Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 31, 2000

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews, the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it!

Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Las Vegas Rooms : http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars – All Cities: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Discount Hotel Rooms – All Cities: http://www.lodging.com/affiliates/us_reservations.cgi?remote=tedinvegas
* Best Tours/Rates for Grand Canyon, Hoover, more: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours

JUNE ROOM SPECIALS – Harrah’s from $59.95 a night and The Sahara from $49.95 a night. Details at http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/hotdeals?SID=IVC

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions.

Read Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com
Post Opinions: http://boards.accessvegas.com

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This Issue: Las Vegas News

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com


Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours


LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

YOU DID IT AGAIN – If you visited during March, you helped set an all time record for monthly visitors! You were one of 3.13 million to come to try your luck, eat too much, and get a neon tan. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-29-Mon-2000/business/13658048.html

GEN X – The success of the Hard Rock and to a lesser extent the Rio and Mandalay Bay has tuned in casino executives to how lucrative it is to market to the 21-34 year old age group. The MGM has announced preliminary plans to replace the Holiday Inn Boardwalk (which they acquired with surrounding land in the Mirage Resorts purchase) with a high tech, internet oriented casino. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-01-Thu-2000/news/13689922.html

In a related story, the Hard Rock is introducing a new theme (to Las Vegas) called “Giant” at it’s Baby’s nightclub on Sundays. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-26-Fri-2000/weekly/13633066.html Our poll this week asks what kind of casino atmosphere you like — let us know at http://www.accessvegas.com!

SHOPPING – Forget losing your money at the machines — Las Vegas is building and expanding your shopping opportunities at an alarming rate! The Aladdin is opening in a couple of months and all reports are that their Desert Passage themed shopping area is a unique must see with exotic fragrances of manufactured breezes, artificial fog and claps of thunder. Full story and photos at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-25-Thu-2000/business/13645347.html

The Forum Shops are expanding yet AGAIN (like it’s already tough to get lost in the place). Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-22-Mon-2000/business/13616921.html The Fashion Show mall is going to double in size. They have already cut deals with new undisclosed anchor tenants from around the world, and are going to turn the entire Strip frontage into a plaza of restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-22-Mon-2000/business/13609679.html

STEVE WYNN’S ART – If you missed it, you’ll get another chance. Mr. Wynn is buying up most of the art that was owned by the company (some was his on lease to the company, some was his personal possession) and moving it over the the DI. Final plans for display have yet to be finalized, but we will keep you posted. Full story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2000/may/30/510319013.html

RESTAURANT REVIEWS – Cash may be kind in Las Vegas, but it’s no fun to play on an empty stomach. Here are some recent restaurant and bar reviews from the local media:

Mon Ami Gabi – http://lvcitylife.com/dining/stories/00052501d.html
Tillerman – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-26-Fri-2000/weekly/13637676.html
Morton’s Steakhouse – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-24-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13606976.html
Red Square – http://www.lvcitylife.com/dining/stories/00060102d.html

NATIONAL AIRLINES – Our hat is off to upstart National Airlines, headquartered in Las Vegas. No, they aren’t a sponsor, but any airline offering lower fares and more leg room to get you here more often is O.K. in our book! They are having a fare sale (act quick) — details at http://news.excite.com/news/bw/000522/nv-national-airlines and there is a nice story about them at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-27-Sat-2000/business/13663375.html

PHOTOS – The following past stories are now archived online with photos:

EFX – https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-04-26.htm
Cook E. Jarr, Jimmy Hopper – https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-05-17.htm
Elvis-A-Rama Museum – https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-05-24.htm

WINNERS! – Sandra Flansburg of Voorheesville, NY and Tannie Meyer of Gabriola, BC won the Elvis-A-Rama T-shirts. Christopher of Worcester, MA won the Klondike free food coupons. Congratulations to all!

BTW, the contests in our contest section are just that: A random giveaway of the noted prizes. We are not responsible for those who don’t read the rules, think it’s a giveaway to everyone, and then scream at us 2 weeks later wondering where there free stuff is when they were not the winner.

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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

SHOW NOTES:

Rat Pack is Back – This show continues to pack them in at The Sahara and the Montreal Gazette just ran a nice review of the show at http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/pages/000527/4168802.html As usual, advance tickets to this often sold out show are available at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

Footloose – is already getting great reviews and you can read Mike Weatherford’s take on it at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-26-Fri-2000/weekly/13641242.html and advance tickets available online at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

CONCERTS:

Hard Rock – Ozzy Osbourne on June 15, Ringo Starr on June 17, Destiny’s Child July 2, Don Henley on July 10, Lenny Kravitz July 28, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, and Slaughter, Dokken, Cinderella, and Poison on Aug. 7. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – Dwight Yoakam with special guest Keith Urban June 9-10, Sinbad on June 30 and July 1, Engelbert Humperdinck July 11-16, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – Pato Banton on Jun. 1, Cowboy Junkies on Jun. 3, Chaka Khan and The Village People on Jun 5, Megadeth on Jun. 23, Queensryche on June 16 and 17, Mickey Hart Band on June 30, Cheap Trick on July 3, Boz Scaggs on Jul 8, Dan Folgerberg on Jul. 14, Hall and Oats on July 21, LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1 and Brian Setzer Orchestra on Aug. 8. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Louie Anderson now through June 5, Carrot Top June 6-13, Penn and Teller June 15-21, Marc Anthony on June 16, Rodger Waters on June 17, Carrot Top June 22 – July 5, Blink-182 and Bad Religion on June 24, Nickelodeon;s All That Music & More Festival featuring LFO, Blaque, and B*Witched on July 1, Rodney Dangerfield on July 6-12 and again on Aug. 24-Sept. 6, Penn and Teller July 27 – Aug. 9, and Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

SJ2K – KLUC Summer Jam 2000 features SisQo, Nu Flavor, Kumbia Kings, Pink, Voice V, Angelina and more on June 10 at the Thomas and Mack Center. Tickets available at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is 2 blocks from the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Station Casinos – Todd Rungren & The Motels June 16 at Sunset, Jean-Luc Ponty June 17 at Palace, Loverboy & Night Ranger June 30 at Sunset, and Joe Walsh plus a fireworks extravaganza July 1 at Sunset. Tickets at (888) 464-2468 and Station Casinos discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (various Station Casinos links).

Thomas & Mack – Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots on Sept. 13. Tickets at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is within walking distance of the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

The Orleans – Average White Band June 2-3, and Doobie Brothers June 9-11. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).


Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!


FEATURE STORY: Las Vegas News

No review this week because of so many news stories. However, hang tight! Starting next week we do three weeks of the steakhouse trifecta: Harrah’s Range, Binion’s Ranch, and Emeril’s Delmonico.

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PAYPAL – wants to give you $5 right now! PayPal is a completely free service that lets users Pay Money to anyone with an email address. Use it to settle restaurant tabs with colleagues or buy a baseball card at an online auction – all with the click of a mouse! Sign up now at https://secure.paypal.com/refer/pal=paypal%40in-vegas.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

GARY DWYER IN EUGENE, OREGON writes,

>LAST SUMMER WAS 0UR SECOND TRIP TO VEGAS.
>ON BOTH TRIPS WE FOUND THAT THE TAXI CAB
>DRIVERS WERE RUDE AND ARROGANT.
>NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THE COST JUST TO GO FROM
>ONE CASINO TO ANOTHER WAS RIDICULOUS!!
>
>WEá PAIDá $15.á JUST TO GO FROM BELLAGIO TOá THE
>MIRAGE!!!???á WEá SATá FOREVER,á WAITING FOR THE
>TRAFFIC LIGHTS TO CHANGE.
>
>OURá FEELING IS TO EITHER WALK, OR TAKE THE TROLLEYS,
>OR THE PUBLIC BUS.
>
>DID WE GET RIPPEDá OFFá BY THAT CAB DRIVER????

You only got ripped off if he didn’t pull right on to the strip for the short ride. Bellagio has a side entrance off of Flamingo, but it’s not applicable in this case. I’m assuming that traffic was very, very, very heavy.

The walk from Mirage to the Flamingo / Strip entrance of Bellagio is a pretty short walk. Unless it’s 100+ degrees out or you have health issues, I would have walked it. I often park across from the Mirage at Casino Royale and walk to visit locations ranging from Treasure Island to Bellagio (when visiting multiple properties at one time). The Strip is probably one of the most fun streets to walk anywhere in the world, and if you have gone too far, you can always catch a bus or cab back if you have to.

It is unfortunate to realize that for a few more dollars than that one cab ride cost, you could have rented a car for the whole day. If you are coming on a weekend or during a busy convention season when there is heavy traffic, those cab meters can really run while you sit in traffic.

Keep in mind that there is no cost of obligation to punch in your dates at http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005 and compare the prices of every rental car company. From there, you can make the call!

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Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional). Also, guest article submissions are welcome with full credit to you, your website, etc. if accepted.

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ONLINE POLL – “What kind of casino atmosphere do you like?”

Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks!

Results from last weeks poll “Have you ever considered moving to Las Vegas?”

People live there? 6%
Only as a passing fancy. 9%
Maybe to retire. 13%
I’ve looked into it. 48%
I’m planning on doing so! 22%

FREE CONTESTS:

Note: You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest). Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

Las Vegas T-shirt. Enter at (contest closed)

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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

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All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
May 31, 2000