Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 30, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows


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

Explore the REAL West: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon Skywalk, Native American Points, Western Ranch, and More!
Time is precious in Vegas: See The Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and much more by air. Four hours of lifetime memories at a great price!
Stunning Valley Of Fire buggy tour: See the sights guides, then explore on your own! (Friends will be jealous).
Vegas Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride. Unforgettable views and memories. An experience your friends can’t top!
Just 45 minutes from The Strip, the wild west lives with majestic views on a breakfast horseback ride!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…


Las Vegas Art And Attractions

Las Vegas High Roller Receives Guinness Record For World’s Tallest Observation Wheel – The Las Vegas High Roller is officially the World’s Tallest Observation Wheel after being recognized by Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric at a special reception honoring the team who designed and constructed the wheel on April 17, 2014 in Las Vegas.

Imagine Exhibitions Gallery Presents ‘Da Vinci The Exhibition’ Now Open At The Venetian – Imagine Exhibitions Gallery presents Da Vinci The Exhibition, a comprehensive and interactive look at the brilliance of the original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci at The Venetian Las Vegas«. Featuring more than 65 fully built, life-size inventions, more than 20 fine art studies and dozens of stunning displays, guests will learn the complex beginnings and lifetime achievements of da Vinci through his discoveries in art, engineering, flight, hydraulics, music, light, anatomy and more.


Shows, Concerts, And Headliners


Las Vegas Dining

New York-New York Brings Tom’s Urban And Shake Shack To New Pedestrian Plaza – New York-New York Hotel & Casino is turning up the flavor on its dynamic new plaza experience with the addition of fan-favorite restaurants Tom’s Urban and Shake Shack, opening December 2014.

The restaurants will take the space currently occupied by The Sporting House (closing June 3), and join recently opened retail outlets Swatch, Stupidiotic, I Love NYNY and Starbucks, as well as Hershey’s Chocolate World, which is opening this spring. The plaza is anchored by the property’s famed Brooklyn Bridge.

Portofino At The Mirage Captures The Traditional Flavors Of Italian Coastal Cuisine With New Menu Items – Onda Ristorante and Wine Lounge at The Mirage Hotel & Casino has changed its name to Portofino and added a selection of new menu items inspired by land and sea as well as varieties of fresh pasta made in-house daily. Named in honor of the quaint Italian fishing village, Portofino’s dishes boast the flavors of Italian coastal cuisine with an emphasis on using the highest-quality ingredients.


May 2014 Las Vegas

Rhumbar At The Mirage Serves Up Special In May 2014 For National Military Appreciation Month – The Mirage will salute the troops in honor of National Military Appreciation Month with buy-one-get-one cocktails throughout the month of May.

RHUMBAR will welcome service members over 21 years of age with valid military identification to relax on their patio with classic Caribbean libations. signature cocktail include the Old Cuban, a refreshing mix of Champagne, rum, fresh lime and mint; the Zombie, a smooth and subtle combination of rum and apricot, pineapple, passion fruit and lime juices; and the crowd-pleasing Pi±a Colada and many more.


Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos

MGM Resorts Unveils Expanded Plans And Programming For “The Park” In Las Vegas – MGM Resorts International has unveiled expanded plans and the first look at programming for its dynamic park, dining and entertainment district taking shape on the west side of The Strip. Creating an interactive neighborhood environment, The Park will connect New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts and the new 20,000-seat world-class Las Vegas arena currently in development by MGM and AEG. 

New York-New York and Monte Carlo both are undergoing significant transformations of their Strip-facing experiences into robust plaza environments featuring casual eateries, bars, restaurants and retail destinations that will ultimately lead to The Park.


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – I don’t want to be too presumptive, but it looks like Las Vegas is well on its way back after years of getting battered by the recession. March set a visitor record (see below), airport numbers are great (see next issue), The Linq and Linq-Mobile High Roller are open and exciting people to come check out. MGM just broke ground on their new arena (see next issue) and unveiled detailed plans/videos/renderings for The Park. (Photo in the stories area and video below in What We’re Watching). Add to that the present mostly flawless weather — with only a handful of extra hot or cool days interrupting highs in the 80’s — and Las Vegas is just amazing.

I’d like to say something to the Las Vegas haters who bashed the tar out of us during the recession all over the internet and had glee in the fact that we’re having tough times: We’re back, and there is nothing you can do about it. Not our problem that you are miserable humans who can’t stand that others enjoy life and like to have fun.

We’re going to continue to offer amazing new experiences, more good times than the law should allow, and continue to be a vacation destination that offers more variety of things to do than pretty much anywhere else on earth.

Where else can you see the Grand Canyon in the morning, enjoy watching a sports event you bet on or taking in a world-class spa experience in the afternoon, dine in one of many restaurants run by world-renowned chefs, then have your choice of nearly 100 shows, concerts, and headliners on any given night to round out your evening? Only in Vegas!

Record-Setting Month – Las Vegas hit an all-time record of 3.7 million visitors in March of 2014. While a huge convention didn’t hurt, it wasn’t the only cause by a long-shot. People are visiting more often, and visiting in droves. If all of the people who were stomping their feet and saying that they weren’t going to visit anymore and stayed away, we’ve had no problem finding people who want to enjoy our fine city.

Yes, oil prices make airfare unpleasant. And, the $2 steak dinners are a thing of the past. However, Las Vegas is still an incredibly reasonable travel destination and I challenge you to find a city you can do more in.

Why MGM’s “The Park” Will Work – We all know that I’m not the biggest proponent of the proliferation of all the shopping/dining springing up on The Strip. We have a limited number of visitors willing to spend a (pretty much) set amount of money. However, those who are detractors of The Park are overlooking the fact that this is attached to a major arena which will be busy many days/night of the year.

With the announcement of Park, I’ve seen internet notions ranging from the thought that only locals will be attending arena events (suggesting that locals won’t be interested in the mall, and ignoring that visitors make up a large percentage of concerts stages here) to wondering why MGM is willing to pour so much money to spruce up a couple of their basic properties.

It’s the arena, folks! In city after city around the US, new arenas (attended almost exclusively by locals) have spurred economic development and profit in the arena area. If MGM does NOT build Park, they lose the 20,000 people per event to other properties up and down The Strip. This way, they build and arena and scoop up tons of extra profit from people who will pass that way both before and after events. Both locals and tourists alike.

Will it lead to a pro sports team here? I hope not. Do we want to be the umpteenth city that the Clippers move to? Are locals going to care? (Probably not as Las Vegas has limitless entertainment options and most people living here already have an allegiance to a team). Plus, we already ARE Las Vegas. We don’t need a team that will all-of-a-sudden brand us as a “big league” city. Besides, how well would a team perform when half (or more) of the audience each night was a visitor rooting for the opponent?!?

We don’t tend to cover the “business” side of Las Vegas much, although I’m plenty capable and will note the following: I truly believe that The Linq and the High Roller wheel were built to work in tandem with the arena that Caesars Entertainment was planning for the space they own behind that part of The Strip.

Being in slightly better financial shape (and seeing good numbers as of late), I believe that the new arena MGM is building behind New York-New York — which will connect to The Strip via this Park project — was a way to cut financially ailing Caesars Entertainment off. Few believe that The Strip can absorb another arena once MGM is finished with this one. MGM will own/control MGM Grand Gardens (16,800), Mandalay Bay Events Center (12,000) and this new 20,000 seat arena. Add to that the Thomas and Mack (18,776) and we’re pretty set.

“Best Of” Voting Continues! – We’re getting near the end of the preliminary (second tier hotels) Play-In round in our “Best Of” Las Vegas voting! Here is the latest updated bracket:

2014 Play-In Round Bracket

No huge surprises. Quad beat Sam’s Town. Gold Coast beat Silver Sevens., and location/amenities certainly played a part, although some of the food deals at Sevens are tough to beat! Four Queens beat Wild Wild West (which is essentially a glorified truck stop). The iconic Riviera moves on in a win over Boulder Station. I could see The Riv being somewhat of a spoiler, as it would face Luxor if it makes it to the main round of 64 hotels.

So… time to vote again. Note: Due to a glitch in our initial rankings, BOTH winners in this semi-final round will move on to next week’s start of the main event where 64 hotels square off against each other, and only one will win!

Vote Now: Best Of Las Vegas Hotels
Play-In Round Semi-Finals

Want to see what the main bracket looks like? Click over to our Access Vegas Best Hotels Main Voting Bracket

All That Swing – We’re often asked where one can find casino lounge entertainment that does not consist of a 21 year old “DJ” playing music that goes “thump, thump, thump”. Top Frank Sinatra impressionist Peter Pavone does a multi-faceted show (he sings, tells jokes, you know… an actual entertainer) at El Cortez’s Parlour Lounge & Bar every Wednesday from 8-Midnight and Thursday from 6-10 PM. Admission is complimentary.

Membership Update – If all goes well, we’re about a week from being able to take credit card payments for our upcoming membership program. Rest assured, we will maintain the $14.95 pre-enrollment plan long enough for everyone to have a shot at it before we go to the regular early-enrollment price of $19.95.

If you are just tuning in and catching up in back issues in preparation for your trip and going “What is this all about”, please click over to our April 2, 2014 Access Vegas Insider Vibe, scroll down to Members Mania, and you’ll see the details and still be able to take full advantage.

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am a huge fan of your newsletter and a long term Vegas visitor. I like to stay at the north end of the strip @ Circus Circus. Although there are better hotels to stay at I just like the vibe of Circus Circus. I feel like Vegas is my second home as I visit each year and have done for the past 10 years.

I too have noticed the changes in hotels and atmosphere when visiting them. They seem confused as to what they are trying to be. Some say we are hotel/casinos but in fact they feel more like shopping malls. The Quad is just terrible it has no atmosphere at all and the casino is all over the place, you have small parts of a casino here and there it’s poorly planned out and a complete waste of someone’s money in my opinion.

I visited recently and even the ticket slappers on the strip were few and far between and the street entertainers were all but gone too. I visited Fremont and that too looked like a building site, LOL. I am sure it will look great when it’s finished but the Golden Nugget was full of atmosphere and I enjoyed my time in there.

Don’t get me wrong there are of course still casinos worth visiting and will leave you amazed by there beauty, like the Venetian, Bellagio, etc. I will continue to visit Vegas for as long as I am able, but as each year passes, the vibe of the town get more and more confused!

Vegas Pete

 

Ted Responds:

Thanks for reading and we’re happy to hear that we play a part in helping you have a more enjoyable Vegas vacation. I agree that to-date, The Quad isn’t exactly giving me goose bumps. Down on Fremont, Slotzilla is all but done, as is the new outdoor bar at Binion’s. So, it should get back to being construction free.

Fremont East has taken shape nicely and I strongly encourage people visiting downtown to make their way east on Fremont Street — where it goes from being a pedestrian mall to being and actual street — though the bars and restaurants, into and past the El Cortez and on down to Container Park before turning around. Otherwise, you are NOT seeing all of the fun area of Downtown!

However, you bring up a great point: Nothing stops you from personalizing your Las Vegas experience. You don’t mind staying at Circus, and I’m sure you get across the street to Riviera as well. Classic places like The Mirage, Tropicana, and Mandalay still maintain much of their original vibe, taking you to a distant island. Bellagio and Venetian still take you to Italy.

But yes, it is very unfortunate that you can no longer go to Asia (Imperial Palace) or Egypt (de-theming of Luxor). Hold on, though: As we’ve reported, the massive Asian-Themed Resorts World is set to take the old Stardust spot. With any luck, that will re-teach the people responsible for CityCenter, Quad, de-themed Luxor, and others that themed resorts still rule. They mentally take us away to to another place of relaxation and excitement outside our normal world. Even for those of us whose normal world is Las Vegas!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 23, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows


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

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
Spectacular views of Dam/Lake Mead plus memorable guided interior tour. Stunning photo opportunities!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…


The Cromwell Las Vegas Opens!


– The Cromwell sign illuminates on the side of the building as guests received their first glimpse of the standalone boutique hotel.


– An ambassador of The Cromwell readies to welcome the first guests to the hotel.


– The Cromwell’s dealers prepare for their first visitors prior to doors opening on April 21, 2014.


– All of The Cromwell’s first guests were welcomed with a celebratory glass of champagne.


– The first game of Blackjack dealt at The Cromwell.

The Cromwell Las Vegas Celebrates Soft OpeningThe Cromwell, the new and first of its kind standalone boutique hotel, celebrated its soft opening yesterday by welcoming first visitors to the 40,000-foot casino. Guests rushed in at 4 p.m. in hopes of being among the first to play and try their luck at one of the 434 slot machines and 66 table games. Photo Credit: Erik Kabik


Shows, Concerts, And Headliners


Kentucky Derby Las Vegas 2014


Las Vegas Dining


Cinco de Mayo Las Vegas 2014

PBR Rock Bar Goes Loco For $5 Cinco De Mayo Food And Drink Specials – Tequila and margaritas will be represented in full force this Cinco de Mayo at PBR Rock Bar & Grill. Located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the Strip-side destination will offer $5 food and drink specials all day on Monday, May 5.

The festive selections will be offered all day and will include $5 tequila shots, $5 margaritas and $5 personal-sized ‘nachitos.’


Downtown / Fremont Street Experience


Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2014

Rhumbar At Mirage Makes This Mother’s Day Pitcher Perfect – RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will offer $40 sangria pitchers for moms to enjoy a well-deserved day of relaxation on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.

Hardworking moms can sip sangria while unwinding on RHUMBAR’s cool Caribbean patio, complete with panoramic Strip views. Moms will be greeted with a colorful Gerbera daisy and will have their choice of two signature sangrias to celebrate the day. For a light and refreshing option, the White Sangria blends white and port wines with apricot brandy and fresh fruit. For a more full-bodied elixir, the Red Sangria balances red wine, port and brandy with fresh fruit and clove, for an extra splash of spice.

Tacos & Tequila Inside Luxor Celebrates Mother’s Day With A Mexican Twist – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will treat all moms to a complimentary rose and serve Mariachi Brunch in honor of the day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 11.

In addition to breakfast items, guests may cheers to moms with two-for-one T&T Top Shelf Margaritas made with Jose Cuervo Especial tequila and Grand Marnier served on the rocks; or Bloody Marias, made with Jose Cuervo Especial tequila, Chipotle Tabasco, fresh cucumber and olive juice and garnished with a green olive, panela cheese and tomato skewer.

Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Las Vegas Bar To Celebrate Mother’s Day With Lunch And Margaritas For Madres – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar at The LINQ will celebrate Mother’s Day with a four-course lunch and a complimentary Se±orita for mom on Sunday, May 11.

Mothers will be treated to a complimentary Se±orita to start the celebratory meal. The signature margarita is made with Cazadores silver tequila, fresh lime, fresh strawberry and Moscato d’Asti.

The four-course lunch, priced at $55 per person, will begin with the guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds and served with pork rinds or tortilla chips. For the second course…


Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – As you’ve already seen from earlier in this issue, Barbary Bill’s has a fresh coat of paint and the (how do we say this politely) “interesting” new name as The Cromwell. The casino and one bar are open. Both the rooftop Drai’s dayclub/nightclub and Giada’s (of Food Network fame) restaurant are still roughly a month away.

The good (so far)? A couple of $10 blackjack tables that pay the traditional player-friendly 3/2 ($15-$10 instead of the more modern 6/5 games that only pay $12 for that same $10 bet blackjack) on blackjack bets. Keep in mind that limits and rules are subject to change depending on how busy the joint is. The bad? Gone are the moderate drink prices from the former incarnation. Also gone is the sports book. You have to place your sports wagers at a betting kiosk.

“Best Of” Voting Continues – Last issue, we noted the completion of the first round of the Play-In round for “Best Of” Las Vegas hotel voting. We took a week off to fine tune a few things, and we’re now ready for the second Play-In round! Many of you may want to refresh yourself with a look at the Second Round Play-In Best Las Vegas Hotel Bracket.

As a reminder, these are the second tier properties who are vying for a spot in our main 64 hotel playoffs, which will determine who our readers deem the best property in town! We’re now able to unveil the brackets for the main playoffs: AccessVegas.com Best Hotel Championship Bracket. Those of you who enjoy prognosticating will surly have some fun looking at all the match-ups!

Those with sharp eyes will notice that the main bracket has room for two “play-in” winners. Because of an error, we created two spots instead of one. So, both hotels in the Play-In finals will simply be moved into the Championship bracket round.

So, enough of the talk. Go vote in the Second Round of the Best Hotel Play-In (voting will be open through April 29, 2014)!

Zip Line Getting Close – While no official date has been set yet, construction is winding down on the Slotzilla zip line, stretching from one end of the Fremont Street Experience to the other. Testing has been underway with crash test dummies, and given the negative publicity that would surround any mishaps, we understand that emphasis on safety is at a premium. (This ain’t no carny ride).

Those who dare will have their choice of a shorter, lower ride stretching about 1/2 the length of the canopy and a full-on, “shot out of a cannon headfirst” experience starting out above the canopy, then ducking you just under it as you hurtle toward The Plaza. One downside that we’re not thrilled with? The landing platform has obliterated most of the view of the iconic lights of The Plaza as you gaze down the Fremont Street Experience. I always liked that view.

It’s Official, Temporarily – The Linq-Mobile (er, High Roller Observation Wheel) has been verified by Guinness as the tallest in the world. If you want to ride it while it holds the distinction, you’ll want to do so this year. Other taller wheels are under construction.

Bummer, No Implosion – The Harmon Tower (that giant billboard next to Cosmopolitan) is coming down. Quietly. A typical Las Vegas hotel implosion simply isn’t in the cards. Too great a possibility that it would wipe out part of the Cosmopolitan with it.

Unfortunately, we may have nearly seen the last of the great era of Las Vegas implosions. Many parts of The Strip are packed in more tightly than ever, refurbishing (a la Sahara and Tropicana) is more cost-effective, and while I personally wouldn’t mind seeing some of the condos come down, that will pretty much never happen because every owner would have to agree to sell.

Like it or not, I think we’re pretty much stuck with The Strip in its present format until Genting gets rolling on Resort World (former Stardust property) later this year. We’re looking forward to it (only 5 minutes from my house, how cool is that) and will work overtime to keep you up on this huge new megaresort as it develops.

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am more than ready to subscribe but it is so difficult for us Canadians To pay for the subscribed newsletter. It seems unfair for us to have to wait until you add credit card payment .

I will not be able to take advantage of the early bird price, but I will sign up when you offer the service. I have told a number of my friends here in Canada, and they feel the same way. PayPal is not an option. Please announce when you have the ability to to help us here in Canada.

Just a note, Westjet Airlines, based in Calgary, was the first airline to pass the million passenger mark into Las Vegas.

As always,I enjoy your newsletter.

Allan Huntley

 

Ted Responds:

For those who have been tuned out for a while (and are now tuning back in as you prep for your next trip and/or working through back issues), we are moving to a paid subscription model on July 1 and offering a special pre-enrollment period. You can visit the Members Mania area of our April 2, 2014 issue for details.

In response to Allan’s heads-up about this:

We WILL be keeping the early-bird price open long enough for readers to have a way to use credit card. Rest assured that we have many Canadian and International readers and you will not be left out in the cold (no pun intended after this past winter).

What we’ll do is make credit card payments available around May 1 (Canadian Dollar, Euro, Pound, Yen, Australian, and many, many more major world currencies), and keep the pre-enrollment price in place until May 15 (instead of setting a subscriber number count on it). Things are going pretty smoothly so far (considering that this is the start of a major venture) and we certainly want to be as inclusive as possible to long-time loyal readers!

A note to the many, many of you who subscribed by check up to this point: We are currently processing them, and you will receive a confirmation note. Please keep in mind that processing time is 3-4 weeks for check orders as we work though them manually. We didn’t want you to think we forgot about you!

However you pay, we appreciate it and are thrilled for your support!


It’s been almost a year since my last visit & unfortunately I won’t make it this year & am having withdrawals…but the extra $$ just aren’t there right now. While the gambling (slots) were really bad the last trip, I was there for a total of 10 Days… I paid discount prices for 3 nights! Total of about $120.00.

I ALWAYS stay “Downtown” on Fremont Street, mainly because I like it there, but also because I am a Widow now, & must travel solo. My best friend used to love to go too…but I lost her also. I feel very Safe “Downtown” & usually stay at the 4-Queens, The “D”, or The Plaza. My last trip, I stayed at all three establishments, and also stayed for the 1st time at The Golden Gate!

Even though I lost my gambling allowance, I still had a wonderful time. I loved the new refurbished rooms at The Plaza (Very large & comfortable), enjoyed the quaintness of the room at the Golden Gate (very small) and the average Rooms at The “D” and The Four Queens!

I go to Vegas to gamble…and average sleep is about 4-6 hours a day….Not a High Roller by any means…but I do use the Player club Cards and would just like to state that the amount of Play from the Downtown Casino’s is definitely variable enough for me & the BEST PART is that when I finally decide I need a nap…..my room is usually within an 5-10 minute walk! At 63 that’s plenty for me.

If I had the $$, I could have gone once a month with 4 choices of hotel rooms. This might not happen for everyone, but on my budget, I truly don’t believe these offers would have rendered the same at the Strip.

I have always been treated very well by staff at all the hotels, and have very often been offered a choice of rooms as well. Also, for the most part, the rooms Downtown rent at a considerable savings over the rooms at the Strip, & those savings downtown, will more than cover the taxi ride to the Strip. So if you don’t need the fanciest room, you might consider a detour this year!

 

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the great report! If it makes you feel any better, sometimes when I get tied up with the management side of this business and life happening and don’t get downtown or to The Strip as much as I’d love to, I get withdrawals too! (They usually kick in at the one week mark).

Many have wondered about how safe downtown is, and in particular females traveling alone. While anything can happen anywhere at anytime, the amount of security and cameras in Las Vegas makes it an extremely safe place. Even for the solo female traveler!

Downtown gaming seems to simply keep inching a little higher all the time and because most of the properties are owned by competing owners, you have real competition for your gambling dollar. They are generally not as encumbered by huge debt and a bunch of bean counters trying to squeeze the visitor endlessly.

Don’t get me wrong: The Strip is still the place to stay for those who come for the world-class shows and restaurants. Very few views like those from some of the rooms on The Strip. But, we’ve been actively encouraging people to take their wagering dollar downtown until The Strip returns to being a little more gambler friendly. As I’ve noted before, I want the return of big spinning cars available to be won sitting out on the sidewalks and huge neon signs that say “Our Slots Pay Back 99%”!

Few notes on Fremont Street Downtown:

1. You may wish to avoid Friday and Saturday nights now. I do. The area is now so popular that weekend evenings are super-crowded and pretty crazy. Fremont Street has the same gambling, food, and live bands seven nights per week. Go when you don’t have to fight the people who are a little out-of-control.

2. Because the live music often lasts until midnight or 1 AM, light sleepers staying downtown should request a room as far away from Fremont Street as possible, preferably facing the other direction. (Main Street Station guests may want to request a room that isn’t on the freeway side).

3. The old rooms at Golden Gate are really tiny. For those of you who like elbow room, something to keep in mind.

Thanks again for the great report!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 16, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows


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

Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
Ultimate Grand Canyon South Rim tour, extensive views, lunch at historic lodge, more!
Zoom around Las Vegas Speedway NASCAR track at 160 mph with pro driver, thrill of lifetime!
Soar over the desert at 60 mph, seeing scenic wildlife from ziplines (close to Vegas)!
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

Terry Fator: The VOICE Of Entertainment Launches Updated Show In Conjunction With 5th Anniversary – When audiences last saw Terry Fator, his loveable sidekick Winston the Impersonating Turtle was looking for a new gig on the Las Vegas Strip. Fast forward to 2014 and Winston has gone Hollywood in the updated version of Terry Fator: The VOICE of Entertainment. Winston leaves the bright lights of Sin City for big budget movies in sunny California, tasking Fator to audition a cast of characters to find Winston’s replacement as his right-hand man…er…turtle. Those auditioning include Vikki “The Cougar,” country legend Walter T. Airedale, Duggie Scott Walker, Julius, Emma Taylor, the world’s greatest Elvis impersonator Maynard Tompkins and Wrex the Crash Test Dummy.

Olivia Newton-John Attends Absinthe At Caesars Palace – Film and music star Olivia Newton-John was spotted attending Las Vegas’ “Best Adult Show,” Absinthe at Caesars Palace, on April 3, 2014. Following the show, The Gazillionaire and his assistant Penny Pibbets welcomed the Strip’s newest headliner backstage where Newton-John shared words of enthusiasm for the show and took photos with the zany duo. Photo Credit: Ben Lewis/Spiegelworld

Absinthe is an acro-cabaret variety show featuring wild and outlandish acts in a theatre-in-the-round presentation. Audiences are treated to a night of imagination and excess as the cast of eccentrics perform amazing feats of strength, balance, danger and unfathomable flexibility within mere feet of the audience surrounding the intimate stage.


Linq Las Vegas


Dining In Las Vegas

La Cave Wine And Food Hideaway Inside Wynn Las Vegas Defines Lunch With New Sandwich Menu – Corporate Executive Chef Billy DeMarco puts his spin on lunch sandwiches at La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas, available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Guests may now enjoy lunchtime sandwich favorites including…

KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers Inside Harrah’s Serves Up Unique Monthly Burger And Shake Combos This Spring And Summer – As the temperatures climb this spring and summer, KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers at Harrah’s Las Vegas continues its year-long burger and shake series, keeping the menu fresh and fun. Each flavorful burger and shake creation, crafted by master chef Kerry Simon, is only available for one month. Ordered separately, the burgers are $14 and the shakes are $6, while the burger and shake of the month combo is $18.

For the month of May 2014, guests can experience the Chorizo Burger and Mexican Hot Chocolate milkshake.


Las Vegas Attractions

Spring Showers Bring Bountiful Flowers At Bellagio’s Conservatory And Botanical Gardens – The weather around the country may still be a bit unpredictable, but springtime has officially sprung inside Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens where it’s always a pleasant 68.4 degrees. The spring display brings a bounty of more than 8,200 flowers of vibrant colors and floral creations now through May 11.


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – While winter still grips the upper Midwest, we’re warm and sunny here in Las Vegas. If you follow national news, you’ll learn that it isn’t the weather we’re currently know for. I bet it was news to some of you to learn that our area has ranching and cattle grazing! (If what I’m saying has you scratching your head, simply put the words Cliven Bundy into your favorite search engine).

We have agriculture as well, but over in Pahrump and up in Overton (both about an hour outside of town) Vineyards in Pahrump are pictured above. In fact, Las Vegas means “The Meadows” in Spanish and at one time, springs fed vegetation in our area. So much for the myth that Las Vegas is a barren desert that no one should be living in!

The fact is, we’re surrounded by breathtaking scenery. If you want to experience it on horseback (almost like a rancher would) or from the comfort of an air conditioned jeep, we have all of that (and more!) available over on our AccessVegas.com Tours Section.

The Return Of Bars And Lounges? – “Bar Rescue” (TV show) host Jon Taffer has vocalized what I’ve been saying (and many of you have been echoing) for a number of years now: Vegas needs more cool bars for people over 35 who don’t want to do the nightclub experience. Bars where you can relax and hang and talk (which means music you can talk over).

Nightclubs get all of the attention because they are enormously profitable. One nightclub can make over a million dollars per week (and they aren’t even open every day). However, these club-goers tend not to be as much into gambling (which is the easiest, cleanest money a casino can make).

I hate to sound like I’m nostalgic for the Rat Pack (before my time), but perhaps a casino atmosphere in certain areas aimed at 35+ people combined with the return of hotels having great lounges and bars might not be a bad thing to look into for the properties. You can read the entire article I’ve referenced at Seismic shift will rattle Vegas’ nightclubs and bars

AccessVegas.com Best Of Las Vegas Hotels Play-In Round Results – Voting is finished in the First Round of our hotels Play-In round. As a refresher, these are the 16 hotels at the lower end of the price scale who are vying to be one of the 64 hotels which will playoff against each other when we get to the main round (from which the ultimate winner will be decided.

I have a few comments on the winners so far, but first go look at our Hotels Play-In Round Bracket.

We didn’t have an overwhelming number of surprises. People tend to go with what they are more familiar with. We did surprisingly (considering the number of votes cast) have an outright tie: Riviera vs. Palace Station. I’m the tie-breaking vote (think of my as your US Vice President in the Senate) and I’ll confess, this was a tough one:

Palace has a variety of very solid restaurants at local’s pricing. They remodeled all their rooms just a few years ago, and I stayed in a tower room with an amazing Strip view just a few months ago during my move. Great view, nice room. The gaming is reasonably loose, limits are low, table game rules are old-school, and the video poker pay tables are generous.

However, Riviera simply had too much to overcome. The classic neon facade. A Strip location. Six shows plus a comedy club. A better pool (including cabana rental). And, their recent effort to offer $3 call drinks, $2 beers, and $1 blackjack helped seal the deal.

In an upset, Circus Circus fell to Boulder Station. While there is nothing wrong with Boulder, I would have thought Circus would take it based on the Strip location, amazing steakhouse, and Adventuredome. However, it has been somewhat of a perennial red-headed step-child. Interestingly enough, Boulder moves forward to take on The Riviera (which sits right across the street from Circus, for those who are geographically challenged).

Long-Hauling Update – I’ve been continuing to follow the long-hauling (taxi taking you the long route to run up the fare) saga so you don’t have to. The cabbies are claiming that the cab companies pretty much force them to long-haul to keep their daily averages up and punish them when those averages fall.

They also have been pulling a pity-party like they always do. I remember being long-hauled from Venetian to Downtown a few years ago (the driver did not realize I lived here), and when calling him on it, got this whining story about how he’s just a good, hard-working guy doing a tough job 12 hours per day.

Progress is being made regarding the placement of GPS in cabs to help cut down on the issue. The catch? The technology chosen for testing is technology owned and developed by one of our big cab companies, who arguably benefit from long-hauling and the higher fares it racks up! This makes us wonder if we have a fox guarding the hen house.

As always, we’ll stay on top of this for you. If you wish to read the latest: Board recommends Las Vegas company to provide long-hauling enforcement tool

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Instead of reader feedback today, just a note that we are busy, busy, busy working on the new paid-members program. (Hey, the entire reason we’re doing the membership program is so we can hire more help, allowing us the time to be more involved helping our members)!

We very much appreciate those who are participating in early enrollment, which is helping to fund the basic membership set-up and has us looking at hiring a part-time researcher to better organize and hunt down all the zillions of amazing deals in Las Vegas that generally fly under the radar or come and go too often for other sources to keep up on. And, to answer your questions. Keep in mind that paid subscribers will (within reason) always get a response to Vegas questions. Due to volume, we simply can’t otherwise promise that to everyone.

We are slowly but surely reaching out to everybody who has enrolled so far. Thank you for your patience as it takes time to say a personal hello. Rest assured that your info in being inputted, we will be in touch confirming and saying “Thanks”, and you will be getting additional updates as the July 1 launch moves closer.

Since we always have readers tuning in as their trip nears, this may be news to some of you. To find out the benefits and take advantage of pre-enrollment pricing, please click over to our April 2, 2014 issue and scroll down to Members Mania. We still are able to offer the $14.95 pricing (if you see it there, it is still available), but will be increasing it in the near future. The early-bird who shows their support gets the proverbial worm with us!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 9, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

Vegas Strip helicopter tour, then dinner at Smith & Wollensky’s is the perfect way to begin your night!
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!
Grand Canyon, Route 66, Mojave Desert, more, direct from Vegas. Full day tour only $229 includes snacks/lunch/fees!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…


Brian Urlacher And Roger Clemens Team Up To Win 13th Annual Michael Jordan Invitational At Shadow Creek – Former Chicago Bears All-Pro Linebacker Brian Urlacher and former All-Star New York Yankees & Houston Astros Pitcher Roger Clemens ran away from the 19-team field on Sunday to win the 13th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino.


Linq Las Vegas


Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Las Vegas Casting Announced For MAMMA MIA! – Tickets On Sale Now – After a nationwide search, full casting has been announced for the highly anticipated Las Vegas production of MAMMA MIA!, which begins performances at The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas May 8, 2014. The talented cast features MAMMA MIA! alumni, including all three Dynamos as well as several Las Vegas locals who will join the company.

The Las Vegas cast will be led by Christine Sherrill as Donna Sheridan, Kimbre Lancaster as Sophie Sheridan, Mary Callanan as Rosie, Alison Ewing as Tanya, Trey Ellett as Harry Bright, Steve Judkins as Bill Austin, Sean Allan Krill as Sam Carmichael and Jordan Bondurant as Sky.

Country Music Star Ronnie Dunn Attends Jersey Boys At Paris Las Vegas – Country music star Ronnie Dunn, of legendary duo Brooks & Dunn, attended Las Vegas’ #1 show Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas on April 3, 2014. In town for the Academy of Country Music Awards festivities, Dunn stopped by to see the show and to meet the cast following the performance.


Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate


Dining, Drinking, And
Other Recreational Activities

Guy Fieri Makes Official Las Vegas Arrival At The Quad To Launch “Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen And Bar” – Chef, restaurateur, New York Times Best-Selling author and Emmy Award-winning TV host Guy Fieri made a grand entrance at his first Las Vegas restaurant, Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar.

Fans of Fieri were in attendance as Guy manned the grill cooking up his signature Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger.

UNLVino Celebrates Founders With Re-Imagined Grand Tasting Event – Hundreds Of Premium Beverages, Top Vegas Restaurants, Live Entertainment! – To celebrate its 40th anniversary and pioneering visionaries, UNLVino, Nevada’s original wine festival, will host the largest Grand Tasting celebration in its history. The event will introduce a completely re-imagined, immersive culinary experience that brings together the best of the Las Vegas community.


Gambling And Gaming


Las Vegas Hotels

Riviera Continues April 2014 Food, Beverage, And Gaming Promotions – Guests and Riviera Rewards members of the iconic Riviera Hotel & Casino are invited to take advantage of the great food, beverage and gaming promotions available in March including $3 drinks, $2 beers, and $1 blackjack.


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – Hello from a very “summery” Las Vegas, where daytime highs have gotten just a bit into the 90’s F (32C) this week. We have a couple more days of this unusually warm weather before we settle back into the 80’s (26-31C). I feel that it is safe to tell you to leave the jacket and home and pack a swimsuit if pool time is part of your Las Vegas adventure.

Best Of Voting In Progress – Last Sunday, you should have received an email noting that our Best Of Las Vegas “Best Hotel” voting is now open. We’re in the first round of the Play-In Round round. The Play-In Round is where second tier hotels are vying to win a chance to be one of the 64 properties which go up against each other once we get to the main round.

Here are the brackets for current match-ups:

AccessVegas.com Best Of Las Vegas
Play-In Round Bracket

If you have not voted yet, what are you waiting for? Head over and vote now!

We’ll soon be adding more categories like buffets, steakhouses, attractions, and more. If you have any suggestions for categories you’d like to see us do a “Best Of” on, please drop us a note at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Important Note: We will not be doing a “Best Show” category. Five of the absolute very best shows in Las Vegas help support us with advertising: Absinthe, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, Rock Of Ages, and Terry Fator (Mamma Mia! was a smash hit here before, and we know it will be once again). We would not want to be accused of rigging the voting. One of the things we’re very proud of with our “playoff system” way of voting is that YOU decide. We’re not pulling strings behind the scenes.

Virgin River Gorge Update – Last year, we suggested that those of you with access to a car (or who were willing to rent one), drive north of town through Arizona’s stunningly beautiful Virgin River Gorge. It is truly one of the most scenic parts of the U.S. interstate highway system and less than two hours north of us. Make a morning of it, and you can grab lunch at do some gambling in Mesquite (a very friendly three-casino town about 80 miles to our north) on your way back and, still arrive in Vegas with plenty of time for a nap, dinner, and a full evening.

Except um… don’t for the next 2-3 years. The seven sets of aging bridges in the gorge are getting replaced, and traffic will be one lane each way in sections, clogging up that stretch of interstate. (Read more at Long waits are here for travelers using I-15 through Virgin River Canyon gorge).

For our friends from Utah, Colorado and other points north and east who use I-15 to visit us? Here’s the little secret: Before I-15 was built through the gorge, Highway 91 was the main road from L.A. to Salt Lake City. (The Vegas Strip was once part of it). And… Highway 91 still exists as a well maintained road, bypassing the gorge!

Let everybody else blindly get stuck in the construction mess. A detour over old 91 around the construction mess is only 9 miles longer, but you’ll have plenty of clear sailing. It will most likely just be you and some savvy locals. Here’s the Google Map for the suggested detour.

Not Renting a car and still want to spend a morning (or afternoon) checking out the amazing scenery here in the southwest? Hop on over to our AccessVegas.com Tours Page and you’ll find tours to Red Rock Canyon (just outside of town), Valley Of Fire (you’ll think you are on another planet) and The Grand Canyon!

Membership Update – Last week, we opened up a special pre-enrollment for our paid newsletter membership program launching July 1, 2014. Since some tend to let our newsletters build up and then read through them all as their trip date gets closer, this will be news to some of you. Each week, we’ll be running this info until we launch.

Paid subscribers will get the newsletter with less advertising, a special members area of well-organized deals (which will make it pay for itself), and exclusive notes, tips, and inside scoops for having a great vacation here which will not be made available to those on the free subscriber list.

We are limiting the early pre-enrollment price of $14.95 to the first 1000 people. You can find all the details in the Members Mania section of our April 2, 2014 issue (link to click).

IMPORTANT NOTE: The $14.95 price will be available until we let you know in a future newsletter. Some were worried about paying if they didn’t know whether they’d be among the first 1000. Bottom line: Grab it while we’re still making it available. We’ll let you know right here when it ends, and modify the April 2 issue to remove the option once no longer available.

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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Regarding your article about the changing face of Vegas:

So true, my first experience was in the late 80s and it left an great impression on me. But it was another 20 odd years for my second visit, again it was great, a lot of buzz, hummer giveaways at every corner, loose slots, huge and varied buffets and generally everybody was laughing and having a great time.

Now over the last ten years have been back every second year and there is no comparison of 10 years. Have stayed at the Luxor when it was a Egyptian themed casino and it was great, now well it doesn’t know what it wants to be, terrible. Yes, accommodations are cheaper, but a lot of the glitz and spirit has left town.

Now I stay at a varied accommodation throughout Vegas and one is Circus Circus for nostalgia value! I went to “Slots-O-Fun”… My god, has it changed. It used to be full of people playing the table games now it is automated, hardly anybody in there, dead and boring.

The buffets have shrunk, food is still good and I suppose the price is still good. Shows are great, no doubt about that. Coming from Australia, there is no comparison on the quality.

Last but not least, it is hard to win or even break even, and no what people say, a huge reason people travel from all over the world is to say they have gambled and had a great time in Vegas.

Will be coming over next year, but with more of an emphasis on sightseeing, more shows and less gambling. Comps aren’t really worth it.

Cheers,

Manny

 

Ted Responds:

The various rewards cards (especially by the two big boys) are finally tuned machines that psychologically really get people chasing comps. No doubt about that. If one is going to do some serious gambling, and don’t get me wrong: Soak up all the comps you can. But never lose sight of the fact that comps are based on a percentage of what you lose over time. Except for a few video poker pros, there is no way to overcome that percentage. Gamble for fun, take what they offer.

Gaming revenue continues to become a smaller and smaller part of the revenue stream here. It will be interesting if we reach a tipping point where enough people have reduced their gambling budget to where we see the intense competition for the gaming dollar like we used to. Where did all of those “We Have Loose Slots” neon signs from the past go? For now, everyone is being sucked into the themed games with the rumbling chairs, special bonus rounds, and the like. They are no doubt entertaining, just so long as you know that you are paying (sometimes dearly) for the entertainment!

We do feel that your dollar is better spent on shows, tours, attractions, and the like. Do you want to go home and tell people about all the money you lost in the slots, or tell them how you flew down into the Grand Canyon! When you get a ticket to a top show, you KNOW that you are going to get a set amount of value and enjoyment (and plenty to tell your friends about).

It will be interesting to watch the changing face of Las Vegas, and see how people respond. I wish the boring corporate suits running the town would glitz it back up again also!


Just love the story about home values in Las Vegas. Thanks for telling it like it is. I was wondering if you know what happened to Johnny Carson’s home? It is at 3333 Seminole Circle. Last I heard, it was not occupied. Not too far from The Sahara, where Johhny was king in the 60’s and 70’s.

Thanks for the good stuff.

Jim from San Diego

 

Ted Responds:

We noted it a couple months ago (maybe a little more). It does not appear to be for sale, although lots of empty homes in Las Vegas are still pre-foreclosure. (The bank simply has not started foreclosure proceedings yet, but nobody lives there and no one is paying a mortgage).

It sits right in that sweet spot along the east side of Maryland Parkway that I talked about recently. Super close to tons of shopping and day-to-day living needs, about 3 miles from the center of The Strip by car, and along Desert Inn which gives easy non-stop access to the west side of town (The Strip is a tough dividing line to cross because of traffic), and in an area of some very attractive mid-century modern homes.

I go right by it on the way to my chiropractor, so I will make it a point to stop by and have a look-see next time. Google Maps image of the properly is from 2011, so who knows what it looks like now?

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe April 2, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

 

 


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

Experience Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, all of Vegas by helicopter, save 30%!
Experience Grand Canyon via Plane, Helicopter, Hike (optional), BBQ, true Southwest experience!
Drive your dream car (Ferrari, Lambo, more) around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR track starting only $199!
VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour via chopper trip to/from Skywalk, stunning views, expedited/exclusive arrangements.
Visit the Mob Museum in Vegas, downtown block from famous Fremont Street!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…


Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

 

 

Book Absinthe Las Vegas Tickets Now

 

 

Book Jersey Boys Las Vegas Tickets Now

 

 

Book George Wallace Las Vegas Tickets Now

 

 

Book Jubilee Las Vegas Tickets Now

 

 

Book Divorce Party Las Vegas Tickets Now

 

 

Book Thunder From Down Under Las Vegas Tickets Now

 

 

 

 

 


Dining In Las Vegas

Hop Into La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway Wynn Las Vegas For Brunch This Easter – No egg hunting will be necessary this Easter. La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas will offer a delicious butler-style all-you-can-eat brunch on Sunday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Priced at $48 per adult and $28 per child, guests will celebrate the holiday with an unlimited amount of Easter favorites prepared by Corporate Executive Chef Billy DeMarco. The brunch menu includes: corn flake crusted brioche French toast, New York style egg sandwiches, angus mini burgers, baked potato loaded tater tots with brown gravy, eggs benedict with chorizo, Canadian bacon or filet, veal short rib hash, pancakes with berry compote, and bacon and chorizo sausage cups. For an additional $20, guests may enjoy bottomless beverages including mimosas, sangria, sparkling wine, Bloody MaryÆs with TitoÆs vodka, build-your-own mojitos with SammyÆs Beach Bar Rum or Caipirinhas with Leblon Cachaþa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Downtown / Fremont Street Experience

 

 

 

 

 


Las Vegas Attractions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Linq Las Vegas

 

 

Click to see concerts and headliners performing at Brooklyn Bowl At Linq Las Vegas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Duuuuude!

 

 

 

 

 


Party Party Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


More Las Vegas News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

 

 

 

 

 


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! – I always tell you about all the great weather we have, so I must also confess that this week is chilly with plenty of wind and some recent light drizzle. Average high here for April is 78 degrees (26C), and we’ve been 20 degrees below that (14C) for a couple of days. Fortunately, we’re bouncing back into the 70’s F (20’s C) over the weekend and we may hit 90 later next week. (If I had my way, it would be 90 [32C] for a high and 60 [16C] for a low all year long).

Linq High Roler capsule

The Linq-Mobile Is Open! – Over the weekend, Caesars Entertainment tested the ride by giving employees and press a free spin. We usually get all the great invites. I wonder if we were looked over because of our insistence of calling it the Linq-Mobile!

Officially now open to the public, the “High Roller Observation Wheel” is currently the tallest in the world and quite striking on the skyline. As we anticipated, views are limited during the beginning and end of the ride (you are looking at the back of hotels, although if you turn around you can enjoy our stunning Sunrise Mountains). However, once you are up, you have a mid-strip view that The Stratosphere can’t beat.

Tickets are $25 until 6PM and $35 for night rides. I would expect that 6 PM price increase to float depending on the time of year. They can’t charge for a night flight at 6 PM with a 9 PM summer sunset here.

The biggest complaint so far doesn’t happen to be that each pod holds 40 people. These things are a lot bigger than they look. The problem is having 40 people wanting what amounts to a handful of amazing window areas (once again, unless you are a super-big fan of East Las Vegas and Sunrise Mountain, a view you’ll likely have to yourself).

Unlike most attractions just about anywhere, you can booze on the ride. How Vegas! You must buy it at the adjacent bar before boarding (can’t bring it from elsewhere). And, there are no restrooms up there at 550 feet. So, go before you board, and don’t be having a beer chugging contest. We have a linq link to some great video in our What We’re Watching section.

Real Estate – About once per year, I do a real-estate rundown for those of you thinking (or dreaming) about buying a house in Las Vegas. I do this because a serious amount of Las Vegas information on the internet is produced by people NOT actually in Las Vegas. As a 21-year resident, whose family was in home construction many moons ago, I keep up on it. If this isn’t your cup of tea, you know how to scroll on a webpage. Here you go:

Living On The Strip? The recent article Veer Towers releases condos caught my eye. The Veer Towers are those towers at CityCenter that look like they are tipping over. My advice? If you are looking to live the “Las Vegas Strip” lifestyle, either as a permanent or semi-permanent (staying long stretches at a time) resident, then hop across the freeway from CityCenter and check out Panorama Towers, where around 1/2 million dollars will get you upwards of 1500 sq. ft.: http://goo.gl/maps/KHCpW

You won’t have to fight CityCenter, Strip traffic, and noise. You are more likely to have permanent residents as your neighbors (including a few big-name pro poker players), and have easy back-door access to all of the locals’ necessities (groceries, shops, dry cleaners, restaurants, fast food, liquor stores, etc) located along Tropicana Avenue. You also actually have a view of The Strip, instead of being engulfed in it.

Where To Live In Las Vegas? – It’s been quite a while since we talked about moving here, and we know that we always have a fair slice of readers at least dreaming about it! Now that the economy here is finally picking up a little bit, this is a good time to think about it before more people become eligible to buy homes again, which will have an upward pressure on prices.

I do want to dispel a popular myth: The notion that since Las Vegas is the place you “escape” to, living here will kind of ruin it for you. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you are happily married, do you want your spouse living far away from you so that each time you see them, you’ll be enjoying an escape? Provided you know how to enjoy yourself in moderation with the booze and gambling, having the “escape” right outside your back door is really, really nice. And living here, you actually aren’t as compelled to go nuts on the vices.

The Las Vegas Valley is 25 miles long and 20 miles wide. And, every Realtor who moved here during the boom will attempt to tell you that their little slice of a foreclosure-laden, distant suburb is where you want to be. Which may be true if you are raising a family and life revolves around grilling on your back patio (something you can generally enjoy mid-March through mid-October).

However, we’re seeing a striking mix of both younger and active-mature people really gravitate towards areas closer into downtown and/or stretching along the east side of the Maryland Parkway area all the way down toward UNLV. The revitalization of downtown has happened, and the smart money says that the general UNLV/Maryland corridor will do the same. The Boulevard Mall (Las Vegas’ oldest real mall) is in that area, and just announced a major upgrade. It appears that sooner or later, UNLV will get a 50,000 seat stadium. How cool to be able to walk to major sporting events!

Note: Toward the end of last year, after strongly considering the UNLV area for a home purchase, I decided on a more of a downtown-centric location near Oakey and Valley View. I’m 3.5 miles from downtown and 3.2 miles from the dead center of The Strip. But… consider the business I’m in.

Living closer in means looking at an older home (unless you want to scope out some still-available empty lots and build on one). For some of you, that is a plus and remodeling and fixing it up to be exactly what you want can be a great project. And frankly, you’re getting a home that was probably build much better than some of the properties thrown up during the boom. I know numerous people who had warranty repairs on homes bought in the 2000’s.

The downside? Neighborhoods can still be a little hit and miss as the general downtown area gentrifies. By the way, “downtown” living usually refers to everything north of Sahara Avenue to US-95, and from Valley View to Eastern Avenue.

Who should you turn to (if/when you become serious about the move)? “Uncle” Jack Lavine. This isn’t a paid endorsement. (Nothing in this section ever is). Jack has lived in Las Vegas since the 80’s, and has been a long-time downtown resident. He doesn’t just try to shove you into a house ASAP to collect his commission. He’s quick to point out plusses and negatives of various neighborhoods and properties. And, he can give you an honest assessment of what living in the REAL Vegas is all about. Check him out at Very Vintage Vegas. If you contact him, tell him that Ted says hello!

Best Of Voting Launches Sunday – As promised, we’re about to unleash a super-fun way to vote for the best hotel in Las Vegas. (Voting on other categories will commence soon). We’ll have a special email sent to you Sunday with the details and the link so that you can make your voice heard.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Normally, this is the area we feature reader email and feedback and answer lots of questions and give plenty of helpful advice. Which generates even more email with people telling us how much they enjoyed the advice and how much fun they had on their trip!

Over the past couple of years, I’ve noted that sooner or later, we were going to have to move to a paid subscription model. The response was generally very supportive. Most of you feel that between just the time you save knowing what is really going on in Vegas (without having to spend 50 hours a week online researching it all yourself) and the money saved from the various deals we point you to, paying a membership fee to help us along is a no-brainer.

Answers to questions:

Why Now? – This newsletter started out as a two page publication. Those days are long gone, and Vegas continues to grow year after year. We’ve gotten to the point that publishing this is infringing on our ability to do an amazing job with our main AccessVegas.com. We don’t have the budget to continue to subsidize the newsletter properly.

What Will You Do With The Membership Money? – Buy really expensive sports cars for all of our staff! (Sorry staff… April Fools). We’re going to add staffing so that we can not only continue what we’re doing with the newsletter, but create a members-only web area where we post more tips and more deals and more specials in a better organized fashion. More staff will allow that. Doing research and web development is not cheap.

How Much Will The Membership Cost? – We plan to launch July 1, asking $23.95 per year. Or… essentially, we’re asking you to buy us and our staff (and the added staff) one cup of decent coffee per month. Just like you’d be happy to do if we met, talked Vegas and shared advice with you over a cup of coffee. Consider the newsletter our “virtual coffee meet-up”!

How sure are we that it will be worth it to you? Check out our…

Double For Nothing Guarantee – If during the first year of membership, you absolutely don’t think that the time and money our information saves you is worth more than the membership fee we’re asking, we’ll EXTEND your subscription for a year at no additional cost. This includes those of you who subscribe but don’t visit during the first year. Second year on us. We want you to get the value you pay for.

What Happens If I Don’t Purchase A Membership? – You will continue to receive the newsletter. However…

It will have much more advertising* and we’ll have the save the really good insider info and tips and deals for the paid members who are helping us afford the staffing to hunt them down and list them in an easy-to-use manner. Newkirk’s Notes and Members Mania will also mostly move to the membership newsletter only. Having more staffing will allow me the time to continue to do those and do an even better job!

* Paid subscribers will see a reduction in advertising promotion featured in their version of the newsletter.

Early Enrollment Discount – – While we launch July 1, We’re going to offer $19.95 enrollment through July 1 (for memberships starting July 1) to our current loyal readers. That is a saving of over 16%.

This is for the people who say “Ted, you and your staff’s info has been incredible, it has been so helpful in the past, we know it will be so helpful in the future, and we’re happy to take advantage of the $19.95 early membership deal” (which happens to be 16% off, and your membership won’t start until July 1, giving you a full year of enjoyment).

This will “kick start” our hiring and membership projects and I will send a personal “thank you” email to every single contributor for those who sign-up before July 1.

Regular Enrollment Now Open – Click Here!
http://www.accessvegas.com/membership

NOTE: You do not need to be a PayPal member to sign up! PayPal is simply our merchant account through publisher Ted Newkirk.

Thank you so much for your support! I’m so looking forward to the great fun we’re going to have in the future and all of the amazing, improved information that we’ll be able to source and sort for you, assuring that every single Las Vegas trip you take is the absolute best, most informed and enjoyable possible.

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 19, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+


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

Explore the REAL West: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon Skywalk, Native American Points, Western Ranch, More!
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
Spectacular views of Dam/Lake Mead plus memorable guided interior tour. Stunning photo opps!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…


Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Canadian Gold Medalists Kaillie Humphries And Meghan Agosta-Marciano Attend Rock Of Ages – 2014 Olympic Gold Medalists Kaillie Humphries of the Canadian bobsleigh team and Meghan Agosta-Marciano of the Canadian hockey team attended Rock of Ages Thursday evening, March 13 at The Venetian. Following the performance, Humphries and Agosta-Marciano joined Rock of Ages cast member Mark Shunock -formerly of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada – backstage for a photo and to share their enthusiasm for the show. Agosta-Marciano also shared her sentiments in a tweet saying, “Had an amazing night tn with Bobsled Kaillie at Rock of Ages thanks cast for taking the time to meet us.”


March Madness Las Vegas 2014


Drinking, Dining, And Dancing In Las Vegas

Celebrate 40 Fabulous Years Of UNLVino With Celebrity Chefs And Cocktail Pairings – Time to celebrate 40 fabulous years! UNLVino returns April 9-12, 2014 with four days of fantastic functions to celebrate its 40th anniversary as Nevada’s original wine event. The 40th UNLVino will be a demonstration in gastronomic excellence as four main events take place across the famed Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. Beverage enthusiasts and foodies alike will sample wines, spirits, craft beers and cuisine prepared by some of the city’s most beloved chefs and mixologists. This year’s events will elevate guests’ experiences, including:


Las Vegas Fun And Attractions


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – As I write this, Las Vegas is buzzing from March Madness. Four days of (mostly) testosterone-fueled, morning-until-night college basketball viewing and betting has been complimented by incredible high-70’s F (25C +/-) weather and perfect, cool evenings. Next weekend looks to be almost as much fun as the college basketball playoffs get into the “Sweet 16” and the 10 day weather outlook calls for more of out same flawless spring weather!

Best Of Update – We were hoping to launch our March Madness inspired Best Of Las Vegas voting today, but are ironing out a couple of glitches. We’re working them out and excited to get this going!

Don’t Visit During The Big Holidays – That is, if you want to save money and have some elbow room. The long Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends make them a very tempting time to visit for many, because you are using one fewer vacation day while spending the same amount of time here. The problem is that so is everyone else. In addition, those times are very popular among Californians who drive over.

The end result? You are paying higher rates for room and airfare, AND standing in longer lines and dealing with bigger crowds, which wastes valuable “Vegas Time”. If you are going to wrap your stay around a weekend and have some flexibility, the rule of thumb is to simply check rates to find the less busy weekends. You’ll enjoy lower room rates and a little more elbow room. Really want elbow room and low rates? Visit the week leading up to Christmas!

Innovative Check-Out – I’ve always been frustrated by hotel check-in/check-out times. I tend to arrive at my destinations later in the evening and schedule late departures so that I can get the most out of the last day. The Palms is now offering a true 24 hour day for each stay booked in the Premier King and Queen, Superior King and Queen, or Ivory Suite rooms. IE, if you check in at 10 PM, the room is yours until 10 PM on the day of your check-out. This is only available at The Palms official website, available here: Palms Las Vegas – Enjoy 24-hour checkout times only when you book online

Note: If you do book through that link, we get a modest commission. However, I’m talking about it because I simply really like the idea and hope it catches on!

Trains To Nowhere Updates – We’ve reported off-and-on about two attempts to link Southern California with Las Vegas by rail. Updates:

  • The X-Train is a conventional style train which would run on existing tracks from Fullerton, CA (where it hooks up with operating Amtrak and Metrolink lines serving all of Southern California). This “party train” concept would have comfortable seats, wi-fi, two lounge cars showing sporting events and similar. Unfortunately for now, they can’t seem to get the final permission needed to run the train on Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks that help link the two areas.
  • Desert Express is a high-speed rail project from Las Vegas to Victorville and Palmdale, CA. From where it is supposed to link up into Los Angeles via a proposed high-speed train from Los Angeles to San Francisco. No ground has been broken, and the latest report that I head noted that scheduled completion for the LA-San Fran line is 2029 (15 long years from now). Don’t hold your breath.

Silver Sevens $7.77 Specials – We talk quite a bit about high end and theme dining. However, we know a dedicated segment of our readers rent a car and/or aren’t afraid to venture off The Strip for specials. Currently, Silver Sevens (formerly Terribles, exactly 1 mile east of The Strip on Flamingo) currently offers some really great dining specials. 

$7.77 will get you any of the following:

  • Half-Rack of Baby Back Ribs, 12 chicken wings, and Fries
  • South-of-the Boarder Sampler Platter featuring Nachos, Flautas, Quesadillas & Taquitos
  • Chinese Chicken Salad
  • Bucket of 4 Domestic Beers
  • Pitcher of Long Island Ice Tea

To put the distance in perspective, it is the same distance as Bally’s to MGM Grand. A cheap cab ride, and walkable for anyone in decent health. Hint: If you walk it, detour into Ellis Island at Koval and Tuscany a few blocks shy of Silver Sevens. Might as well make a three-fer out of it! As always, we encourage you to call ahead to check availably of any specials.

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley


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

  • High Roller Lights Up – The LINQ – The LINQ features 30 retail, dining and entertainment venues. Phase one opened at the end of 2013 with six outlets including O’Sheas Casino and Purple Zebra. Phase two is now open. Thousands of crews are hard at work to get everything done as the April deadline draws near for the planned opening of the High Roller observation wheel.
  • X-Scream Ride On Las Vegas Stratosphere – See the ride that dares takes you over the edge of the side of the Stratosphere Tower and dares to “nearly” drop you into infinity. Beautiful shot of Las Vegas at dusk.
  • Las Vegas Footage From Summer 1992 – Notes by video producer: Here is some beautiful footage I shot of Las Vegas in the summer of 1992, while there for my first VSDA show. This first segment has video shot from our room at the Stardust, 31 floors up, looking down on the Strip and beyond! This was shot on Hi-8.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Note: Today we’re sharing a couple of the many great emails we received when we asked people to tell us about their 2014 Vegas plans!

 

Our plans for Las Vegas this year is to try and get there twice! My husband and I meet up with friends from Minnesota (we are from Albany, Ohio) in June. This will be our fourth year to do so if all goes as planned – and the budget works out for all of us.

We usually stay 5 nights and we always make time for the newbie things to do/go see. So we hope to see the “new” downtown Grand and also visit the Linq shops and the big wheel on the strip if they are open when we get there. We have tried the zip line and hope the newer version is up and running when we return as well! We don’t always stay in the same place, though we do prefer the strip so we don’t have to drive around at night (in case we want to relax and not get a DUI) and can casino hop if one place gets too stale. 

The energy is awesome in Las Vegas, so we try to casino hop as much as we can. We have also visited the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, Rick’s Restoration and Danny Koker’s auto shop (which is a must see if you like autos!!!) which is something to do out of the norm of regular tours/casinos/shopping.

I usually get to go a second time when the Girls Only trip happens in July. Yea, it’s a hot time to be there, but we laugh in spite of ourselves and have a wonderful time just the same! Hey, it’s Vegas Baby!!

We really enjoy the newsletter, so keep up the good work!

Best in 2014,

Sharon from Ohio

 

Ted Responds:

Last week, we posted a walk-through of the Linq project in our What We’re Watching area. Next week we will have a quick 2 minute walk-through of Downtown Grand for everyone.

For those missing the old Lady Luck, don’t hold your breath. The new DTG has more of an urban, boutique property feel to it, and things are not overly cheap. So, it is worth the look but don’t expect to be overly wowed.

As usual, our advice on visiting Gold and Silver Pawn is to go later to avoid the lines. The public is welcome until 9 PM.

I have not done Count’s Kustoms yet and keep telling myself we need to get over and take a look-see and get some photos for everyone! I almost have no excuse as the shop is less than 2 miles from my house!

After the winter that much of the nation is having, you may just learn a new appreciation for our hot summers here. The second winter I was here, we had a terrible cold snap and I was down on Fremont Street about about 2 AM in 24 degree weather with strong winds. And I owned a heavy coat at that time! I swore that I would never, ever complain about the summer heat again. And, I never have. 110 doesn’t make your body numb and bite at our skin.


Our sixth visit to Vegas will be the 1st to 15th May 2014 but this will be a bit special. My wife (Rayah) and I are both English but we live in Spain (for 10 years) so have to make the trip back to UK in order to get a decent price flight with Virgin Atlantic—-flights from Spain cost a fortune.

Anyway it will be our 3rd stay at the Flamingo, mainly because it is very central and two 60+ year olds need all the help they can when walking around is involved!!!

This year will be very special as my wife will meet up with her 2 sisters and they will be together for the very first time. Both her sisters were born and live in Canada and were unknown to us until 2 years ago, we have met one in Toronto and one in Winnipeg but never have they been together in the same place and as it our favourite place in the world we chose Vegas for this very special event.

She can’t wait until May for this emotional meeting and what a great place to do it!!!!

Thanks for your excellent newsletter, I look forward to it and use the information a great deal.

Regards

Bob & Rayah from Malaga, Spain

 

Ted Responds:

I appreciate all of our visitors, but especially those of you who come from such long distances and put in the time and expense to come visit our little slice of fantasy that we call home.

Thanks for sharing the heartwarming story of the pending reunion. Las Vegas is a great place for families to get together because there is so much to do, see, and enjoy. Thanksgiving in Las Vegas has grown extremely popular as far-flung families all gather together and no one has to cook or clean up the mess. My brother is sneaking down here for a few days this week and I’m looking forward to it!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 12, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+


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

Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
Ultimate Grand Canyon South Rim tour, extensive views, lunch at historic lodge, more!
Zoom around Las Vegas Speedway NASCAR track at 160 mph with pro driver, thrill of lifetime!
Soar over the desert at 60 mph, seeing scenic wildlife from ziplines (close to Vegas)!
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…


St. Patrick’s Day Las Vegas 2014

Trevi At Caesars Palace Celebrates The Luck Of The Italians With Food And Drink Specials On St. Patrick’s Day – TREVI Italian Restaurant, located at the heart of The Forum Shops inside Caesars, will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with food and drink specials exclusively on Monday, Mar. 17.

Executive Chef Peter Scaturro will serve the fettuccine al pesto con gamberi for a lucky price of $24.95. The delectable dish consists of fettuccine tossed with sautÚed shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts and basil in a green pesto cream sauce.

Pastry Chef Hank Sbraccia will go green with a creamy pistachio gelato accompanied by a Pirouette cookie, priced at $4.50 per scoop. The ‘Kiss Me, I’m Italian’ sour apple cocktail will also be offered as a holiday special for $9.


Drinking, Dining, And Dancing In Las Vegas

Exclusive Chef’s Table At Bellagio Buffet Elevates Las Vegas Buffet Experience – With the introduction of the first Chef’s Table within a buffet, Bellagio once again raises the bar in buffet dining. This unique V.I.P. table experience includes a skilled chef team that pampers guests from beginning to end, preparing the finest culinary dishes tableside. Upon arrival to Bellagio Buffet, guests will bypass the main line and go to the front entrance of the restaurant where they are greeted and escorted to the Chef’s Table. Bellagio Buffet chefs welcome the group as they are seated and describe the assorted seasonal fruits, varieties of fresh house-baked breads and selections of canapÚs displayed on the luxurious table.

PBR Rock Bar Inside Planet Hollywood Rolls Out New Happy Hour Specials – Strip-side visitors can revel in new happy hour specials, now available at PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the party destination offers food and drink specials every Monday through Friday from 2 until 6 p.m.

Hungry patrons can enjoy delicious small plates, priced at $5 each, including French bread margherita pizza, strawberries with balsamic and goat cheese, guacamole with flour tortilla chips and onion rings. Priced at $7 each, additional menu selections include fried pickles, pork sliders, tomato soup with grilled cheese dippers and PBR Rock Bar’s famous Dorito mac ‘n’ cheese.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Inside Planet Hollywood Introduces New Flavorful Dishes – Cabo Wabo Cantina has introduced five new menu items with more of a Baja twist inspired by the flagship restaurant and bar in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The savory selections are created and prepared by Executive Chef Tacho Kneeland. Queso fundido con chorizo is a new starter and is cooked with three kinds of Mexican cheeses melted on a skillet with the restaurant’s house chorizo and is accompanied by fresh warm tortillas and salsa, priced at $10.95.


Las Vegas Art And Attractions


Shows, Concerts, And Headliners


Las Vegas Hotels


Of Interest To The Las Vegas Tourist


March Madness Las Vegas 2014


March Madness AND St. Paddy’s AND Spring Break AND More March Events & Specials


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – I’m proud to announce that we’re about two weeks away from launching our “Best Of Vegas” readers poll. No doubt you have been walking around various hotels or flipping through the in-room magazines and have seen various touts of something being the “Best In Las Vegas”. We’re not the first people to do awards. However…

I’ve always been concerned with some of the flaws in the voting for various awards. The newspaper has been doing their awards for (seemingly) forever. However, you have a group of locals voting who rarely get near The Strip. An L.A. based Vegas site recently did a best of, and best hotel winner ended up being a downtown hotel they are cozy with, but that half of you are probably unfamiliar with. Huh?

Various other publications have the writers and editors pick the awards. A nice concept in theory (IE, they know the subject matter), but that leaves out the most important people: You, the reader!

With March Madness around the corner, a light-bulb went off in my head: How about throwing everybody in the pool (every hotel in this case), letting them face off in playoff rounds, and seeing who the winner turns out to be!

We’re going to do hotels first, then we’ll move on to other categories over the course of the year. Since “March Madness” involves 64 teams and Las Vegas has more than 64 hotels, we will start with a 16 hotel preliminary round. The winner will advance to the main round where 64 hotels will face off. We actually even have a bracket system, and ranked hotels by midweek price in order to determine bracket order (in the very same vein that the NCAA does with the basketball teams.

To those of you not interested in sports and who didn’t understand a word I just said, I’ll make it simple: Each week, you are going to vote in a bunch of match-ups. We’ll sort out the rest and announce the weekly winners, which will move on to the next round!

Downtown Loses An Icon – We just lost a pioneer of Las Vegas gambling. Jackie Gaughan has passed away at the age of 93. At one time he owned The Plaza, Las Vegas Club, Gold Spike, and El Cortez. All at the same time. He still lived in the penthouse apartment of the El Cortez up until the time of his death, being well ahead of the current trend to move and live downtown.

He was old school. He knew that he’d get your money sooner or later, so he kept the slots loose, table games fair, food inexpensive and the drinks cheap and cold. (The Gold Spike was know for 50 cent well drinks well into the 90’s). You video poker players will appreciate the fact that ALL the original video poker machines at The Plaza were 9/6 Jacks or Better with a $1199 royal! ($1 less than the amount that triggers IRS reporting, and into the territory of being a full-pay game).

Those wanting to know more about the life and times of Jackie Gaughan can read the article Las Vegas gambling pioneer Jackie Gaughan dies at 93

First Look At The Linq – Just a couple of days after the entire Linq project opened to the public, we did a full walk-though at night so you can get a true feel for it. Check out the video at Linq Las Vegas Opening Walk-Through and don’t forget to leave comments and subscribe to our YouTube channel while you are there.

The Riv Brings Back Old-School Vegas Deals – $4 breakfast, $3 call drinks, $2 beers and $1 blackjack. Must be 1997 on the Las Vegas Strip, right? No, we’re firmly in 2014 but The Riviera believes that old-school casino marketing still works and they are willing to give it a try! Read all the details here: Riviera March 2014 Food, Beverage, And Gaming Promotions

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts, Headliners, Special Events: Amy Rayner-Cooley


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


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’m super-busy (and excited) working on our “Best Of” readers poll. Members Mania will return next week. In the meantime, if you want to suggest a snappy name for our readers poll, drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Keep in mind that we are Access Vegas, and the name of the newsletter is Insider Vibe. However, anything involving “readers” or “members” or anything that sounds catchy or rhymes is all welcome. Of course, having Vegas in the name does not hurt (but isn’t mandatory).

If we use a reader suggestion, we’ll send you something cool from our prize closet!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 5, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+


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

Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
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!
Grand Canyon, Route 66, Mojave Desert, more, direct from Vegas. Full day tour only $229 includes snacks/lunch/fees!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…


The Bellagion Gallery Of Fine Art

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Presents “Painting Women”Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA), the premier cultural destination on the Las Vegas Strip recognized for presenting world-class exhibitions in an unrivaled setting, today debuted its newest exhibition “Painting Women: Works from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.” Culture-seekers and art-lovers can view the exhibit through Oct. 26, 2014.

Organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibition showcases 34 paintings spanning the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, revealing the story of women artists, their activism and artistic achievements. The works represent the increased opportunities for education, domestic independence and artistic training that allowed many women to pursue their dreams of becoming professional painters, dating back to the late 18th century.


Events And Specials During March 2014


THE LINQ


Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Sighting: GLEE Star Darren Criss with Cast of Rock of Ages – GLEE star, Darren Criss, attended Rock of Ages Saturday evening, February 15, 2014 at The Venetian Las Vegas. Following the performance, Criss headed backstage to share words of enthusiasm with Rock of Ages star and former GLEE cast member, Jon Robert Hall, and to take a photo with the cast. Criss also shared his sentiments in a tweet saying, “Thanks again to my ol’ warbler buddy @JonHall28 for a rockin time- he killed it as Stacee Jaxx in RockofAgesVegas this weekend!

Grammy Award Winning Violinist Joshua Bell And NFL Stars Vince Young And Zach Ertz Attend Absinthe – On February 9, 2014, Grammy Award«-winning violinist Joshua Bell attended Absinthe. Following the performance, Bell shared his enthusiasm for the show while posing for a photo with The Green Fairy Melody Sweets.

On February 15-16, Former NFL Quarterback Vince Young and Philadelphia Eagles Tight End Zach Ertz attended Absinthe at Caesars Palace with his girlfriend. Following the performance, Ertz expressed his enjoyment for the performance while he met with The Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets for a photo.


Las Vegas Tours And Attractions


The Cromwell Hotel & Casino


Drinking, Dining, And Dancing In Las Vegas

Celebrate National Meatball Day With Meat-Loving Specials At Trevi At Caesars PalaceTrevi Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will honor National Meatball Day by offering several specially-priced menu favorites exclusively on Sunday, March 9.

Executive Chef Peter Scaturro’s classic spaghetti and meatballs entrÚe is made with a hearty serving of pasta served with two homemade meatballs in a zesty marinara sauce and will be priced at $15 to celebrate the holiday. Additional specials include a wood oven-fired meatball pizza for $10, an appetizer featuring two jumbo five-ounce meatballs for $5 and a lunchtime meatball sub on focaccia bread served with patate fritte, priced at $15.


Gambling And Gaming


Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate


More Las Vegas News


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – No polar vortex here, although we’re watching it on TV and hoping that all of our US and Canadian readers getting slammed once again with winterly weather are staying safe and warm. Our 10 day forecast ranges from 72 – 81 F (22 – 27 C) for the highs and we’re going to have flawless weather for our NASCAR race this weekend.

Monorail vs. Light Rail (Part 2)Last week, we discussed why the monorail has not been extended to the airport and why the SLS (Sahara) may be the last hope of turning it into a success. This week we’ll talk about a new idea for light rail and question why the airport does not have better bus service for visitors.

Unlike many other cities in the U.S. (and around the world), your options for getting from McCarran Airport to The Strip or Fremont Street are limited to renting a car, taking a cab/limousine, or using a shuttle. When you consider the sheer volume of visitors who move through our airport, this is simply not acceptable (unless you own a cab company).

Citizens Area Transit (aka CAT, our local bus service) is making inroads to serving the airport, but still not specifically in a way that benefits tourist. We have two bus lines running the length of The Strip (a limited-stop express and a the regular double-deck Deuce). I have yet to hear why one of them doesn’t operate a split route and circle though the airport. Instead, both continue south on The Strip (Las Vegas Blvd.) down to the Outlet Mall and transit center.

Two bus routes designed for locals cross The Strip and are usable under the right conditions. If you are going to the vicinity of Treasure Island/Wynn/Venetian, you can hop the Centennial Express (CX) right from the airport. BUT… only from Terminal 3. So, keep that in mind. The Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) services both Terminal 1 & 3 and crosses The Strip on Tropicana for those who are staying in that area.

BOTH of these routes provide service into the heart of Fremont Street. The fare is only $2 and the WAX is quicker. Information on both is available at http://www.rtcsnv.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/AirportBrochure_0114_24x11.pdf

However, we’re still talking a bus ride when other cities have forms of rail serving their airports. Unfortunately, some kind of rail down The Strip is a near impossibility. As congested as things are, just the construction would be nightmarish. Running with the traffic would cause all kinds of accidents, and creating a designated lane would make an already crowded street come to a permanent standstill.

The latest push is to run light rail from the airport to downtown, and it is gaining some decent momentum. While aimed at locals, this could be a boon to some visitors if done properly. They know that they want to run it down Maryland Avenue because of the density of housing, UNLV, and similar. They could follow this route http://goo.gl/maps/XJeMJ and zig-zag it over to meet up with the north end of the monorail as well.

However, I’ll be the first to agree that all of the above represents a patchwork at best. And probably only palatable to those who really enjoy mass transit or want to save a buck and stick it to the cabbies!

Terry Fator Video Now Working – Our Terry Fator on David Letterman video was down for a few hours last week. If you tried to view it and couldn’t, you can enjoy it now!

Getting An End To Resort Fees – The move to outlaw resort fees (or make them a LOT more transparent like the airlines now must) is gaining steam.

I would suggest that ALL of you who are concerned about this issue take 5 minutes out of your life and write a snail mail (postal service mail) to Senator Harry Ried and let him know that you disapprove and it is making you — the Vegas visitor — have a negative opinion. You don’t have to live in Nevada to write him. In fact, hearing from those of you around the U.S. and around the world who visit and provide a positive economic impact to our state would be very powerful.

Write him at:

The Honorable Harry Reid
333 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Suite 8016
Lloyd D. George Building
Las Vegas, NV 89101

P.S. Even if you don’t like his politics, be polite and to-the-point. This isn’t about Obamacare or the minimum wage. He needs to be aware that the resort fee issue bothers you.

To the hotel properties who want to continue the fees, I can only say “don’t shoot the messenger” here. It is by far and away the #1 complaint among our readers. I’d love to see a gentleman’s agreement among resort properties to kill the fee and simply bump up the room rates. You’ll get the same amount for the room without pissing off every visitor who looks at their final hotel bill and feels like they were robbed.

I never hear people citing room rates as a reason for visiting here less. Whether to take a trip or not usually comes down to getting decent airfare. We’d still have some of the cheapest rooms in the nation for what you are getting.

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

  • Video – Fremont Street Experience 2013 – Still have that football beer holder you bought on your last visit to Fremont Street? Dig it out, pour your favorite frosty beverage in it, and turn up this video. You’ll almost feel like you are back down there!
  • Piers Morgan On Las Vegas – Before Piers got hired and (evidently) let go at CNN, he did this special on Las Vegas for British TV. Shot during the bust, they did a pretty good job of capturing a nice snapshot of that era.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 26, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+


Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms – Tired of the cold? Escape to beautiful Las Vegas with rates starting at $59 + complimentary bottle of alcohol! Palms Resort & Casino – Plan your Vegas trip ahead and secure the best rate! Make your plans now!
Palms Resort & Casino – 20% off Rates & Starting at $35/NT! Palms Place Resort – 20% off Rates. Stay in Contemporary Luxury!
Palms Casino Resort – Rates from $59 and complimentary bottle Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.
Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

El Loco Opens At The Adventuredome Introducing Drops, Twists & Turns For Thrill Seekers Of All Ages – The Adventuredome at Circus Circus has gone “loco” – El Loco, that is! Only the second of its kind in the United States, the new world-class roller coaster is now open and invites thrill seekers of all ages to experience a 72-second, adrenaline-pumping adventure complete with G drops, gravity-defying turns and over-the-edge twists.

Designed by S&S Worldwide, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of vertical and family thrill rides, El Loco’s soaring eye-catching structure offers a unique and exhilarating ride experience in a small footprint. Reaching a maximum speed of 45 mph, El Loco pushes the limits with unique coaster elements that drop, turn and twist riders around 1,300 feet of electric yellow track for a thrill-a-second adventure, including…


Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NBA Tickets 5 Seconds of Summer Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
NHL Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Lionel Richie Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Morrissey Tickets
Baseball Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
NCAA Basketball Tickets One Direction Tickets

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Bruno Mars Performed At The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan – Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bruno Mars celebrated Valentine’s Day weekend by rocking the Mophie Stage inside The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for two consecutive nights on Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16.

Both nights Australian DJ Havana Brown, known for her hit “We Run the Night” warmed up sold-out crowds with electric sets featuring popular remixes such as Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.” Following, one of People Magazine’s sexiest men alive, Bruno Mars, took the stage with his eight-piece band The Hooligans. Photo credit: ® Erik Kabik/ Retna/ erikkabik.com


Downtown Las Vegas / Fremont Street Experience


Las Vegas Hotels


Celebrate Spring Break And Mardi Gras In Las Vegas

Rhumbar Welcomes Spring Break With Specials – RHUMBAR will turn its Caribbean-themed patio into the ultimate spring break getaway for those aged 21 and over with all-day music and daily specials from 1 – 6 p.m. The array of $5 drink specials include Rum Punch, Coors Light bottles and vodka mixed drinks. Buckets of domestic beer also will be available for $20. Revelers can savor $8 house cigars, a variety of hookah flavors and The Chonga, a 32-ounce margarita with two upside down 7-ounce Sol beers, for $18.

Join The Fiesta At Tacos & Tequila For Spring Break – Spring Breakers may also enjoy a $5 menu offered daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring Fiesta Nachos, Haba±ero Wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Flautas, Guacamole, Dos Equis bottles, Jose Cuervo shots, well drinks, house red or white wine and sangria. The party never stops with T&T’s Fiesta Weekends complete with a resident DJ spinning high-energy sets and $5 Dos Equis and Jose Cuervo shots every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Trevi Offers Food And Drink Specials For Spring Breakers – College students celebrating their week off from school will enjoy $6 TREVI Bites including tomato bruschetta, fresh stuffed mushrooms, fried calamari, eggplant crisps, homemade meatballs and mini stuffed cheeseburgers.

The Italian restaurant will offer an array of drink specials including $3 classic frozen bellinis made with a refreshing blend of peach nectar, sparkling wine, light rum and peach purÚe; $4 bottled beers including Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Corona, Miller Lite and Peroni; $6 wines by the glass such as chardonnay, pinot grigio, cabernet sauvignon, Chianti and merlot; and $6 signature martinis including the pomegranate cosmo, Italian marga-tini, blue-tini and limone martini.


Dining In Las Vegas


Las Vegas Attractions


Gambling And Gaming


This Week’s Top Tours

Vegas Strip ‘copter tour, then dinner at Smith & Wollensky’s is the perfect way to begin your night!
Experience Grand Canyon via Plane, ‘Copter, Hike (optional), BBQ, true Southwest experience!
Drive your dream car (Ferrari, Lambo, more) around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR track starting only $199!
VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour via chopper trip to/from Skywalk, stunning views, expedited/exclusive arrangements.
Western Sunset Horseback + BBQ Dinner Ride through stunning scenery surrounding Vegas. Truly experience the west!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – March is staring us squarely in the face and spring has sprung here in Las Vegas. This means Spring Break, St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and the end of what most of you would consider chilly weather. Do pack a light jacket, but leave the heavy stuff at home where you’ve been giving it a wear-out all winter.

Monorail vs. Light Rail (Part 1) – With no end in sight for the regulation of taxi long-hauling (the cab taking you the long way from the airport), people continue to ask why the monorail simply can’t be run to the airport. The issue: The monorail is a private company and because of past failures financially, it simply isn’t able to raise the necessary capital. The good citizens of Clark County, NV have heard so much bad news about the monorail over the years that there is no public (taxpayer) push to get involved by taking the company over. This would be the first necessary step in using tax dollars to fund the expansion.

The hotel properties have no interest in stepping in. It only realistically serves a few of them and frankly isn’t that convenient of a way to casino-hop due to the location of the stations.

As recently pointed out by our friend Mark over at the 360 Vegas Podcast*, The new SLS (former Sahara, opening Labor Day weekend) could prove to be somewhat of a saving grace for the monorail. The younger crowd they are looking to draw might find it a great way to get down The Strip to other restaurants and clubs. AND… if the SLS brings a decent draw the way Cosmopolitan did, people from the south and mid-Strip will find the monorail an easy way to get to SLS.

* 360 Vegas Podcast is NOT for those with timid ears. They do a great job giving their opinions on Las Vegas but also spend time on off-color jokes and pop-culture tangents. This is not for those of you looking for 60 Minutes.

Why didn’t this happen when The Sahara was operating? The Sahara’s prices, location and (lack of) amenities drew a drive-in, budget crowd from California who were not as likely to spend the $5 per person for the ride. A young group of drinking clubbers will gladly pay that to be whisked from SLS to Hakasan (MGM’s big club) in 15 minutes of air conditioned, partying comfort. Similar, the younger trendy clubbers will do the same to experience the clubs SLS is set to offer. A budget, light-drinking party of four with a car? Not so much.

In Part 2, we’ll talk about why bus service to the airport is so non-existent for visitors, and the concept of light rail currently being floated. In other cities, mass transit generally does a solid job of serving their airport, and in cities such as Atlanta and Portland, you can hop a train from the airport straight into downtown!

Linq Me Up – As many of you are reading this, the Big Wheel, er Linq-Mobile, er High Roller Ferris Wheel — sitting dead in the center of the Strip and lit up as to be seen from 20 miles away — is just about to open. Rumor pegs it as March 1 with an average ride price of $30. Obviously, we’ll be down there as soon as they give everyone the green light with photos, a story, and perhaps some video

Driving home from grocery shopping recently, I just about drove off the road, distracted by how brightly the pods were lit up. They’re making sure it gets noticed!

Terry Fator and MAMMA MIA! – We’d like to welcome two great new sponsors! MAMMA MIA! returns to Las Vegas, this time at The Tropicana in the old Folies Bergere showroom. (Which has been upgraded and received a makeover). Long time visitors may remember it running for many years at Mandalay Bay, and everyone (literally) loved it. Click For Tickets: MAMMA MIA! Las Vegas

Terry Fator continues his extremely talented, hilarious show at The Mirage. He’s hot on the heels of a new DVD release. However, if you’ve caught his previous work on TV or Netflix, don’t assume that you’ve seen it all. He’s constantly adding new acts, characters and bits to his show. You could go once per year and not see the same show again. We’ve included a clip of his recent David Letterman performance in our What We’re Watching area. Click For Tickets: Terry Fator Las Vegas

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley


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

  • Terry Fator 2014 On David Letterman – America’s Got Talent ventriloquist/singer/comedian Terry Fator continuous to wow audiences in his Mirage Las Vegas Theater. Enjoy this recent David Letterman performance.
  • Take A Ride On The New Circus Circus Adventuredome El Loco Rollercoaster – Allowing the vehicle to make tighter and faster turns, El Loco’s small four-person cars feature an innovative open-carriage design giving riders the feeling of flying as they twist around every turn. With a surround-sound system built into each seat of the coaster cars, riders also will enjoy a custom soundtrack featuring the sounds of Latin, Hip Hop and Rock.
  • Las Vegas 1969 – Travel up Interstate 15 to Las Vegas August 1969. A view of old Las Vegas driving down the famous “strip”. Drive by the “new” Landmark Hotel which opened on July 1, 1969.
  • Advice From A Barber: Wynn Edition – A tourist at the Wynn resort and casino in Las Vegas and got a luxury shave at their salon. With Wynn’s permission he recorded the shave, asking the barber to explain what he was doing and answer some questions.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

In January 2014, we asked you to send us your 2014 Vegas plans. We were swamped and enjoyed reading them all. We’ll be printing selected choices over the next few months so that you can hear what others are up to and share in the excitement that anticipation of a Vegas vacation brings!

