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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 17, 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! Appreciate the notes regarding me missing last issue for medical reasons. I’m on the mend (knock on wood) and looking forward to getting back to work on a regular basis.

Wayne Newton Returns With New Las Vegas Dates – Wayne Newton adds October 16 û 22 and November 13 û 19 dates to his performance schedule at the Hollywood Theatre inside MGM Grand. Show time is 8:30 p.m. nightly. My advice? If you are going to be in town, see the show.á

Sure… his voice isn’t what it used to be. But he’s still the consummate showman, performs with a full band, and one of the few ties to the glamor and “Rat Pack” days of Las Vegas. He’s going strong after a health scare last year and we wish him many years of health, but he’s not going to be performing forever. Click for Wayne Newton Tickets (Las Vegas and other cities).

MGM CityCenter Continues To Draw Interest – We keep getting questions about CityCenter and visitors continue to marvel at how fast it is rising on the Las Vegas Strip. For new readers (or those who missed it last time), here’s some of the basics from developer MGM Grand:

ARIA Resort & Casino will be the spectacular gaming resort that will form the core of CityCenter, a more than $8 billion dazzling vertical city currently underway on the Las Vegas Strip next to Bellagio. Opening in late 2009, ARIA will deliver an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities, introducing a new generation of resort experiences and redefining the Las Vegas skyline. I’d love to work with you on a story to introduce ARIA Resort & Casino.

Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the dramatic soaring 61-story hotel tower, casino and convention center will be CityCenter’s most iconic feature. CityCenter also will feature three luxurious non-gaming hotels: Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental, The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences and Vdara Condo Hotel; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; The Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district; and a $40 million public Fine Art Program that will deliver new works of art and iconic pieces by the likes of Maya Lin, Nancy Rubins and Claes Oldenburg, among others.

From luxurious accommodations and entertainment to sophisticated retail and fine art, CityCenter will raise Las Vegas’ amenities and offerings to unparalleled heights and capture the world’s attention as the must-see, must-experience destination across the globe when it opens in late 2009.

Long Live Laughlin – (From the Review-Journal). The latest gambit by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to revive interest in isolated Laughlin is a $2.5 million outreach effort in California and Arizona.

It emphasizes the opportunity for visitors to spend time drinking, gambling and partying along the Colorado River at a fraction of what it costs to let loose in Las Vegas.

The ads are aimed at the 40- to 60-year-old demographic of people who, market researchers say, have disposable income but are wary of overspending. The average daily room rate in Laughlin was $46.87 in July, compared to $105.97 in Las Vegas, according to the latest Southern Nevada visitation reports.

Families Not Moving To Las Vegas? 5000 people (give or take) continue to relocate here each month. Despite the continued influx, local school enrollment is up ájust 0.3 percent over last year (basically flat) as those in construction and illegal aliens (sometimes one in the same) with families flee town for work elsewhere.á

This lack of school district growth should flatten out the school district budget needs and (hopefully) quiet some of the “tax the tourists for schools” talk which keeps floating around.

US 93 Widening Is On – Our friends from Los Angeles take it for granted that the ride to Las Vegas is all-freeway. Sometimes a very crowded freeway, but still all prime road. However, our friends who drive ináfrom Arizona, New Mexico and points southeast of Las Vegas don’t have it so good with long stretches of two-lane road during the final trek.

That is changing! Many know that the Hoover Dam bypass bridge is moving along and funding has just been secured to four-lane the 15 miles of US 93 leading up to the bridge (on the Arizona side). Also, talks are getting more serious about a Boulder City bypass which could shed significant time off the journey.

Complimentary First Month With Netflix – I’ve been a Netflix subscriber for a long time, and love it! No due dates, no late fees, and I don’t even have to turn on my car to get (or drop off) a video. Now, you can even watch many of their selections on your computer “on demand” in high quality video (looks great even on the computer connected to my big flat screen).

They want to give all of our U.S. readers one complimentary month to check the service out. Head over to Netflix One Month Complimentary Membership

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:

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!

