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Access Vegas Insider Vibe May 7, 2014
AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe
Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999
Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.
Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com
Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.
AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:
Las Vegas Essentials |
Featured Shows |
Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!
Palms Las Vegas – Enjoy 24-hour checkout times only when you book online! Book Now!Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals
Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)
This Week’s Top Tours
Click Here To See More Great Tours…
Shows, Concerts, And Headliners
Special Effects Makeup Artist/Designer & “Faceoff” Celebrity Judge Glenn Hetrick Attends Absinthe – Glenn Hetrick, special effects makeup artist/designer and celebrity judge of the Syfy hit reality TV series “FaceOff,” was spotted attending ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace on May 2, 2014. Following the show, The Gazillionaire and his assistant Penny Pibbets welcomed Hetrick backstage where he shared words of enthusiasm for the show and took photos with the outlandish duo. Photo Credit: Ben Lewis/Spiegelworld.
- Full story/details/info: “Faceoff” Celebrity Judge Glenn Hetrick Attends Absinthe
- Click to Book Tickets Now: Absinthe
- Spandex smash ‘Mamma Mia!’ is ready to take it all at Tropicana Theater
- Olivia Newton-John no bad girl, and that’s good
- Olivia Newton-John gets a fast start on summer lovin’ in Las Vegas
- New ‘Men: The Experience’ is taking it off at the Riviera
- Rod Stewart feels like a guy who has all the luck
- ‘Peepshow’ alums staying busy
- Steve Wynn and Steve Lawrence working on Sinatra tribute
- More to be revealed as Holly Madison’s show takes shape; Bob Anderson due for a makeover as Sinatra
Las Vegas Attractions
- Fremont Street Experience’s SlotZilla zip line open (with video)
- Groundbreaking Attractions: Over and Under in the New Las Vegas (with video)
- Cowabunga! Henderson water park almost done for summer opening (with video)
- Brooklyn Bowl’s Cuisine Lives Up to Its Cool Culture
- Red Rock Canyon a popular destination for locals and world travelers
- Neon Museum Las Vegas
- Las Vegas attractions let you be the Village People
- Take scenic excursion on Cottonwood Valley Road
Dining and Dancing
La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway At Wynn Hotel Springs In New Menu Items To Complement Summer – La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas has welcomed the warmer weather with new seasonal menu items as well as refreshing spring cocktails.
Michael and Jenna Morton bring spring to their guests by integrating a new crop of fresh ingredients into lighter seasonal selections. New items include the ahi tuna made with pickled cucumber and soy glaze, priced at $16; tableside smoked salmon with Dijon caper sauce and onion confit, priced at $16; Moroccan chicken skewers with pear chutney and Tzatziki sauce served with pita, priced at $16; and duck breast with crispy Shiitake and Bourbon molasses, priced at $23.
- Full story/details/info: La Cave Springs In New Menu Items To Complement Summer
Mandalay Bay To Host Beer Vs. Wine Pairing Dinner At MiX – Mandalay Bay will set the stage for a fun and interactive culinary competition between two of the leading beverage experts in Las Vegas Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. at miX Restaurant.
Hosted by Mandalay Bay’s Director of Food and Beverage and Certified Cicerone Sarah Johnson and Director of Wine Harley Carbery, the exclusive dinner menu, created by miX Executive Chef Bruno Riou, will pair each course with a beer and wine selection. Carbery will explain to guests why his wine pairing is the best choice followed by Johnson, who will entice guests to select beer as the ideal pairing for a specific course. The two will go head-to-head throughout the culinary experience with the assistance of Winemaker Russell From of Herman Story Wines and Brewmaster Matthew Brynildson of Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
- Full story/details/info: Mandalay Bay To Host Beer Vs. Wine Pairing Dinner At MiX
- Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop At Paris Announces Summer Open Bar Offerings
- Giada De Laurentiis is ready to join the all-male Caesars Entertainment restaurant empire
- Tommy Bahama Town Square Announces Tacos & Tequila Menu
- Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis joins Caesars Entertainment’s all-male headlining chef roster, welcomes you to her new home in the Cromwell
Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos
- The Cromwell is open for business (with photos)
- Las Vegas Casinos Conserve Water Amid Drought
- Miracle Mile Shops At Planet Hollywood May Events, Deals, And Promotions
- Riviera Hotel & Casino Announces May Food, Beverage and Gaming Deals and Promotions
- MGM Resorts arena will be a rockin’ venue in every which way
More Las Vegas News
- Allegiant Air adding ‘Giant Seats’ to planes used on longer flights
- Las Vegas home prices post first monthly drop in two years
- Marijuana continues march to mainstream
- How one ad campaign changed the face of Las Vegas
- Faster Wi-Fi on flights leads to battle in the sky
- Las Vegas’s housing market recovers from its losing streak
- Test your Sin City smarts in the Best of Las Vegas trivia quiz
- As it woos the GOP, Las Vegas’ anything-goes image isn’t an asset
Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays
- Memorial Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 23-26)
Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re just a couple weeks away from the 15’th Anniversary of this newsletter (yeah for us) and I think this is one of the longest yet. If you printed both the newsletter and all the stories we link to out, you’d be holding a magazine in your hand!
We have been exploring putting out a tablet-compatible version that would read like a magazine and trust me, we’re seriously exploring it. If we do, it will be towards the fall when we revamp our main AccessVegas.com site to be more compatible with mobile devices. First however, we want to do a great launch with our new paid membership program and really super-serve those willing to pitch in and help us keep the great content coming.
MAMMA MIA! Back To Take Las Vegas By Storm – Long time visitors will remember that Mamma Mia! had a great run for years and years at Mandalay Bay. This hit show is now back in town at The Tropicana, freshened up, and ready for all to enjoy! Check out the video below and then grab your official tickets by clicking on the MAMMA MIA! button in the left sidebar.
Great Minds Think Alike – About a day after we punched “send” on our last newsletter — an issue where I noted that Las Vegas is indeed back (or pretty close) — Steve Wynn said the same thing:
Stop the presses. Steve Wynn declared Las Vegas is on the road to recovery Thursday.
At the outset of a first-quarter conference call with analysts, the Wynn Resorts Ltd. chairman and CEO said he was “feeling good about Las Vegas, better than I had in the past.” (Full Article)
We were obviously having the same thought during the same week, and it honestly appears we’re the first two who are really singing this out so far. (Obviously, I’m not comparing myself to Wynn. He’s a mogul, responsible for modern-day Las Vegas, and someone that I generally greatly admire).
However, when other outlets start touting in a few weeks that Las Vegas is back, you’ll remember where you heard it first!
Ben Affleck And The Hard Rock – Those who follow celebrity gossip (or are way too attentive about all things Vegas) know that actor Ben Affleck was allegedly asked to no longer play blackjack at the Hard Rock Casino here after allegations of card counting. First of all, I commend him for his skill. I did plenty of card counting in the 90’s (profitably) and it is not easy to learn nor execute.
However, the Afflek issue has been blown out of proportion as card counting is not illegal. Can a casino ask anyone to quit playing at anytime for any reason? Yes. As they did with Afflek. It doesn’t make you a criminal.
Why did I not continue my career? It can be a tough way to grind out a profit unless you have a bankroll in the hundreds of thousands to bet big enough to both make the big bucks and withstand the statistical swings. The same amount of time and effort as an entrepreneur proved to pay the bills with less stress.
Rock In Vegas In Rio – May 2015 will bring a version of the famed three-decade running Rock In Rio festival to Las Vegas. 80,000 people per day will enjoy an entertainment “city” with live music by major artists on five different stages. The location? The big empty lot across from SLS (former Sahara) which was slated to be the location for MGM’s CityCenter II back when everyone was foolish enough to think that Las Vegas was well on its way to 60 million visitors per year.
The cool thing? Once the festival is gone, much of the infrastructure will stay in place, creating a new “festival” ground right on the Las Vegas Strip. Who is salivating right about now? SLS owner Sam Nazarian will have ready-made events outside his front door on a somewhat regular basis. The monorail, which will be the transportation of choice for many who are staying farther down The Strip. The Riviera, Stratosphere, Artisan, and Palace Station for being the other nearest properties not owned by The MGM. If enough regular events happen, it might even spur the completion of Fontainebleau.
Festival dates are May 8-9 and May 15-16 in 2015. Unless you are planning to attend, these will be “must avoid” dates for a Vegas stay. We’ll keep you posted down the road. Locals will need to also remember to steer very clear of Sahara and The Blvd. during this time. (Desert Inn Arterial and Oakey/Western will make good alternates).
Dial All 10 Digits – This only applies to locals and/or those of you with 702 phone numbers, either with a cell phone or one of those internet phone devices that let you pick any area code: You must now dial all 10 digits in a phone number when calling any number in Clark County. We’re about out of numbers, so they added the 725 area code. Hence, the call needs all 10 digits to get to the right place.
I’m not exactly pleased with this. In most states, an area code is split up, with a certain geographic region getting the new code. An area code is an identity. Fortunately, between home phone, cell phone, and some MagicJack devices, I have enough 702’s to keep me happy.
Here’s why this matters: In a month when the 725 starts to get issued (they plan to quit issuing 702’s), anybody new to the area will be branded by the new area code. And… Las Vegas is a town that does not particularly trust newcomers (dirty little secret). Especially when it comes to business and hiring. Because so many people move here and leave within a year, new residents can be judged (fairly or otherwise) as being flighty. Nothing will say “new” like 725. If this all matters to you, scoop up a 702 while you can. Probably by finding one of those internet phone numbers that can be transferred to another phone once you move here.
Ladies… And… Gentlemen… Cast Your “Best Hotel In Las Vegas” Votes! – The preliminary “play-in” round is done. The Four Queens and Quad were play-in co-champions and move into the main round of the top 64 Las Vegas hotels, all vying to be crowned the AccessVegas.com Best Hotel In Las Vegas.
First take a peek at the match-ups, and see how things are stacking up, and maybe conjecture who could end up being that Cinderella team that surprises early on:
AccessVegas.com Best Of Las Vegas Hotels
Main Round Bracket
Now… Get busy and vote! Voting is super-easy. You’ll click on the First Round playoff choice, then you’ll be presented with two hotels. Pick the one you feel is the better Las Vegas property, and you’ll be presented with two more. Quick and easy, work your way through and YOUR vote will automatically be tabulated and your voice heard!
AccessVegas.com Best Of Las Vegas Hotels Voting
Next issue, we’ll tabulate current results and present the next round.
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
- Las Vegas Turf Wars: Casinos Gamble on Thrill Rides – For decades, Las Vegas casinos have been trying to one-up each other with high-end restaurants, mega clubs, and even thrill rides — all in a bid to lure gamblers. But the latest attraction, built by Caesars, is part of a bigger strategy to win the Vegas turf war, once and for all. Bloomberg’s Trish Regan took a spin on the appropriately-named “High Roller” with CEO Gary Loveman to get his strategy.
- Delano Las Vegas Offers First Look At Transformation – THEhotel at Mandalay Bay is in the process of a re-branding and make-over. Delano is an existing Miami-based hotel brand in the process of expanding to Las Vegas, Cesme, Moscow and Cartagena. (No, we had not heard of them either, but it looks really nice!)
- Las Vegas In The 1940’s With Bugsy Siegel – Las Vegas, 1940’s, appearing Ben “Bugsy” Siegel, Bruce Cabot and Michael Romanoff. Filmed by Pedro Serramalera OlivÚ. An amazing look at the origins of the Las Vegas Strip and old Highway 91 as it stretches to Los Angeles outside of Las Vegas.
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
I live in the UK and visited Vegas for the first time in 1997 with my mum as part of a tour and loved it so much that I have been back every other year since 2005, with a mixture of friends and family. I had planned to visit with my husband Neil last year, but unfortunately our boiler packed up and we had to buy a new one so that put paid to our plans. The good news is that we are back on track to visit this year… hurrah!
We normally visit for a week but this year we are coming for two weeks in (Neil’s) hopes that it will be a bit more relaxed. We have been saving and ebaying and have a tidy amount to spend so we intend to go for it.
Our plan is to visit around mid to late September and have alternate days out doing stuff and days around the pool to recover. The flights from the UK are horrendously expensive but fortunately the hotel rates are good and we are likely going to stay at the Orleans, which is where we have stayed the last three times we have visited. Great hotel and the shuttle to the strip makes it very easy to get about.
Looks like they have remodeled some rooms there and we will shell out the extra bit for one of those. I still can’t get my head round the daily resort charges $10 a day on top …ouch…
I am lucky enough to have visited the Grand Canyon twice before but Neil has never been and so we plan to do a helicopter trip there. I also want to visit Laughlin and have seen that you can do a free day trip there which is great.
The things on the agenda that we haven’t done before are Mob Museum, New Wheel –- I have been on the London Eye and it is an amazing experience — and Stratosphere 107 Lounge. We will go back to see Big Elvis….great show
Going to take Neil to see Human Nature who I saw with a group of girlies on my last trip and I know he will love and also Donny & Marie are on the agenda (for me at least) Will go back to visit all the hotels as usual and will look to do other shows as well. (Hoping Rod Stewart might be there)
I am also going to check out some different restaurants to eat in…..last visit we booked what should have been a special meal for my mums 75th birthday at Mon Ami Gabi and we were so dreadfully disappointed. Such poor service and average food. It’s not true that you always get what you pay for. Roulette – blackjack and slots also on the agenda…….
Blimey, I feel exhausted just thinking about it but so excited and sitting here on a dreary wet London day typing this has really cheered me up
See you in September!!
Best Wishes
Cheryl
PS When I am working and need cheering up I set my computer to pick up Earth Cam at the Welcome To Vegas sign….where else could you see Elvis posing for photos at 9.30 in the morning ..Viva Las Vegas
Ted Responds:
Sorry to hear about your boiler, but with the winter the UK gets, that has to be a priority! As a native of the Portland, Oregon area, I understand chilly temperatures and clouds and rain that seem to last for weeks.
Yes, you’ll find that a two week visit is much more relaxed. To combat the higher airfares, I suggest people come a little less often but stay a bit longer. You get more days here for the same amount of airfare price. You’ll find yourself not so rushed to fit everything in or attempt to go day after day with limited sleep.
You can go full out for a few days, then not feel like you are missing out if you take a day and just relax, rest, go to the pool, etc. You have plenty of time for those tours and attractions and activities that you know you really, really want to do, but often seem to get pushed away until “next time”.
You’ll really enjoy that Grand Canyon helicopter tour. There is no better way to see it up close and personally as you fly down into the Canyon. For readers looking for this great experience, click on over to our AccessVegas.com Tours Page where you’ll find descriptions plus phone numbers and live online chat where you can ask the tour experts any questions. We stand behind all the tours there, and know you’ll have a great time!
Everybody loves the Mob Museum! Make sure to plan a good couple of hours there. Time will fly as you visit three floors of absolutely incredible displays and exhibits that will fascinate and entertain at the same time. Highly recommended for an afternoon, then stay downtown for an evening on Fremont Street. (Many who stay on The Strip single out a particular evening to do downtown). We have more info and advance ticket purchase here: Las Vegas Mob Museum
Rod Stewart just announced a whole bunch of new dates. If you look in the sidebar of the newsletter here, you can see if he’ll be here when you are here! He’s also touring both the US, Canada,and has a couple of UK stops this year. For details on all his 2014 performances, check out our Rod Stewart Tour Ticket Details page.
For those going through Vegas depression (aka, that time you can’t be with us here), the cam she’s talking about is the Las Vegas Sign Webcam.
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
- Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
- Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
- Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 30, 2014
AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe
Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999
Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.
Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com
Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.
AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:
Las Vegas Essentials |
Featured Shows |
Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!
Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals
Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)
This Week’s Top Tours
Click Here To See More Great Tours…
Las Vegas Art And Attractions
Las Vegas High Roller Receives Guinness Record For World’s Tallest Observation Wheel – The Las Vegas High Roller is officially the World’s Tallest Observation Wheel after being recognized by Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric at a special reception honoring the team who designed and constructed the wheel on April 17, 2014 in Las Vegas.
- Full story/details/info: Las Vegas High Roller World’s Tallest Observation Wheel
Imagine Exhibitions Gallery Presents ‘Da Vinci The Exhibition’ Now Open At The Venetian – Imagine Exhibitions Gallery presents Da Vinci The Exhibition, a comprehensive and interactive look at the brilliance of the original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci at The Venetian Las Vegas«. Featuring more than 65 fully built, life-size inventions, more than 20 fine art studies and dozens of stunning displays, guests will learn the complex beginnings and lifetime achievements of da Vinci through his discoveries in art, engineering, flight, hydraulics, music, light, anatomy and more.
- Full story/details/info: Da Vinci The Exhibition Now Open At The Venetian
- A day in the life of a Las Vegas mermaid
- Polaroid Fotobar and Museum are ready for their close-up at the Linq
Shows, Concerts, And Headliners
- It’s three more years for Boyz II Men’s residency at the Mirage
- Blue Man Group At Monte Carlo Offers Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Glance into World-Famous Production
- Carlos Santana extends House of Blues residency two years, returns in November
- MGM Resorts and Cirque to build 33-acre, open-air venue to host Rock in Rio (with video)
Las Vegas Dining
New York-New York Brings Tom’s Urban And Shake Shack To New Pedestrian Plaza – New York-New York Hotel & Casino is turning up the flavor on its dynamic new plaza experience with the addition of fan-favorite restaurants Tom’s Urban and Shake Shack, opening December 2014.
The restaurants will take the space currently occupied by The Sporting House (closing June 3), and join recently opened retail outlets Swatch, Stupidiotic, I Love NYNY and Starbucks, as well as Hershey’s Chocolate World, which is opening this spring. The plaza is anchored by the property’s famed Brooklyn Bridge.
- Full story/details/info: New York-New York Brings Tom’s Urban And Shake Shack To New Pedestrian Plaza
Portofino At The Mirage Captures The Traditional Flavors Of Italian Coastal Cuisine With New Menu Items – Onda Ristorante and Wine Lounge at The Mirage Hotel & Casino has changed its name to Portofino and added a selection of new menu items inspired by land and sea as well as varieties of fresh pasta made in-house daily. Named in honor of the quaint Italian fishing village, Portofino’s dishes boast the flavors of Italian coastal cuisine with an emphasis on using the highest-quality ingredients.
- Full story/details/info: Portofino Restaurant New Menu Items
- YUSHO Review – In the Monte Carlo
- Bellagio’s Sensi offers sensational sustainable fare
- If You Still Haven’t Been, It’s Time To Add Herbs And Rye To Your Vegas List
- Chef Daniel Boulud’s db Brasserie Now Open At The Venetian
May 2014 Las Vegas
Rhumbar At The Mirage Serves Up Special In May 2014 For National Military Appreciation Month – The Mirage will salute the troops in honor of National Military Appreciation Month with buy-one-get-one cocktails throughout the month of May.
RHUMBAR will welcome service members over 21 years of age with valid military identification to relax on their patio with classic Caribbean libations. signature cocktail include the Old Cuban, a refreshing mix of Champagne, rum, fresh lime and mint; the Zombie, a smooth and subtle combination of rum and apricot, pineapple, passion fruit and lime juices; and the crowd-pleasing Pi±a Colada and many more.
- Full story/details/info: Rhumbar Serves Up Special In May For National Military Appreciation Month
Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos
MGM Resorts Unveils Expanded Plans And Programming For “The Park” In Las Vegas – MGM Resorts International has unveiled expanded plans and the first look at programming for its dynamic park, dining and entertainment district taking shape on the west side of The Strip. Creating an interactive neighborhood environment, The Park will connect New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts and the new 20,000-seat world-class Las Vegas arena currently in development by MGM and AEG.
New York-New York and Monte Carlo both are undergoing significant transformations of their Strip-facing experiences into robust plaza environments featuring casual eateries, bars, restaurants and retail destinations that will ultimately lead to The Park.
- Full story/details/info: MGM Resorts Unveils Expanded Plans And Programming For “The Park”
- A sneak peek at the contemporary and breathtaking Cromwell at center Strip
- Stratosphere welcomes visitor No. 40 million
More Las Vegas News
- Just how boozy do we want Fremont Street to be?
- Original Diva Salon Presents Stylish Hair Trends For Spring 2014
- Park On Fremont Downtown Launches Acoustic Patio On Thursdays
Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays
- Kentucky Derby Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-4)
- Cinco de Mayo Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-5)
- Mother’s Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 9-11)
- Memorial Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 23-26)
Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – I don’t want to be too presumptive, but it looks like Las Vegas is well on its way back after years of getting battered by the recession. March set a visitor record (see below), airport numbers are great (see next issue), The Linq and Linq-Mobile High Roller are open and exciting people to come check out. MGM just broke ground on their new arena (see next issue) and unveiled detailed plans/videos/renderings for The Park. (Photo in the stories area and video below in What We’re Watching). Add to that the present mostly flawless weather — with only a handful of extra hot or cool days interrupting highs in the 80’s — and Las Vegas is just amazing.
