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Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 10, 2011

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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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re almost halfway into August and it looks like we’re going to get out of summer without any obnoxiously hot stretches. The official temperature bumped the 111F mark just a couple of times, but overall the low 100’s have been typical. The warm air mass that usually sits over the desert southwest blasting Las Vegas, Phoenix, and inland Southern California moved east this summer to demolish Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas as well as hitting most of you in the Eastern time zone with some pretty muggy days. Who’d have thought that Las Vegas would have been a place to come “cool off” this summer!

Speaking of time zones and with NFL preseason football already upon us, don’t forget the time zone difference when you’re here and want to catch your favorite team play. The first Sunday games start at 10 AM and Monday Night Football has a 5 PM start. Failure to take this into account could have you missing part of a game you really want to see.

I had the opposite happen to me about 10 years ago. I was in the Destin, Florida area in November and back then, Monday Night Football started at 6 PM Pacific time. Completely forgetting that I was now in Central Time, I showed up at Anglers Sports Bar (great place, right on the beach) about 5:30 PM, took a seat at the bar, and muttered to myself how empty it was with MNF pending. About 6 PM I realized that the game’s start wasn’t for two hours!

The Next Mr. Las Vegas… – Wayne Newton has been Mr. Las Vegas for decades, and deservedly so. Comedian George Wallace has billed himself as the “New” Mr. Las Vegas. But the “new” face of Las Vegas will be our beloved former Mayor Oscar Goodman, who has accepted a $60k job per year from the LVCVA (Convention/Visitors Authority) to be the top promotional officer for our area. This is a great move and money well spent. Goodman has worked tirelessly to promote Las Vegas and probably has more mental acuman than the entire rest of the brass (head honchos) at the LVCVA. He’ll be putting a lot of their previous efforts to shame.

Speaking Of Oscar, And Speakeasy’s – The Plaza’s former Center Stage Restaurant (which also housed Firefly for about a year) under the dome facing Fremont Street will soon be the new home for Oscar’s, a fine dining restaurant eponymously named for Oscar Goodman. (No word as to whether he’s simply lending his name, or has a financial investment). In related news, a salon for men will also be opening at the remodeled property. Why is this of note? The stylists will be clad in bikinis and lingerie. “But honey, I really needed a haircut…”.

June Numbers Are In – Visitor volume grew a phenomenal 7% comparing June 2010 to June 2011. The dark days of (seemingly) having The Strip all to myself are gone. It was nice to not wait in many lines, but financially we’re obviously happy at the increases. Plus, Las Vegas just doesn’t seem right unless it is jam-packed and the party is non-stop.

Interestingly enough, we’ve seen the “We’re not coming back to Las Vegas because it is too expensive” letters trail off. Somebody’s coming back, and often. PS We’ve gone a record two months with no one complaining about the airfare. Something that nobody (nor the hotels nor the local government) can do a thing about. Write and complain to Delta.

Gaming Revenue Up As Well – Betting revenue on The Strip climbed over 8% during the same period. Interestingly enough, downtown betting revenue fell over 4%. We do keep getting email regarding how tight the slots on The Strip are. We’ve suggested a million times that if you are a slot player, you need to try downtown where the players are winning (which is why gaming revenue for the downtown hotels has fallen despite an uptick in visitors to Fremont Street). Now, the proof is in the pudding. Quit complaining if you choose to play where things are tight. If more of you took your slot play downtown, hotels on The Strip would be forced to loosen up.

sonny west and big elvisAn Evening To Honor Sonny West – Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee hosts top Elvis tribute artists, musical entertainers and celebrity guests honoring Sonny West who was Elvis confidant & head of security, Memphis Mafia member, author and friend. Sonny West, a Friend, Confidant, Chief of Security for Elvis Presley, Member of the KingÆs Memphis Mafia and Author has suffered severe medical challenges since earlier this summer, resulting in a lengthy hospitalization and financially devastating medical bills. Pete Vallee is bringing the Elvis Community together for this Event to raise donations for Sonny. More details and ticket info at www.BigElvis.biz

Weekly Las Vegas Trivia from the upcoming book Las Vegas Legends by Greg Niemann Available September 2011:

  • The Nevada legislator who in 1931 drafted the bill to legalize gambling, Phil Tobin, did not gamble and had never visited Las Vegas.
  • NevadaÆs Black Book (List of Excluded Persons who can’t enter casinos) originally had only 11 names. Today 34 remain from a total 56 listed through the years.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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Legendary New York Restaurant Old Homestead Steakhouse To Open At Iconic Las Vegas Strip Resort Caesars Palace – Continuing to reinforce its positioning as a premiere dining destination in Las Vegas, Caesars Palace will become home to one of New York City’s most historic restaurants – Old Homestead Steakhouse. The announcement made today by Caesars Palace and by brothers Marc and Greg Sherry, whose family has been associated with Old Homestead in New York for decades. A classic eatery known for its quality steakhouse selections and legendary history Old Homestead will replace Neros restaurant.