Ultimate Fighting Championship Presents UFC 91: Randy “The Natural” Couture Vs. Brock Lesnar For The UFC World Heavyweight Championship Saturday, November 15 At MGM Grand – On November 15, the champ is back. Following a one-year hiatus from the sport, UFC« heavyweight champion Randy “The Natural” Couture will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon to defend his title against rising star Brock Lesnar. (Tickets) This championship bout, the biggest heavyweight title fight in years and a clash of titans destined to shake the foundations of the sport, will headline UFC 91: COUTURE vs. LESNAR, live Saturday, Nov. 15 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Click to Read The Full Story …

Morton’s The Steakhouse Las Vegas General Manager Daniel Hurst (left) presents Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman with a wine locker and his favorite “spirit,” Bombay Sapphire Gin, at the Morton’s Grand Opening of Bar 12-21. Goodman hosted the grand opening, which was complete with a Las Vegas Showgirl, the debut of the Mayor’s “Oscartini” martini and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Hypnomagician Keith Barry To Dazzle Audiences At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – Psychological Magician and Hypnotist Performs Live In Las Vegas October 28 û November 27. Tickets are on sale now for the limited engagement of Keith Barry: Hypnomagician at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Keith, a European superstar mind illusionist who first astonished U.S. audiences with his celebrity-filled hour-long magic TV special for CBS brings his dazzling blend of magic, illusions and hypnosis to the American stage for the first time October 28 through November 27 at the Planet Hollywood Showroom. Click to Read The Full Story …

Texas de Brazil Opened First Las Vegas Location On Sept.10 – Combining the bold flavors of Southern Brazil with the generous spirit of Texas, Texas de Brazil opened its doors on Wed, Sept. 10 in Town Square Las Vegas. The Las Vegas location marks the restaurant’s 14 location worldwide. “Texas de Brazil is a perfect complement to Town Square and a great spot to try a traditional Brazilian ‘Churrascaria,’ (steakhouse)” said David Parra general manager. “We are eager to provide our guests with beautiful rustic ambiance, flavorful food and unparalleled service.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Fright Dome Prepares To Scare At Circus Circus Las Vegas – Nationally rated Halloween attraction to open at the Adventuredome October 3. Halloween festivities in Las Vegas officially begin at 7 p.m. October 3 when The Adventuredome at Circus Circus reanimates into its sinister alter ego, Fright Dome. Opening weekend festivities include special guest appearances by Sid Haig, who appeared as Captain Spaulding in Rob Zombie’s “House of 1,000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Reject” horror classics, and Bill Moseley, who appeared as Otis Driftwood in both films, as well as “Halloween.” Click to Read The Full Story …

Hard Rock ‘Ups The Ante’ With Vegas’ Premier Poker Lounge Providing Bottle Service, Masseuses, And In-Lounge Sports Betting That Players Can’t Get At A Traditional Poker Room – A private bar, bottle service, certified masseuses, music, plush couches, and video poker machinesàsounds more like a nightclub than a traditional poker room. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has created a decadent atmosphere designed with the player’s comfort in mind to attract the world’s top poker players, as well as high-end bachelor parties, and private events, with Las Vegas’ first Poker Lounge. The new 7,000-square foot, first of its kind, Poker Lounge is a full service poker room, with an inviting, lounge feel and the newest addition in the property’s $800 million expansion and renovation. Click to Read The Full Story …

Strip House Introduces Scotch & Steak Flights This Fall – Strip House offers a selection of signature steaks paired with flights of top-shelf Scotches beginning Sept. 22, 2008. Showcasing three different brands from various areas of Scotland, the first flight allows guests to experience a wide range of flavor profiles. Priced at $30, the pairing brings together Strip House’s trademark selections with Laphroaig 15 Year Islay Single Malt, Highland Park 18 Year Orkney Single Malt and Macallan Fine Oak 21 Year Highland Single Malt. Click to Read The Full Story …

Southern Nevada Pug Rescue To Host Seventh Annual Pug-O-Rama Picnic – Southern Nevada Pug Rescue (SNPR), a non-profit organization, will host its seventh annual Pug-O-Rama Picnic on Sunday, October 26, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Hills Park in Summerlin. The Halloween-themed event will continue to feature costume contests, prizes, raffles, and a silent auction. Pug owners are encouraged to dress up their Pugs, pack a picnic, and enjoy a few hours socializing with other Pug parents. Pug-O-Rama Picnic tickets are available now for $10 per person, $7 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Click to Read The Full Story …

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

Jonas Brothers, Madonna, The Cheetah Girls, ColdPlay, Mary J. Blige, Neil Young, Michael Buble, Celine Dion, Dave Matthews Band, American Idols Live, Jimmy Buffett, Radiohead, John Mayer, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, NFL Football, PGA Championship, NASCAR Sprint Cup, College Football, WWE Wrestling, Baseball, All Major Concerts and Events

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Ted,

First, I want to compliment you on your newsletter. I look forward to getting each one of them.

I have been going to Las Vegas at least once a year for about 30 years now and have certainly seen the change from ‘the old’ Las Vegas to what it is now. It seems that the “new” Las Vegas wants to cater to the Hollywood types who expect to have their stays comped to the richer people who can afford to pay the extremely high food costs and room costs. I have reservations to go again this year for a week but am thinking about not going again as I don’t like the ‘new’ Las Vegas.á

I liked the old slot machines where the reels went around and around and you knew what would pay and what wouldn’t. I don’t like the new type of slot machines where it has a line going all over the screen and I never understand what pays and what doesn’t.

With the large, nice casino’s the foot traffic down around New York, New York, MGM Grand, Paris, etc you cant even walk down the sidewalk except to get behind someone and just walk at their pace.

Maybe the owners of these places will get the message on their tight machines and things but I doubt if I will ever go back out there to know what happens.

Clearnce Fakes

á

Ted Responds:

I also won’t touch the new slots. I don’t have the time to figure them out and don’t want to play a game unless I know what is going on. They were put in place so you could play anywhere from a penny to a couple of dollars per play on the same game (and to divert your attention to how fast they were sucking down your cash).

The “new” Las Vegas does have plenty to offer, see, and do. But I continue to suggest that people yearning for the “old” Las Vegas try a stay downtown. It will be easier on your budget and you’ll probably have a better shot at winning. Plus, poke around and you just may find some of the older slot games you prefer at downtown casinos!

Dear Ted,

I just returned from my 24th visit to Vegas and had a wonderful time as usual. I stayed at the Flamingo and was really happy with the friendly desk staff, cage personnel, restaurant staff at the Tropical Breeze, and all the Harrahs employees at all the Vegas properties I visited.

I saw three fun and entertaining shows, The Price is Right Live, Nathan Burton and The Vinnie Favorito show. The Price is Right was the most fun I’ve ever had at a Vegas show. I was however subjected to the absolute worst show I have ever seen in Vegas. I went to the X-Burlesque show at the Flamingo expecting to see a tribute to burlesque. This fiasco was anything but a tribute. The music was bad and much too loud, the dancing was awful and the girls were very unattractive except for two of the six girls. This show was nothing like it was advertised and an embarrassment. I have seen Jubilee and Crazy Girls and both of these shows were top notch. X- Burlesque was a disappointing waste of money.á

Despite this disappointment Vegas was as usual a spectacular time and as usual I saw things that weren’t there just a year ago.

Michael from Lowell, Indiana

Back in May/June I read somewhere that HooterÆs was being sold. I was wondering if you had any info on what has happened to that transaction. Did it fall through?

I am curious as we are staying there 8/22 for 2 nights for our nephewÆs 21’st birthday. Our first stay was last Thanksgiving & we had a lovely stay in one of the Bungalow rooms and we would like to stay there again this Thanksgiving.

I enjoy accessvegas.com newsletter very much. Thank you.

Shannon from Costa Mesa, CA

á

Ted Responds:

The sale fell through due to the trouble obtaining financing in the present economy. Hooters is operating as normal and recently added a new country music bar with live music and no cover. Also, both The Mentalist: Gerry McCambridge and Bobby “The Pitbull Of Comedy” Slayton continue to perform (both of which are great shows).

Thanks for reading and telling your friends!

Hi, I haven’t been to Vegas for a couple of years. I will be visiting soon for 4 days. What new things should I see? Thanks for any advise!

Gary Nawrocki

á

Ted Responds:

That would take hours to answer. However, you can go to our newsletter archives at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com and get up to speed on all of the great, new things to do and see.

Scroll down the right-hand sidebar and you’ll see links to monthly archives of the newsletter. Work your way through those and you’ll be up to speed on all the new stuff from the past couple of years!

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:

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

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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 17, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 18, 2002

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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.

Looking for specific Las Vegas information? Use the comprehensive “Las Vegas Search” Engine at Search

THIS ISSUE: Reader Feedback and Interactive Information Forums

EVENT LISTINGS:

* SHOWS – listings available at Shows
* HEADLINERS – listings available at Headliners
* CONCERTS – listings available at Concerts


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

Hello from Las Vegas! The weather has been stunning, with high temps failing to hit the 100 degree (F) mark and evenings very comfortable while never getting cold.

As noted, I flew on the anniversary of 9/11 this year from Portland, Oregon back home to Las Vegas. Both airports were very empty, and everyone on my flight got an entire row to themselves (with empty rows left over). More important than the elbow room was the ability to show my respect to those lost by not letting terrorism deter my plans. I got to visit family (including my 95 year old Great Aunt) and support the airlines on a tough day, making it a very personally rewarding trip.

We’ve been working day and night on our new Las Vegas Interactive Information Forums. So much is always happening in Las Vegas, and you guys always send such great feedback. Now we can feature more of both. Let’s get started!

WORLD RECORD JACKPOT – $8.4 million: A Santa Ana, CA man celebrated his 70th birthday on Sept. 4th by winning the world’s largest 25 cent slot jackpot. Manuel Herrera was playing Wheel Of Fortune at the Flamingo Laughlin when he won the $8.4 million jackpot. Herrera is a retired restaurant worker who was visiting Laughlin with his family and hit with $30 invested.

That same evening, and nearby 25 cent Elvis slot machine was hit for $131,000 also at Flamingo Laughlin. Information on Laughlin hotels and casinos is available at http://www.accessvegas.com/laughlin-nevada-hotels-nv.htm If you have hit a jackpot in Las Vegas (it doesn’t have to be a huge one), tell us about it at http://boards.accessvegas.com/showthread.php3?threadid=6

VEGAS ON TV – When is Las Vegas not on TV is the question! Seems when traveling I can’t flip the channels without seeing home. However, two shows to mark on your calendar: Tonight “American Idol In Vegas” films at the MGM and will air on FOX network this Monday Sept. 23.

Also, MTV’s Real World shot their latest season at The Palms over spring and summer. The cast stayed in a 28th floor penthouse suite specifically designed for the show, and worked at the casino as cocktail servers and other jobs. The suite has been left intact and is available for rent $5,000 for a weeknight and $7,500 weekend rate. Episodes are now airing Tuesday nights on MTV. Check local listings for time and channel for both shows.

YOUR OPINION COUNTS – You only have a little longer to vote in this month’s AccessVegas.Com “Best Of” Monthly Poll. This month’s questions is: “What is the best Las Vegas “Local’s” Casino? Cast your vote at AccessVegas.com Also, we are taking nominations to find the your favorite casino lounge (not nightclub) with live music and a great atmosphere. Fire us a quick email about yours to (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com

FREE SMOOTH JAZZ – continues to be popular on Tuesday evenings at The Orleans in Brendan’s Pub. These events kick off around 6 PM and feature free, live music throughout the evening. This Tuesday (Sept. 24) is the CD release party for Las Vegas artist Woody Woods. Woods has performed and recorded with artists like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Drifters, The Platters, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Preston, and many more. The Orleans is about 1.5 miles west of The Strip on Tropicana Blvd.

NASCAR – Race weekend is February 28th to March 3rd, 2003 and if you are a NASCAR fan you know that it is never too early to grab good seats for coming races. Be the envy of your buddies (or tell them to get their finger out of their nose and join you) here in Las Vegas.

We’ve got a special package including 3 days/2 nights first class accommodation plus weekend ticket packages which include:

– General Admission to Pole Day (Friday)
– Same reserved seat in Section 3, Blue OR White level for both:
– Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series (Saturday), and
– NASCAR Winston Cup Event (Sunday)

This event sells out quickly every year and even if you get tickets, you often have to scramble for a room. Take advantage now at http://www.thereservationcompany.com/detail_events.cfm?eventid=24&amid=143

SNAKE BABE – Comedy magician Roger Lee along with “America’s Sexiest Magician” Snake Babe perform Monday nights at 11:30 PM in the Riviera’s Le Bistro Theatre. You may recognize Lee as the “plumbing guy” in Home Base commercials and is a member of the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Snake Babe has been displaying her snakes at MGM’s Studio 54 for three years and her magic involves fire eating, comedy, snakes, and other illusions.

CIGARS – We recently stopped by the Las Vegas Cigar Company store in the Boardwalk Hotel (between Bellagio and Monte Carlo). Often, independent cigar shops can be hit and miss in quality but the prices were good so I took a chance. Very pleased, to say the least. Their Churchill goes for under $5.00 and was a fine, mild smoke. Worth checking out.

Quick cigar note: Las Vegas is more cigar friendly than most places, but always ask before lighting up and also take into consideration the people around you. Ask around … most hotels have at least one nice, cigar friendly lounge.

SUBSCRIPTION “DUES” – This newsletter is absolutely free! We enjoy bringing you great Las Vegas information. If you enjoy our newsletter, we ask two small things: Consider booking your hotels, shows, and tours through AccessVegas.com or the links in this newsletter. We have great rates and fantastic selection in every category. Also, turn your friends on to Las Vegas by forwarding a copy to them and suggesting they subscribe. They’ll thank you and we thank you.

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

SHOW REVIEW:

Hang tight one more issue and we’ll get back into the reviews. Scroll down for great reader feedback and our new Interactive Information Forums!

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

Show Review Criteria: We understand that Las Vegas attracts visitors of varied budgets and interests. Shows are reviewed on the basis of value for dollar spent as well as to present the reader enough knowledge of the content to make an informed decision.

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

FEEDBACK:

After months of planning, we are launching our AccessVegas.Com Interactive Information Forums! We really enjoy putting out this newsletter twice monthly, and for a few, that is enough Vegas for them. However, that left us in a bind: So much great information crosses our desk almost daily, and we get some of the best reader feedback and letters but we’ve had no room for them.

Now we do! Our new Interactive Information Forums at http://boards.accessvegas.com allow us to expand as a comprehensive, independent Las Vegas information source. We’ll continue to feature great news and feedback here in the newsletter, but will put additional informative posts in the forum. For example, the forum would have let us immediately note that free tickets for the “American Idol In Vegas” taping became available on short notice last week.

Plus, instead of just reading feedback here, you can go to the forums and put your two cents in so that others can benefit from your thoughts! We’ll also be able to answer more of your questions for the benefit of all.

Now on to reader feedback!

Dear Ted: The proper authorities should also investigate “long hauling” between The Strip and Old Vegas. We visited in May. The trip to Old Vegas via The Strip was only $9.50 with moderate traffic. The trip back to our hotel (The Aladdin) via the freeway was $17.00. I did not tip the return driver. When I asked for my change, he said that he thought that the difference was his tip. I then explained to him that since he decided to show us a panoramic view of The Strip from the freeway, that he had already gotten his tip in the form of an increased fare. Strangely, he quickly found $3. Needless to say, it’s taxi drivers like our second one (and the 4 in front of him) who give taxi drivers in Las Vegas a bad name.

As we continue to report here, cab drivers continue to “long haul” and rip unsuspecting tourist off. We have had it happen to us when mistaken for tourists. We want you to have the best vacation possible, so we are working hard to fight this.

We have posted four important pointers that will keep you from getting “long hauled” by the cabbies, let you know what to do if it happens (believe it or not, calling the cab company is the WRONG thing to do), and let you enjoy a better vacation with more cash in your pocket. Check out our pointers at http://boards.accessvegas.com/showthread.php3?threadid=1 and feel free to add your experiences.

Lynn Banks from England wrote:

I had always thought Las Vegas was a large Casino where people had tacky weddings – Boy was I wrong!!

We had a wedding booked in One World Trade Center (Windows on the World) on October 27th 2001, the 6th anniversary of when we met. Obviously with the atrocities of September 11th, this was canceled, but we still wanted to go ahead and not let the terrorists spoil our wedding.

We had always joked about a Las Vegas wedding (Elvis or a Limo!!) but didn’t want a tacky wedding. We had designer dresses and suits and had planned for a small, but formal reception (11 people).

When I realized that Las Vegas was probably the only place in the world I could organize a wedding in a couple of weeks, I started to look at the options.

What I found was amazing, I had spent 10 months organizing a wedding in New York, and in Las Vegas everything was at my fingertips. The chapels sort out everything from Limo transport to photographs and videos. They will even convert the video to a British format, so you can watch it when you get back to England.

Lynn’s letter is much longer and has some great information for anybody thinking about getting married in Las Vegas (or who wants to relive their Las Vegas wedding). You can read her great letter and chime in on Las Vegas weddings at http://boards.accessvegas.com/showthread.php3?threadid=2

N. Mills wrote:

I have taken about 3 trips to Las Vegas in the last year with my son & his wife. We go to visit my daughter’s family & of course, Grandma watches the children while they go have fun. I’m not complaining, I love the kids & it’s my chance to bond with them! Recently my best friend of 51 years & I took a “girls vacation”!

We used your site & found an excellent deal at Fitzgerald’s. The staff there were all very courteous, even at our favorite nickel machines. Our stay couldn’t have been more wonderful. The Fremont Experience was extremely enjoyable & we didn’t find staying in “old downtown” a bad experience at all. (I had friends at work say “oh, you don’t want to stay in that area”!)

Even on the Greyhound Bus from AZ (my friend flew from Ca) people were saying the same thing, it made me worry. NOT TO WORRY! We would do it again. Not only did we visit almost all of the casino’s, & do a little gambling in each, we found: Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory Tour, the Vitamin Factory Tour, Chinatown (not like S.F. Ca Chinatown, we were disappointed here). We felt like kids sneaking out on the parents, 10 am – 3:30 am daily! Did we do Vegas or what?

We both want to thank you so much for your site. We found an extremely excellent hotel deal, as well as trip planning ideas, through your web site! Keep up the great work. I always tell people about your site & give credit where credit IS DUE. Thanks again & have a great year. Next time we’ll do museums & other sites.

We are always so happy when we help people have a great trip. There is so much to do and see here in Las Vegas that it is almost scary! No matter what your interest, you won’t be bored here.

Readers, we now have a section on our forums for trip reports. Tell us in detail about your last visit and continue this discussion at http://boards.accessvegas.com/showthread.php3?threadid=3

Iris wrote:

I recently spent 5 days at Imperial Palace. Rented car from Alamo very cheap, was an internet price, I called my car insurance to see if I was covered, they said yes. When we got the car the people there told us that most insurance won’t cover loss of use while waiting to be fixed, so I paid the $75. to be sure. Since I got home I noticed that my credit card has insurance on rental cars if paid for with the credit card, and it covers loss of use. Thought this might be useful for some other potential Vegas visitors. Love your Newsletter!

Great advice. If you have insurance on your car at home, it may very well cover rental cars as well. Also, many credit cards provide complimentary coverage so you can waive the insurance fees which car rental companies attempt to sell you.

However, no one should assume anything. If you carry insurance on your personal car, call and ask them if it includes rental cars. Also, call your credit card company to assure they offer the coverage and ask them about the depth of it.

Readers, do you rent a car when you come to town? Would you suggest it? Any tips for those thinking about it? Share your thoughts and continue this discussion at http://boards.accessvegas.com/showthread.php3?threadid=4

FINAL NOTE: I want to personally thank the many from around the world who submitted feedback related to Sept. 11, 2001. We certainly appreciate the sentiment and the resolve to live your lives normally. This was well represented by Lynn Banks from England who didn’t let it stop her wedding plans and traveled to Las Vegas to make the dreams of her special day possible after they were initially dashed.

We wish New York well in rebuilding, we support actions against terrorism, and we are moving on. Thus, no 9/11 area in our new Interactive Information Forums nor any posted feedback. We thank you for traveling, we thank you for considering Las Vegas as your vacation or getaway destination, and we are going to work harder than every to bring you the fun and excitement this great city offers!

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* Tours – Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, More
* Travel Packages (Hotel/Air)
* Toll Free Discount Room Hotline: TOLL FREE 1-888-254-0637, USA and Canada. 561-845-8899, International. Give Promo Code 4558 when calling.

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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!

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All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
September 18, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770