I’d like to say something to the Las Vegas haters who bashed the tar out of us during the recession all over the internet and had glee in the fact that we’re having tough times: We’re back, and there is nothing you can do about it. Not our problem that you are miserable humans who can’t stand that others enjoy life and like to have fun.
We’re going to continue to offer amazing new experiences, more good times than the law should allow, and continue to be a vacation destination that offers more variety of things to do than pretty much anywhere else on earth.
Where else can you see the Grand Canyon in the morning, enjoy watching a sports event you bet on or taking in a world-class spa experience in the afternoon, dine in one of many restaurants run by world-renowned chefs, then have your choice of nearly 100 shows, concerts, and headliners on any given night to round out your evening? Only in Vegas!
Record-Setting Month – Las Vegas hit an all-time record of 3.7 million visitors in March of 2014. While a huge convention didn’t hurt, it wasn’t the only cause by a long-shot. People are visiting more often, and visiting in droves. If all of the people who were stomping their feet and saying that they weren’t going to visit anymore and stayed away, we’ve had no problem finding people who want to enjoy our fine city.
Yes, oil prices make airfare unpleasant. And, the $2 steak dinners are a thing of the past. However, Las Vegas is still an incredibly reasonable travel destination and I challenge you to find a city you can do more in.
Why MGM’s “The Park” Will Work – We all know that I’m not the biggest proponent of the proliferation of all the shopping/dining springing up on The Strip. We have a limited number of visitors willing to spend a (pretty much) set amount of money. However, those who are detractors of The Park are overlooking the fact that this is attached to a major arena which will be busy many days/night of the year.
With the announcement of Park, I’ve seen internet notions ranging from the thought that only locals will be attending arena events (suggesting that locals won’t be interested in the mall, and ignoring that visitors make up a large percentage of concerts stages here) to wondering why MGM is willing to pour so much money to spruce up a couple of their basic properties.
It’s the arena, folks! In city after city around the US, new arenas (attended almost exclusively by locals) have spurred economic development and profit in the arena area. If MGM does NOT build Park, they lose the 20,000 people per event to other properties up and down The Strip. This way, they build and arena and scoop up tons of extra profit from people who will pass that way both before and after events. Both locals and tourists alike.
Will it lead to a pro sports team here? I hope not. Do we want to be the umpteenth city that the Clippers move to? Are locals going to care? (Probably not as Las Vegas has limitless entertainment options and most people living here already have an allegiance to a team). Plus, we already ARE Las Vegas. We don’t need a team that will all-of-a-sudden brand us as a “big league” city. Besides, how well would a team perform when half (or more) of the audience each night was a visitor rooting for the opponent?!?
We don’t tend to cover the “business” side of Las Vegas much, although I’m plenty capable and will note the following: I truly believe that The Linq and the High Roller wheel were built to work in tandem with the arena that Caesars Entertainment was planning for the space they own behind that part of The Strip.
Being in slightly better financial shape (and seeing good numbers as of late), I believe that the new arena MGM is building behind New York-New York — which will connect to The Strip via this Park project — was a way to cut financially ailing Caesars Entertainment off. Few believe that The Strip can absorb another arena once MGM is finished with this one. MGM will own/control MGM Grand Gardens (16,800), Mandalay Bay Events Center (12,000) and this new 20,000 seat arena. Add to that the Thomas and Mack (18,776) and we’re pretty set.
“Best Of” Voting Continues! – We’re getting near the end of the preliminary (second tier hotels) Play-In round in our “Best Of” Las Vegas voting! Here is the latest updated bracket:
2014 Play-In Round Bracket
No huge surprises. Quad beat Sam’s Town. Gold Coast beat Silver Sevens., and location/amenities certainly played a part, although some of the food deals at Sevens are tough to beat! Four Queens beat Wild Wild West (which is essentially a glorified truck stop). The iconic Riviera moves on in a win over Boulder Station. I could see The Riv being somewhat of a spoiler, as it would face Luxor if it makes it to the main round of 64 hotels.
So… time to vote again. Note: Due to a glitch in our initial rankings, BOTH winners in this semi-final round will move on to next week’s start of the main event where 64 hotels square off against each other, and only one will win!
Vote Now: Best Of Las Vegas Hotels
Play-In Round Semi-Finals
Want to see what the main bracket looks like? Click over to our Access Vegas Best Hotels Main Voting Bracket
All That Swing – We’re often asked where one can find casino lounge entertainment that does not consist of a 21 year old “DJ” playing music that goes “thump, thump, thump”. Top Frank Sinatra impressionist Peter Pavone does a multi-faceted show (he sings, tells jokes, you know… an actual entertainer) at El Cortez’s Parlour Lounge & Bar every Wednesday from 8-Midnight and Thursday from 6-10 PM. Admission is complimentary.
Membership Update – If all goes well, we’re about a week from being able to take credit card payments for our upcoming membership program. Rest assured, we will maintain the $14.95 pre-enrollment plan long enough for everyone to have a shot at it before we go to the regular early-enrollment price of $19.95.
If you are just tuning in and catching up in back issues in preparation for your trip and going “What is this all about”, please click over to our April 2, 2014 Access Vegas Insider Vibe, scroll down to Members Mania, and you’ll see the details and still be able to take full advantage.
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
- First Look At “The Park” Between Monte Carlo And New York-New York – An artist video rendering of MGM Resorts International’s project, The Park, which will connect New York-New York and Monte Carlo with an eight-acre outdoor entertainment experience.
- POV Of The First Flyer On SlotZilla Las Vegas Zip Line – The lower lines on the Slotzilla Zip Line downtown at The Fremont Street Experience are now open. Take a ride along and see what the adventure is like!
- Anthony Bourdain Comments On Electronic Dance Music In Las Vegas – For those who missed Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” from Las Vegas last week on CNN, he had some very funny/snarky things to say about the current EDM (Electronic Dance Music) club craze in Las Vegas.
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
I am a huge fan of your newsletter and a long term Vegas visitor. I like to stay at the north end of the strip @ Circus Circus. Although there are better hotels to stay at I just like the vibe of Circus Circus. I feel like Vegas is my second home as I visit each year and have done for the past 10 years.
I too have noticed the changes in hotels and atmosphere when visiting them. They seem confused as to what they are trying to be. Some say we are hotel/casinos but in fact they feel more like shopping malls. The Quad is just terrible it has no atmosphere at all and the casino is all over the place, you have small parts of a casino here and there it’s poorly planned out and a complete waste of someone’s money in my opinion.
I visited recently and even the ticket slappers on the strip were few and far between and the street entertainers were all but gone too. I visited Fremont and that too looked like a building site, LOL. I am sure it will look great when it’s finished but the Golden Nugget was full of atmosphere and I enjoyed my time in there.
Don’t get me wrong there are of course still casinos worth visiting and will leave you amazed by there beauty, like the Venetian, Bellagio, etc. I will continue to visit Vegas for as long as I am able, but as each year passes, the vibe of the town get more and more confused!
Vegas Pete
Ted Responds:
Thanks for reading and we’re happy to hear that we play a part in helping you have a more enjoyable Vegas vacation. I agree that to-date, The Quad isn’t exactly giving me goose bumps. Down on Fremont, Slotzilla is all but done, as is the new outdoor bar at Binion’s. So, it should get back to being construction free.
Fremont East has taken shape nicely and I strongly encourage people visiting downtown to make their way east on Fremont Street — where it goes from being a pedestrian mall to being and actual street — though the bars and restaurants, into and past the El Cortez and on down to Container Park before turning around. Otherwise, you are NOT seeing all of the fun area of Downtown!
However, you bring up a great point: Nothing stops you from personalizing your Las Vegas experience. You don’t mind staying at Circus, and I’m sure you get across the street to Riviera as well. Classic places like The Mirage, Tropicana, and Mandalay still maintain much of their original vibe, taking you to a distant island. Bellagio and Venetian still take you to Italy.
But yes, it is very unfortunate that you can no longer go to Asia (Imperial Palace) or Egypt (de-theming of Luxor). Hold on, though: As we’ve reported, the massive Asian-Themed Resorts World is set to take the old Stardust spot. With any luck, that will re-teach the people responsible for CityCenter, Quad, de-themed Luxor, and others that themed resorts still rule. They mentally take us away to to another place of relaxation and excitement outside our normal world. Even for those of us whose normal world is Las Vegas!
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
- Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
- Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
- Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 23, 2014
AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe
Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999
Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.
Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com
Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.
AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:
Las Vegas Essentials |
Featured Shows |
Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!
Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals
Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)
This Week’s Top Tours
Click Here To See More Great Tours…
The Cromwell Las Vegas Opens!
– The Cromwell sign illuminates on the side of the building as guests received their first glimpse of the standalone boutique hotel.
– An ambassador of The Cromwell readies to welcome the first guests to the hotel.
– The Cromwell’s dealers prepare for their first visitors prior to doors opening on April 21, 2014.
– All of The Cromwell’s first guests were welcomed with a celebratory glass of champagne.
– The first game of Blackjack dealt at The Cromwell.
The Cromwell Las Vegas Celebrates Soft Opening – The Cromwell, the new and first of its kind standalone boutique hotel, celebrated its soft opening yesterday by welcoming first visitors to the 40,000-foot casino. Guests rushed in at 4 p.m. in hopes of being among the first to play and try their luck at one of the 434 slot machines and 66 table games. Photo Credit: Erik Kabik
- Full story/details/info: The Cromwell Celebrates Soft Opening
Shows, Concerts, And Headliners
- Absinthe is sexier, raunchier than ever on third anniversary at Caesars
- ‘Jubilee’ reboot is strange and generic
- ‘Pawn Stars’ parody ‘Pawn Shop Live!’ moves from Golden Nugget to Riviera
Kentucky Derby Las Vegas 2014
- Wet Your Whistle For The Kentucky Derby At ROCKHOUSE
- PBR Rock Bar & Grill Celebrates The Derby With Kentucky Bourbon Flights
Las Vegas Dining
- Guy Fieri opens Strip restaurant in hair-raising fashion
- Taste of the Linq
- Southern Fare and Fun at Monte Carlo’s Double Barrel Roadhouse
- Las Vegas locales featured on Guy Fieri’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’
Cinco de Mayo Las Vegas 2014
PBR Rock Bar Goes Loco For $5 Cinco De Mayo Food And Drink Specials – Tequila and margaritas will be represented in full force this Cinco de Mayo at PBR Rock Bar & Grill. Located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the Strip-side destination will offer $5 food and drink specials all day on Monday, May 5.
The festive selections will be offered all day and will include $5 tequila shots, $5 margaritas and $5 personal-sized ‘nachitos.’
- Full story/details/info: PBR Rock Bar Goes Loco For $5 Cinco De Mayo Food And Drink Specials
- Rhumbar At Mirage Celebrates Cinco De Mayo With Festive Specials
- ROCKHOUSE Goes Big And Boozy This Cinco De Mayo With Dos Equis, Tequila And Tacos
Downtown / Fremont Street Experience
- Slotzilla zip lines tested with dummies as attraction sets to open
- Las Vegas Downtown Revival Continues With City’s First Munich-Style Beer Garden
- Park On Fremont Downtown Launches Acoustic Patio On Thursdays
- Las Vegas City Council votes to allow horse-drawn carriages downtown
Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2014
Rhumbar At Mirage Makes This Mother’s Day Pitcher Perfect – RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will offer $40 sangria pitchers for moms to enjoy a well-deserved day of relaxation on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.
Hardworking moms can sip sangria while unwinding on RHUMBAR’s cool Caribbean patio, complete with panoramic Strip views. Moms will be greeted with a colorful Gerbera daisy and will have their choice of two signature sangrias to celebrate the day. For a light and refreshing option, the White Sangria blends white and port wines with apricot brandy and fresh fruit. For a more full-bodied elixir, the Red Sangria balances red wine, port and brandy with fresh fruit and clove, for an extra splash of spice.
- Full story/details/info: Rhumbar Makes This Mother’s Day Pitcher Perfect
Tacos & Tequila Inside Luxor Celebrates Mother’s Day With A Mexican Twist – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will treat all moms to a complimentary rose and serve Mariachi Brunch in honor of the day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 11.
In addition to breakfast items, guests may cheers to moms with two-for-one T&T Top Shelf Margaritas made with Jose Cuervo Especial tequila and Grand Marnier served on the rocks; or Bloody Marias, made with Jose Cuervo Especial tequila, Chipotle Tabasco, fresh cucumber and olive juice and garnished with a green olive, panela cheese and tomato skewer.
- Full story/details/info: Tacos & Tequila Celebrates Mother’s Day With A Mexican Twist
Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Las Vegas Bar To Celebrate Mother’s Day With Lunch And Margaritas For Madres – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar at The LINQ will celebrate Mother’s Day with a four-course lunch and a complimentary Se±orita for mom on Sunday, May 11.
Mothers will be treated to a complimentary Se±orita to start the celebratory meal. The signature margarita is made with Cazadores silver tequila, fresh lime, fresh strawberry and Moscato d’Asti.
The four-course lunch, priced at $55 per person, will begin with the guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds and served with pork rinds or tortilla chips. For the second course…
- Full story/details/info: Chayo Celebrates Mother’s Day With Lunch And Margaritas For Madres
- Celebrate Mother’s Day At Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch At House Of Blues
- ROCKHOUSE Celebrates Mother’s Day With Bull Rides And Free Cocktail
- Tropicana Mother’s Day Restaurant Specials
Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos
- Peeking Into The Cromwell (with photos)
- IGT announces first multistate progressive jackpot network
- Can Casinos Manipulate Your Slot Play via Your Players Card?
- 59 Fun Facts on The Riviera Hotel & Casino’s 59th Birthday!
