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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – October 20, 2004

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Featured Story:
Spotlight: The Show
plus Value Shows and Coupons

Also In This Issue: Newkirk’s Notes, Vegas Talk Internet Radio Tourist Show, Manhattan Experss Roller Coaster Deal, Gambling Talk , more …
Book online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining.Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

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

If you were looking for our promised special issue this past Sunday, we apologize. We have been upgrading our newsletter software to handle the great demand … and it took a little longer than expected to get the bugs out.

Been a very rare week this week, with rain, clouds, and highs barely reaching 70 F. I am personally putting this lousy weather back on an Alaska Airlines flight tonight and sending it back to the Pacific Northwest where it belongs! (No hate mail, please. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, an area that is spectacularly beautiful).

VegasTalk Radio - The only Internet Radio variety show about Las Vegas broadcast from Las Vegas Vegas Talk – is the new internet radio show just for the Las Vegas tourist! Each week, guests talk about what’s hot with celeb sightings, gambling tips, show reviews, dining information and more from some of the top Las Vegas experts. I mean the big names you’ve seen on those Travel Channel shows or read in our local papers.

We are pleased to be a sponsor, and our Vegas Minute is included in the show. We also produce the convention segment so you can know where the crowds may or may not be when you visit!

Vegas Talk airs live at 9:00 AM Pacific time on Friday, but each show is archived and can be listened to anytime. Enjoy this week’s show and the archives so you can come to Las Vegas informed!

The Manhattan Express Roller Coaster now offers the All-In-One Fun Package, available for $39.99. The package includes an all day unlimited roller coaster ride wristband; a souvenir T-shirt; a 5 x 7 souvenir picture; choice of hot dog, cheeseburger or slice of pizza; small fries and small drink at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs; an all day unlimited use wristband for the Coney Island Emporium for participating games; 500 points at the redemption center and a 20-inch clown doll.

The Manhattan Express is located at New York, New York Hotel Casino and is the worldÆs first coaster to feature a 180-degree heartline twist and dive maneuver, providing riders with heart-stopping action and thrills. The roller coaster is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Gambling Talk – You’ve heard about basic strategy and proper play. This is where a gambler follows the most scientific way to play a given game for the best expected outcome. But are there times you should break the rules? Read our gambling expert Victor H. Royer’s article A Little Math and Some Reality

Fashion Show Mall – Phase III opens Friday Oct. 21, 2004. All of that massive construction in front of Caesars Palace is finally about done! We’ll have a report soon.

See the Grand Canyon in a Jet Helicopter! For years Maverick Helicopters has been providing a true VIP Helicopter experience of the Grand Canyon. We do things a little different than any other helicopter Company. We give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas Strip tours plus Helicopter Weddings also available!

More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Click To Read Latest News:

Travel Agents – We have a special note for you. Please read it at the end of this newsletter.

Featured Story:
Spotlight: The Show
plus Value Shows and Coupons

á

We read our feedback, and many of you are saying “Hey Ted, it’s nice to hear about The Bellagio and Celine Dion, but not all of us fly in on a Lear jet. How about some of the value that Las Vegas has always been famous for?”

We went out and lined up some great deals for you, including a couple of coupons just for our readers. One of which is for a free show!

Larry G. Jones: $6.95 Includes One Drink (no coupon needed) – The Man of 1002 Voices is back at The Plaza Hotel Casino downtown nightly at 6:00 PM (dark Friday). Larry is awesome. His fast moving show will leave you laughing non-stop and his impressions are dead on. If Danny Gans is a bit our of your price range, treat yourself to the equally talented Larry G. Jones. Click for more info: Larry G. Jones: May Of 1002 Voices

Spotlight: $9.95 With Our Coupon – We just saw this show at Bourbon Street Hotel Casino and really enjoyed it. So I strong-armed producer Will Roya (who also produces the Michael John’s Comedy Magic Show below) and said “Cough it up for our readers … We want a great price.” (OK, I actually bought him dinner).

If you love all the high-energy specialty acts in the big production shows, spotlight is the show to see with the best up-and-coming talent in town. On any particular night you may see the world’s best magicians, jugglers, comics, impersonators, dancers, singers, contortionists, fire eaters, Elvis and surprise guest stars.

This is usually a $39.95 ticket, but click to get our Spotlight Coupon and you are in for $9.95. Can’t beat that. Well … maybe we can …

Michael Johns Comedy Hypnosis Show: Free With Our Coupon – This is the adults-only, late evening show at Bourbon Street. This is the same show that Johns has been performing around the country in comedy clubs to amazing rave reviews. Fast paced, comedy club style humor with cutting edge hypnosis techniques make this a fun event.

This is usually a $39.95 ticket, but click to get our Michael Johns Comedy Hypnosis Show Coupon and you are in for $0.00. That is right. Free. No bull. Nothing else to do. Print the coupon, enjoy the show free just for being one of our readers!

While we are in value mode, good time to remind you that Bourbon Street continues to have a great Steak and Lobster Special, served 24/7 for only $7.77. Thirsty? Buckets of Corona are only $10.00. Bourbon Street is one block from The Bellagio. See our Las Vegas Strip Map for location.

Vegas Comments and Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it. And don’t forget our comprehensive Las Vegas Frequently Asked Questions area.

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

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.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.

Attention Travel Agents: Tired of fighting the airlines and internet travel eroding your business? Let us help! What if you were guaranteed respectable commissions on not just hotels, but Las Vegas shows, tours, golf, dining and more? One stop commissions for you, and better info and choices for your clients.No starting costs, maintenance fees, or minimums. Oh, and we won’t steal your customers. Our “customer for life” policy guarantees you get paid even if they book direct, time after time. Email us now: allvegastv@aol.com Subject line Travel Agent, include your name and phone number. We’ll get the details right to you.
All contents copyright 2004 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

October 20, 2004 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – July 12, 2000

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

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

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

JULY ROOM SPECIALS – Harrah’s from $59.95 a night, Frontier from $55.95 a night. Details at http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/hotdeals?SID=IVC (scroll down that page for all specials)

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

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

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This Issue: Shark Reef

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:HILTON SALE – Silverton Casino owner Ed Roski, Jr. has agreed to buy the Las Vegas Hilton. Rosky is a part owner of the L.A. Kings, Lakers, and Staples Center has plans to change the target audience from higher end players to convention visitors. Stories at:
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/news/13951032.html
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/news/13950896-a.html
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-13-Thu-2000/business/13956709.html

SUNDAY NIGHT PARTY – If you are a weekend warrior here who enjoys our “mega-clubs,” you are used to the long lines and crowds. So what happens the rest of the week? Many of those dealers, cocktail waitresses, and other service workers that worked so hard all weekend serving you have Mon. and Tue. off, and there is an all-out war for their business on Sunday night among the hot clubs. Book yourself a Sunday arrival and enjoy the club hopping on the night they go all out. Story at http://lvcitylife.com/art_lit/stories/00062901a.html

COCKTAIL WAITRESS LAWSUIT – Six Imperial Palace cocktail waitresses sued after being temporarily given other, lower paying positions during their pregnancies. Settlements ranged from $21-30,000 and they waitresses continue their employment at the resort. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-11-Tue-2000/news/13939127.html and this weeks poll asks what you feel the role of a cocktail waitress is. See our poll section.

HIGH ROLLERS – Ever wonder what your Las Vegas vacation would be if you had a gambling credit line of a million dollars or more? The R-J just did a great story with photos on some of the many high roller suites these big players are housed in at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-11-Tue-2000/lifestyles/13855105.html

REAGAN NATIONAL – America West and Las Vegas’ own National Airlines just got approved for new nonstop flights from the central D.C. airport to Las Vegas, and America West was approved for two flights from Reagan National to Phoenix, giving our friends in the nation’s capital more (and hopefully cheaper!) nonstop and one-stop options to Las Vegas. Full story at http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20000711/2443208s.htm

WAYNE – Las Vegas Magazine has a nice write-up on the Mr. Las Vegas at http://www.lasveganmagazine.com/lvn_issues/issue_0500/newton.html

ALADDIN PREVIEW – Gaming today is running a two-part series previewing the soon-to-reopen Aladdin Hotel at http://www.gamingtoday.com/current/cover/top_story.asp#top We are booking Aladdin rooms at discount at http://www.accessvegas.com/striphotels.htm (Aladdin link).

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

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

Nebulae – The European hit show has opened at The Venetian. The R-J’s review is at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-07-Fri-2000/weekly/13899348.html and general show details and tickets available at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?ID=62&amid=143&cscheme=5

Hard Rock Hotel – L.A. Guns, Ratt, and Warrant on July 22, “Weird Al” Yankovic on July 27, Lenny Kravitz on July 28, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, B-52’s on Aug. 5, K.D. Lang Aug. 11, Deftones on Aug. 13, Jimmy Page plus The Black Crowes on Aug 16, and Culture Club on Nov. 14. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – Engelbert Humperdinck July 11-16, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour July 28-29, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Face To Face Sept. 30, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement) and Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – Dan Folgelberg on Jul. 14, Hall and Oats on July 21, The Fixx on July 22, LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on July 29, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1, Kiss with Ted Nugent Aug. 2, Brian Setzer on Aug. 8, Earth, Wind, and Fire on Aug. 16-19, Duran Duran Aug. 25-26, Little Feat Sept. 22, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 29. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Penn and Teller July 27 – Aug. 9, Sting on Aug. 19, Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13, and Pearl Jam on Oct. 22. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

Riviera – Rich Little on Oct. 6 and 7, Tony Orlando on Oct. 13 and 14, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling on Oct. 20 and 21. Tickets at (702) 794-9433 and Riviera discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Riviera link).

Station Casinos – Paula Poundstone on July 28 at Sunset, and Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes Aug. 4 at Sunset. Tickets at (888) 464-2468 and Station Casinos discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (various Station Casinos links).

The Orleans – The Little River Band on Sept. 1-3, and The Everly Brothers Oct. 25-29. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).

Thomas & Mack – Korn, Powerman 5000 and Papa Roach on Aug. 9, Up In Smoke tour featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Eminem on Aug. 11, Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots on Sept. 13, AC/DC on Sept. 14, and Phish on Sept. 29. Tickets at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is within walking distance of the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

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FEATURE STORY: Shark Reef

mandalay-bay-shark-reef-2.jpg (24789 bytes)Have you ever been to one of those seaside aquariums? “Baby, this ain’t one of those.” Mandalay Bay’s new Shark Reef features some of the most exotic and dangerous aquatic animals in the world and puts you right in the middle of it. They have built one of North America’s largest displays of sharks and other salt water predators.

The first part of the tour is through a tropical jungle, complete with lush green surroundings. You weave your way through a maze of a number of reptile displays, giving you possibly the closest ever safe look you’ll ever have at these intimidating creatures.

From there, you continue to walk through what looks like an ancient temple that has been claimed by the sea, eventually ending up underwater in part of a wrecked ship, surrounded by 1.6 million gallons of ocean water right here in the middle of our desert. These dangerous sharks, schools of fish, and displays of some of the most exotic marine life known to man aren’t just beside you, but above and below you as you walk through clear walls, floors and tunnels. (For the claustrophobic, let me note that the central rooms in the aquarium are very large — this isn’t like being stuck in an elevator).

mandalay-bay-shark-reef-3.jpg (27099 bytes)Shark Reef includes almost 100 different species including:

Sharks: Include blacktip reef sharks, bonnethead sharks, nurse sharks and lemon sharks. Some species of sharks at Shark Reef will grow to be more than 12 feet long.

Tropical and Fresh Water Fish: Include several species of angelfish, puffer fish and tang fish. Venomous tropical fishes include such species as the radiated lionfish and coral catfish.

Reptiles: Crocodiles, green sea turtles and ravenous water monitors are among the reptile species displayed at Shark Reef.

mandalay-bay-shark-reef-4.jpg (27925 bytes)Eels/Marine Invertebrates/Rays: Eels, invertebrates and rays each have exhibits to showcase their species at Shark Reef Moray eels, southern stingrays and hundreds of moon jellyfish are among these creatures.

We have a few minor complaints. Shark Reef is quite a hike from the main casino area (past the pool, the arena, convention area and then a little farther). They are looking to expand the resort in that part of the property, which will eventually feature a duplicate of their guests-only swimming area that will be open to the public. We hope they have some airport style people movers in the plans also.

mandalay-bay-shark-reef-5.jpg (15684 bytes)There are flat screen monitors throughout the display but they don’t say much. Perhaps more informative multimedia displays are planned. Also, the $12.95 price was drawing a few grumbles from people at the ticket booth (although none once they were inside). Perhaps a $10 ticket price in line with the Secret Gardens of Siegfried and Roy would be in order. (Our Secret Garden review with photos is available at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/99-12-01.htm ).

Still, it is a pretty captivating experience and if you have even a remote interest in natures more exotic displays, it will be money well spent. There were plenty of children and teens who were thoroughly enjoying it but it left us adults just as much in awe.

Shark Reef is at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. Open daily from 10 AM until 11 PM, admission is $12.95. Children 12 and under and Nevada residents with ID are $9.95.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:Dina Pellatier wrote:

>The “Dr.á Naughty Comic Hypnotist” show at Bourbon Street is a
>terrible waste of money.á He and his staff are rude and physically
>abusive to those on stage.á For the sake of all those who come after,
>please do not promote the show — it should be closed.

We have yet to receive any requests to review it, and it’s not on our long term calendar. For those who want more info on Dr. Naughty the X-rated Comedy Hypnotist, you can find it at http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?ID=59&amid=143&cscheme=5

>Hi Ted,
>
>I enjoy getting your e-mails about Las Vegas! á My friends and I go
>fairly often.
>
>We just got back yesterday evening & had a somewhat disappointing
>time.á We wanted to go salsa dancing but no one knew of any place.
>Although, we were recommend Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay.á When we got
>there they weren’t playing anything in Spanish.
>
>HELP!

Good question and I have no answer offhand. Readers, if you can help, please drop us a line at allvegastv@aol.com

James R. Clayton wrote:

>Hi ….á I understand the reason for the casinos wanting to go
>coinless …á reduction of personnel in the cages, the floor cashiers,
>and their money handlers in nearly every aspect.á Also, just the
>removal of all of that coinage they have to mess with is a relief to
>them and I’m certain to their banking institutions.á And on, and on,
>and on ……
>
>HOWEVER!á ….á We have a relatively large “Indian reservation casino”
>near here and it is 100% coinless.á It sucks!á It is nearly no fun at
>all to go there and play.á We immediately miss the clank and clatter
>of the LV style of casinos when we enter there.á In fact, we have
>nearly abandoned going to play anything there in the past 18 months.
>
>It may be a pain for the LV casinos, but, that’s what makes it Las
>Vegas!
>
>I suspect that most of the people who voted in your survey “for
>coinless” have never been in such a casino.á They will be the first
>and the loudest to cry when the casinos go “silent”!á Believe me: it’s
>like going to shop for a black suit at a funeral parlor.
>
>P.S.: Last words for you Las Vegans: There have been a couple of
>recent articles about “rowdies” and “rude players” in the LV casinos.
>Most of the time they are drowned out by the casino background noise
>(coins!).á When they go coinless, your nerves will be shot in ten
>minutes from the whooping and drunken yelling which will carry
>throughout the casino!

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

ONLINE POLL – “Do you believe a cocktail waitress’ job involves their looks?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks! This is controversial — remember you are anonymous when you vote. I’m simply going to report the results.Results from last weeks poll “If offered, would you prefer coinless slots?”

Give me coins — I love the “ping, ping, ping”! 67%
I’m not particular as long as I get paid. 10%
Coins are dirty and heavy — coinless is for me! 22%

FREE CONTESTS:

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

Imperial Get-Away – Register to win 3 days and 2 nights at the Imperial Palace Free!
Includes:
Deluxe room for two nights occupancy.
FREE Scratch Slotto Card. Over $1,200,000 in cash and prizes. Everyone’s a winner!
FREE Legends in Concert show, including two cocktails, in the Imperial Theater showroom Monday thru Friday.
FREE Emperor’s Buffet (Breakfast or Lunch) OR $5.00 towards food purchase in any of our fine restaurants.
Much more, enter at http://www.imperialpalace.com/win.html

SNAP LAS VEGAS – Trip for 2 to Las Vegas, including two round trip coach class airline transportation from the closest major airport to the winner’s home, 3 days/2 nights accommodations at the Luxor hotel, 2 day rental car and entertainment package, which includes Stratosphere Tower pass, Stratosphere lunch buffet, admission to The American Superstars and admission to Viva Las Vegas. Enter at http://nbci.webstakes.com/lowestfare/index.html

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

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

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

All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
July 12, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 15, 2000

Posted on by

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it, but only in it’s entirety.

This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com Quality Las Vegas Tourist Information – Hotels, Casinos, Insider Tips, and more. If it’s about Las Vegas, it’s AccessVegas.Com!

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

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

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

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

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This Issue: NASCAR Cafe and Cyber Speedway

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

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

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

NEW ROLLER COASTER – The new Speed ride at the Sahara is going to use linear induction motors to speed you to 70 mph as you shoot through the Sahara sign, a loop, and a tunnel. That’s not enough? The midpoint of the ride is climbing a 222 foot vertical tower, after which you free fall backwards through the entire track once again. Picture and full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-04-Sat-2000/business/13039919.html This along with the NASCAR Cafe and Cyber Speedway (reviewed this issue) is helping put the Sahara back on the “must see” list for race fans and thrill seekers.

NEW CASINO – Station Casinos is slated to build a new $275 million dollar casino in the Green Valley area of Las Vegas. This casino is scheduled to have a 54,000 square foot casino with 2,000 slot machines and 40 table games along with the prerequisite restaurants, movie theatres, spa, and meeting space. Full story as well as proposed drawing at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-14-Tue-2000/business/13162541.html

YES, WE REALLY LIVE HERE – Having the regular contact I have with tourists, I hear my share of “How can you actually live here” questions. One of the more popular questions is “Where does everybody live?” (usually asked by someone who flew on over plenty of residential rooftops). Gaming does account for 25% of our work force, and these people are real people with real lives just like you and I.

Kit Miller’s book “Inside the Glitter: Lives of Casino Workers” is a stunning work of photography and interviews of casino workers from around the state. You can read separate reviews of it at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-22-Tue-2000/news/12975749.html and http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-24-Thu-2000/lifestyles/12980677.html It is available from Amazon.Com at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0967648602/invegascom

4 DIAMONDS – The Las Vegas Hilton has won a AAA Four Diamond rating for the 24’th year on a row. Las Vegas now has more Four Diamond guest rooms than any other city in America with 17,205. Seen to the left accepting the award are Julius Kazen (Hilton, left) and Rick Ernst (AAA, right)

VEGAS MUSIC – Las Vegas is now the 40’th largest media market (Arbitron) in the country and the exploding population has brought a great diversity of local music talent to the city. http://www.lvlocalradio.com is an internet radio station playing local talent exclusively while sister site http://www.lvlocalmusicscene.com gives you information on just about every local band and artist. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-07-Tue-2000/lifestyles/13089267.html
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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

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

COPA – You can read Mike Weatherford’s review of the new David Cassidy / Sheena Easton show at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-10-Fri-2000/weekly/13141151.html

LAS VEGAS HILTON – OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN March 31-April 1, TIM CONWAY and HARVEY KORMAN in their “Together Again” tour April 7 and 8, KENNY RODGERS on April 14 and 15, JEFF FOXWORTHY on April 28-30, TRISHA YEARWOOD on May 5 and 6, JOHNNY MATHIS on May 12 and 13, and WYNONNA on May 19-21. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

HARD ROCK HOTEL – OASIS with special guest TRAVIS on April 11. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).


 

FEATURE STORY: NASCAR Cafe and Cyber Speedway

The NASCAR Cafe opened race weekend, joining similar operations in Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Orlando, the Smoky Mountains. I took the opportunity to visit on the Monday after the race.

If driving, park in the Sahara’s lot in back of the hotel across Paradise Rd. A covered walkway directs you right into the Cyber Speedway area, and the parking lot is usually empty. Avoid the Sahara parking garage. It ranks right there with Paris and MGM on the “complicated parking garage” list.

The Sahara has had racing simulator Indy cars for quite some time now. In keeping with the new NASCAR theme, they have replaced most of the Indy cars with Winston Cup cars in the “Cyber Speedway” area. For $8, you get in a car with a 180 degree screen wrapped around you. The car tilts and moves as you drive around Las Vegas Motor Speedway, along with different sound effects. (The one you don’t want to hear is what it is like to bounce off the wall)! You are “racing” against up to 5 other people at a time. (Get in line at the “B” staging area, as staging area “A” only has 2 cars). I came in 2 out of 5. No credit to my driving skills, but more a credit to having played a few computer games and getting the feel for stuff like that pretty quickly.

The place was buzzing with fans who came into town for the race and decided to make an extended trip out of it. The new casino area adjacent to the Cafe features blackjack (including a number of $1 games), roulette, and a few slots. Next to it is the gift shop, featuring almost everything NASCAR. Just what Las Vegas needs — another place selling $20 t-shirts. The entire downstairs if filled with NASCAR photos and memorabilia, much like the Hard Rock is for rock music.

The restaurant is upstairs and overlooks the downstairs bar area. You are given a number if there is a wait. The only place you can see the numbers are on the corners of some of the TV monitors in the bar area. Drinks aren’t cheap — we took note of what people were paying: domestic bottles of beer at $3 and premium shots at $4.50. You can also order appetizers in the $7 range. The plus side? The bar has 9/6 jacks or better video poker (quarters and above) and you can use your slot club card. Buy a roll, get a free drink, and play “break even” video poker.

NOTE: This is a weird situation. The machines are multi-denomination machines that take (and dispense) nickels. So, you need to stick a $10 in as the bartender watches and ask for a comp drink. And the unwritten rule in Las Vegas is that you play full coins in if you are playing quarters or below and getting comped a drink. Coffee, bottled water, booze — it doesn’t matter. One more crazy thing — any payout above $5 is a hand pay. Otherwise these machines would run out of nickels in no time. Very irritating, to both players and the staff that was running around doing $10 hand pays.

The restaurant is loud and busy, but much of that may have had to do with it being new. It is the typical food selection you find at most theme restaurants. My steak was a great 9 oz. steak with a $16 price tag. Expect the tab for two including an appetizer, meals, and a couple drinks to be $40-50. Well worth it for a NASCAR fan. Otherwise, just go look around and take one of the cyber cars for a drive. You don’t have to like NASCAR to enjoy racing the cars or the $1 blackjack.

The NASCAR Cafe is located in the north end of the Sahara Hotel. The restaurant is open from 11 AM until 10 PM (closing time subject to change — they said that they are still getting a feel for demand) and the lounge is open until 2 AM. Sahara Hotel discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Sahara link).


 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Debra Cook wrote:

>We just got back from Las Vegas after 4 days at the
>Desert Paradise Resort, a timeshare/condo facility on
>Decatur Rd. We usually visit LV 3 or 4 times a year
>and wanted a break this time from the usual hotels.
>What a great idea!!!!
>
>We reserved our unit online and I wasn’t sure of what
>the buildings were like. I e-mailed you and you said
>they were pretty nice. You were never wrong for a
>second.
>
>The unit was 1 bedroom, full kitchen, approximately 32
>inch stereo television in the nicely appointed living
>room, another set in the bedroom which had a king
>sized bed, a very nice bathroom, and all the
>dinnerware/glasses and utensils one would need. Of
>course, I did not cook while vacationing, but could
>have. They even threw in a washer/dryer (non coin
>operated) and an iron and board.
>
>Housekeeping came once a day to tidy up, and, it is a
>secure gated facility. Complementary breakfast is
>served each morning (although very early for Las Vegas
>vacation visitors – from 8 to 9am)in the main building.
>The facility has a fitness center, pool, spa. It’s
>just a few blocks by car to everything. If you don’t
>rent a car, they have shuttles to the strip. It is a
>non-gaming facility, but, with the rent a car, we did
>not mind.
>
>Since we were there for 4 days, we did not cram all of
>our usual stops into a limited number of hours. When
>we grew tired of walking and gawking, we went back to
>our unit and relaxed a bit in a very spacious
>environment. This was the best trip ever.

Glad to hear that you had a great trip! Booking info for the Desert Paradise is at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm#other (Desert Paradise link).

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

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All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
March 15, 2000