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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 13, 2009

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AccessVegas.com InsideráVibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Sumer is here, temps have already hovered at the 100 (F) and the pools are packed. Hotels are working harder than ever on promotions that should make this one of the best Las Vegas summers in some time.

Reinventing Las Vegas – The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) was looking for ways to “reinvent” Las Vegas and the way they market it (Review-Journal April 13, 2009). Last we heard, the are probably going to bring back the “What Happens Here, Stays Here” motto.

My thoughts? Las Vegas does not need a budget in the hundreds of millions to reinvent itself. Supply and demand reinvents Las Vegas. Right now, we are in a significant “reinvention” without any slogans. The economy has brought back the Las Vegas of the 90’s (minus the “family friendly” attempt of that decade).

The economy has forced cheap room rates, and plenty of specials on food, drink, shows and attractions. People used to go home and tell their friends about the great room (for the money) or cheap late night meal specials which also soothed the gambling losses. Visitors are the best way to sell and promote Las Vegas (word of mouth). But… you have to give them something to talk about!

Casinos in other areas (in competition with Las Vegas) are following the tried-and-true. Reference this ad from a casino outside of Sacramento, CA:

99 cent breakfast

How about we see more of this in Las Vegas and the word-of-mouth (and gambling money) is sure to follow!

Clint Holmes Returns – If you’ve been coming to Las Vegas for a number of years, the odds are that you saw Clint Holmes perform at Harrah’s (or at least remember hearing about the long-running show). Clint is back later this month for a weekend run. Details down in our news section.

Wolfgang Puck Summer Dining – Many of Las Vegas’ nicer restaurants are offering some amazing Pre-Fixe (fixed price, fixed menu) meals right now. Starting June 1 – Sept. 30, 2009 the following Wolfgang Puck restaurants are offering the following:

  • Spago û $29 Pre-Fixe Lunch Menu: Spago presents a three-course, pre-fixe lunch menu created by Executive Chef Eric Klein. Available daily, the menu offers delectable, yet light fare, ideal for lunch and guests on the go. The menu changes weekly and features new dishes which arenÆt featured on the standard lunch menu. The pre-fixe menu is $29 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • Chinois û $39 Three-course pre-fixe menu with wine: Wolfgang PuckÆs Chinois invites guests to savor the flavors of Asia with a three-course pre-fixe menu, paired with a complimentary glass of red or white wine. The pre-fixe menu is priced at $39 per person. (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • Postrio û $49 Three-course pre-fixe menu with wine: Postrio entices guests to experience its exciting new menu and stunning new design. The restaurant is offering a three-course pre-fixe menu priced at $49 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • CUT û $75 Pre-Theatre Menu: CUT by Wolfgang Puck offers guests a new pre-theatre menu available from 5:30 û 7 p.m. nightly. The menu includes three courses, accompanied by three of CUTÆs signature side dishes. For dessert, guests have a choice of Banana Cream Pie, Baked Alaska or a Warm Chocolate SoufflÚ. The pre-theatre menu is available for $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • Spago û $135 Six-Course Beer Pairing Menu: Spago has added a special six-course tasting menu paired with exotic beers from around the world including Belgium, Japan, Italy and Germany. The menu changes daily and is priced at $135 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
  • Summer LocalsÆ Appreciation û 25% Off: Wolfgang Puck is expressing his appreciation to Las Vegas locals this summer by offering guests 25% off their check. Beginning June 1 through Sept. 30, guests may take advantage of this special offer at Spago, Postrio, Chinois and Trattoria del Lupo.

Did You Know – The president of the perennially failing Las Vegas monorail makes $339,000 per year and claims to work a 50 hour week? Let’s see: the line rarely announces new advertisers or promotions. The cars don’t even have drivers. I think we’d all kill for that kind of $1/3ámillion dollars per year, “50 hour week” job!

Ground Has Been Broken – on the downtown performing arts center. The one you are paying for with your rental car taxes and will probably never bother to visit. The one we needed so badly because we have such a lack of entertainment venues here (I’m being sarcastic).

Look… I think downtown will be an amazing city core in the next 5-7 years. We have a photo set of Fremont East coming up soon, and plenty of great development is taking place at Union Park (just west of downtown). Not to mention so many high-rise condos that are built and coming on line. But if a venue is needed downtown (as it eventually will be), one of the downtown casinos will build it when the time is right. Without taking any money out of your pocket (except for the voluntary money you choose to gamble).

Condos For “Cheap” – Just to give an idea of how Strip condo prices have fallen: Earlier this year, and formerly $11.5 million dollar penthouse condo at Panorama Towers was going for $3.1 million or best offer. No word on if it sold or what the final price was. Panorama Towers is just across the I-15 freeway from CityCenter, and now simply has a “panoramic” view of the back of the project.

Where Are You? – I often talk about our worldwide readership and I’m sure many of you have wondered where everybody is (on the face of the globe). I pulled the top ten countries from our statistics by percentage:

  • United States – 73.52 %
  • Canada – 10.02 %
  • United Kingdom – 5.43 %
  • Australia – 1.28 %
  • Ireland – 0.98 %
  • Germany – 0.98 %
  • France – 0.86 %
  • Mexico – 0.54 %
  • Italy – 0.44 %

Because so many people can use web email, the above stats are actually from our AccessVegas.com traffic. But based on our reader feedback, I’d say this newsletter readership falls into line with those state. Note: We have no way of knowing exactly who you are. When you visit our websites, we’re simply able to determine what country and city that request is coming from (i.e. who your internet provider is).

With over 15% of our readership outside North America, we’re pleased and humbled to be a key source of Las Vegas information. No matter where you live, we know that you expend significant time, effort, and money to come visit our desert paradise. We’ll continue to work very hard to provide you the best Las Vegas information and advice possible.

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

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

Bally’s from $49, El Cortez from $33, Fitzgeralds from $33, Hooters from $20, Orleans from $40, Riviera from $54, Sahara from $38, Stratosphere from $44, Tropicana from $30, Tuscany from $38, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

The Hit Musical Jersey Boys At The Palazzo Celebrates A Successful Year On The Strip – JERSEY BOYS Las Vegas, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, celebrates its first anniversary on The Las Vegas Strip at the Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino Sunday, May 3. The show has become a staple of entertainment in Las Vegas, being named the number one show of 2008 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal after only six months of performances. In addition, just last month, JERSEY BOYS was named “Best Show” in Las Vegas by the staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, in the newspaper’s 28th annual “Best of Las Vegas” poll.

Clint Holmes Brings His Smooth Sounds To The Suncoast Showroom May 22-24 In ‘An Evening With Clint Holmes’ – Singing sensation Clint Holmes brings his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence to the Suncoast Showroom in “An Evening With Clint Holmes With Musical Director Bill Fayne,” May 22, 23 and 24. Holmes’ fans know him as more than just a singer. He’s famous for making every performance an original and captivating audiences with his charisma and signature style.

Legendary Groups Chicago And Earth, Wind & Fire To Co-Headline Show At The New Joint – Music legends Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago have reunited for a 30-city national co-headlining summer concert tour and will be making a stop at The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, July 25. Each band will perform a full set, and the two bands will come together both at the beginning of the night and for a final set that features both bands onstage together. In 2004 and 2005, the two bands teamed up for what is still talked about as one of the great musical spectaculars in recent touring history.

Comedian Artie Lange To Bring The Laughs To The New Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, June 27 – Incredible comedy & non-stop laughter is coming to The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino when Artie Lange brings his live show to Vegas Saturday, June 27. Those are just a few ways to describe this prolific talent who continues his rise in the entertainment industry.

Duran Duran To Perform At The Pearl At The Palms – One of the most popular “British Invasion” bands of the ’80s, Duran Duran, takes the stage at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort on Friday, July 10, 2009 as part of limited run dates along the West Coast. Duran Duran was founded in the United Kingdom in 1978 by Nick Rhodes and John Taylor. Over the years Duran Duran underwent several lineup changes however never disbanded entirely. Today’s lineup includes Rhodes and Taylor as well as Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor.

Original Creed Line-Up Of Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips And Brian Marshall To Play The New Joint – Creed, one of the most successful rock bands of the past decade, has announced all four of the original band members are back together for a summer tour and new album. Since their formation, Creed has sold close to thirty-five million albums and millions of concert tickets. Creed will play The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on September 27.

Performers Announced For Reggae In The Desert – The eighth annual Reggae in the Desert concert returns with a collection of well-known reggae acts including Ky-Mani Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Third World, Yellowman, One Pin Short and Jah Fusion. DJ Rhamma will spin tunes throughout the day and in between sets. Steve Edwards is the host for the event. The concert is set for Saturday, June 13 at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater in downtown Las Vegas.

Travel Back In Time To 1969 As Fremont Street Experience Presents “Summer of ’69: Vegas or Bust” – Fremont Street Experience takes Las Vegas back 40 years this summer with the “Summer of ’69: Vegas or Bust” festival and concert series beginning Memorial Day weekend. The celebration offers tourists and residents a summer full of free concerts by major iconic bands from 1969, including The Guess Who, Blood Sweat & Tears, Rare Earth, Janis Joplin’s Original Band Big Brother & The Holding Company, The Grass Roots, Jefferson Starship, The 5th Dimension, Canned Heat and Three Dog Night.

