Tag Archives: downtown

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 13, 2008

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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.

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! We’re surviving what should be the last heat wave of the summer. September generally brings the daytime highs under 100 degrees (F) and pool weather lasts through October. November brings highs in the 60’s. If you live where it gets cold (rain/sleet/snow) as November rolls around, think about locking up a late fall Vegas vacation now (latest hotel deals later in the newsletter). You’ll be happy you did.

November also brings Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27, 2008) here in the U.S. and it is a surprisingly busy four-day weekend here. All hotel restaurants from the coffee shops and buffets to the high end places serve an option of traditional Thanksgiving fare. Many families with members scattered in far flung places come together in Las Vegas to celebrate together. (Oh, and don’t forget the opportunity to bet and watch all those football games)!

June brought a 3% drop in visitors and a 1% decline in gaming revenue compared to June 2007. To be honest, that is negligible when you consider that 2007 was the biggest boom year ever for Las Vegas. All of the Vegas doom-and-bloom articles (mostly written by journalists thousands of miles from here) were way off the mark. Downtown seems especially busy as people search for retro-Vegas (reasonable room rates, food values, and gambling that gives them a shot at winning).

Local economic indicators are another story, especially with the construction bust (both residential and resort). For those thinking of moving here. let’s make this really simple: IF (and this is a big IF) you are independently wealthy, comfortably retired, or have a job you can conduct from anywhere (consultant or telecommute or similar where you simply need broadband and proximity to a major airport to get the job done), this is a great time to move here. áIf you want to move here and will need to look for a job… forget it.

Did You Know:

  • Main Street Station downtown offers self-guided tour of 20 historical antiques they have on site in their Artifacts, Antiques and Artworks tour. Everything from a pool table that once belonged to Winston Churchill to the Blackhawk rail car once used by Buffalo Bill Cody. Tour pamphlets are available at the hotel desk at no charge.
  • Big House Choppers of Nevada are custom choppers made by state prison employees. They are manufactured at the Desert Correctional Center (just north of Las Vegas) and actual prison bars are integrated into each bike. More info at www.bighousechoppers.net

More Las Vegas photos than ever will be available when we launch our new photo gallery in just a couple of weeks. (We are working out a few last bugs in it). Our weekly Vegas Photos feature will return at that time. In the meantime, our present Las Vegas Photo Gallery is still available to the public.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
Get Great Rates At All Hotels:

Bally’s from $69, Bill’s from $48, Caesars from $140, Flamingo from $59, Harrah’s from $58, Imperial from $35, Paris from $90, Rio Suites from $58, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

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Iconic Comedy Duo Cheech & Chong To Perform At The Pearl Concert Theater On October 18 – The infamous comedy duo Cheech & Chong will bring laughter to The Pearl Concert Theater on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Tickets) These two classic comedians will reunite as part of their first tour in 25 years, Light Up America. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong first hit the LA comedy scene in the early ’70s and immediately won over audiences with their wacky routines which captured the free spirited attitude of the times. Some of their most well-known routines were “Earache My Eye,” “Basketball Jones” and “Sister Mary Elephant.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Cher Unveils An Eyeful Of Glitter And Sequins As She Debuts A New Ensemble At Her Vegas Show In The Colosseum – Fans attending Cher’s Caesars Palace shows will be in for a glittery surprise as the pop diva debuts a new Bob Mackie creation for her closing number “Believe.” Returning to the stage after a two-month break, Cher’s show continues her 3-year run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The 90-minute show is presented at 7:30 p.m. four nights a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (dark Monday, Thursday and Friday). Tickets for her show through Oct. 5 are now on sale.

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Affliction “Day of Reckoning” To Las Vegas On Oct. 11 – Roy Englebrecht Events, Donald J. Trump, Affliction Entertainment in association with Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino present Affliction “Day of Reckoning” Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nev. Tickets Coming off the success of its inaugural fight card, “Affliction Banned,” Roy Englebrecht Events in association with Affliction Entertainment is pleased to announce Affliction “Day of Reckoning” featuring heavyweights Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett. Click to Read The Full Story …

Popular among Las Vegas Locals, Yellow Brick Road will play during Tropicana’s Mint Monday event at the pool on 8/18 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. Live concert, swimming, volleyball, dancing and more is all no-charge and open to the public.

August Promotions At The Sahara – Wednesday Blackjack Tournaments – Put your skills to the test every Monday and Wednesday with Club Sahara’s $2,000 Blackjack Tournaments! Registration is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Buy-in is $25, which includes a free buffet coupon or $10 in free table play. Re-buys are $10. Cash in for Cocktails Paycheck Promotion – Cash your paycheck at the Sahara Main Cage and receive two free drinks! Valid paychecks only, management reserves all rights. Click to Read The Full Story …

Can’t Make It To Vegas?
See If A Hot Event Is Playing Near You!

ColdPlay, Jonas Brothers, American Idols Live, Jimmy Buffett, John Mayer, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Madonna, Toby Keith, Eddie Vedder, Journey, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, NFL Football, PGA Championship, NASCAR Sprint Cup, College Football, WWE Wrestling, Baseball, All Major Concerts and Events

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My wife and I travel to LV 6 times per year. All of your “old Las Vegas” tips seem to refer to downtown. We stay on the Strip. Where are the loose slots, where is the fun of old Las Vegas? Everything you refer to in the newsletter is downtown. Really, we want to know what is old Las Vegas on the Strip? We are disillusioned with the hype.

Cheers

M&B Kieth

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Ted Responds:

Here’s some food for thought:

Las Vegas didn’t used to have a Bellagio, Venetian or Wynn Las Vegas. Most of the Las Vegas Strip hotels were more comparable to the hotels which are downtown now.

You can’t expect to stay at what are now some of the finest resorts in the world for $49 a night. However, Las Vegas didn’t used to have the finest resorts in the world. People came and enjoyed clean, comfortable rooms at rates well below what that comparable room would cost in another city.

Staying downtown does not preclude spending the majority of your time on The Strip. To put things in perspective: Downtown is 3.5 miles from Wynn Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay is 2.5 miles from Wynn Las Vegas. Fremont Street isn’t a foreign outpost or something!

Downtown-like rates can be found on The Strip at Tropicana, Sahara, Imperial Palace and Riviera. And… rates at the very top resorts are currently well below what rooms of that quality would go for in another city.

People seem to want to stay at the very top notch resorts, but at “old Vegas” prices. That would never happen in any city under any circumstances. However, inexpensive rooms and good gambling are very much alive and well downtown. We are advising people watching expenditures to enjoy seeing the shows and attractions they want to on The Strip, but to stay downtown. It will still add up to a great Las Vegas vacation.

Hi Ted!

We had a chance while in Vegas, to visit the Palazzo and really did not think that it was as spectacular as we were led to believe. The casino is nothing more than a repeat of the Venetian. None of the stores were open on the third floor and it was difficult to find staff members who could give reliable information with regards to directions or where specific stores might be located. Disappointed to say the least.

On a happier note, we ate at the Bistro Cantina restaurant which is on the strip and adjacent to the Monte Carlo. The food was excellent and the staff were very cordial. Also went to the Hofbrau House and had a great time – a great place to really cut loose – German food was also quite good! Siegfriedáá and Roy were there that night to celebrate a birthday. We really enjoy your news letter – it helps to keep us up on current events in Vegas – thank you for that!!

Linda and Rich

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Ted Responds:

The Palazzo gaming area is really understated, no question about it. Not the zing of Wynn, Bellagio or even Venetian.

Palazzo was under a lot of pressure to get the doors open (more or less) on time. I’d re-visit the property for a quick stroll on your next visit and see if it seems different. Having said that, I agree that it didn’t really add a new WOW factor to The Strip.

Have not been to Bistro Cantina, but Hofbrau House is always fun. Anyone headed over to check out the Hard Rock should poke their head in and check it out.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends to subscribe!

Hi, Always enjoy reading Inside Vegas. I just returned from another trip to Vegas. I stayed one night at Harrah’s which was great. I also stayed 3 nights at Marriott Grand Chateau. It was fantastic. These two hotels were so much better than the Imperial Palace from last month’s visit. Harrah’s need to upgrade Imperial Palace immediately! I also saw “Jersey Boys” and really enjoyed the music. They could leave out the “F” word and it wouldn’t be missed. I ate at many fantastic restaurants.

Sincerely,

Joan Cornell from Illinois

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

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

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:

  • 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
  • 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
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)

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.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

August 13, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 6, 2002

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WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews, now with subscribers in over 80 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.

If you receive this by mistake, please note the simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others in its entirety. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to (click) mailto:newsletter@las-vegas-news-reviews.com

THIS ISSUE: The Mirage Hotel Casino Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for February / March:

* Flamingo Las Vegas – From $49.95 until 03/31/02
* Aladdin Resort Casino – From $75.95 until 03/31/02
* Terribles Hotel Casino – From $35.95 until 04/30/02

All of these and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm

$100 HOTEL COUPON! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you a coupon for up to $100 back on any hotel stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve. Full details at http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

LAS VEGAS: Tours, Entertainment, Hotels, Packages, Weddings, Gambling, Golf, Nightlife, Dining, and Weather — get it all at http://www.accessvegas.com !!!


NEWKIRK’S NOTES – comments on Las Vegas and travel from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Cold, cold, cold, cold … we had a very unpleasant two week cold snap. Lows often dipped below 30 and sometimes the highs didn’t make it into the 50’s. This weekend’s forecast is for mid-60’s and sunny so things are back to normal for winter. Now is a great time to book for March and April here and get that early reprieve from winter.

Million Dollar Winner: For the third time in less than six weeks, a Boyd Gaming downtown casino has produced a million-dollar winner. Peggy Beels of Ontario, California won $1.2 million on The Addams Family Reel Saturday afternoon at the Fremont Hotel downtown. Beels, who had invested about $100 on the nickel game, walked away with a check for the full amount. The first thing Beels said she was going to do was to pay off her bills and take a cruise.

NASCAR Fans: Coming to the big race here? You know that traffic to and from a major NASCAR race is bad, and Las Vegas is no exception. The answer? Arrive quickly and in style like the drivers do — in a helicopter from The Strip straight to the speedway! Your NASCAR vacation is a memory, your vacation time is valuable, and you can tell your friends you arrived flying high over the Vegas Strip! My friend John Buch from Maverick Helicopters has arranged great rates for our readers. Contact him directly for details at (click) mailto:john@maverickhelicopter.com

Larry G. Jones, the man of 1,002 voices has a new home. He is very talented, and the price is right. Forget that $100 a ticket for Danny Gans. Jones performs each afternoon at 5 PM in the upstairs showroom of Fitzgerald’s downtown for a one-drink minimum. This guy is going to be one of the next Las Vegas “greats,” so catch him while you still can! (Gans is great, but one of the toughest tickets in town and out of the budget of many visitors.)

Fat Tuesday: Celebrate Mardi Gras at McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood House on Feb. 12. You have NO EXCUSE not to attend the best Mardi Gras party in Las Vegas! There will be food and drink specials as well as a costume contest. McCormick and Schmick’s is about 3 blocks from The Strip on Flamingo (just before Paradise on the left). We are giving away a $50 McCormick and Schmick’s gift certificate this month on All Vegas TV. For more information on the contest, and Bacardi Gras see this month’s All Vegas TV show at http://tv.accessvegas.com/videos/program (the info is just a few minutes into the show).

We had a great time at Showgirls of Magic recently and this show at the San Remo (next to The Tropicana, steps off The Strip) is a lot of fun for the money. You get beautiful Vegas Showgirls, magic, comedy and specialty acts in a quick-moving show. The early show is covered, and the later show is topless. (Guys … hit the late show with your buddies. You won’t find this much eye candy for the price anywhere else). Ticket and additional show info at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&id=94

Speaking of showgirls, a big tip of the hat to E! Entertainment (cable channel) for their “Vegas Showgirls: Nearly Famous” show airing Monday nights at 10 PM. This show covers the lives of four female and two male dancers in Jubilee. Yes, they show the wild nights out that twenty-somethings enjoy here. But they also show these Las Vegas residents fighting traffic, going to Starbucks, and enjoying their apartment / condo pool in the Las Vegas sunshine — what a shock … people actually live normal lives here!

The Fielding West Show: Comedy, Tricks and Naked Chicks opens this week. You may remember him from A&EÆs An Evening at the Improv, NBCÆs WorldÆs Greatest Magic, CarolineÆs Comedy Hour, and NBCÆs WorldÆs Wildest Magicians and having seen him before, I’ll be the first to tell you he is FUNNY! Tickets and more information on all Las Vegas shows available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm

We gave the http://www.accessvegas.com main page a much needed makeover. Now you can see hotel specials and coming headliners at a glance, as well as our featured shows. We are redesigning the entire site offline, and in April the new look will debut, make it much easier to find all of the information we now offer across our hundreds of pages of info. Thanks for your patience!

I finally made it up to The Ghostbar at the new Palms resort. With so much to do, see, and cover here it takes a while to get around to everything! Picture a very trendy (and very expensive) L.A. style lounge with a great view of Las Vegas. Dress to impress and be prepared for a $10-20 cover charge and $10 drinks, but worth one visit. You might want to go on a weeknight to avoid the heavy crowds. The Palms is one of our “special value” hotels this month — details at http://www.accessvegas.com

Thanks to reader Amy Hollon for her great article this month on The Mirage. We do accept article submissions, and pay a nominal fee for publication.

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PREFER NOT TO FLY – and Vegas is too far to drive but you still want to visit a REAL gaming destination? We offer the same great discounts, guaranteed lower rates, and the $100 Rebate Spectacular for rooms in Atlantic City, Gulfport / Biloxi, and Reno as we do in Las Vegas!

* Reno: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&Dest=RNO
* Atlantic City: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=ACY
* Gulfport / Biloxi: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=BIL
* $100 Rebate Spectacular: http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm

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The Mirage: A Casino With An “Illusive Imagination”

By Amy Hollon

A magical and most inspiring casino waiting to demonstrate their secrets to the wondering minds from all over the world. Visit the Mirage in Las Vegas. What are you waiting for? Las Vegas has many great bargains going on right now!

SPECTACULAR ROOMS: The Mirage hotel guest rooms are fabulous! Offering great views of Las Vegas, the pool, mountains and more. All the rooms are elegant, using the finest of everything from fabrics to rugs to wallpaper and accessories, lamps and pictures hanging on the walls. What more could anyone ask for? Guest Room rates vary by time and season. Check prices and availability online at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-strip-hotels.htm

SIEGFRIED AND ROY: They are the most famous “masters of the universe” magicians, waiting to entertain us along with their beautiful white tigers. Their love for all animals is known to all of us, all over the world. Their professional skills and performances are a rewarding work of art. Lots of precious time spent with their tigers and lions and training them to perfection is truly seen through all their shows. What love and admiration they give to us all.

Performance show times: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Sunday and Monday 7:30 p.m., Dark on Wednesday and Thursday. You can check ticket price and availability at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&id=25 This show sells out well ahead of time so if you can get tickets for the dates of your visit, grab them!

THE MIRAGE AQUARIUM: This wonder is filled with sharks and tropical fishes. The aquarium holds up to 20,000 gallons of water. That is a lot of water? You will see it when you enter the hotel registry at the Mirage, located in behind the front desk!

SECRET GARDEN OF SIEGFRIED AND ROY: A sanctuary full of exotic creatures, white tigers, white lions and Asian elephants, where they can live comfortably. Watch these animals on stage performing along with their masters Siegfried and Roy, as they appear and disappear right before your very eyes. The Secret Garden was created as a place where these animals could live free from danger. This is also where one may learn and observe and listen to their exotic creatures.

Siegfried & Roy have their very own website at http://www.siegfriedandroy.com with interesting stories they share about their animals and their love for them.

Dolphin Habitat is another great magical place, where one can take a tour throughout the day. You will be able to see the Bottlenose dolphins swimming and jumping and just having a fun time in the pool. The AccessVegas.Com review of “Secret Garden” and the dolphin habitat with photos is available at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/seigfried-roy-tigers-dolphins.htm

LET’S EAT! The finest place for dining is the “Moongate.” Here you will fine an elegant taste of Chinese atmosphere. The beautiful designs and the surroundings were all very carefully chosen. They offer a Sushi bar. Also serving their traditional Teppan yaki.

Everybody favorite, The Mirage Buffet serves a variety and tasty foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast $8.95, Lunch $9.95, Dinner $14.95. Prices may vary.

Other great places to eat:

* The California Pizza Kitchen is great for the kids, with plenty of pizza on hand to feed those hungry mouths. So what’s it going to be, Pepperoni or Cheese?

* Caribe CafÚ, there is nothing like the smelling of fresh brew coffee in the morning or late at night. They are opened 24 hours.

* The Noodle Kitchen offers tasty mouth watering barbecue ribs, duck, won ton and more. They have the best barbecue ribs. Try them out.

* Kokomo’s serve excellent seafood and steak! T bone, sirloin with potatoes and vegetables!

* Renoir a 5 star French Cuisine restaurant, where food is created by Chef Alessandro Stratta and is open only for dinner and a fine, elegant place to eat. Reserve Renoir online to guarantee that memorable dinner: http://www.bookvegasdining.com/dvpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=5&restid=14 Restaurants of this caliber often are reserved well ahead of time.

* Mikado serves Japanese food those of you wanting a change in taste dissolving in your mouth. Try the Sushi.

* Finally, for the Italian lovers, have you heard about Onda? They are a must — try their food out when visiting the Mirage. Open only for Dinner.

* The Roasted Bean is an excellent place for fresh coffee, pastries, espresso, and cappuccinos.

The Mirage Hotel & Casino is located at: 3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. More information and room prices / availability at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-strip-hotels.htm

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EVENT LISTINGS:

* SHOWS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm
* HEADLINERS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm
* CONCERT – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

CONVENTION CALENDAR:

Your best hotel deals are the weeks when convention traffic is light. If you are flexible, check our convention calendar at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-conventions-hotels.htm before choosing the dates of your Las Vegas visit!

GIVEAWAY:

McCormick and Schmick’s – We have a $50 gift certificate to give away for this spectacular seafood house, located just a few blocks from the Strip on Restaurant Row (Flamingo and Paradise). Entry information in the February 2002 All Vegas TV show at http://tv.accessvegas.com

FEEDBACK:

We encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

For comments or questions regarding topics in the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com We do certainly read them all. They help shape our content and we do personally answer specific Las Vegas related questions!


QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Hotel Rooms: http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Low Airfare: http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Travel Packages (Hotel/Air): http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Toll Free 24 Hour Discount Room Hotline: 1-800-666-5268

MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas opinions! Our boards are new so let’s fill them up with the good, bad, and just general comments on your last visit. Plus, we now have a section for trip reports. New boards at http://boards.accessvegas.com

ENJOY THE BEACH! – We know many of our friends in the midwest and southeast are familiar with the beautiful suger-white sands of Destin / Panama City Beach and Florida’s Emerald Coast. If you aren’t, you should be! These beaches are closer and less expensive than other parts of Florida and continue to be ranked among the best in the world. Get the same great discount rates we offer for Florida also! Learn more about this spectacular area and get your FREE beach scenes screensaver http://www.beautifuldestin.com

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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, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

All contents copyright 2001 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
February 6, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 26, 2000

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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

ROOM SPECIALS – Jackie Gaughan’s Plaza from $45.95 – Subject to Limited Availability: 7/20/-8/20/00 – Book Online at: http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/hotdeals?SID=IVC Yes, this qualifies for the additional $25 rebate mentioned later in the letter!

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: Jubilee!

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


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LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

DESERT INN – continues to move up it’s closing date as they lose employees. See the place fast … it will possibly be closed by the time the Aladdin opens up on Aug. 17. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-27-Thu-2000/business/14050404.html

NEVADA TRIVIA – This new The book has 1,200 trivia questions divided into sections: geography, entertainment, history, arts and literature, sports and leisure, and science and nature. You can take a sample Nevada Trivia quiz in the article at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-27-Thu-2000/lifestyles/14010868.html and the book is for sale from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1558537309/invegascom

RESTAURANTS – No, it’s not your imagination. Just about every major casino has or is building some kind of noodle shop to appeal to their Asian clientele. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13920282.html If you have never had the pleasure of watching Chef Kin Mark spin one roll of flour into thousands of noodles by hand (no cutting or tools), check it out next time you are at the MGM. Lots of fun to watch — combine it with a stop to see the Frank Sinatra impersonator at the Hollywood Brown Derby Wed. – Sun. nights! Kin Mark story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13928898.html

We took a recent visit to the Rio Carnival Buffet (not to be confused with their Seafood Buffet which we reviewed at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-02-02.htm ) and found it to be quite improved. Still spendy at $11 for lunch and $14 for dinner, but the quality is back making it more worth the money. Gatsby’s in the MGM is reviewed at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-26-Wed-2000/lifestyles/14003743.html

The Stratosphere Tower is serving lunch in the Top of the World restaurant, and the $6-12 price range gives you all the view for a fraction of dinner. Plus the lounge (one floor up) is having happy hour, and more added TVs to view sports on … might be a good place to grab lunch and watch that afternoon ball game you get on. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-28-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13827722.html Finally, if visiting the three high-end steak houses we reviewed over the last 6 weeks hasn’t left you broke, you can check out Charlie Palmer’s at the Four Seasons (Mandalay Bay). Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13922285.html

$25 HOTEL REBATE – Expires soon! 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. Go to http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm and print out that page
2. Book a room online at http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC by July 31
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!

DOWNTOWN TO GROW – The City of Las Vegas and Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. have reached an agreement that gives the City a key 61-acre parcel of land immediately west of downtown. Said Mayor Goodman, “All of our dreams can now be achieved.” Full story at http://www.ci.las-vegas.nv.us/real_estate_deal_gives_City_of_l.htm and this week’s poll at http://www.accessvegas.com asks if you visit or stay downtown during your trips here!


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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

‘Notre Dame de Paris’ – at Paris Las Vegas is done. It just never caught on. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-26-Wed-2000/news/14041938.html

Aladdin – Enrique Inglesias on Aug. 19. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Aladdin discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Aladdin link).

Hard Rock Hotel – Lenny Kravitz on July 28, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, B-52’s on Aug. 5, K.D. Lang Aug. 11, Deftones on Aug. 13, Jimmy Page plus The Black Crowes on Aug 16, and Culture Club on Nov. 14. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour July 28-29, Def Comedy Jam on Aug. 4-5, “The Dream King” Elvis tribute starring famed impersonator Trent Carlini on Aug. 15-19, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Face To Face Sept. 30, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement), Sinbad Nov. 2-4, Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3, and Brooks & Dunn Dec. 4-6. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on July 29, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1, Kiss with Ted Nugent Aug. 2, Psychedelic Furs Aug. 5, D’ Angelo Aug. 7, Brian Setzer on Aug. 8, Paula Cole Band Aug. 9, Rollins Band Aug. 11, Unwritten Law Aug. 12, Earth, Wind, and Fire on Aug. 16-19, Ziggy Marley Aug. 19, Duran Duran Aug. 25-26, Isaac Hayes Aug. 25-26, Jethro Tull Aug. 27, Godsmack on Aug. 31, Static X Sept. 1, Savage Garden Sept. 10, Steve Miller Band Sept. 17, Luther Vandros with Boyz II Men Sept. 22, Little Feat Sept. 22, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 29. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Penn and Teller now – Aug. 9, Sting on Aug. 19, Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13, Pearl Jam on Oct. 22, and Tina Turner with Joe Cocker Nov. 18. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

Riviera – Rich Little on Oct. 6 and 7, Tony Orlando on Oct. 13 and 14, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling on Oct. 20 and 21. Tickets at (702) 794-9433 and Riviera discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Riviera link).

Station Casinos – Paula Poundstone on July 28 at Sunset, and Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes Aug. 4 at Sunset. Tickets at (888) 464-2468 and Station Casinos discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (various Station Casinos links).

The Orleans – Smothers Brothers now – Aug. 30, Marty Allen and Karon Kate Blackwell now through Aug. 7 (Fri. – Mon. Nightly): one drink min., The Little River Band on Sept. 1-3, and The Everly Brothers Oct. 25-29. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).

Thomas & Mack – Korn, Powerman 5000 and Papa Roach on Aug. 9, Up In Smoke tour featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Eminem on Aug. 11, Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots on Sept. 13, AC/DC on Sept. 14, and Phish on Sept. 29. Tickets at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is within walking distance of the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

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FEATURE STORY: Jubilee!

jubilee.jpg (35641 bytes)“Don Arden’s Jubilee!” at Bally’s has been a staple on the Las Vegas strip since 1981, and with good reason. This is very much a throwback to the television variety shows of 30 years ago, featuring an impressive array of song, dance, theatrics, magic, and specialty acts.

Act 1 features all of the almost 100 singers, dancers and showgirls in seven scenes that remind us of the golden age of Hollywood musicals (with the exception of the topless showgirls). This act continues to build into a crescendo of entertainment that covers the entire stage, and gives us a taste of what is to come.

Act 3 entitled “Samson and Delilah!” was a loose theatrical interpretation, featuring some of the very elaborate staging that this Jubilee! is famous for. The story of lust and deceit featured risquÚ costumes on both the male and female singers and dancers, recreating the decadence of that period. As expected, Samsom brought down the set in a burst of fire and falling debris.

Act 2 and Act 4 were perhaps the weak points. Act 2 features the balancing artistry of Jean Nedel. This man’s upper body strength is phenomenal, as he balances with his hands and arms on dual and single poles with his entire body moving and twisting above him. But … once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it, and this segment could be shortened. Act 4 was the first of two by feature magician Dirk Arthur, featuring standard illusions and a couple of his exotic leopards and tigers. A piece of close up magic was broadcast large-screen as he performed it so that everyone could see, but between the poor lighting and picture quality, most of us were straining to see what would have otherwise been a great trick in a more intimate setting.

Act 5 picked right back up again with the “Titanic.” With impressive staging and props, we are taken on a journey aboard the ill-fated voyage with a spellbinding tribute to the French follies shows of old. The replication of the ships grand ballroom provides fun and frolic that is interrupted by news that the Titanic has hit an iceberg. The stage is transformed into the engine room in a flood of water as havoc breaks loose and the ship sinks in grand form. This must be seen!

Act 6 brings back Dirk Arthur, and this time he gets the ball rolling with a number of incredible illusions. He escapes a rock cutting drill, makes a tiger vanish in thin air from a cage above the stage, makes a sports car levitate and vanish, and finishes by making a helicopter appear. He certainly was saving the best for last!

Act 7 is “The Finale,” a formal ballroom-based tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers with nods to Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and Gershwin full of music, romance, impressive costumes, singing, and dancing.

If you want to see one traditional Las Vegas show, it would be hard to pick between Jubilee! and Follies Bergere (reviewed at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-03-29.htm ). Follies has more of a warm “good mood” vibe to it, and relies more on a “wink, wink” sexiness, the charisma of the hosts, and comedy. Jubilee! is the full-scale variety show (minus comedy) that goes for an over-the-top feel in every category. You shouldn’t be disappointed by either.

Jubilee! is presented at Bally’s twice nightly at 7:30PM and 10:30 PM, dark Tuesdays. Tickets range from $50-60 plus fees, and this is an adult show because of topless and risquÚ costumes. More info and online ticket purchase available at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?ID=10&amid=143&cscheme=5 We are giving away two Jubilee! programs in the contest section of this newsletter.

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:

Frank Kammerer wrote:

>Ted,
>
>We just got back from our Vegas Vacation.
>After reading your review of the
>Center Stage Restaurant at the Plaza, we decided to have dinner there.
>What a good choice.á It was the best dinner we had all week.á The French
>onion soup was delicious, along with the rest of the meal.á The service
>was personal and friendly, and the price was
>less than we spent at some of the other
>buffets in town.á We would recommend the Center Stage Restaurant to
>anyone going to Vegas.
>
>Thanks for reviewing this “Dinning Experience”.á It truly is one of
>Las Vegas best kept secrets!

Glad you enjoyed it — it continues to be a personal favorite of mine. For those that missed it, the review is archived online at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-05-10.htm

Shelli Wolis wrote:

>To the reader who just returned from Las Vegas and wanted info on salsa
>dancing:
>
>Go to:áhttp://www.salsaweb.com and follow the prompts.á FYI, the Gold Coast Hotel
>has a great Latin band on Saturdays, large dance floor, good DJ, and some
>really good dancers.
>
>I’m a NY salsera/chanaguera and I know what I’m talking about.á I haven’t
>checked out the other clubs yet, but intend to do so when I visit from 8/26
>through 9/5.
>
>Have fun and remember — VIVA LA MUSICA!

Allen wrote:

>I read that a new C d’ S was opening in Vegas in July or August but don’t
>know for sure. Can you tell me please.
>Coming to Vegas in October.

For those that missed it, we noted this in our June 21 edition: NEW SHOW – According to R-J columnist Norm, the Rio is unveiling a new Cirque du Soleil called De la Guard next month, and will be one of the most unique ever. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-19-Mon-2000/news/13796400.html and we’ll give you more details as they become available. UPDATE: They are running a little behind due to getting all the required permits for the building, but an August opening is expected.

Dale Jackson wrote:

>I have been following your articles and letters about Las Vegas casinos
>proposing the use of coinless slot machines.á SAY IT AIN’T SO!á We have
>thoroughly enjoyed our past visits to Vegas (and look forward to many
>more in the future) and wouldn’t know what to do without the melodious
>CHING CHING CHING… of those wonderful slot machines.á That is a very
>integral part of our whole Las Vegas experience and we would miss it
>very much if they decide to go coinless.á We, also, have Indian casinos
>(two of them) very nearby up here in Oregon and we refuse to go inside
>these poor imitations ofá real Vegas casinos.á We think that they are
>insulting and exploiting our love for Las Vegas.á Maybe the (Las Vegas)
>casino owners need to hear more from people like us who will pass up a
>nearby “Indian casino” for the real thing in Las Vegas. áá This is only
>our opinion and we hope there are many more people out there who share
>the same opinion.á Is there some way to get in contact with someone
>associated with the casinos to let them know of our concerns on this
>subject?
>Thank you for your time.

As a born and raised Oregonian, I too have visited an Oregon Indian casino and thought that the coinless system they use is a bad joke. I’m with the rest of you — I want to hear those coins hit, and enjoy scooping them up!

Our thanks to all who wrote to express an opinion on coinless slots. More than we could print, but most agree you don’t want them.

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

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.

ONLINE POLL – “Do you visit Downtown and the Fremont St. Experience when in Las Vegas?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks!

Results from last weeks poll “Do you believe a cocktail waitress job involves there looks?”

Yes, they are like a model in an advertisement and hired/fired on that basis. 81%
The double standard is wrong – hotels let dealers work whether pregnant or overweight. 18%

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.

JUBILEE! – We have two programs from this show to give away to the 20’th and 30’th entries 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 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.
July 26, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770