 

How lovely for someone to ask about your holiday plans and actually really want to know rather than just being polite!

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. Other things on the agenda that we haven’t done before are Mob Museum, New Wheel (hopefully it will be open by then) – I have been on the London Eye and it is an amazing experience.Plus,  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

&nbps;

Ted Responds:

That sounds like a full trip, and no question that when you are traveling that far, you need to make the most of it!

* If staying off-Strip, The Orleans is a good choice. Big casino, plenty of food options, prices and gambling that cater to locals (IE, your money will go farther), and a very short shuttle ride from The Strip.

* Those who do Vegas for short stretches and go non-stop often wonder how someone can visit for a week or two (or longer). The simply do what you plan to do. Spend one day going heavy, and the next day kicking back. Also when you are here longer, you don’t quite feel so overwhelmed with so much to do and so little time.

* Make sure to check out our Access Vegas Tours Page to book that Grand Canyon trip. There is NOTHING like seeing it from a helicopter where you can get an in-depth trip into the Canyon and see so much of it. Keep in mind that we only work with the best, most safe companies for these tours.

Visiting the Stratosphere 107 lounge is well worth the trip. Just keep in mind to pay attention to when sunset is. For the best experience, get up there 45 minutes before sunset and enjoy cocktails while The Strip lights up and the sun sets in an orange glow over our spectacular desert mountains!

* For those wondering, they can check out the Las Vegas sign live at EarthCam Las Vegas. If you visit the sign during the day, let your friends know and make sure to wave to them.

Sounds like a very full trip and we’ll be eager to hear how it went toward the end of the year!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 12, 2014

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:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+


Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Resort & Casino – 20% off Rates & Starting at $35/NT! Palms Place Resort – 20% off Rates. Stay in Contemporary Luxury!
Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Palazzo – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PPROAPU) Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Venetian – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PVROAPU)
Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Palazzo (promo code: PPSUTLF) Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Venetian (promo code PVSUTLF)
Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Venetian (Promo Code: EVHOMQ1) Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Palazzo (Promo Code: EPHOMQ1)
Palms Casino Resort – Rates from $59 and complimentary bottle Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.
Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

Top Tickets For All United States Events

Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NBA Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Cher Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets Dave Matthews Band Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Los Angeles Clippers Tickets James Taylor Tickets
NHL Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
College Basketball Tickets One Direction Tickets

Sports And Olympics

Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Shows Feature International Olympic-Caliber Athletes and Performers – Hundreds of athletes from around the world gather to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In Las Vegas, Olympic-caliber athletes and entertainers from across the globe take the stage nightly at Caesars Entertainment’s Total Vegas Resorts. Go behind the curtains and find out how these international entertainers stay in shape and maintain their athletic physique.


Las Vegas Attractions


Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Celebrity Sighting: Adam Lambert Attends Rock of Ages At The Venetian – Singer and American Idol alumni Adam Lambert attended Rock of Ages at The Venetian Las Vegas in order to rock out and cheer on cast member and close friend Terrance Spencer (Mayor/Ja’Keith). The two first met when they performed in WICKED together and then later, Terrance performed as a dancer on Lambert’s Glam Nation tour.

After the performance, Lambert went backstage to pose for photos with the cast, including Terrance, and to congratulate them on a great performance.


Downtown Las Vegas And Fremont Street


Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Celebrate National Margarita And Tortilla Chip Day With Specials At Tacos & Tequila Inside Luxor – Celebrate National Margarita Day with two-for-one Top Shelf Margaritas February 22 and National Tortilla Chip Day with $5 Fiesta Nachos on February 24.

T&T’s signature Top Shelf Margarita is made with Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado Tequila, organic agave nectar, Grand Marnier and a margarita mix prepared in-house daily from fresh squeezed limes, and is served on the rocks with a salted rim.

The south of the border party will continue with $5 Fiesta Nachos, in honor of National Tortilla Chip Day. The nachos are topped with black beans, jalape±os, chipotle cheese sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo and crema fresca. Diners may add chicken for an additional $3 or grilled steak for $4.


Gambling And Gaming


More Las Vegas News


This Week’s Top Tours

Air/Land/Water: Experience a Grand Canyon expedition from #Vegas, helicopter trip and Colorado River rafting!
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
Just 45 minutes from The Strip, the wild west lives with majestic views on a breakfast horseback ride!

Click Here To See More Great Tours…


Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays


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! – Temps are in the 70’s F this week (as we noted they would be a couple of weeks ago), birds are chirping, the sun is shining… it looks like our two months of winter (Dec. and Jan.) are officially over! Now, if we can just get daylight savings time to kick in and give us some sunshine in the evening to enjoy, life will be perfect. Nothing beats a warm evening walk on the Las Vegas Strip with the Bellagio fountains going off next to you.

Bellagio Fountains by prud_de, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by  prud_de 

Average Visitor Age Declines – For quite a few years, the average age of the Las Vegas visitor hovered right around 50. That number has recently taken a dramatic drop to around 45. What gives?

EDC and EDM, which stand for Electric Daisy Carnival and Electronic Dance Music. Electronic dance music is the “thump thump” music that you pretty much hear everywhere now, and many of the DJ’s who create and or mix the tracks are superstars among EDM fans. This has culminated in a yearly event called Electric Daisy Carnival which draws around 300,000 mostly young people to attend the multi-night festival held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That alone really drags down the average.

We do have the “chicken or the egg” issue working. Are more seasoned visitors chased away because of the trends toward the clubs and EDM music replacing the lounge acts? Or have the casinos tightened up their slot machines one notch too tight, leaving gamblers to figure that if they are going to get robbed, they don’t need to fly all the way to Las Vegas to do so?

One thing is for sure: Las Vegas better work on making gambling more appealing to those twenty-somethings if they want a life-long shot at those customers revenue. Shopping just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to financing the multi-decade debt load on some of the gaming properties. once these younger people hit 30 and settle down and start having kids, spending big bucks for a night of clubbing is no longer going to appeal to them until they are 50 and divorced. And… this “shopping” gimmick won’t be filling the financial gap.

Make gambling an affordable pastime for all ages and you’ll get people to gamble. Set slots and table game rules too tight, and then don’t be shocked when people spend their money on other activities. AND… when these 20-somethings vanish as Vegas visitors when they hit 30.

Drinking And Gambling At 18 – Longshot GOP candidate for the Nevada governor’s office Eddie Hamilton wants to spur tourism by lowering the legal age to drink and gamble in Nevada to 18. While the valid argument exists that if one can go to war and die for your country, one is old enough to enjoy adult vices.

On the flip side, the ideas has too many roadblocks to count:

  • The 21 and over drinking age is just short of a federal law. States can lower it, but they lose their highway money from Washington, DC. This is also why we have the uniform .08 “drunk” threshold, and Nevada was one of the last states to bow down to that (with a gun to our head). However, we still have an “aggravated” DUI at .18 which is where you are no longer just a tiny bit buzzed, but are pretty good and tipsy.
  • I can’t imagine many of the hotel properties wanting to rent to anyone under 21.
  • Kids that age aren’t exactly loaded with cash. It is one thing to be a budget tourist. It is entirely another thing to come to Las Vegas and end up drinking yourself silly on The Strip (from beer and liquor bought at the grocery store) all day and night because you literally can’t afford to do much else.

While I don’t applaud the federal government telling states how to set laws like these, I can’t see a change like this benefiting tourism here.

The Next “Locals” Best Kept Dining Secret – Every couple of years, regular visitors who spend way too much time on way too many Las Vegas message boards (you know who you are!) get all excited about a restaurant tucked away somewhere off The Strip that is getting tons of local love and buzz. Lotus Of Siam Thai just a few blocks east of The Sahara (953 E. Sahara) was one such for a long time, and still holds up as a can’t miss place for Thai.

Just about a block away, Fat Choy inside the Eureka Casino is now getting rave reviews for their Asian-American food. One wouldn’t expect to find such a restaurant inside a decidedly mid-market property in an older neighborhood that caters to locals, but then Las Vegas has never been short on surprises. An important note: We do not suggest starting to venture to some of the locals treasures during your first few visits. Just enjoy The Strip and downtown.

However, if you drive in or rent a car and are on your 10’th, 20’th or 40’th visit and enjoy getting out and seeing the various locals casinos or some of the surrounding scenery and attractions here in Clark County, both Lotus and Fat Choy are worth a visit if you enjoy that type of cuisine. You can read more about Fat Choy here: Fat Choy chef knows what he is doing with signature dishes

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley


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

  • Las Vegas Magic Carpet Ride – Flying all over Las Vegas on our very own Magic Carpet. We had a blast filming our “Magic Carpet Ride”! It’s in a booth across from the King Tut Museum on the second level of Luxor Hotel Pyramid. (Description by video author). A fun trip down Las Vegas Blvd and Fremont Street including a few backdrops of the pre-City Center Las Vegas Strip.
  • A Rebirth Of The Social Club: Rose. Rabbit. Lie. – Rose. Rabbit. Lie. at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a modern twist on clubs of the night – a truly communal venue, where the experience lies not only with the power of production, but within the excitement of improvisation. The result is a new genre that blurs the lines between restaurant, bar, club and show to create a grand social experiment; one that arrives in spontaneous moments throughout the evening. This unique venue delivers an unexpected mash-up of experiences that typically live detached from one another.
  • Video – Andre Agassi Image Is Everything, Canon (1990) – One of the most successful ad campaigns by Canon. This commercial became the target of the sports media’s criticism in the early 90s – often accusing Andre of endorsing style over substance. Shot against some awesome vintage images of Las Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I want to thank everyone who sent us an email telling us about their 2014 Vegas plans and thoughts. I was overwhelmed, but read every single one (which took a few hours)! The winner of the random drawing for a choice of various Vegas prizes was Rick Hoirch from Canada. He chose the limited-edition KISS Monster Mini-Golf poster. He’s in town in just a couple of weeks, so we’re going to drop it by his hotel!

Here are some quick take-aways from what many of you were saying. While this does not represent every single email (our readers have pretty diverse interests), there were some themes:

* Most of our readership is 40+, which is something we already had a pretty good handle on. You’ll notice that we concentrate on the more traditional Las Vegas activities like fine dining, great shows, and spectacular tours. Very little in the way of nightclubs.

* In the same vein, most of you showed a great affinity for fine dining. More so than I suspected. In the future, we’ll be diving into that side of things more. (When you are spending that kind of money, you really want the inside scoop).

* Lots of concert fans, which makes sense. No better place to see a concert than here in Vegas. You get out, you are all jacked up and happy, the night is still young, and you don’t have to get in your car and go home! Keep in mind that we have plenty of premium seats to most Las Vegas concerts at our ticketing section: Tickets.AccessVegas.com

* Many of you have surprisingly not visited downtown in years! Some have little interest, others are just so busy on The Strip that they don’t take the time. Still others noted that they do all of the gambling downtown because the odds are better and machines are loser (which is a fact). I do encourage those of you who have not been for a long time to check out all of the changes downtown. Hint: Avoid Friday and Saturday nights. The crowds are crazy. You’ll enjoy the weeknights so much more.

* Customer service needs to step it up a notch. That was a pretty significant thread, and something that some of the properties really need to work on. Attention locals (in the industry), how about you be thankful that you’ve had a job through this terrible recession and treat our guests like gold so they enjoy coming back time and time again.

* Many more of you are embracing the “new” Vegas than we had previously thought. Las Vegas is always changing and those changes bring renewed interest. In the same vein…

* Many, many of you are looking forward to the full opening of Linq and the Linq-Mobile (er, High Roller). Which for a while will be the tallest in the world. Hence, we’ll make sure we keep you up-to-date and get some live reports in.

* Quite a few of you enjoy having a car, either by driving in or renting one and really getting out to see both the local’s casinos (where the food prices and gaming odds are really good), or some of our amazing desert scenery.

* Quite a few of you specifically mentioned wanting to go on a night flight over the Las Vegas Strip via helicopter. I’ve done it and can’t recommend it enough. It is awesome and a view like no other.

BTW, for those wanting to do so or check out some of the other scenic attractions in our area, we only work with the very best tour providers and stand behind them. When you book a tour on our Access Vegas Tours Page, you are getting great rates AND the top companies to assure you have a “memory of a lifetime” experience.

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.

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