Easy Vegas Deals

These are only a few of the many Easy Vegas Deals we find each and every week. For a complete and constantly updated listing:

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Love your newsletter! My son and I just came back from a four night stay at Sahara. Compared to a number of other casino floors, I found they had a much better selection of slot machines, and they actually paid from time to time. Riviera was OK, but Circus Circus and Stratosphere were lacking in the newest games.

On the other hand, our room at the Sahara was peculiar. I normally stay at Imperial Palace or Circus Circus (low rates), and the rooms are functional. Our Sahara room was larger, had more character and a balcony with a nice view. The plumbing was hardly working, the carpet had burn holes, cleanliness was lacking – it clearly hadn’t been deep cleaned in ages, as evidenced by the dust on the electrical sockets. We chose it because of the Monorail, and were very pleased with the Caravan and Grind food services – both 24 hours and offering good variety and reasonable prices.

I was disappointed with the slot machines and food services at Imperial Palace just before Christmas, so with price, location and convenience factored in, I’d choose Sahara again. But you get what you pay for.

Dave from Canada

p.s. Somebody had written their phone number on our mirror, and it wasn’t cleaned off before we checked in. Didn’t call it, however…

Ted Responds:

You do get what you pay for and unfortunately, hotels are cutting costs (no room improvements and similar) to compensate for how low they have to keep the room rates right now.

I need to check on this, but I understand much of the Riviera’s rooms were upgraded a couple of years ago. We’ll look into that. We are going to start sending our stable of writers on “staycations” at as many local hotels as possible, and we are probably going to institute a “bang for your buck” ratings system. We’ll also ask readers who have stayed at Riv to let us know their thoughts.

Couple of notes:

1. It is a little bit of a pain, but if a room seems not clean in any way (including writing on the mirror), do not hesitate to call the front desk and ask for either a room re-assignment or if they can send a maid up IMMEDIATELY (let them know it appears the room wasn’t cleaned).

2. The Sahara is owned by one guy, not a big corporation. Many other hotels like Riv, Hilton and others are also owned by smaller concerns as are most of the hotels downtown. Absolutely drop the hotel’s general manager a snail mail note on situations like this. Just be clear and to-the-point like you were with me. (When people start exaggerating, it starts to sound like the writer just wants money or a free stay next time).

This is stuff they need to know, and they actually might toss you a couple of free nights or something similar on your next visit.

Lots of rumor floating around that The Sahara is winding down to a temporary closing phase. The properties owner wants to completely remake it into a Palms style hotel. Given the changes going on at the north end of The Strip (Wynn/Encore, Fontainebleau, maybe someday Echelon and Plaza), the north end of The Strip may finally turn into the new hot spot.

Thanks for the report!

My wife and I spent March 19-23 in Las Vegas and had a great time. We travel there from Ohio 1-2 times a year. We enjoyed the excitement of the first weekend of March Madness. The weather was pleasant and a nice switch from the damp gloominess of northwest Ohio in March. We stayed at The Hilton.

What we found disappointing there and along the strip was the poor gambling options, particularly if you are a low limit blackjack and craps player. Almost every blackjack game at the Hilton, during busy hours, were 6-5 (blackjack payoff). There were no $5 craps tables. Same was true along the strip, even at some of the traditionally lower end casinos.

We did manage to find options, but had to go to the Sahara or downtown. We had a great time and I’m not complaining since I came back ahead. It’s just harder and less convenient to find lower limits and favorable conditions. A tip of the hat to the 4 Queens and Binion’s where we spend several hours our last night. My wife and I concluded our blackjack session at the 4 Queens with blackjacks and a successful craps session at Binion’s. We’re already looking forward to our next trip.

Mark from Toledo, Ohio

Ted Responds:

I’ve been very vocal about suggesting people do at least one of their big gambling sessions downtown, and for the very reasons you noted. The lower limits let you play longer, the better odds and looser slots give you a better chance of winning, and if your luck at one hotel isn’t good, you can simply get up and be gambling in another hotel in a matter of a couple of minutes!

First I do enjoy reading your comments on what is going on in Vegas. I thought I would point out to fellow readers and people on a budget that I found some very good deals on Memorial day weekend. My girlfriend and I started going to Vegas a couple of years ago and since have been a couple of times a year.

Right now like a lot of people we have to watch our money but when things get a little better for us. Our first vacation will be in Vegas. I never had any interest in going to Vegas but my girlfriend wanted to see the lights on the strip so she talked me into the trip. I guess I was sold because we have been 8 times in 3 years pretty good considering I never really wanted to go the first time.

I found Vegas not to be what I thought it was. I thought it was all gambling and after over a half dozen visits I can tell you there is so much to do for couples and family that the gambling is actually pretty far down on the list when I think of Vegas.áOh, I’m sure I heard some of the casino owners gasp when I say that. Keep up the good work. love your news letter.

Joseph from Imlay City, MI

I love your newsletter. Reading this is better than the newspaper!

Myetta From Granada Hills

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

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Memorial Day, U.S May 23-25 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 1-3 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada September 5-7 (3 day weekend)
  • Jewish New Year September 19
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, U.S November 26-29 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 2 – Dec. 9
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 2 (3 day weekend)
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 18-20 (3 day weekend)
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 13-15 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year February 14
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • Mardi Gras February 16
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 9

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

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All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

May 13, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 9, 2008

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Hello From Las Vegas! This week, we are going to revisit a theme I briefly touched upon a few weeks ago: If you want the REAL Las Vegas (the one everyone enjoyed a number of years ago with inexpensive room rates, reasonably priced food, and a fair shot at winning some money)… try Fremont Street Downtown!

Important Note: Many long time visitors are very concerned about the “old” vs. “new” Las Vegas. What has changed and why. However, many have a visit planned and simply want to continue to enjoy our newsletter with the latest top Las Vegas information we always offer.

In this issue, we cover plenty of the “old” vs “new” that many readers are demanding. However… for the sake of keeping the newsletter a reasonable length, we will be posting some of that topic online for further review.

Loose Slots, Single Deck Blackjack, 100 Times Odds On Craps, 99% Payback Slot Bank, Full Pay Video Poker – If you’ve been visiting Las Vegas more than five years, the odds are that you saw similar advertisements and signs in various casinos on The Strip and Downtown. Then, Las Vegas got hot. Happening. The hip place to go.á

The Travel Channel seemed like “The Las Vegas Channel” because they showed so many Vegas-related programs. Any news out of Las Vegas made newspapers world-wide. This brought record numbers of new visitors to town.

Click to continue to read Loose Slots And How To Still Enjoy The “New” Las Vegas

Las Vegas Downtown Day and Night Views:
Click Pictures Below For More!

Fremont Street Downtown Hotels

Fremont Street Experience Downtown Las Vegas

Looking for information on some Downtown Las Vegas hotels at great rates? Here you go!

Binion’s
California
El Cortez
Fitzgerald’s
Four Queens		 Golden Gate
Golden Nugget
Las Vegas Club
Main Street Station
Plaza Hotel

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Can’t Make It To Vegas?
See Where Your Favorite Event Is Playing!

Jimmy Buffett, Neil Diamond, Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, Jonas Brothers, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Radiohead, Rush, Kenny Chesney, The Police, Rascal Flatts, Crue Fest with Motley Crue, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, ColdPlay, Bruce Springsteen, Janet Jackson, Madonna, American Idols Live, Carrie Underwood, The Eagles, Tina Turner, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, James Taylor, Elton John, NASCAR, Baseball, NFL Football, College Football, All Major Concerts and Events

Featured Review:
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – Moving, Memorable & Haunting

by Devon Brooke Clasen

A far cry from the flashy, showy style of so many shows and attractions in Las Vegas,áTitanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Tropicana Resort presents a moving, memorable yet haunting historic survey of the 20th century’s most infamous maritime disaster, showcased in a generously sized 25,000-square-foot retrospective.

Entering the exhibit, each visitor is outfitted with a personal audio device, supplying narrated commentary and facts as well as dramatic readings of historic quotes from figures connected to the ship’s construction.

Additionally, guests are provided with a charming keepsake boarding pass for the RMS Titanic, complete with the name and personal information of an actual passenger, whose fate is to be revealed upon the exhibition’s completion; a clever yet sobering touch to truly personalize the experience.

Click to Read Entire Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Las Vegas Review…

Featured Review:
X Burlesque – Sharp, Sexy, and Entertaining

by Lincoln Hudson

What Happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, as the saying goes. At The Flamingo, nothing could be hotter than the extraordinary 75 minute high octane dance show called ‘X-Burlesque.

Sharp, sexy and very entertaining to the eye, the X-Girls perform in the Second City Theatre displaying a beautiful mixture of both modern dance and the avant-garde. Sexy or adult musical revues seem to be catching on in Vegas these days and this one seems quite happy to be competing alongside Bite and Cirque Du Soleil’s Zumanity.