- Dramatic new look readied for Red Rock Resort
- Casino industry wrestles with issues surrounding medical marijuana
- Top 10 Las Vegas Sports Books
More Las Vegas News
- Kevin James films ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2’ in Vegas
- Las Vegas Tops Most Affordable City for Renters
- For GOP, Las Vegas just makes sense
- The World’s First Polaroid Museum Is Now Open On The Vegas Strip
- Bonnie Springs remains popular draw
- Foreclosure market in Nevada remains steady, new report shows
Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays
- Kentucky Derby Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-4)
- Cinco de Mayo Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-5)
- Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2014 (May 9-11)
- Memorial Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 23-26)
Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – As you’ve already seen from earlier in this issue, Barbary Bill’s has a fresh coat of paint and the (how do we say this politely) “interesting” new name as The Cromwell. The casino and one bar are open. Both the rooftop Drai’s dayclub/nightclub and Giada’s (of Food Network fame) restaurant are still roughly a month away.
The good (so far)? A couple of $10 blackjack tables that pay the traditional player-friendly 3/2 ($15-$10 instead of the more modern 6/5 games that only pay $12 for that same $10 bet blackjack) on blackjack bets. Keep in mind that limits and rules are subject to change depending on how busy the joint is. The bad? Gone are the moderate drink prices from the former incarnation. Also gone is the sports book. You have to place your sports wagers at a betting kiosk.
“Best Of” Voting Continues – Last issue, we noted the completion of the first round of the Play-In round for “Best Of” Las Vegas hotel voting. We took a week off to fine tune a few things, and we’re now ready for the second Play-In round! Many of you may want to refresh yourself with a look at the Second Round Play-In Best Las Vegas Hotel Bracket.
As a reminder, these are the second tier properties who are vying for a spot in our main 64 hotel playoffs, which will determine who our readers deem the best property in town! We’re now able to unveil the brackets for the main playoffs: AccessVegas.com Best Hotel Championship Bracket. Those of you who enjoy prognosticating will surly have some fun looking at all the match-ups!
Those with sharp eyes will notice that the main bracket has room for two “play-in” winners. Because of an error, we created two spots instead of one. So, both hotels in the Play-In finals will simply be moved into the Championship bracket round.
So, enough of the talk. Go vote in the Second Round of the Best Hotel Play-In (voting will be open through April 29, 2014)!
Zip Line Getting Close – While no official date has been set yet, construction is winding down on the Slotzilla zip line, stretching from one end of the Fremont Street Experience to the other. Testing has been underway with crash test dummies, and given the negative publicity that would surround any mishaps, we understand that emphasis on safety is at a premium. (This ain’t no carny ride).
Those who dare will have their choice of a shorter, lower ride stretching about 1/2 the length of the canopy and a full-on, “shot out of a cannon headfirst” experience starting out above the canopy, then ducking you just under it as you hurtle toward The Plaza. One downside that we’re not thrilled with? The landing platform has obliterated most of the view of the iconic lights of The Plaza as you gaze down the Fremont Street Experience. I always liked that view.
It’s Official, Temporarily – The Linq-Mobile (er, High Roller Observation Wheel) has been verified by Guinness as the tallest in the world. If you want to ride it while it holds the distinction, you’ll want to do so this year. Other taller wheels are under construction.
Bummer, No Implosion – The Harmon Tower (that giant billboard next to Cosmopolitan) is coming down. Quietly. A typical Las Vegas hotel implosion simply isn’t in the cards. Too great a possibility that it would wipe out part of the Cosmopolitan with it.
Unfortunately, we may have nearly seen the last of the great era of Las Vegas implosions. Many parts of The Strip are packed in more tightly than ever, refurbishing (a la Sahara and Tropicana) is more cost-effective, and while I personally wouldn’t mind seeing some of the condos come down, that will pretty much never happen because every owner would have to agree to sell.
Like it or not, I think we’re pretty much stuck with The Strip in its present format until Genting gets rolling on Resort World (former Stardust property) later this year. We’re looking forward to it (only 5 minutes from my house, how cool is that) and will work overtime to keep you up on this huge new megaresort as it develops.
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
- High Roller Ride-Through On The World’s Tallest Observation Wheel – This very well done 8 minute video takes you aboard the High Roller for as near of a first-hand experience as you are going to get until your next visit!
- “Lance Burton: Master Magician – The Legend Begins” 1996 TV Special – From time-to-time, we’re asked about legendary Las Vegas Magician Lance Burton. He’s apparently happily retired, continues to live here in Las Vegas, and very active with the SPCA and other charities. He’s also very active on his Facebook and Twitter pages.
- Las Vegas 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s – This approximately 10 minute show contains hundreds of amazing vintage Las Vegas photos put to period music. A great look back at the amazing history of Las Vegas!
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
I am more than ready to subscribe but it is so difficult for us Canadians To pay for the subscribed newsletter. It seems unfair for us to have to wait until you add credit card payment .
I will not be able to take advantage of the early bird price, but I will sign up when you offer the service. I have told a number of my friends here in Canada, and they feel the same way. PayPal is not an option. Please announce when you have the ability to to help us here in Canada.
Just a note, Westjet Airlines, based in Calgary, was the first airline to pass the million passenger mark into Las Vegas.
As always,I enjoy your newsletter.
Allan Huntley
Ted Responds:
For those who have been tuned out for a while (and are now tuning back in as you prep for your next trip and/or working through back issues), we are moving to a paid subscription model on July 1 and offering a special pre-enrollment period. You can visit the Members Mania area of our April 2, 2014 issue for details.
In response to Allan’s heads-up about this:
We WILL be keeping the early-bird price open long enough for readers to have a way to use credit card. Rest assured that we have many Canadian and International readers and you will not be left out in the cold (no pun intended after this past winter).
What we’ll do is make credit card payments available around May 1 (Canadian Dollar, Euro, Pound, Yen, Australian, and many, many more major world currencies), and keep the pre-enrollment price in place until May 15 (instead of setting a subscriber number count on it). Things are going pretty smoothly so far (considering that this is the start of a major venture) and we certainly want to be as inclusive as possible to long-time loyal readers!
A note to the many, many of you who subscribed by check up to this point: We are currently processing them, and you will receive a confirmation note. Please keep in mind that processing time is 3-4 weeks for check orders as we work though them manually. We didn’t want you to think we forgot about you!
However you pay, we appreciate it and are thrilled for your support!
It’s been almost a year since my last visit & unfortunately I won’t make it this year & am having withdrawals…but the extra $$ just aren’t there right now. While the gambling (slots) were really bad the last trip, I was there for a total of 10 Days… I paid discount prices for 3 nights! Total of about $120.00.
I ALWAYS stay “Downtown” on Fremont Street, mainly because I like it there, but also because I am a Widow now, & must travel solo. My best friend used to love to go too…but I lost her also. I feel very Safe “Downtown” & usually stay at the 4-Queens, The “D”, or The Plaza. My last trip, I stayed at all three establishments, and also stayed for the 1st time at The Golden Gate!
Even though I lost my gambling allowance, I still had a wonderful time. I loved the new refurbished rooms at The Plaza (Very large & comfortable), enjoyed the quaintness of the room at the Golden Gate (very small) and the average Rooms at The “D” and The Four Queens!
