive WMS Gaming penny slot machine, ôWizard of Oz.ö Reynolds travels to Las Vegas twice a year with her husband, Don. This week-long trip, she is also joined by daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Gary Crosswhite, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Read The Exciting Details…

The Holidays Continue In Las Vegas – Boyz II Men continue their Las Vegas holiday show at the Flamingo through January 9, 2011. Click for tickets and to watch a video of Boyz II Men singing Let It Snow

I leave you with a couple of shots from last year’s Bellagio Gardens Christmas Display (which will be on display this year through the new year):

Bellagio Gardens Christmas Las Vegas 2009 024

Bellagio Gardens Christmas Las Vegas 2009 016

Bellagio Gardens Christmas Las Vegas 2009 003

Bellagio Gardens Christmas Las Vegas 2009 023

If you missed our Las Vegas New Year’s Eve tips, make sure to read Las Vegas New Years Eve Fireworks Info and Insider Party Tips

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Primm Valley Golf Club Tees Up With Lavish $59 Winter Golf Special – Primm Valley Golf Club capitalizes on the desert climate and year-round golf weather with the new Winter Golf Getaway offer. For $59 per person, the package includes:

ò One-night stay at Primm Valley Casino Resorts
ò One round of golf at one of two award-winning Tom Fazio-designed Primm courses, the Lakes Course or the Desert Course
ò 50 minute treatment of your choice including Fusion Stone Massage, Caribbean Hand Therapy, Botanical Skin Resurfacing and more at The Spa at Primm, a 13,000-square-foot Aveda retreat
ò One steak and lobster dinner at GP’s, the fine dining steakhouse
ò Two free drinks at the golf course

Cigar Ambassador At Your Service – Casa Fuente Introduces Embajadora de la Casa Rathna Singh – Visitors to Casa Fuente inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace have something in addition to magnificent cigars and exotic cocktails to enjoy as the cigar bar & lounge now features an Embajadora de la Casa. Serving as ambassador and guide to everything Casa Fuente is Rathna Singh. From helping pick out the perfect cigar for every palate to pairing an aged scotch to sip on, Rathna is the key to enjoying the Casa Fuente experience. Versed in the history of the Fuente family and an aficionado of the cigar collection at Casa Fuente, Rathna has been immersed in everything cigar related at the bar since moving to Las Vegas from her native Fiji Islands.

The Palazzo Las Vegas Celebrates The Holiday Season With Woodland-Inspired Winter DÚcor And Festive Seasonal Cocktails – The Palazzo Las Vegas celebrates the holiday season with a natural woodland-inspired winter display and festive holiday cocktails.

Fantasy Extends Contract With Luxor Through 2011 – Resort’s Adult Revue Celebrates 11 Years – Luxor’s steamy adult revue, has extended its contract with the resort through 2011. Celebrating its 11th successful year on The Strip, the high-quality production has shaped itself into one of Las Vegas’ leading topless shows. Created and produced by Anita Mann, FANTASY is constantly striving to raise the bar in Las Vegas entertainment with fresh choreography, appealing dancers and dynamic leading performers. New star Lorena Peril adds an exciting and unforgettable element to the long-running production with her fiery personality, exotic beauty and powerhouse vocals.

The Return Of The Beloved Tradition, The Miss America Parade – The Parade To Take Place Friday, Jan. 14, 2011 At Paris Las Vegas – The Miss America Organization has announced the highly-anticipated return of a beloved tradition, the Miss America Parade, renamed the “DSW Show Us Your Shoes Parade” presented by DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse! The parade will be hosted by the incomparable Robin Leach, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Rockhouse Brings Its Own Series Of Beer Pong To Vegas With The ‘Rockhouse Cup’ – Rockhouse has never had a problem being second best and this January the only ultra-dive bar on the Strip will turn the losers of the world’s biggest beer pong tournament into winners at ‘The Rockhouse Cup.’ On Tuesday, January 4, Rockhouse will give drop-out beer pong aficionados the chance to compete in a second chance tournament to win $5,000 in cash.

Valley Of Fire Buggy TourValley Of Fire Buggy Tour û Drive a buggy on an off-road adventure through the dramatic red rock formations of the Valley of Fire. View spectacular desert landscape on this exciting, but safe, half-day adventure. Only 2-seat buggys are offered on this tour. While you will occasionally encounter Big Horn sheep and other wildlife, the Valley of Fire is world renowned for its beautiful rock formations and red sand.