Click to Read X Burlesque Las Vegas Review…

American Superstars Show Still On Top At The Stratosphere Casino Hotel And Tower – The American Superstars show, which opened in Las Vegas with the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower in April 1996, has signed a contract extension through November 2009. (Tickets) This allows the show to continue to wow audiences with its line-up of celebrity tributes, announced American Casino & Entertainment Properties officials. “The American Superstars show has thrived in the competitive Vegas entertainment market because it is quality entertainment which leaves audiences feeling entertained at a fair price,” said Mark Callas, who produces American Superstars with his Springtime Productions partner, Donny Moore. Click to Read The Full Story …


The American Superstars are Still on Top after 12 Years at the Stratosphere Hotel. Front row – Dancer Nadia Albulet, Chad Givens as Tim McGraw, Damian Brantley as Michael Jackson, Lorena Peril as Christina Aguilera, John Anthony as Rod Stewart, Darren Lee as Elvis, and dancer Teresa McAuliffe. Back row – dancer Erica Chandler, dancer Audrey Rusher, and dancer Renee Herter.

Classic Strip Favorites Offer Modern New Looks – This summer, visitors to Las Vegas are invited to check out the new room designs at some of their favorite hotels. HereÆs where to check in during your next stay:

  • Scheduled for completion in August, striking new room designs at The Mirage feature eye-catching color schemes, cool metals and warm woods. Standard amenities include pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, feather pillows, cordless phones and ergonomic office chairs. A dedicated media hub allows computers, video iPod/MP3 players and game systems to be displayed on each roomÆs 42-inch LCD television.
  • Scheduled for completion in late 2009, a contemporary room redesign at Excalibur offers a modern take on the resortÆs classic castle theme. Currently offering 2,000 newly remodeled accommodations, ExcaliburÆs Widescreen Room features a 42-inch plasma television and modern comforts such as pillow-top mattresses and iPod-compatible clock radios. A soothing color palette of soft blues, creamy yellows and deep browns creates an inviting ambiance.
  • Recently completed, a $60 million suite remodel at Bellagio reflects the feel of an upscale residence while providing the amenities of a luxury resort. The dramatic new look of seven suite types combines sumptuous textiles with dark woods and a rich color palette. Indulgent in-suite conveniences include high-speed Internet access, iHome clock radios, DVD players, multi-line phones, fax machines, laptop safes, automatic draperies and flat-screen, high-definition televisions.

Lance Burton Master Magician Show – New Wonders Await! – Lance Burton headlines his own “Master Magician” show at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino after 12 years there performing some of the world’s greatest tricks. (Tickets) A couple of years ago Lance added some new mind-boggling illusions to wow audiences from their senses from 0 to 60 in a flash. Not only our his hands faster than a camera but his new creative illusion are so baffling that a network from Germany filmed and aired a TV special called: “Lance Burton: The Greatest Magician on Planet Earth.” He recently appeared on “THE VIEW” and David Letterman. Click to Read The Full Story …


UFC fighter Chuck Liddell was at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino July 4, 2008 and surprised fans with a special appearance at Hell’s Belles where he dealt blackjack for about an hour.

Gambling Talk: Introduction To Texas Hold’em – with Victor H. Royer. Join our own “Vegas Vic” in the first of a series of poker instruction brought to you via streaming video! This week: Introduction To Texas Hold’em (broadband)

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

4 Queens from $36, Bally’s from $69, Flamingo from $63, Gold Coast from $34, Planet H. from $89, Rio Suites from $58, Sahara from $35, Strat. from $48, Tropicana from $45, Tuscany from $37, More Savings At All Vegas Hotels!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My wife and I just returned home from our Vegas trip (6 nights/5 days). We stayed for the first time at the Paris (2 nights) and then 4 nights downtown at Main Street Station. The biggest change we noticed was the lack of people.á

I know it was the 4th of July week, but the ‘people’ traffic was much less than before. We asked a floor person at MSS about traffic and she too said the size of the crowds were much smaller than they use to be. My guess as well as hers was, ‘all about the cost of gas’.

I think the casinos are helping their bottom line by making slots much tighter, just as the airlines are charging for suitcases and giving less service. It may be time to re-think our Vegas trips. Enjoy your weekly publication.

The Kinneys,

Pleasant Garden, NC

á

Ted Responds:

I agree with you: The gaming properties tried to squeeze tourists too hard during the good times, and it is biting them back during the bad times.

For decades, people would go through hell and high water to get to Las Vegas regardless of the economy. They knew the reward would be reasonably priced rooms and food, plus a fair chance at winning some money.

It is a rude awakening for many in hotel/casino management, many whom have never been here long enough to see a downturn and thought the “gravy train” of the past few years was the norm.

My prediction? Everyone will finally see a return to some of the “old Vegas” way of doing things that attracted so many for so long.

Click to read my entire response: Lack Of Las Vegas Visitors?

Since reviewing things on your site as well as others, itÆs apparent that Las Vegas is experiencing a slow down in economy. Gambled money and room occupancy is down, even our paper has reported it in the Sunday travel section. My suggestion is to have the city and casinoÆs work in conjunction with the airlines to help lower the cost of flights in and out of Las Vegas.

My wife and I travel on the average 4 times a year to L.V., being that we gamble a lot, Hooters has ôcompedö us for each stay. The travel is whatÆs costing us and preventing us from going more then 2 times this year so far. An example of price fares form Cleveland to L.V. via Continental airlines û In April it was $ 198. round trip ; in May it was $ 218. round trip; now the cheapest we can travel is $ 438. round trip.

I know airlines are taking a beating on fuel cost, but if the city and casinoÆs can work with the airlines to help subsidize travel I would bet that more people would come out and reverse the decline in gambling revenue and room occupancy. ItÆs just a suggestion, for a 4day û 3 night trip we generally add $ 1,500. to the L.V. economy via gambling; food; drinks; and misc spending. Thank you for your time to review my request,

John M. Kacvinsky

á

Ted Responds:

Interesting thoughts. Actually, the hotels are starting to “subsidize” the cost of the flights by slashing their room rates. You end up paying more for your flight, but less for rooms.

I realize that doesn’t help those like you who gamble enough to get your stay comped. For those of you who do play enough to get free rooms, I’d strongly suggest writing the hotel you give your action to and simply tell them “Hey… we come and gamble a lot of money, but airfare is killing us and a free room just doesn’t make it worth coming out. Is there any way players at are level can get something like a rebate on our airfare, extra free play, or meals?”

Per the city or casinos subsidizing flights:

Click to read my entire response: Getting Cheaper Flights Into Las Vegas?

Reader Gary Johanknecht of Wisconsin alerted me to a letter he wrote to the editor of our local Review-Journal paper. You can read it at No next time (third letter down on that page). Believe me… the powers that be are starting to listen to you. They have no choice!

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

  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22
  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday April 12
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 10
  • Father’s Day June 21
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
Hotel Rates Published Accurate At Time Of Publication

July 9, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 19, 2008

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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

Book Online or over the phone! Call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

I’m somewhat on my own this week putting the newsletter out so have mercy! Amy and her family went to Southern California for a well-deserved spring break family vacation. Mark was last seen monitoring beer pong tournaments on The Strip (but sobered up long enough to produce the news section). However, our new writers are really kicking up some dust with brand new show reviews! So…

Extra show reviews this issue, extra Members Mania where readers comment and tell us about their Las Vegas experiences, and extra answers from me. Lets dive right in…

Hooters Hotel Casino Swan Song – Regular readers saw the link to the story about how Hooters Las Vegas may cease to be in the next couple of years. I say “cease to be” because the new owners are pulling that “boutique hotel” thing that has yet to gain significant traction here in Las Vegas.

Many visitors never headed over to check the place out. And… it has only been a couple of years since the property was changed over from the established San Remo to the Hooters brand. If you missed it (or won’t be back to check it out), enjoy our full photo set of Hooters Hotel Casino Las Vegas.

Mirage Volcano Repairs – Wet Design, the company responsible for The Fountains of Bellagio, is leading the design team to revamp the volcano so we are expecting something pretty spectacular. (They owe that much to us after ripping out the tiger display at the entrance to The Mirage). Details and the date of re-opening have yet to be released but we’ll keep you posted!

March Madness is in full swing and The sports books are jammed. Every TV in every resort, restaurant, and bar is tuned to the games from morning until night. Although Las Vegas is a great place to be this time of year, nothing beats seeing these games in person. If your team is on the move or you just want to enjoy this spectacle live and in person, we have NCAA Sweet 16 Basketball Tickets available. Just click the link.

No-Fee ATM’s – A few months ago, I gave some advice on how to get cash from your debit card at various Las Vegas Strip locations without paying any service or ATM fee. (Click to Read AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe Dec. 26, 2007). Numerous readers wrote to tell their appreciation including Mimi from Canada who said “I have been coming to Vegas since 1976 from Canada and this is the first time I’ve ever heard of this tip. And believe me, I use my bank card often. Thanks a million!”

We also solicited some advice from readers about no-fee ATM’s they had discovered:

  • A hidden gem – in the middle of the strip – is the Wells Fargo ATM located at Carnival Court at Harrah’s. Located between the Starbucks and Ghirardelli Chocolates, it is a standard bank ATM and has no more fees than any other Wells Fargo ATM. And if you’re a Wells Fargo customer, no fees!
  • Bank of America has a regular ATM in the new part of The Forum Shops at Caesars on the second floor next to the patio of Casa Fuente . It is almost hidden back in the corner. This is a regular B of A machine (no fees if you are a B of A customer).