I go to Vegas to gamble…and average sleep is about 4-6 hours a day….Not a High Roller by any means…but I do use the Player club Cards and would just like to state that the amount of Play from the Downtown Casino’s is definitely variable enough for me & the BEST PART is that when I finally decide I need a nap…..my room is usually within an 5-10 minute walk! At 63 that’s plenty for me.
If I had the $$, I could have gone once a month with 4 choices of hotel rooms. This might not happen for everyone, but on my budget, I truly don’t believe these offers would have rendered the same at the Strip.
I have always been treated very well by staff at all the hotels, and have very often been offered a choice of rooms as well. Also, for the most part, the rooms Downtown rent at a considerable savings over the rooms at the Strip, & those savings downtown, will more than cover the taxi ride to the Strip. So if you don’t need the fanciest room, you might consider a detour this year!
Ted Responds:
Thanks for the great report! If it makes you feel any better, sometimes when I get tied up with the management side of this business and life happening and don’t get downtown or to The Strip as much as I’d love to, I get withdrawals too! (They usually kick in at the one week mark).
Many have wondered about how safe downtown is, and in particular females traveling alone. While anything can happen anywhere at anytime, the amount of security and cameras in Las Vegas makes it an extremely safe place. Even for the solo female traveler!
Downtown gaming seems to simply keep inching a little higher all the time and because most of the properties are owned by competing owners, you have real competition for your gambling dollar. They are generally not as encumbered by huge debt and a bunch of bean counters trying to squeeze the visitor endlessly.
Don’t get me wrong: The Strip is still the place to stay for those who come for the world-class shows and restaurants. Very few views like those from some of the rooms on The Strip. But, we’ve been actively encouraging people to take their wagering dollar downtown until The Strip returns to being a little more gambler friendly. As I’ve noted before, I want the return of big spinning cars available to be won sitting out on the sidewalks and huge neon signs that say “Our Slots Pay Back 99%”!
Few notes on Fremont Street Downtown:
1. You may wish to avoid Friday and Saturday nights now. I do. The area is now so popular that weekend evenings are super-crowded and pretty crazy. Fremont Street has the same gambling, food, and live bands seven nights per week. Go when you don’t have to fight the people who are a little out-of-control.
2. Because the live music often lasts until midnight or 1 AM, light sleepers staying downtown should request a room as far away from Fremont Street as possible, preferably facing the other direction. (Main Street Station guests may want to request a room that isn’t on the freeway side).
3. The old rooms at Golden Gate are really tiny. For those of you who like elbow room, something to keep in mind.
Thanks again for the great report!
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
- Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
- Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
- Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 16, 2014
AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe
Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999
Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.
Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com
Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.
AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:
Las Vegas Essentials |
Featured Shows |
Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!
Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals
Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)
This Week’s Top Tours
Click Here To See More Great Tours…
Shows, Concerts, And Headliners
Terry Fator: The VOICE Of Entertainment Launches Updated Show In Conjunction With 5th Anniversary – When audiences last saw Terry Fator, his loveable sidekick Winston the Impersonating Turtle was looking for a new gig on the Las Vegas Strip. Fast forward to 2014 and Winston has gone Hollywood in the updated version of Terry Fator: The VOICE of Entertainment. Winston leaves the bright lights of Sin City for big budget movies in sunny California, tasking Fator to audition a cast of characters to find Winston’s replacement as his right-hand man…er…turtle. Those auditioning include Vikki “The Cougar,” country legend Walter T. Airedale, Duggie Scott Walker, Julius, Emma Taylor, the world’s greatest Elvis impersonator Maynard Tompkins and Wrex the Crash Test Dummy.
- Full story/details/info: Terry Fator Launches Updated Show For 5th Anniversary
- Click to Book Tickets Now: Terry Fator
Olivia Newton-John Attends Absinthe At Caesars Palace – Film and music star Olivia Newton-John was spotted attending Las Vegas’ “Best Adult Show,” Absinthe at Caesars Palace, on April 3, 2014. Following the show, The Gazillionaire and his assistant Penny Pibbets welcomed the Strip’s newest headliner backstage where Newton-John shared words of enthusiasm for the show and took photos with the zany duo. Photo Credit: Ben Lewis/Spiegelworld
Absinthe is an acro-cabaret variety show featuring wild and outlandish acts in a theatre-in-the-round presentation. Audiences are treated to a night of imagination and excess as the cast of eccentrics perform amazing feats of strength, balance, danger and unfathomable flexibility within mere feet of the audience surrounding the intimate stage.
- Full story/details/info: Olivia Newton-John Attends Absinthe
- Click to Book Tickets Now: Absinthe
- Click to Book Tickets Now: Olivia Newton-John
Linq Las Vegas
- The High Roller is Open For Business
- High Roller Observation Wheel at Linq may lift up Las Vegas image
- The High Roller In Photos: Record-Breaking Addition to the Las Vegas Skyline
Dining In Las Vegas
La Cave Wine And Food Hideaway Inside Wynn Las Vegas Defines Lunch With New Sandwich Menu – Corporate Executive Chef Billy DeMarco puts his spin on lunch sandwiches at La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas, available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Guests may now enjoy lunchtime sandwich favorites including…
- Full story/details/info: La Cave Defines Lunch With New Sandwich Menu
KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers Inside Harrah’s Serves Up Unique Monthly Burger And Shake Combos This Spring And Summer – As the temperatures climb this spring and summer, KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers at Harrah’s Las Vegas continues its year-long burger and shake series, keeping the menu fresh and fun. Each flavorful burger and shake creation, crafted by master chef Kerry Simon, is only available for one month. Ordered separately, the burgers are $14 and the shakes are $6, while the burger and shake of the month combo is $18.
For the month of May 2014, guests can experience the Chorizo Burger and Mexican Hot Chocolate milkshake.
- Full story/details/info: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers Serves Up Unique Monthly Burger And Shake Combos
- First Impressions Of Guy’s Vegas Kitchen
- Hard Rock Hotel Adds A Spicy Twist To Sundays With Pink Taco Brunch
- Streetcar Po-Boys delivers a true taste of New Orleans
- Rose. Rabbit. Lie. and “Vegas Nocturne,” Just the Right Amount of OMFG
Las Vegas Attractions
Spring Showers Bring Bountiful Flowers At Bellagio’s Conservatory And Botanical Gardens – The weather around the country may still be a bit unpredictable, but springtime has officially sprung inside Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens where it’s always a pleasant 68.4 degrees. The spring display brings a bounty of more than 8,200 flowers of vibrant colors and floral creations now through May 11.
- Full story/details/info: Bellagio’s Conservatory And Botanical Gardens Spring Display
- Get your kicks, or just nostalgic, on Route 66
- Inside Bellagio’s secret museum, where Conservatory props go to retire
More Las Vegas News
- Pool scene starting to heat up at Drai’s, Picnic, and Tropicana
- Behind the Scenes at the Vegas Uncork’d Grand Tasting
- New Free App Available To Help You Navigate Downtown Las Vegas Happenings
- Tropicana, Luxor Add New Experiences For The LGBTQ Community
- $500 Challenge: Wynn Golf Club vs. Shadow Creek
- Vegas’s Hawaiian Marketplace: Hit or Miss?
- NCAA still has fear and loathing of Las Vegas
- Las Vegas’ big bet on gay tourism – What happens here won’t include getting hitched
- There are signs enthusiasm for the new Downtown has started to fade
- Casinos shudder over possible federal requirement to divulge source of high rollers’ gambling funds
Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays
- Easter Las Vegas 2014 (April 20)
- Kentucky Derby Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-4)
- Cinco de Mayo Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 2-5)
Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…
Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:
Hello From Las Vegas! – While winter still grips the upper Midwest, we’re warm and sunny here in Las Vegas. If you follow national news, you’ll learn that it isn’t the weather we’re currently know for. I bet it was news to some of you to learn that our area has ranching and cattle grazing! (If what I’m saying has you scratching your head, simply put the words Cliven Bundy into your favorite search engine).
We have agriculture as well, but over in Pahrump and up in Overton (both about an hour outside of town) Vineyards in Pahrump are pictured above. In fact, Las Vegas means “The Meadows” in Spanish and at one time, springs fed vegetation in our area. So much for the myth that Las Vegas is a barren desert that no one should be living in!
The fact is, we’re surrounded by breathtaking scenery. If you want to experience it on horseback (almost like a rancher would) or from the comfort of an air conditioned jeep, we have all of that (and more!) available over on our AccessVegas.com Tours Section.
The Return Of Bars And Lounges? – “Bar Rescue” (TV show) host Jon Taffer has vocalized what I’ve been saying (and many of you have been echoing) for a number of years now: Vegas needs more cool bars for people over 35 who don’t want to do the nightclub experience. Bars where you can relax and hang and talk (which means music you can talk over).
Nightclubs get all of the attention because they are enormously profitable. One nightclub can make over a million dollars per week (and they aren’t even open every day). However, these club-goers tend not to be as much into gambling (which is the easiest, cleanest money a casino can make).
I hate to sound like I’m nostalgic for the Rat Pack (before my time), but perhaps a casino atmosphere in certain areas aimed at 35+ people combined with the return of hotels having great lounges and bars might not be a bad thing to look into for the properties. You can read the entire article I’ve referenced at Seismic shift will rattle Vegas’ nightclubs and bars
AccessVegas.com Best Of Las Vegas Hotels Play-In Round Results – Voting is finished in the First Round of our hotels Play-In round. As a refresher, these are the 16 hotels at the lower end of the price scale who are vying to be one of the 64 hotels which will playoff against each other when we get to the main round (from which the ultimate winner will be decided.
I have a few comments on the winners so far, but first go look at our Hotels Play-In Round Bracket.
We didn’t have an overwhelming number of surprises. People tend to go with what they are more familiar with. We did surprisingly (considering the number of votes cast) have an outright tie: Riviera vs. Palace Station. I’m the tie-breaking vote (think of my as your US Vice President in the Senate) and I’ll confess, this was a tough one:
Palace has a variety of very solid restaurants at local’s pricing. They remodeled all their rooms just a few years ago, and I stayed in a tower room with an amazing Strip view just a few months ago during my move. Great view, nice room. The gaming is reasonably loose, limits are low, table game rules are old-school, and the video poker pay tables are generous.
However, Riviera simply had too much to overcome. The classic neon facade. A Strip location. Six shows plus a comedy club. A better pool (including cabana rental). And, their recent effort to offer $3 call drinks, $2 beers, and $1 blackjack helped seal the deal.
In an upset, Circus Circus fell to Boulder Station. While there is nothing wrong with Boulder, I would have thought Circus would take it based on the Strip location, amazing steakhouse, and Adventuredome. However, it has been somewhat of a perennial red-headed step-child. Interestingly enough, Boulder moves forward to take on The Riviera (which sits right across the street from Circus, for those who are geographically challenged).
Long-Hauling Update – I’ve been continuing to follow the long-hauling (taxi taking you the long route to run up the fare) saga so you don’t have to. The cabbies are claiming that the cab companies pretty much force them to long-haul to keep their daily averages up and punish them when those averages fall.
They also have been pulling a pity-party like they always do. I remember being long-hauled from Venetian to Downtown a few years ago (the driver did not realize I lived here), and when calling him on it, got this whining story about how he’s just a good, hard-working guy doing a tough job 12 hours per day.
Progress is being made regarding the placement of GPS in cabs to help cut down on the issue. The catch? The technology chosen for testing is technology owned and developed by one of our big cab companies, who arguably benefit from long-hauling and the higher fares it racks up! This makes us wonder if we have a fox guarding the hen house.
As always, we’ll stay on top of this for you. If you wish to read the latest: Board recommends Las Vegas company to provide long-hauling enforcement tool
Hope you are enjoying this issue!
Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
- Talktails #041: The Jersey Boys’ Jeff Leibow – Kelly Clinton welcomes Jeff Leibow, who plays Nick Massi in Jersey Boys
, on this episode of Talktails. Learn all about Las Vegas’ long running hit show! Plus, Jeff talks about the audition in college he was dared to try out for (he was studying zoology at the time) that launched his show business career. They end with Jeff singing one of his daughter Emma’s favorite songs. (This guys is an amazing singer!) - Las Vegas Monorail – Turning 10 And In Need Of Expansion – The Las Vegas Monorail is coming up on its tenth anniversary this summer. For much of its first decade, there has not been much to celebrate with early breakdowns, low ridership, and finally, bankruptcy.
- Fine Art Photographer Peter Lik – You’ve seen the Las Vegas based fine art photographer featured on The Weather Channel. Now see this interview with him featuring stunning scenery and hear about his gallery right here in either The Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino The Forum Shops, Shoppes At Mandalay Place, or Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian.
Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!
Instead of reader feedback today, just a note that we are busy, busy, busy working on the new paid-members program. (Hey, the entire reason we’re doing the membership program is so we can hire more help, allowing us the time to be more involved helping our members)!
We very much appreciate those who are participating in early enrollment, which is helping to fund the basic membership set-up and has us looking at hiring a part-time researcher to better organize and hunt down all the zillions of amazing deals in Las Vegas that generally fly under the radar or come and go too often for other sources to keep up on. And, to answer your questions. Keep in mind that paid subscribers will (within reason) always get a response to Vegas questions. Due to volume, we simply can’t otherwise promise that to everyone.
We are slowly but surely reaching out to everybody who has enrolled so far. Thank you for your patience as it takes time to say a personal hello. Rest assured that your info in being inputted, we will be in touch confirming and saying “Thanks”, and you will be getting additional updates as the July 1 launch moves closer.
Since we always have readers tuning in as their trip nears, this may be news to some of you. To find out the benefits and take advantage of pre-enrollment pricing, please click over to our April 2, 2014 issue and scroll down to Members Mania. We still are able to offer the $14.95 pricing (if you see it there, it is still available), but will be increasing it in the near future. The early-bird who shows their support gets the proverbial worm with us!
We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:
- Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
- Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
- Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
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