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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 14, 2008

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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.

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – Winter is finally over here in the beautiful Desert Southwest. I just got back from a walk in the 65 degree (F) sun, wearing shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. If winter is in full swing where you are, come on out and visit. Our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals have unbelievably low room rates ranging from basic rooms at $25-30 a night to the very top hotels in Las Vegas (and in the world, for that matter) for under $200 a night. And… last I checked, airfare is down a bit.

I’m not surprised. The past few years, many of you have written and said “Las Vegas no longer caters to the middle class” and has gotten too expensive. Time and time again in this newsletter, I simply said: Give it time. All of these posh new hotel rooms are going to have to be filled and the rates will be adjusted to fill them. I said how Las Vegas will again be an incredible bargain with the ability to rent rooms for a fraction of what a similar hotel room would go for in another city. (Check out what $100 a night will get you in New York or San Francisco, then what it will buy you in Las Vegas right now).

Yes, times are tight right now. If you are in a very unfortunate job or financial situation and a trip just isn’t in the cards, by all means stay subscribed and we’ll bring a little bit of Las Vegas to you each week until you can come back and see us again. But if you even have a few bucks to spend, come on out and enjoy a few days. Nothing takes your mind off of things like a visit to Las Vegas.

Largest Hotel In the World Coming To Las Vegas! – Oh please… how many times have I typed (and mocked) this headline. And yet another group is claiming that they are going to do just this:

A 6,745 room, four tower hotel. And… not even on The Strip. Instead next to the Hard Rock Hotel (on the site of George Clooney’s project that never got off the ground… and that was in good economic times). Bottom Line: If this thing actually goes somewhere, I wish the developers well and (as always) we’ll keep you up-to-date on the progress.

las vegas wetlands park
Photo Courtesy Access Clark County (government)

Las Vegas Wetlands Park – Wetlands in Las Vegas? You bet! Now… if you are in town for a few days to see how much drinking and gambling you can accomplish, this might not be for you. However… if a local or a tourist who enjoys renting a car and seeing things like Red Rock Canyon, you may find the Las Vegas Wetlands a fun adventure for a couple of hours.

The Las Vegas Wash (a wash is what we call a creek here in the desert) has been cleaned up over the past few years, with weirs built to slow down the water flow and create lush, green areas teeming with wildlife. Finding the wetlands is simple: Head east on Tropicana (from The Strip) for exactly 7.9 miles and make a left on Wetlands Park Lane. For more info, read Wetlands Park expands with opening of bridge

Lion King Las Vegas To Play Full Show – Many Broadway style shows have (and continue to) enjoy great runs here, but are often a condensed version of the Broadway hit. The standard notion: With so much to do and see, people don’t want to sit through a really long show. (And the notion that the hotels want you back in the casino spending money more quickly).

The Lion King is going to buck the trend and perform the nearly 2 1/2 hour show, with a standard 15 minute intermission. It will be interesting to see how it works out (and how many people get on a hot gambling streak during intermission and simply don’t make it back into the theatre). Ticket sales are expected to be brisk as this show looks to be a major draw. You may wish to reserve now: Click for Lion King Las Vegas Tickets

Is The Club Scene Over? – We’ve received very mixed reader email on the club scene boom here. Some of you enjoy them, others feel priced out by those willing to spend thousands of dollars in just one night in a club. Readers of all ages have bemoaned the loss of many of the hotel lounges, and I’m among you. Hotels wonder why their gaming revenue is dropping. Could one reason be that the excitement of live music playing on (or just off of) the casino floor made the gambling more fun? DUH!

Local columnist Norm Clarke had an interesting article Celebs cut back on making it rain that is worth a read. Truth be told, Las Vegas being a little less of a celeb hot spot may be a good thing. The focus is coming back to our core business of the past many decades: Give you a reasonably priced room, good food, favorable gaming odds and some of the best shows and entertainment you’ll find on the planet, and you’ll keep coming back for more. Which leads me to these comments…

Loose slots

The Eggheads Just Don’t Get It – Nevada gaming revenue is in a free-fall (down around 8% in 2008). You aren’t gambling as much when you visit, and we don’t blame you. We’ve noted how recent years have brought tighter slots and unfavorable table game rules. Casino management blames it on the economy. I blame some of it on the guys running the casinos:

Even after the mob pretty much left town, Las Vegas was run by guys with resort, gaming, and tourism backgrounds. Not that many years ago, signs likeá99% Payback On Slots, Better Odds On Craps/Blackjack and others regarding easy comps were common up and down The Strip.

Now, things are run by a bunch of guys with educations from prestigious eastern universities whose backgrounds are Wall Street, not Las Vegas Boulevard. And it shows (just look at how Wall Street and Banking have been doing). They don’t seem to understand that you’ll come and (probably) lose a pile of cash. And still enjoy it and tell others what a great time you had doing so.

But… only if you are getting some value out of it. Only if the gambling lets you have a few win streaks. Only if you can go home and tell your friends about the incredible meal deal you had. Only if we offer you some real fun, a chance to win, and value in hotel and meal prices.

The word is starting to resonate. Read (from our local paper) Strip’s Salvation Lies In Offering Value

We’re Number Eight? – After being tops 19 out of the past 21 years, Nevada has finally given up the longstanding “fastest growing state” mantle. Neighboring states Utah and Arizona took the top two honors with Nevada falling to the #8 spot.

When people inquire about moving here, I suggest they check out Salt Lake City, Phoenix (and Albuquerque) as well. I love Las Vegas and it is an amazing place to visit, but unless your fortunate enough to be one of the (maybe) 100 people here with a job like mine, living here isn’t all about shows and buffets. It is about the daily grind just like you’d find anywhere else (even for people like me).

Why Salt Lake City, Phoenix or Albuquerque? All are short non-stop flights to your favorite vacation destination (Las Vegas, of course). Salk Lake offers traditional winters (snow and skiing), Phoenix offers a major city atmosphere with big league sports, and Albuquerque is a mid-sized city which has the beautiful desert mountain scenery of Las Vegas without our 110 degree summers.

Finally, let me leave you with an amazing Las Vegas photo blog find I found. A couple who recently married here posted photos ranging from their plane over the desert and on approach to some very cool shots all over The Strip and Downtown Fremont Street. Enjoy LAS VEGAS marriage pics. Picture Heavy!

Enjoy This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
CEO/Managing Editor

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

Las Vegas Is On Sale!
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Motley Crue To Pass The Joint Into A New Era At The Hard Rock – As the saying goes, “as one door closes, another one opens.” The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will close its legendary concert venue, The Joint, on February 7, 2009 to make way for a brand new expanded and state-of-the-art Joint. As part of their Saints of Los Angeles 2009 Tour, M÷tley Cr³e will help close The Joint doors in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion with two closing weekend performances scheduled for February 6 and 7. (Tickets). Click to Read The Full Story …

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant Celebrates Four Years In Las Vegas – RA Sushi Bar Restaurant will celebrate four years in Las Vegas with a prom-themed anniversary party on Saturday, January 24. The event begins on Saturday, January 24 at 9 p.m. and features live entertainment from Last Pop Nation, Justin Carder and RA’s own DJ G-Raw. Ladies are encouraged to don their most gaudy dresses and men in the craziest tuxes they can find to celebrate the prom-themed event. Click to Read The Full Story …

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2009 AT Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Beginning January 14, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will celebrate the 2009 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox, with a unique display filled with hidden meaning. The Conservatory’s design will be guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui û the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. The dramatic centerpiece of this exhibit will be a botanical 15-foot-long ox. Click to Read The Full Story …

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hello. Love your newsletter!

A group of us just visited Vegas Dec. 7-11, 2008 (we have visited 2 or 3 times a year since 2003). Had a wonderful time as always. In these past years of visiting Vegas right up to our recent trip last week, we have always wondered why a 24/7 city closes most, if not all, of its restaurants at 10 or 11 pm. The fine dining establishments i can understand… but I have always wondered why more casual to fast food places donÆt stay open 24 hours.

Each hotel has ONE restaurant that stays open all nite and the wait is usually unbelievably long, not to mention how long it takes to get waited on and served. It seems a Subway shop or a 24-hour deli would be appropriate for those who want to party until all hours and THEN grab a quick bite to take back to their room.

I stayed at MGM again this trip (which I love, by the way) and they have a Deli that stays open until like 1 am and the line at 12:30 goes on forever. So I canÆt believe that a 24-hour fast food place wouldnÆt make money in the middle of the nite. I was just curious if anyone had any insight as to why all the food courts close at 11’ish and why more casual places donÆt stay open all nite.

Thanks,

Sharla from Columbus OH

Ted Responds:

I’m probably not making any friends in casino management in this issue, and we’ll be returning to our more Las Vegas news in future issues. However, these issues do need to be addressed.

The decision makers at hotel casinos are apt to be tucked into bed and asleep at midnight. They don’t know what is going on in situations like this. They forget that you are partying, boozing and having fun well into the late night and wee hours. And… what does just about everyone want to do after a long night of imbibing? EAT. (Visit any Waffle House or similar restaurant at 3 AM on a weekend. This isn’t just a Las Vegas phenomenon).

The best we can do is highlight the concerns of our readers and let them filter to the decision makers who simply have no clue what is really happening during those late night “Prime Time In Las Vegas” hours.

My wife and I have been coming to Vegas every year since the late 70’s and have seen to many changes. I enjoy playing blackjack, but this year I played maybe twice. The 6-5 payoff on a blackjack in most every casino has taken away the enjoyment of the game. Let’s get the bean counters out of Vegas.

Love your newsletter.

Bill from Orlando

Ted Responds:

For those unfamiliar with what Bill is talking about, the original rules for blackjack (and the rules in Las Vegas for decades) was that you get 3 chips for every 2 chips you bet when you are dealt a blackjack. 15 chips when you bet 10. Now, most Las Vegas casinos only pay you 6 chips for every 5 bet or simply 12 (instead of 15) for every 10 bet.

The El Cortez downtown is still dealing with the original rules and if you really hunt, you may be able to find some others. Bottom Line: If you play a blackjack game where they are only paying you 6 to 5 on a blackjack, you are getting ripped off. Keep walking. How much of a difference does it make? You get dealt blackjack more often than you realize. This can add up to a substantial amount of money per hour that should be in your pocket, but isn’t.

We have been subscribing to your newsletter for several years now and really enjoy it!

We’ve been coming to Vegas for four years for the first weekend of the PBR finals. Your newsletter has been extremely helpful.

We’ve stayed at the Excalibur the last couple of years. The first year the rooms were OK, but this year we stayed in one of the remodeled rooms and were very impressed with it. We got to look out over the pools and the improvements in the rooms were really nice.

This is the first year the finals have been at the Thomas & Mack Center instead of the Mandalay Bay Events Center. We were a little worried about transportation, but were pleasantly surprised by the taxi service we got all three nights. Our taxi cab drivers were very pleasant and we felt like they did a great job getting us there and back.

We are auto enthusiasts and really enjoyed the Auto Collection at the Imperial Palace.

Thank you for your newsletter and keep up the great work!!

Debbie R.
Kansas

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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 I4Vegas Discount Las Vegas Reservations and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • 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
  • 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)

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All contents copyright 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
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January 14, 2009 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – August 30, 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!

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This Issue: Are You Ready For Some Football?

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

 

LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:

HARRAH’S – has done it right with their Carnival Court! This outdoor bar and grill at the south end of the property is a fantastic place to relax with friends and enjoy some live music seven days a week. They have moved Cook E. Jarr down there from the Improv room upstairs (a great move, and one we suggested back in May at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-05-17.htm ). You can catch his show for free at midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, and more info on Cook E. Jarr is at http://www.accessvegas.com/jarr Next suggestion for one of the resorts: How about a permanent open-air club around a water setting like you find in many other beach and resort spots?

END OF THE INN – Gone. Done. History. The doors of the Desert Inn are locked shut, and the next wave of casino building planned will involve the north end of the Strip, with the Frontier and Desert Inn both slated for destruction and new resort construction at dates not yet announced. Hotel closing story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-29-Tue-2000/news/14261089.html and http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-27-Sun-2000/news/14230478.html

TOP 5! – Frommer’s just published their Top 10 Travel list at http://www.frommers.com/features/articles/0008_2a.html Of note: The Orleans Hotel here in Las Vegas was rated America’s 3’rd best budget hotel, Laughlin, NV was rated the 5’th cheapest city for vacation, and our partners Hotel Reservations Network were ranked the 4’th best hotel discounter. Specific info on each:

Orleans Hotel – http://www.accessvegas.com/hotels/orleans-hotel-las-vegas-hotel-reservations.htm
Laughlin – http://www.accessvegas.com/laughlin-nevada-hotels-nv.htm
Hotel Reservations Network – http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickcity?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC

SUMMER IS OVER! – While that may not be the best news in much of the world, we are looking forward to beautiful fall days with shirtsleeve weather in the daytime and cool evenings (not to mention seeing our electric bills drop). If your good weather is starting to wane, no time like the present to come enjoy ours! Current Las Vegas forecast is at http://www.weather.com/weather/us/zips/89121.html

RESTAURANTS – A host of Las Vegas restaurant reviews have hit the press the past couple of weeks:

All American Bar & Grill (at the Rio) – http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/departments/07_27_00/dining_taste.html
Grand Lux Cafe – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-25-Fri-2000/weekly/14218120.html
Orleans Buffet – http://www.e-vegas.net/display/article.asp?article=725
The Tillerman (Paradise Rd.) – http://www.scopemag.com/departments/08_17_00/dining_taste.html

COINLESS SLOTS – In a recent poll and feedback, most of you came out overwhelmingly against coinless slots. The soon-to-open The Suncoast Hotel & Casino in NW Las Vegas is opening soon and most of their slots will be coinless. Full story at http://news.excite.com/news/r/000821/18/leisure-slots While they are counting on it being a hit with locals, industry insiders conjecture (as our poll noted) that tourist wouldn’t warm up to them. For those wondering, we generally don’t cover news involving outlying casinos because the percentage of tourists who make their way away from the Strip or downtown are minute.

$5 FREE GAS – If you drive to town, the 76 station next to Monte Carlo has a coupon for $5 free gas with a $10 purchase. Print the coupon out at http://www.strip76.com/coupon.htm

KARAOKE – The NASCAR Cafe in The Sahara has joined perennial favorite Ellis Island Casino (on Koval, just behind Bally’s) as a hot spot for Karaoke in Las Vegas. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-15-Tue-2000/lifestyles/14151067.html

BEHIND THE SCENES – The Review-Journal did a rare sneak-peak at all that goes into making Mystere a constant sellout at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-22-Tue-2000/lifestyles/14079348.html

 

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

THE SCORPIONS – The long-surviving heavy metal band is touring playing symphony shows in selected cities including Las Vegas (see Aladdin listing below). Full story at http://www.mtv.com/sendme.tin?page=/news/headlines/000824/story6.html

SPARKS IN THE PARK – at Desert Breeze Park (Spring Mountain and Durango, far west side of town) features Jon Secada and Michael McDonald as well as food and fireworks this Sat. Sept. 2 from 3-9 PM. Tickets are $10 adult, $5 children and can be purchased at the gate.

Aladdin – Peabo Bryson, Sept. 4-9, The Guess Who on Sept. 9, Chick Corea Sept. 11-16, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, and Halford on Sept. 17, Scorpians w/ Nevada Festival Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 23, Pat Metheny Sept. 25-30, David Sanborn Joe Sample, Counting Crows Oct. 2, Jo Dee Messina on Oct. 6, Richard Bona and Brian Blade Oct. 2-7, Greg Allman Oct. 9-11 and Oct. 13-15, Dr. John Oct. 16-21, Roberta Flack Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 26-28, Afro Cuban All-Stars Oct. 30-Nov. 4, Chuck Mangione Dec. 4-9. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Aladdin discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Aladdin link).

Hard Rock Hotel – The Cult on Sept. 2, Robert Cray Band on Sept. 3, John Haitt on Sept. 9, Don Henley Oct. 10, 311 Oct. 11, 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 – Howie Mandel Sept. 1-3, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Engelbert Humperdinck Sept. 26 – October 1, Face To Face Sept. 30, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement), Sinbad Nov. 2-4, Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3, and Brooks & Dunn Dec. 4-6. 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 – Godsmack on Aug. 31, Static X Sept. 1, Third Eye Blond on Sept. 2, George Clinton on Sept. 6, Joan Osbourne on Sept. 8, Fishbone on Sept. 9, Savage Garden Sept. 10, Bangles on Sept. 15, Steve Miller Band Sept. 17, Hank Williams III on Sept. 21, Luther Vandros with Boyz II Men Sept. 22, Alice Cooper on Sept. 22, Little Feat Sept. 22, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 29, Kenny G on Sept. 30, Tonic on Oct. 6, Tiger Jam III (a fundraiser concert for the Tiger Woods Foundation) features Christina Aguilara, Leann Rimes, and Seal on Oct. 7, Peter Frampton Oct. 13, and Moe on Oct. 15. 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 – Rita Rudner now – Sept. 4, Tom Jones Aug. 10-23, Sting on Aug. 19, David Copperfield Aug. 24-30, Tony winning show Cabaret Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, Rodney Dangerfield Aug. 31- Sept. 6, Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13, Shaolin Monks on Sept. 20-28, Jimmy Buffet on Sept. 29, Frozen Fury 4 pits the L.A. Kings against the Colorado Avalanche on Sept. 30, U.S. Open of Supercross Oct. 14-15, Pearl Jam on Oct. 22, and Tina Turner with Joe Cocker Nov. 18. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://hotels.nevada.nu/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

Riviera – Tommy Chong & Bobcat Goldthwait Sept. 1, 2, and 3, 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).

The Orleans – The Little River Band on Sept. 1-3, Jerry Lewis Sept. 7-10, 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 – 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: Are You Ready For Some Football?

Legalized Las Vegas sports betting and America’s love of our football makes the fall one of the most exciting times of year here and this year won’t be any different. Monday Night Football is a Las Vegas tradition. From the little corner bars to the big casino sportsbooks, tens of thousands gather to put a few bucks on a team they might not even care about, drink beer, and whoop and holler for their team.

While virtually every casino and bar has some kind of Monday Night Football promotion, here are some notable ones. All are free unless noted, and remember that Monday Night Football starts at 6 PM on the west coast, so get there early to get a good seat and your share of the freebies:

BARLEY’S – This one is away from the tourism areas, but in one of the nicer parts of town and too good a party to ignore: 8′ TV screens, $1.00 12 oz. microbrews, $1.00 pizza, hot dogs, and nachos, and giveaways during every commercial breaks. Barley’s is at 4500 E. Sunset Rd — about a 15-20 minute drive from the Strip.

THE BEACH – Over 40 TV’s including 3 big screens in their 24 hour sportsbar. No cover and a complimentary all-you-can-eat buffet features hamburgers, hot dogs, wings, potato/pasta salads, etc. Beer and shot specials are served by their bikini beauties. Also, prizes and giveaways.

CIRCUS CIRCUS – Their Skyrise Sports Lounge shows the game on a 20′ x 15′ movie screen. The Miller Girls are present, and $3.95 Miller beer specials (that’s a special?!?!?) include a collectible 16 oz. team logo pilsner glass.

FIESTA – holds the party in Roxy’s and features all-u-can-eat pizza, first beer is free, cash prizes, and more. 12′ big screen and over 400 balcony seats. Admission is $6.95 and you must be 21.

HOLY COW – on the Strip across from The Sahara features special food, drink, and raffle prizes during each game as well as a cash bonus on 4-of-a-kind video poker hands during the game (rules are at the cage — I imagine you must be playing the machine max cards, no wild cards).

MAIN ST. STATION – Drawings from cash and prizes each quarter, parlay cards, and food and drink specials. Party held in the brewpub.

PLAZA – The Girls of Glitter Gulch host this party. A $10 betting ticket gets you a free Vienna hot dog, you can watch the game on a giant 9′ x 12′ screen, and they have drawings for prizes and $550 cash.

RIO – Club Rio puts the game on their huge ten foot screens that line the wall and features beer, food, cheerleaders, and prizes. They say you can “win awesome prizes, play video games, smoke fine cigars, and enjoy great food and drink.”

VACATION VILLAGE – Free giveaways every quarter, free parlay card ($200 possible win), free stadium food (peanuts, popcorn, cracker jacks), 50 cent Bud drafts, 50 cent hot dogs, half-time armchair quarterback contest, and ladies drink free in Kookoo’s Bar from 5-10 PM.

Because the majority of Las Vegans are people who relocated from other parts of the country, and we lack our own NFL team, many local bars have “adopted” specific NFL teams (often because the bar owners or management are from that part of the country). These bars not only pledge to show every single game of their specific team, but have food and drink specials as well as giveaways during each game.

The Review Journal just published their yearly detailed list of these bars at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Aug-27-Sun-2000/lifestyles/14123757.html You are almost guaranteed a crowd of people from the “home town” for each game.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Marty & Becky Papke wrote:

>We appreciate your newsletter.á I would like to ask a question to the
>readers and yourself.á We are planning a trip to Las Vegas Dec.á 3
>thru the 8’th which is the National Rodeo Finals week and we would like
>to know what entertainers – will be performing.á If there is a link
>that shows this information, please send the information to us.á We
>also would like to know the details of Sam’s Town construction I had
>heard they are having a grand opening at end of November and will be
>having special entertainers celebrating.á Can you also let us know
>this information.á Thanks for the help!á Really appreciate your
>newsletter.

Continue to both follow our newsletter as well as checking the Events page at http://www.accessvegas.com/events.htm as the time gets closer. I usually don’t report on off-strip properties, but do make an exception for Sam’s Town and NFR because of Sam’s Town’s historically country theme. The renovations are moving along nicely and we will have a report on their plans for NFR as soon as they become known.

Roger Radjeski of Seminole, Florida wrote:

>Only 15 minutes west of Vegas is Red Rock Canyon.á For a mere $5.00
>you can drive your car on the trail and stop and explore the
>wilderness, mountains and canyons.á One hour away is Hoover Dam, and
>two and a half hours away is Death Valley.á What a waste our trip
>would have been had we not gone these places.á Oh yes we did visit the
>”old Strip” for a $4.99 prime rib and a walk in the covered mall.á The
>thing that bothered me the most was the smoking.á There are “NO NON
>SMOKING AREAS!Ӈ What a shame to be polluted by Second Hand Smoke!
>Glad that the tip we left for the girl that cleaned our room for three
>days was more than we spent in all gambling, $5.oo.á The pan handlers
>were a real bother, luckily none seemed to have any identification on
>them that they were willing to show me.á They didn’t get anything from
>me but a “NO!”á Oh yes, we also went to the mountains, a ski area is
>only 2 hours north.á Many people visit Vegas, and miss the Real
>Sights!

With so much to do on the Strip and downtown, we tend not to spend a lot of time covering other activities this area offers because most people aren’t interested in exploring. However, we are finishing a Hoover Dam report, and people that are on their 4’th or 5’th Las Vegas visits often do rent a car to go explore some of the natural and man made wonders. We do maintain a list of Non-Gambling Attractions at http://www.accessvegas.com/activities-entertainment-kids.htm

With Las Vegas, you take the good with the bad. Those from areas where every little aspect of life is regulated might find it bothersome that we don’t have tighter smoking laws and the like. But, Las Vegas is very much determined by supply and demand: if smoke bothers you (I am a nonsmoker but have learned to live with the air in some of the casinos), patronize those properties you feel have the cleanest air.

David N. of Panama City, FL wrote:

>Ted: I don’t know about balconies on the Strip, but for a panoramic
>view, I don’t think anything could top the one my wife and I had on
>our first visit: high up the Plaza tower, facing south toward the
>Stratosphere and Strip.á Fantastic!

Karolina from Chicago, IL wrote:

>I have to say that I really enjoy reading the Review and I’m always
>looking forward to it.á I will be in Vegas Sept.á 23-27 and would
>love to see a concert, but sadly nothing that would interest me is
>going on (I’m a 24 year old female who doesn’t like rap or country.)
>As for one of the letters from the readers, I have to say that Denny’s
>(next to MGM) really sucks.á The service is horrible, I also had to
>get my own refills and when I asked them to heat up the syrup for my
>pancakes, they said that they cannot do that!á Finally after I got to
>talk to a manager, he took care of it but commented that they aren’t
>supposed to be doing that…á What’s up with that?á Otherwise my
>memories are pleasant and just wanted to say “hello” to all the
>readers!

I too appreciate the comfort of eating at places we are familiar with. On my recent FL trip, I was tempted to do the “tried and true” but instead dined at restaurants that were unique to the area and I challenge visitors to Las Vegas to do the same. While this is a broad generalization, workers at the chain franchises are usually at the lowest end of the scale.

The casinos tend to pay better, provide better benefits, etc., and you are more likely to get better food and service in hotel restaurants, even if it’s just the coffee shop. (The food courts generally don’t count — they are franchised out.) Plus, keep your eyes open — many hotels have some pretty good food specials advertised on their reader boards outside and signs throughout the property!

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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 – “Who and when do you tip on a big slot win?” Let’s hear your opinions at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in next week!

FREE CONTESTS:

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

DROOG.COM – is sending one person plus three friends to push the detonator on an actual implosion here in Las Vegas (rumors are still circulating which building is getting imploded, but we will let you know the minute we know). Go to http://www.droog.com and click on the DETONATE link to enter.

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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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All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
August 30, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770