We know very few non-fee ATM’s exist on The Strip. If you run into one (or have any other feedback on Las Vegas or our newsletter), you can always drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com

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

Featured Review:
Take A Journey Into Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular

By Erin Guernsey

Your journey into the world of Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular (Phantom Of The Opera) begins as you make your way into the impressive Phantom Theatre, which has been modeled after the Opera Garnier in Paris. Once inside you are met by a chandelier hanging in pieces just above the seats and gray curtains covering the walls. This dilapidated look does not last for long. Shortly after the opening of the show you are transported back in time to see the magnificent opera house in all of its former glory.

Phantom û The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian beautifully unfolds the story of Christine Daae and The Phantom of the Opera. During this classic tale of love and heartbreak the audience watches as Christine struggles to move past the loss of her father while becoming entranced by The Phantom, whom she calls “the angel of music.” The Phantom begins terrorizing members of the cast and crew when he realizes that Christine has fallen in love with another man. His revenge is taken in the form of murder and a shattered chandelier.

Click to Read Entire Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Review…

Featured Review:
Rita Rudner Comedy at Harrah’s Las Vegas

by Mara M. Mannella

Tucked inside a casino whose name is synonymous with glitz and glamour is a comedian who has paid her dues here in Las Vegas and her experience shows. Rita Rudner represents classic Vegas in a way that is both entertaining and unpretentious. An intimate theater is the setting for Ms. Rudner’s one woman show that keeps audiences laughing every night.

A woman comedian in a sea of male headliners is an eye-catching marquee on the Strip, where Rita Rudner makes her home at Harrah’s. The audience is welcomed to share in Rita’s life experiences, from the trials and tribulations of married life to the harrowing but hysterical journey of getting older. The unique delivery of Rita’s humor makes it so the audience isn’t sure what the next zinger will be. Poking fun at herself, her husband, and select audience members, you never know who the next victim will be.

Click to Read Entire Rita Rudner Review…

Featured Review:
Wayne Brady: Making %@It Up!

By Devon Brooke Clasen

A true Vegas variety show incorporating singing, dancing, acting, comedy and even that most perplexing of art forms: mime, Wayne Brady’s Making %@It Up takes the theatrical task to the next level, with fully improvised performance vignettes interspersed among prepared musical tribute performances.

Dialing the pressure up even higher, show business virtuoso Wayne Brady has to not only make everything up on the spot, but also make it consistently funny. Fortunately, Brady delivers with heavy doses of witty, sharp, topical humor, keeping even a Monday night audience in complete hysterics.

Housed in an intimate theatre, there really isn’t a bad seat in the venue, unless stage-shy attendees are seated just off the stage. This “danger zone” provides Brady, as well as his improv partner Jonathan Mangum, a proficient performer in his own right, the pick of the litter when summoning audience members to the stage to take part in an act.

Click to Read Entire Wayne Brady: Making %@It Up! Review…

Banned for Decades, Forbidden Cocktail Now Available at Luxor – Nicknamed the “Green Fairy” for its occasionally milky green color and mythical hallucinogenic effects, absinthe is legal in the U.S. after a 95-year ban. Patrons of Luxor’s new center bar, Liquidity, now can experience the once-forbidden liqueur for themselves. Available for $300, “Absinthe Envy” is served in an elaborate tableside presentation that offers a modern take on the tradition of serving the illicit concoction with a sugar cube and chilled water.

Indulgence of the Most Sensual Kind – With tax day right around the corner, why not use your refund to spice up your nights? Take your significant other to a provocative show sure to send sparks flying û MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris, Fantasy at Luxor, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce at Mandalay Bay or Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York.

  • MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris (Tickets) elegantly balances sensuous choreography with a combination of light effects and projections to create a moving canvas, where reflections and images meet in a kaleidoscope of colors. The show combines the best of cabaret with the best of Parisian fashion, art and women in an elegant, surprising and innovative manner. The result is a unique show that engages the mind as much as the eye. Performances are nightly at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., dark Tuesdays.
  • Fantasy at Luxor (Tickets) ushers in a new era of seductive dance on the Las Vegas Strip. Choreographed by Cris Judd and Tiger Martina, FANTASY features sultry costumes and delicious dance numbers which offer just the right amount of seduction. Performances are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10:30 p.m.; Tuesday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11 p.m.
  • Zumanity at New York-New York (Tickets) is a provocative cabaret-style production offering a seductive twist on reality. Audiences are encouraged to leave inhibitions at the door and let loose at this adult-themed, 90-minute show filled with sensational acrobatics and naughty fun. Performances are nightly at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., dark Mondays and Thursdays.