Rhumbar Hosts Day Parties On The Patio – Spend Weekend Days on the Rhumbar Patio – Rhumbar, the stylish cocktail and cigar lounge at The Mirage, will host weekend parties on the patio this summer and fall. DJs Larry Lynx and Enrie will take over the ones and twos every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., creating the perfect place for partiers to spend their day.

Lobster Rolls Into Las Vegas! The LEV Restaurant Group Brings A Taste Of Maine To The Strip With Debut Of Lobster ME – From classic New England style lobster rolls to not-so classic lobster ice cream, Lobster ME is a celebration of all things lobster.

Forget the bibs and butter û lobster lovers have a new way to indulge with the opening of Lobster ME, the newest fast-casual concept from The LEV Restaurant Group in Las Vegas. With its prime location on the Las Vegas Strip in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Lobster ME is bringing a taste of New England to the least likely of spots û the desert.

McFadden’s To Host Labor Day College Party Weekend – Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with ‘Beerfest,’ Live Music, Football and ‘Sunday Funday’ – McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino will celebrate Labor Day weekend with a big college bash. Kicking off Thursday, September 1, with a college night ‘Beerfest’ and wrapping up ‘Sunday Funday,’ September 4, the Labor Day weekend partying is non-stop college fun at McFadden’s.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Celebrates Labor Day With Killer Drink Specials – Spend Labor Day Weekend with Drinks on the Cabo Wabo Cantina Patio – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino will celebrate Labor Day through the entire weekend with food and drink specials on the patio. Sammy Hagar’s electrifying Las Vegas cantina is the perfect place to kick-back with an adult beverage while soaking up the sun from Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5.

Bellagio Presents Decadent Epicurean Epicenter Series Dinner Featuring Husic Vineyards Saturday, September 17 – Indulge in the latest installment of BellagioÆs Epicurean Epicenter series as the wines of Husic Vineyards are showcased in Tuscany Kitchen Saturday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will be treated to a four-course menu created by Prime Steakhouse Executive Chef Sean Griffin complemented by great wine pairings from Napa ValleyÆs Husic Vineyards.

Grand Canyon Landing TourGrand Canyon Landing Tour û You will start your experience with a breathtaking flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, as well as many other awe-inspiring views. After descending 3,500 feet inside the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, you will enjoy a light snack, a cool beverage and a champagne toast 300 feet above the Colorado River. Your journey will conclude with a flight through beautiful Black Canyon on your return to the South Las Vegas terminal. Operator Mustang Helicopters a division of the Maverick Aviation Group.

Click To BookáGrand Canyon Landing TouráNow!

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

All I have heard from Vegas casinos is that they have not tightened their slot machine payouts. Well today I read an article from weeklyseven.com news talking about how one place called Las Vegas Club has loosened their slots by as much as 40%.

They said that it took only one week for slot players to realize that they really did loosen the slots, but when they did realize it was true they came in droves to play. Their business and slot play has tripled within seven weeks. As I said before don’t blame the economy Las Vegas, blame your slot payouts.

Mick

 

Ted Responds:

We linked to that article in our “More” section a few weeks ago. There seems to be little question that slots on The Strip are as tight as ever. As I noted in my section earlier, go play downtown (where Las Vegas Club is) until The Strip gets the message.

Speaking of, more and more people are coming to town again. They just aren’t spending as much. While the economy plays a factor, one also gets conditioned to not spend so much money when it vanishes so quickly.

Greetings, I have two questions.

1. My husband and I will be vacationing this September in the Cosmopolitan hotel and have heard mixed reviews as to what tower to stay in as far as noise is concerned ?

2. We will be renting a car and talking it to the Grand Canyon and do not know which to go to the South or the West rim ?

Thank you,

Shari

 

Ted Responds:

Noise is a fact of life with more and more indoor/outdoor nightclubs and music venues appearing each year. Wynn/Encore has issues, Imperial Palace (overlooking Harrah’s Carnival Court) and Golden Gate downtown with rooms butting right up against a Fremont Street Experience stage that has live music until 1 AM most nights.

Upon check-in at any venue known for their outdoor nightlife, politely but firmly tell the desk clerk that you are not a partier or night owl and are concerned about noise from the outdoor nightlife. Request that they take that into consideration when assigning you your room.

As far as driving to the Grand Canyon… DON’T. The west rim is “drivable” in name only. Upwards of four hours, with much of the last stretch being winding, hilly, dirt road, I’d leave this one to the professionals (numerous bus tours make the trip). OR, rent an SUV and pack plenty of food and water. Much of the trip is “the middle of nowhere”.

You’re looking at 5+ hours to get to the south rim (which is the area most people think of when they think “Grand Canyon”). Driving round-trip and seeing the Canyon in one day will be brutal. I’d drive to Williams (one hour south of the canyon), leaving Las Vegas in the early afternoon, planning a Hoover Dam stop on the way. Overnight in Williams and up to the Canyon for a mostly full day, then an evening drive back to Las Vegas.

When you start factoring in all the time and money, you may wish to check out our friends at Maverick Helicopter Tours. In just the amount of time it takes to drive to the canyon and back, they’ll whisk you there in comfort, provide you a mind-bending view of the canyon (with one tour that even stops on the canyon floor), and get you back home in time to enjoy plenty of your day in Las Vegas.

Having said that, if you are a “road trip” kind of person, the two-day jaunt over in a rental car could be a lot of fun for you. Plan an extra 30 minutes in your trip over to Williams and you can detour on Old Route 66 from Flagstaff through Peach Springs and into the world-famous historic Route 66 town of Seligman.

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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Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 27, 2011

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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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’ve managed to squeak along without hitting 110 F all this summer, which has been nice. Although that streak may be ending in a few days. We’ll see. Nights have been extremely warm and temperatures at midnight are routinely above 90. August average high drops to 102 and September averages a fairly (for us) comfortable 94/69 for a high/low.

So You Wanna Move To Las Vegas – We’ve noticed an uptick in reader questions about moving here and real estate, so I’m going to cover a little old ground plus add in some new thoughts. Plus, I’ll detail three other cities you should consider if you are thinking about a move to Las Vegas. Read my latest blog post So You Want To Move To Las Vegas, Is It Right For You?

Let’s Do Away With The TSA – Regular readers know that every few months, I rant about how useless the Transportation Screw-up Safety Administration is at protecting us. Almost anyone associated with aviation can tell you how this show of “security” adds little to safety and plenty to inconvenience. If you are one of those “it’s all OK, it keeps us safer” people, I suggest you view and browse the following:

Flying is miserable enough and yet for most of you, it is the only way for you to get to Las Vegas. We need to be looking at ways to ease some of the pain and inconvenience. Having a rent-a-cop with a Federal Badge feeling you up at the airport continues to be the wrong way to go.

3.37 Million – This was the visitor count for May 2011, up over 3% from the previous year. This despite the fact that the convention business continues to NOT be what it used to be and we actually saw a decline in the numbers of drive-in passengers from Southern California.

On the downside for you guys (our core reading audience, the non-convention fly-in visitor), room rates were up by nearly 10%. Which echoes what I told you all of last year: If you were going to take advantage of the (then) obnoxiously cheap room rates and stay in a hotel above the par of what you normally stay in, don’t put it off. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals, punch up the rates for the top properties in town where you’ve only dreamed about staying at and lock those rates up now. Hotel prices are on track to keep rising.

Of note is that we’re going to come just shy of 2006 visitor count this year at well over 38 million visitors. So, is this going to help pull our local economy and extremely high unemployment rate (which is on its way back up) out of the slump? Not really. Las Vegas growth was a pyramid scheme built (no pun intended) on construction. Homes, residential and resorts. We’re awash in cheap homes for sale with very little sales in the new home market. Commercial real estate is dirt cheap. And obviously the construction of no resorts are on the horizon.

However, the uptick might bode well for eventually seeing the completion of the Fontainebleau (the big blue building just north of The Riviera). Not long ago, talk was of deconstructing it and selling off the steel. Which might not be a bad thing. It is way too tall and really clutters up the views from the North Strip. On the flip side, seeing it completed would give us a new resort and the wide coverage of international press for the opening. It would also help the otherwise blighted area. I sincerely don’t think we’re going to see anything done with The Sahara until Fontainebleau makes some kind of move.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

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Guest Wins an Engagement Ring from Slot Machine at Bally’s Las Vegas (with video) – Las Vegas is famous for its “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” mind-set, but for two visiting tourists and a handful of those who witnessed the moment, there is little chance they won’t share the story of this weekend for years to come.

It was a night of surprises for a bride-to-be as her boyfriend, Jim Canfield popped the question at Bally’s Las Vegas with the help of the property’s gaming staff. The couple traveled from San Diego to celebrate her birthday, but Canfield had other plans in store. The famous Colossus slot machine inside Bally’s Casino was arranged beforehand so it would land on the words “Will You Marry Me” when Canfield’s girlfriend pulled the handle.

Final Table Set at 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event ‘November Nine’ Features Players from Seven Nations – The 42nd annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Championship û commonly referred to as the Main Event û is down to its final nine players. The ‘November Nine’ û a diverse and international group û is all that remains of the massive field of 6,865 players who entered the iconic tournament seeking poker’s most coveted title and a top prize of more than $8.7 million.

The final nine players represent seven countries û the most ever in WSOP and tournament poker history; Ukraine, Ireland, Germany, Czech Republic, Belize, Great Britain and the United States. The players will return to the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in November to vie for poker’s ultimate trophy û a WSOP gold bracelet û and the lion’s share of the Main Event’s $64,531,000 total prize pool. The winner will receive a first-place prize of $8,711,956, with the other eight players sharing another $19 million-plus.

Tacos and Tequila Las Vegas Introduces Savory New Summer Menu Items – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at the Luxor Hotel and Casino will introduce five new menu items just in time for summer, guaranteed to amuse and delight the taste buds.

T&T will introduce to its already delicious menu, three tasty torta sandwiches; the carnitas torta, carne asada torta and the chicken tinga torta. All three are served on fresh, baked-to-perfection bolillo bread and are topped with shredded lettuce, house-made pico de gallo, jalape±o aioli, guacamole and a spicy black bean puree, served with fresh baked potato chips. Guests can enjoy the sandwiches with a Mexican twist for $13 or for the same price, pair a half sandwich with soup or salad.

Relax Poolside With Soothing Spa Treatments At Caesars Palace, The Rio, and The Flamingo – Experience tranquility and luxury starting this summer with poolside pampering from the city’s top spas. Spa-lovers can soak in the sun and enjoy the relaxing pool atmosphere in tandem with refreshing spa services poolside at Caesars Palace, The Rio, or The Flamingo.

Wynn Las Vegas Accepts Bets on the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold ’em Poker Main Event Championship for the first time in gaming history – Odds are set on the nine players participating in the November final table – The Race and Sports Book at Wynn Las Vegas is now accepting wagers on the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold ’em Poker Main Event Championship to be held November 5 û 7 in Las Vegas. Wagers can be placed on each of the final nine players to win the event or on the top two finishers (quinella).

New Nevada gambling regulations this year allow casinos to offer wagering opportunities on non-sporting events. On July 15, the Nevada Gaming Control Board provided approval to accept wagers on the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold ’em Poker Main Event Championship.

PBR Rock Bar and Grill Las Vegas Now Offers Daily Bottomless Domestic Draft Specials For Patrons – PBR Rock Bar & Grill has rolled out a new deal guaranteed to please revelers day and night. Patrons can now enjoy bottomless domestic drafts from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., and again from midnight until close, priced at $20 for each daily special.

El Cortez Las Vegas Hotel and Casino August Promotions and Food Specials –

Food and Beverage Promotions

  • CafÚ Cortez Dinner Specials
    • Visit CafÚ Cortez for prime rib dinner for only $7.95. Meal includes choice of soup or salad. CafÚ also offers a fajita dinner for just $8.95. Try the vegetarian offerings including a veggie burger, veggie fajita and veggie Chow Mein. CafÚ Cortez also offers a full Chinese menu served from 4 to 10 p.m.
    • Graveyard Specials
    • CafÚ Cortez serves a limited graveyard menu Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
    • Specials include:
      • Two eggs with choice of bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes and toast for $4.75 plus tax.
      • Ham and two eggs, breakfast potatoes and toast for $7.25 plus tax.

Bar Specials

    • Martini Madness û daily 2-for-1 happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. û at all casino bars (martini menu only).

Hoover Dam By Tour Trekker TourHoover Dam By Tour Trekker Tour û Travel in style and comfort aboard a luxury custom Tour Trekker to the Hoover Dam, Nevada’s number one sightseeing attraction and the tallest structure of it’s kind on the world. The talented guides will answer questions and share points of interest along the way.

Experience breathtaking views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. While visiting the dam, you will have the opportunity to go on the Discovery Tour (included) which includes a trip inside the dam and many fascinating exhibits.

Click To Book Hoover Dam By Tour Trekker Tour Now!

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

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I know you have talked about condos for sale before. Are there any real estate agents you can recommend and that you trust? Also, some good areas to purchase a condo.

Thanks,

Steve Gleason

 

Ted Responds:

Everybody living here will tell you that their part of town is the best. They have to justify why they chose it!

Quick access to The Strip áand downtown (Fremont Street, Arts District, Pawn Stars shop [just kidding on that last one] is important to me. I don’t want to drive 15-20 minutes (more with traffic) every time I want/need to hit the tourist areas vital to my job…

Read my entire response and post your thoughts and comments by clicking over to What Is A Good Area To Purchase A Las Vegas House Or Condo?

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.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 20, 2011

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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.

Can’t see all the great photos and graphics? Click to Read This Issue Online! Need to contact us? Send feedback to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

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This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Many in the U.S. are experiencing mind-numbing heat and humidity that is uncharacteristic for your region. People have often given we Las Vegan’s a hard time when we note that our heat is a dry heat. However, except during our rare rain storms, the heat index here is always quite a few degrees below the actual temperature. In our June 29, 2011 edition, I published some timely information for staying hydrated here in Las Vegas. I hope those of you in the intense heat areas took it to heart for where you are living!

Caesars Palace July 3 Fireworks – As promised last week (and obviously a bit belated) are photos from the amazing display Caesars Palace put up for the holiday visitors that weekend. I caught the show from my Strip-adjacent neighborhood and was very impressed at both the length and scale.

Here’s another thing I loved: They closed down part of The Strip to give people a better view. For years, I’ve questioned why we don’t do a “mini-style New Years’ Eve” on July 4 (or a weekend date close to it). While the multi-hour closure of the entire Strip is far too costly to do more than once per year, a short closure of part of the road for an event like this is a fantastic idea.

Caption: Caesars Palace Dazzles Crowds with Impressive Fireworks Display Sunday, July 3 Las Vegas Boulevard was packed with locals and tourists alike on Sunday, July 3, as crowds gathered in front of Caesars Palace to watch the fireworks display from the Roman Tower rooftop. Las Vegas Metro Police Department closed down the boulevard granting onlookers the best views on the Strip. The show dazzled audiences for 20-minutes and received an enthusiastic applause. PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Proctor/www.daplv.com

Attention Rail Fans – Inside the Historic Railroad Pass Hotel/Casino (the oldest continuously operated licensed casino in the United States) is celebrating 80 years on August 1, 2011. The museum is open 24/7, and displays photos and memorabilia dating back to its construction in 1931. Entrance to the Museum is free to the public. Railroad Pass Hotel/Casino is located at 2800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV. 89002. (Too far to cab from The Strip. Rent a car and make a day of it, seeing Hoover Dam at the same time).

McCarran Numbers At One Year High – More passengers went through Las Vegas’ McCarran airport this past June than at any time during the previous 12 months. Spirit “should we charge them to use the bathroom since we charge them for everything else” Airlines accounted for a nice part of the increase with their new focus on Las Vegas. U.S. Airways also posted a significant jump. Now if U.S. Air would bring back the old America West midnight hub (the airlines since merged) that saw a huge influx of inbound and outbound planes 12 AM each night.

If you needed to get a full day of work in and still jump a plane from the east, you could get into Las Vegas in time to still do a few things. If you wanted to really extend your day and red-eye it home, it wasn’t a problem. Because America West had planes in the air that would otherwise be sitting idle, they were able to keep the fares on those flights very reasonable (as making some revenue is better than making none at all).

Not The Rap Crowd – Last issue, we noted that hypnotist Anthony Cools is opening a dueling piano bar at the renovated Plaza hotel downtown. He recently came under fire for noting that the club (which will have a DJ playing both before and after the pianos) won’t be playing hip-hop or rap nor be appealing to the clientele that gravitates toward that music. Local Review-Journal columnist John L. Smith took some umbrage and noted that the vast majority of people under 30 listen to hip-hop and rap.

Um… that’s exactly the point. The average age of the Las Vegas visitor is 49. We regularly get questions about where one can go and NOT be subjected to modern pop music (the stuff people’s kids are listening too). An escape from the guys the Jersey Shores look. Add this to your list. We think it will be a huge hit.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

Rhumbar And Las Vegas Weekly Fling Host ‘Bondage Tuesdays: From Rhumbar With Love’ – Live and Let Die at Rhumbar, Tuesday, July 26 – RHUMBAR at The Mirage and Las Vegas Weekly Fling will celebrate ‘Bondage Tuesdays’: From RHUMBAR With Love’ on Tuesday, July 26. The stylish cocktail and cigar lounge and patio will host the Secret Agent inspired extravaganza with cocktails, costume contests and plenty of Bond.àJames Bond.

Guests will strap on their sexiest secret agent attire and sneak down to RHUMBAR for a night of forbidden fun. This special Bondage Tuesday will kick off at 9 p.m. with one hour of complimentary GoldenEye cocktails for all ladies. This mouthwatering concoction features pineapple, cranberry and smooth white rum, shaken not stirred.

First Wednesday Of Every Month To Be Whisk(E)Y Wednesdays At Andre’s At Monte Carlo Las Vegas – Whiskey fans and aficionados can be found on the first Wednesday of every month at Andre’s at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The restaurant and lounge known for its superior collection of whiskeys and cigars today announced dates for its popular Whisk(e)y Wednesdays for the remainder of 2011: Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7.

“We’re often asked why there are parentheses in the event’s name. It’s actually very simpleùthere are no two whiskeys alike and, in fact, its name may be spelled with an E or without,” says Patrick Trundle, beverage manager, Andre’s. “But regardless of the spelling or the type of whiskey showcased, what remains consistent on Whisk(e)y Wednesdays is the incredible quality, selection and value guests will experience at each event.”

Mandalay Bay Las Vegas hosts Third Annual Aureole Las Vegas Wine Weekend August 5-7 – Aureole, Charlie Palmer’s renowned Michelin-starred restaurant at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, is proud to announce the dates for the Third Annual Aureole Las Vegas Wine Weekend: August 5 û 7, 2011. For three days and two nights, seven events will bring together dozens of wines and countless friends to experience delicious food and wine from around the world.

Bellagio, Picasso, and Le Cirque Honored Among Top Resorts and Restaurants In U.S. With 2012 AAA Five Diamond Award – Bellagio, Picasso, and Le Cirque have been awarded the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for 2012. With unsurpassed service, world-class dining and luxurious amenities, Bellagio also has the distinction of being the only hotel in the U.S. to have two AAA Five Diamond restaurants under one roof.

Disney’s The Lion King At Mandalay Bay Welcomes New Cast Members To Pride Rock This Summer – Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino welcomes Phindile Mkhize, Dashaun Young and Samantha Ware to the cast of the Las Vegas production this summer. Pride Rock continues its ‘Circle of Life’ with reprised roles from Mkhize as Rafiki and Young as Simba, while debuting Ware as the playful and determined lioness Nala.

Grand Canyon Air TourGrand Canyon Air Tour û Sit back and relax as you experience this spectacular air excursion through the Grand Canyon. Highlights of this trip include Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and Fortification Hill an extinct volcano. Fly through Black Canyon and on your return to the south Las Vegas valley.

Click To Book Grand Canyon Air Tour Now!

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Love the Newsletter û keeps me in the loop with the greatest city on earth. I come out at least 2 or 3 times a year and one thing that drives me up a wall are all the ôsnappersö on the street. Those annoying people who literally shove those ôescortö cards in your face.

Walking down the boulevard you get bombarded and harassed by the hordes on every street corner. IÆm sure if one wants an ôescortö they are easily found without these bothersome, aggravating, aggressive night creatures forcing their certificates of indulgence on you.

Is there anything that can be done about this? Can the city legally prevent these pestering paper pushers?

Donald Hanko

 

Ted Responds:

We probably address this once or twice a year, but we always have new readers which makes it a worthy question. Numerous attempts to curtail or limit this activity have been tried over the years, including a proposal to “privatize” the sidewalks in front of each resort by giving the sidewalk to the resort which would allow each resort the ability to control this.

The “card slappers” have been found by the courts to have their right to free speech. You want to hand out Bibles on the Las Vegas Strip? Same rules apply to you. The privatization of the sidewalks was knocked down as not having a decent predecentprecedent in conjunction with the fact that unintended bad consequences could happen with the county no longer in charge of them.

By the way, they can’t touch you or impede your progress. I’ve turned it into a game. I ignore them by walking as close as I can to them without (in turn) touching them. You should see how fast they retract the cards and step back!

Regarding the Cosmopolitan article in (July 29, 2011 – click to read archive, Ed.) issue, you described to a tee, our experience at a neighboring property û Aria.

We just got back from Vegas. We make three to four trips to Vegas per year. We stay at HarrahÆs properties û last several times at Caesars. We always catch a couple of shows. This time we booked the Elvis show at Aria. We always arrive quite early and play the slots before the show. After the show, we again play the slots while the crowd clears out.

The environment was beautiful, but I felt totally out of place there. A friend of mine gave me $10 to put on red at a roulette table for one spin. I walked over to an open roulette table (most were empty) and asked to put $10 on red. I was told that could not be done, as the table minimum was $15. I asked if there was a table where the minimum was $10. I was told no. I felt like a second class citizen. I went in search of some penny slots, and found the few on the floor pretty much filled.

It was readily apparent that my wife and I were totally out of our league. We happily exited the property “immediately” following a fantastic Elvis show. We will never go back.

Lee from Greeley, Colorado

 

Ted Responds:

First of all, you’ve kept the string alive regarding positive comments involving Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis (tickets) show at Aria. We’ve had tons of great comments, and no poor ones since it opened.

Obviously if you are staying at Caesars, you are no pauper. While the $5 table on The Strip has (with a few exceptions) gone the way of the dodo bird because of the simple economics (hourly cost of dealer and free drinks) combined with property values and expenses, you aren’t the only one wondering why properties with tables sitting empty keep insisting on bet limits in the $15-25 range.

You’d think that if they are committed to keeping a table open (and especially if the open tables have very light play), dropping the limits would be in order. You generate play and excitement in the property (which breeds more play and excitement). In addition, many people — especially when they are winning or feel that they are on a roll — will bet well above the table limit.

Both Aria and Cosmopolitan (which although in proximity and with a similar look are not part of the same company or complex) are beautiful properties. The two newest in town and worth taking a peek at. People who stay at both properties rave about them. But if they are struggling to gain acceptance from a Caesars customers, they may wish to re-evaluate a few things.

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

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 13, 2011

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’ve seen a real trend this year of the better weather on the weekdays and cold snaps (earlier in the year) and storms on the weekends. The huge July 4’th 3-day weekend as well as the following weekend were no exception. Shortly after 6 PM on Sunday July 3’rd, a huge thunderstorm carrying pelting rain and heavy winds blew in from the south and drenched the Las Vegas Strip. The 101 degree F temp fell 10 degrees in the first 10 minutes and fell to 80 within an hour as the humidity shot up from single-digits to around 40%.

Not to be out-done, the following weekend featured afternoon rains and plenty of clouds. The good news? We have yet to hit a triple-double yet (110 or above) and none on the horizon as I write. So far, both June and July have seen below-average temps. We’re not complaining!

Caesars Fireworks – We tweeted that Caesars Palace July 3’rd fireworks would start at 9:15 PM. That is what the press release of June 20 stated. The display didn’t go off until 10 PM. We’re sorry for any confusion this caused. I was down at the end of my street (which has a clear view of 2/3 of The Strip) at 9:15 PM waiting… and waiting… and waiting. I finally huffed it home and not long afterwards heard them start. I caught most of the show and it was quite spectacular! If I can find the photo (which I’ve managed to misplace on my computer), we’ll run it next week.

Cops… Kinda – This Sunday evening brings a new show to TruTV (cable network) called Vegas Strip. Think in terms of the show Cops, but all Vegas, every episode. I’m showing 10 PM our time but you’ll want to check your local listings. Also, you’ll be able to watch online here (hopefully from all countries).

Weekly Las Vegas Trivia from the upcoming book Las Vegas Legends by Greg Niemann Available September 2011:

  • Howard Hughes purchased the Silver Slipper casino across Las Vegas Blvd. from the Desert Inn because the lights from the rotating slipper bothered him. After management refused several requests to turn it off, Hughes purchased the casino, had the slipper filled with concrete and dismantled the rotating mechanism.
  • The beam of light atop the Luxor is made up of 39 individual xenon lamps, each costing $1,200 and lasting about 2,000 hours. Electric beam for Luxor beam is $51 an hour.

For more Las Vegas trivia, like Las Vegas Legends on Facebook and reserve a copy of Las Vegas Legends from the publisher at www.SunbeltBooks.com

Legionnaires’ Disease At Aria – Since it opened, six people who stayed at Aria (in CityCenter) have been afflicted with Legionnaires’ disease, a bacterial infection similar to pneumonia. All are fine, but treatment is a must. Aria is warning that during a recent two week stretch, those staying at the property might have been exposed. If this concerns you, click on over and read A message from ARIA. Please note that this illness is NOT contagious. If you were in town but did not stay at Aria, it appears you have nothing to worry about. But always contact a medical professional with any pneumonia symptoms.

No, The Hilton Is Not Closing – The Hilton Hotel Corporation has decided to sever their contract with the Las Vegas Hilton effective the end of 2011. This simply means that the hotel will need to remove the word Hilton from the name. Given that it is called the Las Vegas Hilton, there isn’t much left of the name! The hotel is reportedly in talks with other hotel chains to affiliate with. The property originally opened at The International (which it was called during Elvis’ famous run there) and it simply might revert to that name.

Plaza Set To Re-Open – We’re about a month away from the soft re-opening of the Plaza downtown! I always had a soft spot in my heart for the joint. I’d park there to kick off any downtown adventure and the Center Stage Restaurant had a combination of one of the best views and best values in town (for a high end eatery). After the exit of Firefly Grill in the old Center Stage location, word is that another upscale restaurant will occupy the spot.

Of interest will be a new dueling piano bar operated by hypnotist (and entrepreneur) Anthony Cools called the Swingers Club. It is going to have (I kid you not) a 9 hole miniature golf course running through it as the perfect way to make your way around the room and mingle. Cools’ first ever mention of this pending club was on the debut episode of Talktails with Chris Phillips back on May 2, 2011. You can watch him give all the details for himself on that episode.

Enjoy This Issue!

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

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

PBR Rock Bar and Grill Serves Up $3 Drafts For National Legal Drinking Age Day – PBR Rock Bar & Grill will offer a special discount on drafts all day in celebration of National Legal Drinking Age day on Thursday, July 21. Revelers who have turned 21 in 2011 can have a toast to their newfound freedom with an ice-cold draft for only $3 all day.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill is the latest spot to hit Las Vegas offering beers, bulls and plenty of babes in its sprawling, 16,800-square-foot venue. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until the early morning hours, PBR Rock Bar & Grill offers guests hearty, American comfort food and barbeque around the clock. Beautiful babes and bad ass bull riders are dared to attempt to defy gravity on PBR Rock Bar & GrillÆs daunting, hydraulic mechanical bull.

Tacos and Tequila Las Vegas Offers New $5 Happy Hour Menu – Just in time for summer, Tacos & Tequila (T&T), the rock ‘n’ roll-inspired Mexican restaurant at The Luxor Las Vegas, introduces a new $5 happy hour menu. Locals and tourists alike will enjoy a variety of libations and tasty Mexican fare, all priced at just $5, Monday through Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m.

The Palazzo Las Vegas Named One Of The 2011 Top 25 Hotels In The Us And Canada By Travel + Leisure Readers – The Palazzo Las Vegas has been named one of the Top 25 Hotels in the Continental U.S. and Canada in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2011 readers’ poll featured in the magazine’s August 2011 issue.

Zebra Shark Pups Follow in Parents’ ‘Fin’ Prints at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium – Three siblings take up residence in Touch Pool as parents did when facility opened in 2000 – Three male Zebra Shark pups are the newest additions to the Shark Reef Aquarium Touch Pool at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, following in the paths of their parents who were among the attractionÆs original residents.

McFadden’s Celebrates Christmas In July – Have a Merry McFadden’s Holiday on Saturday, July 23 – McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is kicking off the holiday season extra early this year with a Christmas in July celebration on Saturday, July 23. Partygoers will enjoy holiday cheer, cocktail specials, and an open bar in honor of this merry day in July.

Vegas Nights Helicopter TourVegas Nights Helicopter Tour û Save time and money. Our Maverick Lights tour with out the Transportation. Spend more time seeing Las Vegas and arrive at our terminal 30 minutes prior to departure time. Reserve your seats today!

Click To Book Vegas Nights Helicopter Tour Now!

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

  • Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours – Just 45 minutes outside Las Vegas is a piece of history dating back well over 100 years. The folks at Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours discovered an old gold and silver mine entranceàand 16 years later, theyÆre showing people what it was like to work those mines. If thatÆs not enough to entice you, theyÆll hook a canoe or kayak up to your vehicle and you can spend a relaxing day on the Colorado River at the mouth of Black Canyon.
  • The Pear Pearl Drink at Botero at Wynn Las Vegas – Wynn Las Vegas‘ Mixologist Patricia Richards demonstrates how to make her original cocktail creation, the Pear Pearl, created specially for Botero at Encore. The Pear Pearl is a variation of the Dark & Stormy drink and the 1940’s famous Moscow Mule. Try it at home tonight!
  • Absinthe’s Gazillionaire Presents SpiegelWorld at Caesars Palace: A Tour – The Gazillionaire, star and master of ceremonies of Absinthe inside Caesars Palace, welcomes you to his domain, an adult midway of decadent delights, surreal sights, and tasty beverages.
  • X Burlesque at Flamingo Las Vegas – Andrea Tiede takes us inside Flamingo Las Vegas to see the sexy topless show X Burlesque. With its beautiful dancers and hot numbers, this burlesque adds a touch of class for the perfect late night show even the wife will enjoy.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I don’t get it. My friends and I love the Monorail and can’t understand why no one uses it. We spread our money around to all the casinos on the strip and downtown and at the end of the day are glad to be able to hop aboard for a comfortable ride back to our hotel.

With it pulling into within steps of the hotels, it just doesn’t make sense. In the summer when its 104, you have a cool ride and in the winter when the wind blows right through you – you have a nice warm ride.

Again, I just don’t get it. I hope something happens to save it.

Christine Takacs

 

Ted Responds:

The monorail has been plagued by four things:

  1. Cost. If there is more than one in your party, a cab is the same price or cheaper and takes you door-to-door. The lack of ridership has forced them to keep the prices high, which in turn drives away repeat users.
  2. Routing. Unless you are specifically going to one of the properties it serves, you are a long walk from other hotels. In fact, a local resident did a study recently and found that in many, many instances when you factor in walking time to and from the monorail station, it is quicker to walk than to take the monorail. Now, certainly that does not factor in the heat of the summer and chill of the winter. But much of the year, the Las Vegas Strip is comfortably walkable as far as weather is concerned.
  3. Accessibility. The stations are located at the very rear or the hotels their serve. Out of sight, out of mind.
  4. No airport or downtown connection, which are the two places people on the strip really want to go where walking is simply out of the question.
  5. Not very scenic. If it went down the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, people would ride it just for the view (a la Disneyland). But unless you want to see all the apartments that Caesars (the company) knocked down behind the Imperial Palace, there simply isn’t much to look at on the ride!

Look, I don’t want to see the monorail fail but one can’t get around the fact that it was poorly conceived with no hope for redemption in sight.

We have been coming to Las Vegas for many years now and quite frankly, are tired of paying the outlandish prices for food on the strip. We would like at some point in time, for you to do a segment on good food at reasonable prices off the strip. Thanks.

Linda and Rich

 

Ted Responds:

One of the things that many forget is inflation. Trust me, I remember the days of $5 blackjack and $3.99 breakfast specials on The Strip. But a gallon of gas was about 1/2 the price back then, and remember that 99% of what you eat here comes from somewhere else by truck or plane. That great $12.99 buffet of yesteryear is now $24.99.

If you think about it, that is still a pretty good value. Go to a decent restaurant in your area and order up all the food you usually consume during a Las Vegas buffet visit (both in terms of quantity and quality, including all the seafood, prime rib and similar) plus your coffee, juice, soft drinks, and desert. And figure what the tab would run you at home!

Having said that…

Food specials still do abound and we do talk about them in the newsletter on a pretty regular basis. In the past couple of months, we’ve mentioned the special at Fitzgerald’s downtown (both in their cafe — including $1.99 breakfast — and in their Vue Bar) plus the ongoing off-the-menu surf-and-turf at the Hard Rock Hotel cafe plus the long-time $7.99 complete steak dinner at Ellis Island (just behind Bally’s on Koval). Plus food and drink specials at the El Cortez downtown. And have repeatedly advised that (in general) the best food prices (sans local casinos) are downtown. So… you gotta be reading!

Side Note: Why don’t we compile a master list? We used to but it got dated too quickly (specials are subject to change and can change often).

I am making a note to set up a part of the website where people can submit the food specials they see to us. And perhaps we’ll add extra incentive by drawing one entry at random each month to win some cool stuff. If we get enough regular entries, perhaps devote a permanent part of the newsletter to it. So, thanks for the comments!

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

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