Click To Book Valley Of Fire Buggy Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Members Mania (Readers Comments and Questions) is on hiatus until the first of the year. Now that weÆve been able to start increasing staffing levels, weÆll be bringing it back in a new, expanded format! In the meantime, we continue to welcome comments and questions to the email and phone line listed below.

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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 15, 2010

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
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! I’d tell you what is up with the weather, but I’m clueless: Two weeks ago, cold (for us) temps that dipped into freezing overnight. Then an incredible week of 70 F and sunny. Now we’re looking at 60’s and some rain for quite a few days. After that, who knows? If you were here last week, you hit the jackpot with the great weather. A nice, mild evening greeted the new Cosmopolitan as well. Speaking of…

Cosmopolitan testing their lights at 3:00 AM

Billion$ Of Dollars and Bank-Owned After Foreclosure, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Is Open! – We were at Cosmo on opening night. The excitement level was off the charts. Combine the party end of The Palms, the Hard Rock Hotel Vegas, put them on the Las Vegas Strip on an intimate (small) footprint, create a trendy/hip atmosphere, and design/decoration aimed squarely at females (local Las Vegas writer and blogger David McKee stated “In sensibility, it’s the gayest thing to hit the Strip since Liberace”, and you have the new Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The CosmopolitanWill it fly? Probably. For the price of other upscale rooms in Las Vegas, you can get a large suite with balcony and (on the north and east side) mindbending Strip views. With balconies!

So, where isá my report on it? I’m not filing one yet. If you are coming to town in the next couple of weeks, absolutely check it out. Unlike CityCenter (which some consider a daunting hike off The Strip), Cosmo is Strip-front, with side doors are right next to the Bellagio fountains. No excuse to not stick your head in.

So when will my report be? Soon. Why the delay? Opening night is in NO WAY representative of a property. I want to see what the crowds are like under normal circumstances. How many people are gambling on a weeknight. The experience that you will encounter. The good, bad, and ugly under normal circumstances.

The Ugly? Yes. Widespread reports from opening night of guests with reservations having to wait hours beyond their assigned check-in time for a room. Problems with room safes, rooms with no mini-bar (yet), and others. Hotels always have rough spots the first few weeks of operation. But the reports we heard were serious. So much so that we are not going to promote or sell room reservations for the Cosmo until I’m satisfied these issues have been ironed out. I’ve never knowingly promoted something that I know has issues just for the sake of our bottom line. I’m not going to start now.

We aren’t going to leave you out in the cold when it comes to reports on Cosmo! For now, we’ve culled some of the better news story videos that we’re sure you’ll enjoy:

Small Town Atmosphere – It seems that everybody moving to town has their sights set on the far northwest corner of the Las Vegas Valley. But many who are retiring and want to live in the Las Vegas area also year for the “small town” atmosphere they may have grown up in (or are moving from). If that is you, don’t overlook the far southwest Las Vegas (area) city of Henderson.

You can live in the nice, master planned Green Valley area or choose from “old town” Henderson, the core of the original city where just about everything is walkable and revitalization has been underway for a number of years. With this job, it really helps for me to be in super-close proximity to The Strip. But if that weren’t such an issue, I’d be giving Henderson strong consideration. You’re only 15-20 all-freeway minutes from both The Strip and the airport. Related article Redevelopment: Henderson had earlier start on transformation, more to work with when efforts got under way

BTW… In a recent issue, I said that others can have Aliente, Summerlin, and Green Valley. I like vintage (old school) Las Vegas near downtown. It garnered some emails from those who live in (insert area I mentioned) noting how much they like those areas. Make no mistake: The neighborhoods I listed are very nice! But both because I like action and because of my vocation, I prefer to live near downtown and The Strip. Especially now that so much revitalization is taking place!

Finally, A Bus To The Airport! Kind of. A new express bus service running from McCarran Airport to Summerlin could turn out to be very handy for some visitors who want to skip the cab line (and costs). The new WAX route runs nonstop from the airport to the first stop at Tropicana and The Strip. NOTE: It does not continue up The Strip. You’ll need to get off and switch to The Deuce.

The WAX then hits the I-15 for a non-stop trip downtown, stopping at the Outlet Mall and Fremont Street Experience. If you are traveling light and staying on the south end of The Strip or downtown, it is worth checking out: Las Vegas WAX Express Bus Route Schedule (PDF)

Back Bigger and Better – Our New Years Eve fireworks display details have been announced. The 8 minute show will be the largest display west of the Mississippi and we’re expecting 310,000 people in town. If you’ve never been, imagine the entire 4-plus miles of the Las Vegas Strip closed to traffic and filled with revelers. Drinking is allowed (no glass) and the party atmosphere is second-to-none.

I’ve made an extensive blog post entitled Las Vegas New Years Eve Fireworks Info and Insider Party Tips that is a must read if you are even thinking of contemplating coming. (And with room rates at historic lows that probably won’t be seen in future years, you may want to at least test the waters). Even if you can’t make it, I’ll let you know how to enjoy our spectacular show online from anywhere in the world! Plus, the blog has a video included to give you a feel for the pending excitement.

We know that many of you hardcore Vegas fans and visitors participate in other Vegas forums, lists, and message boards. By all means, post this link and let others in on the info as well! We’ve created a shortened link to the post. Copy and paste http://x.co/LLu5

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

CityCenter Las Vegas Receives Distinguished AAA Five Diamond Award For Two Properties In First Year Of Operation – In its debut year, CityCenter Las Vegas has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award« for both ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. While the award is bestowed only upon select properties deemed the finest in North America, it is even rarer for hotels to attain the rating within the first year of operation.

Panel Of National Judges For The Las Vegas 2011 Miss America Pageant Announced – The 2011 Miss America Pageant presented by DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse promises to be an exciting event with the announcement of the strikingly diverse panel of national judges. They will evaluate the contestants from the preliminaries through the final night of competition, which will broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on SATURDAY, JAN. 15 (8 to 11 p.m., ET/PT) on ABC.

AGO Features Old World Classic Prix Fixe Menu For $12.99 At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Beginning on Dec. 11, AGO introduces an Old World Classic Prix Fixe Menu for $12.99. The new prix fixe menu will include a glass of wine, bread basket, soup or house salad, and choice of pasta entrÚe. Pasta entrÚe selections include Spaghetti with Meatballs or Sausage, Lasagna, Fettuccini Alfredo, Capellini Pomodoro, and Cheese Ravioli. The prix fixe menu will be available daily, during regular hours of operation.

Bellagio Resort & Casino Hosts First-Of-Its-Kind Event, Poker’s Ultimate Bottle Tournament’ January 28-30, 2011 – The AAA Five Diamond Bellagio has partnered with the Charity Case Foundation, a philanthropic group of California winemakers, to create an extraordinary charitable event, Jan. 28-30. The weekend’s festivities will be filled with exemplary wines, astounding cuisine and “Poker’s Ultimate Bottle Tournament.”

Fremont Street Experience And Mayor Oscar Goodman Kicked-Off The Holiday Season With Las Vegas’ Official Tree Lighting Ceremony – Mayor Oscar B. Goodman flipped the switch to light Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree at Fremont Street Experience. Santa Claus and his elves were also on hand to help officiate the ceremony and light the 50 ft. Christmas tree.


Mayor Oscar B. Goodman flipping the switch to light Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree. Photo Courtesy of Larry Burton


Fremont Street Experience had hundreds of people in attendance, as Santa Claus ditched his sleigh and made his grand entrance on the FlightlineZ. Photo Courtesy of Larry Burton

Las Vegas Strip Night TourLas Vegas Strip Night Tour û Take a neon-lit evening tour of the fabulous Las Vegas Strip. You’ll see all the sights and resorts, and be entertained and informed by your friendly guide. From the beautiful atrium and dancing water at the Bellagio to the stars of Madame Tussaud’s at the Venetian you won’t want to miss any of these Las Vegas icons.

Click To Book Las Vegas Strip Night Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Members Mania (Readers Comments and Questions) is on hiatus until the first of the year. Now that we’ve been able to start increasing staffing levels, we’ll be bringing it back in a new, expanded format! In the meantime, we continue to welcome comments and questions to the email and phone line listed below.

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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 8, 2010

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
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Our cold snap is history (evidently, it made its way east… much of the U.S. looks downright bitterly cold) and temps are supposed to hit 70 F the next few days then settle back into the 60’s. I’ll take it! Lucky you if you’re headed our way in the next couple of weeks, especially if your area is freezing.

Taxing The Tourists… Here We Go Again To build a new arena just behind the Las Vegas Strip, government is looking a (just shy of) 1% sales tax increase for the area of The Strip. This on top of the outrageous 8.1% sales tax already paid in the county. Read about it on my latest blog post Taxing The Las Vegas Visitors… Here We Go Again and leave your comments and thoughts on that page below the post. Make your voice heard!

Up, Up, and Away – Las Vegas gaming revenues on the Las Vegas Strip rose 16% in October. What may have been bigger news was that downtown revenue was up over 12%. The interesting dichotomy (to me) continues to be people complaining about how tight the slots are and how bad the table game rules are, mostly on the Las Vegas Strip.

All the while, downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street Experience) has kept their slots loose and their table game rules more player-favorable. And yet the people bitching and moaning about their gambling dollar not going far enough wouldn’t leave The Strip and give downtown a whirl when it came time to do some wagering! Of course downtown revenue is up less than The Strip (despite a very busy fall season downtown… we saw it first-hand, often). Downtown casinos are giving you are better shot at winning and keeping less of your money!

$2.50 Service Fee Until End Of The Year At Tickets.AccessVegas.com – If you are like me, you probably dislike the service fees associated with buying tickets online. They are a necessary evil but a pain to pay. From now until the end of the year, we’ve slashed our service fee on ALL tickets at Tickets.AccessVegas.com to $2.50 (other misc. fees beyond our control may apply to various tickets).

Now is the time to buy and guess what? We don’t just have Las Vegas tickets! Looking for college or professional sports tickets (for the entire United States)? We have them. Broadway in New York? Check. We’ve got it. Various touring bands and shows? You bet! And some of the best seats in the house available for those who really want to treat themselves (or a friend or loved one) to the ultimate Holiday present. Oh… and yes, we have all the Vegas tickets you are looking for as well.

Taking advantage of this one-time fee break is simple: Click over to Tickets.AccessVegas.com where you’ll find a search box at the top of the page (to search for a specific show) or a menu bar on the left side of the page to click down to specific events. Or in the middle of the page, a search box by specific city and date. Buy now and save… fees return to normal at the end of the month!

Serendipy 3 Savings – From now until Dec. 17, 2010 you can get 25% off ALL food and drink at Serendipity 3 (the orange and pink restaurant in front of Caesars Palace) by mentioning the Pulse of Las Vegas blog (which is not ours, but I’m not going to hide a deal like this from you no matter who is sponsoring it)! You may want to go print out their blog post just to have it on hand, but you shouldn’t need it. Which brings me to a great Vegas tip:

Print It Out, Print It Out, Print It Out – Las Vegas is constantly offering deals everywhere. The hotels (some of which we have listed toward the top-right sidebar of this newsletter), the restaurants, you name it. We run info on as many of them as we can find. BUT… because new deals are always appearing and specials are subject to change, I have one huge piece of advice: Print out the page of any specials you are taking advantage of. For example, if you are booking one of the hotel specials we mention to get the freebies or similar offers, print out the offer page the day you book.

The hotels are not setting out to rip you off. But by the time you get to town, the hotel may not be offering exactly what was offered when you booked and the perks promised may not be in the system with your reservation. And while they should live up to what they are saying, there might be someone new at the check-in desk who is totally unfamiliar with what had been offered a few months prior. By having the printed sheet in your hand (printed out on the very day you made the reservation), you have the proof you need to get everything coming to you that they promised.

Las Vegas’ Cup of Morning Sunshine Program Offers Free (and Legal) Christmas Music – Our friend Scott Whitney recently started the Vegas Video Network with a number of great Las Vegas based programming available both live and on-demand (at no cost to the viewer). Whether you are researching the party/drinking scene or looking to get some solid info on the local real estate market, the diverse line-up of shows offers something for just about everyone.

Scott is also an accomplished musician who has sold somewhere near 100,000 copies of his ChristmAcoustic holiday CD. To help promote the network, he’s making the CD (one I personally really enjoy) available at absolutely no cost as a download! Simply head over to Cup of Morning Sunshine #004: Free (and Legal) Christmas Music and look for the download link in the show notes below the video page. Make sure to watch the video while you are there and get to know Scott. He’s got some great things going on.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Legendary Performers The Platters, The Cornell Gunter Coasters & The Marvelettes To Begin Performances At Crown Theater – Crown Theater, Las Vegas’ newest entertainment complex located inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino proudly announces that the intimate theater will be the new home of the longest running musical show featuring the legendary groups, The Platters, The Cornell Gunter Coasters and The Marvelettes, beginning Monday, Nov. 1, 2010.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Toasts The Holidays With Festive Specialty Cocktails Plus Drink Recipes – Tis’ the season to cocktail! Forget about the typical spiced eggnog, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has unleashed five cocktails that will kick-start your holiday. Take a closer look at these specialty party-starting drinks designed by the mixologists at Rare 120, AGO, Johnny Smalls, Luxe Bar and Mr.Lucky’s 24/7. Available Nov. 24 û Dec. 28. Click to full story for recipes:

MGM Resorts Receive 28 Prestigious AAA Four And Five Diamond Awards – Ten Resorts And 18 Restaurants Honored With AAA Four And Five Diamond Awards – MGM Resorts International received 28 esteemed AAA Four and Five Diamond Awards for its resorts and restaurants, solidifying its position among the world’s most elite. The company received seven prestigious AAA Five Diamond Awards including two resorts at CityCenter which opened their doors less than a year ago.

Miss America To Celebrate 90th Anniversary Milestone From Las Vegas Jan. 15, 2011 With Live Telecast On ABC – When Miss America returns to the stage in Las Vegas on Jan. 15 with its live broadcast on ABC, it will mark the 90th anniversary, as well as make the American institution the fourth longest running live event in television history. To commemorate this pivotal milestone, below are 90 interesting past and present facts about Miss America’s rich history:

Blue Man Group Las Vegas Special Holiday Performance Schedule and Pricing – Blue Man Group will implement special holiday pricing for all shows from Dec. 20 through Jan. 1. During this time, Blue Man Group will also return to its holiday show schedule with three shows nightly. Wildly popular around the world, Blue Man Group defies simple description. A musical feast? Yes. A rollercoaster of comedy? Absolutely. A stunning mix of technology and raw imagination? You bet. Nobody describes it the same, but everyone agrees û it’s a must-see.

Tommy Bahama’s Las Vegas Restaurant & Bar At Town Square Unveils Special Holiday Rum Pairing Menu – Originating in the tropics of the Caribbean, rum has a rich history as a cultural symbol of the island lifestyle. Home to the city’s largest rum collection, Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar at Town Square is offering its unique menu with an island spin throughout this festive holiday season found only in Las Vegas.

December Marks Five Years, More Expansion For Las Vegas’ South Point With $2 Drinks, More – South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas will celebrate its five year anniversary on December 22nd. The month will be highlighted by $2 Drinks, an anniversary celebration and opening of the newest Las Vegas dining establishment Steak ‘n Shake.

Miracle Mile Las Vegas Las Vegas Holiday Tweetup – Enjoy the latest in holiday party fashions, free appetizers & cocktails and fabulous giveaways including a grand prize package.

La Cave Wine And Food (Tapas) Hideaway Opens At Wynn Las Vegas – This December, Steve Wynn and restaurant impresario Michael Morton open La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway, nestled inside Wynn Las Vegas.

Maverick Grand Canyon Western Territory TourMaverick Grand Canyon Western Territory Tour û Fly in a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft to this amazing wonder and land at Grand Canyon West as you enjoy spectacular views along Eagle Point. Receive a brief introduction to the Hualapai Indian legends and culture at the Indian Village, and then proceed to Guano Point, where you’ll observe a breathtaking view of the canyon.

Click To Book Maverick Grand Canyon Western Territory Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I have been going to Vegas since 2006, went this past November for my 12th visit, my first being January 2006. I tell everyone how awesome a city Vegas is. And those who have visited or even visited with me have all agreed, it is an awesome place.

My co-worker and I went as she has not been ever, we stayed at NYNY, the hotels really like to nickel & dime you with resort fees now. When I stayed at NYNY in January 2010, the resort fee was $9.95, now it is $12.95 when I just stayed there. The 6 nights, Wed-Tue, cost $460 total with fees and tax, not bad. I guess because people want to go to Vegas, the hotels know we will all pay no matter what the price. But it is a bit misleading when the resort fees are told at check out online, that you pay it when checking out at the hotel.

With airfare from Toronto being almost $500 return now because US Airways no longer does direct flights and so Air Canada and WestJet have raised the fares almost $200 since last year when US Airways flew direct from Toronto, I have to scale back to one trip a year, maybe two. I always have gone 2-3 times since 2006. But traveling solo most of the trips, $900 approx. cost for 4-5 nights with airfare is high and leaves me with little spending money. No point in going if you are not going to spend any money. But I will say Vegas is the best place ever, I do miss it and will miss going frequently.

I may go for my birthday in late January solo as a treat to myself, but then will have to wait until 2012 to go because of the cost. But 12 trips in 5 years is alot lol.

John from Toronto

Ted Responds:

The resort fees continue to be very controversial, and I personally feel they discourage visitors from spending money. It used to be that the hotels made you feel so great about the bargain price of a room and food that you practically couldn’t wait to start tossing your money back at them in the casino. I know that when I’ve been on vacation and get up-charged (or feel I’m getting gouged), I’m not so free with my money at the hotel. I’ll go to off-site dining when I normally would have enjoyed the hotel dining room or even ordered room service. I’ll head to the local grocery store and stock up on some food (which very few used to ever do on a Las Vegas vacation, but is now almost becoming the norm — witness all the people dragging coolers towards their rooms).

The hotel number-crunchers simply cite the bad economy for visitors being tighter with their money. And no question, the higher airfares (which no one in Las Vegas can do anything about) are cutting into everyone’s vacation budget. But they need to quit overlooking the fact that ill-will tightens people’s wallets. We want to feel good about the company we are giving our money to. Feel like they are giving us an even shake.

Something many of our readers have been doing for quite some time is coming less often, but staying longer. You amortize the same airfare over more days, which cuts down the per-day cost. For example, if you come twice a year for 4 days each visit, you total 8 days of hotel room costs and two separate round-trip airfares. Staying for one stretch of 8 days will cost around the same for your rooms, but you’ll only be paying for one round-trip ticket per person.

But Ted… 8 days in Vegas will kill me! Um… not if you do it right:

Party hard for the first couple of days, then mellow for a couple. You know all that stuff that you keep goingá…one of these visits, I want to See Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, rent a car and check out the local’s casinos, spend more time downtown, day trip to Laughlin, visit some of the great restaurants that are slightly off-strip, hit the outlet mall/rides/golf at Primm, check out the afternoon shows, see CSI Experience or Bodies, take significant other on Venetian gondola ride (I could go on just about forever) and simply never get around to? Now you’ll have the time.

After a couple mellow days, crank up the party/gaming action again for a day or two, then a mellow day. Run hard your last day to get your final shot of Vegas adrenaline and sleep on the flight home.

Thanks for the great comments!

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

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 1, 2010

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
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Winter fiercely rolled in during Thanksgiving weekend. Highs were in the 40’s (F) and lows at freezing or below. NOT funny. Give me 100 degrees and I’m great. Freezing? You can have it. Fortunately, temps are back in the low 60’s with plenty of sunshine. For the record, the average high in both Dec. and Jan. is 57. Dress appropriately.

Appreciate All The Input – Last issue, I asked for input on what you’d like to see from us in 2011. I replied to all who wrote! I’m happy to report that many of the suggestions are already on the drawing board. In addition, some great ideas we really hadn’t considered were floated by various readers and we’re giving them strong consideration.

We had some constructive criticism, which was also valued. In some cases, I simply had to write back and note that we are a very small outfit. We are not owned by a newspaper company (as is the largest Las Vegas website). We get exactly $0.00 per year from the Convention and Visitors Authority. We are 100% independent. Which is how I like it, but doesn’t leave us with ultra-deep pockets to do everything we’d like.

A number of people noted/complained that we sometimes send a reduced issue when I’m 1. Training someone 2. Under the weather or 3. Taking a scheduled vacation. There is only so much of me to go around. I’ll tell you what: I’ll gladly refund your subscription price if you are one of the concerned.

The Biggest News That No One Is Talking About – Happens to be the Zappos.com takeover of Las Vegas City Hall for their corporate headquarters. Why have I yet to see even one major Las Vegas blog talk about the impact? When, what… who cares? You should! Read (and feel free to comment) on my latest blog post:

Zappos.com Moves Downtown Las Vegas, Major Boost Seen For Fremont Street Experience Area

Streamline Towers Now To Rent – Just days before the Zappos announcement and apparently unrelated (as the Zappos news was the best kept secret in town) came word that the Streamline condos — located just a couple blocks north of City Hall and one block from Fremont Street (click for Google street view) — will be turning the units into rentals until the economy improves. Prices are very reasonable considering the location and amenities:

Rent starts at $1000 a month for 847 sq. ft. When you consider that in 2006-2008 was paying $1040 a month for an upscale 950 sq. ft. apartment in an otherwise lousy location on the South Strip (Amalfi at Wigwam and Parvin — do not rent there, lousy management), this doesn’t look like a bad deal. I’d consider it myself but I’m simply still renting until I find what I’m looking for in a house near downtown. You guys can have Summerlin, Aliante, and Green Valley. Give me Vintage Vegas!

Inching Up Again – Visitor numbers for the long Thanksgiving weekend were up 3% from last year. Continued small but positive signs in Las Vegas bouncing back as a travel destination. However, don’t get confused and assume that tourist numbers mean an uptick in the local economy:

50,000 Still To Go – Southern Nevada’s population loss isn’t over yet. With no new construction on the horizon (and as I’ve predicted many times), officials are now projecting a loss of 50k people from our area over the next year. This will have a domino affect of keeping home prices extremely depressed throughout all of 2011.

For example, you can get aádecent 2 bed/2 bath condo in a very respectable neighborhood (I used to have a house in that general area in the early 2000’s) about 7 minutes from The Strip and close toáshopping for $35,000 (listing site). This condo sold for $144,000 in 2007 and hasn’t been valued this low in the past decade. 2011 is going to be a good year to buy if you plan to hold the property for some time.
Disclaimer: I’m simply using this condo as an example. I have no connection to it.

What Happens In Vegas: Bachelorette Party Video – Las Vegas is releasing a new set of the “What Happens Here…” ads focusing on playing someone you aren’t. The fact that in Las Vegas, you can pretend to be whoever you want to be. What are your thoughts? Does this inspire you to visit Las Vegas? Do you think these ads help bring visitors to town? Click to watch What Happens In Vegas – Bachelorette Party Video and post your comments below it.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Delta Air Lines

“Legends In Concert” Brings Holiday Cheer To Harrah’s Las Vegas – Celebrity Tribute Spectacular Presents Holiday Version Of Popular Show Through Dec. 26 – The world’s longest running celebrity tribute show, “Legends in Concert” will bring the spirit of the season to the Strip, with the return of the holiday version of the dazzling production starting Nov. 26 at Harrah’s Las Vegas. The seasonal version of the 90-minute spectacular will showcase superstar impersonators of past and present, singing the chart-topping hits that launched their celebrity characters into superstardom, as well as a heart-warming Christmas classic.

Rockhouse Las Vegas… I Really, Really Love This Bar! – Rockhouse Rocks The Rodeo December 2-11 – As the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) hits the Strip, Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub will have every cowboy in Vegas saying “I really, really love this bar!” The ultra-dive bar will rock the rodeo, welcoming cowboys and NFR fans Thursday, December 2, through Sunday, December 11, for viewing parties, drink specials and a whole lot of rodeo fun.

A Very Terry Christmas At The Mirage Las Vegas Through December 25 – Join Terry Fator as he celebrates the 2010 holiday season at The Mirage with A Very Terry Christmas. In addition to his current show Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert, Fator will complement his routine with fun-filled celebrity singing impressions, unparalleled ventriloquism and 10-12 popular holiday tunes. Backed by a sizzling live band, Fator brings to life his puppet co-stars where some of them will be dressed in their own holiday garb including Winston the Impersonating Turtle, the lovable Emma Taylor, Vikki “The Cougar” and Wrex the Crash Test Dummy.

Biggest Las Vegas Gift of Lights Display Ever – 10th Annual The Gift of Lights presented by US Bank, a holiday drive-thru spectacular at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The biggest and brightest Gift of Lights ever! All LED displays.

Click For Las Vegas Gift Of Lights Info

Celebrate Christmas Deliciously At Beso Steakhouse Las Vegas – Beso steakhouse, Eva Longoria Parker’s signature restaurant at Crystals in CityCenter Las Vegas, invites guests to enjoy a delicious holiday menu this Christmas. On December 25, guests will enjoy a delectable three-course dinner from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Christmas menu begins with a fresh Spinach Salad topped with shaved cremini mushroom, truffle deviled egg and a warm bacon dressing. The main course is a Prime Rib Roast complemented by horseradish popover, crawfish salad and mushroom gratin. For dessert, guests will delight in an Apple and Pear Galette, topped with cinnamon ice cream, calvados caramel and amaretto anglaise.

The One Group Arrives On The Las Vegas Strip With Its Popular STK Restaurant At The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas – New York-based The ONE Group seduces the city by bringing its edgy steakhouse, STK, to the Las Vegas strip this December. With siblings in Los Angeles and Miami as well, STK Las Vegas arrives December 15, 2010, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with its high-energy and sexy vibe. The ONE Group has also named Stephen Hopcraft (Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ and Food Network’s ‘Chefs vs. City’) as executive chef.

Grand Canyon North Rim Bar 10 Deluxe Air and Ground TourGrand Canyon North Rim Bar 10 Deluxe Air and Ground Tour û Enjoy an airplane flight to the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon for a day on a real working ranch. Fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam en route to the North Rim. A hearty western-style lunch at the ranch is included.

Click To Book Grand Canyon North Rim Bar 10 Deluxe Air and Ground Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We are visiting Las Vegas in November 2011 for our 40th anniversary. When will the show schedules come out?? I want to book everything ahead of time to be sure we get the best seats for all the shows we want to see. We try to come to Vegas every 2 years, so we have seen some of the big shows…O…Celine…Cher…Mamma Mia…Phantom… Sigfried & Roy….Lance Burton…just to mane a few. We also took a helicopter and pontoon ride to the Grand Canyon

Our list includes this year includes….: Jersey Boys…Barry Manilow…Terry Fator…KA..some afternoon shows….Popovick Pets….The Price is Right…..Mac King…Nathan Burton We want to stay downtown at the Golden Nugget…anniversary dinner at the Stratosphere.

Any other suggestions???

Jane Teal

Ted Responds:

Congrats on the anniversary. Great way to celebrate a big milestone like that!

Many shows have NO WAY of knowing if they will be around 6 months from now, let alone over a year out. Lion King (a proud advertiser of this newsletter and a show that we’ve received 100% positive feedback about) IS playing through the end of 2011 before wrapping things up. I believe Jersey Boys has a pretty long-term deal in place. So, you may be able to get those tickets well in advance (and the earlier, the better seats).

A note to everyone: Please do book tickets for our advertised shows (see along the sidebar) by clicking on those ads. Some offer a discount, all go to the official site of the shows, and the credit we get for the booking is how they decide if they keep advertising (which keeps the newsletter complimentary).

For the rest of the shows,áI’d suggest visiting our Tickets.AccessVegas.com link it every couple of weeks and entering your dates until you see stuff start to pop up. Some shows may have tickets 6 months (or more) in advance. Others might only offer them 2-3 months out. Check back regularly and you’ll be one of the first to grab tickets.

Skip the Strat for dinner. View is nice, but service not so good, food average. If you want a very special dinner with a view, do Alize at Palms instead. Long-time renowned áLas Vegas chef/owner Andre Rochat takes both food and service very seriously. If Strat is important for some reason, go up there for drinks at sunset then over to your Alize reservation.

Hope this helps. Thanks for reading and please tell your friends to subscribe!

First off.. I forget how I came across your newsletter, but am I ever thankful that I have. I have been to Vegas countless times and stayed almost every hotel (like to experience it all each time).

In 2011 û Fat Tuesday and my birthday are on the same day; and trying to convince my friends to make this year is one for sure to enjoy for sure. I remember HarrahÆs having a New Orleans theme to it; and Rio having a Brazilian theme (Carnival) but û where else is a good place for beads, fun and stuff? I know its not until March but in order to plan û we have to ask in January for preferred time off times and this would be my chance to get even more to join me.

Thanks for your newsletter, I do read all the content, and hope youÆve fully recovered from that nasty flu that went around (I was one of the first ones to catch that).

Best regards,

Cole

Ted Responds:

You would think that the town would really play it up. The don’t. Last year, we went to Carnival Court and checked out other Strip venues. Nothing.

Downtown did have Cajun bands and similar. We tossed beads off the balcony at Fitz (and yes, some women went a little wild for them). But it wasn’t anything close to a New Orleans type celebration.

I’m going to put the word out early in hopes that some properties will get on board. Harrah’s Corporation Caesars Entertainment especially (and I know they are reading) has thrown parties for different events like Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Jimmy Buffett concert day and similar. You can view their 2010 Cinco de Mayo event video here: Cinco De Mayo Video: Las Vegas Strip 2010 Party, Music, Fun, and Food

They really need to do something the Saturday before Fat Tuesday and then again do something special for Fat Tuesday (March 8, 2011). If they get the word out early, they’d have a nice crowd.

I wish that I could tell you better news, especially since it will be your birthday. Finally bounced back from the flu… thanks for asking. I heard from many readers across the U.S. that were hit with it also. Just needed some good rest!

We have recently moved to Vegas and your news letter has been an excellent source of information, both before and after our move.

Our family of five is looking forward to our first Vegas New Years Eve. However two of our group are under 21. can you suggest some activities they would enjoy. They are 20 and 18, not kids but not old enough for cocktails either. Keep up the good work!

Terry Kassof

Ted Responds:

Fireworks. Fireworks. Fireworks. Fireworks. Fireworks.

They are free and your kids are above curfew age. As a veteran of many celebrations, we’ll have tips on where to park and best (but least crowded) places to watch them once they announce all the details. Stay subscribed!

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

Las Vegas Tours

Soar into the sky with Maverick Airlines - Click Here For More Details

Canyon Dream - Airplane, Helicopter and on Foot Grand Canyon Tour - Click Here

Las Vegas Gambling Tips

Gambling

Visit World Famous Gaming Writer Victor H. Royer’s
Casino Gambling Articles