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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 4, 2008

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Doom and gloom, doom and gloom… you would think that people have simply quit visiting Las Vegas if you listen to the national media. And a few new-resident bloggers who only have the past couple of years as their reference base.

Nothing could be farther from the truth! If your visit is planned, you won’t be lonely or find a shortage of amazing things to do. If you are holding off visiting, someone else WILL be enjoying that great room (and at a rock-bottom room rate) instead of you.

In fact… the bargain rates won’t last forever. Soon, people will realize that the sky is not falling and everyone is going to start to want to vacation at once. My advice? Book your Las Vegas room now before that crowd starts driving up rates again.

My Personal Trip Report – To ease things during the recent move (which was a combination of personal and business move combined), I spent a couple of dirt-cheap nights in a pretty nice hotel casino. I’ll put those details down in Members Mania including the $20 trick and other advice.

39,000,000 – This is the number of people projected to visit Las Vegas this year, 2009… in the midst of a “terrible” recession. (Actually, some note that the recessions of the 70’s and early 80’s were possibly worse when you look at economic contraction to date).

Just to compare, remember 2006? The red-hot year when everybody from no-name Florida developers to George Clooney were talking about building in Las Vegas because the city was so hot as a destination? Guess how many people visited in 2006: 38,9000,000. Which means…

More people are projected to visit Las Vegas this year than visited during the tourism “boom” year of 2006.

So why are all the gaming companies going broke? Two reasons:

1. They overbuilt. MGM Mirage has CityCenter (too ambitious), Harrah’s built onto Caesars and bought a ton of land at top-of-the-boom prices, and Station Casinos built Aliante smack-dab in the middle of one of the newest (and most highly foreclosed upon) areas of North Las Vegas. For 50 years, people have been saying that Las Vegas would get over-built. It happened.

2. They strayed away from value. When you think you are getting a deal (whether it be on food or good gambling odds or whatever), you actually spend MORE money. How many times have we gone into Target (or even the grocery store) to buy a sale item and end up walking out with a $100 worth of stuff we never intended to buy? Such basic marketing, and yet so lost on many major gaming companies. Which brings me to…

Don’t Be THAT Visitor – Local writer Corey “Oops, I forgot to mention Access Vegas Insider Vibe blog in a recent article” Levitan wrote a humorous piece about what it is like to live here and entertain out-of-town guests. If you live here, you’ll get a kick out of it. If you don’t live here, but regularly come to town to shack up with (and party with) friends that do live in Las Vegas, please… please read It’s deja vu all over again when friends come to visit Las Vegas (and don’t be “that guy” when you visit).

89110 Booziest Zip In Las Vegas – According to a recent article in the Review-Journal, local zip code 89110 has 56 liquor outlets. More than twice of any other Las Vegas zip code. This is an urban/suburban zip code about 3 miles from downtown, not a sprawling rural area. Needless to say, officials are looking to reduce that number. I live nowhere near that area, but I say “What better way to keep people from drinking and driving than to have a bar every two blocks!”

Still Not A Good Time To Move – We always have new readers, some subscribing because they are considering moving to Las Vegas. And we continue to say… Don’t. Unemployment is headed toward 12% (as the construction bust has resulted in empty mini-malls city wide), anyone hiring will first hire locals who are out-of-work, and the federal economic stimulus package has nothing for the gaming/resort industry that drives our economy (not that it should).

Treasure Island New Ownership Means… – We reported on this a few weeks ago, and I’ve been meaning to comment on it but the past few weeks have been a little chaotic around here.

As many of you know, financier Phil Ruffin bought Treasure Island (TI) from MGM Mirage. This could be the first in a number of casino sell-offs as some of the gaming giants are temporarily cash-strapped.áAnd let’s face it: With CityCenter opening later this year, did MGM Mirage really need Treasure Island? Does Harrah’s really need all of their properties with all that great land they own to expand on?

This is a good news for the consumer. Do you know why downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street Experience) has so many better food deals and better gambling odds than The Strip? They have to. Almost every downtown casino is owned by a different owner. Tons of competition, pure and simple.

If (and that is a big IF) more sell-offs diversify hotel ownership on The Strip, expect a return to the heavy competition that established Las Vegas as a bargain resort destination that offered a world-class experience. If you missed this story completely a few weeks ago, reference:

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:

Aliante from $57, Boulder Stn from $29, Fiesta H from $28, Green Valley from $125, Palace Stn from $24, Red Rock from $125, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $23, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Jersey Boys Is Las Vegas’ Number One Show – Jersey Boys Takes The Top Spot In Las Vegas Review-Journals’ 2008 Top Ten List – The smash hit Jersey BoysClick Here at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino has been named the number one show of the year by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s largest newspaper. In a year of stiff competition, JERSEY BOYS claimed the top spot for entertainment in 2008 ahead of such celebrated productions as Bette Midler “The Showgirl Must Go On,” Cher and Donny and Marie Osmond. Click to Read The Full Story …

Wolfgang Puck Satisfies Dessert Cravings with the New Seasonal 15-Layer Carrot Cake – Wolfgang Puck invites patrons to indulge in the 15-Layer Carrot Cake, a unique take on the traditional dessert. Director of Pastry Kenny Magana created this mouth-watering temptation which is composed of fifteen savory layers of cake and adorned with candied walnuts, filled with a delectable cream cheese filling and complemented with ginger ice cream. For $12, the seasonal dish is available at Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois and Spago, located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, as well as at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, located inside MGM Grand. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted’s “Trip Report” – Living here, the one thing I admit we cover the least is the actual hotel experience. Fortunately, many of you write in with your experiences to share with everyone. We’ll get back to those next issue and you can always write in your Vegas experiences to us at allvegastv@aol.com

Having spent a couple of recent hotel nights, I’ll briefly share my experiences:

Needing to “get out of the way” (of movers, maintenance/construction people and everything else), I looked for three things in a hotel: Good, cheap, and near The Strip. Palace Station came to mind, and a quick search of their site showed a $25 a night rate. Not bad!

However… you should never book anywhere else without checking our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals. Guess what… they were doing Palace Station at “stay one night, get one free” for much of the month of January. My total for two nights with tax? $30 and change. Not bad for a place literally one mile from The Strip (The Sahara to be specific, but Sahara has a monorail stop that will get you just about everywhere else).

Now… Palace Station has their older courtyard rooms and their newer tower rooms, both of which have been extensively remodeled. Usually, booking the rock bottom rate will get you in the courtyard. Not bad… the room surround a surprisingly nice pool area. But nothing fancy. Here’s where the “tip the desk clerk” situation comes into play:

Upon checking in, I took my ID and my credit card and placed a folded $10 bill in between them, with it sticking out just far enough to see the denomination. I told the clerk “if you have any tower rooms, the higher, the better (for the view), I’d appreciate it.” He punched a few things up, said he could take care of me, and thanked me (for the tip) as he picked up the credit card.

The result? A 19’th floor room with great Strip view, a 42 inch flat screen, modern decor, tile shower (no bath) with upscale toiletries, granite counter tops in the bathroom, King Size bed plus all the usual nice amenities (hair drier, iron and board, safe, big closet, quietá heat/air).

Plus… make sure you ALWAYS look through a coupon book if your hotel gives you one. Mine had everything from a free beer in their Irish Pub to 25% off room service (not to mention a bunch of gambling coupons and other specials).

Final thoughts:

1. I tipped $10 at the desk because it was (after all) Palace Station and a slow Sunday night check-in to boot. Consider $20 a minimum tip anywhere on The Strip or downtown or on a weekend anywhere. Staying at one of the really nice hotels? Make it a $50 if you want them to try to pull an ámajor upgrade (to a full suite, for example).

2. Is Palace Station for the novice visitor? Maybe not unless you are really staying on a budget. There is something to be said for staying right on The Strip. However… with a free shuttle to/from both the airport and The Strip, it might be a small inconvenience for the budget-minded. In addition, you’ll find the usual assortment of casino restaurants with prices well below Strip pricing, and lower table limits as well.

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

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

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 I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • 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)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14

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

February 4, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 24, 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! Highs in the 90’s (F) and lows around 70 make this time of year oh-so-perfect. If you are starting to feel a chill in the air where you live, you may want to plan a Las Vegas getaway in October while we still have pool weather.

Can You “Believe” That Criss Angel’s Show Is Actually Going To Start? – After numerous start dates being pushed back, it actually looks like Criss Angel: Believe is ready to launch at The Luxor. We have tickets available starting for October 3, 2008 – Criss Angel: Believe Tickets. This is probably the most anticipated show opening in some time given the soft economy and flat visitor volume. We’ll let you know how early reviews go and have one of our writers report on it once the show is in full swing.

If You Haven’t Been To The El Cortez Lately – Then you really have not been to the El Cortez. We were pretty blown away by a recent visit. This once somewhat run-down hotel has been improved and returned to all the glory it once held. Worth checking out when you are downtown and a decent place to stay for the money. My tip? Try Roberta’s Cafe for dinner. Upscale dining steak and seafood style atmosphere but served with “old school” reasonable Las Vegas prices.


Click either photo for complete El Cortez photo set

Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Continue Seeking Applicants – (from Wynn Las Vegas) Despite the escalating unemployment rate in Nevada and nationally, Wynn continues to accept applications for 5,300 newly created job opportunities, as it prepares to unveil Encore, the new signature resort in the Wynn collection. Wynn and Encore began accepting applications in July and have already received more than 65,000 job inquiries.á

SaysáStephanie Rosol of Wynn Las Vegas. “…we are still looking for people who share our dedication to excellence and passion for impeccable, personalized service. These openings present an opportunity to join the only Mobil Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond, Michelin Five Red Pavilions award-winning team in Las Vegas. Candidates should apply directly online at http://www.wynnjobs.com

M Resort Also Hiring – for their new resort to open in South Las Vegas. Property officials at the M Resort, Spa and Casino announced the resortÆs campaign to recruit up to 2,000 new team members for the $1 billion project scheduled to open March, 2009 on the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online today at www.theMresort.com

Possibly The Best $19.78 Burger You Will Enjoy – The $19.78 Morton’s and Make-A-Wish Prime Sirloin Burger is being offered on Sundays through November at Morton’s (400 East Flamingo, less than a mile from The Strip). Guests can indulge in the juicy burger with fries, while helping children at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Morton’s is donating $5 from each Prime Sirloin Burger entrÚe sold to the Foundation. Available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays through November.

Call Morton’s at (702) 893-0703 for questions or directions. My take? With Las Vegas being he new center of gourmet burgers (Burger Bar, BLT, etc) this is an amazing chance to sample this otherwise very expensive (and worth it) prime rib house while enjoying doing something good for others.

Las Vegas Real Estate Free Fall – Plans for new home developments are being mothballed just as quickly as plans for new Strip resorts. Just a couple of years ago, it looked like the Las Vegas area would sprawl like Southern California to new communities 1-2 hours from town, and small amounts of developable land (land not owned by the federal government) around the edges of Las Vegas would blossom with new homes.á

All bets are off and new home sales are way down (partially as people discover that for the same price as a new home, they can buy in an established Las Vegas neighborhood and get a much bigger lot, a real yard, and be closer to work and play). Related articles:

Church In Sin City – For years (perhaps decades), the myth that Las Vegas has more churches per capita than any other U.S. city has made the rounds (and was debunked a number of years ago).á

However, if you want to see how they do church in Las Vegas, one of the areas biggest churches is now holding virtual services for a worldwide audience. This is more than just a podcast: Services start at set times throughout the weekend to accommodate worldwide time zones and you can (if you wish) engage in pre- and post-service chat rooms and other social networking opportunities. More at http://www.centralonlinecampus.com

á

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

á

Dick’s Las Resort Brews Beer Pong – The Wackiest Joint on The Strip Puts a Silly Spin on Drinking Sport. Dick’s Last Resort invites you to test your skills at Bar Pong, the restaurant’s very own rowdy rendition of the popular past time that is beer pong. With Dick’s entertainer extraordinaire Taco acting as the rambunctious referee, the game has never been this fun. A touch of truth or dare is tossed in to add a twist as missed shots result in kooky challenges that will have everyone laughing. Whether flying solo or with friends, pick one of Dick’s 18 draft beers and join in the everlasting excitement where everyone is a winner.

Stagecoach Depot’s Haunted Corn Maze Opens Friday, Oct. 3rd In Glendale – Nevada’s largest Halloween festivity features a humongous corn maze in the crop circle style of a fire truck and it runs from Friday, Oct. 3-31 and ends with a barbecue and entertainment. The admission prices are $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under includes entrance to the haunted corn maze. On Oct. 3 there will be an outdoor bar and “Rock Star Karaoke” by Myke and Miranda. The band Evenflow will play on Halloween night. Bring a can of food to donate to the poor and receive a dollar off admission prices. The drama department of the local high school will play the spooks. Click to Read The Full Story …

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

California from $45, Fremont from $38, Gold Coast from $33, Main Street from $38, Orleans from $45, Sam’s Town from $29, Sun Coast from $50, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hi Ted,

We recently took both our daughter (25) and son (22)and their partners to visit Las Vegas after spending 4 days at San Francisco. We all loved San Francisco! But all loved Vegas as well! If I sound surprised, I am I was not sure they would see why we keep coming back.

We have been yearly for the last 4 years and this year came in February as well as July. They said it was like being in a nightclub for a week!!

We have stayed at the Luxor every time but its looking a little scruffy now. I know that there is a lot of construction work going on inside but its dirty and not too mention smoky inside the pyramid.

We are staying next, at The Planet Hollywood. We seem to spend a lot of our time in there and it will be nice to stay somewhere that is finished!!! Not to mention the beer in Sin City brewery is the best!!!!

Love the news letter and read it avidly every week!á

Best wishes, Kim and Glyn from Somerset England

á

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great note! Hitting Las Vegas plus another U.S. city is a popular thing to do for those of you who have to come so far to visit us.

It is interesting how most people (even those who don’t see themselves as a Vegas type of person) end up enjoying their visit here. It is like the worlds biggest indoor/outdoor nightclub for those who wish do live up the nightlife. Others prefer to be up at the crack of dawn (when it is cooler in the summer) for golf or a tour or just to see what all the casinos look like.

The Luxor is being remodeled one piece at a time, and it creates a strange mix. We’ll be over to check out the progress soon as we hear things are really shaping up.

Thanks for the great note and for being a regular reader. Glad you enjoyed your trip and please do remember to tell others who are thinking about visiting (or who come here already) to subscribe as well.

Hi, we usually stay at Sunset Station 2 times a year when we come out but no longer will. The place needs upgrades badly and now charging for drinks at the bar when gambling. What a ripoff, the bartender told us this was managements new policy to save money. The bartender said all his regulars have left there and now go somewhere else to play there money.á

They lost the whole family of 8 of us of ever returning there, poor management is the answer. Fuck them and there comps.á

Bob from Florida

á

Ted Responds:

I hear you. The worst thing you can do is be loyal to one place no matter what. Take your business to a place that wants it!

Next time in town, perhaps stay downtown, rent a car, and check out some non-Station/Fiesta properties. South Point is really nice (and new). Arizona Charlie’s on Boulder isn’t bad. Orleans and Gold Coast are worth a try and close to The Strip.

I just came back from a second stay in Las Vegas and loved it once again! It is truly a unique vacation destination. I enjoying reading your column and I just have a question.á

Since Las Vegas is such a wonderful place to visit and family friendly, why is it that there are so many solicitors of prostitutes all along the strip. I know that prostitution is legal, but really, do they need to have hundreds of people lined up everywhere where you see people with small children and strollers and happy couples walking along the streets. All this does is bother people and create a lot of unnecessary pollution on the streets as most of those papers and cards just end up on the ground.á

I truly loved each visit to Las Vegas because of all the wonderful sights to see, shows, excellent food and service in the hotels and the surrounding natural beauty of the terrain, however I am curious to know if there has ever been any thought to just creating a red light district so that all those hustlers on the streets could be confined to one particular area where people in search of those services could go there directly rather than being such a nuisance to an otherwise wonderful place.á

I will certainly go back to Vegas again and keep up to date with your column but I was just really wondering if this point has ever been discussed with any of the city’s leaders or councilmen. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or info on the subject. Thank you.á

Sincerely, Angela Salera

á

Ted Responds:

Prostitution is actually illegal in Clark County (the county that Las Vegas is in). It is legal in neighboring counties some 60-80 miles from Las Vegas. A couple of years ago, Mayor Oscar Goodman floated the thought of an actual red light district, but nothing has come of it.

The ACLU has fought for the rights of them to hand out what they want. It is a freedom of speech issue, in the same way you could hand out religious information if you wanted. Believe me, every trick in the book to get rid of them has been tried, including the thought of giving the sidewalks to the casinos (which would make them private property) but that was ruled not legal.

Las Vegas is no longer a family-friendly destination and has not marketed itself as such since the 90’s. The “What happens here…” ad campaign was part of dispelling that. However, I’m an adult and would prefer not to have to deal with the solicitors.

Thanks for reading and please telling your friends!

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:

  • 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)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19

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

September 24, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy