AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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Archive for May, 2002

Access Vegas Insider Vibe - May 29, 2002

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

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

THIS ISSUE: Showgirls Show at The Rio

LAS VEGAS DEALS:

* Castaways Hotel and Casino - From $29.00
* St. Tropez All Suite Hotel - From $59.00
* Ballys Las Vegas - From $54.00
* Paris Las Vegas - From $84.00

All of these deals and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/usa-vegas-specials.htm Toll Free 24 Hour Discount Room Hotline: 1-888-254-0637 (Use Savings Promo Code 4558)

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





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

Hello from Las Vegas! Summer is heating up and cold nights are a thing of the past with overnight temperatures rarely dipping below 65 degrees. We’ve been making the rounds: Sunday night we were at Carnival Court (Harrah’s) right on The Strip and we’ll be doing a photo feature on that soon.

We were at the grand opening of Skin poolside Lounge at The Palms recently and had a blast. Owner George Maloof continues to hit home run after home run with this hot new hotel property. You know we’d never leave you out so we had the camera and snapped a pile of great photos from this sexy new spot! Check them out at
http://www.accessvegas.com/photo-feature.htm

POOL PARTIES - As the weather heats up, a number of hotels are having regular pool parties open to the public! These are the latest details we have available:

* Skin at The Palms - The Palms opens up their resort pool area at 7 PM each evening. Cover is $10 but can vary depending on events. Pool attire is not only allowed but encouraged, although traditional club wear or resort casual dress is also fine. Four full-service bars, strolling entertainment, and DJ or a live band round out the mix. See photos: http://www.accessvegas.com/photo-feature.htm

* Big Al’s Fat Tuesday Poolside Parties - The Orleans pool party return every Tuesday from 7 - 10:30 PM. $2 for women, $5 for men and that includes two free drinks, hot and cold hors d’ oeuvres, and more.

* Whiskey Beach - at Green Valley Ranch opens at 7 PM nightly. Full service bar, swimming allowed, no cover charge. Green Valley Ranch has a spectacular view of the Las Vegas Valley from their pool area.

* Hard Rock - Pink Beach is evenings at 7 PM. More information pending. (We hate to publish secondhand stuff and Hard Rock has been a little slow with requested info).

* Suncoast - The Suncoast pool party returns every Wednesday from 7 - 10:30 PM. $2 for women, $5 for men and that includes two free drinks, hot and cold hors d’ oeuvres, and more.

* Swim-Up Blackjack - While not pool party, The Tropicana’s famous “Swim-Up Blackjack” has returned for another season. Pool guests can enjoy this game with towels to keep hands and chips dry as well as money dryers.

More to come and we’ll update you as we get concrete information!

HOTEL STRIKE - You might have heard the rumblings of a Las Vegas hotel strike. The great news is that all of the major gaming companies have come to a deal with the union. We understand those who haven’t do have replacement workers ready to go. These contracts expire June 1, 2002.

If you are the worrying type, we have a list of the hotels who have NOT reached a settlement at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-hotel-strike.htm and you may wish to avoid booking those hotels until they settle or hire permanent replacement workers.

BEST LUXURY HOTEL - You only have a few more days to vote in this month’s “Best Of” poll. We are asking you which Las Vegas luxury hotel is best. You are the visitors — your voice should count! If you have yet to vote this month, poll on the right hand sidebar of http://www.accessvegas.com

CASINO BAR STOOLS - Newsletter reader and my friend Ken has a line of bar stools with casino and sports logos on them. Very cool stuff that lets your friends know you love Las Vegas or your favorite sports team! Check out an example and contact him about other items he has for sale: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2107678672


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

SHOW REVIEW:

SHOWGIRLS - If it seems like we’ve been reviewing quite a few topless shows lately, welcome to Las Vegas. Nobody is putting Barney the Dinosaur into hotel showrooms. For those seeking some balance, you’ll be pleased to know that the next few weeks will bring reviews of Cirque du Soleil’s “O” and Mystere.

Showgirls is the new entry into a crowded Las Vegas topless show market. Not to be confused with the movie Showgirls or previously reviewed Showgirls of Magic ( http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/showgirls-of-magic-las-vegas.htm ), this show is the distilled essence of the showgirl segments contained in other shows.

The show features 12 showgirls, each of which has an impressive resume. It is a self-described “ooooohh” and “aaaaahh” show. The women look at the truly incredible different costumes in each segment and go “ooooohh” while the men see that the showgirls are topless in each segment and go “aaaaahh.”

This show takes us on a ride through showgirl history from the Ziegfeld Follies and early Vegas shows to Madonna and Britney Spears, encompassing a tip of the hat to all entertainment that includes elaborate showgirls and dancers. Each segment features incredible costumes and dance numbers which fit the theme of each era.

The show stars Sunny, who ties the show together with her parody impersonations of Mae West, Marylyn Monroe, Joan Rivers, Madonna, and Britney Spears. Hair and costume brings the true resemblance of the stars she impersonates. A side note: she is married to the show’s producer (something she jokes about once during the show), but nepotism in this case does no harm. She is attractive, sexy, has a great voice, and is an all-around talent.

As May West, she tells bawdy jokes. Her Marilyn Monroe works the men in the audience with the breathy voice. The Joan Rivers is a bit of a weak spot. Although perhaps thrown into because Sunny does a great Joan Rivers, this style comedy impression just doesn’t seem to belong in this show. She does rebound later with the Madonna and Britney performances, actually performing “with Madonna” (via video footage) and pulling off the youthful but sexy Britney nicely.

A nice added attraction is the showgirls exhibit displayed in the theater entrance. History of 100 years of showgirls features costumes, memorabilia, and stunning photos. A real live showgirl in beautiful, full regalia is also at the exhibit to pose for photos nightly from 10 - 11 PM (except Sundays). Put this on your list of Las Vegas photo ops!

This show is a perfect match for the Rio hotel, one that markets itself with a sexy Mardi Gras theme and was the casino that set the standard for sexy cocktail waitress outfits. The show performs in the Rio’s Samba Theater, truly one of the nicest facilities in town playing host to Penn and Teller as well as national touring comedians and acts.

Showgirls is a production show running nightly (dark Sunday) at the Rio hotel. The showgirls exhibit is free to the public (all ages) and open for viewing daily from noon to midnight.

Show tickets and show time information available at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&showid=377&cityid=1 Must Be 21 To Attend.

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Show Review Criteria: We understand that Las Vegas attracts visitors of varied budgets and interests. Shows are reviewed on the basis of value for dollar spent as well as to present the reader enough knowledge of the content to make an informed decision.

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EVENT LISTINGS:

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

FEEDBACK:

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

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

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BUSINESS TRAVELERS: Keep the boss happy and pocket some cash! Pick from the from the 150+ destinations offered at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm for booking business travel. Get the guaranteed low rates, and YOU get to pocket the (up to) $100 rebate at http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm (you must book during this month). Do you book rental cars? Try http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005 and access the best rates from the major companies.

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

* Discount Hotel Rooms: http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Tours - Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, More: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours
* Travel Packages (Hotel/Air): http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Toll Free 24 Hour Discount Room Hotline: 1-888-254-0637 (use savings promo code 4558)

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

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

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

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
May 29, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe - May 15, 2002

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

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

THIS ISSUE: Las Vegas News, Events, Updates

LAS VEGAS DEALS - for May / June:

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





SHOW REVIEWS:

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

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

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

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EVENT LISTINGS:

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

FEEDBACK:

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

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





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

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

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

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

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