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Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 23, 2010
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.
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Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! Holy cow and my-oh-my (to use family friendly phrases)… is Las Vegas ever packed and jumping. The scares regarding Mexican travel have helped push an extra-large spring break crowd our way. Add March Madness to that and people are partying like it is 2005.
And… we’d have some video of the above. But it is in the middle of an 11 hour YouTube upload. So, we’ll have that next week.
ACE Service In Operation! – I was surprised at the significant number of emails that came in here about the new express ACE bus service to downtown. So on a beautiful, sunny day this past week, we actually drove the route.
The ACE has designated lanes throughout much of downtown. Although it will mingle with traffic on The Strip, it makes only a handful of stops and thus should provide a much quicker trip. As noted, The Deuce no longer goes downtown. If you stay aboard northbound, you’ll get an enjoyable trip over to Palace Station instead. Granted, Palace Station is similar to most of the downtown hotel casinos. But… it certainly isn’t downtown.
Note: the 5’th Avenue Liquor Sign (pictures here above the Ace stop) is one of the many historic Las Vegas signs being refurbashed and put on display as public art throughout the downtown area. The Neon Boneyard is under renovation and will becomse a public park/display serving the same purpose. More on this in a future issue.
Yes, you can transfer from The Deuce to The Ace (or visa-versa). Same bus company. However, NOT the same company that owns the monorail so no transfers there. Our tip? Both buses share stops along The Strip. Make the transfer over to the ACE (from Deuce) as quickly as possible to save the most travel time. Routes, pricing and other details available at Las Vegas New ACE Bus Service Strip-to-Downtown Pictures and Info
Las Vegas Podcasts – No, me doing one is not yet on the radar. Maybe down the road as I transfer some of my duties to new staffers we are looking to bring on. In the meantime, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with the people behind a couple of other very informative Las Vegas podcasts you may want to check out:
- The Vegas Tourist – Mark and Sazzy take you on a wild ride through everything Las Vegas. Mark is a professional tour guide and Sazzy is a member of the paparazzi (shooting red carpet events regularly) and these two can tell you what is going on in their own inimitable way.áMight take a couple episodes to get familiar with all the cast of characters so just hang tight. They have interviewed people ranging from casino owners to high profile (and now retired) mobsters to famous race car drivers and more. Both are originally from Minnesota and bring their Midwest twist to this fun, home-grown show.
- Living In Las Vegas – Scott and Melissa Whitney escaped Silicon Valley about six years ago have have not looked back. On their second marriage and with college-aged kids, they live in the Las Vegas suburb of Aliante. Scott owns Podworx (check them out if you need to be doing audio or video streaming for your company or group) and Melissa is an Human Resources expert who has worked for major hotel casino companies here. You’ll learn the good, bad, funny, and amusing of what it is like to call Las Vegas your home. Topics range from their “Staycations” on The Strip to their lives and neighborhood issues. Basically, the ability to follow a couple as they live in Las Vegas.
BTW, there are a number of other great Las Vegas podcasts and I’m in the process of reaching out to the people who do them to maybe have a bite or libation together and we’ll look to feature them down the road.
Anybody Remember These Things? – This is an old school video poker machine. No bill acceptors. It takes in (and spits out) real quarters. These particular ancient models were on their way out when I moved here in 1993. The Plaza still had a few up through the late 90’s and I’d get a kick out of buying a roll of quarters and feeding the machine one-quarter-at-a-time. Old school, nearly full pay 9/6 Jacks or better. None of the new, rip-off triple-double-mega-
bonus-whatever.
So why am I bringing this up? I took this photo last week. The machine (and a number of it’s siblings) are fully functional and running at the (still relatively new) Cannery East on Boulder Highway. They have an entire section of functioning, retro machines! Getting to The Cannery is actually pretty easy. Catch the free shuttle from The Strip to Sam’s Town (call Sam’s Town for current operational times) then take the 1/2 mile walk or quick cab ride down the street to Cannery.
Yuma, Redding, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tuscon – Florida may call itself the Sunshine State, but if you really want some sunshine, the cities just listed are the top 5 cities based on percentage of annual sunshine. Reno came in at #8. Florida’s highest ranking cities? Key West was #12 and Miami was #27. Now… please, no hate mail from Florida. I enjoy visiting the state and you have something we don’t: Beaches! You can see the complete list of cities here.
Claim Your Baggage, And Your Liquor! – Serious consideration is being given to putting a liquor store in the baggage claim area at Las Vegas’ McCarran Airport. Savvy travelers already have their cab stop at a liquor store on the way to their hotel, and the airport (operated by the county) could use the revenue to keep the costs to the airlines low. One of the reasons that Las Vegas is one of the more affordable places to fly into is that everything is done to keep the local ticket surcharges and airline fees low so the savings is passed on to you.
Another thing we’re seeing more and more of are people buying cheap disposable styrofoam ice chests when they arrive and buying a couple cases of beer to fill them. Add ice from the hallway ice machine, and you have instant in-room refrigeration. On a similar note: Price of a Heineken at Wynn/Encore? $7 dollar. Price at Sam Boyd’s Fremont Hotel downtown? $2 dollars.
R.I.P. Lee Pete – Who the hell is Lee Pete? Only probably the most legendary sports radio guy to ever hit the Las Vegas airwaves. If you live in one of the 11 western states where 720 AM KDWN can be heard overnight and were flipping around the dial in the 80’s and 90’s, you probably caught his show at one time or another.
One of his major sponsors locally was the Four Aces Menswear Shop downtown. They advertised Florsheim shoes and every color of Sansabelt slacks available in sizes up to 60. (I’m not making any of this up). I’ve never owned Florsheims or Sansabelts, but loved listening to Lee, both when I live in Portland, Oregon (where KDWN comes in great at night), and after moving here. He hung up the mic at the age of 76 and passed at 85 after suffering from ALS the past few years. Rarely without a cigar or an fascinating (and colorful but true) story, one of his favorite quotes was “Nothing scares me. I’ve been married twice”. Lee was a part of old Vegas and will be missed.
Enjoy This Issue!
Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs
Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:
Las Vegas Show Reviews
Frank Caliendo: Impressionist Master
Only in Las Vegas might one find a gathering of politicians, celebrities, icons and even puppets together on one stageàin this case, all these personalities are voiced by a lone performer. Popular comedian and “MadTV” alum Frank Caliendo headlines at the Monte Carlo, presenting his much celebrated and beloved impressions of stars and celebs including John Madden, Dr. Phil, George W. Bush and Al Pacino. Boasting some of the StripÆs most comfortable accommodations, including legroom aplenty, the Lance Burton Theatre houses the impressionistÆs show from Thursday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m., as well as Sunday and Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Entering the theatre, guests may purchase cocktails from a handsome bar just outside the showroom. Once the audience is settled in the grand theatre, a live band performs rock classics and campy TV theme songs, warming up the eager audience. The band also occasionally accompanies Caliendo during the show. Next, comedian George Cantor provides the opening act prior to CaliendoÆs anticipated appearance.
Dennis Miller Returns To The Orleans Showroom Las Vegas – Following multiple successful engagements in The Orleans Showroom in 2009, five-time Emmy Award winner and crowd favorite Dennis Miller brings his hilarious stand-up routine back to venue, April 16, 17 and 18. Celebrated as a witty comedian with an entertaining and intriguing stand-up routine, Miller keeps audiences laughing with his irreverent observations.
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Click to read full Dennis Miller Returns To The Orleans Showroom story.
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Dennis Miller Las Vegas Tickets
Caesars Palace Las Vegas Debuts Eight Stunning New Pool Experiences For World-Renowned “Garden Of The Gods” – Five-Acre Oasis Creates New Destination for Sun-Worshippers, Gods and Goddesses. With the famed Las Vegas pool season about to heat-up into full swing, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is ready to take the summer crown with the inspired new Garden of the Gods pool oasis, which makes its grand debut on Friday, March 19.
Note: Link below contains streaming video of Caesars and the Garden Of The Gods new pool experiences. Check it out:
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Click to read full Caesars Palace Debuts Eight Stunning New Pool Experiences story.
Bellagio Establishes New Record As Home To The Most Master Sommeliers In The World – Bellagio is proud to announce the appointment of Darius Allyn, a distinguished member of the Court of Master Sommeliers, to the position of Sommelier for Osterio de Circo and Sensi. Allyn becomes the fourth on the already impressive team of Master Sommeliers, joining Joseph Phillips of MICHAEL MINA, Robert Smith of Picasso and Director of Wine Jason Smith. This honor further validates Bellagio’s commitment to excellence and establishes it as the only hotel in the world with four Master Sommeliers at a single property.
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Click to read full Bellagio Has The Most Master Sommeliers In The World story.
Rhumbar Offers Signature Mojito And Premium Montecristo Cigar Pairing – RHUMBAR, the stylish cocktail lounge at The Mirage, has paired two of its signature specialties û hand-muddled libations and fine cigars û and made them available in one enticing offer. Throughout the month of March, cocktail lovers and cigar aficionados will enjoy RHUMBAR’s signature mojito paired with a premium Montecristo cigar, available for just $20 through the end of March 2010. “The mint mojito is an ideal complement to the medium-bodied Montecristo cigar,” said Michael Frey, owner of RHUMBAR. “The smooth, creamy texture of the tobacco counterbalances the tartness of the lime and sweetness of the rock candy syrup for a well rounded pairing.”
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Click to read full Rhumbar Offers Signature Mojito And Premium Montecristo Cigar Pairing story.
Giada De Laurentiis Visits Miracle Mile Shops To Sign Copies of Giada at Home – Bestselling author and Food Network star, Giada De Laurentiis, will personalize her new cookbook Giada at Home: Family Recipes from Italy and California and greet fans at Sur La Table inside Miracle Mile Shops Monday, April 5 at 5 p.m. Fans must have a ticket to gain access to the cookbook signing and meet and greet. Tickets can be obtained by purchasing a copy of Giada at Home: Family Recipes from Italy and California at Sur La Table’s Miracle Mile Shops location any time between now and April 5.
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Click to read full Giada De Laurentiis Visits Miracle Mile Shops story.
‘The Ultimate Tribiute To Sir Elton John & Billy Joel’ Opens At Las Vegas Rocks CafÚ’s Embassy Theatre – “The Ultimate Tribute to Sir Elton John & Billy Joel” starring veteran tribute artists Jeffrey Allen and Michael John will open for a limited engagement at the Las Vegas Rocks CafÚ’s Embassy Theatre on Thursday, March 25, 2010. They will headline on Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 9 p.m. Jeffrey Allen and Michael John have joined forces to create a highly successful show that has audiences raving. Just like the original tour, each artist performs a solo set with a killer five-to-six piece rock ‘n’ roll band, and then culminate the show with a face-to-face set featuring both of them playing together on two pianos and trading off lyrics on each song they perform.
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Click to read full ‘The Ultimate Tribiute To Sir Elton John & Billy Joel’ Opens At Las Vegas Rocks CafÚ’s Embassy Theatre story.
Jackson Browne With Special Guest David Lindley At Hard Rock Las Vegas – Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will take to the road this summer with his band and longtime friend and musical co-conspirator David Lindley. Comprising dates in the U.S. and Europe, the Jackson Browne with David Lindley Tour follows the May 11 release of Love Is Strange (Inside Recordings), a 2-CD live set capturing a tour of Spain that Browne and Lindley did in 2006. Stateside, the Jackson Browne with David Lindley Tour gets underway July 20 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
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Click to read full Jackson Browne At Hard Rock Las Vegas story.
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Jackson Browne Las Vegas Tickets
Sexy Sirens Of TI Sizzle Into Summer Season At Treasure Island Las Vegas – Treasure Island changed the schedule for its popular Sirens of TI show, which appears nightly in Sirens Cove near the casino’s entrance. The Sirens of TI features a clash between mesmerizing Sirens and their rebel pirate prey, transforming a 17th century story with a 21st century twist of song, dance, seduction and danger. New schedule in link below.
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Click to read full Sexy Sirens Of TI Sizzle Into Summer Season At Treasure Island Las Vegas story.
Carole King And James Taylor ‘Troubadour Reunion’ Tour Comes To Las Vegas – Iconic recording artists Carole King and James Taylor announced additional North American dates for the highly anticipated “Troubadour Reunion” tour which features a stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, July 17. This once-in-a-lifetime, intimate, in-the-round performance will bring two of the most beloved singer/songwriters together on tour for the first time in four decades.
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Click to read full ‘Troubadour Reunion’ Tour Comes To Las Vegas story.
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Carole King James Taylor Las Vegas Tickets
Actor and comedian, Martin Lawrence was at Rain Nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort Friday night (3.19.10) with 15 of his friends. Sitting at a table on stage next to the DJ, they drank Kettle One with Red Bull. Later that evening a Playboy Bunny presented Lawrence with a coveted Playboy Club key. Photo Credit Sean O’Neil
Cool Off This Summer At Miracle Mile Shops With A Frozen Treat From Red Mango – Red Mango, a pioneer in all-natural frozen yogurt, is now open inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Red Mango frozen yogurt is all-natural, nonfat, gluten-free and freshly delivered to each store. Red Mango combines tantalizing flavors such as Original, Pomegranate and Tangomonium with fresh and delicious toppings including mango, banana, raspberries, granola, mochi, almonds and more to create a nutritious dessert. Perfect for any time of day, the Miracle Mile Shops location offers frozen yogurt, fruit parfaits, smoothies, iced teas and more.
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Click to read full A Frozen Treat From Red Mango story.
Gambling Talk: Video Slots – Carnival of Mystery – with Victor H. Royer. As promised, in this issue û and the following issues û I will now write a little more about some of the favorite slots that my readers have told me they like to play, and later also show you some of the great new slots that are about to be released. In this issue, I present: Carnival of Mystery video slot machine from IGT.
This is the fascinating Carnival of Mystery video slot machine from IGT, presented in the Game King Upright 19″ video cabinet. Click to Read Complete Article…
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
Just got back to NY after spending a wonderful week with the wifey in your town! This was her first time and she hit for $1000.00 bucks on that BIG slot machine in the Nugget by Fremont St! What a thrill for her! Was comped at the Palazzo and Sahara for a total of 8 days! Palazzo was awesome. Standard rooms (mini-suites) are drop-dead gorgeous!
The Sahara on the other hand needs to renovate badly! I realize I’m talking apples and oranges here but it really does need a little updating! My only real gripe is the extravagant add-on costs of renting a car at the airport. With all the misc. taxes and fees, the cost of the weekly rental is actually DOUBLED by the time it is added up! Keep up the good work!
Ruben & Kathy from Chester, NY
Ted Responds:
You certainly got to see both ends of the spectrum: One of the nicest places in town, and one of the more moderately priced hotels.
The owner of The Sahara still has big plans to make it really nice. But… those will wait until better economic times.
I agree that the high airport rental car taxes leave a very bad taste in people’s mouth. So much of the room taxes are basically wasted, that if rental car taxes were lowered and room taxes were used more effectively, it would be a win-win for all. We’ll keep fighting the good fight for all our visitors.
Great to hear about the huge win. Even more fun on those big machines because there are usually people standing around watching you play!
You have a wonderful and informative newsletter. I used to drive longhaul truck and would get through Vegas every couple of months. I got off the road about a year before Star Trek the Experience closed. I used to stop there every time I was in town. Any word on when or if it really is going to reopen at Neonopolis?? Thank you for your time
Robert D.
Ted Responds:
No new word as of yet. And no real word on why it didn’t open. We’ll let you know if we ever find out anything. However (while I’m at it), those who keep asking about the Lady Luck will be pleased to know that plans should be coming before the city within the next couple of months. What morons they were to close that place down. Hopefully, it will be back in some semblance of what it was.
Great to keep up with the news from Vegas each week looking forward to my next visit in May. Have I read the new buses correctly? as the new bus service on the Ace seems to make the strip journey worse if you are staying at the north end.
For instance we stay at Circus and to get to Fremont or the Outlets we will now have to travel down to Fashion Show on the Deuce and cross over to the Wynn to pick up the Ace and then travel back up. And again if we visit the Outlets South we will have to get off the Deuce at Mandalay and transfer to the Ace. Will this not cause a bottleneck at both transfer points?? The old route long as it was seems so much simpler to me. Get on/off at Circus and on/off at Riviera.
Karen from Jersey
Ted Responds:
Travel from Circus and Riviera will now involve a transfer if you want to go downtown or south of Mandalay. We advise the following:
1. Spend the few bucks on a cab to get you to the nearest Ace stop. The Sahara for northbound (Ace stops behind the Sahara across from the monorail stop), Fashion Show Mall for southbound.
2. If you get on The Deuce first, transfer to the Ace ASAP. For example southbound, take the Deuce to the Fashion Show mall then switch to the Ace if going all the way to the Belz Outlet Mall down on the south strip. On your return trip, take the Ace all the way to Wynn then transfer back to Deuce.
People will be transferring at any number of stops. And… by the time the Ace hits Mandalay Bay, it will be empty enough that there won’t be any issues.
Because the Ace will save so much time as an express route, it was really needed. The problem with the Deuce is that it was incredibly slow. So… now we have a local (Deuce) and express (Ace).
First of I would to thank you for the great job you do letting the world know all the goings on in Las Vegas. My wife and myself have been coming to Vegas 2-3 times a year since 2000. Never have we had a bad time. There never seems to be enough time in the day when we are in Vegas. In Vegas there is always something new to see and do. Whether itÆs a new hotel, show or dining you canÆt go wrong here.
I here some people complaining about the treatment. Well I am from New York and everyone has an bad day. We have never encountered any bad treatment in Vegas. If you canÆt just smile kick back enjoy this town with all it has to offer then your in the wrong town.
Thank you,
Mr. & Mrs. V
Ted Responds:
Thanks for putting things in perspective. Customer service issues have come to the forefront as hotels have cut staff due to the economy. But all-in-all, I’ve found that if you treat the help nicely (and a nominal tip here and there when deserved doesn’t hurt), service here is still pretty darn good when compared to some other areas.
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!
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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events
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Doo-Wopp Hall Of Fame Of America« Making Exclusive Vegas Premiere At The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino
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Las Vegas’ Favorite Patio Tailgate Party Is Back For More Rhumbar To Host Basketball Tailgate Parties On The Patio Beginning March 18
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Make A Fashion Statement This Spring With 10 Tips From Miracle Mile Shops
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Fourth Annual Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament Benefitting Nevada SPCA
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Styx & Foreigner Co-Headline With Special Guest Kansas At Mandalay Bay Las Vegas
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Pamper Yourself At Color Las Vegas û A Salon By Michael Boychuck
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Revitalize Your Spirit This Spring At Qua Baths & Spa And Color Salon At Caesars Palace
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Las Vegas Chef Rick Moonen Scores Culinary Trifecta With Restaurant, James Beard, And Bravo’s Top Chef Masters
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The Village Lake Las Vegas Wine Walk For Local Charity
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Celebrate Easter Sunday with Buffet Specials At All Coast Casinos
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Henderson Symphony Orchestra Features Free Concert Featuring Young Artists Competition Winners
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Matt Goss, ‘X Burlesque’ go after that late-night, old-Vegas feeling
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Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. Finally Lace Gloves Up Again April 3
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Ventriloquists Dunham, Fator reflect on shows’ popularity
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Experts Say Las Vegas Seeing Signs of a Tourism Recovery (with video)
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Survey: Las Vegas is Growing and Residents Hopeful (with video)
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CityCenter contractor expects payment from MGM
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Vegas Pool Season In Full Swing
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Vegas Airport Drops On World’s-Busiest List
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Political rally more interesting than the alternative Mexican fare at Mundo
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Prime location, quality of food, exemplary service make Triple 7 eatery popular
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Bellagio Unveils Spring ‘Wonderland’
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Red Rock Canyon Fees To Rise In May
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Las Vegas Strip resort gets new name
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When Will Vegas Rebound From Recession?
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ACE Bus Routes To Speed Up Vegas Commute
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Gloria, Emilio Estefan To Get Stars on Vegas Strip
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Visitors Spending Less On Vegas Trips
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USO putting military lounge at Vegas airport
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New three-story meeting space opens downtown Las Vegas
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Report: Retail foreclosures poised to increase in ’10
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Vegas Among Cities Seeing Home Sales Surge
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Proposed maglev train loses federal funding
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Vegas ‘Mob Museum’ Exhibits Unveiled
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A chance series of events leads to a sure thing at Ethiopian eatery Cottage Cafe
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DesertXpress May Begin Construction in Months
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Motorheads fanatic and famous are down with the Count (Danny Koker)
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The poker people have voted and grumbled …
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Tiny Town of Searchlight Prepares for Tea Partiers
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McCarran’s focus on wooing international carriers paying off
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Convention centers protest plan to raise fire inspection fees
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Turnberry features amenities – Residents access private tennis courts, concierge
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Mixed-use development now called Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
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West lags rest in job recovery
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New Yorker to take the lead at LV Chamber of Commerce
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Coyote Ugly Saloon a casual place where crowd provides atmosphere
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Thousands expected at Tea Party rally in Reid’s hometown of Searchlight
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Unique building pleases its creator – Architect wanted Ruvo center to stand out in LV
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Paths often cross in Vegas show biz
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Poor economic climate dims prospects for UNLV seniors
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Rhodes developer rides again at Red Rock
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:
- Easter Sunday April 4
- Cinco de Mayo May 5
- Mother’s Day May 9
- Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
- Father’s Day June 20
- Independence Day July 4
- Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
- Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
- Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
- Jewish New Year September 9
- Halloween October 31
- Veteran’s Day November 11
- Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (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 15-17 (3 day weekend)
- Chinese/Lunar New Year February 3
- Super Bowl Sunday February 6
- Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
- Valentine’s Day February 14
- President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 19-21 (3 day weekend)
- Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
- Mardi Gras March 8
- St. Patrick’s Day March 17
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All contents copyright 2010 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication
March 23, 2010 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy
Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 17, 2010
AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe
Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999
AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:
Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
|
Featured ShowsPhotos and Wallpaper
|
Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! The great news: Spring has spung and temps have been (and will continue to be) in the 70’s. It has been NICE, pools are opening up, The Strip is crowded even on weekdays. St. Patrick’s day was out-of-control (in a good way).
Look over our Las Vegas St. Patrick’s DayáEvent List 2010 to see what you missed, and see if you need to be thinking about booking for next year. In the meantime, try this one of for size at home:
St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail At Fusion Mixology Bar – Drink name: The Height of Folly; Bar: Fusion Mixology Bar, The Palazzo Las Vegas
Ingredients:
2 oz. Bushmills Irish Whiskey
1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
¢ oz. Half n Half syrup
¢ oz. simple syrup
Garnish: “Green” white chocolate syrup swirl in glass
How to assemble cocktail: Shake and strain into Martini glass
Why Not Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday? – Given the rousing success of St. Patrick’s day, I’m completely surprised that Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday are not more actively promoted here in Las Vegas. Yes, Mardi Gras is associated with New Orleans (although it is celebrated in many Southern U.S. cities). But, Las Vegas’ forte is taking what other cities do well and putting it over the top with our own twist. New Years Eve has traditionally been linked to the New York City ball drop. We’ve blown the roof off of that one (see video of Las Vegas New Years Eve Fireworks). Super Bowl? More people come here to party and enjoy it than go to the host city. Fat Tuesday (the culmination of Mardi Gras)? Next to nothing.
We did head out for Fat Tuesday last month. First stop was Harrah’s and their Carnival Court. Carnival is “Mardi Gras” is other parts of the world. The celebration at Harrah’s? Zilch. On to downtown, where we credit the Fremont Street Experience for havingáDixieland (see above) and Zydeco bands getting the crowd in the mood. Some impromptu bead-tossing was going on from the Vue Bar at Fitzgerald’s (overlooking Fremont Street) and yes… women were doing what women do for beads. But as a whole, the celebration was poorly promoted and most of the people downtown were those who would have been there anyway.
I don’t expect the LVCVA (convention authority) to step up Mardi Gras promotion next year. We’re talking a group of people (LVCVA) who couldn’t find their posterier with both hands. However… if the Fremont Street Experience is more proactive on getting the word out earlier and if the major Strip Resorts craft some events and marketing around it, Mardi Gras 2011 in Las Vegas could easily pack the city with a memorable, festive event matching St. Patrick’s Day!
Lance Burton’s publicist provided us with this photo of Lance Burton with Siegfried and Roy at a recent Las Vegas magic gathering. While their performing days are over, it is good to see them together and Roy out-and-about in his magical circles. Lance Burton continues to be a great show every multi-visit Las Vegas tourist should enjoy. Click for Lance Burton Las Vegas Tickets.
New Bus Lines For You! – As promised, here are the links to the schedules and routes of the new bus routes serving the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street Downtown.
- The Deuce – Will continue to serve the Las Vegas Strip from The Sahara to Mandalay Bay, making all of the present Deuce stops. The Deuce actually turns west at Sahara and continues on to Palace Station. Deuce Las Vegas PDF Route/Schedule
- The Ace – New Service that will run from Las Vegas Premium Outlets downtown over to Casino Center Drive (cutting right through the middle of Fremont Street Experience) and on to The Strip. Important Note: This is a limited stop service along the Las Vegas Strip. It will make much better time than The Deuce, but beware to not overshoot your stop or you’re in for a long walk back! Ace Las Vegas PDF Route/Schedule
Both schedule changes (and new Ace service) start on March 28. I’ve read that the Ace service will be complimentary (no charge) the first week. Ace service requires ticket purchase at the bus stop (from a ticket machine) prior to boarding. Rides are $3 each or a $15 3-day pass can be bought online here.
Enjoy this issue!
Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs
Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:
Crosby, Stills & Nash – Friday, June 4 At The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – The legendary trio Crosby, Stills and Nash (CSN)ùDavid Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nashùwill tour the western United States in late spring, making a stop at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, June 4. Most recently, CSN was a featured part of the all-star tribute to Neil Young û their longtime partner in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young û at NARAS’ 2010 Person of the Year gala honoring Young that kicked off this year’s GRAMMY weekend festivities.
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Click to read full Crosby, Stills & Nash To Play The Joint story.
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Crosby, Stills & Nash Las Vegas Tickets
New Wynn Wine Bar Debuts Later 2010 – Wynn Las Vegas is proud to announce a partnership with the N9NE GroupÆs Michael Morton to open a wine bar at Wynn Las Vegas. Beginning Fall 2010, the wine bar will elevate the celebration of wine to a multi-sensory experience including food, mood and music with innovative design features. Intimate and edgy, the wine bar will feature handcrafted wines culled from the best vineyards around the world. A selection of artisanal beers, organic spirits and specialty cocktails will compliment the comprehensive wine list.
The wine bar will pair the sophistication of the wine with an accessible neighborhood hideaway to welcome the connoisseur and the novice alike. A gourmet, chef-driven menu serving house-made and artisanal charcuterie, farmhouse cheeses, hand-cut crudo, tapas Ó la plancha and bite-size desserts will also be offered. Musical inspiration will derive from rhythms from around the world including Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, Chile and Australia.
Matt Goss Live From Caesars Palace Produced By Robin Antin Debuts – Opening night of Matt Goss Live from Caesars Palace Produced by Robin Antin at The Gossy Room in Cleopatra’s Barge. Backed by a 9-piece band and sexy female dancers known as The Dirty Virgins, Goss’ new production blends original music from his “Gossy” album with classic covers influenced by the Rat Pack.
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Click to read full Matt Goss Live From Caesars Palace story.
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Matt Goss Las Vegas Tickets
Cabo Wabo Cantina Presents March Entertainment Schedule – Live Entertainment Friday, Saturday and Sundays – Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina will rock out every Friday and Saturday night with live classic rock music beginning at 9:30 p.m. The rockin’ fiesta continues on Sunday with a Mariachi brunch featuring a live Mariachi band from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and live Rockstar Karaoke beginning at 9 p.m.
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Click to read full Cabo Wabo Cantina March Entertainment story.
Barry Manilow Premieres New Show At Paris Las Vegas – Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is making music and magic at Paris Las Vegas with a new resident show. On Saturday, Manilow threw open the doors to the Paris Theatre at Paris Las Vegas with a reimagined stage show that is both more intimate and more exciting than ever before. Manilow will perform 78 shows each year for two years at Paris Las Vegas. The shows are produced by AEG Live in conjunction with Paris Las Vegas. Tickets for performances through July 18, 2010 are currently on-sale.
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Click to read full Barry Manilow Premieres New Show story.
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Barry Manilow Las Vegas Tickets
MGM Grand To Host An Evening With Sting And The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Conducted By Steven Mercurio Friday, June 18 – Live Nation announced today that Sting, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, will embark on a world tour this summer including a performance Friday, June 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Sting will perform his most celebrated songs re-imagined for symphonic arrangement while the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will be conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio. Mercurio has conducted shows for other stars including Andrea Bocelli and the late Luciano Pavarotti. The concert spectacular is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
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Click to read full MGM Grand To Host An Evening With Sting And The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra story.
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Sting Las Vegas Tickets
The First Todd English P.U.B. Now Open At Crystals At CityCenter Las Vegas – Celebrity Chef Todd English creates a modern interpretation on a traditional English pub with international draught beers and signature pub fare. Three-time James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef Todd English debuts his latest culinary eatery, Todd English P.U.B. inside Crystals, CityCenter luxury retail and entertainment district. Todd English P.U.B. (an acronym for Public Urban Bar) is a modern interpretation of an authentic English pub.
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Click to read full The First Todd English P.U.B. Now Open story.
Gambling Talk: Video Slots – Wizard of Oz – with Victor H. Royer. Along with Dorothy, and all the characters from the popular MGM Musical from 1939, Starring Judy Garland, in this video slot machine we are also invited to follow the yellow brick road to lots of pays. This game has a high hit frequency and many lines for lots of big pays.
There are 30 line with characters of Dorothy, Toto, and a three pack square with the Cowardly Lion, The Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. Also featured are Ruby Slippers, Houses, TornadoÆs, Hot Air Balloons, and of course the Wicked Witch of the West. In addition to the base game, there are also 3 different bonus rounds. Click to Read Complete Article…
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We got back yesterday and wanted to drop you a few lines. Saw David Copperfield, what a great show. Really cool that he comes out into the audience and does close up magic. He is great at what he does and surprisingly VERY funny.
BUT even better than David Copperfield was Viva Elvis at Aria in City Centre. Being a HUGE Elvis fan I was a bit skeptical of how they would portray Elvis and how the “impersonator” would be and having never seen a “Cirque” show how the acrobatics would fit in..
There is NO impersonator; Elvis is up there on a BIG screen in actual footage. The only other singers are four women that are great with some incredible voices. Whoever did the film editing is a genius û although the pictures change throughout a song the movement of his lips is ALWAYS right on cue.
The acrobatics are there but it is far more dancing/choreography numbers. There is one scene with trampolines that is absolutely unbelievable and will leave you positively amazed. After the show a reviewer from Belgium interviewed my daughter to get the take on the show from a younger generation point of view. She was thrilled to say the least.
She is already talking about our trip for next year and making plans. What a GREAT city, what a GREAT job you do. Keep up the hard work WE all so appreciate it and look forward to your newsletter each week..
Mark from Cape Cod, MA
Ted Responds:
Thanks so much for the great feedback and all the info about Viva Elvis (Cirque du Elvis Tickets). Local critics have been lukewarm to it and I have not seen it yet (had the invite, but had a conflict). BUT… the Cirque people note that it gets a standing ovation every time. So… looks like they might have a hit on their hands. And Aria has another way to get people all the way back to their hotel/casino which is a good hike from The Strip.
Love your newsletter, have been reading it for over 10 years.
I am very concerned over the way Las Vegas has lost its glitter, service is lousy, even the city buses break down often and all these construction sites vacant with no signs of any work being performed.
Someone needs to let the big shots know that a major attitude adjustment needs to be done for customers to feel like they are wanted, and casinos need to loosen up a bit on the the game payouts and give better service, otherwise it will remain bad or worse in the coming years. I will not be back and also letting all my friends and people I come in contact with that VEGAS is not a place to go for fun anymore.
G and K Smith from Fremont, CA
Ted Responds:
We’re stuck with the half-finished buildings for a while. Fortunately, most visitors just look at them and think “Oh, they are building something new there.”
Visitor volume is starting to rebound, the excitement vibe is coming back (people aren’t feeling as guilty to be here in light of the economy). With any luck, the next 2-3 years should bring improvements in customer service and resumption of construction on halted projects.
Las Vegas isn’t going anywhere. Sit it out for a while and see if you miss it or not. Try back in a couple of years. If there is one constant here, it is change. The pendulum is swinging back toward Las Vegas being the premier destination (for the money) in the U.S.
My wife and I love Vegas ! We would go 2 times a year if the plane fare wasn’t so high. We usually go one time a year but have missed a few in between. There is so much to see and do there. Went last year with 3 other couples and we were like the tour guides for them – they loved it. Please poke the airlines to make flights more affordable and you will see much more tourist there to spend money, I am sure this applies to everyone that reads this post.
Thanks,
Ray from Ellington, N.Y.
Didn’t I just read recently that the monorail (the one so far behind the casinos that you can’t even find it) is in trouble again. I always wonder… Why isn’t there an attractive, efficient easy to use elevated monorail that runs above the center of the strip from the airport to Fremont street?
Surely it would be a first rate feature in Vegas that every one would love to use. (Ever try riding the surface “Deuce” bus up the strip takes “hours”) Maybe Vegas could get the Feds to pay for it by calling it “high speed rail”.
Anyway, thanks for the nice Vegas news site.
Les from Ellicott City, MD
Ted Responds:
The monorail finally officially declared bankruptcy (which was no surprise). Cab companies (who are very, very powerful) would most likely fight any new kind of transport. Also, the monorail is a private entity and some wrangling would have to be done to get it qualified for federal funds. Having said that, with all the money in the trough for construction projects to stimulate the economy, it does seem interesting that there isn’t a bigger clamor for action.
As noted earlier in the issue, a new more express bus will be running down The Strip. Although it will still be subject to the traffic, fewer stops mean a quicker trip.
I’m with you 100%. I’ve wondered why not a big tram (the kind they have in Albuquerque and Palm Springs) running through the air high above each side of The Strip. Some way to get people around above the traffic with a great view. With the recession, traffic isn’t awful except on weekend and big conventions. But as things pick up again with the addition of new rooms, Strip traffic will be a big problem again.
I just wanted to let you know your newsletter is great. A group of six of us were in Las Vegas for the Valentine’s Day weekend. We had a great time. We stayed at The Flamingo. The staff was great. Our room was clean. But the food was not good. I would suggest to everyone going to Las Vegas to go to the Mandalay Bay and have their buffet. We went because my boyfriend read that it is the BEST buffet in Vegas and it DEFINITELY is. I can’t wait to go back.
Tara Audette
Ted Responds:
Thanks for the great report. Flamingo often gets low marks for food, although as a seafood lover, I enjoy their buffet. (Those who are not into the “from the sea” stuff should skip it).
Top three buffets in Las Vegas are arguably Wynn, Bellagio, and Planet Hollywood. Although Mandalay Bay regularly gets high marks.
Thanks for reading and make sure to tell your friends to subscribe!
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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events
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El Cortez Offers Food And Drink Specials For March 2010
Donny & Marie Return To Flamingo Las Vegas March 9 and Announce Extra April Performance Dates
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Rick Faugno Reprises Song And Dance Show Due To Popular Demand March 21 At South Point Casino
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Four Queens’ L.A. Comedy Club March Schedule
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Panevino Ristorante Hosts Veneto Wine Dinner – Strip-View, Italian Destination Restaurant Offers Five-Course Dinner Paired With Italian Wines
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March Madness Takes Over
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Southern Nevada Children First To Host “Artfully Sweet” At Mix In Las Vegas At Mandalay Bay On March 27, 2010 From 12-3pm
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Deadliest Catch Dinner At Alize
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Best-Selling Artist Jay Sean Will Get “Down” At Eve Nightclub – International Singing Sensation To Host Birthday Bash And Performance On Friday, March 26
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Fremont Street Experience Invites Sports Fans To March Hoops Central
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DJ And Percussion Become One With The Performance Of Video DJ Alpyne And Ricky Bongos At Aliante Station This St. Patrick’s Day
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Celebrate The Legendary Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. And Dean Martin March 26 Through March 28
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Todd English P.U.B. Raises Its Glass While Raising Money For The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center For Brain Health
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Las Vegas Rocks CafÚ Entertainment Lineup
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Warm Up With Cabo Wabo’s Springtime Fiesta – Spring Break Specials And Basketball Madness Events All Month Long
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Lagasse’s Stadium At The Palazzo Welcomes The “Knight-Packer College Experience”
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Harrah’s Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts Kick Off Basketball Madness With Citywide Entertainment Offerings – Las Vegas Destinations Feature a Variety of Meet-and-Greets, Signings, Viewings and “Hoops with the Stars” Hosted by Flamingo Headliner George Wallace to Celebrate NCAA Games
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Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Shane Mosley Amped Up for Battle
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Donny and Marie Osmond to return to Las Vegas show
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Energy boost pays off for ‘Divas,’ but it’s time to take some chances
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Holyfield finalizes deal for April bout in Las Vegas
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Conan O’Brien has Las Vegas in sights
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Manilow says he’s excited to bring new show to new, more intimate venue
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UNLV Targeting 20 Pricey Programs for Cuts (with video)
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Las Vegas will benefit from Travel Promotion Act (with video)
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Record Year at Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort (with video)
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Things looking up for the Las Vegas housing market (with video)
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Las Vegas ranked #2 summer destination
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The Most Dangerous Job In Vegas
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Vegas has magnetic pull on conference tourneys
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Boyd Gaming Posts Smaller 4Q Loss
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MGM Mirage CEO Optimistic About Company, Las Vegas
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Las Vegas Bowl set for Dec. 22 at Sam Boyd stadium
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Sarah Palin may happen in Vegas
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Fed Foreclosure Help By May: Is It In Time?
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Tapas fare gets another suburban shot at Town Square’s Cana
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El Chapo de Sinaloa honored with Las Vegas star
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CityCenter: Las Vegas’ big gamble
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NASCAR delivers $107 million in nongaming economic revenue
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Las Vegas’ unemployment rate jumps to 13.8%
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Travel Promotion Act could spur growth in international visitors
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Wynn Las Vegas relaunching boutique home store
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Tapas fare gets another suburban shot at Town Square’s Cana
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Pennywise or slot foolish? Casinos must decide
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Cosmopolitan nixes residences, refunds deposits
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The Coming Second Wave Of Foreclosures
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Smith Performing Arts Center achieves construction milestone
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Atlantic City rates a distant second to Las Vegas in Fairleigh Dickinson casino poll
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Skiers can find action outside Las Vegas
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Mayor proposes firing, rehiring Las Vegas employees
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Legendary moments in Strip nudity (and seminudity)
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Vegas gamble pays off for vacationing family
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Las Vegas sees 2.88 million visitors in January
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Marie Osmond warmly welcomed back to Vegas stage
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Pho takes a backseat to less popular Vietnamese selections at Chinatown’s latest gem, Bosa 1
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Governor Gibbons files for re-election
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Vegas Visitor Numbers Rebound In January
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Hundreds of Teachers Face Uncertain Job Future
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Miles from the Strip, visions of an upscale village dim (Lake Las Vegas)
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Goodman’s Plan Can’t Save City Jobs
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Mob Museum in Las Vegas Gets $220,000 Grant
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Eyes on local economic recovery focus on McCarran
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Southern Nevada’s construction industry slumps in fourth quarter
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7-Eleven seeks sites for LV expansion
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Springs Preserve planning more kid stuff as it cuts costs
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Pussycat Dolls plan to use extra lives
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Sinatra offers accessible Italian menu with enough polish to make Ol’ Blue Eyes proud
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Entertainer Matt Goss, performing at Caesars, says singing his heart out feels healing
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Casino operators’ ties to Net bet companies may undergo scrutiny
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Construction industry still suffering
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Harmony offers new collection – Lake Las Vegas home prices start at $299,000
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Turnberry Towers finishes new units
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Asking prices for Las Vegas homes fall 16 percent
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AEG Live president stands by star entertainer policy
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Future of skywriting up in the air in Las Vegas
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Frank Marino takes creative control with new Divas Las Vegas show
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Dragon Noodle Co. adds new lounge, dim sum menu
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Marie Osmond sings for her son
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Harrah’s tells Prive nightclub to pay rent or leave
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Red Rock Canyon area blossoms in spring
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Excess building inventory undermining values in valley
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Transit bosses betting ACE will draw crowd
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Salary, job outlook for Nevadans goes from bad to worse
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Turnberry Towers to lease units
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Results indicate local recovery still several months away
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NASCAR’s wieldy syringe gives economy shot in arm
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Former beauty queen opens new spa and salon at Treasure Island
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:
- Easter Sunday April 4
- Cinco de Mayo May 5
- Mother’s Day May 9
- Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
- Father’s Day June 20
- Independence Day July 4
- Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
- Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
- Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
- Jewish New Year September 9
- Halloween October 31
- Veteran’s Day November 11
- Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (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 15-17 (3 day weekend)
- Chinese/Lunar New Year February 3
- Super Bowl Sunday February 6
- Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
- Valentine’s Day February 14
- President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 19-21 (3 day weekend)
- Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
- Mardi Gras March 8
- St. Patrick’s Day March 17
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Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication
March 17, 2010 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy
Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 3, 2010
AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe
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Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! Guess we’ll call this our jackpot issue as a number of really big jackpots have been hit the past couple of weeks. Looking forward, temps will start to flirt with the 70 degree mark just as March Madness hits full swing, and many of the “daylife” pool parties are getting ready to gear up for the season. Bring it on!
Obama’s Come And Gone – The President came to town, said that he loves Las Vegas, and that he didn’t mean to slight the town. Mayor Goodman was satisfied that the stink he raised got his point across. Harry Reid was able to announce $100 million in federal funding to help Nevadans with homes in foreclosure (to combat the image that he’s not been doing anything for the state).
Ironically, Obama’s visit had originally been scheduled for the opening of CityCenter but needed to be moved due to scheduling conflicts. Although his speech took place at CityCenter, he ironically made no mention of the project. Despite the “green” LEED certification and job creation of the project (two things you think he’d be all over). Obama’s current approval ratings in Nevada? 39% favorable, 46% unfavorable.
Top 10 Famous Movie Hotels – Tripadvisor included Bellagio Las Vegas at the #2 spot on their Top 10 list based on the resorts role in OceanÆs Eleven and OceanÆs Thirteen.
$877,061 Jackpot At Hard Rock – A visitor named John (last name withheld) won $877,061 after putting $100 in a 25 cent progressive Wheel of Fortune slot machine Saturday, Feb. 27. As you might expect, he spent the rest of his visit at the Hard Rock. (Note: Win that kind of cash, and you’ll usually find yourself 100% set-up with whatever you want or need for the rest of your stay). Or course, that’s nothing compared to…
$10,422,754.08 Megabucks Jackpot – Recently won at the Reno airport by John W. Johnson of Denver (who I’m sure now has lots of “long lost” friends and relatives contacting him at this very moment). He had just deplaned, stuck $20 in the machine, and hit after only four spins. A $12 investment. Amazing. So much for the old wives tale that it always hits at new hotels. Everyone was expecting it to hit at CityCenter’s Aria!
Dropouts Down – Clark County (Las Vegas) is seeing a record low number of dropouts. In years past, students would bail school knowing that plenty of (educationally) unskilled, good wage jobs existed in the area. Oh… how things have changed. You know times are tight when your check-out girl at the mini-mart looks like she’d be making $80,000 a year serving cocktails in a better economy.
Neither Democrat Nor Republican Welcome? – Both major political parties have expressed interest in having their next presidential nominating conventions here in Las Vegas. The problem? Setup time for these conventions borders on 90 days. Space needed during that length of time has already been booked by other conventions, and even if it was available, tying it up for that period of time just isn’t a good financial move for Las Vegas or the facilities in question. However, the Tea Party Nation will be holding a national convention here in July. Details: Second Tea Party Convention Planned for Vegas in July and Tea Party Nation
Truckloads Of Condos – When you think “condo” in Las Vegas, one usually thinks of the high rises on The Strip where prices start at hundreds of thousands of dollars. What many don’t know is that the current real estate market has resulted in a significant number of decent to nice (usually) 2 bedroom condos just a few minutes from The Strip. More importantly, these units are running in the $30k – $40k range. Now… I wouldn’t go buy one strictly for an investment. The condo segment of the market may be the slowest to recover, especially with $100k homes in decent parts of town available.
But, doing the math just might make it work out for those of you who visit regularly. For example, places in this complex (Example 1, Example 2), are literally two blocks from The Rio, The Gold Coast, and The Palms and a mile from The Strip. Mortgage is going to run you maybe $300 a month. With so many people leaving town, you can Craigslist up furniture for the place over a weekend.
And… you are likely to spend less money on your visits because you can keep food at home and you won’t be walking by slot machines 24/7. Plus (take it from those of us who live here), while it is great to be out on The Strip, it is really, really nice to come home and shut the door and turn it all off when you want. Most condo pools are open 24/7 and not nearly as crowded as hotel pools. (And, you don’t need to pay $10 a drink from a waitress). Zip Codes to check out for these kind of deals: 89102, 89103, and 89146 (basically the area bounded by Sahara, Rainbow, Tropicana, and The Strip).
Whoops – Nevada’s major casinos lost $6.8 billion during the last fiscal year. The only bright spot was that baccarat wins were at an all-time high. Obviously, this is because baccarat is a game usually played by the very wealthy so huge amounts of money are bet. And even with the house’s low vigorish (percentage they make), the revenue from it adds up. However, it is still one of the most player-friendly (you have a chance to walk a winner) games.
The good news? You don’t have to be wealthy to play baccarat. Many casinos offer mini-baccarat: Essentially the same game the “big boys” are playing, but where players sit around a blackjack like table and the betting minimums are much lower. Plus, it is super-easy to learn as there are only a couple basic bets. Give it a try next time!
Victor H. Royer’s Gaming Column – Starting next issue, we’ll once again have a fresh series of articles by prolific gaming writer Victor H. Royer. If you want to be a better, more informed player (and cut your losses) enter Victor H. Royer into the search at your favorite online bookstore and check out his offerings. The price of a few books is a fraction of what you could end up losing without his knowledge.
Tons Of Responses – Thanks to ALL who gave us their thoughts on “tiered hotel pricing” (see Feb. 17 Access Vegas Insider Vibe). We are compiling them, will publish them soon, and they will be passed on to those studying the issue!
Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs
Las Vegas Is On Sale!
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Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Debuts Docent Tours – New Educational Opportunity Allows Art Lovers To Expand Their Horizons – Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) broadens its role as one of Las Vegas’ premier cultural destinations with the debut of docent tours. Designed to appeal to art lovers of all ages, participation requires only an enthusiasm for fine art and a willingness to learn. Derived from the Latin word “docere” meaning “to teach,” a docent is a trained guide who leads visitors through a museum and delivers an educated commentary on the works in an exhibition. BGFA’s Docent Tours are offered five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Click to read full Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Debuts Docent Tours story.
SI Swimsuit models Genevieve Morton, Cintia Dicker and Julie Ordon pose in front of Lagasse’s Stadium
photo credit: Imagesofvegas.com/IS Photography
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models At Lagasse’s Stadium – Sports Illustrated swimsuit models Julie Ordon, Genevieve Morton and Cintia Dicker were at Lagasse’s Stadium on February 11, 2010 autographing the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The models were having fun with their fans, signing the SI issue and taking photos. Close to 300 guests attended the event to tailgate with the supermodels!
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Click to read full Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models Visit Lagasse’s Stadium story.
Frank Marino Unveils Dazzling Drag Spectacular At The Imperial Palace – Las Vegas entertainment icon, Frank Marino unveils his new dazzling drag spectacular “Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas” tonight at the Imperial Palace. As part of the celebration, Marino will also receive a second star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. The self-proclaimed “Peoples’ Diva,” is the first entertainer to earn two stars on the famed boulevard û one outside the Riviera and one outside the Imperial Palace. Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas is a 75-minute, contemporary and up-beat production, full of male, lady look-alikes performing parodies of some of entertainment’s most beloved superstars.
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Click to read full Frank Marino Unveils Dazzling Drag Spectacular story.
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Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas Las Vegas Tickets
$108,060.33 Paid Out On Monopoly At Hooters Casino! – Donna Egan came to Hooters Casino Hotel on her birthday looking for some big fun and to win a little on her favorite slot machine, Monopoly. What she didn’t expect was to win the progressive jackpot for $108,060.33! Donna was elated to win the big jackpot at Hooters Casino on her birthday. Her husband told Hooters executives that she had been keeping the fact that it was her 60th birthday a secret until she hit the big jackpot. Once she hit the jackpot, she started telling everyone that it was her 60th birthday. It goes to show you that a big jackpot can make you feel pretty good about turning another year old!
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Click to read full Jackpot Winner at Hooters Casino story.
Peepshow Brings Sexy Back With Holly Madison As “Bo Peep” At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – PEEPSHOW, Las Vegas’ hottest show and striptease spectacular, brings sexy back to The Strip on Monday, March 1. Holly Madison returns to her starring role as “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who discovers her newfound sexuality. Madison is now the darling of Las Vegas after starring in the hit TV show, “The Girls Next Door,” on E! for five years and will soon star in her all-new show, “Holly’s World,” on E!, which season premieres in May. Madison will star alongside a sizzling ensemble of sexy PEEPSHOW GIRLS, showstoppers from film, TV and Broadway who were handpicked to perform in this enormous production.
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Click to read full Peepshow Brings Sexy Back With Holly Madison story.
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Peepshow Las Vegas Tickets
Eva Longoria Parker Celebrates “Eva Longoria Parker Day” At Eve Nightclub In Las Vegas – Eva Longoria Parker celebrated “Eva Longoria Parker Day” with family and friends, and was presented with a prestigious award to acknowledge her outstanding entrepreneurial success at the Latin Chamber of Commerce 35th Installation Celebration at Eve, her CityCenter nightclub in Las Vegas. Chairman of the Clark County Commission Rory Reid and Las Vegas Councilman Ricky Barlow each presented her with a proclamation on the red carpet to declare the day in honor of Longoria Parker, who was recognized as the sole woman restaurant and nightclub owner on the Las Vegas Strip. Longoria Parker looked ravishing in a grey leather Bagdley Mischka dress and black YSL pumps as she walked the red carpet outside of Eve nightclub with her very proud parents, Ella and Enrique Longoria.
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Click to read full Eva Longoria Parker Celebrates At Eve Nightclub story.
Back Alley Bar At Stratosphere Hotel & Casino New Home For Country-Rock Music On The Strip – With bars catering to country-rock music fans in short supply, the Back Alley Bar at Stratosphere Hotel & Casino steps in as the best place on the Strip to party, drink and do the occasional Texas two-step. Every Thursday through Monday at 10 p.m. one of Las Vegas’ most popular country-rock bands, WolfCreek, will rock the house.
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Click to read full Back Alley Bar New Home For Country-Rock Music story.
Misura, Optica Debut At Street Of Dreams In Monto Carlo – Misura, a menÆs fine apparel boutique specializing in European designs and exceptional tailoring, and OPTICA, the premier distributor of luxury eyewear in America, are now open within Monte CarloÆs Street of Dreams.
- Misura – For the man with impeccable taste, Misura offers a remarkable selection of clothing, shoes and accessories from some of the most desired designers in menÆs fashion including Hugo Boss, Zegna and Cole Haan.
- OPTICA – A trendy optical boutique, OPTICA offers innovative designs from such iconic fashion brands as Cartier, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Ed Hardy, Tom Ford, Chrome Hearts and Tag Heuer.
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
I really enjoy your newsletter, and look forward to getting the insider scoop every edition. We come to Vegas about twice a year and have stayed at Encore, Treasure Island, Imperial Palace, and The Palms. This time around we used Vegas as a lay-over on our way to Maui, and stayed in a friend’s condo in the country club area, and went to the Hilton Sports book to watch the championship football games.
I really love going to spas, and have used the spa at Treasure Island and Encore. They were nice, but I always left feeling the massage was so-so, extremely overpriced, and the therapists had to charge more money to give me a better experience (with deeper pressure or therapeutic technique).
Today I was falling asleep during the football game (our red-eye from Maui left me really tired), so I ended up finding the spa in the Hilton and asking if they had anything open. They were very accommodating, and while the facility wasn’t the fanciest I’ve ever been to, my massage therapist was excellent! They allowed me to relax and just nap on the chaise lounge after sitting in the whirlpool, and next thing I know, I’d passed 3 hours and was very rested! It was an incredibly relaxing experience, and the price was a little cheaper than the other resort spas I’ve been to ($105 for a 50 min massage).
Also, we accidentally ended up at a Japanese restaurant called Aburiya-Raku and had an incredible experience. We have both lived in Japan and were impressed with the authenticity and how delicious everything is. We found the restaurant just by driving around and using my google application on my phone. We were able to read reviews of the restaurants listed in the area, and that one had 5 stars. We are looking forward to going back next month when we’re here with our extended family, and already have reservations. We highly recommend it!
Just one warning about Aburiya-Raku: make a reservation! We almost didn’t get to try it, and were walking back to our car after walking in unannounced and being turned down until 10pm. They came running out and offered us two spots at the bar. Most things are bite-sized, just 2-3 bites per order. The homemade tofu in warm broth was incredible!!!! My husband doesn’t like or eat tofu, and he ate over 2/3rds of it. It’s almost like a custard or creme brulee consistency. I would recommend sticking to the menu and staying away from the specials board. We got two specials, the kobe beef tataki and the grilled unagi (eel). They were both good, but extremely expensive ($36 for a small plate of beef and $45 for the unagi- which was a whole fish), and we saw other things from the menu come out of the kitchen that we would rather have tried.
Thank you again for such a great newsletter,
Carie
Ted Responds:
I know what you mean about massages. Too many times, one pays top dollar and walks away without the feeling that much had been done. Various spas will allow you to relax and use the facilities after a treatment (but I’d always inquire ahead). No question that hitting the spa can get a great way to rest and rejuvenate yourself when in Las Vegas.
Now you have me wanting to try Aburiya-Raku! It is only about 5 minutes from The Strip (5030 Spring Mountain Road — Spring Mountain is where Treasure Island meets The Strip).
Thanks for the tips and great report!
I just read the article about the increase cost to ride a bus. It said that a one time ride would be $2.00 and a 24-hour pass would go from $4.00 to $5.00. However, when I was there in August it cost $3.00 for a one time ride and $7.00 for a 24-hour pass. I did ride the Deuce bus with the 24-hour pass. Why the stated difference of $4.00 (now $5.00) to ride the bus when it cost me $7.00 for the 24-hour pass. Don’t understand this discrepancy.
Mike Heady
Ted Responds:
The Deuce has always had a slightly higher fare structure. However, you can save by purchasing 3-day passes for any route in advance, online for $15 at http://www.rtcsnv.com/transit/fares_passes.cfm
Also, on March 28, a new express service called The Ace will be running The Strip with limited stops to provide faster service. We’ll have all the details next issue.
Just wanted to let all your readers know. Stayed for the fourth time at the Circus Circus. Heard it was going to be torn down. Hope that doesn’t happen. Had a spotlessly clean and fresh room. A little distance from the action, but was certainly cheap and the walk did us all good. Check in and out was fast and if they are still there next year will make every effort to stay again.
Sharon Palmer
Ted Responds:
Circus will be there for a long time. Las Vegas is overbuilt with expensive rooms so it would be foolish to tear down Circus and build something new right now.á Thanks for the report!
We fell in love with Las Vegas the first time we came and have been back every year since then. My eldest son visited Vegas for the first time in 2009 and fell in love with Vegas, just like we did and has just got engaged and intends to get married in Vegas. Any suggestions on good value and venues or anything to avoid would be appreciated.
Greetings from a cold and wet England.
Janet
Ted Responds:
Your safest bet is to go with one of the hotel packages. Just about every hotel has a wedding chapel offering a broad range of packages. Best to hit the actual hotel websites individually for initial research then perhaps call the hotel wedding director with any questions.
Another popular option is to rent a really nice hotel suite for a day or two and have the hotel do basic catering. Someone in catering or the hotel concierge should be able to help you advance plan getting a minister or wedding official. Plus, the bride and groom get to enjoy staying in the suite.
Conversely, if you have a car and want to get your own cake, food, liquor and similar, Albertsons full-service grocery store is only 2 miles east of The Strip on Flamingo at Maryland: 1300 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV (Google Map) – (702) 733-2947 NOTE: With anything and everything, always call ahead. Anything with a business is subject to change.
Maverick Helicopter Tours will marry you over the Las Vegas Strip or in the Grand Canyon. Info at Maverick Helicopter Tours and click on weddings.
If choosing a traditional Las Vegas wedding chapel, we like Little Chapel Of The Flowers (www.littlechapel.com). A number of years ago, we did a video preview of this chapel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1FaYwqNxWI
Hope this helps!
When you click on the photo gallery pictures, you can save & set as a desktop background. WHY are they ONLY a 4″x4″?? They just will not get any larger?? Nothing to do with my computer, its the pictures themselves. PLEASE make these Large for a desktop!!!
Thank You,
Zerlene
Ted Responds:
Some of our oldest pictures are smaller. The vast majority of sets are large enough to use as desktop. Scroll through http://www.accessvegas.com/pictures and see if you can find another set that interests you.
Also, once the picture is saved to your desktop, you can use your computer settings to tile it, or stretch it to fit your computer screen. Rest assured that all newer photo sets from the past 3-4 years and all the new photos we shoot now are plenty big and will make great quality computer desktop pictures!
Editors Note: We constantly get questions along the following lines:
Planning trip to Las Vegas. Any suggestions on good shows and places to eat?
Ted Responds:
With 60 casinos (each with numerous restaurants and shows) and each visitor having their own specific tastes, it is impossible to provide person-specific suggestions that are right for each individual.
Work your way back through our newsletter archives: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com and I’m sure you’ll find things of interest!
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
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The Joint Named “Best New Major Concert Venue” At The 21st Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards
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Playboy Comedy Announces April Headliners And Special Locals’ Pricing
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Disney’s The Lion King And Mandalay Bay Deliver Delicious Dinner And Show Package For Locals
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Celebrate Spring Break In Mexico Without Having To Leave Vegas – T&T Offers Spring Break Specials Throughout The Month Of March
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Rockhouse Goes Wild For March Mayhem – Ultra Dive Bar To Host Basketball Parties All Month Long
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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Dining Specials At Rampart Casino
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International Burlesque Queen Dita Von Teese Returns To MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris
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Rockhouse Goes Green For Spring – Ultimate Dive Bar To Host St. Patrick’s Day Beerfest
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The Village Lake Las Vegas, Buckbean Brewing Company And New Vista Community To Host “Brews Best Village Beer Fest”
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Society Of Seven And Jasmine Trias Continue Indefinite Gig
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The Osmonds – Wayne, Merrill, Jay And Jimmy – Return To The Suncoast Showroom March 27-28
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Valencia Entertainment & MGM Grand Present Michel Legrand’s 50th Anniversary Tribute Saturday, March 27
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First Friday Las Vegas March 5, 2010 – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
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Girl’s Night: The Musical, Debuting May 6 At MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre In Las Vegas
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Stratosphere Hotel & Casino Continues To Support The American Lung Association Of Nevada With The Second Annual “Scale The Strat”
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Stratosphere Showroom Is Vegas’ Best Place To Watch, Bet & Party During March Basketball Playoffs – Catch All The Action March 18-21 At Stratosphere’s March BBall Playoff Headquarters
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Station Casinos Announces Upcoming Boulder Blues Performers
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Osmonds’ Vegas Show To Resume March 9
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Dodgers, Reds coming to Las Vegas
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Alexander’s ‘Donny Clay’ a great concept, yet has room to grow
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Las Vegas wins big with NASCAR (with video)
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Gaming says it already pays enough (with video)
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NASCAR Weekend Brings Fans and Traffic to Las Vegas (with video)
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Las Vegas, HUD Team Up in Foreclosures Rehab Effort
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Las Vegas will remain weak “for the foreseeable future”
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Mr. Las Vegas Wards Off Debt Collectors
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City Center: Las Vegas puts $9 billion on red
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Obama’s Vegas Visit Does Little for Reid’s Popularity, Poll Shows
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Report: Booze still big business on Vegas Strip
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Reid behind in poll by Las Vegas newspaper
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Escape The Strip: Valley Of Fire State Park
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Lake Las Vegas community members remain optimistic despite looming closures
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Uptick in business licenses seen as positive sign
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Chinese high-rollers throw Las Vegas lifeline
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City worker layoffs possible in Las Vegas
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Lennar reduces prices on new homes in Las Vegas Valley neighborhoods
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Analysts see slow recovery for Boyd despite cost cuts
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Retailers say new taxes could mean job losses, store closures
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McCarran tumbles in survey of travelers
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Lake Mead wastewater project killed
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Rumjungle transitions from restaurant to nightclub for full night of entertainment
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Vegas stop helped bolster NASCAR betting
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State numbers: Wages down in private sector
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Lake Mead’s Northshore Road makes for a great outing
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Obama’s visit just bounced off Reid
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Lowden leads GOP Senate field
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Governor’s re-election strategy counts on ‘no new taxes’ pledge
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Monorail’s future can’t escape past
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LV mayor dreams of big leagues, but minor-league franchises struggling
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Amazing Johnathan plays tug of war for control with audience
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Snow, rain bolster hike’s beauty (Ice Box Canyon)
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MAGIC fashion convention grows despite economic downturn
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Governor offers two proposals for bringing new revenue
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International carriers give McCarran boost
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Casino industry tells Legislature: No dice
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 4
- Cinco de Mayo May 5
- Mother’s Day May 9
- Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
- Father’s Day June 20
- Independence Day July 4
- Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
- Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
- Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
- Jewish New Year September 9
- Halloween October 31
- Veteran’s Day November 11
- Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (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 15-17 (3 day weekend)
- Chinese/Lunar New Year February 3
- Super Bowl Sunday February 6
- Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
- Valentine’s Day February 14
- President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 19-21 (3 day weekend)
- Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
- Mardi Gras March 8
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 2010 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication
March 3, 2010 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy
Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 17, 2010
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Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:
Hello from Las Vegas! After four weeks of party-to-mostly cloudy with rain a few days a week, Spring has (more or less) sprung! Balmy temps in the low 70’s F with plenty of sunshine. It won’t last yet (50’s for next week), but nice to start seeing.
We’re finishing up this issue just asáPresident Obama visits Las Vegas (hence, no reports or updates about anything he may say). I do want to acknowledge and thank those who have continued writing and sharing their opinions on the matter. We have not had this much reader interest in a single issue since a few years ago when “Should you bring your kids to Las Vegas” became a hot topic in the wave of all the nightclubs openings. I enjoy the feedback on all levels: It helps us put out a better newsletter for you.
The sentiment ran pretty strongly anti-Obama (in relation to his remarks) but I must point out it is by no means a scientific sample. I can say that Mayor Oscar Goodman declined to meet The President at the airport, noting that he already had a very busy day scheduled many weeks ago and unless an apology was forthcoming, Goodman would be keeping his original obligations.
Grandstanding? Maybe. But Goodman spent the past year getting an earful from people in the hotel and convention industry who really took a hit following Obama’s 2009 remarks. Maybe grandstanding to represent your electorate isn’t such a bad thing.
Goodbye Hawaii, Hello Country? – The Hawaiian Tropic Zone at Planet Hollywood (I almost wrote “The Aladdin”… that is what living here nearly 17 years does to you) is closing in just a few days to make way for “PBR Rock Bar”. We’ve heard rumblings it is going to be like Gilly’s, but nothing confirmed. Professional Bull Riders Bar? Pabts Blue Ribbon Bar? We’ll let you know more when we do!
Hawaiian Tropic Zone was a nice place, sorry to see it go. We were there for the pre-opening and more recently for one of the MMA bikini contests and have the photo sets to prove it (lots of bikini girls in both):
- Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Pre-Opening Event
- Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas MMA Xplosion Bikini Contest
Aladdin Implosion, Looking Back – Nearly 12 years ago, on April 27, 1998, the Aladdin Las Vegas was imploded to make way for a new, bigger Aladdin built to keep up with the era of Las Vegas megaresorts such as Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, and Paris Las Vegas. This was one of the many amazing Las Vegas implosions I witnessed live and maybe one of the most beautiful as The Aladdin fell like a graceful deck of cards. Thanks to YouTube, a fullá45+ minute Aladdin implosion special (filmed live at the time) is available to enjoy. Click to watch Aladdin Las Vegas Implosion Video from April 27, 1998
A Better Pricing Model? – One of the biggest complaints from travelers (and especially Las Vegas visitors) is the so-called “Resort Fee” that charges you sometimes $10-15 (or more) for either services that seemingly should be included in your stay (free phone calls) or services that many are not likely to use (the hotel gym). Local writer, blogger, and UNLV Center for Gaming Research Director David G. Schwartz recently floated a proposal for a tiered pricing level:
A guest booking a room at the “standard” rate would receive a room key and not much more. He or she would have to pay extra for virtually every other hotel service; for example, to visit the health club, use the Internet, or make phone calls.
At the “gold” rate, customers would receive everything that came with the standard, plus free wireless Internet, phone calls, bottled water, copies of the local paper, etc.
For guests looking for more, a “platinum” rate could deliver all the benefits of the gold rate, plus several extras — dining credits, a selection of prix fixe menus at select hotel restaurants, tickets to the hotel’s big show, complimentary spa services, and nightclub admissions.
He (and many here in Las Vegas) are very interested in your thoughts. If you’ve ever thought about writing in on an issue and you have any feelings one way or the other, this is the time so speak up! First, go ahead and read the rest of the article Tiered room pricing: A modest proposal (an easy read). Second, email your thoughts to us at allvegastv@aol.com. We’ll be sharing all of the responses with “Dr. Dave” (he has a PhD) and the gaming/hotel industry here as well.
Cutting is short this week (for my segment). Co’mon… the weather is beautiful. If you aren’t here right now to soak up the sun, I’m going to do it for you. (Never let it be said that I’d ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do).
Enjoy This Issue!
Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs
Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Celebrates National Margarita Day On February 22, 2010 – Margarita lovers will receive specials and incentives throughout the day: 2/22 Birthday Specials, 2/22/22 Free Birthday Meals,and Free Margarita Mix if your name is Margarita or Rita! On Monday, February 22nd, America will celebrate National Margarita Day, and there will be no better place to take part in the festivities than Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville locations across the country from Key West to Las Vegas to New Orleans.
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Click to read full Margaritaville Celebrates National Margarita Day story and get more details.
Zero Gravity Corporation Brings Sky High Adventure To Sin City With Exclusive Weightless Flight, February 27 – Zero-G To Fly From McCarran Airport Inviting Fliers To New Heights – On February 27, Zero Gravity Corporation’s (ZERO-G), G-FORCE ONE will take off from LAS Airport offering fliers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to defy the laws of gravity. Guests will have the unique opportunity to float freely in complete weightlessness during ZERO-G’s weightless flight. ZERO-G is the first and only FAA-approved provider of commercial weightless flights. Flying ZERO-G is a rare opportunity that only a select few have experienced calling it amazing and life-changing. The Weightless Experience is an extraordinary and exciting luxury travel experience.
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Click to read full Zero Gravity Corporation Brings Sky High Adventure To Sin City With Exclusive Weightless Flight story.
“Seinfeld’s” Jason Alexander As “Donny Clay” Begins Limited Engagement At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – Renowned comic Jason Alexander, of the hit comedy sitcom “Seinfeld,” performs his uproarious show “The Donny Clay Experience” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino beginning February 11. Actor, Director and Producer Jason Alexander, star of the Broadway stage, motion pictures and most notably the award-winning actor who played “George Costanza” on “Seinfeld,” now portrays the character “Donny Clay,” the world’s fourth-best motivational speaker. “Donny Clay’s” world famous seminars entail hilarious evenings full of comedy, music, self-help and partial nudity all combined to leave you laughing as you discover the YOU inside of you.
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Click to read full “Seinfeld’s” Jason Alexander As “Donny Clay” Begins Limited Engagement At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino story.
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Donny Clay Las Vegas Tickets
Singing Sensation Matt Goss Live From Caesars Palace Produced By Robin Antin Set To Debut In The Legendary Cleopatra’s Barge – International pop sensation Matt Goss will continue the rich history of headline entertainers at Caesars Palace debuting Singing Sensation Matt Goss Live From Caesars Palace Produced by Robin Antin on Friday, March 12, at Cleopatra’s Barge. Presented by Robin Antin, creator of The Pussycat Dolls, Goss’s show will offer a dynamic blend of musical talent. Backed by a 9-piece band and sexy female dancers known as The Dirty Virgins, Goss, who has sold more than 17 million albums worldwide, will entertain guests with a production featuring a mix of his career hits, songs from his new album and popular covers.
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Click to read full Matt Goss Live From Caesars Palace In The Legendary Cleopatra’s Barge story.
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Matt Goss Las Vegas Tickets
Alicia Keys’ Freedom Tour Comes To Mandalay Bay Friday, April 9 With Special Guests Robin Thicke & Melanie Fiona – Twelve-time GRAMMY«Award-winning singer/songwriter Alicia Keys, named one of Billboard’s Artists of the Decade, will bring her Freedom Tour to the Mandalay Bay Events Center Friday, April 9. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. and also will feature special guests Robin Thicke and Melanie Fiona. Keys’ latest album, The Element of Freedom, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums and Digital Albums charts and No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart.
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Click to read full Alicia Keys’ Freedom Tour Comes To Mandalay Bay story.
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Alicia Keys Las Vegas Tickets
Celebrate Year of the Tiger at BellagioÆs Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Majestic Botanical Tiger to Usher in Chinese New Year 2010.áBellagioÆs Conservatory has ushered in the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger, with a spectacular new exhibit. The magnificent centerpiece is a tiger comprised of dried yellow and orange marigold petals. The tiger is the third animal in the Asian zodiac. Just steps away, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Prosperity stands amidst golden lucky coins.
Visitors also can discover a trio of charming, 6-foot-tall giant pandas. Made of more than 9,000 living plants, the pandas frolic in a lush garden filled with towering bamboo. The dramatic design found within BellagioÆs Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui û the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. Guests are invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year in the Conservatory through February 28.
Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents Brave New World, March 27 & 28, Featuring Three World Premiere Ballets – Captivating, never-before-seen works by cutting-edge choreographers including local artist Gail Gilbert, New York powerhouse Thaddeus Davis and nationally renowned choreographer, James Canfield. Nevada Ballet Theatre announced today it will present Brave New World, featuring three world premiere works: Song of the Nightingale, a story ballet based on the original Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Nightingale, choreographed by local artist Gail Gilbert; a fascinating new work by Wideman/Davis Dance Company Artistic Director Thaddeus Davis; and Cyclical Night, a tango-inspired piece by Nevada Ballet Theatre’s own Artistic Director James Canfield.
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Click to read full Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents Brave New World story and ticket info.
The Forum Shops At Caesars Introduces Another New Restaurant, New Retailers For 2010 – Painted skies, living statues and Las Vegas’ first celebrity chef. The Forum Shops at Caesars continues to lead the retail industry both domestically and internationally by setting trends and being “first” in the Las Vegas market. Early 2010 will be no exception as Las Vegas’ first Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man and Christian Audigier are set to be opened this year.
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Click to read full The Forum Shops At Caesars Introduces Another New Restaurant, New Retailers For 2010 story.
The Stratosphere Hotel To Host Dale Earnhardt Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament February 25, 2010 – The Stratosphere Hotel, one of the most recognizable icons on the Las Vegas Strip and one of the most recognizable names in NASCAR history join together to present the “Dale Earnhardt Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament.” The Dale Earnhardt Foundation’s mission is to continue Dale’s legacy through charitable programs and grants that sustain his lifelong commitment to children, education and environmental/wildlife preservation.
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Click to read full Dale Earnhardt Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament story.
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
I have been reading articles about Boyd Gaming’s bid for the Station Casino properties with great interest. We have stayed at Boulder Station on vacation for the past 3 years (I have stayed there 5 times in the past 10 years) and have been pleased with the hotel. Its location has been ideal for us – close to the freeway and only a short drive to the strip and downtown areas. A rental car has been a necessity. We have spent a considerable amount of time taking day trips to Arizona, Utah and sightseeing in Nevada. My husband loves the breakfast buffet. We have also visited Sunset Station and Palace Station.
We did go to Sam’s Town, visited the casino and tried the buffet. We felt that the quality of the food is better at Boulder Station and that the casino was not as dark and smoky. Boulder Station also is a smaller hotel and the rooms are more than adequate and quiet. I am concerned that if Boyd Gaming’s bid for the Station properties is successful, that it will not be the same hotel and casino experience that we have enjoyed.
Any thoughts on the Boyd’s bid for takeover?
Regards,
Elizabeth from Massachusetts
Ted Responds:
As I’ve noted in the past, I used to have a condo am very familiar with Boulder, Sam’s Town, etc. Great location for doing all that you do, and I agree: A quick run to downtown and easy escape to Arizona.
Sam’s Town is an older property. So, don’t be so quick use it as an example of all Boyd properties. Main Street Station (ironically not part of Station Casinos) is also a Boyd property, as is Orleans. All very different properties.
Also, Boulder had significant improvements just a few years ago.
Station will fight the buyout/takeover with everything they have. If it happens, hard to tell what changes would occur at Boulder. Stick your head into Arizona Charlies and Eastside Cannery and see if they look like somewhere you’d want to stay if Boulder changes on you.
Not to kill your strip business but as a former resident there for 5 years let it be duly noted by myself and wife that there is no doubt that OFF strip casinos (locals play) are the best places to gamble for your money. The machines and odds are so much better and the service is quicker also. The high rent strip hotels with there big overhead are No comparison to the off strip joints. My advice is NEVER gamble on the strip as they are mostly ripoffs, try the others and see for yourself. I know this to be a true fact.
Former Resident Bob from Florida
Ted Responds:
Most people won’t leave the touristy/Strip area so we at least remind people to check out theádowntown hotel casinos.
A few issues ago, I did a piece comparing hotel construction costs and inflation. Because of construction costs, places like Wynn literally can’t offer $1 beers or they would go out of business!áAlthough… paying $7 for a Heineken (Wynn price) never sits easy with me. We have a surprising number of readers who are regular Las Vegas visitors and enjoy checking out non-Strip properties.
Thanks for reading and telling your friends to subscribe!
At one time you had a site: Printable Las Vegas Food Specials. It listed Las Vegas Cheap Food Deals. Do you still have a site like this.
Thanks,
M. Brown
Ted Responds:
We had to unfortunately end that section. It became way too hard to keep up on everything. Then… if a special we notedáhad expired by the time people got to town, we got yelled at by readers. Even though we also noted that people should always call ahead and check to see if a special is still running!
We DO post food deals we come across or are informed about at http://www.easyvegasdeals.com. Also, we welcome readers emailing us about any special they come across using the email at the bottom of this section.
We receive your newsletter and enjoy it very much. We are British living in the South of France with a second home in Las Vegas. We always hire a car when over for 6 weeks at a time and was interested in your article stating it was cheaper to hire elsewhere than from the airport. I compared our dollar Rental charge from the airport to picking up as an example from the MGM hotel and it was more expensive. Perhaps you could give me some tips. Or is there a local car rental we could pick up from our house off Silverado Ranch area.
We love Vegas and all our friends and family come through the year and spend their money there.
Regards,
Jacqui
Ted Responds:
I used to live over near the Silverado Ranch area (89123 zip code). A great place to live or have a vacation home because you are a very quick jump on the beltway or I-15 to from both The Strip and the airport. Renting at the airport “entitles” you to pay more fees and taxes. And the crazy thing is that the car rental facility is a couple miles from the airport terminal!
As we’ve noted in previous newsletters, most major hotels have a Hertz counter. However… for someone headed to your area, “A Frugal Car Rental” at Wigwam and LV Blvd. might work (8480 Las Vegas Blvd S #140, Las Vegas, NV 89123) They have been in business there for a few years, although let me note that I have never used them. So this is not an endorsement. But if they are a “mom and pop” operation, you may be able to negotiate a good multi-week rate and have then make the short drive to get you.
Enterprise car rental company will pick you up from anywhere in the area so at least compare them to Dollar’s pick-up services. Hope this helps!
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More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events
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Music Sensation Everlast To Headline Inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Festival At Mandalay Bay Beach Saturday, March 13
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Fourth Annual Sly Smith Memorial Golf Tournament Benefiting JDRF To Take Place Sunday, March 7, 2010
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First Virtual Wedding And Bridal Show Launches In Las Vegas
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Las Vegas Perspective: Reflections Of The African-American Artist – Artists’ Work Exhibited In Honor Of Black History Month
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St. Patrick’s Day Dining Specials At Snaps At Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel
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Las Vegas magicians share their favorite illusions that leave audiences guessing
Lance Burton Tickets
Nathan Burton Tickets
Penn & Teller Tickets
Rick Thomas Tickets -
Celine Dion returns to Las Vegas
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NASCAR fans will find I-15 headaches lessened
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‘Viva Elvis’ lauded for sophistication
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Jason Alexander Brings Donny Clay to Vegas
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Santana considers Vegas address
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One out of 82 homes in Las Vegas received a foreclosure notice (with video)
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Businesses gear up for Chinese New Year (with video)
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Lake Las Vegas Residents Disappointed at Ritz-Carlton Closing (with video)
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Study: Las Vegas Residents Among Nation’s Unhappiest (with video)
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I-Team: Taxicab Long Hauling Continues, Despite Promised Reforms (with video)
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High-Rise Condo Market Seeing More Sales (with video)
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Visitor volume down 3% in Las Vegas
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Hot-pot meals are truly haute in Las Vegas
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Gambling Revenue Rises in Las Vegas
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Vegas Has High Hopes For Holiday Weekend
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‘Jersey Shore’ star Paul “Pauly D” Delvecchio lands Vegas deejay job
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Ohio Man Attempts 24-Hour Hugging Record in Vegas
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Vinny’s knows New York – and certainly knows how to make a great red sauce
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Henderson preserve recognized as national site
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Nevada Leads the Nation in Foreclosures in January
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Why sin is no longer enough for Las Vegas
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Casino MonteLago Closing At Lake Las Vegas
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Vegas Airport Considers Adding Liquor Store
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People flock to Vegas to say “I do” on Valentine’s Day
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It was a stunning work of art – so why is the Wall hanging in a Las Vegas loo?
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More Budget Problems for Clark County as Property Taxes Fall
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Committee to Consider Closing Valley of Fire State Park
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Car Registration Offenders Face Stiff Fines
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Morton’s the Steakhouse Power Hours entices with discount bar bites, cocktails
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ROK Vegas Nightclub incorporates cozy quality to offer more welcoming vibe
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Favorable contract clause locked down for Alexander
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Visitor tallies on rise – LV sees increase for four straight months
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January home sales soar as prices continue slide
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Governor says special session needed because lawmakers made ‘wrong call’
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Shutting down the Ritz – Company to close hotel at Lake Las Vegas
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Memories of Elvis linger
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Icy markets for Strip high-rises melts a touch
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Revenue forecast worsens – Lower property values hurt taxing districts
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Tarkanian has eye on Reid even before GOP primary
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John Chachas quits N.Y. job to run in primary
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If you can’t say something nice – A little help here, Mr. President
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Help near for ailing businesses in Las Vegas
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Survey says recession’s worst has passed for Las Vegas
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Year of the Tiger revelers will find festive scenery, entertainment in Las Vegas
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Madame Tussauds waxing presidential with display
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‘Seinfeld’ star Jason Alexander’s parody of motivational speakers blends stand-up, music, banter
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GOP targets state Senate – Republicans see chances, pursue recruiting drive
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GOP targets state Senate
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State losing more jobs in Yucca shutdown
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Strip clubs’ cabby tips on agenda
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Strip resorts mark Chinese Year of the Tiger with events, decorations
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Water officials rush to craft bill in response to court ruling
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Strict flying limits during Obama visit to cost air tour operators
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City Council OKs extended hours for massage business
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Officials argue monorail no arm of government
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Red Rock fee hikes discussed
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Pop artist pursued big ‘Las Vegas’ sign
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:
- Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
- St. Patrick’s Day March 17
- Easter Sunday April 4
- Cinco de Mayo May 5
- Mother’s Day May 9
- Memorial Day, U.S May 29-31 (3 day weekend)
- Father’s Day June 20
- Independence Day July 4
- Civic Holiday, Canada July 31-August 2 (3 day weekend)
- Labor Day, U.S September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
- Labour Day, Canada September 4-6 (3 day weekend)
- Jewish New Year September 9
- Halloween October 31
- Veteran’s Day November 11
- Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 25-28 (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 15-17 (3 day weekend)
- Chinese/Lunar New Year February 3
- Super Bowl Sunday February 6
- Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
- Valentine’s Day February 14
- President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 19-21 (3 day weekend)
- Mardi Gras March 8
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!
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http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml
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All contents copyright 2010 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication
February 17, 2010 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy
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