Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 27, 2008

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.


Book Online or over the phone! Call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Wow… what a huge week. We usually don’t publish over the weekend, but better late than never. NASCAR is rolling through town, and rolled right up The Strip (as we previewed last week). Numerous drivers did meet-and-greets around town, with the most lavish being Kurt Busch’s appearance at PT’s Sierra Gold Ultra-Tavern (also as previewed last week). We’ll have photos of both next issue!

We also have over 25 new writers and bloggers, many already out on assignment. A few weeks ago, we asked your opinion of how we were doing with the newsletter and virtually everyone said “Don’t Change Anything.” So we aren’t changing. We are expanding our overall coverage! The newsletter will basically stay the same, but new blogs will cover specific niche topics so you can better stay informed on exactly what you enjoy about Las Vegas!

I Want To Rock and Roll All Night – Norm! of the Review-Journal is floating the rumor that Paul Stanley of KISS may be joining Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular (Tickets). Unlike many gossip mongers who throw caution (and accuracy) to the wind, Norm’s info is usually sourced pretty well. This could be huge: KISS has a large, loyal fan base that spans generations and Phantom has some serious theatrics and special effects sure to please KISS fans and expand the reach of Phantom’s crowd. We’ll keep you posted!

How can anyone live here? This frequent comment is heard by visitors during the summer months when we can have day after day of temps pushing 110 degrees (F). Funny… we were sitting watching all of the snow, ice, freezing rain, cars sliding all over the road and people bundled up head-to-toe this past week in much of the northern parts of the U.S. and we were thinking the same thing: How do you live there? I was in shorts and a golf shirt most of the past week.

What are the best jobs in Las Vegas? The Las Vegas Business Press ran down some of the “I really get paid to do this” job in Las Vegas, including a casino host, helicopter tour pilot, and more. (Not sure how they left me off this list). A fun read at Las Vegas’ hottest jobs … and who has them Some of the city’s jobs are almost as cool as some of its guests

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs


Fergie Set To Perform At Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, March 22 – Multi-platinum and three-time Grammy Award-winner Fergie hits the stage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, March 22. (Tickets) The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Fergie first joined The Black Eyed Peas in 2002 and was on hand when the release of their first disc together, Elephunk, went triple platinum, thrusting the group into the industry spotlight. The mega-single “Let’s Get It Started,” earned the group its first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Click to Read The Full Story …

Click On Photos To View Complete Photo Set

Pink Taco Hosts Grand Re-Opening And Launches New Monthly Festivity “Cinco de Taco” – After 12 years of offering guests a dining experience beyond the ordinary, Pink Taco celebrated its success with a grand re-opening party, a newly expanded bar and the launch of its new monthly affair known as “Cinco de Taco.” This monthly occurrence takes place every 5th of each month offering $2 Coronas and Corona Lights, $3 Sauza Hornitos shots, $3.75 Sauza Hornitos margaritas as well as half-off appetizers from 4 p.m. until closing. “Cinco de Taco” features a live Mariachi band beginning at 6 p.m., and girls dressed in lingerie participate in three unique Pinata bashings filled with Love Jones lingerie. Click to Read The Full Story …

Comedian Roseanne Barr Announces An Engagement At The Sahara Hotel And Casino – Grammy award-winning comedian Roseanne Barr brings her everyday humor and observations to the Sahara Hotel and Casino, beginning March 1, 2008. (Tickets) Barr will perform in the Sahara’s legendary Congo Room, a 520-capacity entertainment venue, with a 9:30 p.m. show time. “Fresh out of rehab and ready to PARTY! Seriously though, I’m thrilled to be back in Las Vegas for another run and cannot wait to see you all at The Sahara,” said Barr. Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Six – with Victor H. Royer. 3-6-9 – Among keno players, this ticket and game are known as “the three way kiss.” You figure it out. It is another version of the 9-spot way ticket that I have just shown you immediately above. On this ticket, however, you can only pick three groups of 3 numbers, making a total of three 3-spots, three 6-spots (although it really should be six 6-spots), and one 9-spot. Therefore, on the pay table there are only three possible winning combinations, and these are pays for the 3-spots, pays for the 6-spots, and the pays for the 9-spot. Click to Read Complete Article…


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I was wondering if you ever do stories about Vegas wedding chapels and reviews etc.? I love Vegas weddings and read everything I can find about the chapels and reception venues etc……I want to see it all the good and the bad. I love AccessVegas.com!

Sincerely,
Barbara Smith
Russell, PA

Interesting you bring this up. We’ll soon be assigning a writer who will review the various chapels and other wedding options (such as getting married in the Grand Canyon). I’m sure we’ll get some great wedding stories along the way.

Readers, if you have a funny or interesting Las Vegas wedding story, tell us about it at allvegastv@aol.com


Hello and thank you for your newsletter. My friends and I visit Vegas 2-3 times a year and find access Vegas very helpful in keeping up with all that is happening. I just wanted to say that you mentioned doing a different format for the news links. I find them very useful the way they are.
Thanks,

Sharla
Columbus, Ohio

I thank everyone for the kind words. Rest assured that we won’t be cutting down on the type of information we do. However the newsletter is getting unbelievably long. It was only a couple pages long when we started in 1999 and now prints out at about 12-15 pages! What we may do is publish all of the news links in a secondary section which you can reach with one click. But rest assured, we’ll be providing as much (if not more) news and information as we ever have!


As a frequent visitor to Vegas, and a former cab driver, I would like to share a couple of stories about cab rides. A few years back I was out at MGM Grand. I had done pretty well on Blackjack and it was time to head back to the Plaza (where we were staying at the time) when I got in the cab the driver took a right on Tropicana and I asked him ” you’re not going to take Paradise Road?” He said no. I then said “Oh, your going to run the interstate to get the fare up?”His reply was “Are you from Vegas” When I replied no, he then asked “so what makes you an expert! I went on to explain that if he ran Paradise Road, the fare would be around 7 dollars to the Plaza and running the “SLAB” would more than double that. He laughed. I told to go which ever way he wanted, but the most he would get from me was the amount on the meter plus a tip to total $20. When I arrived at the Plaza, via the interstate, the fare was $19.85. I gave him a 20 and said keep the change. If he would have run Paradise road, he would have gotten a 13 dollar tip instead of 15 cents.

A few years later we were staying at the Nugget. There was a group of ten. We took two cabs. Our driver ran the downtown streets to Paradise Road and straight to the Airport. The fare was under 10 bucks so we each gave him a five for a $15 dollar tip. The other group’s driver ran the Interstate and the fare was $22 . He got a $3 dollar tip.

Since that time 11 years ago. I have been renting cars when I come to Vegas 3 times a year and have saved a ton of money on cab fares.

Chuck Merica

This long-hauling just doesn’t stop. Locally (away from The Strip), I recently needed to use a cab. The intersection I asked the cabbie to take me to was north of our location. The cabbie headed south. After about three blocks, I asked why we weren’t headed north to the cross-streets I asked for. He u-turned and noted that he doesn’t usually work that part of town. Funny… he could have asked me where to go, or got out a map.

Just a reminder about leaving the car rental lot: I was by that area today and traffic was stacked on Warm Springs Road (which runs from the rental car lot to Las Vegas Blvd). One again, you don’t have to turn south (to the right) when you leave the rental car facility. When exiting the garage, jog to the left a bit and turn LEFT out of the facility on to Gilespie (road rental facility is on). You’ll start to see the Strip Hotels about a block up the street. Keep driving north towards the hotels in the distance until you are forced to turn left on Sunset. Then a quick right on to Las Vegas Blvd. and you just saved yourself 10-15 minutes of sitting in traffic!


More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 24-26 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!


For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

February 27, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 10, 2005

In This Issue: Newkirk’s Notes, New Year’s Eve Review, $50,000 Slot Winner, Superbowl Parties, Calendar Girls Giveaway, Free Airport Wi-Fi, Gamble Talk Audio Series, Trip Report Voting, more …
Book online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining.

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

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


AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos
Free Online Games!

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:Hello from Las Vegas! We celebrated our one day of winter last week with a few hours of snow, and spring is coming in with some very steady rain as we get the left-overs of the storms passing through California. Very unusual, but needed.

This issue is extra-jammed with stuff you need to know. Las Vegas never rests! Do what many do, and read it over the course of a few days, taking time to catch everything so you’ll be informed.

Regular readers notice: We’ve had a real hit-and-miss publication schedule the past year due to our expansion. For 2005 we are going to publish this main newsletter every 10 days. Enough for the coming visitor and casual Vegas fan. And we’ll soon introduce an optional update of 3-4 times a week for you Vegas nuts. Lots more insider stuff! Details coming soon.


See the Grand Canyon in a Jet Helicopter! For years Maverick Helicopters has been providing a true VIP Helicopter experience of the Grand Canyon. We do things a little different than any other helicopter Company. We give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas Strip tours plus Helicopter Weddings also available!

New Year’s Eve – Wow! Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow. I’ve seen it all, year after year here, and this New Year’s Eve topped them all. The most spectacular fireworks ever, punctuated by laser lights flashing in all directions from the top of the Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower and other hotels.Probably one of the best crowds ever, reasonably well behaved especially considering that drinking on The Strip is not only allowed, but encouraged with beer and drink stands up and down The Strip! The temperature at midnight was a brisk but comfortable 42 degrees and the party was an 11 on a 10 scale. Let New York City have their little ball drop (yawn). Las Vegas provides a party.

We’ll post our photo gallery and full video in a few weeks, but we already have a bunch of great streaming video and related stories. Mary Williams of Arizona sent in a few photos including her husband Mike and friend Gerardo pouring what looks like the world’s largest beer!

If you have photos or video you want included when we put together complete streaming video and photo galleries, please contact Ted at AllVegasTV@aol.com so we can get you included for the world to see!

Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Streaming Video and Stories:

Slot Player Hits $50,000 Jackpot On New Year’s Eve -á She was a long way from home ringing in the New Year, but Canadian Patricia Tonks started 2005 off just right with a $50,000 jackpot at the Imperial Palace on Dec. 31. Tonks is a regular visitor at the Imperial Palace and travels from her home in British Columbia to Las Vegas regularly. She was playing a $5 Five Star slot machine when the jackpot hit.

Superbowl Parties – The NFL (No Fun League) has put a cease and desist on the type of Superbowl parties of years past. Hell … they are probably going to sue us for saying Superbowl at this rate. These parties usually had an entry fee that included food and booze, giveaways, Miller Girls (or similar), big screens all over a ballroom … major party. The NFL says you can’t charge admission to watch their game on TV (even though the admission really covered the goodies, and the hotels still took a loss on some of these events) and the game was broadcast all over the casino for free. Whatever.

Las Vegas is still the best place in the world to watch the game, as we are allowed to show it anywhere we usually show games. Every sports book, every bar, every restaurant that has a TV. Outside of New Year’s Eve, the vibe here during the big game (with millions of dollars bet on it legally) is second to none and rooms are going quickly.

Click now to book a Superbowl weekend room now (Feb. 4-6, 2005) or you’ll face sold out rooms. Also, our friends at Hofbrauhaus are throwing a free Hofbrauhaus Free Super Bowl Party that is the biggest blowout we’ve heard of yet. We’ll keep you posted.

PT’s Las Vegas 2005 Girls of PT’s Calendar Giveaway – You know Las Vegas has the hottest bartenders, and they aren’t all just on The Strip! PT’s Pubs and Restaurant/Lounges are all over the Las Vegas Valley, making them the local’s favorite. We’ve teamed with PT’s to help promote their calendar, and a portion of all proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

We also teamed with the PT’s Calendar Girls to pilot our Vegas Hot Shots video series: The Hottest Vegas Bartenders making the Best Vegas Drinks! Here’s all the links:

Yes, ladies … we will feature male bartenders in the series as we ramp it up. And we are going to talk to the new Rio Chippendales Complex about a giveaway for you ladies. Something for just about everyone!

Gambling Talk: You Can Bet On it Gambling Overview – with Victor H. Royer. is the first of a four part free audio series. In this segment, Victor gives some tips and suggestions for the novice gambler, and a basic overview of slots and games available, and how to play informed and maximize the ability to win! This week, click to learn all about Gambling Overview.

Airport Security Video … Vegas Style – We appreciate everything you go through to come visit Las Vegas, especially when you fly and have to endure the security checkpoints. McCarran Airport put together a helpful video to watch while you are in line. Another boring government video? No way … this is Vegas! Some of our top performers volunteered their time and put together a witty, humorous clip that entertains as it informs. Click to watch McCarran Celebrity Security Video (broadband only).

Free Wi-Fi at McCarran – Travel with your laptop or wi-fi enabled PDA? Las Vegas’ McCarran airport now has free wi-fi. Period. Done. The entire airport. No fees. Fortunately, this is the wave of the future. As broadband and wireless becomes the norm, more and more businesses will provide it at no cost as a service to customers.

This also continues to help make Las Vegas the best spot to hold a convention. Check your email and download documents and information while you wait for your luggage. Killing time after clearing security on your way home? You can surf the web or get some work done. Need to figure out where to dine when you get here? Surf our dining section while you wait for your bags!

What Is Everyone Looking At? – Check out our Random Las Vegas Photos feature from our huge Las Vegas photo gallery. Warning: A handful of our 2500+ photos are PG-13 as we do cover Las Vegas as Las Vegas is.

howard-hughes-car.jpg (15976 bytes)Howard Hughes Car On Display -á at Imperial Palace Auto Collection. A 1954 Chrysler New Yorker, which was custom built for Hughes, is available for viewing at the hotel. The car was custom-fitted with an elaborate air purification system in the trunk of the car to ensure there was always clean air in the cab. Priced at $125,000, the car has only 1,600 original miles on it. The original bill of sale to Hughes is still in the window.

Moving To Las Vegas – A recent post to our message boards asked about moving to Las Vegas. Thousands move here each month. What you don’t hear about are the hundreds and hundreds that move back home because they come unprepared. Read my response to the post if you are thinking about relocating here.

Las Vegas Trip Report Giveaway – The winning doesn’t have to stop when you get home! Tell your newsletter friends and readers here about your trip in our forums and be automatically entered to win a $25 casino chip for your next visit (what a great souvenir)! Click to our Las Vegas Trip Report Giveaway page.

October Trip Reports: We had just kicked off this contest and had only three qualifying entries. One random winner will be chosen, but we need you to vote for the October People’s Choice winner. Here’s how it works: Read each report. If you found it helpful, click the Recommend link to the right of the report (on the report page). You can recommend one or more. The one with the most recommendations by January 20 (midnight Pacific) wins a $25 casino chip!

If you visited in November 2004, December 2004, or January 2005 you can still post a trip report. Help fellow readers and have a chance to win! Don’t forget to read the complete contest rules and suggestions.

More Quick Newkirk’s Notes:

Congrats to Comedy Magician Mack King as his Magic In A Minute comic strip has been picked up by The Portland Oregonian and keeps getting picked up by more and more papers. The Mac King Comedy Magic Show is a fantastic afternoon show that won’t put a bit dent in your wallet.

The Tropicana is bringing back Tropi-Karaoke to the Tropics Lounge. No charge to participate. Props and accessories are available. January 1 – 29, 2005 Wednesdays through Saturdays 8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

VegasTalk Radio Show For Tourists: New Show Each Week – The only Internet Radio Variety Show from Las Vegas, about Las Vegas! The weekly variety and entertainment show is archived online at the VegasTalk Radio website. If you are visiting soon, or you just love Las Vegas, listen to the archives available 24/7.

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

Rewind – What you may have missed last issue:

More … News – Concerts – Events … Scroll Down!


More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Click To Read Latest News:


Vegas Comments and Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it. And don’t forget our comprehensive Las Vegas Frequently Asked Questions area.For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2005 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

January 10, 2005 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us
Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 29, 2003

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that you really care about.

If you receive this by mistake, please note the simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to allvegastv@aol.com

Shows | Headliners | Tours | Dining | Golf | Rental Cars | Airfare | Packages

Print Out This Number! – A great new service for readers: Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining reservations. Bring number to Vegas for last minute reservations too! (New reservations only. Existing reservations use contact information given when reserving. Online room deals must be booked online).

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

Hello from Las Vegas! We’ve continued to have beautiful days around 70 (F) but I won’t rub it in. (Our) spring is a great time to be in Las Vegas.

Missing Newsletters? – We are aware that some of you aren’t getting all of our newsletters. We are stuck with a problem. Words like (read backwards) ONISAC, Las Vegas PIRTS, GNILBMAG, and other words related to our fine city are also words that many spam filters stop.

Solutions: If you use use your internet service’s email filter, you can turn it down a notch. If you use a free email with an automatic filter, you can subscribe under your regular email address.

A more simple solution might be to use our own Vegas Mail free email. It won’t block our newsletter, and it will send your regular email a note (if you wish) letting you know when you have mail on your Vegas Mail account. Plus, spammers don’t seem to bug us. They go after the big email systems, nor ours. I use Vegas Mail as my main personal (non-business) email address and love it!


Riviera Valentine’s Day Package – Two nights deluxe accommodations, romantic gourmet dinner for two February 14th at Kristofer’s Steak House or Ristorante Italiano at the Riviera , and the sexy Splash show all included! This special package is the perfect romantic getaway with all the excitement of Las Vegas.


Reader Feedback

Joe La Banca wrote:

This is the best site I have found for Las Vegas Wallpaper and Screensavers. Las Vegas is my town and plan to move there this year. Keep up the good work.

We are proud of our Photos/Wallpaper/Screensavers section! We have more Las Vegas photos than any other site, as well as some great wallpaper and screensavers to bring Las Vegas to you. As always, no fee or registration. Enjoy!

T Walker wrote:

Your tipping guide was incredibly helpful on our recent trip to Vegas. We were prepared to tip the front desk clerk, but we were satisfied with the room we received. We did tip the maitre d’ at a show with general admission seating (and a full house) and got a great seat. (We didn’t see anyone else tipping, and they all were shuttled to the outer tables.) Your advice on tipping the maid daily is something we will do in every city from now on.

Glad we could help! We invite everybody to enjoy our Tipping Guide which also has links to many other Frequently Asked Questions about Las Vegas.

Message Board Member “ralfrick” wrote:

Stayed Nov. 22-29 at the Jockey Club: the wife (51), the boy (7) and myself (41).

He went on to write a great trip report detailing more activities, thrill rides, buffets, and shows that most people hit in 3-4 visits and well worth the read. View this and other trip reports, or better yet tell us about your last Las Vegas visit on our Las Vegas Travel > Trip Reports board. A great way to get advice and help others who love to visit Las Vegas!

Also, if you feel Las Vegas is a great place for kids, or that people should never bring their kids here, contribute to our ongoing Kids In Las Vegas board.

Message Board Member “justguy47” wrote:

I will be in Vegas Feb. 2 at the Imperial Palace. I am wondering what tower of rooms should I ask for. Which one has the newer rooms , or are all the rooms about the same. I am a new member and thanks for your insight.

We know many of our readers love the great location and modest rates of Imperial Palace. Help him out with your room suggestions on our Las Vegas Strip Hotels board.

Message Board Member “MAMACETA39” wrote:

Hi everyone, I have a quick question, I am going to Vegas in February and was wondering if anyone has every used the $20.00 trick at Circus Circus or Fitzgerald’s and if so how do I go about it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. This is my second time to Vegas and I will be there for five days this time and just want a bigger room for my duration.

The $20 Trick she refers to is a way to tip the desk clerk for the possibility of a better room, room with a view, etc. Details are available at our Tipping Guide. Have you tried the $20 room tip? Did it work or fail? What kind of upgrade did you get? Let us know in our Travel Questions/Trip Suggestions forums!

Message Board Member “UKali” wrote:

My boyfriend and I are visiting Vegas this September. It’s a holiday of a lifetime for us and I doubt we’d ever do it again as we are from England and its quite an expensive holiday (sorry vacation I forgot!). We intend to make this one a BIG one! We are saving our money up (staying for 2 weeks!!!) and want to try and plan our stay. We want to do all the best things and go to the best places.

Obviously I don’t expect anyone to plan our entire trip, but we don’t want to travel all that way and then miss things we should have done. We went to Florida in year 2000 and this happened. There is nothing worse than coming home and meeting someone who has been there and they say ‘didn’t you go to this place or that place???’.

“UKali” is smart to plan ahead. Las Vegas has so much to do and see and most know that overwhelming feeling of “did we do and see the interesting things”? Help her out by letting her know what attractions you feel are a “must see” or which you would never go back to on our Travel Questions/Trip Suggestions.

Message Board Member “Vern” wrote:

I always rent a car. I find the rates cheaper than taking a cab. Just having the freedom to go where and when you want is worth the effort, rather than confining yourself to a small area, and then having to rely on expensive cabs just go a few miles. It is very easy to get around Las Vegas if you get to know the roads that run parallel to the strip. Just stay off the strip while driving.

We’ve already had great input on our Getting Around Town > Renting a Car forum, including experiences with various rental car companies. If you have rented a car in Las Vegas, help share your experiences. If you are looking to rent a car on your next trip, check out our Low Rate Rental Car Search and check out the board for more advice.

See you on the boards!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter please post to our message boards so that others may read and help or write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

Registering for the boards is free and simple. Plus, it has a side benefit: When you return, you can click one place and get a customized list of all new threads, posts, and news releases right at your fingertips. We don’t put you on a list or send you unwanted info. Simply go to the boards and click on the “Register” button on the upper right hand side.

New to the list? Click Here for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000! Click Here To Win

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
January 29, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770

All material in this message is protected by US Federal Copyright law. All Rights Reserved.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 11, 2002

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that you really care about.

If you receive this by mistake, please note the simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to allvegastv@aol.com

This Issue: Reader Feedback and Las Vegas Questions

Shows | Headliners | Tours | Dining | Golf | Rental Cars | Airfare | Packages

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

Hello from Las Vegas! Been a chilly 60+ degrees all week. Actually have to wear long pant instead of shorts … miserable. Oh … what? Freezing rain, sleet, and snow across much of the eastern US? Nevermind. Come warm up in Las Vegas!

Really Cheap Rooms – You want to come on a budget and have elbow room? After this weekend, the rodeo clears out and Las Vegas is half deserted until Christmas. Very few lines, no crowds, and beautiful sunny weather. The prices listed at the top aren’t a joke. Visit our Las Vegas Discounts page for those and more, and take a break from pre-holiday stress in Las Vegas.

“Las Vegas At Night” Wallpaper and Screensaver – Our latest addition is the Las Vegas At Night wallpaper and screensaver (no charge, no registration). Choose from 12 stunning views to use as wallpaper and download the screensaver to enjoy them rotating on your screen.

New Year’s Eve – We are selling more rooms for Las Vegas New Year’s Eve than any previous year. With an 8 minute fireworks show scheduled to be shot off up and down the entire Las Vegas Strip plus our growing popularity as a world class new year’s destination, this will be an “event of a lifetime.” New Year’s info, photos, insider tips, and rooms available at Las Vegas New Year’s Eve

Las Vegas Christmas – Next week, we’ll bring you some beautiful views of Christmas in Las Vegas including the incredible holiday scene at Bellagio Conservatory and the city tree at Fremont Street.

Free Blues Party – Local blues legends John Earl and the Boogie Man Band will be closing out a successful year performing at the Memphis Blues room in Santa Fe Station this weekend from 9 PM to 1 AM both nights. No cover charge and we will be there Friday watching the craziness with camera in hand.


Book your Travelocity Vacation at closeout prices PLUS get up to $200 cash back when you use your MasterCard card. Book by December 31, 2002 for travel by January 31, 2003 – Travelocity Vacations 2002 Closeout Sale!!


Reader Feedback

Tom & Maria wrote:

We make the pilgrimage to Vegas two to three times a year, your new letter is valuable to us in determining when we want to make the trip.

You forgot to tell me where to send that $100 I promised (for the good report)! Seriously, we thank you and everyone else for reading and are happy to help you make the most of your valuable vacation time. Thanks to all for visiting Las Vegas!

Charlotte wrote:

I find most hotels on the Las Vegas are way too expensive now, considering most people put a lot of money in those machines slots, poker, etc. which rarely pays, and also the restaurants, & buffet are more expensive than before, so we have decided to go somewhere else and found downtown (Fremont St.) has a lot to offer and we win more often there and leave with more money in our pockets than on the strip.

Manyáare writing me and saying how they are rediscovering downtown and the Fremont St. Experience (Fremont St. Experience photos). Generally speaking, the rooms are less expensive, the food cheaper, the drinks stronger, and almost all the casinos are along the four blocks of Fremont St. so you don’t wear your shoes out casino hopping.

You can enjoy fine dining with a great view at The Plaza’s Center Stage Restaurant or go nuts with the Golden Gate’s 99 cent shrimp cocktail (no lettuce filler). Plus, it seems like there are always drink specials somewhere down there. We love downtown!

Patt Stevens wrote:

Hi Ted, Just got back and didn’t know if you realized that since the Imperial Palace owner passed away last week, all the cars in his collection are for sale (and priced reasonably too) as well as the largest Wurlitzer collection ever. (these can be purchased individually or the group for a half a million. It didn’t take long for the family to start unloading the merchandise.) Thought your car buffs and readers might appreciate this info.

Our sympathies to out to the family and friends of Imperial Palace owner Ralph Engelstad, a controversial figure known for his tough exterior but soft heart. We reviewed the Imperial Palace Auto Collection a couple of years ago. This is truly a time for “changing of the guard” as Plaza Hotel owner Jackie Gaughn is selling the Plaza, Las Vegas Club, and Gold spike to an investment group which figures to bring new life (and capital) into these downtown properties.

Message Board Member “Dave Johnston ” wrote:

As “snowbirds,” my wife and I winter in Las Vegas. It’s not quite as cold as Wisconsin. Last winter, while surfing the internet on my laptop, I can across a mention of the $4.95 steak dinner special at Ellis Island. We decided to try it, and were very pleased with the results.

You have to ask for it, as it is not on the menu. You start out with a LARGE salad. Everything is fresh and crisp. Rolls and butter are brought out, and, by the time you finish the salad, the steaks are ready. My wife, having worked in restaurants all her life, was a little apprehensive about the steaks, because at other places we’ve been to the steaks were either a little over or under done.

These steaks were perfect-just the way we ordered them. The steak was (is) about 1-1/2 inches thick, and tasted great. Along side was a large baked potato, and green beans sprinkled with minced garlic. A beverage is also included. We have returned for dinner several times since, and have always had a “perfect” meal. Whenever anyone visits from back home (Milwaukee) we always take them there at least once.

Try it, you’ll like it.

This is one of the great Las Vegas specials, and I enjoy it myself. A reader on our message boards asked about this special, and we thank Dave for his answer with a great mini-review. Ellis Island is located just off The Strip. Take Flamingo east to Koval (1/2 mile) and make a right. You can’t miss it on the left. If you have had this great special or just want to know more, visit our Cheap Food Deals forum and don’t forget about our updated Las Vegas Food Deals page.

Message Board Member “Vern” wrote:

Craps is my favorite game. In fact, I could play it 24 hours a day if the money holds out. It is fast moving, never boring. If I play using some common sense, I can usually make my money last, I even have left a winner–something I rarely do with the slots. My favorite game is quarter craps where you can bet in increments of quarters instead of dollars. Don’t get me wrong, I still put my money on the table, I can just spread it out more.

Vern went on to ask where to find the lower limit craps games and talked about his betting strategies. If you love craps, want to read the rest of Vern’s post, or are just curious about this incredibly fun, social casino game, check out our new Craps Forum.

Message Board Member “jrinct” wrote:

In Oct on my vacation to LV , decided on a road trip. This year it was Pahrump. I have to say I really enjoyed it, kinda like a mini LV. People were VERY friendly and enjoyed the road trip a lot. Terribles has a GREAT coffee shop.What do you ALL think?????Pahrump is a small town about an hour west of Las Vegas, best known as the home of late night radio’s Art Bell and a number of brothels. If you have been to Pahrump, share the dirt in our Southern Nevada forum. This is also a great place to talk about other little “out of the way” places here in the Silver State.

Message Board Member ” TeaJay” wrote:

Hello my name is Terri. I have lived in Las Vegas for 33 years and I wouldn’t live anywhere else in America. I was born raised and educated in England.My intentions when I came to America in 1967 was to stay a year or so traveling around this great country, however, after starting off in NJ then NY, SF, Lake Tahoe, I found myself in the unique city of Las Vegas.I became a cocktail waitress at the Big Hilton on Paradise rd. in 1969. Before I knew it I married, had a good money making job, and had fallen in love with Lady Vegas. I no longer serve cocktails, I am self-employed and very content with my life here, everything I need is at my fingertips 24/7.

IMHO only the strong will survive here, like do not gamble if you live in our fair city, it will creep up behind you and BITE you real hard. Of course, if visiting here it is a ton of fun to gamble, especially if you win.

What a great story! We appreciate both the locals and tourist who are relating experiences (both good and bad) about various aspects of Las Vegas on our message boards. Feel free to enjoy reading or jump right into our Living Here, Moving Here Forum.


**** Buy tax-free cigarettes *****
Save time! Save money! Your favorite brand name cigarettes at tax-free prices delivered right to your home . . . like Marlboro full-flavor Red Box at just $29.95 a carton, Basic at $29.45 or Winston at $32.45. Or for real savings try one of our own discount brands that have all the flavor of your current favorite but without the cost. Prices start at just $9.95 with a no hassle return policy. To start saving today click here now (U.S. residents only).
http://psstt.com/1/c/22838/65749/228212/228212


Next week, lots of Las Vegas news plus our Las Vegas Christmas photos, new specials, and more. We’ll also try to sneak a feedback issue in before the end of the year.

See you on the boards!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter please post to our message boards so that others may read and help or write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

Registering for the boards is free and simple. Plus, it has a side benefit: When you return, you can click one place and get a customized list of all new threads, posts, and news releases right at your fingertips. We don’t put you on a list or send you unwanted info. Simply go to the boards and click on the “Register” button on the upper right hand side.

New to the list? Click Here for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000! Click Here To Win

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
December 11, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

All material in this message is protected by US Federal Copyright law. All Rights Reserved.