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Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 5, 2014

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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

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

 Palms Las Vegas – Enjoy 24-hour checkout times only when you book online! Book Now! Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA Treatments
Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $52/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City! Save up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las Vegas
Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us. Caesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!
The Quad – Best Rate Guarantee – Rates low as $30 a night, Center Strip right at LINQ! Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals

Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)

This Week’s Top Tours

Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
See the Grand Canyon and experience the Skywalk without eating up your entire day by flying over and back
Ever want to race a dune buggy through the Nevada desert terrain? Now’s your chance!
Witness Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and fly down into the Grand Canyon by helicopter. Plus champagne and BBQ at The Canyon!
Grand Canyon, Route 66, Mojave Desert, more, direct from Vegas. Full day tour only $229 includes snacks/lunch/fees!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

The Bellagion Gallery Of Fine Art

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Presents “Painting Women” – Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA), the premier cultural destination on the Las Vegas Strip recognized for presenting world-class exhibitions in an unrivaled setting, today debuted its newest exhibition “Painting Women: Works from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.” Culture-seekers and art-lovers can view the exhibit through Oct. 26, 2014.

Organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibition showcases 34 paintings spanning the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, revealing the story of women artists, their activism and artistic achievements. The works represent the increased opportunities for education, domestic independence and artistic training that allowed many women to pursue their dreams of becoming professional painters, dating back to the late 18th century.

Events And Specials During March 2014

THE LINQ

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Sighting: GLEE Star Darren Criss with Cast of Rock of Ages – GLEE star, Darren Criss, attended Rock of Ages Saturday evening, February 15, 2014 at The Venetian Las Vegas. Following the performance, Criss headed backstage to share words of enthusiasm with Rock of Ages star and former GLEE cast member, Jon Robert Hall, and to take a photo with the cast. Criss also shared his sentiments in a tweet saying, “Thanks again to my ol’ warbler buddy @JonHall28 for a rockin time- he killed it as Stacee Jaxx in RockofAgesVegas this weekend!

Grammy Award Winning Violinist Joshua Bell And NFL Stars Vince Young And Zach Ertz Attend Absinthe – On February 9, 2014, Grammy Award«-winning violinist Joshua Bell attended Absinthe. Following the performance, Bell shared his enthusiasm for the show while posing for a photo with The Green Fairy Melody Sweets.

On February 15-16, Former NFL Quarterback Vince Young and Philadelphia Eagles Tight End Zach Ertz attended Absinthe at Caesars Palace with his girlfriend. Following the performance, Ertz expressed his enjoyment for the performance while he met with The Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets for a photo.

Las Vegas Tours And Attractions

The Cromwell Hotel & Casino

Drinking, Dining, And Dancing In Las Vegas

Celebrate National Meatball Day With Meat-Loving Specials At Trevi At Caesars Palace – Trevi Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will honor National Meatball Day by offering several specially-priced menu favorites exclusively on Sunday, March 9.

Executive Chef Peter Scaturro’s classic spaghetti and meatballs entrÚe is made with a hearty serving of pasta served with two homemade meatballs in a zesty marinara sauce and will be priced at $15 to celebrate the holiday. Additional specials include a wood oven-fired meatball pizza for $10, an appetizer featuring two jumbo five-ounce meatballs for $5 and a lunchtime meatball sub on focaccia bread served with patate fritte, priced at $15.

Gambling And Gaming

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

More Las Vegas News

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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! – No polar vortex here, although we’re watching it on TV and hoping that all of our US and Canadian readers getting slammed once again with winterly weather are staying safe and warm. Our 10 day forecast ranges from 72 – 81 F (22 – 27 C) for the highs and we’re going to have flawless weather for our NASCAR race this weekend.

Monorail vs. Light Rail (Part 2) – Last week, we discussed why the monorail has not been extended to the airport and why the SLS (Sahara) may be the last hope of turning it into a success. This week we’ll talk about a new idea for light rail and question why the airport does not have better bus service for visitors.

Unlike many other cities in the U.S. (and around the world), your options for getting from McCarran Airport to The Strip or Fremont Street are limited to renting a car, taking a cab/limousine, or using a shuttle. When you consider the sheer volume of visitors who move through our airport, this is simply not acceptable (unless you own a cab company).

Citizens Area Transit (aka CAT, our local bus service) is making inroads to serving the airport, but still not specifically in a way that benefits tourist. We have two bus lines running the length of The Strip (a limited-stop express and a the regular double-deck Deuce). I have yet to hear why one of them doesn’t operate a split route and circle though the airport. Instead, both continue south on The Strip (Las Vegas Blvd.) down to the Outlet Mall and transit center.

Two bus routes designed for locals cross The Strip and are usable under the right conditions. If you are going to the vicinity of Treasure Island/Wynn/Venetian, you can hop the Centennial Express (CX) right from the airport. BUT… only from Terminal 3. So, keep that in mind. The Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) services both Terminal 1 & 3 and crosses The Strip on Tropicana for those who are staying in that area.

BOTH of these routes provide service into the heart of Fremont Street. The fare is only $2 and the WAX is quicker. Information on both is available at http://www.rtcsnv.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/AirportBrochure_0114_24x11.pdf

However, we’re still talking a bus ride when other cities have forms of rail serving their airports. Unfortunately, some kind of rail down The Strip is a near impossibility. As congested as things are, just the construction would be nightmarish. Running with the traffic would cause all kinds of accidents, and creating a designated lane would make an already crowded street come to a permanent standstill.

The latest push is to run light rail from the airport to downtown, and it is gaining some decent momentum. While aimed at locals, this could be a boon to some visitors if done properly. They know that they want to run it down Maryland Avenue because of the density of housing, UNLV, and similar. They could follow this route http://goo.gl/maps/XJeMJ and zig-zag it over to meet up with the north end of the monorail as well.

However, I’ll be the first to agree that all of the above represents a patchwork at best. And probably only palatable to those who really enjoy mass transit or want to save a buck and stick it to the cabbies!

Terry Fator Video Now Working – Our Terry Fator on David Letterman video was down for a few hours last week. If you tried to view it and couldn’t, you can enjoy it now!

Getting An End To Resort Fees – The move to outlaw resort fees (or make them a LOT more transparent like the airlines now must) is gaining steam.

I would suggest that ALL of you who are concerned about this issue take 5 minutes out of your life and write a snail mail (postal service mail) to Senator Harry Ried and let him know that you disapprove and it is making you — the Vegas visitor — have a negative opinion. You don’t have to live in Nevada to write him. In fact, hearing from those of you around the U.S. and around the world who visit and provide a positive economic impact to our state would be very powerful.

Write him at:

The Honorable Harry Reid
333 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Suite 8016
Lloyd D. George Building
Las Vegas, NV 89101

P.S. Even if you don’t like his politics, be polite and to-the-point. This isn’t about Obamacare or the minimum wage. He needs to be aware that the resort fee issue bothers you.

To the hotel properties who want to continue the fees, I can only say “don’t shoot the messenger” here. It is by far and away the #1 complaint among our readers. I’d love to see a gentleman’s agreement among resort properties to kill the fee and simply bump up the room rates. You’ll get the same amount for the room without pissing off every visitor who looks at their final hotel bill and feels like they were robbed.

I never hear people citing room rates as a reason for visiting here less. Whether to take a trip or not usually comes down to getting decent airfare. We’d still have some of the cheapest rooms in the nation for what you are getting.

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

  • Video – Fremont Street Experience 2013 – Still have that football beer holder you bought on your last visit to Fremont Street? Dig it out, pour your favorite frosty beverage in it, and turn up this video. You’ll almost feel like you are back down there!

  • Piers Morgan On Las Vegas – Before Piers got hired and (evidently) let go at CNN, he did this special on Las Vegas for British TV. Shot during the bust, they did a pretty good job of capturing a nice snapshot of that era.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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 February 26, 2014

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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

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms – Tired of the cold? Escape to beautiful Las Vegas with rates starting at $59 + complimentary bottle of alcohol! Palms Resort & Casino – Plan your Vegas trip ahead and secure the best rate! Make your plans now!
Palms Resort & Casino – 20% off Rates & Starting at $35/NT! Palms Place Resort – 20% off Rates. Stay in Contemporary Luxury!
Palms Casino Resort – Rates from $59 and complimentary bottle Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.
Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

El Loco Opens At The Adventuredome Introducing Drops, Twists & Turns For Thrill Seekers Of All Ages – The Adventuredome at Circus Circus has gone “loco” – El Loco, that is! Only the second of its kind in the United States, the new world-class roller coaster is now open and invites thrill seekers of all ages to experience a 72-second, adrenaline-pumping adventure complete with G drops, gravity-defying turns and over-the-edge twists.

Designed by S&S Worldwide, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of vertical and family thrill rides, El Loco’s soaring eye-catching structure offers a unique and exhilarating ride experience in a small footprint. Reaching a maximum speed of 45 mph, El Loco pushes the limits with unique coaster elements that drop, turn and twist riders around 1,300 feet of electric yellow track for a thrill-a-second adventure, including…

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NBA Tickets 5 Seconds of Summer Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
NHL Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Lionel Richie Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Morrissey Tickets
Baseball Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
NCAA Basketball Tickets One Direction Tickets

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Bruno Mars Performed At The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan – Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bruno Mars celebrated Valentine’s Day weekend by rocking the Mophie Stage inside The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for two consecutive nights on Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16.

Both nights Australian DJ Havana Brown, known for her hit “We Run the Night” warmed up sold-out crowds with electric sets featuring popular remixes such as Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.” Following, one of People Magazine’s sexiest men alive, Bruno Mars, took the stage with his eight-piece band The Hooligans. Photo credit: ® Erik Kabik/ Retna/ erikkabik.com

Downtown Las Vegas / Fremont Street Experience

Las Vegas Hotels

Celebrate Spring Break And Mardi Gras In Las Vegas

Rhumbar Welcomes Spring Break With Specials – RHUMBAR will turn its Caribbean-themed patio into the ultimate spring break getaway for those aged 21 and over with all-day music and daily specials from 1 – 6 p.m. The array of $5 drink specials include Rum Punch, Coors Light bottles and vodka mixed drinks. Buckets of domestic beer also will be available for $20. Revelers can savor $8 house cigars, a variety of hookah flavors and The Chonga, a 32-ounce margarita with two upside down 7-ounce Sol beers, for $18.

Join The Fiesta At Tacos & Tequila For Spring Break – Spring Breakers may also enjoy a $5 menu offered daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring Fiesta Nachos, Haba±ero Wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Flautas, Guacamole, Dos Equis bottles, Jose Cuervo shots, well drinks, house red or white wine and sangria. The party never stops with T&T’s Fiesta Weekends complete with a resident DJ spinning high-energy sets and $5 Dos Equis and Jose Cuervo shots every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Trevi Offers Food And Drink Specials For Spring Breakers – College students celebrating their week off from school will enjoy $6 TREVI Bites including tomato bruschetta, fresh stuffed mushrooms, fried calamari, eggplant crisps, homemade meatballs and mini stuffed cheeseburgers.

The Italian restaurant will offer an array of drink specials including $3 classic frozen bellinis made with a refreshing blend of peach nectar, sparkling wine, light rum and peach purÚe; $4 bottled beers including Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Corona, Miller Lite and Peroni; $6 wines by the glass such as chardonnay, pinot grigio, cabernet sauvignon, Chianti and merlot; and $6 signature martinis including the pomegranate cosmo, Italian marga-tini, blue-tini and limone martini.

Dining In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

Gambling And Gaming

This Week’s Top Tours

Vegas Strip ‘copter tour, then dinner at Smith & Wollensky’s is the perfect way to begin your night!
Experience Grand Canyon via Plane, ‘Copter, Hike (optional), BBQ, true Southwest experience!
Drive your dream car (Ferrari, Lambo, more) around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR track starting only $199!
VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour via chopper trip to/from Skywalk, stunning views, expedited/exclusive arrangements.
Western Sunset Horseback + BBQ Dinner Ride through stunning scenery surrounding Vegas. Truly experience the west!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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! – March is staring us squarely in the face and spring has sprung here in Las Vegas. This means Spring Break, St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and the end of what most of you would consider chilly weather. Do pack a light jacket, but leave the heavy stuff at home where you’ve been giving it a wear-out all winter.

Monorail vs. Light Rail (Part 1) – With no end in sight for the regulation of taxi long-hauling (the cab taking you the long way from the airport), people continue to ask why the monorail simply can’t be run to the airport. The issue: The monorail is a private company and because of past failures financially, it simply isn’t able to raise the necessary capital. The good citizens of Clark County, NV have heard so much bad news about the monorail over the years that there is no public (taxpayer) push to get involved by taking the company over. This would be the first necessary step in using tax dollars to fund the expansion.

The hotel properties have no interest in stepping in. It only realistically serves a few of them and frankly isn’t that convenient of a way to casino-hop due to the location of the stations.

As recently pointed out by our friend Mark over at the 360 Vegas Podcast*, The new SLS (former Sahara, opening Labor Day weekend) could prove to be somewhat of a saving grace for the monorail. The younger crowd they are looking to draw might find it a great way to get down The Strip to other restaurants and clubs. AND… if the SLS brings a decent draw the way Cosmopolitan did, people from the south and mid-Strip will find the monorail an easy way to get to SLS.

* 360 Vegas Podcast is NOT for those with timid ears. They do a great job giving their opinions on Las Vegas but also spend time on off-color jokes and pop-culture tangents. This is not for those of you looking for 60 Minutes.

Why didn’t this happen when The Sahara was operating? The Sahara’s prices, location and (lack of) amenities drew a drive-in, budget crowd from California who were not as likely to spend the $5 per person for the ride. A young group of drinking clubbers will gladly pay that to be whisked from SLS to Hakasan (MGM’s big club) in 15 minutes of air conditioned, partying comfort. Similar, the younger trendy clubbers will do the same to experience the clubs SLS is set to offer. A budget, light-drinking party of four with a car? Not so much.

In Part 2, we’ll talk about why bus service to the airport is so non-existent for visitors, and the concept of light rail currently being floated. In other cities, mass transit generally does a solid job of serving their airport, and in cities such as Atlanta and Portland, you can hop a train from the airport straight into downtown!

Linq Me Up – As many of you are reading this, the Big Wheel, er Linq-Mobile, er High Roller Ferris Wheel — sitting dead in the center of the Strip and lit up as to be seen from 20 miles away — is just about to open. Rumor pegs it as March 1 with an average ride price of $30. Obviously, we’ll be down there as soon as they give everyone the green light with photos, a story, and perhaps some video

Driving home from grocery shopping recently, I just about drove off the road, distracted by how brightly the pods were lit up. They’re making sure it gets noticed!

Terry Fator and MAMMA MIA! – We’d like to welcome two great new sponsors! MAMMA MIA! returns to Las Vegas, this time at The Tropicana in the old Folies Bergere showroom. (Which has been upgraded and received a makeover). Long time visitors may remember it running for many years at Mandalay Bay, and everyone (literally) loved it. Click For Tickets: MAMMA MIA! Las Vegas

Terry Fator continues his extremely talented, hilarious show at The Mirage. He’s hot on the heels of a new DVD release. However, if you’ve caught his previous work on TV or Netflix, don’t assume that you’ve seen it all. He’s constantly adding new acts, characters and bits to his show. You could go once per year and not see the same show again. We’ve included a clip of his recent David Letterman performance in our What We’re Watching area. Click For Tickets: Terry Fator Las Vegas

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • Terry Fator 2014 On David Letterman – America’s Got Talent ventriloquist/singer/comedian Terry Fator continuous to wow audiences in his Mirage Las Vegas Theater. Enjoy this recent David Letterman performance.

  • Take A Ride On The New Circus Circus Adventuredome El Loco Rollercoaster – Allowing the vehicle to make tighter and faster turns, El Loco’s small four-person cars feature an innovative open-carriage design giving riders the feeling of flying as they twist around every turn. With a surround-sound system built into each seat of the coaster cars, riders also will enjoy a custom soundtrack featuring the sounds of Latin, Hip Hop and Rock.

  • Las Vegas 1969 – Travel up Interstate 15 to Las Vegas August 1969. A view of old Las Vegas driving down the famous “strip”. Drive by the “new” Landmark Hotel which opened on July 1, 1969.

  • Advice From A Barber: Wynn Edition – A tourist at the Wynn resort and casino in Las Vegas and got a luxury shave at their salon. With Wynn’s permission he recorded the shave, asking the barber to explain what he was doing and answer some questions.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

In January 2014, we asked you to send us your 2014 Vegas plans. We were swamped and enjoyed reading them all. We’ll be printing selected choices over the next few months so that you can hear what others are up to and share in the excitement that anticipation of a Vegas vacation brings!

 

How lovely for someone to ask about your holiday plans and actually really want to know rather than just being polite!

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. Other things on the agenda that we haven’t done before are Mob Museum, New Wheel (hopefully it will be open by then) – I have been on the London Eye and it is an amazing experience.Plus,  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

&nbps;

Ted Responds:

That sounds like a full trip, and no question that when you are traveling that far, you need to make the most of it!

* If staying off-Strip, The Orleans is a good choice. Big casino, plenty of food options, prices and gambling that cater to locals (IE, your money will go farther), and a very short shuttle ride from The Strip.

* Those who do Vegas for short stretches and go non-stop often wonder how someone can visit for a week or two (or longer). The simply do what you plan to do. Spend one day going heavy, and the next day kicking back. Also when you are here longer, you don’t quite feel so overwhelmed with so much to do and so little time.

* Make sure to check out our Access Vegas Tours Page to book that Grand Canyon trip. There is NOTHING like seeing it from a helicopter where you can get an in-depth trip into the Canyon and see so much of it. Keep in mind that we only work with the best, most safe companies for these tours.

Visiting the Stratosphere 107 lounge is well worth the trip. Just keep in mind to pay attention to when sunset is. For the best experience, get up there 45 minutes before sunset and enjoy cocktails while The Strip lights up and the sun sets in an orange glow over our spectacular desert mountains!

* For those wondering, they can check out the Las Vegas sign live at EarthCam Las Vegas. If you visit the sign during the day, let your friends know and make sure to wave to them.

Sounds like a very full trip and we’ll be eager to hear how it went toward the end of the year!

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 February 12, 2014

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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

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Resort & Casino – 20% off Rates & Starting at $35/NT! Palms Place Resort – 20% off Rates. Stay in Contemporary Luxury!
Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Palazzo – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PPROAPU) Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Venetian – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PVROAPU)
Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Palazzo (promo code: PPSUTLF) Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Venetian (promo code PVSUTLF)
Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Venetian (Promo Code: EVHOMQ1) Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Palazzo (Promo Code: EPHOMQ1)
Palms Casino Resort – Rates from $59 and complimentary bottle Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.
Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NBA Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Cher Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets Dave Matthews Band Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Los Angeles Clippers Tickets James Taylor Tickets
NHL Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
College Basketball Tickets One Direction Tickets

Sports And Olympics

Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Shows Feature International Olympic-Caliber Athletes and Performers – Hundreds of athletes from around the world gather to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In Las Vegas, Olympic-caliber athletes and entertainers from across the globe take the stage nightly at Caesars Entertainment’s Total Vegas Resorts. Go behind the curtains and find out how these international entertainers stay in shape and maintain their athletic physique.

Las Vegas Attractions

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Celebrity Sighting: Adam Lambert Attends Rock of Ages At The Venetian – Singer and American Idol alumni Adam Lambert attended Rock of Ages at The Venetian Las Vegas in order to rock out and cheer on cast member and close friend Terrance Spencer (Mayor/Ja’Keith). The two first met when they performed in WICKED together and then later, Terrance performed as a dancer on Lambert’s Glam Nation tour.

After the performance, Lambert went backstage to pose for photos with the cast, including Terrance, and to congratulate them on a great performance.

Downtown Las Vegas And Fremont Street

Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Celebrate National Margarita And Tortilla Chip Day With Specials At Tacos & Tequila Inside Luxor – Celebrate National Margarita Day with two-for-one Top Shelf Margaritas February 22 and National Tortilla Chip Day with $5 Fiesta Nachos on February 24.

T&T’s signature Top Shelf Margarita is made with Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado Tequila, organic agave nectar, Grand Marnier and a margarita mix prepared in-house daily from fresh squeezed limes, and is served on the rocks with a salted rim.

The south of the border party will continue with $5 Fiesta Nachos, in honor of National Tortilla Chip Day. The nachos are topped with black beans, jalape±os, chipotle cheese sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo and crema fresca. Diners may add chicken for an additional $3 or grilled steak for $4.

Gambling And Gaming

More Las Vegas News

This Week’s Top Tours

Air/Land/Water: Experience a Grand Canyon expedition from #Vegas, helicopter trip and Colorado River rafting!
Experience Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, all of #Vegas by helicopter, save 30%!
Richard Petty Rookie Tour: YOU drive the #Vegas Motor Speedway in a V-8 NASCAR style car!
Vegas Indoor Skydiving, right on #Vegas Strip, winds up to 120 mph, just like the real thing
Just 45 minutes from The Strip, the wild west lives with majestic views on a breakfast horseback ride!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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! – Temps are in the 70’s F this week (as we noted they would be a couple of weeks ago), birds are chirping, the sun is shining… it looks like our two months of winter (Dec. and Jan.) are officially over! Now, if we can just get daylight savings time to kick in and give us some sunshine in the evening to enjoy, life will be perfect. Nothing beats a warm evening walk on the Las Vegas Strip with the Bellagio fountains going off next to you.

Bellagio Fountains by prud_de, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by  prud_de 

Average Visitor Age Declines – For quite a few years, the average age of the Las Vegas visitor hovered right around 50. That number has recently taken a dramatic drop to around 45. What gives?

EDC and EDM, which stand for Electric Daisy Carnival and Electronic Dance Music. Electronic dance music is the “thump thump” music that you pretty much hear everywhere now, and many of the DJ’s who create and or mix the tracks are superstars among EDM fans. This has culminated in a yearly event called Electric Daisy Carnival which draws around 300,000 mostly young people to attend the multi-night festival held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That alone really drags down the average.

We do have the “chicken or the egg” issue working. Are more seasoned visitors chased away because of the trends toward the clubs and EDM music replacing the lounge acts? Or have the casinos tightened up their slot machines one notch too tight, leaving gamblers to figure that if they are going to get robbed, they don’t need to fly all the way to Las Vegas to do so?

One thing is for sure: Las Vegas better work on making gambling more appealing to those twenty-somethings if they want a life-long shot at those customers revenue. Shopping just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to financing the multi-decade debt load on some of the gaming properties. once these younger people hit 30 and settle down and start having kids, spending big bucks for a night of clubbing is no longer going to appeal to them until they are 50 and divorced. And… this “shopping” gimmick won’t be filling the financial gap.

Make gambling an affordable pastime for all ages and you’ll get people to gamble. Set slots and table game rules too tight, and then don’t be shocked when people spend their money on other activities. AND… when these 20-somethings vanish as Vegas visitors when they hit 30.

Drinking And Gambling At 18 – Longshot GOP candidate for the Nevada governor’s office Eddie Hamilton wants to spur tourism by lowering the legal age to drink and gamble in Nevada to 18. While the valid argument exists that if one can go to war and die for your country, one is old enough to enjoy adult vices.

On the flip side, the ideas has too many roadblocks to count:

  • The 21 and over drinking age is just short of a federal law. States can lower it, but they lose their highway money from Washington, DC. This is also why we have the uniform .08 “drunk” threshold, and Nevada was one of the last states to bow down to that (with a gun to our head). However, we still have an “aggravated” DUI at .18 which is where you are no longer just a tiny bit buzzed, but are pretty good and tipsy.
  • I can’t imagine many of the hotel properties wanting to rent to anyone under 21.
  • Kids that age aren’t exactly loaded with cash. It is one thing to be a budget tourist. It is entirely another thing to come to Las Vegas and end up drinking yourself silly on The Strip (from beer and liquor bought at the grocery store) all day and night because you literally can’t afford to do much else.

While I don’t applaud the federal government telling states how to set laws like these, I can’t see a change like this benefiting tourism here.

The Next “Locals” Best Kept Dining Secret – Every couple of years, regular visitors who spend way too much time on way too many Las Vegas message boards (you know who you are!) get all excited about a restaurant tucked away somewhere off The Strip that is getting tons of local love and buzz. Lotus Of Siam Thai just a few blocks east of The Sahara (953 E. Sahara) was one such for a long time, and still holds up as a can’t miss place for Thai.

Just about a block away, Fat Choy inside the Eureka Casino is now getting rave reviews for their Asian-American food. One wouldn’t expect to find such a restaurant inside a decidedly mid-market property in an older neighborhood that caters to locals, but then Las Vegas has never been short on surprises. An important note: We do not suggest starting to venture to some of the locals treasures during your first few visits. Just enjoy The Strip and downtown.

However, if you drive in or rent a car and are on your 10’th, 20’th or 40’th visit and enjoy getting out and seeing the various locals casinos or some of the surrounding scenery and attractions here in Clark County, both Lotus and Fat Choy are worth a visit if you enjoy that type of cuisine. You can read more about Fat Choy here: Fat Choy chef knows what he is doing with signature dishes

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • Las Vegas Magic Carpet Ride – Flying all over Las Vegas on our very own Magic Carpet. We had a blast filming our “Magic Carpet Ride”! It’s in a booth across from the King Tut Museum on the second level of Luxor Hotel Pyramid. (Description by video author). A fun trip down Las Vegas Blvd and Fremont Street including a few backdrops of the pre-City Center Las Vegas Strip.

  • A Rebirth Of The Social Club: Rose. Rabbit. Lie. – Rose. Rabbit. Lie. at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a modern twist on clubs of the night – a truly communal venue, where the experience lies not only with the power of production, but within the excitement of improvisation. The result is a new genre that blurs the lines between restaurant, bar, club and show to create a grand social experiment; one that arrives in spontaneous moments throughout the evening. This unique venue delivers an unexpected mash-up of experiences that typically live detached from one another.

  • Video – Andre Agassi Image Is Everything, Canon (1990) – One of the most successful ad campaigns by Canon. This commercial became the target of the sports media’s criticism in the early 90s – often accusing Andre of endorsing style over substance. Shot against some awesome vintage images of Las Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I want to thank everyone who sent us an email telling us about their 2014 Vegas plans and thoughts. I was overwhelmed, but read every single one (which took a few hours)! The winner of the random drawing for a choice of various Vegas prizes was Rick Hoirch from Canada. He chose the limited-edition KISS Monster Mini-Golf poster. He’s in town in just a couple of weeks, so we’re going to drop it by his hotel!

Here are some quick take-aways from what many of you were saying. While this does not represent every single email (our readers have pretty diverse interests), there were some themes:

* Most of our readership is 40+, which is something we already had a pretty good handle on. You’ll notice that we concentrate on the more traditional Las Vegas activities like fine dining, great shows, and spectacular tours. Very little in the way of nightclubs.

* In the same vein, most of you showed a great affinity for fine dining. More so than I suspected. In the future, we’ll be diving into that side of things more. (When you are spending that kind of money, you really want the inside scoop).

* Lots of concert fans, which makes sense. No better place to see a concert than here in Vegas. You get out, you are all jacked up and happy, the night is still young, and you don’t have to get in your car and go home! Keep in mind that we have plenty of premium seats to most Las Vegas concerts at our ticketing section: Tickets.AccessVegas.com

* Many of you have surprisingly not visited downtown in years! Some have little interest, others are just so busy on The Strip that they don’t take the time. Still others noted that they do all of the gambling downtown because the odds are better and machines are loser (which is a fact). I do encourage those of you who have not been for a long time to check out all of the changes downtown. Hint: Avoid Friday and Saturday nights. The crowds are crazy. You’ll enjoy the weeknights so much more.

* Customer service needs to step it up a notch. That was a pretty significant thread, and something that some of the properties really need to work on. Attention locals (in the industry), how about you be thankful that you’ve had a job through this terrible recession and treat our guests like gold so they enjoy coming back time and time again.

* Many more of you are embracing the “new” Vegas than we had previously thought. Las Vegas is always changing and those changes bring renewed interest. In the same vein…

* Many, many of you are looking forward to the full opening of Linq and the Linq-Mobile (er, High Roller). Which for a while will be the tallest in the world. Hence, we’ll make sure we keep you up-to-date and get some live reports in.

* Quite a few of you enjoy having a car, either by driving in or renting one and really getting out to see both the local’s casinos (where the food prices and gaming odds are really good), or some of our amazing desert scenery.

* Quite a few of you specifically mentioned wanting to go on a night flight over the Las Vegas Strip via helicopter. I’ve done it and can’t recommend it enough. It is awesome and a view like no other.

BTW, for those wanting to do so or check out some of the other scenic attractions in our area, we only work with the very best tour providers and stand behind them. When you book a tour on our Access Vegas Tours Page, you are getting great rates AND the top companies to assure you have a “memory of a lifetime” experience.

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 February 5, 2014

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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.

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DW Grant Vegas Report

Super Bowl Sunday In Las Vegas – What It Felt Like – Vegas is the most exciting place to watch the Super Bowl, outside the hosting stadium, of course. When you hear a cheer go up while walking through a casino during the game, it’s hard to know if someone is celebrating a touchdown or a jackpot.

You just have to be in Vegas to feel it. AccessVegas.com wanted words and pictures to give you some idea what Las Vegas feels like on Super Bowl Sunday, so this year it sent me out on to the Strip to find out.

First, the weather was calm, and at kick off time, about 3:35 pm, it was a crisp 50 degrees. In a lot of places this would be sweater weather. Along South Las Vegas Boulevard, however, hundreds of outdoor heaters were blazing in front of almost every bar and casino, while hot parties heated up revelers inside.

Record betting numbers were expected in every sports book, and Super Bowl XLVIII did not disappoint Las Vegas bookmakers this year. Last year’s record $98.9 million till netted Las Vegas casinos $15.4 million in profit. The 2014 mark was well over $119 million, it was reported later.

Continue Reading What Super Bowl Sunday In Las Vegas Felt Like

Bellagio Presents Stunning Botanical Chinese New Years Display – The Bellagio is celebrating the New Year as the Year of the Horse in its Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, turning its garden it’s a festive sanctuary, boasting cultural meaning, while honoring the stallion that symbolized happiness and luck.

The Bellagio is known for adapting his garden to cultural events, and this time it has turned the usually colorful atrium into a tranquil temple, guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui. They’ve done this well, producing a space of harmony, balance, and positive life energy, right smack in the middle of Vegas glitz and glam.

The moment a visitor walks in they are greeted by the sights, smells, and sounds of Chinese culture, and tranquility. Each garden within the Chinese New Year display incorporates water, ensuring a positive flow of energy; and the three friends of winter – pine, bamboo and plum, symbolizing perseverance, integrity and modesty, respectively. Clusters of red silk lanterns and red firecrackers, believed to ward off evil as they represent happiness and prosperity, hang dramatically from the Conservatory’s ceiling.

Continue Reading Bellagio Presents Stunning Botanical Chinese New Years Display

Luxurious Sky Villa Suites Unveiled At The New Tropicana Resort – The New Tropicana resort in unveils the Sky Villa Suites, which offer an entirely new level of luxury accommodations for guests. Located on the 20th floor of the Paradise tower, the suites offer breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip with floor-to-ceiling windows in an elegant and glamorous atmosphere. The Sky Villa Suites are a key part of the resort’s approximate $200 million transformation that has touched every corner of the property including all 1,467 guestrooms, the casino floor and restaurants, and the Tropicana Theater.

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NBA Tickets Barry Gibb Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Cher Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
NHL Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Marc Anthony Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Phoenix Coyotes Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
– Washington Capitals Tickets One Direction Tickets
College Basketball Tickets Paul Simon Tickets

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Super Bowl Las Vegas 2014

Las Vegas Then And Now

Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Tacos And Tequila Inside Luxor Introduces New Fiesta-Worthy Menu Items – Corporate Executive Chef Saul Ortiz has developed mouthwatering new appetizers and entrÚes, available now at Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino. The popular Mexican restaurant has also introduced a few flavorful new cocktails selections to the drink menu.

Living In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Economy

Las Vegas Welcomes Nearly 40 Million Visitors In 2013 – Meetings and Convention Industry Reaches Five-Year High – Las Vegas welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2013 and reached a five-year high in two key indicators for the meetings and convention industry.

The 2013 year-end statistics, released today by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), point to continued recovery and steady growth for the industry. Las Vegas tourism generates $45 billion in economic impact for the local economy and supports more than 380,000 local jobs.

Despite one fewer day last year due to 2012 being a leap year and less room inventory for the majority of the year, visitor volume was just 58,802 visitors shy of setting a new record in 2013. Las Vegas hosted 39.67 million annual visitors last year, the second highest visitation total ever.

Gambling And Gaming

Rose.Rabbit.Lie

More Las Vegas News

Say Hola This Valentine’s Day At Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, now open at The LINQ, will offer a specialty menu for two, priced at $75 per couple, to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14.

The dining experience will begin with the choice of Red Sangria made with brandy, fresh fruit juices, strawberry and orange; or the Chayo Margarita, complete with Sauza Gold tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime.

This Week’s Top Tours

Explore the REAL West: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon Skywalk, Native American Points, Western Ranch, More!
Ultimate Grand Canyon South Rim tour, extensive views, lunch at historic lodge, more!
Zoom around Las Vegas Speedway NASCAR track at 160 mph with pro driver, thrill of lifetime!
Soar over the desert at 60 mph, seeing scenic wildlife from ziplines (close to Vegas)!
Spectacular views of Dam/Lake Mead plus memorable guided interior tour. Stunning photo opps!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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 getting a few sprinkles (something the desert Southwest dearly needs), but they won’t last long. As things stand right now, the forecast high for Valentines Day is 79 (F) degrees! That should make for a really nice evening for couples who want to walk The Strip hand-in-hand, marveling at the extremely romantic Bellagio fountains.

For those pondering a spring visit, average highs for coming months are March/70, April/78, and May/89. For many of you who have suffered a brutally cold winter in much of the U.S., we strongly suggest you get out here, thaw out, and regain a feel of what nice weather feels like.

Somewhat Super Bowl – If you are a Denver Broncos fan, you obviously didn’t see anything remotely “super” in this years game. However, it set the record for the highest number of viewers of any TV show ever, and the Nevada betting handle (amount bet legally here on the game) was a whopping $119 million dollars! For the pragmatic (those who didn’t have a favorite team playing), it was unfortunate that it was a blowout so early. However, those who chose to enjoy it here in Las Vegas had a weekend of excitement nonetheless. If you’ve ever wanted a taste of what Las Vegas is like on Super Sunday, I’m sure you’ve already seen the story by our own DW Grant earlier in this issue.

Some may ask how “Vegas” got the betting line on the game so “wrong”? Denver was a 2.5 point favorite but fell badly. Here’s the deal: The guys running the sports books don’t set the line as their own personal prediction on who will win. They set that line to get even money on both teams. For every dollar bet on Denver, they wanted to see another dollar bet on Seattle. Since they charge 11 to win 10, they simply hand the losers money to the winners and collect their commission (also known as the vigorish, or “vig” for short).

The reality is that while the general public (average Joe’s) were betting Denver like crazy, much of the “smart money” (professional gamblers) was coming down solidly on Seattle. The Seattle win did not surprise the pros in the least (although the margin did surprise nearly everyone).

If you follow us on our AccessVegas.com Twitter account or like us on our VegasFacebook.com page, we posted the story a few days before the game regarding where the smart money was going. Me? I have no allegiance to either team, but cashed a nice ticket on Seattle, who went off at +115 on the money line. (I was paid $1.15 for every dollar I bet for Seattle to win the game outright).

Welcome Dave! – Some of you may know DW Grant from the great show reviews he’s written for us over the years. We’ve decided to bring him on as a pretty regular feature writer in an effort to continue to really capture Las Vegas for you, beyond some of the basic write-ups and information we pass along. If you have anything you are curious about that we should send him out on, write us at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Artist rendering of the SLS Las Vegas

The Sahara Reborn – The new owners of The Sahara — rebranding it SLS Las Vegas — have announced a Labor Day weekend opening for the re-built property. I live a scant 5 minute drive from the property, so I’m hoping for the best. Given the challenging location, the thought that they are not marketing to your typical Circus Circus/Riviera budget crowd, and their stated desire to attract locals, it will be interesting to see where the dust settles.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • The Cromwell First Look – Las Vegas’ first standalone boutique hotel and casino, coming Spring 2014. Say goodbye to Barbary Coast/Bills Gambling Hall. Say hello to Cosmopolitan, Jr.

  • More Las Vegas Footage From The Summer Of 1992 Part 3! – Here is more footage of Las Vegas from the Summer of 1992! We begin driving up Convention Center Dr. toward the Strip, with rare footage of the Paddlewheel…..followed by footage of my wife in our Stardust hotel room…..followed by the Stardust with their new “Enter the Night” sign that replaced the long-running “Lido” show….then a store called “Condomania”….the Royal Hotel on Convention Center Dr…….and we wrap up with shots of the newly opened Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, which was open for only 7 months!! (Description is the videographers, not ours).

  • Wynn Las Vegas Chinese New Year 2014 Horse Sculpture – Wynn Las Vegas and Encore have unveiled three 800-pound Tang Dynasty horse sculptures in celebration of Chinese New Year. The 9-foot-tall, 10-foot-long horses were created by master sculptor Sillipachai “Mod” Toonrud of FORTE Specialty Contractors in Las Vegas and are painted red and gilded in gold leaf.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I want to thank so many of our amazing readers for submitting emails about their Vegas plans for 2014 and general opionons on the state of things for the visitor.

We’ll be randamly drawing a winner from one who will be contacted very soon, and starting next week, we’ll begin printing some of them and taking about the general trends in the feedback!

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.

Las Vegas Tours

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

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

Las Vegas Gambling Tips

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