Celebrity Colorist Kim Vo Lists Hot New Trends for Summer and Beyond – Make your summer sizzle with a hot new ‘do.’ According to celebrity colorist Kim Vo of his eponymous salon at The Mirage, the “it” look for hair is full, shiny and cascading, perfectly highlighted from root to tip. Extensions are a hot new way to create this total concept. Vo says strategically placed extensions can add volume and create effortless, multi-dimensional highlights and lowlights while protecting natural hair. For the “it” cut, Vo says to look no further than Academy Award-winning actress Hillary Swank’s sweeping, layered bob.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hi Ted,

I’m going to be coming out to Las Vegas in April for a bachelorette party. I will be arriving one night earlier than the other women, and I would like some suggestions on solo-dining-friendly locations.

I don’t want to feel the need to order room service, or go to a buffet, simply because I am by myself. Thank you for your help!

Amy R.

Ted Responds:

Fortunately, solo dining for both men and women in Las Vegas is more common than in other places. More and more visit for business, conventions, just-passing-through, and your situation where someone is in town longer than their group.

Don’t discount one of the nicer buffets like the ones at Planet Hollywood, Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas or Cravings at The Mirage. While not cheap, all of these have an amazing variety of top-notch food and it can be more fun to sample and enjoy when alone. If you want low-key and less expensive, you’ll be quite comfortable dining solo in any hotel coffee shop. This can also be a great time to try one of the celeb chef restaurants without the pressure of how to split the check!

I’d avoid a theme restaurant or a place that will have more of a party atmosphere as they tend to draw groups having fun and you may feel slightly self-conscious or alone. If you feel slightly self-conscious asking for a table for one, just tell the hostess “It’s just me this evening… my friends are flying in later.” If comfortable with it, most restaurants serve their full menu at the bar, no reservation necessary.

Bottom Line: Go eat and have fun. This is your one chance to do what you want without it having to be a group decision!

Ted:Many thanks for your news letter! We had a great time over Christmas, but the weather was COLD! Will not come in winter again, since we’re from Maine. Also many shows were dark for various reasons. We decided to visit Laughlin and some friends there. GREAT!

We stayed at Ballys in Vegas GREAT! but returned for 2 nights more and stayed in an off strip casino/hotel and checked out early because we HATED it there! We thought it would be o.k. because they have renovated, but we got an old room and UGH! The Bellagio Gardens were beautiful!!

Keep up good works on news.

chocolatecat11

Ted Responds:

Every fall, I do try to remind everyone that we are not a balmy winter destination (yes sunny, but not warm) as I did in our November 30, 2007 issue. Winter average is 57 F but our highs can be 15 degrees on either side of the average at any given time. Our desert has a mind of its own!

Because mid-December is the lightest visitor volume of the year, many of the shows take a week or two off and give everybody a well-deserved rest. Most shows perform 6 nights a week just about all year long. The upside of mid-December is some of the cheapest room prices of the year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Just wanted to thank you for your informative newsletter. It really helps keep me up to date on what’s happening in my FAVORITE city! I also appreciate your reliability in sending it out on a regular basis. Keep up the GREAT work!

Sincerely,

Kerry Espenschied

We will be coming to Las Vegas Oct. 31 for the Professional Bull Riding Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center. There are several off-strip motels within walking distance and I was wondering if the area is safe to walk in at night.Thanks!

Debbie

Ted Responds:

I assume you are talking about the various hotels in the Harmon/Paradise (and Swenson) area. That area isn’t a problem area. Plus, there will be plenty of other PBR fans most likely walking to and from the T and M around the same time.

You may want to use Google or Yahoo maps to track the actual distance from the hotel of your choice to the T and M arena and measure the comfort of the distance you want to walk.

I was in Vegas a couple of years ago and am coming back in late March an we were at a casino, went to a food court and shopping stores and it started raining in the court! What is the Hotel/Casino was that? I can’t remember right off the top of my head! We love your news letter and podcast! Keep up the wonderful work!Keith

Ted Responds:

That was the Aladdin when you visited, now Planet Hollywood in the Miracle Mile shops behind the casino. They make it “rain” in an area of the mall every hour (more often on weekends). Check for the times when you get there.

The podcast would have been back earlier this week, but I got hit with a head/chest cold including a mild fever. 78 degrees everyday recently and I have a cold! All the equipment is dusted off and ready to go. Stack of topics in a big pile. As soon as this thing clears, I’m finally “back on the air.” Thanks for the interest!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 24-26 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.

All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

March 19, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

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Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce