Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 15, 2002

WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews, now with subscribers in over 80 countries around the world! This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about.

If you receive this by mistake, please note the simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others in its entirety. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to (click) mailto:newsletter@las-vegas-news-reviews.com

THIS ISSUE: Las Vegas News, Events, Updates

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for May / June:

* Lady Luck From $29.95 until 06/30/02
* Imperial Palace From $59.95 until 06/30/02
* Bellagio From $169.95 until 06/30/02

All of these deals and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm

LAS VEGAS: Tours, Entertainment, Hotels, Packages, Weddings, Gambling, Golf, Nightlife, Dining, and Weather — get it all at http://www.accessvegas.com !!!


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!


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

Hello from Las Vegas! Yes, we are a week late. I’d like to tell I was playing hooky and enjoying the sunny 85 degree days but alas, the only tan I got was from fluorescent lighting as we continue to expand and upgrade our content. We started our “Best Of” poll (which will feature a new category every month for the next year), made All Vegas TV accessible to more users of various computers, and put up our brand new “New Year’s Eve” section.

We’ll talk about all that in a minute but I want to welcome Rick “Zig” Ziegler to the staff. Coming to us from Connecticut via Arizona, he’s already up to speed on the summer heat we’ll soon see, and he loves the tourism side of Las Vegas. He’ll be playing a major “behind the scenes” roll in adding and expanding our content.

BEST OF – It seems like every publication in town has their own “Best Of Las Vegas” poll. Some are legit but locals vote and most locals never go near The Strip. Others may anoint their better advertisers as the “best.” We are going to do it a little differently! Every month on the main page of http://www.accessvegas.com we’ll have a new question for newsletter readers and site visitors can vote on! You are the visitors — your voice should count!

We have put in a double redundant system to keep people from “stuffing the ballot box.” I get one vote, just like anyone else. You can always click on the “Results” link and see how the voting is going for yourself at any time. This month’s question is “What is the best luxury hotel in Las Vegas?” Go vote now at http://www.accessvegas.com !

TOURS AND MORE TOURS – Our expanded tours section is up. We have far more tours than ever before, plus great photos and specific tour details. Whether it is a quick visit to Hoover Dam or an all day adventure by Hummer, ATV, or even horses we have you covered. Plus, we aren’t going to screw with you. Many companies quote a crazy low price, then tack on the taxes, fees, and surcharges when you show up. The price we quote and let you book online is the complete price you pay. Check out all the great tours at http://www.accessvegas.com/tours and really see the beauty beyond The Strip!

ST. TROPEZ SUITES – I usually don’t mention hotel deals here, but this one is so good I might take a couple of days off and take advantage of it. We are offering this resort suite hotel from $59 a night. Where is it? How about right across the street from the Hard Rock, one of the hottest casinos/dining/drinking in town! You are 1.5 miles from The Strip, but with the money you save you can rent some wheels, grab a cab, or just take the Hard Rock’s free shuttle to The Strip (open to everyone). I’d look into this one now, before someone over there at the St. Tropez sobers up and yanks this great deal! Click http://www.accessvegas.com — the special is at the top of the page.

GREAT HAPPY HOUR – What will $1.95 buy you in Vegas?

* Half Pound Cheeseburger and Fries
* Onion Rings
* Jalepeno Poppers
* Buffalo Wings
* Fried Clam Strips
* Pork Eggrolls
* Beef Taquitos
* Fried Calamari
* Roma Tomato and Garlic Bruschetta

Where? McCormick and Schmick’s just east of The Strip on Flamingo at Restaurant Row (set back kitty-corner from Terrible’s Hotel). This place is becoming the unofficial hangout for AccessVegas.Com and ChefLive.Com crew and at those prices we don’t even bother to bargain for discounts. Specials are subject to change, run Monday – Friday; 3:30 – 6:30 PM and again later from 9:30 – 11 PM (close). No take out, $2 min. beverage purchase. (702) 836-9000

AIRPORT WINNERS – Two McCarran (Las Vegas) Airport passengers went home happy in the past month. While declining to release their names to media, each of these winners hit $1,000,000-plus jackpots waiting for their flights! On May 9, a Chicago bound passenger in Terminal 2 whacked “Wheel of Fortune” for $1.3 million and change. Twelve days earlier on April 27, another passenger took a “Wheel of Fortune” machine in Terminal one for $1.6 million and change. I’m guessing they both had no problem upgrading to first class with that kind of fresh loot.

NEW YEAR’S EVE – The biggest party night of the year is Las Vegas’ biggest night and now we over 100 photos plus streaming video highlights online in one spot. This includes new photos from this past year including the fireworks! In keeping with our “give you the scoop” attitude, we also give you the complete lowdown on just about everything you need to know to enjoy this huge event. Go enjoy our new site section at http://www.las-vegas-new-years-eve.com

FREE MAGIC – World-class close-up magician Michael Close has returned to the Houdini Lounge inside the Monte Carlo. A local favorite, he has drawn raves from Lance Burton, Penn and Teller, Mac King, and more. He performs each Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 PM until 1 AM. Houdini Lounge has always been a great place to relax and regain your sanity and this added bonus is worth seeing. No cover charge, must be 21.

UH-OH – I goofed last time. Larry G. Jones’ plays Thursday – Monday at 5 PM with his free show at Fitzgerald’s downtown. More on Larry “The Man of 1002 Voices” Jones at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/larry-jones-las-vegas-shows.htm

THE VIEW – No, not the female dominated TV show. This is the name of the new nightclub at Harrah’s. Thursday through Saturday night, Harrah’s Range Steakhouse is transformed into a nightclub with a DJ spinning music from the 70’s to now, dancing girls, and an appetizer menu. Not to mention the great view the venue affords, looking directly over the center of The Strip. Doors open at midnight. Guys are $10 and ladies are free. Proper dress required.

THE AMAZING KRESKIN – is playing Silverton Hotel and Casino now through June 9. Show runs Thursday – Sunday and tickets are $13 – 16. The Silverton is about 5 minutes south of the bottom of The Strip just down the freeway. Reservations and more info at (702) 263-7777

SCOTT AND JENNY – A big high-five to our magical friends Scott and Jenny Alexander who just inked a nice long-term deal to perform at Caesars Magical Empire (reviewed at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/caesars-magical-empire-las-vegas-shows.htm ). This is a great show, and their permanent addition is icing on the cake as they are topnotch magicians. Jenny’s site is at http://www.jennyalexander.com

NEONOPOLIS – opened downtown over the weekend. Kind of. The theaters and food court plus a handful of retail shops have opened. The full slate of shops and galleries aren’t scheduled to all be open until fall. We are finally getting a Jillian’s at Neonopolis, which is good news for locals and visitors that like to have fun. Words don’t describe Jillian’s. Just go look at their site http://www.jillians.com

ALL VEGAS TV – We want everyone to be able to enjoy our streaming online videos of Las Vegas. However, with the various computers, browsers, and operating systems in use some were shut out. We now have alternate links for all of our videos at http://tv.accessvegas.com — if it didn’t work before, try the new alternate link on each video page.

WINNER! Carol Waller of McLoud, OK was the winner of our McCormick and Schmick’s $50.00 gift certificate in our All Vegas TV contest a couple months ago.




SHOW REVIEWS:

No review this week. WAY too much news. Next two reviews are the new Showgirls at The Rio and Bravo starring Charo. We liked them both and while you wait for our reviews, enjoy these show overviews:

SHOWGIRLS – http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&id=199

BRAVO starring CHARO – http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&id=145

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EVENT LISTINGS:

* SHOWS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm
* HEADLINERS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm
* CONCERT – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

FEEDBACK:

We encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

For comments or questions regarding the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com We do certainly read them all and they help shape our content.




QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Hotel Rooms: http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Tours – Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, More: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours
* Travel Packages (Hotel/Air): http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Toll Free 24 Hour Discount Room Service: 1-800-666-5268

MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas opinions! Our boards are new so let’s fill them up with the good, bad, and just general comments on your last visit. Ask questions before you go, help others with comments when you return! Plus, we now have a section for trip reports. New boards at http://boards.accessvegas.com

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
May 15, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – October 18, 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

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




LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

PAY IT FORWARD – This film starring Helen Hunt follows the life of a single mother living in Las Vegas who holds down jobs as a small casino cocktail waitress and change person to survive. This film sounds like it is one of the more “true to life” stories about living in Las Vegas ever made, and full story is at http://www.salon.com/sex/feature/2000/10/13/thomson_pay_it_forward/index.html

NEONOPOLIS – The food, movies theater, and retail complex downtown has been on hold because of financial difficulties, but it looks like they are ironed out and the project is full speed ahead, with plans to make it even larger than originally planned. This will be a welcome addition to the Fremont. St. Experience. Full story at http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/news/stories/00100903n.html

ROOM RATES – The intense hotel building of the past few years along with the opening of the Aladdin has started softening up the room rates, making you “Las Vegas fix” a little less straining on the budget. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-13-Fri-2000/business/14586834.html

VEGAS CALENDARS – Many of you enjoy keeping Las Vegas in mind by picking up a Las Vegas calendar or two while in town. Now, you can buy your 2001 Las Vegas Calendar and contribute to a worthwhile cause at the same time. These are the same beautiful, high-quality calendars you see in the gift shops at a comparable price. Order info as well as all 12 photos are available for viewing at http://www.travel2vegas.com/calendars.html and you can read more about the Shade Tree shelter they benefit at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-19-Tue-2000/news/14418294.html

HAWAII – Aloha Airlines today announced it will inaugurate service between Hawaii and Las Vegas starting February 14, 2001. Aloha’s new service will include two daily roundtrip flights: one between Honolulu and Las Vegas and the other between Kahului, Maui and Las Vegas. Full story at http://news.excite.com/news/pr/001005/hi-aloha-airlines

SPORTS BOOK LIMITS – In at attempt to discourage illegal bookmakers and fixers from attempting to use Nevada’s legal sports books to place bets, Nevada regulators are proposing putting a limit of $550 on college sports bets. (Note: The “odd” number was arrived at because most sports bets need to be made in multiples of 11.) This is an attempt to get federal government to drop proposed legislation banning legal betting on college sports. Full story at http://www.channel2000.com/sh/travel/lasvegas/stories/travel-lasvegas-20001013-130207.html

HALLOWEEN:
* ADULT-ORIENTED EVENTS: http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-15-Sun-2000/living/14556374.html
* HAUNTED HOUSES: http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-15-Sun-2000/living/14568846.html

ARKANSAS – Southwest Airlines is inaugurating nonstop service from Little Rock to Las Vegas. Story at http://www.ardemgaz.com/today/edi/wedit417.html

$25 HOTEL REBATE — you pick the hotel! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you $25 back on any 2+ night stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve. Claiming your cash is simple:

1. Print out: http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm
2. Book a room online at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
3. Send in for your rebate when you get home.

It doesn’t get any easier than that, and you get their low price guarantee
to boot!

Winners! Perry L. Turner of Crossville, TN won the Review-Journal special golf section. Diane VanSach or Redford, MI won the Station Casinos coupon book.




Quick Concert and Show Notes:

SHOWS – 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?amid=143&cscheme=1

Rita Rudner – continues to pack them in at the MGM and her run has been extended through November. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-13-Fri-2000/weekly/14587737.html

Paris – Don Rickles Dec. 29-31. Tickets available at (800) 237-7469 and Paris discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Paris link).

CONCERTS and HEADLINERS – Our listing is available online anytime at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

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LAS VEGAS WEATHER – This 5 day forecast is courtesy of Weather.Com:

Wednesday – 81/58 Partly Cloudy
Thursday – 87/53 Mostly Cloudy
Friday – 86/54 Mostly Cloudy
Saturday – 81/49 Partly Cloudy
Sunday – 74/45 Mostly Sunny

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FEATURE STORY: Las Vegas News

No review this week because the World Gaming Congress 2000 is in town. We are looking forward to meeting many business colleges we correspond with throughout the year, as well as networking and getting a preview of what the next year holds in gaming (gambling) technology and gaming-related tourism. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-17-Tue-2000/business/14571210.html and info on WGE is available at http://www.worldgaminglive.com/Default-Tradeshow.asp

We’ll be back next week with a review of Legends In Concert. If you are new to list, or just have not availed yourself of our archives, we invite you to enjoy our back issues online at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Max from Windsor, CT wrote:

>We are thinking about running away and getting married in Vegas.á Have
>you heard any feedback on couples doing this?á Our only “must have” is
>photographs.á We are looking for someplace short, sweet and
>inexpensive.á

I am single, so this is out of my area. Readers, have you “run off” to Vegas to get married, or had a Vegas wedding? If your wedding fit the bill that Max is looking for, drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com

RE: Kids in Vegas

Ellen in Los Angeles, CA wrote:

Ted,

>IMO, Vegas is not for children.á 30 years ago, you would NEVER see kids in
>the hotels, then some marketing genius got the bright idea to market
>it to families and the town has gone to rack and ruin ever since.
>Families don’t gamble, consequently the hotels have to make their
>money in other ways, therefore, room rates and meals are higher now
>than ever, and comps are less, they have to meet the bottom line
>somehow.á I see TI has started charging $25 extra for more than 2 in a
>room, Rio has reduced their Sky Parade by 2 days, the MGM is selling
>off its rides, could it be, we will finally return to a town for
>adults?á I hope so.á Ted, I enjoy your letter and promote it every
>chance I get.á You do a wonderful job, thanks for your time!á Ellen –
>Los Angeles, CA.

RE: Jacuzzi Suites

Sherry wrote:

>The only place we have stayed at with a Jacuzzi was the Luxor.á We got
>married 2 years ago in Vegas and wanted a nice Jacuzzi suite.á The
>suite is in the pyramid and the Jacuzzi is at the window so you can
>look out very relaxing and private.á Our room overlooked where the
>Mandalay Bay is now (they had just started construction) and the
>airport area.á I would recommend it and can’t wait to go back.

Roy L. Flush (a pseudonym — he it a frequent Las Vegas visitor with a page at http://members.tripod.com/~roy_l_flush/index.html ) writes:

>Greetings; I was offered a room at the Las Vegas Hilton a
>couple of years ago and, since I had never stayed there, I accepted.á As
>I was trying to get my key in the door, a female voice, from INSIDE
>the room, says who’s there?!á I went back to the check in clerk and
>told him what had happened. He apologized profusely and gave me another
>room key.á When I opened the door I stood there with wide eyes. HUGE
>living room, 32″ TV, electric drapes, raised king size bed, mirrored
>ceiling and a bathroom out of a magazine. Glassed in shower, dual
>everything AND a Jacuzzi for two!á I have no idea what this suite
>should have cost but it was gorgeous.á Even better than the Venetian.

John from Washington, DC wrote:

>Hey Ted,
>
>
>I have been to Vegas several times and have only experienced the
>Jacuzzi suites at Luxor and Treasure Island.á The one at Luxor was a
>distant second to the comfort, cleanliness and appearance of the one
>at Treasure Island.á The staff was much friendlier at Treasure Island
>also.á Our view at Luxor was of the airport.á The view at Treasure
>Island from the top floor was to the Northwest giving a wonderful view
>of the mountains to wake up to in the afternoon and offered a great
>shot at sunset.

RE: Cheap golf near the Strip

Marc wrote:

>I would highly recommend the Las Vegas National course.
>It’s the old Sahara course and has been there for
>along time. American Golf owns it now. I played it
>back in September of 1999 and it was in good shape.
>Great staff.
>
>If money is not object, by all means go play the
>Desert Inn before Wynn turns it into a lake. God, I
>can’t believe he is going to bulldoze one of the great
>golf courses in the US, but he is.
>
>This is a fabulously designed course. Lots of history
>there and it won’t be there much longer. Play it in
>the next few weeks and it should be in terrific shape
>as the PGA Tour is there this week.
>
>I would skip Desert Pines if someone suggests that.
>It’s sorta in town, but I didn’t care for any aspect
>of that facility and I am in the golf business.

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Your input is welcome. Write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com While space doesn’t permit publishing every letter, we do certainly read them all and they help shape our content. 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.




ONLINE POLL – “Would you prefer Digital Blackjack (dealer hits button, computer “deals” on a screen) to traditional blackjack?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published next week!

FREE CONTESTS:

Rules (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): 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. 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.

$100 Football Pick Contest – You sports betters can take your shot a winning a few bucks for free. Contest at http://www.newsherald.com/archive/sports/pickem.htm

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates,
but please ask for permission before reproducing the content in any
form — we would just like to know who you are, that’s all. Thanks!

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
October 18, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770