Tag Archives: lion king

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 21, 2011

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and pleasant whatever-you-are-celebrating. Normally, we have a new photo from the Bellagio Gardens holiday display in the newsletter leading up to the 25’th, but we’ve been so busy, I haven’t even been over to see it this year! Rest assured, I have Christmas music playing in my office here.

This will be the final issue of 2011. With many reading at work (and not at work many days until the end of the year), this issue could be read at any time over the next 10 days.

The Lion King Comes To A Close – We’d like to thank The Lion King for being a long-time sponsor and helping us keep the lights on around here. It had a fantastic run in a town where shows can be fleeting. Some fun facts they sent us over:

When THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay ends…

  • The cast will have performed a total of 1,078 performances.
  • 1.4 million guests will have seen the show.
  • The cast will have participated in 2,000 rehearsals.
  • Makeup will have gone through 34,000 makeup remover wipes.
  • Scar will have spent more than 800 hours in the makeup chair.
  • Wardrobe will have spent 500 hours fitting cast members.
  • 17,000 hours will have been spent in the puppet workshop repairing and maintaining puppets.
  • Rafiki will have climbed Pride Rock more than 2,000 times and walked nearly 6,400 miles up and down since the first show.
  • Timon and Pumbaa will have said Hakuna Matata more than 38,000 times.

Las Vegas New Years Eve Fireworks Info and Insider Party Tips – We published this last year, but we’ve updated it including a recent news video. You can check it out and http://x.co/bxm1 and make sure to repost the link elsewhere if you find it helpful (or feel that others will)!

Coupons – We occasionally get asked if we put out a coupon book. Not at this time. Las Vegas if full of so many deals (we publish ones we find, and tweet those that don’t make deadline) and the problem with coupons is the time burn you spend chasing them. We recently noted that (on average) your time in Las Vegas is costing you over $15 per waking hour. Is it worth going out of your way for a $5-10 coupon (if that) on something that you otherwise probably wouldn’t have thought about seeing or doing?

As previously noted, we do plan to do an amazing job of aggregating all the deals and specials out there once we go to a paid subscriber model (which will allow us to hire someone for that daunting task). No coupons needed!

Don’t Believe It – Men’s Health just ranked Las Vegas as the 10’th “saddest” city in America. (St. Petersburg, FL worst, Honolulu was best). There of the big factors used were unemployment, use of antidepressants, and suicides. No question that people in Florida and Nevada are more “pilled up” than the norm. Doctors are quick to write scripts. Also, with the number of visitors and new residents (who find out that living here isn’t the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow), we’re going to have higher suicide numbers. On a related note…

Another “Great” Showing – Las Vegas ranks 136’th (out of 143 cities) for having the worst credit! Why I won’t toss that into the “blame the recession” basket? Las Vegan’s have always had terrible credit (as a whole). When I bought my first condo in 1995, I was told “Wow, you have really good credit. That is unusual here”.áThe average Las Vegan who uses credit owes just under $25,000. Best credit cities? Wausau-WI, Minneapolis-MN, and Madison-WI. Interestingly enough, all cities within 300 miles of each other.

Condo City – The median price of a condo in Las Vegas is a paltry $50,000. This will generally get you around 1000 sq. ft. and two bedrooms, two bathrooms in a decent area. (If you want to go high-rise on/near The Strip or downtown, you’ll looking at low six figures for a smaller one bedroom). Bring your wallet for the cheaper places. Getting a mortgage loan for a place under $50k is almost unheard of and about 90% of the closings are cash sales.

International Traffic WAY Up – October saw a 31% increase in international traffic to McCarran (Las Vegas) airport. As usual, no surprise to me. This year, the percentage of visitors to AccessVegas.com from outside the U.S. has gone up from 25% to 29%.

We know it is a hassle flying such long distances and having to deal with security and immigration. We appreciate you reading and appreciate your patronage. Overall traffic to the airport was up 5%. Among the domestic cities showing big gains sending visitors here? My hometown of Portland, OR. All visitor numbers continue to climb.

I’m Shocked! (Not) – The company that blew up The Frontier (across from Wynn) has announced they are scrapping plans to build a hotel there. As it is, the name of the property was going to be The Plaza (as in the New York City hotel). That alone shows how brainless these people were. Las Vegas already has a Plaza and at the time plans were originally announced, the downtown Plaza wasn’t a property you’d want a high-end hotel confused with. The Frontier was a dump in its latter years, but it was a fun dump. And much preferable to empty real estate with will stay that way for years to come.

Strip Clubs In Casinos – Yet another topic which I couldn’t address before as it would have gotten stuck in email filters. Rumblings have been heating up again about the option of putting strip clubs inside casino resorts. Casinos hate to see their customers walk out the door, and all that time and money spend at off-strip strip clubs adds up to money not spent on site.

I believe this is a bad idea all around. A significant amount of Vegas visitorship comes from “conservative” middle America. They (perhaps this is you) will have a few drinks and cut loose and perhaps aren’t a prude. But putting the “Sin City” image over the top may take the playful nature of the image one notch too far. Also, we have to think of our convention traffic. Does the wife really want the husband running off to a hotel that has a strip club in it? Let’s keep the strip clubs over in the industrial area behind the hotels where they belong.

The Las Vegas Line – When you read a sports page or watch sports programs here in the US, you’ll hear them say “Las Vegas likes Team A by 6 points over Team B”. Believe it or not, no one here in town sits down and figures out how much a team will win by. The betting line is actually determined by the betting public. For any given game, the sports books want to get an absolutely even amount of money bet of both sides. They want to see (for example) one million dollars bet on Team A and one million on Team B. Because they make you bet $11 to win $10, they simply want to sit back and give the losers’ money to the winners, pocketing that extra $1 on each $10 bet.

To get an even amount of money on each side, they set the line (which team is favored and by how much) to a point that will draw bets on both sides. If one team is perceived by the public to be better, the line will reflect that to get people betting on the underdog. Bet the “dog” on a game where the point spread is 6, and you automatically get 6 points added to that team’s score at the end of the game (for betting purposes… whether you “win” or not). Bet the favorite, and you need to subtract 6 points from your teams score at the end of the game.

Using our original example, if Team A wins by 3 points, they may win the game, but the bets on Team B are actually the winning bets. Because although they lost by 3, they got to add those 6 points on for betting purposes.

A Slot Machine Ate My Midlife Crisis – This darkly funny novel describes Wendy SinclairÆs spin-crazy life in Las Vegas after she impulsively decides to not return to Houston following a bizarre girls’ weekend in 2005. I’m a guy, so can’t say it is my cup of tea. But some of our female readers may want to check it out for their Vegas fix. Click over to A Slot Machine Ate My Midlife Crisis

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

PBR, Menu, Miracle Mile Shops, Planet HollywoodPBR Rock Bar And Grill Introduces Savory New Menu Selections – Known for an extensive drink menu and an endless array of hearty American comfort food, PBR Rock Bar & Grill announces the introduction of several highly anticipated new menu items which include cocktails, breakfasts, appetizers, entrees and desserts that are sure to leave your mouth watering for more. The wide variety of new menu additions include sweet potato tater tots, a hearty chili cheeseburger and bloomin’ onion sliders served inside an onion ring with sautÚed onions, Swiss cheese, bacon and tomato on a warm onion roll.

Ring in the New Year at Miracle Mile Shops With Food and Drink Deals – Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve (Saturday, Dec. 31) and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on New Year’s Day (Sunday, Jan. 1).

Venetian, Palazzo, HELP, charity, Adopt-A-FamilyThe Venetian and The Palazzo Give Back to HELP of Southern Nevada – In the true spirit of the season, Team Members from The Venetian and The Palazzo adopted 55 families through HELP of Southern NevadaÆs Adopt-A-Family program and donated more than 35 bikes. Please see attached photos of the Team Members with all of the donated gifts.

Old Homestead Steakhouse, Caesars PalaceOld Homestead Steakhouse’s Annabelle the Cow is now Welcoming Guests at Caesars Palace – Annabelle, Old Homestead Steakhouse’s celebrity cow, has completed her cross-country journey and was unveiled this morning at the new Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace. During her trek, the iconic brown and white cow visited several major U.S. landmarks including Times Square, the St. Louis Arch, the Lincoln Memorial, Mt. Rushmore and the Alamo. She also found time to visit her family in Nebraska on the farm where she grew up and do a little shopping in Chicago. Before being placed at the entrance of Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace, she made one last stop at the ”Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Photo (L to R) Greg Sherry, Gary Selesner and Marc Sherry in front of Old Homestead Steakhouse.

Miracle Mile Shops Launches 2012 Caring, Giving, Changing Campaign With Fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals – Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino aims to raise more than $100,000 over the course of a year during its Caring, Giving, Changing campaign, which kicks off in January with a fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The year of Caring, Giving, Changing begins on January 1 with a month-long fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All change tossed into Miracle Mile Shops’ fountain as well as the center’s indoor rainstorm will be donated to the children’s charity, which is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children at its 170 member hospitals in North America.

Like And Tweet – Enjoy our information? Share it with your friends and followers (Click to Like or Tweet, hover over the share button for Email A Friend menu):

 

Maverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing TourMaverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing Tour û Landing tour with a Continental breakfast or Hors d’oeuvres on the Canyon Floor. Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Descend deep into the Grand Canyon and land on the Hualapai Indian territory on the canyon floor for a champagne toast, beverages and hors d’ oeuvres in the heart of this spectacular wonder of the world.

Click To Book Maverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Both Members Mania and What We’re Watching (two very popular segments) will return in 2012. With the attention of most focused on family, friends, and the holidays, we’ve decided to keep this issue more brief than most.

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

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 20, 2009

Posted on by

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
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! It is Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S. and I’m going keep things a little shorter than usual. So I can take the weekend off? Not exactly (as the Hertz rental car ad says). Although the beautiful 95 degree weather does beckon.

This is technically our 10’th Anniversary issue of doing this newsletter! However… it kind of crept up on us (time flies when you are having fun). We’re working hard on the next two newsletters which will be jammed with photos, new show reviews, and a couple of nice giveaways if we can get it all to come through in time. Stay tuned.

Best Memorial Day Ever In Las Vegas? – It may just be in terms of hotel rates. No one can (literally) ever remember seeing these kind of prices over a major holiday. One guy in the paper was quoted as noting that he’s getting a good room here for what he paid for a roadside “roach” motel (very sub-par motel) room in Florida recently.

Is it going to last? No. Las Vegas has been busy again the past couple of months and things are bouncing back to normal. IF you (especially) are pondering coming to town over the July 4 weekend or Labor Day Weekend (US), I’d check with our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and grab the room now. Prices for holidays and the fall season in general are expected to climb over the summer. If you used to complain that Vegas is too expensive, these room rates leave you plenty of money to see a couple of shows and enjoy some fine dining.

Danny Gans Memorial – Took place this past week. Still no word on cause of death. Couple of related stories this week:

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 $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $33, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $33, Stratosphere from $44, Tropicana from $30, Tuscany from $47, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Tickets For Mayweather vs. Marquez Super-Fight – MGM Grand To Host Event Saturday, July 18 – Floyd “Money” Mayweather has returned to the sport of boxing and will put his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ “Number One/Numero Uno” Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Disney’s The Lion King Celebrates Las Vegas Premiere At Mandalay Bay – Disney’s award-winning Broadway phenomenon, THE LION KING, celebrated its Las Vegas premiere at Mandalay Bay Theatre Friday evening. Several members of the original creative team were in attendance to launch the show, including director/creator Julie Taymor; book writers Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi; choreographer Garth Fagan; scene designer Richard Hudson; and Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Group.

Engelbert Humperdinck Returns To The Orleans Showroom June 11-14 – Dubbed music’s “King of Romance,” Engelbert Humperdinck has sold over 150 million records worldwide, including 64 gold and 24 platinum albums. The multiple Grammy-nominated artist will charm hearts once again June 11, 12, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. each evening at The Orleans Showroom. Although born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, India, it was over four decades ago that Engelbert Humperdinck emerged as one of the foremost entertainers in the world.

Starlet Holly Madison Prepares To Tease In Peepshow At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – PEEPSHOW, Las Vegas’ newest hit production and only striptease spectacular is pleased to announce blonde bombshell Holly Madison as the newest addition to the PEEPSHOW cast at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino beginning June 22. Madison, star of the TV Series’, “The Girls Next Door” and “Dancing with the Stars,” is strapping on her dancing stilettos once again to take over the role of “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who has yet to find her own confidence and sexuality, currently played by “General Hospital’s,” Kelly Monaco, a “Dancing with the Stars” champion.

Steely Dan To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms Friday, August 28, 2009 – Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, return to the intimate The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort as part of the Steely Dan Rent Party ’09 US tour on Friday, August 28, 2009. Concertgoers can expect a hefty draft of the incomparable Steely Dan experience this year. Supported by their renowned 11-piece band Becker and Fagen will draw from their deep catalog and showcase Steely Dan’s signature slinky grooves, sleek subversive lyrics, impeccable musicianship, and infectious hits.

Pussycat Dolls To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms – Sexy pop sensations The Pussycat Dolls, perform their energetic stage show at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, June 27, 2009. After forming in 1995 as a burlesque troupe under the direction of famed choreographer Robin Antin, The Pussycat Dolls burst on to the pop scene as an all-girl pop group and dance ensemble in 2005.

MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris Welcomes Silver Screen Siren Carmen Electra To The Cabaret Stage – MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris is proud to announce a week-long guest-star engagement by actress, model and international sex symbol Carmen Electra. Electra will be the second celebrity to perform with the ensemble on the Crazy Horse Paris stage in Las Vegas, following only Dita Von Teese. Electra is set to kick off her guest-star appearance Wednesday, July 8 and will appear nightly through Monday, July 13 in both the 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. performances.

Comedian And Musician Rodney Carrington Will Perform At MGM Grand July 30 – August 12 – Comedian Rodney Carrington returns to the Hollywood Theater at MGM Grand July 30 û August 12. Carrington is scheduled to perform at 10 p.m. nightly. For more than 15 years, Carrington has blazed comedy trails with his stand-up comedy tour across America and multitude of chart-topping albums. In addition to recording six country music albums and performing stand-up comedy, Carrington has made several television appearances demonstrating his exceptional talents.

Kylie Minogue To Perform At The Pearl During First-Ever U.S. Tour – For more than 20 years pop sensation Kylie Minogue has fascinated fans with her studio releases and live tours. Kylie stops at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort as part of her six city, first-ever U.S. tour on Saturday, October 3, 2009. In July 1987 Kylie released her first single; a remake of the 1962 Little Eva hit “Locomotion.” The song hit #1 in Australia and remained in the top spot for seven weeks, becoming the biggest Australian single of the ’80s.

Grand Poker Series Returns To Golden Nugget – The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino will host its second annual Grand Poker Series June 6 û July 5. This month-long event will feature daily tournaments at noon in The Grand, the property’s luxurious events center, as well as hold cash games and much more, including special tournaments for seniors and ladies.

Easy Vegas Deals

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Just got back from another fine trip to Vegas. Stayed at Flamingo, food has gone up alot since last trip and we laid out at pool. I can’t understand why they don’t have a waitress working the pool area, after all there was at least 80 people laying out.

Rented a car and traveled the STRIP alot, you can not be in a hurry to travel the STRIP. Also visited Red Rock Canyon a must see!! Service in the casino was very good, drinks were delivered regularly with tip regularly!! Got home Thur. night, the next morning after calling in to unemployment I booked a 4 night to Laughlin, Nevada. I enjoy reading you letters.

Larryáfrom Wayne, Michigan

Ted Responds:

We’re sorry to hear about your employment situation, but since you have time on your hands and with Las Vegas (and Laughlin) being so cheap right now, I can’t think of a better way to kill the time!

On a first visit with so much to do and see on The Strip, no need to rent a car. But for the regular visitor, so much more you can get out to (and in much less time) with a car. A few cab rides and you’ve paid what a rental car will cost.

Driving Tip: Remember that Interstate 15 parallels The Strip. Even during rush hour (and yes, Las Vegas has rush hour), you can often move more quickly on the freeway.

Your newsletter has been a fantastic guide to me over the years — you and your staff are doing a fabulous job!! I also agree that the media is giving Vegas a bad rap on the amount of people visiting the town. Every time I am there, it is wall to wall people.

My mother and I were in Las Vegas the week before Easter and we were both absolutely amazed at how many kids were walking in the casinos as well as on the streets. From toddlers and strollers to teenagers, we were dodging them all over the place. We have been coming to Vegas once or twice a year for the past 8 years and neither of us were very happy that this seems to be a trend, as this is not the first time we have noticed children running amok.

While we will still plan another trip to the Strip, why does Las Vegas suddenly seem to be the “new” Disney World?? One of the main reasons we return year after year is that Vegas caters to the adult world. What happened to the old days when you had to be 21 to enter a casino??

C. Cessna from Cumberland, MD

Ted Responds:

You happened to be here during Spring Break, which I’m sure compounded matters. Plus, with Las Vegas being such a value right now, I’m sure that many families chose Las Vegas as a value Spring Break destination.

You did bring up a good point for families to keep in mind: Las Vegas hasn’t been overly child-friendly since the 90’s. Kids have never been able to do more than pass through casino gaming area and outside of Adventuredome, there really isn’t a place for a family to go enjoy an extended activity. I’m sure we’ll get a couple of letters about how someone had a great Vegas vacation with their family. But the truth of the matter is this: When you see parents with kids on The Strip, it rarely looks like they are having much fun.

Love all your info. We were just at The Rio. Blackjack at most tables 6/5. (Editor Note: Blackjack should pay 3/2 which would be $15 for a $10 bet, not $12 for a $10 bet). Now at craps they changed the odds.

If they can change the payouts where you can clearly see it, what do you think they would do to a slot machine payout where you cannot see it. The casino execs think all gamblers are idiots. I told my friends that The Rio does not deserve our business and went next door to the Gold Coast. All blackjack was 3/2 and all craps were the right odds.

Thank you,

Leonard

Ted Responds:

Leonard brings up a great point that I’ve been harping on for as long as I’ve been doing this newsletter: Too many gamblers act like there is a seat belt on their chair. They will lose and lose, complain about the lack of drink service, the odds, you name it… but just continue to sit there and play.

Pretty much only in Las Vegas are so many casinos so close together. If you aren’t happy, get up and walk your wallet to another one. (Especially downtown where you can be at another table or slot game in another casino in under a minute).

Also, a good tip: The Rio is no farther from Caesars than the Monte Carlo is. Rio, Gold Coast, and Palms all sit right next to each other. (Plus, there is a free shuttle from Bill’s Gambling Hall to Gold Coast which leaves from the side entrance to Bill’s on Flamingo). The Palms is a world famous property, the Gold Coast is a typical niceálocals casino (with traditionally better table game rules and looser slots), and The Rio is still one of Las Vegas’ most fun (and famous) properties. You won’t be sorry if you include them in your visit.

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

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:

  • 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)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9

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

May 20, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 22, 2009

Posted on by

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
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! In the 90’s this week, unusually warm (80 F is normal this year). Just a couple of quick things:

UNLV Football Tickets On Sale — If one of these teams is your team, what better excuse for a trip to Las Vegas to see your team (probably) kick the snot out of UNLV:

As a 16 year resident, I’m a UNLV fan and happy to see their football team on the rise. However, this is going to be a tough September for me: I was born and raised in Oregon and attended Portland State. I’m a big fan of both Oregon and Oregon State football so the UNLV/Oregon State game is going to be a tough one for me to watch.

I’m also a big fan of the Hawaii Warriors, who come to town to play a week later. I’ve been following them for years (former coach June Jones has a big Oregon connection) and enjoy their exciting brand of football.

With so many of our Hawaiian friends living here in Las Vegas, and so many more that visit (to the tune of about a million visitors per year from The Islands), the crowd at the UNLV/Hawaii game is going to be pretty evenly split with a likely sell-out and plenty of electricity in the air.

Both Mother’s Day and Cinco De Mayo are coming soon and we are compiling events for both days:

Check out the events happening for Cinco de Mayo!

Check out the events happening for Mother’s Day!

I’m a little under-the-weather this week (probably from the check I had to send the IRS last week… you want to talk about neusea-inducing). So I’m going to turn it over to our writer Denise Almas. We’ve assigned her to cover the pending launch of the new Lion King show here in Las Vegas. I’ll be back later in the newsletter with Members Mania.

The Lion King is obviously the biggest show to hit town in some time, and one that is already drawing great interest among our readers:

Lion King Las Vegas – Brilliant and Riveting

by Denise Almas

Preparing to leap onto the Mandalay Bay Theater stage is a talented international cast in DisneyÆs The Lion King. The cast, which includes nine South African natives, has been comprised of cast members from other Lion King productions, making this an experienced ensemble ready to be King of the Las Vegas Strip.

With brilliant costumes, more than 200 puppets, and riveting music, the coming of age story of the young lion cub, Simba, will entertain young and old alike. According to Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Group, ôThe Las Vegas production will be every bit the equal of the spectacular Broadway experience.ö

Indeed, Alton F. White will don an 11 ounce mask as he plays ôMufasaö the lion king. WhiteÆs credits include The Lion KingÆs Broadway company, Ragtime, Tommy, The Color Purple, and Miss Saigon.

Buyi Zama, a native of South Africa, has performed in seven productions of The Lion King and will play the wise ôRafiki.ö Her credits also include backing as a vocalist for Whitney Houston and Rebecca Malope.

Kissy Simmons will be the lioness, ôNalaö. She joins the cast from the Broadway production and has also been in the national tour of the production.

ôSimba,ö the lion cub, will be played by Clifton Oliver who has also performed in the Los Angeles production of The Lion King, as well as in the Broadway productions of Grease, Rent and Wicked.

ôScar,ö the Lion KingÆs sinister brother, is played by Thom Sesma. SesmaÆs credits include The Man of La Mancha, The Times They Are A-ChanginÆ, and La Cage Aux Folles on Broadway.

This talented and celebrated cast will compliment the award winning music, which includes music by Elton John and Time Rice, as well as music by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. The Lion King score fuses Western pop music with the sounds and rhythms of Africa, bringing to life this unique and award winning musical.

DisneyÆs Tony Award winning production will journey onto the Mandalay Bay Stage on May 5, 2009, with the premiere on May 15, 2009. Come enjoy the Pride.

Related Links: Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

P.S. Airfare is way down right now, and with the price of oil creeping back up, now is the time to lock in your next visit to come see us here. Plus, scroll past my signature and check out some of the amazing hotel prices right now. Even if you can’t come visit until fall (or even winter), what can be better than to have a Las Vegas trip lined up to look forward to.

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 $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $34, Hooters from $25, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $29, Stratosphere from $44, Tropicana from $46, Tuscany from $39, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Funny Man Jeff Foxworthy Brings Comedy Act To Orleans Arena For One Night Only, May 16 – The best-selling comedy-recording artist in history, Jeff Foxworthy, will be bringing his signature redneck jokes and hilarious observations about human nature to the Orleans Arena in An Evening of Comedy with Jeff Foxworthy for one night only, May 16 at 8 p.m. He’ll deliver nonstop laughs and goes beyond the expected to explore the humor in everyday family and human interactions in a style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s.

Local Celebrities To Scoop Ice Cream For Charity For Ben & Jerry’s 31st Annual “Free Cone Day” April 21 – Henderson Ben & Jerry’s locations will serve free ice cream cones to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and the Nevada Community Learning Centers. Ben & Jerry’s, the company that broke the mold for businesses showing you could make a profit while giving back to the community, will commemorate its 31st Annual “Free Cone Day” at the Galleria Mall at Sunset in Henderson with celebrity scoopers to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum. All small cones are FREE with no purchase necessary, but patrons are invited to make a donation to the respective local charity.

Ultimate Fighting Championship 100 Saturday, July 11 At Mandalay Bay – For the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization’s historic UFC 100 event Saturday, July 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, a stacked card featuring the best of the best in mixed martial arts is not only expected, but required. To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, the UFC is pleased to announce three featured bouts that individually would be main events anywhere else in the world. In the main event, the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship of the world is on the line when reigning titleholder Brock Lesnar faces interim champion Frank Mir in one of the most highly anticipated rematches in heavyweight history.

Dennis Miller Brings Stand-up Routine To The Orleans Showroom May 15-17 – Five-time Emmy award winner and crowd favorite Dennis Miller brings his hilarious act to The Orleans Showroom, May 15-17 at 8 p.m. each evening. Celebrated as a witty comedian with an entertaining and intriguing stand-up routine, Miller keeps audiences laughing with his irreverent observations.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I found this newsletter about a year ago and I really enjoy to read all the news about Las Vegas every time!

At the end of May I will visit Las Vegas again for 3 weeks! I try to do this every year (to be honest, it’s the only reason for me to go to work). We had the first snow this year October 31st and today it’s still snowing. Editors Note: This letter was sent to us a few weeks ago). We do have tons and tons of snow and even can’t go outside with the car. Also the last few ‘summers’ were not the best. The last really great summer we had was back in 2003.

I usually travel alone (nobody else stays for 3 weeks in Vegas) and my friends from Switzerland visit me and then travel to other places. This year my boss is in San Francisco and will drive with the car to Vegas for one week. And later another couple visits Vegas for 3 days and we will meet.

Last year I was staying at the Luxor in a tower room. It was so great there that I will stay there again this year. It’s also never a problem to book for such a long time. People here in Switzerland usually stay for 3-4 days in town and then drive or fly away. Back at home they jump in another airplane a travel to a Greek or Spain island and lay in the sun at the beach. That makes no sense for me. I can do all this in Vegas too. The pool area’s so great and relaxing. Of course I was on several islands in Europe too, but when I went to Vegas the first time in 1998 it was clear for me: that’s the town I will return as often as I can, and it’s every time the best time of the year I have. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to May 28th when the plane starts!!!

There are so much more things to do in Vegas than the Casinos. I travel with empty suitcases and buy as much as I can carry. Then the Motor Speedway is a must too! We also like to walk a lot or drive to Arizona or Utah and visit the National parks. This area is also very interesting. Sometimes I think 3 weeks is not enough…. 😉

Barbara Eichhorn from Switzerland

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great letter! Sometimes, new readers (who have never been to Las Vegas) will write and say “We are coming for four days… what should we see?” I politely tell them that they could stay for a month and not run out of things to do or see as there is plenty to do for almost every interest and to just stay subscribed to the newsletter to find out what is currently happening.

May is a great month to be here as our 100 degree (F) temps generally have not hit yet, but it no longer gets cold at night. Every day is a perfect day to hang out by the pool or go see some of the amazing scenery of the beautiful Southwest U.S. and every night is perfect for strolling in the neon or taking in a show.

Thanks again for reading and telling your friends. We have a very loyal international readership base (about 25% of our readers) and are very appreciative of the time and effort it takes to visit us.

My wife and I spent a week in Vegas Feb 4 to 11. We stayed downtown 4 nights and on the strip for 3. We are more than upset with the number of card flickers in front of Flamingo, O’Shea’s, and Harrah’s. They are obnoxious flicking their cards in your face and blocking passage on the sidewalk. The casinos stand to lose as these people scare some elders. They should be limited or made to stand at the end of the walkway and not in the middle. Some of the people actually assault you with their mannerisms.

Ellis Island is every bodies dream of good food at reasonable prices.

RUSE1941

Ted Responds:

Believe me… the hotels have tried time and time again to restrict the people handing out the “girls to your room” cards. Including a move to attempt to make the sidewalks in front of each casino the private property of the casino. The ACLU has fought them tooth and nail as they feel it is a free speech issue. At this point, your best bet is to simply ignore them. Keep your eyes straight ahead and keep walking.

Just want to tell you about our visit Feb. 2, 2009. Our first stay at Planet Hollywood and I was most disappointed. No view from the window. One chair in the room to watch the nice TV. I ask for another chair and they told me to contact the banquet area and I did and was told there was a rental fee and they would call me back. No chair and no call back.

A standard fee of over $5.00 for water and newspaper that we didn’t want. A college group moved in Fri. night and no complimentary drinks. My last stay there. The beds were nice.

Thanks for all your news.

BJ Dailey

Ted Responds:

I know we’ve all had times when something doesn’t live up to expectations. When it comes to an issue with a Las Vegas hotel (attraction, restaurant, you name it), this is what I strongly advise:

Find the actual snail mail (postal) address and write them a letter. It doesn’t have to be long, but but it should be calm and rational (just as your note was). Let them know you were not pleased and why. At the very least, your voice gets heard. And, they just might offer to do something to make it right on your next visit.

Even though we live in a computer/email age, a real postal mail letter really sends an impact. If you go to Google Maps and then enter Name Of Hotel Las Vegas, it will usually pull up the hotel location and actual address.

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 Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • 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)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4

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

April 22, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 25, 2009

Posted on by

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
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! It is starting to feel like the Vegas of old around here. March Madness is in full swing, the Mint 400 race is in town, Fremont Street (downtown) is buzzing with activity and visitors in a way I haven’t seen in a decade (if ever) and it is pool weather every day of the week. Leave your coat at home. The next time we’ll have a downright cold overnight will be sometime in October.

He Who Laughs Last… – You guys (the long-time Las Vegas visitor) are winning! Little back-story for new visitors:

For decades, Las Vegas drew visitors with amazing sights to see coupled with unbeatable value. Even if someone came and lost a bundle, the would brag to their friends for months about the $4.99 complete prime rib dinner, $1 drinks, amazing hotel room (for next-to-nothing) and count the days until they returned.

A few years ago, the hotel casinos started going “Why are we giving all this stuff away? Let’s charge New York City prices for everything. Our profits will soar!” They did and it worked for a while. The economy was booming, Vegas was at the peak of popularity, and it looked like the ride would never end.

Then the government got in on the action. Somebody got the bright idea we needed a Performing Arts Center downtown. This despite the area having more venues than I have fingers to count, ranging from a few hundred to nearly 20,000 in capacity. This despite the fact that we already have our own “culture” with amazing shows ranging from Blue Man Group to Jersey Boys and Phantom to all of the various Cirque du Soleil shows.

Still with me here? Local government decided to fund the Performing Arts Center construction through a rental car tax. (Something I spoke out against furiously here). Like you guys are made of money and just want to pay more.

Guess what? The downturn in the economy (and visitors cutting back by not renting a car) has left the performing arts center well short of the needed construction revenue. Rental car taxes were about 30% lower than projected and local government had to sell redevelopment bonds to cover (which has more of the tax burden falling on the locals).

Serves them right. We don’t need visitors funding politicians pet projects. Hopefully, this will make them think twice before they go to you (our visitor) for revenue. In addition, hotels are being forced to bring room prices into line with the traditional value pricing that we’re famous for here, and restaurants/bars have started getting much more aggressive with food and drink specials.

Which brings me to…

Reinventing Las Vegas – Local tourism leaders (which is a code word for “politically connected people who live off the slush fund of tourism marketing dollars but pretty much have no clue what is really going on”) are now clamoring to re-invent Las Vegas!

These morons cite “studies” of this, that, and the other thing. Studies, my a@@. I’d be shocked if any of our readers (some 50-60,000 per week) have ever been part of a “Las Vegas visitor study.” (If you have, drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com and tell us about it).

How about these “leaders” get off of their well-cushioned behinds and get out and rub elbows with you guys. Get some real feedback. Go stand in line for a buffet. Pay $6 for a beer (out of their own pocket) at a casino bar and see how that feels.

At the very least, read our Members Mania section each week which is packed with true, honest and direct comments (good, bad and in-between) from you guys. The REAL Las Vegas visitor, reading this newsletter from all points on the globe and giving real-world insight and feedback about your stay.

OK… enough of my soapbox, but we’ll never quit fighting for a Las Vegas where you have an amazing vacation, find tremendous value, and crave returning time and time again.

Next week, new photo sets and show reviews. We had a few bumps in the road with construction at our modest headquarters, but we’ve just about back to full steam ahead.

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 $30, Boulder Stn from $30, Fiesta H from $25, Green Valley from $80, Palace Stn from $25, Red Rock from $90, Sunset Stn from $50, Texas Stn from $29, Wild Wild W. from $24, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Tiger Sharks Now Lurk At Mandalay Bay – Species Ranked Second Deadliest To Great White Shark – Two female tiger sharks now rule the waters of Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. The only tiger sharks available for viewing in the U.S., these exciting new additions can be identified by their distinct tiger-striped markings in the 1.6-million-gallon aquarium. “We are delighted to unveil these powerful predators to our guests of Shark Reef Aquarium,” said Adrienne Rowland, the facility’s director. “The tiger sharks demonstrate Shark Reef’s goal to raise awareness and appreciation of our world’s fascinating marine life.”

Jennifer Hudson And Robin Thicke To Co-Headline At The Pearl At The Palms – Grammy winning, platinum recording artist Robin Thicke and Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson co-headline a five-week U.S. tour including a stop in Las Vegas at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort on Friday, May 1, 2009. The tour brings together a powerhouse of two of the most distinctive and enduring voices in the current world of R&B music. World-renowned for her astonishing live vocals, this marks the first official tour for Hudson, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for her self-titled debut album.

Penn & Teller Celebrate 35 Years As A Duo – The Bad Boys Of Magic Remain Larger Than Life – This month marks the 35th anniversary of Penn & Teller as a comedy-magic team and the “Bad Boys of Magic” are celebrating the occasion in a big way. The duo has spent most of their lives playing with knives, guns, livestock and fire-eating showgirls and now a 27,000 square image of them graces the side of the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The larger than life replica depicts Penn precariously dangling Teller over fire, which perhaps does not qualify as their craziest stunt but certainly the largestùstanding 26-stories high overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

Cr³e Fest 2 Coming To The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, August 1 – M÷tley Cr³e, along with some of rock’s top touring acts, will hit the road again this summer for Cr³e Fest 2. Cr³e Fest 2 will make its stop at The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, August 1. M÷tley Cr³e will perform the entire album, Dr. Feelgood, from beginning to end at Cr³e Fest 2 in addition to their hits. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Dr. Feelgood, which became the Cr³e’s first #1 album on the Billboard charts. To celebrate the anniversary, the band plans to theme the second edition of their festival tour with imagery inspired by Dr. Feelgood.

Strip House At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Unveils The Strip House Burger – Strip House, Las Vegas’ premiere steak house, serves up the Strip House burger at the bar. Available exclusively at the bar and in the lounge for $16.50, the Strip House burger offers guests the opportunity to indulge in Executive Chef John Schenk’s take on an American classic. To start, the 8-ounce burger is served with choice of cheddar, Swiss or American cheese. Diners have the freedom to customize their burger with a variety of toppings including bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, roasted red peppers and pickle. A side dish of steak fries, fried onions or both is also served to complement the creation.

Casting Announced For Disney’s The Lion King At Mandalay Bay Theatre In Las Vegas – Casting has been announced for the Las Vegas production of Disney’s THE LION KING. The eagerly awaited sit-down production will leap onto the Mandalay Bay Theatre stage with preview performances May 5, and celebrate its official opening May 15. It will join the seven other highly successful companies of THE LION KING currently running all over the world, including New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka, as well as the North American National Tour. For the Las Vegas production, Disney hand-selected an international cast of performers who have won acclaim in productions of THE LION KING around the world, including New York, Taipei, South Africa, London, Los Angeles, Australia, Toronto, Shanghai, Paris and Holland.

Pin-Up Superstar Bernie Dexter Visits Love Jones At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Pin-up model Bernie Dexter visits Love Jones inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to greet fans, sign autographs, and model Lucy B lingerie on Friday, April 10 from 5 û 9 p.m. Dexter is arguably the most famous retro style pin-up model today. In addition to regularly modeling for Lucy B lingerie, Stop Staring, EC Star and Lucky 13, she is the creator of her very own rockabilly fashion for women. Dedicated to the art of seduction, sensuality, and the power of the female form, Love Jones features top-of-the-line lingerie, hosiery, jewelry, swimwear and accessories such as paddles, whips, handcuffs, lotions and candles. In true Las Vegas style, Love Jones offers a full menu of lingerie that can be ordered day or night and delivered directly to any room at the Hard Rock.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hello Ted, Thanks for the newsletter and keep up the good work.

Just had another awesome visit to Vegas. TI’s (Treasure Island) new rooms are gorgeous, Jay Leno was good, but Better Midler was a fantastic surprise. I will miss the MGM/Mirage partnership but think I will still be a TI guest if possible.

Also, I think I learned of the lounge at The Range at Harrah’s from your newsletter. The ambiance in the restaurant is enhanced by the nice jazz and being away from the casino. Enjoyed a great meal there too. I can see why someone might want to escape to that lounge!

No long hauling this time, but since when do taxi drivers not even attempt to give you change? They expect 25 -50% tip? One walked into the cab in front of me and then didn’t even open my door on his side of the car, and then berated us for not giving him 40%. Took 3 taxis and all three rounded up to the nearest $5 in their minds. That didn’t make us feel like giving them more. That was our only negative thoughts.

Now it’s back to reality.

Inga

Hi, I’ve just read your piece on your stay at the Palace Station. The very first time I came to Vegas that is where I stayed and found it a very enjoyable experience. I would recommend it to anybody.

I will be returning to Vegas in October for my 5th visit and I’m fetching all my family for our very first holiday together (probably the last too) there will be 7 of us plus my great grandson, so could you tell me if it’s possible to hire a vehicle which can accommodate all of us as my son-in-law is the only driver and driving will be the most economic way to see the Grand Canyon.

We are staying at the Riviera, so I might try your tip for getting an upgrade (hehehe) not sure a family of Brits can carry it off though!! Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Hopefully the Exchange rate for the Dollar will have improved later in the year, need plenty of bucks for your great shops

Thanks for the great newsletter, I always look forward to it popping into my inbox.

Kind regards,

Ann

Ted Responds:

Rental car companies rent vans and mini-vans. If you check around, you should be able to find one that comfortably seats 8 people. You will need to provide a child seat or baby carrier depending on your great grandson’s age.

Numerous Strip hotels actually have car rental counters. Dial the font desk and see if yours does. If not, Simply crack open the phone book (usually kept in the nightstand beside the bed) and see which one is closest to you.

I’d try the $20 trick (“bribing the check-in clerk with a folded, visible $20 bill placed with your credit card and ID left on the hotel desk counter) at the Riviera. There really isn’t much to it. If no upgrade, they’ll leave your money on the counter and you take it back. If you are all checking in at once to multiple rooms (with one person handling all the paperwork and payment), you may want to just use $50 in hopes that all rooms will be upgrades (or at least a good view or similar).

Thanks for reading and telling your friends,

I notice that you no longer include dining specials on your website or am I just not finding the link. I will be there later in Feb and enjoy trying new bargain places to eat !!

Linda

Ted Responds:

We’ve replaced that section with our new blog: http://www.easyvegasdeals.com The specials changed too often to keep up on, and we had too many complaints that our info was out-of-date (when we had no control over how long specials ran or when they changed). This way, we post info as it becomes available.

Love your newsletter. I had a question. Have you seen the table game limits coming down in this economy? I’ve been visiting Vegas for 20 years now. One of the things i used to love was the ability to walk up and down the strip and stop in at a variety of difference casinos and find $5 craps and BJ tables.

In the past 5 years or so i noticed all the minimums are $10 and your hard press to find $5 tables. I feel am an average gambler and would think I’m not the only one who would like to see the limits back down around $5.

Keep up the good work,

Randy

Ted Responds:

We had a Members Mania letter about this a few months ago. Certainly a topic that people continue to wonder about.

We have heard word of table minimums coming down on The Strip here and there but no major trend we can see as of yet.

We encourage people to gamble downtown where the minimums are still lower and rules still tend to be more favorable to the player.

It is interesting that gaming wins (what the casinos win in total) here in Nevada are plummeting. Execs are blaming it on the economy. But perhaps they are simply making games too expensive or unfavorable for the millions like yourself who will gladly risk your money for hours on end. IF you can do so at reasonable minimums.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends to subscribe. As I always note, we are a small company that relies on word-of-mouth!

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 Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • 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)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17

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

March 25, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 14, 2008

Posted on by

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
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – Winter is finally over here in the beautiful Desert Southwest. I just got back from a walk in the 65 degree (F) sun, wearing shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. If winter is in full swing where you are, come on out and visit. Our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals have unbelievably low room rates ranging from basic rooms at $25-30 a night to the very top hotels in Las Vegas (and in the world, for that matter) for under $200 a night. And… last I checked, airfare is down a bit.

I’m not surprised. The past few years, many of you have written and said “Las Vegas no longer caters to the middle class” and has gotten too expensive. Time and time again in this newsletter, I simply said: Give it time. All of these posh new hotel rooms are going to have to be filled and the rates will be adjusted to fill them. I said how Las Vegas will again be an incredible bargain with the ability to rent rooms for a fraction of what a similar hotel room would go for in another city. (Check out what $100 a night will get you in New York or San Francisco, then what it will buy you in Las Vegas right now).

Yes, times are tight right now. If you are in a very unfortunate job or financial situation and a trip just isn’t in the cards, by all means stay subscribed and we’ll bring a little bit of Las Vegas to you each week until you can come back and see us again. But if you even have a few bucks to spend, come on out and enjoy a few days. Nothing takes your mind off of things like a visit to Las Vegas.

Largest Hotel In the World Coming To Las Vegas! – Oh please… how many times have I typed (and mocked) this headline. And yet another group is claiming that they are going to do just this:

A 6,745 room, four tower hotel. And… not even on The Strip. Instead next to the Hard Rock Hotel (on the site of George Clooney’s project that never got off the ground… and that was in good economic times). Bottom Line: If this thing actually goes somewhere, I wish the developers well and (as always) we’ll keep you up-to-date on the progress.

las vegas wetlands park
Photo Courtesy Access Clark County (government)

Las Vegas Wetlands Park – Wetlands in Las Vegas? You bet! Now… if you are in town for a few days to see how much drinking and gambling you can accomplish, this might not be for you. However… if a local or a tourist who enjoys renting a car and seeing things like Red Rock Canyon, you may find the Las Vegas Wetlands a fun adventure for a couple of hours.

The Las Vegas Wash (a wash is what we call a creek here in the desert) has been cleaned up over the past few years, with weirs built to slow down the water flow and create lush, green areas teeming with wildlife. Finding the wetlands is simple: Head east on Tropicana (from The Strip) for exactly 7.9 miles and make a left on Wetlands Park Lane. For more info, read Wetlands Park expands with opening of bridge

Lion King Las Vegas To Play Full Show – Many Broadway style shows have (and continue to) enjoy great runs here, but are often a condensed version of the Broadway hit. The standard notion: With so much to do and see, people don’t want to sit through a really long show. (And the notion that the hotels want you back in the casino spending money more quickly).

The Lion King is going to buck the trend and perform the nearly 2 1/2 hour show, with a standard 15 minute intermission. It will be interesting to see how it works out (and how many people get on a hot gambling streak during intermission and simply don’t make it back into the theatre). Ticket sales are expected to be brisk as this show looks to be a major draw. You may wish to reserve now: Click for Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

Is The Club Scene Over? – We’ve received very mixed reader email on the club scene boom here. Some of you enjoy them, others feel priced out by those willing to spend thousands of dollars in just one night in a club. Readers of all ages have bemoaned the loss of many of the hotel lounges, and I’m among you. Hotels wonder why their gaming revenue is dropping. Could one reason be that the excitement of live music playing on (or just off of) the casino floor made the gambling more fun? DUH!

Local columnist Norm Clarke had an interesting article Celebs cut back on making it rain that is worth a read. Truth be told, Las Vegas being a little less of a celeb hot spot may be a good thing. The focus is coming back to our core business of the past many decades: Give you a reasonably priced room, good food, favorable gaming odds and some of the best shows and entertainment you’ll find on the planet, and you’ll keep coming back for more. Which leads me to these comments…

Loose slots

The Eggheads Just Don’t Get It – Nevada gaming revenue is in a free-fall (down around 8% in 2008). You aren’t gambling as much when you visit, and we don’t blame you. We’ve noted how recent years have brought tighter slots and unfavorable table game rules. Casino management blames it on the economy. I blame some of it on the guys running the casinos:

Even after the mob pretty much left town, Las Vegas was run by guys with resort, gaming, and tourism backgrounds. Not that many years ago, signs likeá99% Payback On Slots, Better Odds On Craps/Blackjack and others regarding easy comps were common up and down The Strip.

Now, things are run by a bunch of guys with educations from prestigious eastern universities whose backgrounds are Wall Street, not Las Vegas Boulevard. And it shows (just look at how Wall Street and Banking have been doing). They don’t seem to understand that you’ll come and (probably) lose a pile of cash. And still enjoy it and tell others what a great time you had doing so.

But… only if you are getting some value out of it. Only if the gambling lets you have a few win streaks. Only if you can go home and tell your friends about the incredible meal deal you had. Only if we offer you some real fun, a chance to win, and value in hotel and meal prices.

The word is starting to resonate. Read (from our local paper) Strip’s Salvation Lies In Offering Value

We’re Number Eight? – After being tops 19 out of the past 21 years, Nevada has finally given up the longstanding “fastest growing state” mantle. Neighboring states Utah and Arizona took the top two honors with Nevada falling to the #8 spot.

When people inquire about moving here, I suggest they check out Salt Lake City, Phoenix (and Albuquerque) as well. I love Las Vegas and it is an amazing place to visit, but unless your fortunate enough to be one of the (maybe) 100 people here with a job like mine, living here isn’t all about shows and buffets. It is about the daily grind just like you’d find anywhere else (even for people like me).

Why Salt Lake City, Phoenix or Albuquerque? All are short non-stop flights to your favorite vacation destination (Las Vegas, of course). Salk Lake offers traditional winters (snow and skiing), Phoenix offers a major city atmosphere with big league sports, and Albuquerque is a mid-sized city which has the beautiful desert mountain scenery of Las Vegas without our 110 degree summers.

Finally, let me leave you with an amazing Las Vegas photo blog find I found. A couple who recently married here posted photos ranging from their plane over the desert and on approach to some very cool shots all over The Strip and Downtown Fremont Street. Enjoy LAS VEGAS marriage pics. Picture Heavy!

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:

Boulder Stn from $25, Fiesta H from $29, Green Valley from $125, Red Rock from $125, Santa Fe Stn from $39, Sunset Stn from $40, Texas Stn from $29, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Motley Crue To Pass The Joint Into A New Era At The Hard Rock – As the saying goes, “as one door closes, another one opens.” The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will close its legendary concert venue, The Joint, on February 7, 2009 to make way for a brand new expanded and state-of-the-art Joint. As part of their Saints of Los Angeles 2009 Tour, M÷tley Cr³e will help close The Joint doors in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion with two closing weekend performances scheduled for February 6 and 7. (Tickets). Click to Read The Full Story …

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant Celebrates Four Years In Las Vegas – RA Sushi Bar Restaurant will celebrate four years in Las Vegas with a prom-themed anniversary party on Saturday, January 24. The event begins on Saturday, January 24 at 9 p.m. and features live entertainment from Last Pop Nation, Justin Carder and RA’s own DJ G-Raw. Ladies are encouraged to don their most gaudy dresses and men in the craziest tuxes they can find to celebrate the prom-themed event. Click to Read The Full Story …

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2009 AT Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Beginning January 14, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will celebrate the 2009 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox, with a unique display filled with hidden meaning. The Conservatory’s design will be guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui û the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. The dramatic centerpiece of this exhibit will be a botanical 15-foot-long ox. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hello. Love your newsletter!

A group of us just visited Vegas Dec. 7-11, 2008 (we have visited 2 or 3 times a year since 2003). Had a wonderful time as always. In these past years of visiting Vegas right up to our recent trip last week, we have always wondered why a 24/7 city closes most, if not all, of its restaurants at 10 or 11 pm. The fine dining establishments i can understand… but I have always wondered why more casual to fast food places donÆt stay open 24 hours.

Each hotel has ONE restaurant that stays open all nite and the wait is usually unbelievably long, not to mention how long it takes to get waited on and served. It seems a Subway shop or a 24-hour deli would be appropriate for those who want to party until all hours and THEN grab a quick bite to take back to their room.

I stayed at MGM again this trip (which I love, by the way) and they have a Deli that stays open until like 1 am and the line at 12:30 goes on forever. So I canÆt believe that a 24-hour fast food place wouldnÆt make money in the middle of the nite. I was just curious if anyone had any insight as to why all the food courts close at 11’ish and why more casual places donÆt stay open all nite.

Thanks,

Sharla from Columbus OH

Ted Responds:

I’m probably not making any friends in casino management in this issue, and we’ll be returning to our more Las Vegas news in future issues. However, these issues do need to be addressed.

The decision makers at hotel casinos are apt to be tucked into bed and asleep at midnight. They don’t know what is going on in situations like this. They forget that you are partying, boozing and having fun well into the late night and wee hours. And… what does just about everyone want to do after a long night of imbibing? EAT. (Visit any Waffle House or similar restaurant at 3 AM on a weekend. This isn’t just a Las Vegas phenomenon).

The best we can do is highlight the concerns of our readers and let them filter to the decision makers who simply have no clue what is really happening during those late night “Prime Time In Las Vegas” hours.

My wife and I have been coming to Vegas every year since the late 70’s and have seen to many changes. I enjoy playing blackjack, but this year I played maybe twice. The 6-5 payoff on a blackjack in most every casino has taken away the enjoyment of the game. Let’s get the bean counters out of Vegas.

Love your newsletter.

Bill from Orlando

Ted Responds:

For those unfamiliar with what Bill is talking about, the original rules for blackjack (and the rules in Las Vegas for decades) was that you get 3 chips for every 2 chips you bet when you are dealt a blackjack. 15 chips when you bet 10. Now, most Las Vegas casinos only pay you 6 chips for every 5 bet or simply 12 (instead of 15) for every 10 bet.

The El Cortez downtown is still dealing with the original rules and if you really hunt, you may be able to find some others. Bottom Line: If you play a blackjack game where they are only paying you 6 to 5 on a blackjack, you are getting ripped off. Keep walking. How much of a difference does it make? You get dealt blackjack more often than you realize. This can add up to a substantial amount of money per hour that should be in your pocket, but isn’t.

We have been subscribing to your newsletter for several years now and really enjoy it!

We’ve been coming to Vegas for four years for the first weekend of the PBR finals. Your newsletter has been extremely helpful.

We’ve stayed at the Excalibur the last couple of years. The first year the rooms were OK, but this year we stayed in one of the remodeled rooms and were very impressed with it. We got to look out over the pools and the improvements in the rooms were really nice.

This is the first year the finals have been at the Thomas & Mack Center instead of the Mandalay Bay Events Center. We were a little worried about transportation, but were pleasantly surprised by the taxi service we got all three nights. Our taxi cab drivers were very pleasant and we felt like they did a great job getting us there and back.

We are auto enthusiasts and really enjoyed the Auto Collection at the Imperial Palace.

Thank you for your newsletter and keep up the great work!!

Debbie R.
Kansas

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:

  • 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
  • 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)

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

January 14, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – October 8, 2008

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! I swear that I was starting to wonder if we’d ever get this issue out. Every time we got ready to send, more stuff kept flowing in. Photos, news, events… just keep reading!

Last Chance To See Mamma Mia! In Las Vegas – Mamma Mia! closes its amazing run at Mandalay Bay on January 4, 2009. Although I’m going on 16 years as a Las Vegas resident, it is almost hard to remember when Mamma Mia! wasn’t a part of the landscape here. Year after year, it gained raves and often landed on “Top 10 Shows In Las Vegas” lists.

The replacement? No, not another Cirque show (an idea reported to be proposed and rejected). Disney’s The Lion King is shooting for a late Spring 2009 opening. Years ago, Disney resisted being associated with Las Vegas, but no longer holds this concern. The irony? Las Vegas marketed itself as a family destination in the 90’s and now is aáWhat Happens Here, Stays Here getaway. Lion King tickets are not yet on sale. Of course we’ll let you know when available, don’t we always! In the meantime, I strongly suggest seeing Mamma Mia! before it is gone.

If you’ve been, you know how fun it is. If not yet seen, you are in for a treat. This show garners raves from all ages and demographics.

Click for Mamma Mia! Las Vegas Tickets

Wynn Shoots An Encore – Many of you may remember the original Wynn Las Vegas commercial featuring Steve Wynn high atop his new hotel. (We have it archived here:Wynn Las Vegas Commercial). This past week, he climbed high atop his Encore tower to shoot an “encore” to the original. Although details are under wraps, it is said to have Wynn’s typical sense of humor. No word on when it will debut.

More Families In Las Vegas? – If you are seeing more families here on your Vegas visit, don’t think that a “family oriented” Las Vegas is on the return. International tourism is way up (because of our weak dollar). The United States is an affordable family vacation for many in Europe. They’ll spend a couple of weeks here in our country, seeing San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and similar. Given Europe’s comfort level with the human form, I doubt they consider bare behind billboards too risque for their kids:

Mob Museum… What Museum – The long talked about Mob Museum (actually the Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) is just about under construction and should be done by 2010. The location? Next to the Lady Luck Downtown. (Please don’t write and ask what is up with the Lady Luck. If we knew, I’d let you know. Last news as we reported here was that nothing would happen until the economy turned around, and yes… it is a shame they closed it. Same with Stardust. We lost a couple of fun pieces of history for no apparent reason at all at this time).

Anyway, back to the Mob Museum. The marketing campaign will focus around a pretend secrecy and t-shirts have already been printed that say “There Is No Such Thing As A Mob Museum, Nor Have I Been There.” More on this story: Construction planned on a museum you can’t refuse

Nevada’s Recession – Unemployment here looks to stick at around 9% for the next two years, according to a recent Review-Journal article. That is not a typo. Almost 1 out of 10 people out of work. What does that mean for the visitor? Maybe not much. Tourism volume is staying pretty steady and although rumors of hotel layoffs continue to circulate, they can only cut so much staff. Rooms have to be cleaned and food has to be cooked.

Many read the “terrible” economic numbers for Nevada and fail to realize that our recession is affecting the 500,000 or so people who have moved here the past decade and don’t work in a gaming associated business. Construction is way down (both residential and commercial) and the domino affect has hit the “other” (non-tourist) sectors. We don’t need as many strip mall type of businesses.

My prediction? Unemployment won’t stay that high through 2010 but the housing market will actually get worse next year. Why? The same people who picked up and moved here will pick up and move away just as quickly. This will keep the local housing market depressed but ease unemployment. A great situation if you are moving here to retire (or want to purchase a vacation home/condo) in the next couple of years.

Bikefest Roared Through Town – Fall brings Bikefest to downtown Las Vegas and this year’s event was as big as ever. Mark went on a three day assignment shooting choppers, crowds, bands, bikinis and everything else associated. We’ll feature event photos in following newsletters (always stay subscribed, even when your trip is over). The event kickoff was at Hogs and Heifers Saloon downtown. Click the photos for entire photo set:

bikefest las vegas 2008

bikefest las vegas 2008 bar girls

Bikes, babes and bands not your thing? Stay tuned as future weeks will bring new casino photo features plus the latest Bellagio Gardens display.

Halloween In Las Vegas – Coming next issue. Also, a belated happy Thanksgiving to our many Canadian readers.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

CityCenter To Deliver Most Technologically Advanced Hotels In U.S. When It Opens In Late 2009 – ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and The Harmon Will Be First in Country to Debut Unrivaled Custom Automation by Control4 Providing Guest Experience Unparalleled in Hospitality Industry. Upon opening in late 2009, CityCenter will debut the most advanced guestroom technology in the country at ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences. Click to Read The Full Story …

The M Resort, Spa And Casino Debuts Its Latest Innovation – The M Lightship – All eyes were toward the Las Vegas sky yesterday evening as the $1 billion M Resort, Spa and Casino debuted its 178 foot M Lightship û the resort’s electronic blimp with the world’s largest 70′ x 30′ aerial television screen on the side. The M Lightship will be the only airship in the world offering the public a close-up, hands-on experience. The resort intends to create a center, which will provide information about the Lightship as well as offer the public a chance to meet the captain and crew, take photos and obtain Lightship souvenirs. Click to Read The Full Story …

Special Photo Set: M Resort Blimp and South Las Vegas At Sunset

Wynn Las Vegas Hosts The Breeders’ Cup Legends Tour Featuring Jockeys Pat Day, Angel Cordero Jr. And Laffit Pincay Jr. – Wynn Las Vegas Race & Sports Book will host The Breeders’ Cup Legends Tour featuring legendary Hall of Fame jockeys Pat Day, Angel Cordero Jr. and Laffit Pincay Jr. on Thursday, October 16 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will feature a question and answer session, meet and greet and photograph opportunities. Click to Read The Full Story …

Performances of “Raw Talent Live” to Begin at the Sahara Hotel & Casino – ND, the creator, producer and director of “Raw Talent Live” has opened the doors to the highly anticipated spectacular, “Raw Talent Live” at the Sahara Hotel & Casino. (Tickets) “‘Raw Talent Live’ will be a show unlike any other on the Las Vegas Strip,” said ND. “With all of the intricacies involved in the shows development, ‘Raw Talent Live’ will pave the way for the next generation of entertainment in Las Vegas. It’s raw, obviously it does not work, dare to see the show.” Click to Read The Full Story …

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

California from $39, Fremont from $39, Gold Coast from $35, Main Street from $39, Orleans from $50, Sam’s Town from $35, Sun Coast from $60, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am heading to VEGAS for my 14th time spending 4 nights with my boyfriend. We are thinking about seeing the show KA, renting a car for the day and probably getting to Valley of Fire (My boyfriend has been there I haven’t) taking in the pool of course. What would you say is the place to get too outside of VEGAS as a MUST SEE? I have heard great things about ZION PARK but it’s pretty far. We want to try to keep the trip under 4 hours each way if we can. Also any other must get to places?

We aren’t into the clubs I we enjoy live music fun bands. I do like HARRAH’s carnival area too however it can also get packed. Also must get to food places that don’t cost a ton?? We don’t mind buffets and we do like just about every kind of food. Keep in mind we will be at MGM Grand

Thanks,

Alisha

Ted Responds:

Everybody has different tastes, but I’ll do my best:

Everyone I know who has seen KA has really enjoyed it. Zion is too far. Valley of Fire is spectacular, about an hour away.áRed Rock Canyon is 30-40 minutes from The Strip (go mid-morning to avoid traffic). Hoover Dam is amazing. Walking across it is so cool. Carnival Court, Margaritaville (later in the evening live bands) plus the Dueling Pianos inside Harrah’s are fun/party atmosphere that isn’t a nightclub vibe.

The nicer the hotel, the more expensive the buffet. Many hotels (MGM Grand, O Sheas, Monte Carlo and many more) have food courts where you’ll find a variety of regular food chains. Since you have a car, two not-far-away places to check out:

  1. Maryland Parkway across from UNLV (1.5 miles east of The Strip) has a bunch of cool, pretty cheap restaurants and bars. You’ll find something you like.
  2. About 3 miles south of Mandalay Bay right on LV Blvd (The Strip) at Between Warm Springs and Robindale is a big restaurant row. Everything from chains like Chili’s and Chipotle to Mom and Pop type pizza and Mexican places (and tons more). Anybody can find something they like.
  3. Town Square is 5 minutes south of MGM on The Strip (just past the golf course after Mandalay Bay) with a lot of cool shops and restaurants. Blue Martini there has 1/2 off all food from 4-8 PM.

All of the above are literally less than 10 minutes from MGM Grand and #2 and #3 are actually on “The Strip” (just a little bit past the hotel areas).

This was from my Vegas trip, Wayne Newton & I August 2, 2008 at the MGM Grand after Wayne’s show! Please keep me posted on Wayne’s appearances as soon as you hear it.

Thanks!

Donna

Ted Responds:

Wayne is back working for his “old boss” (and friend) Kirk Kerkorian at the MGM Grand through the end of the year after his long run at the Stardust and (more recently) Harrah’s.

He’s also playing in Arizona, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan during November. For dates and tickets: Wayne Newton Tickets

Just wanted to drop a line, first off to thank you for the newsletter and secondly to comment on my recent stay in Vegas (August 8-10).

I am a Canadian who makes the trip at least once a year. Having been in Vegas in June of last year I knew what to expect regarding cost of eating and gambling not being quite the same as previous years… nonetheless… we decided to try it again because lets face it… you gotta love Vegas!! We (me, my husband and a friend) were so disappointed. We stayed at the Imperial Palace (because we were comped) and lets face it…its run down and grungy. The slots at all the strip casinos we went into were so tight… we lost a bundle!!!

But I must say we did get good bar service pretty much everywhere which was nice. We took your advice and went downtown (I really love the atmosphere there anyways!). Had a better time there for sure but still didn’t feel like we were having as much fun as we used to! We did, however, see Jerry Seinfeld while there and boy what a good time we had so all was not lost. Next time we go back we will be staying downtown…enough of the high fallutin’ hotels on the strip… we want to stay where we feel the old Vegas is alive and well.

Barb from Sherwood Park AB Canada

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the report. I’ll speak more on this in a future issue, but gaming executives think that “fun” means playing blackjack where there is an Elvis impersonator dealing the cards, or “fun” is one of the new slot games that nobody even understands.

They forgot that the FUN was playing (and maybe the free cocktails) for a few hours a day. It was the experience of Las Vegas and gambling. The casinos always knew they would usually get your money at the end of the day. By letting people win some, the played longer and were actually prone to losing a little more money. If you’ve been up-and-down, you’ll put in more hoping for another run of luck. If a machine just sucks down your money, you close your purse or wallet and walk.

In previous recessions, people still came and gambled. The downturn in Las Vegas gaming wins isn’t because people are gambling more at Indian casinos. If that were the case, visitor volume would be down substantially. The bottom line is that until people are able to get back to experiencing the true fun of gambling (winning once in a while, getting on an occasional hot streak), the hotels only have themselves to blame. Spend your money on a couple of good shows and an amazing meal or two instead. Much more bang for the buck.

Thanks for reading and telling friends to subscribe!

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:

  • 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

October 8, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy