Tag Archives: April 2013

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 24, 2013

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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.

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Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

MGM Resorts Outlines Vision For Dynamic Entertainment District In Las Vegas Featuring World-Class Arena, Dining, Bar Scene And Retail

The front facades of New York-New York and Monte Carlo will be transformed into an outdoor plaza experience featuring a series of casual bars, eateries and retail destinations. New York-New York will modify its skyline and Brooklyn Bridge to create a wonderful environment brought to life through a vibrant patio culture and retailers new to the market.

Anchoring the new experience will be HersheyÆs Chocolate WorldÖ flagship store, a two-story interactive, experiential destination that celebrates the incredible array of HersheyÆs-branded products that inspire the ôHersheyÆs Happinessö mantra. Additionally, the hotelÆs Irish pub, Nine Fine Irishmen, will be enhanced, including an expansion of its high-energy patio culture both on the casino floor and the Brooklyn Bridge.

At Monte Carlo, the current formal European-style exterior features will be removed to make way for new partners, including Double Barrel, a casual roadhouse restaurant and bar concept by the leading hospitality experts at sbe; Sambalatte, the art of sipping found in the ultimate coffee experience, beloved by Las Vegas locals, and soon available to visitors; and 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, serving build-your-own personal pizzas prepared to each guestÆs liking and baked in around a minute in an 800-degree wood-burning oven, right before their eyes.

Between the two properties and leading back to the CompanyÆs new arena will be a park environment featuring dining pavilions and performance spaces complemented by areas for quiet relaxation. At the gateway to the park will be Shake Shack, a modern day ôroadsideö burger stand known for its all-natural burgers, flat-top dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more by restaurateur Danny MeyerÆs Union Square Hospitality Group.

Additional partners and details surrounding both properties and the park will be announced in the coming months.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Dining In Las Vegas

SHe By MortonÆs Introduces ôHappyö Menu – SHe by MortonÆs introduces ôHappy,ö a new bar and patio menu offering small bites and an array of drink specials available from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. Just steps away from the main entrance of ARIA at The Shops at Crystals, Eva LongoriaÆs lavish new restaurant is a stylish spot to enjoy early evening hors dÆoeuvres and cocktails after work or before a night out.

The new menu has been unveiled just in time to take advantage of Las VegasÆ gorgeous spring weather on SHeÆs lush patio. Filled with oversized furniture ideal for lounging, the patio overlooks striking water features and stunning architecture. When the weather heats up, guests can cool down in SHeÆs vibrant lounge.

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Daylife And Nightlife

May’s Holidays

More Las Vegas News

Soul2Soul - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Maverick Grand Canyon Landing TourMaverick Grand 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 Book Maverick
Grand Canyon Landing Tour Now!

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re doing a mini-issue for reasons I’ll explain in a moment. Still quite a bit of information, but not as much as usual. We’ll be back to normal in a week.

Cold Is Done – Last week, we had one day in the 60’s, but that appears to be the final cold day until probably October. Bring the swimsuit, leave the jacket at home!

MGM Resorts New York-New York/Monte Carlo (Hotel Casinos) “The Park” – Our main story is the big announcement of how the facades of both New York-New York and Monte Carlo will be redone to create a row of dining, drinking, and shops. In addition, a park area (see the pics in the story above) will be created between the two properties.

Some really like the idea, others don’t think that it fits Vegas. (It isn’t some kind of spectacular setting, new ride, avant-garde restaurant or similar). Here is why it will work:

MGM Resorts is building their new 20,000 capacity arena back behind that area. Those of us who follow these things have seen new arenas pop up in city after city and really revitalize the surroundings. If an event sells 15,000 tickets, you have a total of 30,000 people who will flood the arena district that evening (15,000 times two, once coming and once going).

They will be counting on people “tailgating” (eating and drinking) in this area prior to events, then once again picking up the party and/or a snack or late meal once it ends. Remember… this is Las Vegas. When you see a concert there, you don’t have to run straight home and set the alarm for the next day!

This is also their shot across the bow at competitors Caesars Entertainment and their (for now arena-less) Linq project.

Who, What, When, Where, Why? – This is the inaugural sending of this newsletter using a new delivery system. We’re not sure if it is going to work, so we’re sending a shorter issue in case it all goes down some black hole!

You’ll hopefully not see any difference, but we were having deliverability problems trying to run this growing list on the clunky old server we were leasing. (They are literally junking it now that we’re done with it). Some people never got the newsletter notifications, and some only got them occasionally. Not good!

Here’s what the upgrade means to you, depending on which category you fit into:

  • Never Heard Of You – We don’t buy or rent lists, but people do get “slammed” onto our list, either by well meaning friends (or enemies who just want someone to get a bunch of email they don’t want). If that is you, either use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the notification email or hit “reply” with a note “unsubscribe” and you will be IMMEDIATELY and PERMANENTLY removed. Sending to people not interested wastes our resources.
  • Like Vegas, Don’t Remember – For some of you who like Las Vegas and sign up for Las Vegas information, you may have subscribed long ago and literally never received an issue. Try us out for a few weeks and see if we are your cup of tea!
  • Only Sometimes – For those of you who have complained that you get the newsletter on a hit or miss basis, you should now be getting every single issue (knock on wood).
  • Never Had A Problem – For those of you who always received each issue, nothing should change and thanks to all for being part of the family!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 17, 2013

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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
Las Vegas Events

Rosemary Wins $1,140,129.26 Playing Wheel Of Fortune At Flamingo – Caesars Entertainment is proud to welcome Rosemary into its enviable circle of millionaires. At 1:08 a.m. on April 12, 2013, Rosemary from New York was playing Wheel of Fortune located at Flamingo Las Vegas when the 2x3x4x symbols on the slot came up and she was delighted to see that she had become an instant millionaire by winning $1,140,129.26.

This is the second time a guest has won more than a million dollars playing slot machines at Flamingo Las Vegas in six weeks; on March 9, Gordon won $1,452,799.89 playing a Wizard of Oz machine. Additionally, less than 20 days ago a player won $1.7 million on the Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Paris Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

The Animal Foundation And Zappos.com Present 10th Annual “Best In Show” With Clint Holmes, Million Dollar Quartet, Siegfried & Roy, Holly Madison, And More – On Sunday, April 28, loveable pups in need of forever homes will compete in The Animal FoundationÆs 10th annual ôBest In Showö û Las VegasÆ most famous dog show held at the Orleans Arena and presented by Zappos.com. Singer, songwriter and entertainer Clint Holmes will host the event as more than 50 cuddly canine contestants from The Animal Foundation, NevadaÆs largest animal shelter and pet adoption center, vie for the audienceÆs hearts and homes in an American Kennel Club-style dog show.

Dining In Las Vegas

Bellagio Offers Guests Hands-On Cooking Experiences At Executive Chef Edmund Wong’s Culinary Classroom Inside Tuscany Kitchen – Bellagio Resort & Casino invites guests to put on their chefsÆ coats for a hands-on lesson in the culinary arts at An Executive Chef’s Culinary Classroom, a series of interactive cooking classes led by Bellagio Executive Chef Edmund Wong and his team. During each two-hour session held in Tuscany Kitchen, the AAA Five Diamond resortÆs state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen, Wong and his talented team will guide students through the preparation of a three-course meal including an appetizer, entrÚe and dessert.

The Best Thing In A Bun: Vegas Celebrates National Burger Month In May 2013 – May is known as National Burger Month making it prime time to dust off and fire up the grill. Guaranteed to spice up the burger-flipping season, the restaurants at MGM Resorts offer distinct twists on the traditional bun, meat and cheese recipe. With house-made sauces and gourmet patties, the burgers at BLT Burger, The Pub at Monte Carlo and Burger Bar heighten this classic American favorite.

Celebrating Mother’s Day In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Hotels

Pools And Parties

Las Vegas Attractions

More Las Vegas News

Soul2Soul - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Maverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane TourMaverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane Tour û Fly aboard Maverick’s Beechcraft 1900D aircraft on a 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim where your ultimate adventure will begin. Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, panoramic overlooks and trails that can only be accessed from inside the park as your journey continues with ground transportation into the Grand Canyon National Park. Absorb the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and capture memories to last a lifetime as you enjoy a gourmet box lunch.

Click To Book Maverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

SHOW REVIEW

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

Hello From Las Vegas – Usually, I put an exclamation point behind my friendly welcome, but since this is the first newsletter since the Boston bombings, we’re a touch somber. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by this, especially with the continuing new bombings. Our hearts also go out to those affected by the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion where so many are impacted.

Where Are The Hotels? Many streets that we Las Vegans drive every day are named after hotels that once lined them. With the Sahara hotel changing its name to SLS Las Vegas, we have one more “hotel-less” street here in our beloved Las Vegas Valley. (Supposedly the SLS stands for Style, Luxury and Substance… although it sounds more like a high end car model to me) Let’s run them down and see where they are now (north to south):

  • Sahara Avenue – Soon to be SLS, the namesake road runs the entire width of the Las Vegas Valley.
  • Circus Circus Drive – Parallels the hotel for a short stretch, running back to Industrial (where all the strip clubs are).
  • Riviera Blvd. – Parallels the hotel, running from The Riviera to LVH.
  • Desert Inn Road – Turned into a “super arterial” in the 90’s to get residents across The Strip and I-15, the namesake hotel is now Wynn/Encore.
  • Sands Avenue – One of the more confusing road names to those not familiar with local roads, Spring Mountain Road becomes Sands Avenue east of The Strip. But only for a mile before it turns into Twain Avenue. The Venetian now stands where The Sands did.
  • Flamingo Road – Caesars Entertainment (fortunately) hasn’t seen fit to change the namesake hotel name.
  • Harmon Avenue – Longstanding Las Vegas street almost had a hotel named after it as part of CityCenter, but the construction defects probably will result in the half-finished structure going bye-bye.
  • Rue De Monte Carlo – Similar to Circus Circus Drive, it parallels the property for a few blocks.
  • Tropicana Avenue – No explanation needed here, and we suspect that the Tropicana hotel will be named such for a long time.
  • Hacienda Avenue – The Hacienda was “blown up” to make way for Mandalay Bay.

Other streets of interest:

  • Wayne Newton Blvd. – The loop road around McCarran’s original terminal.
  • Frank Sinatra Drive – Runs behind the west side of The Strip
  • Dean Martin Drive – Parallels Sinatra on the opposite side of the I-15.
  • Jay Sarno Way – Cuts through Caesars and the Forum Shops. Sarno founded Caesars.
  • Mel Torme Way – Runs from behind Treasure Island over to the Fashion Show mall.

Train To Nowhere Going Nowhere (For Now) – The current federal government financial situation has our lawmakers thinking twice about building a high speed train between Las Vegas and Palmdale, CA (which they hope sometime in never-never land ends up going all the way to Los Angeles). The multi-billion dollar government guarantee of loans to build it aren’t seeming so palatable right now. When you look at how amazingly well our monorail system did here, I can’t say that I’m surprised.

Tourism is my bread and butter, and I actually LOVE trains. Have since I was a kid. And even I — with every reason to support it — don’t see it working. If anything, I’d like to see how the pending XTrain (upscale regular train service between here and Los Angeles taking about the same amount of time as a car ride would take) does first. Then we can better judge if an faster level of service may have some demand.

Historic Boulder City – Don’t have time to take the day and point your rental car toward some of the remaining sections of Route 66 in our area? If you are headed out to Hoover Dam, you can still get a taste of a true “old west” town when you drive though Boulder City!

At the edge of town, you’ll come to a major light (just past Vons supermarket on your right) where two lanes turn left onto Highway 93, and the other two lanes go straight into the business district. You’ll see old hotels, hamburger stands (the real old-school kind, not today’s fast food), diners, an Ace Hardware store (didn’t know there were still many of those around) and more.

Worried about getting lost? Don’t be (even if you don’t have a GPS). The business district road continues straight through to US 93 which puts you back on track for the dam.

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

  • Bacchanal Buffet At Caesars Palace – Executive Chef Scott Green tours you through the latest mindbending high-end buffet on the Las Vegas Strip.
  • Pub Crawl #102: The Best High-End Happy Hours In Las Vegas – David and Alicia Ivy scramble around town on this Pub Crawl Adventure and encounter everything from horrible walking bridges with stuffed cats, to restaurants with amazing drink selections but less than stellar health ratings. Then end on a positive note with a selection of high-end happy hours that will make your mouth water, and your wallet happy.
  • MGM Grand Wedding Venues – Getting married in Las Vegas no longer has to involve a traditional chapel. Many unique settings to make your wedding unforgettable including several outdoor options at the MGM Grand.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

IÆd just like to say that my husband Gary & I absolutely love Las Vegas (and your country in general!) and have visited many times. The thought of legalizing the use of even a ôsoftö drug certainly does worry me, could this be the first step on the slippery slope?

I know Las Vegas is the party capital of the world but in my experience I have never witnessed any bad behavior when holidaying there, ever û even with all the available excesses. Maybe IÆm being naive – we come for the desert, the weather, great food & entertainment & poolside relaxation rather than the nightclub scene which is obviously much livelier!

On the other hand here in England there is an unofficial, relaxed attitude to ôweedö and that, coupled with my countrymen’s seeming inability to handle booze, has IÆm ashamed to say lead to an escalation in anti-social behavior. IÆm no prude but I wonder if softening the law would alter the atmosphere of Las Vegas for the worse as it seems to have done here at home.

IÆve always felt safe on the strip and used common sense when going through non touristy areas (as in any big city) but this might change if the new legislation goes ahead. Again, naive? Drugs are everywhere already arenÆt they? It would just change our perceptions thatÆs all, which would be a shame.

Having said all that IÆm sure I wonÆt see people getting stoned round the Bellagio pool, so IÆm probably safe!

Thanks for a great newsletter, really enjoy my weekly Vegas fix û no pun intended.

Best wishes,

Sue OÆReilly

 

Ted Responds:

This was in reference to our note a couple of issues ago regarding pending legislation that would legalize small amounts of pot here in Nevada. I will note that the legislation just died in committee, and our legislature only meets every other spring/summer. Hence, it will be a couple of years before the issue comes up again unless a petition drive puts it to the voters. (Even if it does, the voters have to pass something twice to get it into law here).

But, it still lends itself to an interesting discussion. Smoking is outlawed indoors except in casino and bar/nightclub areas. Hotels, casinos, and clubs are private property. Will they treat the “purple haze” like they do cigars and pipes, or will they want to discourage players from sitting there and getting stoned? Will it make people too laid back to care about gambling? Or, do enough people enjoy gambling while they are high?

Weed isn’t exactly uncommon here. Obviously, people smoke it in their rooms and from time-to-time, you’ll get a whiff of it on the street. Despite the influx of people from both California and the East Coast, Nevada is still very libertarian. Live and let live. But, you still have federal laws which treat marijuana as a drug (no matter what states say).

If and when legalization legislation gets farther along in the coming years, it will be interesting to see if gaming weighs in with their thoughts. If they don’t like it, don’t expect it to pass.

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

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 10, 2013

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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
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Def Leppard’s Phil Collen Spotted At Absinthe – Spotted enjoying the Strip-side favorite, ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace on April 7, 2013 was guitarist Phil Collen of Def Leppard, who attended the show with wife and designer, Helen L. Simmons. Following the crazy antics and comedy from the eccentric ABSINTHE cast, Collen was persuaded by the showÆs dynamic duo, The Gazillionaire and his raunchy sidekick, Penny Pibbets to stay after for a quick photo. Absinthe continues to remain a favorite of celebrities from all genres.

Photo Credit: Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld


Dining In Las Vegas

Dinner In The Sky Brings Unmatched Aerial Dining Experience To Las Vegas Strip – Dinner in the Sky Las Vegas will bring the extraordinary fare of Las Vegas and gorgeous views of the Strip and surrounding mountains into one breathtaking experience through an open-air gourmet dinner served 180 feet from the ground. A dynamic addition to the Las Vegas skyline, Dinner in the Sky will break ground on Monday, April 29, and open early this summer on an 8.8 acre site just minutes away from Las Vegas Boulevard near Polaris Street and Tropicana Avenue.

L’atelier De JoÙl Robuchon At MGM Grand Welcomes Spring With Seasonal Menu Items – L’Atelier de JoÙl Robuchon at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino introduces new spring menu items created by Chef of the Century, JoÙl Robuchon. Each selection, which span from appetizers to desserts, captures the essence of the season known for bountiful, crisp produce and juicy ripe fruit. The finest ingredients, combined with RobuchonÆs unparalleled talent for enhancing natural elements and combining flavors into exquisitely well-balanced dishes, make every bite memorable. New spring menu selections are now available and include:

Tacos & Tequila To Celebrate National Hamburger Day With A Mexican Twist – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will celebrate National Hamburger Day Tuesday, May 28, with Executive Chef Saul OrtizÆs Matador Burger.

Hamburger lovers can indulge in T&TÆs Matador Burger, priced at $10, and made with a half-pound Angus beef patty marinated with achiote paste and mixed with fresh lime juice and chile guajillo adobo. This Mexican twist on an American favorite is served on a bolillo bun and topped with a blend of Oaxaca, Jack and Gouda cheeses, spicy Thousand Island dressing, guacamole, caramelized onions, sautÚed mushrooms and sliced tomatoes.

Morton Group To Debut La Comida In Downtown Las Vegas- Dishing Up Authentic Mexican Cuisine – La Comida will invigorate the burgeoning Downtown Las Vegas dining scene with a menu inspired by the cosmopolitan fare of Mexico City when it opens in mid-April. The latest creation by the Morton Group, led by restaurateurs Jenna and Michael Morton, La Comida will blend authenticity and tradition with a delightfully funky vibe.

ôIn the restaurant industry æcomidaÆ is the meal shared by staff before they begin their service. We call it æfamily meal,Æö says Michael Morton. ôLa Comida was designed to recreate that feeling of camaraderie in a fun, eclectic atmosphere with fresh drinks and Mexican food we all love.ö

Las Vegas Foodie Fest To Return To Silverton Casino Hotel With Ultimate Food Truck Experience – The popular Las Vegas Foodie Fest, featuring more than 30 food trucks and vendors, will return to the Silverton Casino Hotel from Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28.

Food aficionados will enjoy the three-day festival beginning on Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, to continue on Saturday from noon to midnight and on Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Festival goers will enjoy tasty bites from more than 30 food trucks and vendors, some of which have been featured on The Food Network, History Channel, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel.

Gambling In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Hotels

Wine, Liquor, And Nightlife

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

Las Vegas Weddings – For All Kinds Of Couples

More Las Vegas News

Soul2Soul - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Maverick Grand Canyon Air TourMaverick Grand 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 Maverick Grand Canyon Air Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Defending The Caveman by D.W. Grant

Defending the Caveman Needs No Defending – This “Caveman” donÆt need no defending. ItÆs a manÆs show, with women encouraged to attend. The Las Vegas/Broadway show, now playing at HarrahÆs Comedy Club, is a hilarious evening of understanding “The Man,” his burps, scratches, sex, and beer drinking. After this show every woman will understand why men are not jerks, or #&*s, as is said vehemently at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of this show.

Kevin Burke has been soloing in this play for 10 years or more and it shows. His delivery is real and his connection to his audience is deep. More than a show, “Defending The Caveman” is like sharing a beer with your brother-in-law in his man cave. Man to man you can talk about women and scratch your loins without reproach. You can brag about your sex life, and complain about the “old woman,” knowing your boasting and whining wonÆt go beyond the cave walls. They wonÆt, unless some playwright decides he wants to make a Broadway show out of them.

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re calling this the food issue. We didn’t plan it that way. We simply had a pile of restaurant updates come across our desk this week. Hopefully, it will make you hungry for a visit to Las Vegas!

I get accused by some of my detractors (yes, I have a few for some strange reason) of being too much of a Las Vegas cheerleader. And honestly, Las Vegas is a pretty cool place. It isn’t hard to find things to like! However, this issue we’ll deal with how the airlines are making it more tough (and expensive) to travel, and we run a letter from someone who will not be returning after many visits.

Blarney Stone Is Back – A staple of many who enjoyed the old Fitzgerald’s was to rub the blarney stone in the players club booth for luck. In fact, I was getting a replacement card soon after the switch to The D, and the guy behind me complained that it was no longer there! Fortunately, they’ve taken it out of retirement and you can once again rub it for luck. Look for it in the second floor “Vintage Vegas” casino area.

Worst Intersections – The latest list of the 10 worst intersections in Las Vegas for collisions is out, and half of them are resort-area related:

1. The Strip and Flamingo Road
5. The Strip and Tropicana Avenue
6. The Strip and Harmon Avenue (CityCenter)
8. Tropicana Avenue and Koval Lane
10. Tropicana Avenue and Paradise Road

The final two are of note because both are on the route to/from the airport. Our advice? If you are driving in town, pay extra attention. The person next to you isn’t. They are looking at the sights!

Visitor Numbers Plateauing? – January and February visitor count was off by nearly 1%. Not the best sign you want to see, but well within the boundaries of statistical fluctuation. It will be interesting to see if all of the “Vegas is too expensive, we’re not coming” people really mean it and we go stagnant, or if it is a momentary dip. In our Members Mania! section, we address a letter from someone who is fed up and not returning.

Hyde Bellagio interior
Hyde Lounge At Bellagio

Thump, Thump, Thump, Thump – If you are hoping that the Vegas nightclub craze comes and goes, don’t hold your breath. Some of the top grossing clubs in the world are here on the Las Vegas Strip. How successful are they? Recent reports have both Marquee (Cosmo) and XS (Wynn) each doing over $80 million a year. When you consider that reports at the time suggested Marquee costing $50 million to build, that is a tidy sum in a short time. And because you’re pretty much selling space and booze, we’re not talking a significant overhead (compared to earnings).

Even hot “lounge” spots got in on the act with Hyde (Bellagio) at $25+ million and Chandelier Bar (Cosmo) at $15+ million.

Not your thing? Have no fear. The market is pretty saturated. If you enjoy various properties that don’t cater to the club crowd, I wouldn’t expect them to change anytime soon. By the way, Hyde is more mellow and welcoming in the afternoons. The drinks are still pricey, but the view of the Bellagio Fountain and The Strip are great. Evening and into the night is when they go “clubish”.

Airline Mergers Not Good For Las Vegas – With US Air and American Airlines looking at merging, selection and competition for air travel will not be favorable to the traveler. Long gone are the days when US Air predecessor America West had a “midnight hub” here in town where it seemed like half their fleet descended on Las Vegas starting about 10:30 PM, servicing both the Las Vegas traveler and those from around the west coast who were going to connect for a red-eye back east.

As always, we suggest combating higher airfare with longer stays. Instead of visiting 4 times a year for 3-4 days, come twice a year for a week. Pace yourself with a couple of days running hard, a couple being more mellow, and then finishing off the trip with a bang. This will also allow you “permission” to take that time to see the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, or rent a car to visit Red Rock, Primm, and maybe even a locals casino you’ve always wondered about.

My suggestion? Red Rock in the AM looping around to Bonnie Springs then back into the Valley and down to M Resort for their buffet lunch. From there, you’re a quick 30 minutes to Primm with the huge outlet mall and casinos that are throwbacks (cheap food and drink, loose slots, low limits) to Las Vegas the way it used to be.

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We are just back from our latest trip to Vegas and it was our last!

We have been visiting every year from the UK for the last 12 years sometimes twice a year and have always loved it, but not this time.

I don’t know what was the worst part, the construction work everywhere, the road works making each bus journey forever, the up escalators continually “out of service” and compounded by the lifts also out of action !! especially outside the Aria. The beggars and disgusting cards they displayed, or the extortionate prices for everything.

Trying to get along the strip on foot is a nightmare, not everyone is young and fit and able to walk up and down stairs continually. Obviously older and disabled visitors are not welcome either. I used to enjoy walking the length of the strip, but this is no longer possible without going up and down stairs, escalators, walkways, in and out of hotels !!

I usually love to visit the outlet malls and my husband gambles, we were both shocked at how much things have gone up from the minimum at the tables to the prices in shops. $3.77 for a coffee that last year was $1.27 !! Jeans $78 that were $29 last year. I have never felt so ripped off in any country as I did here this time. $6 for a tiny ice cream !! Come on Vegas what are you playing at. Do you only want the rich to visit you?

Now all the hotels have the extortionate resort charge, which is a joke. How many people actually use the facilities? Another rip off. When we come it is normally for 11 nights but at ú18 per night that is a hefty extra and that is one of the lowest charges at the Flamingo.

I hate what they are doing to the hotels, the attraction for us were the themed hotels, now everything is going modern, corporate and souless.

This is not the Vegas I have always loved and wanted to come back to, I am very sad but I will not be returning, the fun has gone out of it, it is all about ripping people off and taking as much money as possible from them. No one goes to Vegas expecting to win a fortune, but the hope that you might win something, not anymore. All the conversation round the tables was about how no one had won anything.

We have had several friends visit in the last 4 months and they have all come back and said similar, we didn’t believe them, however, now we have been we know it to be true, we now need to look for another holiday venue with a heavy heart.

Susan Flanagan

 

Ted Responds:

You know what? We’re sorry to see you go, but you won’t get any argument from me. I think that the amount of time escalators and elevators are out of service on the pedestrian walkovers is unconscionable. I’m extremely frustrated that a nice walk up The Strip has turned into an obstacle course.

The crowds are simply a matter of the popularity of Las Vegas and you’ll find those at any major city or amusement area that draws heavy numbers of visitors. Unfortunately, not much can be done about that.

Tight slots and poor table game rules are draining players money faster, which is why we’ve strongly urged people to enjoy The Strip for the great shows, dining, and attractions but take their gaming action downtown where one can actually still win.

No one likes resort fees and I am pleased to report that one of our readers noted (and we’ve confirmed) that Venetian/Palazzo will let you opt-out of paying the resort fees if you want to. Granted, they are high end properties, but it makes them worth considering when you factor in this perk. NOTE: If you opt-out of paying them, you WILL be billed at the normal rates if you use any of the services that would have been bundled into the resort fees.

I’m personally going to snail mail a copy of this letter to every single county commissioner (I think half of them are still in the stone age as it is). They are the ones who approve all the pedestrian traffic obstruction even though they are utterly clueless as to what things are like for visitors day-to-day on The Strip.

I’ve been (and will continue to be) critical of both our politicians and casino upper-management who are extremely out-of-touch with your Vegas experience. I believe that every county commissioner and every person in upper-management should be mandated to spend one Saturday night every few months playing tourist. No VIP perks, no back doors. Just get out and walk the same sidewalks you walk and wait in the same lines you wait in and get the same level of service (or lack thereof) that you get and pay the same prices you pay.

Las Vegas tourism is looking to be flat this year, and if we aren’t careful, we could see another lull as frustrated visitors return less often, or not at all.

Me and my friend made our yearly visit to Las Vegas in late February and of course we really enjoyed ourselves. We took your tip Ted and went to visit South Point. Very nice place and would definitely do that again. We took the shuttle like you suggested and really enjoyed our visit there.

Our money definitely lasted a lot longer than it does on the strip. Food was cheaper and all in all it was a great experience.

Heather

 

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Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 3, 2013

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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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Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Jersey Boys Honors Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons With A Star On ôLas Vegas Walk Of Starsö – On Thursday, March 21, 2013 the smash-hit show JERSEY BOYS celebrated its fifth anniversary in Las Vegas by presenting a star to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on the ôLas Vegas Walk of Starsö outside of the showÆs home, Paris Las Vegas. Original Four Seasons group members Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio were at the event to receive the commemorative star. It was the 64th star to be unveiled on Las Vegas Boulevard.

ôIt is a real honor to receive a star on the æLas Vegas Walk of StarsÆ in celebration of the showÆs fifth anniversary in this city,ö says Frankie Valli. ôBob and I are thrilled to be here to accept the star and to celebrate this milestone with the talented cast.ö

PBR Rock Bar Hosts RockinÆ Academy Of Country Music Awards Party – Guests will boot-scoot into PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for a celebration in honor of the 48th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards from Friday, April 5, through Sunday, April 7.

Patrons will toast their favorite country singers with cocktails inspired by this yearÆs Entertainer of the Year nominees, priced at $10 each. The delicious Taylor Swift ôLove Storyö cocktail includes Zing Red Velvet Vodka and CrÞme de Cacao. Cowboys and cowgirls will saddle-up for a good time at the Strip-side hot spot while sipping on the Captain Morgan, pineapple, cranberry and orange juice ôShelton Shake Upö in honor of Blake Shelton. Partygoers will also enjoy the Jason Aldean Malibu Coconut Rum, JagÙrmeister and pineapple juice ôTailgater.ö The Luke Bryan ôDrunk on Youö concoction will feature Patron Tequila paired with fresh lime and orange juices. The ôLambert Lemonadeö is made with Wild Turkey Honey Whiskey and lemonade in honor of Miranda Lambert.

Downtown Las Vegas

Gambling In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

Jewels Of Titanic Set To Shine For A Limited Time At Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – Jewels of Titanic, a dazzling display consisting of fifteen of the most prestigious jewelry artifacts recovered from R.M.S. Titanic on display now – May 31 at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor Hotel and Casino. This limited-time exhibit features diamonds, sapphires, pearls and gold jewelry that once belonged to some of Titanic’s wealthiest passengers. Through this priceless collection guests have the rare chance to learn of the jewelry’s discovery, underwater recovery, mysterious lineage and the influence these artifacts have in today’s pop culture.

Las Vegas Cadillac Through The Years Returns To Town Square – The 8th annual Las Vegas Cadillac Through the Years returns April 13 & 14 to Town Square Las Vegas. Join more than 30,000 fans for a two-day celebration of the Cadillac ôstandard of excellence,ö while enjoying live entertainment, celebrity surprises, Fintastic Fortunes raffles, giveaways, food, fair, vendors and, of course, more than 100 classic Cadillac beauties on display. From original restorations to extreme modified, this yearÆs show will feature models from the 1903 inception year to the newest 2013 release.

Las Vegas Hotels And Construction

Drinking And Dining In Las Vegas

Central Michel Richard To Celebrate National Beer Day – Central Michel Richard at Caesars Palace will honor National Beer Day with beer flight specials throughout the day on Sunday, April 7.

Beer enthusiasts will revel in flights of four 3-ounce pours of any of CentralÆs beers on tap, priced at $10 each. For the brew aficionado, the restaurant will offer all-you-can-drink beer flights from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., priced at $50 per person. Patrons will relax at the double-sided bar while creating their tastings with the restaurantÆs 20 beers on tap, including Innis & Gunn, Old Speckled Hen and Delirium Tremens.

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

More Las Vegas News

Soul2Soul - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Maverick Dream Catcher Sunset Grand Canyon TourMaverick Dream Catcher Sunset Grand Canyon Tour û Landing tour with beverages, snacks and Extra Flight Time in the Grand Canyon! Experience the journey of a lifetime. Your journey begins with a flight out of Las Vegas to Hidden Valley to see the arches. Continue your journey to the Valley of Fire, were you will see red rock formations and some of the most remote, desolate, and fascinating desert landscape.

Click To Book Maverick Dream Catcher Sunset Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Rock Of Ages by Sarah Jane Woodall

Rock Of Ages – Nothing But A Good Time! – Fire up the Aqua Net and dig out that sleeveless jean jacket û Rock of Ages has hit Vegas, and itÆs bringing the æ80s back! The latest musical to hit the Vegas strip hearkens back to the glory days of heavy metal û the days of mascara, muscle tees and mullets. If you grew up listening to this music, you will love Rock of Ages. And if even if you didnÆt… youÆll have a blast. ItÆs impossible to sit through this show without smiling, laughing… and singing along!

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

Hello From Las Vegas – We’re back after a scheduled week off and as you’ve already seen, we’re flooded with info. Las Vegas never stops with the new, interesting, special, and savings attracting you to visit!

March was beyond amazing with 25 days in the 70’s, 2 days in the 80’s, and only 4 days in the 60’s. We were very entertained watching The Weather Channel showing the effects of Marchuary on much of the United States. For our international readers, Marchuary was a term coined to indicate January weather in March.

Finally, a personal note: As I type this (April 3, 2012), I am celebrating exactly 20 years of living in Las Vegas! I’ve witnessed implosions, construction, booms, busts and everything in-between. It has been a trip, and it’s not over yet by any stretch of the imagination. You couldn’t pay me double to do the same job elsewhere. Thanks to everybody who has been a part of the ride!

Where To Jazz It Up On The Strip – One constant for years (and years and years) was the free, live jazz entertainment in Harrah’s Range Steakhouse during happy hour. Unfortunately, the new Ruth’s Chris in that space has elected to discontinue this tradition. This is a shame, especially given the chain’s New Orleans roots. Fortunately, our friends at Vegas Chatter (Mandarin Oriental Jazzes Things Up Again) caught wind that the Mandarin Bar up in Mandarin Oriental features live jazz on Sundays from 4-8 PM. Caution: Drinks won’t be cheap (although the view alone is worth it) and you’ll want to be dressed reasonably nice.

Here We Go Again – A recent survey surmised that Las Vegas will be among the top 50 fastest growing cities in the US over the next five years. Because of all the terrible news about our economy spreading around the past few years, my hope is that this time we won’t see the carpetbaggers we saw during the last boom.

Move here if you love the desert and the heat and our libertarian (small l, not the party) way of living. Don’t move here wanting to hitch yourself to the wagon and hope it works out. Those are the people who probably got hit the hardest when times went bad last time around. Only move here if you literally and simply could not imagine being more happy anywhere else!

Rio To Become Poker City? – The Rio has been rumored for sale for quite some time. The slightly off-strip location just doesn’t seem to be in the mix with other Caesars Entertainment (CET) properties, and CET could certainly use the cash.

Side Note: The Rio sits closer to the center of The Strip than about half the resorts actually ON the strip. But because it sits west of the I-15, it is perceived to be in “no man’s land”.

An online poker site could buy The Rio and the World Series Of Poker (which The Rio hosts) in a move that would be very beneficial for both parties. We’d all win because an influx of independent operators (a la George Maloof [Palms] a decade ago, or Derek Stevens [Golden Gate, The D] today) seems to always bring new life and ideas to the industry.

Las Vegas Hilton Red Lion – The beleaguered Las Vegas Hotel (formerly Hilton) has partnered with the Red Lion chain in an effort to boost exposure and occupancy. We wish them the best, but when I think Red Lion, I think of places like Eureka, CA and Butte, MT. Nice digs in a modest size city. By the way, they are not changing the name to Red Lion. But we are hoping the rumors of changing it back to the International come true!

Hooters To Renovate – Seven years after the San Remo became Hooters, they are continuing to realize that it just didn’t work out. In an attempt to capitalize on their boutique size, Hooters has announced major renovations for this year. More live music, “arcade” atmosphere, and renovation to open the casino floor up.

We’re still bummed that they took a perfectly acceptable San Remo and turned it into Hooters in the first place. It was reasonably clean, had good video poker, the staff was friendly, and the $4.99 complete prime rib dinner capped off many a late night on The Strip for me back in the day!

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

This is a follow-up to a previous letter:

Back from Vegas and we did check out Drink and Drag. It was towards the end of the night and we just did a walk through but it was very lively. Small dance floor with people dancing and drag queens behind the bar. Next time I will go earlier and have a drink and sit and really check the place out. But yes, it is for the more open minded fun crowd. My mom enjoyed it!

Colleen

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!
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  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.