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.

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA TreatmentsSave up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las VegasCaesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

áPalms Las Vegas – Enjoy 24-hour checkout times only when you book online! Book Now!

Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $52/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!

Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little moreàon us.

The Quad – Best Rate Guarantee – Rates low as $30 a night, Center Strip right at LINQ!

Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals

Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)

This Week’s Top Tours

	Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
	Experience Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, all of Vegas by helicopter, save 30%!
	Richard Petty Rookie Tour: YOU drive the Vegas Motor Speedway in a V-8 NASCAR style car!
	Vegas Indoor Skydiving, right on Vegas Strip, winds up to 120 mph, just like the real thing
	Visit Grand Canyon, Mojave Desert, Black Mountains, Eagle Point, Hoover Dam photo op, more. Day tour from Vegas!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Guns N’ Roses Launched Second Residency, An Evening Of Destruction. No Trickery! – They’re back! Legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses marked its triumphant return to launch its second residency.

Actor and friend of the band Nicolas Cage helped kicked off the sold-out show by getting concertgoers amped up as Guns N’ Roses prepared to take Las Vegas by storm.

• Full story/details/info: Guns N’ Roses Launched Second Residency
• Click to Book Tickets Now: Guns N’ Roses

• Season Five Winner Of “Rupaul’s Drag Race,” Jinkx Monsoon, Attends ABSINTHE At Caesars PalaceBook Absinthe Las Vegas Tickets Now

• The Party Never Stops With Rockhouse’s Endless Daiquiri Cup At Electric Daisy Carnival

Book Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas Tickets Now

Father’s Day Las Vegas 2014

• Rockhouse Celebrates Father’s Day With Hot Dogs And Beer

• Tacos & Tequila Inside Luxor Throws A Father’s Day Fiesta With Steak, Shrimp, And Shots

• La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway At Wynn To Satisfy Father’s Day Cravings With Spirit & Steak Special

• M Resort Las Vegas Has What Dads Want This Father’s Day

• Rhumbar At Mirage Celebrates Father’s Day With A Dynamic Deal For Dads

• Trevi Restaurant Honors Dads With Rustic Prix Fixe Menu For La Festa Del PapÓ

• PBR Rock Bar Inside Planet Hollywood Celebrates Father’s Day With BBQ, Beer, And Bull Rides

Click Here To See More Father’s Day Events And Specials

Las Vegas Dining

Now Open at Bally’s, BLT Steak Brings Back Legendary Sterling Brunch – Now open at Bally’s Las Vegas, BLT Steak brings sophisticated design, quality service and classic steakhouse fare to the revitalized hotel and casino. BLT Steak also reinstates the award-winning weekend staple, Sterling Brunch.

Regarded as the premier brunch in Las Vegas, the Bally’s institution of forty years, Sterling Brunch made its triumphant return on May 24, 2014, with the same excellence in service and fare but in a more modern and stylish presentation synonymous with BLT Steak. Sterling Brunch will now be offered both Saturdays and Sundays, and will be showcased in a sleek built-in buffet space with roll-top chafers. Guests will once again be able to indulge in the finest fare of caviar, lobster tails, fresh-shucked oysters, Alaskan king crab legs, and never-ending glasses of Perrier JouÙt Champagne, mimosas and bloody marys. Gluten-free items will also be available, and a personally guided tour of all offerings will be given upon request.

• Full story/details/info: BLT Steak Brings Back Legendary Sterling Brunch

Trevi Heats Up The Season With New Italian Menu Specialties And Cocktails – Trevi Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, has introduced three new specialty menu items and cocktails to enjoy during the spring and summer seasons.

Executive Chef Peter Scaturro evokes the best of land and sea with dishes including: chicken limone featuring grilled chicken spun with broccoli, sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts in a zesty lemon cream sauce.

• Full story/details/info: Trevi’s New Italian Menu Specialties And Cocktails

• Anthony Bourdain Knows Good Food: Northern Thai in Las Vegas

• Taste the West: Las Vegas – See how Sin City has become a foodie’s paradise

More Las Vegas News

First Friday Las Vegas Celebrates The Art And Science Of Sound For “Hear, Here” On June 6 – First Friday Las Vegas, the largest arts and culture festival in the Western United States, has become the leader for family-friendly activities, art, cultural enrichment, educational efforts, imagination, community and more; mostly low cost or free of cost, for every age.

• Full story/details/info: First Friday Celebrates “Hear, Here”

• McCarran Medical Clinic And Pharmacy To Open Its Doors At McCarran International Airport

• How to be a high roller, or pinch pennies, at Vegas’ sparkly CityCenter

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

• Father’s Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (June 13-15)

Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…

Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Memorial Day is behind us, temps are pushing 100 F (38 C), and summertime is here. Depending on where you live, many of you have already seen the #VegasSeason ads (which parody all the fervor around Christmas marketing). We sit on the edge of our time zone, which means a really early sunrise this time of year. For those of you who simply can’t get off of Eastern time during your visit, you’ll find our 5 AM sunrises don’t have you waking in the dark. For you night owls, the weather around midnight (or later) is quite comfortable. For you show-goers, shoppers, and gamblers, you’ll be indoors all the time anyway!

15’th Anniversary Issue – I don’t tend to make a big deal out of milestones. They are a nice way to show longevity and get a pat on the back, but as I always say, “Time flies when you don’t know what you are doing!” And… our 15’th Anniversary Issue was actually last week. (I had the date wrong in my head). So, now this newsletter is 15 years and 1 week old.

You can go take a quick look here: Access Vegas Insider Vibe û May 20, 1999 We’ve come a long way, but that also necessitates our need to move to a paid membership program (just as you pay for other publications that provide you content and insight you enjoy). The first issue was basically one article! Click For Membership Details

The Vegas Spread – With those disinterested in baseball already focusing on NFL football, and some sportsbooks posting early lines, I’m reading articles that say “Vegas thinks this team will win x number of games…”. Here’s they way it actually works: Las Vegas oddsmakers simply pick a number that they feel the betting public will embrace.

For example, if the over-under on how many games a certain team will win this year is 9, that doesn’t mean that Vegas experts think the team will win exactly 9 games. What that means is that Vegas thinks that half the bettors out there who may place this wager think that the team will win more than 9, and half will feel that the team will win 9 or fewer. The Vegas line is simply set so that an even amount of money gets bet on each side of a particular wager they offer.

The casino simply hands the losers money to the winners, taking a commission for their profit. Which is why you need to generally bet $11 to win $10 on games. That extra dollar goes to the casino.

Laughlin, Nevada

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Laughlin Tours – You asked and we answered! We get pretty regular requests for day tours to down to Laughlin. Imagine better gambling, lower limits, a minimum of rowdy 22 year olds, and reasonably-priced food. All in a group of casinos along a beautiful river walk, one after the other.

The price? $10 gets you a round-trip experience in a luxury motorcoach, and a lunch buffet it tossed in. From there, you are free to do what you want. For those of you who have thought about taking a day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Valley Of Fire, or similar, this is a great way to get your toes wet (and finding out that you won’t vaporize if you get off The Strip and enjoy some of our stunning desert scenery).

Details in the Ground Tours section at our tours page AccessVegas.com/Tours

Downtown Jumping The Shark? – A few years ago, while many out-of-town “Vegas” bloggers were oblivious to it, downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience were heating up. We knew because we were down there seeing it with our own eyes. And… passing the info along to you.

However… times are changing and a few months ago I started to suggest staying away from downtown on weekends. (I don’t go down there on Friday or Saturday anymore… too busy, crowded, and crazy).

Derek Stevens, the CEO of the D Las Vegas and the Golden Gate, told the council, ôI am on the front line. I don’t want to belabor what we’re seeing on TripAdvisor.ö He was referring to comments from people who say they’ll never return to such a sleazy downtown and advising others to stay away.

ôIt’s a fact that it’s mass chaos on Fremont Street,ö acknowledged Councilman Stavros Anthony, a retired police captain. ôThere are bums eating out of garbage cans; people are really drunk. Ma and Pa Kettle from Iowa are not going to go back to Fremont Street.

From Booze and busker battle underway in downtown Las Vegas

At this point, I’m not saying to stay away. The food and liquor prices are still decent, and the gambling odds are better. If staying down there, the El Cortez, Main Street Station, California and Lady Luck Downtown Grand are a block away from the mayhem and noise. But for now, we’re suggesting avoiding Fremont Street on the weekends. Too crazy and too crowded. Speaking Of…

The Strike – As we send this out, a few downtown hotels still have not settled with the union, who is threatening a June 1 strike of hotels that have not agreed to their demands. The hotels still without contracts are Four Queens and Binion’s (same owners) Plaza and Las Vegas Club (same owners) and Golden Gate. Ironically, the last strike was a 9 day strike against the Golden Gate in 2002.

I’d guess that these will get settled. However, with our still high unemployment rate and plenty of qualified casino workers out-of-work, it wouldn’t be difficult for properties who wanted to go non-union to do so now. The Frontier was picketed during a 6 year strike in the 90’s and they still seemed to get people in their door during that time.

Ride The Las Vegas (New Mexico) X-Train – We’ve chronicled the push to bring upscale rail service to Las Vegas from Southern California. The train is to have comfortable luxury seating, wi-fi, two lounge cars, and more. One little glitch: They can’t come to an agreement with the two railroads who own the tracks.

Instead of twiddling their thumbs, X-Train is prepping to start tourist service between Santa Fe, NM and Lamy, NM. (OK, neither is Las Vegas, NM but this is in the same general region). If you live or vacation in that area and take a ride, we’d love to hear all about it at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com so we have an idea of what the Las Vegas – L.A. service may be like! We’re bullish on the concept not just because it will be a new way for Southern Californian’s to get here, but an additional way our European friends (already used to rail travel) to see the great Southwest in comfort as the pop over to Hollywood for a couple of days during their 2-3 week Vegas stay.

Great Casino Slots – Takes the Cake (aka The Lost Episode) – Regular readers remember a series we did with noted gaming author Victor Royer about some of the interesting newer slot machines available now.

This misfiled video was lost at the time, and since Takes The Cake slots have become more popular than ever. Victor wanted us to also share that at that time the game was only available with a max-bet of 225 credits. But today – as you will see from the real-money in-casino play footage – the game is available with a max-bet of 450 credits.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley

What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• SLS Las Vegas: Reimagining the North Strip – Take a behind-the-scenes look at the construction chapter of the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, formerly the Sahara Hotel. In recent years, the North end of the Las Vegas Strip has shown the effects of a struggling economy. Today, the area is transforming with SLS being the first hotel in years to open on the burgeoning North end of the Strip Labor Day Weekend 2014.

• Chef David Walzog Brings Rare Species Of Fish From Ocean To Table – Lakeside Restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas is redefining what ‘fresh seafood’ means, making rare species of fish available to Wynn Las Vegas diners, many for the first time. Join Chef David Walzog on his journey to Hawaii and see what it takes to bring the fresh fish from “Ocean to Table.”

• Wayne Newton: May 23rd, 1989 Full Concert Live From The Las Vegas Hilton – “Wayne Newton: Live In Concert” Pay-Per-View Special carried live inside the Las Vegas Hilton in its entirety from May 23rd, 1989. Prepare yourself to enjoy this two-hour show!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Last issue, we asked our European friends why they choose to visit Las Vegas during our hot summers (as opposed to other times of year). Here is a sample of the great answers we got:

Coming from the UK, our summers are usually short, wet and very rarely does the temperature go above 85F (29C). So to visit Vegas in the summer is a must for me, The Triple digit Temperatures just add to the atmosphere, it’s a desert Town, you need the heat to go with it.

Also it is a pleasure to walk around at night with temperatures still in the 90’s F (32-37 C) even after midnight. Though one of the years I must visit Vegas on New Year’s !!!

Darren Cresswell

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In response to your question, I’m from London UK and think that maybe we Brits choose to visit in July and August because our schools shut down for 6 weeks from mid July till early September. If you want a family holiday in Vegas the kids can come with you or if you want an adult holiday away then the kids go away to Summer schools. We as parents get fined if we take our children on holiday during Term time.

We also want to be guaranteed the good weather!! The UK in July/August can still be wet, cold and windy!!

Thank for a fabulous website, I love looking at it. Keep up the good work!! Can’t wait for my next visit to Vegas……..in October!

Kind regards,

Kim Barnes

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I have a home in Las Vegas which I have had for a number of years after moving to Vegas from Los Angeles approximately 10 years ago. I really love it here. I have a second home in London and have lived in the UK for over 10 years and got my British citizenship a few years ago.

In regards to your question as to why Europeans visit Las Vegas in the Summer it is a tradition that many Europeans take their long vacations during that time of the year. In most European countries people by law get at least 4 weeks of paid vacation and companies expect that most of these days will be taken in the Summer. In France it is a tradition that people take the entire month of August off and go on their vacation, leaving the big cities for the countryside or for other countries. Many restaurants and shops and companies in France close during this time period so people can take their vacation then.

Have you ever tried going to Paris in August? If so, you will see a lot of shops and restaurants will be closed for that month. As this practice is quite ingrained in the culture of many European countries I wouldn’t expect any quick change in peoples habits in regards to when they take their vacations.

Hope this answers your question. And, keep of the good work on your Newsletter.

gmofield2000

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Thanks to everyone who wrote in. We’re always working to understand your Vegas travel habits and wishes to better serve you!

Note to Darren: Yes, you must do New Years Eve at least once to knock it off your bucket list. The entire Vegas Strip is closed to traffic with fireworks going off from 7 hotel rooftops. We’re the only Vegas publication that I’m aware of who devotes space each year with our advice, tips, and tricks for experiencing New Years Eve in Las Vegas.

Note To All: We have not made a big deal of it yet, but our new YouTube channel has over 300 videos on it now, including New Years Eve fireworks, poker lessons, Butch Harmon golf lessons, retro and archived video of Vegas shows and clubs, implosions and more! Go to your channel https://www.youtube.com/user/AllVegasTV/videos and make sure to bookmark it. With that much to watch, you’ll want to come back time and time again!

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.

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.

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Las Vegas – Enjoy 24-hour checkout times only when you book online! Book Now!	Stay at Bally’s Las Vegas and get choice of One Day SPA Treatments
Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $52/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!	Save up to 15% Off at Harrah’s Palace Las Vegas
Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.	Caesars Palace Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets Deal! Stay 2 Nights From $134/Night & Get 2 All-Day, All Access Buffet Passes to 8 Buffets in Sin City!
The Quad – Best Rate Guarantee – Rates low as $30 a night, Center Strip right at LINQ!	Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

Click To View ALL Las Vegas Hotel Deals

Print Too Small? (Deals – Large Print)

This Week’s Top Tours

	Experience Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, all of Vegas by helicopter, save 30%!
	See the Grand Canyon and experience the Skywalk without eating up your entire day by flying over and back
	Ever want to race a dune buggy through the Nevada desert terrain? Now’s your chance!
	Witness Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and fly down into the Grand Canyon by helicopter. Plus champagne and BBQ at The Canyon!
	Western Sunset Horseback + BBQ Dinner Ride through stunning scenery surrounding Vegas. Truly experience the west!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Reality Star Scheana Marie Of Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules” Joins The Raucous Fun Of Absinthe – Reality TV star Scheana Marie from Bravo TV’s “Vanderpump Rules” was spotted in Las Vegas enjoying various activities on the Las Vegas Strip. Her selection in entertainment included a stop at the Strip’s “Best Adult Show” ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace March 2014. Following, she gracefully accepted The Gazillionaire’s desire to immortalize her experience and agreed to snap a photo with him and Penny Pibbets in the Spiegeltent. Talk about a way to remember ABSINTHE forever!

• Full story/details/info: Reality Star Scheana Marie Attends Absinthe

• In its second go-round, ‘Mamma Mia!’ returns with UNLV grad in the cast

  Book MAMMA MIA! Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Fifties-themed Riviera show, “Forever Doo Wop,” belongs on to doo lists

  Book Forever Doo Wop Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Britney Spears is offered $12 million one-year extension at Planet Hollywood

  Book Britney Spears Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Legends In Concert – There’s No Business Like Show Business

  Book Legends In Concert Las Vegas Tickets Now

• The Quad Resort & Casino Headliner Frank Marino To Celebrate 25,000 Performances

  Book Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas Tickets Now

Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos

Delano Offers First Look At Elevated Hotel Experience – Fusing the chic style of the iconic South Beach brand with the vibrant energy of the Las Vegas Strip, Delano Las Vegas will come to life at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino later this year.

Anchored by intimate yet energetic public spaces and sophisticated accommodations, the non-smoking, all-suite boutique hotel will appeal to the most discerning travelers from around the globe. At Delano Las Vegas, guests will discover a blend of personalized service and effortless luxury coupled with unexpected elements of individuality and high-concept design.

• Full story/details/info: Delano Offers First Look At Elevated Hotel Experience

SLS Hotel Enhances Culinary Offerings With The SLS Buffet And The Perq And Announces Collaboration With Lamill Coffee – SLS Hotel & Casino adds to its impressive selection of culinary experiences on property with two original food and beverage concepts by global hospitality leader sbe, The SLS Buffet and The Perq coffee bar. The modern buffet is an original design by Gensler architects in collaboration with renowned design consultant Philippe Starck, and The Perq marks the partnership between sbe and LAMILL Coffee. Opening with the property this Labor Day weekend, The SLS Buffet and The Perq provide standout, approachable dining experiences at SLS.

• Full story/details/info: SLS Hotel Enhances Culinary Offerings

• Station Casinos reverses net loss, posts best first quarter since 2009
• $4B Resorts World Vegas project crosses hurdle

Las Vegas Dining

Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar Now Open At The Quad Resort & Casino – The highly anticipated Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar is now open at the Quad Resort & Casino. The restaurant opened its doors to customers for the first time on April 17, 2014 with Fieri at the helm welcoming guests to his new digs.

As the first diners entered, Fieri was at the door greeting guests, thanking them for coming, signing autographs and taking pictures before jumping back into the kitchen for dinner service. Photo credit: Erik Kabik.

• Full story/details/info: Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar Now Open

Aria And Hundred Acre Unite For Exclusive Wine Pairing Dinner At Sage – Celebrity Chef Shawn McClain’s Sage at Aria Resort & Casino will partner with Hundred Acre for a one-in-a-lifetime wine pairing dinner Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. The event will delight palates with a five-course menu, created by McClain and Sage Chef de Cuisine Richard Camarota. Each course will be paired with elegant selections from the winery, as selected by Sage Master Sommelier Nick Hetzel and the evening’s hosts, Hundred Acre Owner and Vintner Jayson Woodbridge and ARIA Director of Wine Kim Wood.

• Full story/details/info: Exclusive Wine Pairing Dinner At Sage

Fukuburger To Park At Fame (Food•Art•Music•Entertainment) In Linq – Fukuburger, the wildly popular food truck serving all-American burgers with a Japanese twist, will be the first to occupy the food truck station in the Asian market at FAME FoodÀArtÀMusicÀEntertainment, when it opens at The LINQ in May.

• Full story/details/info: Fukuburger To Park At Fame

• Holsteins: So Much More Than Burgers
• Is Liberace’s restaurant Candelabra reopening for business in Las Vegas?

Memorial Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014

Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar At Linq Las Vegas Hosts Memorial Day Weekend Patio Party – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar at The LINQ will celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a party on the bustling patio complete with a walk-up tequila bar and festive frozen drinks specials.

As Vegas is heating up, fiesta-goers can cool down with Chayo’s refreshing frozen drinks served in a 32-ounce souvenir cup, priced at $15. An extra shot of tequila can be added to the pi±a colada, mango strawberry or margarita concoction for an additional $5. Live DJs will bring high-energy beats and sexy bull riders will take a ride on the wild side with Chayo, the mechanical bull.

• Full story/details/info: Chayo Celebrates Memorial Day Weekend

Salsa Over To Tacos & Tequila And Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend With A Mexican Fiesta – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will raise glasses to those who served our country this Memorial Day weekend with food and drink specials from Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26.

• Full story/details/info: Tacos & Tequila Celebrates Memorial Day Weekend

• Escape The Heat With Trevi Time Specials This Memorial Day Weekend At Trevi Italian Restaurant

More Las Vegas News

• Las Vegas fights to stay king of convention cities (with video)
• Securing cash and drug: the other side of Nevada’s pot business
• The Do and Don’t of Baccarat
• As it woos the GOP, Las Vegas’ anything-goes image isn’t an asset
• Passwords, Secret Bookshelves And The Opening Of 1923 Bourbon & Burlesque
• ‘Vegas Rat Rods’ celebrates inner beauty
• Cha-ching! This is reel nostalgia
• Hershey’s Chocolate World nears unwrapping at New York-New York
• New stores and restaurants slated for Forum Shops and Miracle Mile Shops
• Second USO canteen opens at McCarran International Airport
• Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop At Paris Announces Summer Open Bar Offerings

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

• Memorial Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 23-26)

Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…

Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – We hit our first 100 F (38C) degree day, and it feels good. All is right with the world again. For those of you going “Oh, that is way too hot”, keep in mind that with 15% humidity, it really is no big deal. How many of you who went through some of the brutal winter cold in the US and Canada this past year would have just about killed to feel the Las Vegas version of 100 degrees on some of those bitter days!

Stay Hydrated, And I Mean It! – As usual, my summer warning: Stay hydrated when you visit. It will lessen your hangover, help with your sunburn, and generally make you feel better. With our low humidity, you aren’t noticing the moisture loss from sweat. (It dries off your skin instantly). When you buy a drink, there is no crime in asking for ice water in a pint glass back with it. (I tell them to go easy on the ice so I get a decent amount of water in me).

Contrary to some of the crazy rumors out there, our tap water is 100% safe to drink. (I hope so, or I’d be dead). It does have a high mineral content, thus a taste that some of you may not be used to. When you get back to your room for that afternoon rest and at the end of the night, have a glass (or two) right out of the tap. Just get it down. Do that a couple times a day and you’ll thank me later.

  by  Justin in SD 

Cosmo Sold – The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas — a foreclosed upon, bank-owned property — has been sold to the Blackstone Group. Deutsche Bank never made a profit while they held it. Blackstone seems to like distressed properties, as they were known for buying up single family homes in our area during the bust. (BTW, just about anybody who did made off like a bandit).

What does that mean for the future of the property? I wouldn’t expect any big changes anytime soon. Despite being a popular property with some of the best standard rooms in town (as they were slated to be condos), and known for their amazing mixology at their bars, the property has struggled to attract gamblers. However, the price the sale went off at bodes well for Las Vegas Strip casino valuation. Confidence in Las Vegas is getting very strong again (as I already was the first to report on a couple of weeks ago). Speaking of…

  by  airlines470 

Up, Up, And Away – March set a record for the most people passing through Las Vegas’ McCarran airport since 2008. International traffic looks particularly good, which works for us! While the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority hopes to attract a full 25-30% of our visitors from outside the United States within the next few years, that is already around the percentage of international visitors who make up our readers! You are spending a significant amount of time and money to visit here, and we appreciate the trust you put in us to help guide you to a better Vegas experience!

In related news, Spirit Airlines has launched Kansas City to Las Vegas service with a red-eye that arrives here around 11:00 PM and turns around to depart on the return journey at 1:00 AM. (Spirit is the discount airline that pretty much charges you for everything except using the airplane bathroom and breathing the air on the plane).

So, why is this important news? Many of you may remember a decade ago when Las Vegas was a hotbed of red-eye service. As an America West hub, countless flights arrived prior to midnight, to be turned around and sent all over the country. Some visitors enjoyed being able to squeeze every last minute possible out of their vacation, then sleep it off on the way home. Lack of demand and airline mergers put an end to this.

We’re hoping Spirit’s move triggers a resurgence. If they can fill the seats, the airlines love it because they make more out of each jet during a 24 hour period. Planes don’t make money when they sit on the ground!

  by  jonashaffer 

Living Up To Their Name – Hooters has bikini contests Saturdays 1-3 PM at their pool. Combine it with their “$4 Any Beer” and it might not be a bad way for a group of guys to enjoy a couple of hours. Hooters pool is open 24/7 and open to the public. Admission is free. We have local friends who live over that way and will pop over there just to stick their feet in the water and have a drink.

Uber Users Rejoice – Uber, a company that hooks up willing drivers (and their cars) with passengers who need rides, is coming to Las Vegas this month. Uber demands that drivers have clean, 4 door sedans and transactions are electronic. You “hail” an Uber car via a smart phone app. Passengers rate drivers, and visa-versa for quality control. For those of you in other cities who use and appreciate not having to deal with cab companies, you may soon enjoy this as another option to perhaps get to and from the airport.

Probably not so much of a good option hotel-to-hotel. Too much hassle for the locals who drive to fight Strip traffic and come get you. But it is a great way to get back at the long-hauling taxi drivers. Another option which we used to note often (and which we’ll return to reminding you of in the future) is to book a town car or limo. It isn’t that much more expensive than a cab, you pay a set fee, and you arrive in style!

Paging Burton Cohen – Those who vaguely remember the old TV series Vega$ with Robert Urich might remember the constant paging of a guy named Burton Cohen at the Desert Inn shooting location. Cohen, a long time casino manager for many of our city’s historic properties, recently passed away at 90. Stories: Las Vegas casino icon Burton Cohen dies and Burton Cohen: A legend and genuine to the core

Best Of Update – If you have not voted in this round of our Best Las Vegas Hotels poll, you need to do so ASAP. We’re pitting the top 64 Las Vegas properties head-to-head in a unique playoff structure and your vote matters:

• Best Of Las Vegas Hotels Voting
• View The Hotels Voting Playoff Bracket

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley

What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Mike on a Monday #51: Jersey Boys – After having a great run in the Las Vegas Half, I got the chance to relax and see some shows, including the smash Broadway show, “Jersey Boys“. Critically acclaimed, I take you behind the scenes of this one-of-a-kind production based on the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
• Las Vegas New Years Eve 2013-2014 Fireworks – Why are we running this now? If you want to knock New Years Eve Las Vegas off of your bucket list (and, it should be on everyone’s bucket list), you want to start thinking about it strongly during the next couple months to get the time off and start watching air and room prices. Unsure it would be worth it? Watch this video and see for yourself. Imagine yourself on the Las Vegas Strip with blazing, thundering fireworks going off in just about every direction!
• Street Performers Peeved Over Downtown Las Vegas Bathroom Ban – Street performers bring a lot of entertainment to the Fremont Street Experience, but some of them say they are being forced out of the area when it comes to taking a bathroom break. Numerous downtown street performers told 8 News NOW that the casinos aren’t letting them use the restrooms and they feel they are being unfairly targeted.
• I-15 Las Vegas, Nevada Time Lapse Video 2014 – You are on I-15 headed north just before topping the hill that lets you down into the Las Vegas Valley. The Strip is in the distance and M Resort is on your right (at the St. Rose Parkway exit). For the many of you who fly in, this is your chance to experience the end of the journey for the tens of millions of people who drive in from California each year. YouÆll proceed along The Strip then onto downtown. 20 years ago, this was a two lane highway in each direction.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I have just returned from Vegas and, after reading Vegas Pete’s letter in the latest Newsletter, I must say I agree with him regarding the confusion of some of the Hotels now and also agree with you that Vegas is still a great place; it is one of my favourite destinations. I am from the U.K. and have a fear of flying, so wouldn’t travel the distance every year if I didn’t love the place.

However, I hate the City Center; it looks so out of place amongst the beautiful themed hotels. Also, when walking from the South End to the North End of the Strip, we have to go into the City Center to get to Monte Carlo & Beyond, instead of being able to walk along the Strip. The other side of the Strip is the same, having to enter Walgreens to get to Planet Hollywood & Beyond and this we find annoying as we use to love to walk on the Strip and it takes us where we don’t wish to go.

Also, many 1-cent slot machines are now a minimum of 30-40 cents a play and don’t seem to pay out as often. Slowly, it is destroying my yearning to return. I don’t wish to be a moaning misery but the things we enjoyed that took us there every year are slowly disappearing.

Kind Regards,

Marlene

Ted Responds:

I’m going to ask their parent company not to shoot the messenger here, but CityCenter is probably a Top-5 complaint in our mailbag since they have opened. Don’t get me wrong: People who stay there absolutely adore the property. Everyone else seems really not like the design and color (noting it looks out-of-place on our skyline) and/or hates the maze created if you walk that area. There has always been something so awesome about walking The Strip… right on the sidewalk.

Keep in mind the tram from Bellagio to Monte Carlo is available. However, even that is a bit of a pain. Instead of the old tram station next to the Bellagio Gardens, you have to walk way towards the back of the hotel to catch it.

The concept of the walkovers were created as The Strip got more and more jammed with traffic, which was further hampered by pedestrians crossing the streets. However, our county commissioners, who probably couldn’t find their way around The Strip if their life depended on it (hey guys, The Sands isn’t there anymore) rubber-stamp the new pedestrian traffic patterns without regard to the visitor experience.

I understand wanting to route visitors through shopping. This trend got started way back when Harrah’s was allowed to revamp their entrance and loop people around through the Carnival Court area. However, if the frustration starts to get on the list of reasons that pile up to keep people from visiting as often, you are defeating the purpose.

As we’ve noted in the past, penny slots are the tightest of any denomination. And, you need to play a whole lot more than one cent at a time to win anything of value. The only way to make money at penny slot is to kill time at them playing slow and low, and see how many free drinks you can down versus how little you can get away playing. If you want decent payouts, move over the the quarter slots. Playing pennies loaded (full credits) is going to cost as much or more than quarter slots.

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.

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

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This Week’s Top Tours

	Air/Land/Water: Experience a Grand Canyon expedition from Las Vegas, with a helicopter trip and Colorado River rafting!
	Experience Grand Canyon via Plane, Helicopter, and Hiking (optional). BBQ! A true southwest experience!
	Drive your dream car (Ferrari, Lamborghini, more) around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR track starting only $199!
	VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour via helicopter trip to and from the Skywalk. Stunning views! Expedited and exclusive arrangements available.
	Visit the Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas just one block from the famous Fremont Street Experience!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Special Effects Makeup Artist/Designer & “Faceoff” Celebrity Judge Glenn Hetrick Attends Absinthe – Glenn Hetrick, special effects makeup artist/designer and celebrity judge of the Syfy hit reality TV series “FaceOff,” was spotted attending ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace on May 2, 2014. Following the show, The Gazillionaire and his assistant Penny Pibbets welcomed Hetrick backstage where he shared words of enthusiasm for the show and took photos with the outlandish duo. Photo Credit: Ben Lewis/Spiegelworld.

• Full story/details/info: “Faceoff” Celebrity Judge Glenn Hetrick Attends Absinthe
• Click to Book Tickets Now: Absinthe

• Spandex smash ‘Mamma Mia!’ is ready to take it all at Tropicana Theater

  Book MAMMA MIA! Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Olivia Newton-John no bad girl, and that’s good
• Olivia Newton-John gets a fast start on summer lovin’ in Las Vegas

  Book Olivia Newton-John Las Vegas Tickets Now

• New ‘Men: The Experience’ is taking it off at the Riviera

  Book Men: The Experience Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Rod Stewart feels like a guy who has all the luck

  Book Las Vegas Tickets Now

• ‘Peepshow’ alums staying busy
• Steve Wynn and Steve Lawrence working on Sinatra tribute
• More to be revealed as Holly Madison’s show takes shape; Bob Anderson due for a makeover as Sinatra

Las Vegas Attractions

• Fremont Street Experience’s SlotZilla zip line open (with video)
• Groundbreaking Attractions: Over and Under in the New Las Vegas (with video)
• Cowabunga! Henderson water park almost done for summer opening (with video)
• Brooklyn Bowl’s Cuisine Lives Up to Its Cool Culture
• Red Rock Canyon a popular destination for locals and world travelers
• Neon Museum Las Vegas
• Las Vegas attractions let you be the Village People
• Take scenic excursion on Cottonwood Valley Road

Dining and Dancing

La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway At Wynn Hotel Springs In New Menu Items To Complement Summer – La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas has welcomed the warmer weather with new seasonal menu items as well as refreshing spring cocktails.

Michael and Jenna Morton bring spring to their guests by integrating a new crop of fresh ingredients into lighter seasonal selections. New items include the ahi tuna made with pickled cucumber and soy glaze, priced at $16; tableside smoked salmon with Dijon caper sauce and onion confit, priced at $16; Moroccan chicken skewers with pear chutney and Tzatziki sauce served with pita, priced at $16; and duck breast with crispy Shiitake and Bourbon molasses, priced at $23.

• Full story/details/info: La Cave Springs In New Menu Items To Complement Summer

Mandalay Bay To Host Beer Vs. Wine Pairing Dinner At MiX – Mandalay Bay will set the stage for a fun and interactive culinary competition between two of the leading beverage experts in Las Vegas Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. at miX Restaurant.

Hosted by Mandalay Bay’s Director of Food and Beverage and Certified Cicerone Sarah Johnson and Director of Wine Harley Carbery, the exclusive dinner menu, created by miX Executive Chef Bruno Riou, will pair each course with a beer and wine selection. Carbery will explain to guests why his wine pairing is the best choice followed by Johnson, who will entice guests to select beer as the ideal pairing for a specific course. The two will go head-to-head throughout the culinary experience with the assistance of Winemaker Russell From of Herman Story Wines and Brewmaster Matthew Brynildson of Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

• Full story/details/info: Mandalay Bay To Host Beer Vs. Wine Pairing Dinner At MiX

• Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop At Paris Announces Summer Open Bar Offerings
• Giada De Laurentiis is ready to join the all-male Caesars Entertainment restaurant empire
• Tommy Bahama Town Square Announces Tacos & Tequila Menu
• Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis joins Caesars Entertainment’s all-male headlining chef roster, welcomes you to her new home in the Cromwell

Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos

• The Cromwell is open for business (with photos)
• Las Vegas Casinos Conserve Water Amid Drought
• Miracle Mile Shops At Planet Hollywood May Events, Deals, And Promotions
• Riviera Hotel & Casino Announces May Food, Beverage and Gaming Deals and Promotions
• MGM Resorts arena will be a rockin’ venue in every which way

More Las Vegas News

• Allegiant Air adding ‘Giant Seats’ to planes used on longer flights
• Las Vegas home prices post first monthly drop in two years
• Marijuana continues march to mainstream
• How one ad campaign changed the face of Las Vegas
• Faster Wi-Fi on flights leads to battle in the sky
• Las Vegas’s housing market recovers from its losing streak
• Test your Sin City smarts in the Best of Las Vegas trivia quiz
• As it woos the GOP, Las Vegas’ anything-goes image isn’t an asset

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

• Memorial Day Weekend Las Vegas 2014 (May 23-26)

Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…

Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re just a couple weeks away from the 15’th Anniversary of this newsletter (yeah for us) and I think this is one of the longest yet. If you printed both the newsletter and all the stories we link to out, you’d be holding a magazine in your hand!

We have been exploring putting out a tablet-compatible version that would read like a magazine and trust me, we’re seriously exploring it. If we do, it will be towards the fall when we revamp our main AccessVegas.com site to be more compatible with mobile devices. First however, we want to do a great launch with our new paid membership program and really super-serve those willing to pitch in and help us keep the great content coming.

MAMMA MIA! Back To Take Las Vegas By Storm – Long time visitors will remember that Mamma Mia! had a great run for years and years at Mandalay Bay. This hit show is now back in town at The Tropicana, freshened up, and ready for all to enjoy! Check out the video below and then grab your official tickets by clicking on the MAMMA MIA! button in the left sidebar.

Great Minds Think Alike – About a day after we punched “send” on our last newsletter — an issue where I noted that Las Vegas is indeed back (or pretty close) — Steve Wynn said the same thing:

Stop the presses. Steve Wynn declared Las Vegas is on the road to recovery Thursday.

At the outset of a first-quarter conference call with analysts, the Wynn Resorts Ltd. chairman and CEO said he was “feeling good about Las Vegas, better than I had in the past.” (Full Article)

We were obviously having the same thought during the same week, and it honestly appears we’re the first two who are really singing this out so far. (Obviously, I’m not comparing myself to Wynn. He’s a mogul, responsible for modern-day Las Vegas, and someone that I generally greatly admire).

However, when other outlets start touting in a few weeks that Las Vegas is back, you’ll remember where you heard it first!

Ben Affleck And The Hard Rock – Those who follow celebrity gossip (or are way too attentive about all things Vegas) know that actor Ben Affleck was allegedly asked to no longer play blackjack at the Hard Rock Casino here after allegations of card counting. First of all, I commend him for his skill. I did plenty of card counting in the 90’s (profitably) and it is not easy to learn nor execute.

However, the Afflek issue has been blown out of proportion as card counting is not illegal. Can a casino ask anyone to quit playing at anytime for any reason? Yes. As they did with Afflek. It doesn’t make you a criminal.

Why did I not continue my career? It can be a tough way to grind out a profit unless you have a bankroll in the hundreds of thousands to bet big enough to both make the big bucks and withstand the statistical swings. The same amount of time and effort as an entrepreneur proved to pay the bills with less stress.

Rock In Vegas In Rio – May 2015 will bring a version of the famed three-decade running Rock In Rio festival to Las Vegas. 80,000 people per day will enjoy an entertainment “city” with live music by major artists on five different stages. The location? The big empty lot across from SLS (former Sahara) which was slated to be the location for MGM’s CityCenter II back when everyone was foolish enough to think that Las Vegas was well on its way to 60 million visitors per year.

The cool thing? Once the festival is gone, much of the infrastructure will stay in place, creating a new “festival” ground right on the Las Vegas Strip. Who is salivating right about now? SLS owner Sam Nazarian will have ready-made events outside his front door on a somewhat regular basis. The monorail, which will be the transportation of choice for many who are staying farther down The Strip. The Riviera, Stratosphere, Artisan, and Palace Station for being the other nearest properties not owned by The MGM. If enough regular events happen, it might even spur the completion of Fontainebleau.

Festival dates are May 8-9 and May 15-16 in 2015. Unless you are planning to attend, these will be “must avoid” dates for a Vegas stay. We’ll keep you posted down the road. Locals will need to also remember to steer very clear of Sahara and The Blvd. during this time. (Desert Inn Arterial and Oakey/Western will make good alternates).

Dial All 10 Digits – This only applies to locals and/or those of you with 702 phone numbers, either with a cell phone or one of those internet phone devices that let you pick any area code: You must now dial all 10 digits in a phone number when calling any number in Clark County. We’re about out of numbers, so they added the 725 area code. Hence, the call needs all 10 digits to get to the right place.

I’m not exactly pleased with this. In most states, an area code is split up, with a certain geographic region getting the new code. An area code is an identity. Fortunately, between home phone, cell phone, and some MagicJack devices, I have enough 702’s to keep me happy.

Here’s why this matters: In a month when the 725 starts to get issued (they plan to quit issuing 702’s), anybody new to the area will be branded by the new area code. And… Las Vegas is a town that does not particularly trust newcomers (dirty little secret). Especially when it comes to business and hiring. Because so many people move here and leave within a year, new residents can be judged (fairly or otherwise) as being flighty. Nothing will say “new” like 725. If this all matters to you, scoop up a 702 while you can. Probably by finding one of those internet phone numbers that can be transferred to another phone once you move here.

Ladies… And… Gentlemen… Cast Your “Best Hotel In Las Vegas” Votes! – The preliminary “play-in” round is done. The Four Queens and Quad were play-in co-champions and move into the main round of the top 64 Las Vegas hotels, all vying to be crowned the AccessVegas.com Best Hotel In Las Vegas. Now… this is a readers poll. No phony “expert” choices. No unexplained nominations. You readers are the ones who will vote in each match-up every week until we crown YOUR winner!

First take a peek at the match-ups, and see how things are stacking up, and maybe conjecture who could end up being that Cinderella team that surprises early on:

AccessVegas.com Best Of Las Vegas Hotels
Main Round Bracket

Now… Get busy and vote! Voting is super-easy. You’ll click on the First Round playoff choice, then you’ll be presented with two hotels. Pick the one you feel is the better Las Vegas property, and you’ll be presented with two more. Quick and easy, work your way through and YOUR vote will automatically be tabulated and your voice heard!

AccessVegas.com Best Of Las Vegas Hotels Voting

Next issue, we’ll tabulate current results and present the next round.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley

What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Las Vegas Turf Wars: Casinos Gamble on Thrill Rides – For decades, Las Vegas casinos have been trying to one-up each other with high-end restaurants, mega clubs, and even thrill rides — all in a bid to lure gamblers. But the latest attraction, built by Caesars, is part of a bigger strategy to win the Vegas turf war, once and for all. Bloomberg’s Trish Regan took a spin on the appropriately-named “High Roller” with CEO Gary Loveman to get his strategy.
• Delano Las Vegas Offers First Look At Transformation – THEhotel at Mandalay Bay is in the process of a re-branding and make-over. Delano is an existing Miami-based hotel brand in the process of expanding to Las Vegas, Cesme, Moscow and Cartagena. (No, we had not heard of them either, but it looks really nice!)
• Las Vegas In The 1940’s With Bugsy Siegel – Las Vegas, 1940’s, appearing Ben “Bugsy” Siegel, Bruce Cabot and Michael Romanoff. Filmed by Pedro Serramalera OlivÚ. An amazing look at the origins of the Las Vegas Strip and old Highway 91 as it stretches to Los Angeles outside of Las Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I live in the UK and visited Vegas for the first time in 1997 with my mum as part of a tour and loved it so much that I have been back every other year since 2005, with a mixture of friends and family. I had planned to visit with my husband Neil last year, but unfortunately our boiler packed up and we had to buy a new one so that put paid to our plans. The good news is that we are back on track to visit this year… hurrah!

We normally visit for a week but this year we are coming for two weeks in (Neil’s) hopes that it will be a bit more relaxed. We have been saving and ebaying and have a tidy amount to spend so we intend to go for it.

Our plan is to visit around mid to late September and have alternate days out doing stuff and days around the pool to recover. The flights from the UK are horrendously expensive but fortunately the hotel rates are good and we are likely going to stay at the Orleans, which is where we have stayed the last three times we have visited. Great hotel and the shuttle to the strip makes it very easy to get about.

Looks like they have remodeled some rooms there and we will shell out the extra bit for one of those. I still can’t get my head round the daily resort charges $10 a day on top …ouch…

I am lucky enough to have visited the Grand Canyon twice before but Neil has never been and so we plan to do a helicopter trip there. I also want to visit Laughlin and have seen that you can do a free day trip there which is great.

The things on the agenda that we haven’t done before are Mob Museum, New Wheel –- I have been on the London Eye and it is an amazing experience — and Stratosphere 107 Lounge. We will go back to see Big Elvis….great show

Going to take Neil to see Human Nature who I saw with a group of girlies on my last trip and I know he will love and also Donny & Marie are on the agenda (for me at least) Will go back to visit all the hotels as usual and will look to do other shows as well. (Hoping Rod Stewart might be there)

I am also going to check out some different restaurants to eat in…..last visit we booked what should have been a special meal for my mums 75th birthday at Mon Ami Gabi and we were so dreadfully disappointed. Such poor service and average food. It’s not true that you always get what you pay for. Roulette – blackjack and slots also on the agenda…….

Blimey, I feel exhausted just thinking about it but so excited and sitting here on a dreary wet London day typing this has really cheered me up

See you in September!!

Best Wishes

Cheryl

PS When I am working and need cheering up I set my computer to pick up Earth Cam at the Welcome To Vegas sign….where else could you see Elvis posing for photos at 9.30 in the morning ..Viva Las Vegas

Ted Responds:

Sorry to hear about your boiler, but with the winter the UK gets, that has to be a priority! As a native of the Portland, Oregon area, I understand chilly temperatures and clouds and rain that seem to last for weeks.

Yes, you’ll find that a two week visit is much more relaxed. To combat the higher airfares, I suggest people come a little less often but stay a bit longer. You get more days here for the same amount of airfare price. You’ll find yourself not so rushed to fit everything in or attempt to go day after day with limited sleep.

You can go full out for a few days, then not feel like you are missing out if you take a day and just relax, rest, go to the pool, etc. You have plenty of time for those tours and attractions and activities that you know you really, really want to do, but often seem to get pushed away until “next time”.

You’ll really enjoy that Grand Canyon helicopter tour. There is no better way to see it up close and personally as you fly down into the Canyon. For readers looking for this great experience, click on over to our AccessVegas.com Tours Page where you’ll find descriptions plus phone numbers and live online chat where you can ask the tour experts any questions. We stand behind all the tours there, and know you’ll have a great time!

Everybody loves the Mob Museum! Make sure to plan a good couple of hours there. Time will fly as you visit three floors of absolutely incredible displays and exhibits that will fascinate and entertain at the same time. Highly recommended for an afternoon, then stay downtown for an evening on Fremont Street. (Many who stay on The Strip single out a particular evening to do downtown). We have more info and advance ticket purchase here: Las Vegas Mob Museum

Rod Stewart just announced a whole bunch of new dates. If you look in the sidebar of the newsletter here, you can see if he’ll be here when you are here! He’s also touring both the US, Canada,and has a couple of UK stops this year. For details on all his 2014 performances, check out our Rod Stewart Tour Ticket Details page.

For those going through Vegas depression (aka, that time you can’t be with us here), the cam she’s talking about is the Las Vegas Sign Webcam.

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.