Tag Archives: bowl

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 6, 2000

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WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews, now with subscribers in over 40 countries around the world! This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about.

This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends! This newsletter is free. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to below

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Las Vegas Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions!

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

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This Issue: Hoover Dam

Curious about a show, restaurant, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at allvegastv@aol.com

 

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

TERRIBLES HOTEL & CASINO – has just opened at Paradise and Flamingo (about a mile from Bellagio). It is the site of the former Continental, but bears no resemblance to that dive. The hotel has been completely renovated and transformed into an Italian Tuscany-style resort. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Nov-30-Thu-2000/business/14911695.html and we have hotel info and rates at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Terribles Hotel link).

LAS VEGAS BOWL – UNLV and Arkansas both won games at the end of the season to become bowl eligible, and will meet up on Dec. 21 here in Las Vegas. The game will be televised on ESPN but rooms that week are running under $40 at some Strip hotels for those that want to see it live. Stories at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Dec-04-Mon-2000/sports/14956117.html and http://www.sportingnews.com/cfootball/articles/20001204/278065.html , rooms at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm , and tickets at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/EventInfo?pid=646650

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – hit the MGM last night. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Dec-06-Wed-2000/news/14975556.html and a list of winners at http://news.excite.com/news/ap/001206/02/ent-billboard-awards-list Britney Spears didn’t make a lot of friends at Gordon Biersch, failing to leave a tip on a comped meal. Story on that at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Dec-06-Wed-2000/news/14970702.html

MEAL DEALS – The day of the 99 cent buffet is long gone, but Las Vegas still has a few great meal deals around. The catch? Many of them are off the menu. Every few months, we mention the Hard Rock’s complete steak and shrimp dinner for $5.95 (available in the coffee shop). The R-J notes a number of others at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Nov-15-Wed-2000/living/14796640.html Print that article out and bring it on your next trip!

GOLD POINT GHOST TOWN – If you really want to explore the “wild west,” this one is for you. Multi-jackpot winner (some people have all the luck)! Herb Robbins used some of the cash to buy the ghost town of Gold Point, NV. He has spruced the place up just a little, and if you are willing to take the 3 hour drive north of Las Vegas, you can get bed and breakfast and take yourself back in time a bit. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Nov-14-Sun-1999/news/12286326.html , photos at http://www.ghosttowngallery.com/htme/goldpoint.htm , and info and reservations at http://www.goldpointghosttown.com

GUGGENHEIM – Two of the most prestigious names in the art world, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the State Hermitage Museum of Russia, announced plans for an ambitious project in Las Vegas, including a seven-story museum. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-21-Sat-2000/news/14653795.html

MONORAIL – The Strip monorail project is on track, and will run from the MGM to The Sahara. Interestingly enough, it turns east in the Vicinity of The Venetian, missing much of the upper Strip. Story and map at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Nov-10-Fri-2000/news/14795508.html

$25 HOTEL REBATE — you pick the hotel! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you $25 back on any 2+ night stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve. Claiming your cash is simple:

1. Print out: http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm
2. Book a room online at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
3. Send in for your rebate when you get home.

It doesn’t get any easier than that, and you get their low price guarantee
to boot!

 

Note: We have been remodeling! Our tours site at http://www.accessvegas.com/tours is now divided by types of tours (Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, National Parks, Scenic Tours) with photos, tour descriptions, and more. We have added headliner information to the Shows page at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm

RESTAURANT REVIEWS – Recent reviews appearing in the media:

* Olives (Bellagio) – http://www.lvcitylife.com/dining/stories/00111601d.html

CONCERTS AND SHOWS:

SHOWS – See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=3230&cscheme=1

EFX – Changes are afloat. Rick Springfield takes over the lead roll from Tommy Tune in two months, and plans to take the show in more of an energetic rock direction. Full story at http://tv.zap2it.com/news/tvnewsdaily.html?14349

AT THE COPA – is no more. The show has sold well, but rumors of conflict between producer (and star) David Cassidy and costar Sheena Easton have been in the air almost from day one. Full story at http://news.excite.com/news/ap/001202/01/ent-david-cassidy

GUNS ‘N ROSES – are playing Las Vegas New Year’s Eve at the House of Blues. Full story and ticket info at http://www.mtv.com/sendme.tin?page=/news/headlines/001206/story6.html Although I was a marginal fan of the group, I won’t be shelling out the $150 – $250 for a band who’s singer has a habit of wrecking shows with his tantrums.

SHOW REVIEWS – Recent reviews appearing in the media:

* Penn and Teller – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Nov-10-Fri-2000/weekly/14768184.html

CONCERTS and HEADLINERS – Our listing is available online anytime at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

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LAS VEGAS WEATHER – This 5 day forecast is courtesy of Weather.Com:

Thursday – 64/42 Mostly Cloudy
Friday – 64/41 Partly Cloudy
Saturday – 62/37 Scattered Showers
Sunday – 56/30 Scattered Showers

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FEATURE STORY: Hoover Dam

hoover-dam.jpg (17845 bytes)Hoover Dam has often been referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. If you have flown in from the east or the south, you might have seen it from the air, but nothing can compare to seeing it up close and in person.

Built between 1931 – 1935 to harness the flow of the Colorado River, Hoover Dam is primarily responsible for storing the water used by people and agriculture in the desert southwest including Arizona, California, and Nevada. California is entitled to 4,400,000 acre-feet, Arizona 2,800,000 acre-feet, and Nevada, 300,000 acre-feet a year from the river, and the dam stores it for constant release regardless of season. Sitting only 30 miles from the Strip, it is also a top tourist attraction for Las Vegas visitors.

Visiting the dam is a unique experience! With US 93 running across it, you are completely free to roam on the top of the dam. The view over the edge 550+ feet in the air and down Black Canyon on the Colorado River is worth the trip all by itself. For a $4 admission, the visitor’s center contains quite a bit of historical and interesting photos and exhibits. There is also a self-guided tour which you can print out online at http://www.hooverdam.com/service/Sgt2.pdf

However, the real fun are the two tours offered. The shorter tour is fine for most. Taking 30 minutes, you go down into the dam and view the generators and are taken at to the base of the dam, where you can peer down the canyon and up toward the top of the towering structure. However, if you have a sense of adventure or are more interested in the technical inner workings, the one hour Hard Hat tours is a must.

You descend into the side of the dam in an elevator cut through the volcanic rock, and after a short walk through a pure rock tunnel, emerge in the generator room. Unlike the short tour, you are taken via another elevator to the floor of the generating area where you stand next to the huge encased turbines.

You also are taken down below the generating area where you stand just above one of the pipes feeding water through the giant electrical turbines, and can actually see the shaft of the turbine rotating. From there it is outside, for the same magnificent view of the canyon and up at the dam that you enjoy with the shorter tour. You are also taken into tunnels where you can see the huge pipes that were buried in the walls of the canyon.

A real highlight of this trip is touring the inside of the dam itself, which is lined with two miles of tunnels that serve both for drainage (all dams have a minor amount of seepage inside) and inspection. When looking down over the edge of the dam (and especially looking up from the bottom), you might notice a few vents on the side of the dam. Guess what — on the hard hat tour you can actually walk to the vent and peer out at the canyon from the inner center of the dam. Truly amazing.

The tours is not for the claustrophobic, especially the hard hat tour where you take 10 separate elevator rides with 20 people to each elevator car, and also walk the interior tunnels of the dam which are around 5 feet wide and 7 feet tall.

The visitor center is open from 8:00 AM to 5:45 PM. Tours start at 8:30 AM and run the remainder of the day. Parking on the Nevada side (in the garage) is $3.00. Parking on the Arizona side is free. The Traditional tour is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $2 for kids 7 – 16. The Hard Hat tour is $25 and includes a hard hat which you get to keep.

For those without transportation, we offer Hoover Dam tours at http://www.accessvegas.com/tours/hoover-dam-tours.htm If you have drove to town or are renting a car, the dam is easy to find. Head south on The Strip to I-215. Go east on I-215 for about 10 miles until the freeway ends at a set of stoplights. Continue straight about 1/2 mile (I-215 turns into Lake Mead Dr.) to the junction with US 93/95 and head south. Stay on US 93 for the next 20 miles or so (through and past Boulder City). US 93 crosses the dam so once on US 93, you can’t get lost.

An alternate, more scenic route is to skip turning off to US 93/95 and stay on Lake Mead drive. Just stay on it (there will only be one fork in the road: veer right) — it is named Lake Mead Drive for a reason! This route is about 10 miles longer but skirts the lake with some great views before returning to US 93 just a couple miles from the dam. There is a toll station collecting $5 per car on this route.

IMPORTANT: Hoover Dam is a very popular attraction and US 93 also carries thousands of cars each day as the main road southeast out of Las Vegas. Plus, the dam is at a lower elevation than Las Vegas, resulting in temperatures that can be 10 degrees hotter than in the city. This can be brutal late spring to early fall. Also, the tours are usually the least crowded and most available early in the day. Hit the road early. Grab a cheap buffet breakfast at the Railroad Pass Casino (on your left just after crossing the railroad tracks as you head out of town on US 93/95) and get there early to beat the crowds and the heat.

Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Mike and Nancy P. wrote:

>Based on your review, we had booked tickets for Jerry Lewis through
>the service listed in your newsletter.á We paid a little extra and got
>2nd row center seats.á Jerry puts on a truly spectacular show.á I
>can’t believe how he can go on for 2 hours, and still close with
>energy.á Sitting up close is definitely worth the few dollars extra to
>pick up his facial expressions.á I was amazed that the Friday night
>show (Nov 17) was not sold out.á Everyone should see this show.
>
>We stopped by the Aladdin and were not impressed.á My wife thought it
>was gaudy and tacky.á And they still have 100 trailers out back loaded
>with more stuff to put inside.
>
>We also went to Mandalay Bay and thought that was nice.á Any comments
>on how the rooms there compare to the Venetian?
>
>Thanks for the newsletter, it’s great.

Thanks for the kind words. Everybody continues to note that the service fee is a small price for guaranteed tickets before you arrive. You can always punch in the dates of your visit at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=3230&cscheme=1 and see which shows and headliners are playing and how much the tickets are.

I am in my mid-30’s and went to see Jerry Lewis to review the show and see a living legend, but not expecting much. Boy was I wrong! For those who missed my Jerry Lewis review a few months ago, it is archived at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-09-13.htm

I’ve only seen the Venetian rooms (very impressive true suites). Readers, have you stayed at both Mandalay and Venetian? Give us a room comparison at allvegastv@aol.com

Alyce Templeton wrote:

>I, along with a small group of friends recently returned from a week
>long visit to Las Vegas – my first visit – what a great experience.
>It is truly an amazing town to explore and it offers some great side
>trips out of town which we took advantage of, namely the West Rim of
>the Grand Canyon and a Hoover Dam tour.á I have been receiving your
>Vegas e-mail column for about 4 months now and from the feedback I
>have been reading – was a bit skeptical about using any taxi service
>when in town.á However, I must say the few times we used a taxi to
>save time, our experience was nothing but good.á Drivers were very
>friendly and helpful (although one had the driving skills of a New
>York City Cabbie – he was polite also).á I asked one taxi driver why
>he thought they had such a negative reputation and he responded by
>saying he has found that either a driver is very good or very bad –
>not much middle ground.á I guess we were very lucky!á Hope to return
>in a few years to see all the new additions and changes in the works
>for this interesting town.á Thanks for this great newsletter which
>helps me to remember a very memorable vacation!

We are glad you had a great time! Unfortunately, it is feast or famine with the taxi drivers. The cab companies, like many other businesses, are having trouble finding and keeping good help. If you are at all geographically inclined, it never hurts to buy a Las Vegas city map so you can have a clue whether they are taking you the best route. If you ever have a dispute or feel that you got ripped off by a cab driver, get the name of the company and the cab number from the side of the cab and call the Taxicab Authority at (702) 486-6532

>We visiting Vegas in January.á My husband was in a car crash in March of
>this year and broke both ankles.á He still has trouble walking very
>far, so we need a way to get around on the strip and downtown.á Any
>information will help.

http://www.vegasdisabilityinfo.com has quite a bit of info, and if you can’t find the answers there you can email their webmaster at inett@earthlink.net

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Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com While space doesn’t permit publishing every letter, we do certainly read them all and they help shape our content. Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc., if accepted.

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ONLINE POLL – How do you usually get from the airport to your hotel? Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published next week!

FREE CONTESTS:

RULES: (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner. Send a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

LIVE LOCAL WEATHER & A FREE TRIP TO VEGAS!! – It now PAYS to keep an eye on the weather! Download and register your own weather bug today, know what your local weather, alerts, storm watches, local satellite, and INSTA-CAM shots from your town all from a single click of the mouse. Lets not forget the chance at a FREE TRIP TO LAS VEGAS! http://by.advertising.com/1/c/22838/8488//6025

LAS VEGAS VACATION – Frommer’s is giving away roundtrip air transportation for two between a major airport in the 48 contiguous states to Las Vegas, Nevada, five-nights accommodations at the Aladdin Hotel & Casino, tickets to American Superstars Show, a buffet lunch, and admission to the Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck. Enter at (contest closed)

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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
December 6, 2000 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 27, 2000

Posted on by

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews, the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Las Vegas Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions!

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This Issue: Splash

Curious about a show, restaurant, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com

 

Hello from Portland, OR. Long time readers know that I enjoy escaping the neon and visiting my family a few times a year. I spent the weekend with them on the beautiful Oregon Coast. It is as scenic as you may have heard, and if you want to “steal” a few great beach shots or just enjoy the beach views, head on over to http://www.cannon-beach.net

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

IMPLOSION TIME! – That longtime eyesore The El Rancho (north end of the Strip) is getting imploded at 2:30 AM on Oct. 3. This appears to be the last implosion for a long time, so it might be worth the extra Vegas trip. Like you need an excuse to come see us anyway!

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY – New Years Eve may make the news, but Super Bowl Sunday lights up this town like no other weekend. 200,000-plus crazed football fans flood the gambling mecca here to place every kind of bet available (and there are some strange ones) even if their favorite team never made the playoffs. Full story at http://www.dallasnews.com/travel/lasvegas/57749_superbowl.html and you can still grab reasonable rooms ($45 downtown, $55 Strip) for Super Bowl Sunday Las Vegas at http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&us_city=LAS

COMDEX – Speaking of getting a room before you have to offer your first-born in exchange, you can still get rooms downtown for as low as $40 a night (El Cortez) or $100 on the Strip (Sahara) but you better beat the rest of the crowd to http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&us_city=LAS

RESTAURANT REVIEWS – Recent reviews appearing in the media:

Bice (Aladdin Desert Passage) – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-13-Wed-2000/living/14331297.html
Desert Passage (various – Aladdin) – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-20-Wed-2000/living/14372508.html
Top of the World (Stratosphere) – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-20-Wed-2000/living/14372339.html
WB 16 (Venetian) – http://lasvegas.citysearch.com/E/V/LASNV/0004/19/83/cs1.html

THE MONORAIL – is coming! $650 million in bonds has been approved, The Venetian has dropped their objections, and it will run from the MGM to The Sahara, helping take people, cars, and buses off of The Strip. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-30-Wed-2000/news/14271967.html and you can let us know if you are looking forward to it or just plain don’t care by giving us your opinion on a Las Vegas monorail in our current poll at http://www.accessvegas.com

MGM THEME PARK – Our promised review of it this summer never materialized because it is becoming a shell of its former self as the MGM uses the property for other purposes. There is now sincere talk of shutting down the park for good because of the value of the land it sits on. Full story at http://news.excite.com/news/r/000907/15/leisure-mgmgrand

VEGAS RADIO / TV ONLINE – A recent post to http://www.egroups.com/group/Vegas asked about online media availability. You can watch local news online: the KTNV 13 feed is at http://tvnews.broadcastamerica.com/stations/index.phtml?sr=41 (scroll down to KTNV Las Vegas, NV) and KLAS 8 feed is at http://www.klastv.com (scroll down for the LIVE Webcast link). Nine radio stations from the area stream online. Links to these stations are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/tvradio.htm

XFL – The Las Vegas Outlaws of the upstart winter/spring football league now have a website at http://www.lasvegasoutlaws.com

RAT RACE – I flew out of McCarran Wednesday afternoon on my way up here to the Pacific Northwest and had to detour to get to the Delta counter. Why? Because the feature film Rat Race starring Whoopi Goldberg and Cuba Gooding Jr. was shooting at the adjacent ticket counter. Full story on the shoot at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-25-Mon-2000/living/14451701.html

$25 HOTEL REBATE – has been so popular that it is extended again to any reservation made in Sept. (for travel
any time) — you pick the hotel! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network
are giving you $25 back on any 2+ night stay in Las Vegas or any major city
they reserve. Claiming your cash is simple:

1. Print out: http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm
2. Book a room online at http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC
3. Send in for your rebate when you get home.

It doesn’t get any easier than that, and you get their low price guarantee
to boot!

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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

SHOWS – See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=1

STEVE WYRICK – The noted magician’s much-delayed show has opened at The Sahara. The R-J just reviewed it at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-22-Fri-2000/weekly/14420101.html

CONCERTS and HEADLINERS – Our listing is available online anytime at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

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LAS VEGAS WEATHER – This 5 day forecast is courtesy of Weather.Com:

Wednesday – 92/66 Partly Cloudy
Thursday – 95/58 Mostly Sunny
Friday – 95/59 Fair
Saturday – 94/59 Mostly Sunny
Sunday – 93/57 Mostly Sunny

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FEATURE STORY: Splash

Splash has been occupying the somewhat intimate showroom of the Riviera since 1985, revamping itself every few years to keep with the times. The only problem is that the era it is trying to keep with is 1980-something. Unlike the full-on traditional Las Vegas shows like Jubilee and Folies Bergere, Splash is more of what you would expect in a traveling or Indian casino show making itself out to be a “Vegas Style” show.

It all started in true Vegas fashion, with singers and dancers and topless showgirls in feather headdresses making decent use of the limited state space. We were then introduced to “world champion” skaters Irina Grigorian and Kikhail Panin. In the past, Splash was centered on a huge aquatic tank (hence, the name Splash), but now these fine skaters are much the centerpiece, performing on a very sized ice rink in the middle of the stage. Photo link: http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jan-07-Fri-2000/photos/lifestyle.jpg

They do the best they can under the circumstances, and put on a number of strong performances throughout the show. The couple performs many of the acrobatic and strength ice stunts you see on televised skating including impressive acrobatic stunts. In one of their later acts, they engage in some eye-opening firestick tossing and juggling, and Irina performs a hula-hoop act that has to been seen to be believed.

If it’s Vegas, you have to have a couple of comedians, and Splash gives us Los Latin Cowboys. They came out pounding on huge drums, and then proceeded to show their skill with bolo balls, which lead to picking on male member of the audience (there with his wife) with gay-tinged jokes about “balls.” Fortunately, once they quit the jokes, they put on quite a display of bolo and tap.

The middle of the show lagged with 4 scenes featuring impersonators: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cher, and John Travolta. Each featured the impersonator “singing” or dancing to a real video of the actual song shown on big video screens at either side of the stage. While the actual entertainer was surrounded by dancers and a simple set, I found myself spending more time watching the screens, and you can do that at home.

Splash featured other specialty and novelty acts, such as a talented contortionist and a tap-dance duo consisting of one live human and a laser computer-generated showman. Each specialty segment was interesting, but often went on long past where the novelty had worn off. Each performer was talented in their own right, but that didn’t bring the show together in any cohesive way.

The night was concluded with the Thunderdome, a “Globe of Death” featuring four motorcyclist who ride at the same time, spinning around the inside of an eighteen foot steel ball. Pretty impressive, and certainly one of the highlights. It was also one of the few acts where the host wasn’t imploring the audience to step up the applause.

I probably took twice as many notes at Splash as I usually do. Was it that good of a show? No, I was that bored. This could be a solid, riveting show, with the 95 minutes comfortably trimmed to a fast-paced hour-plus (and the price dropped $10) by dropping the lame impersonator scenes. They don’t do justice to the impersonators, and if we are looking for that style of entertainment, we can go see Legends in Concert (Imperial Palace) or American Superstars (Stratosphere).

If you are going to spend real money to see a real 90 minute Las Vegas show, go see Jubilee at Ballys or Folies Bergere at The Tropicana. I’d give Folies a very slight edge, but both are worth your time. My reviews of each are at:

Folies Bergere – https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-03-29.htm
Jubilee – https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-07-26.htm

The exception? If the wife has been bugging you to go to one of those touring “Olympic Skaters On Ice” shows (over your dead body), but is reluctant to go to a somewhat risque Las Vegas show, this is a good compromise. She gets her romantic figure skating and you get your traditional topless Vegas showgirls.

Splash plays every night at 7:30 and 10:30 PM at The Riviera. Tickets are $46.75 and $57.75 including tax. More info and advance ticket purchase is available at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?ID=34&amid=143&cscheme=5

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

I goofed. I left the “Letters to the Editor” file at home. So … look for them next week!

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Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com While space doesn’t permit publishing every letter, we do certainly read them all and they help shape our content. Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc., if accepted.

 

ONLINE POLL – “How interested are you in riding the monorail when it is completed?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks!

Results from last weeks poll “Do the recent tragedies involving Las Vegas tourists (casino shooting and tour bus accident) make you more wary of coming to Las Vegas?”

Yes, I feel Las Vegas is getting unsafe. 17%
Maybe, It makes me think twice. 23%
No, I won’t give it a second thought. 59%

FREE CONTESTS:

Rules (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner. Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

VIVA LAS VEGAS – Collectors items! These tickets to the Viva Las Vegas show at the legendary Sands Casino. Enter by emailing us, in order, what five Las Vegas hotels have the most rooms. Winners will be chosen at random from correct entries. E-mail answers to vivacontest@in-vegas.com Contest ends Sept. 30, 2000

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
September 27, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 26, 2000

Posted on by

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it, but only in it’s entirety.

This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com Quality Las Vegas Tourist Information – Hotels, Casinos, Insider Tips, and more. If it’s about Las Vegas, it’s AccessVegas.Com!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions by posting a note to our new board at http://boards.accessvegas.com We want to hear from you!

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This Issue: Rio Masquerade Village Show

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com

Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours

Note: Last week’s newsletter about Adventuredome is now archived online WITH PHOTOS at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-01-19.htm The Bellagio Buffet review is archived online with Bellagio photos at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/99-12-15.htmáLAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

MEGAGUCKS – got hit Wednesday night at the Deserted Inn (yes, that is what we call it locally because it’s usually pretty empty). 37 year old Cynthia Jay, a (now former) cocktail waitress at the Monte Carlo, was catching a show that night at the Desert Inn. She had invested $27. The $34,955,489 (paid over 25 years) is the largest slot jackpot ever hit in history. Newspaper story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2000/jan/27/509769202.html and you can catch a video of the KVBC story at http://www.msnbc.com/local/kvbc/6235.asp#Netshowvideo

SUPER BOWL – Las Vegas throws quite a few parties during the year, but this is one of the biggest. Some come to drink and let loose, some come to root on the home team because Super Bowl tickets are unobtainable, and other want to recoup everything they lost betting football during the entire year! The excitement is building and you can read about it at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jan-24-Mon-2000/sports/12813959.html and you can find a full list of Super Bowl parties at http://www.lasvegas.com/features/superbowl.html

NO MORE MILLION – Binion’s Horseshoe has undergone many changes since Binion sister Becky Behnen took over, but none compared to the sale of the infamous display of 100 $10,000 bills (a cool million) that her father Benny put together. An estimated 5 million plus people have had their photo taken with it over the years. If you have one, save it — it was your last. There was nothing like enjoying the $3 late night steak special (now no longer available on weekends) and then trooping back up the stairs and spending a few quiet minutes just looking at all that cash. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jan-21-Fri-2000/news/12797214.html

HARD ROCK – Many questioned the off-strip location when it opened, but the Hard Rock has quietly expanded and become one of the top casinos in town. They may cater to the trendy high rollers from out of town, but we personally enjoy the 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker (slot points allowed for play) and the $5.95 surf and turf special in the coffee shop (not on the menu — ask for it). Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jan-24-Mon-2000/business/12802058.html and you can book discount Hard Rock rooms at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

SHOPPING GALORE – Recent reports note that visitors spent more in Las Vegas ($22.5 billion) in 1999 than in New York City and San Francisco combined, and that doesn’t include gaming. Not only are their more gaming opportunities on the Las Vegas Strip than anywhere in the world, but now more shopping opportunities. More than 50,000 people a day walk through The Forum Shops at Caesars alone. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jan-24-Mon-2000/business/12803672.html

WB STAGE 16 – We mentioned the opening of this new eatery at The Venetian a couple of weeks ago. The Review-Journal has reviewed it at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jan-21-Fri-2000/weekly/12733830.html

LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY – is holding it’s annual open house on Feb. 19. from 9 AM to 4 PM. Race fans will be treated to free tours of the entire facility, discounts from the Richard Petty Driving Experience, discounted concessions and merchandise, special ticket deals and go-kart rides courtesy of Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix. There also will be several big-screen televisions set up during the morning hours for fans to watch the NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division race from Daytona International Speedway. The go-kart rides will begin immediately following the conclusion of the race from Daytona Beach, FL.

Winner: Keith B. Stolz of Houston TX is this weeks winner of the millennium t-shirt.

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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

FREMONT ST. EXPERIENCE – free all-weekend Super Bowl party features free concerts including NEON CHAMELEONS and THE CLASSIC ROCK ALL STARS on Jan. 28, THE OHIO PLAYERS and ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION on Jan. 29, and will be showing the action on two gigantic screens starting at noon on Sunday.

REVIEWS – Recent reviews in the paper:

TOM JONES – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jan-21-Fri-2000/weekly/12777281.html
NOTRE DAME DE PARIS – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jan-21-Fri-2000/weekly/12758743.html

Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!

FEATURE STORY: Rio Masquerade Village ShowAlthough it’s been playing for the better part of two years, I’ve always seemed to miss the Masquerade Sky show when I visit the Rio. A visit to The Rio for me usually involves a trip straight up to the Voodoo Lounge with friends or to meet a client and just enjoy the spectacular sights from 51 floors up, which is generally regarded as one of the best free view of the city.

So, I braved the 58 degree cloudy, windy day Tuesday and set out to truly experience a little of The Rio. I arrived at 4 PM just in time to see the beach-themed show featuring music from the 50’s and 60’s. After that, it was on to their infamous seafood buffet (review next week) and then up to the Voodoo Lounge to watch the sunset. Then back down at before 6 PM to catch another Masquerade show.

This is a production and a half for free! The multi-level stage at one end of the Masquerade casino area features live musicians as well as a number of dancers, but the entertainment extends the length of the casino with large two-level floats that ride high above the gaming area on rails. The sound is great, the dancers superb, and the floats are ablaze in light and color. In true Mardi Gras fashion, dancers on the various floats tossed out beads to the crowds both below and lined along the second floor.

We enjoyed the first show from the ground in front of the stage, but the best place to really enjoy the floats and dancers on them is from the second floor esplanade which surrounds the casino (it has restaurants and shopping off of it). People start lining up a half hour prior to each show upstairs, but we lucked out and found the perfect viewing area: from downstairs, look across and over from the stage until you find the big Watch Zone sign. Unlike the balcony area just to it’s right (as seen from downstairs), you aren’t fighting for a view or fighting for beads with a throng of other people, but you still have a fantastic view of the stage. Get under the Watch Zone sign upstairs and you are set!

The show runs every two hours from 2 PM to Midnight (dark Wednesdays) and lasts for about 15 minutes. You can purchase a ticket to ride in one of the floats for $9.95 and become part of the show. They dress you in a costume fitting that show’s theme (there are 4 shows altogether). Might be fun, but it looks like you are pretty much belted in and I’m not sure how much you can see.

The Voodoo Lounge is a must see. It occupies one full side of the top of the hotel with about a 270 degree view of the city, including the entire Strip, airport, downtown, and more. It opens at 5 PM and I strongly suggest going early enough to be up there during sunset (which is generally early enough that you won’t fight a line). The view actually faces away from the sunset, but watching the Strip light up as dusk approaches is stunning. The trip to the top is free except for a weekend cover charge later in the evening. Noted local musician Jimmy Hopper and his band play their unique (and very impressive) versions of popular songs Wed. – Sun. nights starting at 9:00 PM. A “dress to impress” code is enforced. No suit and tie required, but wear something besides tennis shoes and have a shirt with a collar at minimum. The more busy it is, the more they appreciate nice dress.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:Last week, Jim from Alaska wrote about his unpleasant New Year’s Eve experience and asked for suggestions how to make it up to his wife. You can find that letter archived at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-01-19.htm , and our thanks to the readers who wrote in with their suggestions:

Anonymous wrote:

>I’m a life-time local and very sorry to hear about the bad time you
>had.
>
>For dining I’d suggest “Keefers on top of the Carriage House”, the
>food is top-notch and the prices aren’t.á Their specialty is
>orange-roughy and if you ask you can get a window seat with a great
>view of the strip from the Excalibur to the Bellagio.á Try reserving
>at sunset.á Drinks in the lounge are a little on the high side.á The
>phone # is (702) 739-8000 and they’re on the strip and Harmon.
>
>For a reasonable room try the San Remo, very clean and nice.á My
>best-friends brother-in-law stayed there a while back and he was very
>pleased.á He’s also very frugal.á (CHEAP!) The phone # is (702) 739-9000.
>They are at Tropicana and the strip within walking distance from
>Keefer’s.á Good luck!!!

Note: We tend to prefer signed letters, but will consider unsigned letters with helpful information.

Sam Profio wrote

>Dear Ted: To the guy from Alaska looking for a better experience for
>him and his wife: For a romantic dinner try Olives at Bellagio and get
>a table on the balcony.á What a great view of the fountains during
>dinner and the music!á Bellagio does not take normal reservations for
>the balcony.á You must get in line at 5:00 PM to make a reservation
>for that evening.á I suggest you arrive a bit before 5:00 but it was
>not difficult to get a reservation.á It’s well worth it albeit a bit
>expensive.á The food, service and view is excellent!!!
>
>Regarding a good pool experience & not knowing the couple’s age or
>budget I would go with the Flamingo.á Great pool for all ages, great
>location on the strip and a very comfortable property.á Mandalay Bay
>has a great Caribbean themed pool, world class restaurants, the hot
>Rum Jungle night club and one of the best looking hotels on the strip.
>The Tropicana also has a great pool and a little younger crowd as does
>the Hard Rock’s Beach Club.
>
>Also, you can’t beat the top of the Stratosphere right before sundown
>for a romantic view of the sun going down over the desert and
>mountains and then watching the strip “come alive” when its lights
>become visible.
>
>One last thing that always works for me; take her shopping!á I know, I
>know, but most women love it.á The canal shops at the Venetian are a
>shopper’s dream and while you are there, take her on a gondola ride
>for more romance.á Other good shopping; the Forum Shops in Ceasars,
>Mandalay Bay, etc.á Most of the new properties have shopping.

Tedd Adamek wrote:

>áá Sorry to hear about your troubles on your stay on
>New Year’s. Don’t blame it on Vegas for the problems
>on one hotel. It was unfortunate that you picked the
>only hotel to go bankrupt but you do need to shop
>around a little more then you do. Anyone that would pay
>that price to stay at that hotel (very low grade
>place) didn’t do much looking around. Try some of the
>offers in this newsletter and call around next time.
>I’m sure you could do better.

Bookmark or add http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC to your favorites. You can always go there, punch in your dates, compare the prices of every hotel against each other in seconds and book right online with instant confirmation.

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Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc. if accepted.

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THIS WEEKS POLL – “What is your favorite nightclub in Las Vegas?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in next weeks issue!

RESULTS FROM LAST WEEK: AccessVegas.Com Poll
What is your most favorite thing to do in Las Vegas besides gambling?

There are other things to do besides gambling? 21%
Fine dining and upscale shopping 19%
Sun and fun: the pool, golf, hiking, etc. 17%
I enjoy taking in a show or two 33%
Sightseeing tours to Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, etc. 10%

FREE CONTESTS:

Note: You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 10’th entry in each contest will be the winner (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest). Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

LAS VEGAS 2000 – t-shirt. One size fits all. Enter at (contest closed)

RIO MARDI GRAS BEADS – enter at (contest closed)

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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

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New to the list? Back issues can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

You may subscribe to this newsletter by going to:
https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com or sending a blank email to
below

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
January 26, 2000

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