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Archive for August, 2011

August 30, 2011

Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 31, 2011

August 30th 2011 Posted to Las Vegas Newsletter

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

Ted is involved this week in research and development for some exciting new features we’ll be rolling out over the winter. He wishes everyone (where applicable) a happy and safe Labor Day weekend and a quick recovery to those affected by Irene.

Please enjoy this issue prepared by staff.

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style:
Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

McFadden’s Celebrates Halfway To St. Patrick’s Day On Saturday, September 17 – Halfway Doesn’t Mean Half the Celebration – McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is ready to celebrate its second favorite day of the year with a ‘Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day’ celebration on Saturday, September 17. The Irish hot-spot will party all day with authentic Irish food, cocktail specials and plenty of Irish fun.

Partygoers will kick-off McFadden’s halfway celebration with a $10 Irish breakfast including eggs, sausage, Irish soda bread and more, along with half priced green beers and half priced 32-ounce pitchers of green beer for $5, served all day. All Irish partiers will enjoy ‘Happy 2 Hours’ from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. for only $15, followed by an open bar from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. priced at $20 for ladies and $30 for guys.

Bellagio Unveils Newly Redesigned Guest Rooms – AAA Five Diamond Resort Enhances Experience With Fresh, Elegant Designs – Poised to set a new standard in luxury accommodations, Bellagio unveiled a fresh, elegant collection of newly redesigned rooms this week. Each of the three distinct color palettes was carefully created to further enhance the AAA Five Diamond guest experience at one of the world’s most iconic resorts.

“We want guests to feel inspired from the moment they step off the elevator, ” said Randy Morton, president and chief operating officer of Bellagio. “The incredible combination of vibrant, yet warm, colors, beautiful botanical imagery and the overall crisp ambiance should set the tone for a very special experience. ”

Tacos and Tequila Introduces Decadent Desserts With A Mexican Twist – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino introduces new dessert items to their menu, guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

After enjoying T&T’s delicious enchiladas or homemade chips and salsa, there’s no better way to satiate your taste buds than with any of T&T’s decadent dessert items. Making their debut at T&T are the chocolate quesadilla, made with a fresh, warm tortilla filled with creamy Nutella hazelnut spread and sliced bananas as well as T&T’s flan, topped with a sweet caramel glaze. The chocolate quesadilla and flan join T&T’s existing array of flavorful favorites including the tres leches cake, a sweet and moist Mexican treat and the banana empanada, a warm empanada, with caramel filling and sliced bananas. For those looking for something cool to satisfy their cravings, T&T also offers their traditional helado frito or fried ice cream, or a classic brownie sundae.

Rio Hosts San Gennaro Feast Sept. 13-18 San Gennaro Feast Is ‘A Love Affair With Little Italy’ – Featuring Celebrity Chefs and Restaurants, Lower Admission, Free Parking, More Rides Than Ever and The Zillerator Roller Coaster Along with Great Complimentary Entertainment.

WHAT: The 32nd Annual San Gennaro Feast will take place Sept. 13-18, 2011, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino Las Vegas in the northeast parking lot. The festival celebrating the spirit of San Gennaro features more than 70 restaurant food booths, amusements rides, arts and crafts and complimentary entertainment coordinated and hosted by Tony Sacca, who has been part of the event for more than 20 years. Every night, hundreds of dollars of San Gennaro Chips will be given away for food purchases, amusement rides and more.

Rí Rá Las Vegas Is Las Vegas’ Home For Barclays Premier League Action – Rí Rá Las Vegas inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place hosts Barclays Premier League viewing parties throughout the soccer season. Opening early for matches, fans are encouraged to enjoy food and drink specials while supporting their favorite teams.

PBR Rock Bar and Grill Will Serve As Place For Football Fans To Unite And Watch The Games – Football Buffs Can Catch All the Action on 105 HD-TVs, Beer Specials – It’s time for all die-hard football fanatics to dust off their pigskin gear to celebrate the end of the lock-out, and the start of a new and exciting football season at PBR Rock Bar & Grill.

PBR Rock Bar invites jersey-and-foam-finger-wearing patrons that bleed their team’s colors to watch the nail-biting, fall-off-your-seat, action from the restaurant and bar’s 105 HD-TVs.

Football aficionados can knock back a few cold ones with PBR Rock Bar’s beer bucket specials during every game. Each bucket will include five beers and offers guests the choice of Budweiser or Bud Light beer for $19, or buckets of imported beers for $24. Patrons can also enjoy Monday Night Football with Smirnoff vodka drinks for an unbeatable price of $5 each. Football devotees can also take home a special memory from Monday Night Football at PBR Rock Bar with 48-ounce football souvenir cups which will be sold for $20 for domestic drafts and can be refilled for $10. Souvenir cups can be filled with imported drafts and mixed drinks for an additional cost.

Shop for a Cause with Crystals at CityCenter in Celebration of ‘Fashion’s Night Out’ – Crystals at CityCenter, the Las Vegas Strip’s most exquisite shopping, dining and entertainment experience, is celebrating ‘Fashion’s Night Out’ Sept. 8 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. with one of the largest fashion events Las Vegas has seen. Throughout the evening, Crystals will offer unique in-store experiences, heart-pumping entertainment including a performance by Los Angeles-based soul group Fitz and the Tantrums and delicious restaurant tastings.

This year marks the first time an entire Las Vegas shopping destination will join to celebrate ‘Fashion’s Night Out’ through multiple partnerships with local charitable organizations. ‘Fashion’s Night Out’ is a global initiative created in 2009 to put the fun back into fashion through exciting events and partnerships.

“Crystals’ celebration of ‘Fashion’s Night Out’ will create an unparalleled opportunity for Las Vegas locals and visitors to support a wide array of charitable causes in one night,” said Farid Matraki, vice president and general manager of Crystals at CityCenter. “We are elated to join worldwide fashion capitals in this celebration of fashion with an incredible lineup of boutiques and entertainment that could only be offered by Crystals.”

Primm Valley Casino Resorts Completes Extensive Hotel and Casino Rejuvenations Resulting in Fresh New Look for Property – Primm Valley Casino Resorts has completed its $8.5 million property rejuvenation project that offers a fresh atmosphere for guests to enjoy alongside a plethora of amenities.

Renovations began in Fall 2010 with updates at Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino. The hotel rooms received new furnishings that gave the western themed space a modern edge. The property also added new carpeting to its casino floor and a recognizable Denny’s restaurant to the dining options. In an effort to become an eco-friendly property, energy-saving LED light bulbs replaced old lighting throughout the casino and light sensors were added to guest rooms to avoid excessive use of electricity.

Primm Valley Resort & Casino took on a $7 million renovation project transforming the hotel into a premium boutique escape. Primm Valley’s 624 hotel rooms underwent major changes that gave each a makeover to reflect its acquired boutique style. Contemporary furniture replaced the existing including new beds with leather upholstered headboards and chic linens as well as complimenting bedside tables. New fixtures and decorations were added to accent the deep red textured walls, rounding out the room’s exquisite design.

Football Frenzy Returns To Cabo Wabo – Saturday, Sunday and Monday Specials All Season Long – Cabo Wabo Cantina will provide all the rumblin’, bumblin’, stumblin’ action this football season, with a rousing roster of events taking place Saturdays, Sundays and Monday nights. Sammy Hagar’s rockin’ cantina will prove to be the best bet on the Strip with multiple high-definition televisions, amazing drink specials, a delicious breakfast menu and outstanding giveaways all season long.

Hoover Dam Express Bus TourHoover Dam Express Bus Tour – Considered one of the greatest engineering feats in the world, Hoover Dam is Nevada’s number one sightseeing attraction, the tallest structure of its kind in the world, and one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Travel to the Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard safe, modern and clean touring buses. Your talented driver/guide will be more than happy to share points of interest and answer all your questions along the way. You’ll experience breathtaking views of Hoover Dam, the Colorado River and Lake Mead. Take pictures from the visitors center overlook and view the exhibits.

Click To Book Hoover Dam Express Bus Tour Now!

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

  • Lady Gaga, Steven Tyler Join ‘Legends in Concert’ in Las Vegas – ‘Legends in Concert‘ is the longest-running celebrity tribute show on the Las Vegas Strip. The show recently added Lady Gaga (played by Kate Steele) and Steven Tyler (Chris VanDahl) to its line-up. Here’s a sample of the spot-on live performances that have made ‘Legends’ such a legend in Las Vegas.

    Tickets for Legends in Concert

  • Skating Aratas take ‘Absinthe’ audiences for a spin – It’s exhilarating — and frightening — how fast she’s spinning through the air, like a Tilt-A-Whirl on some hallucinogenic drug. Her feet are locked behind her husband’s neck; his arms are up, in a ‘V’, his deltoids trapping her ankles, preventing her from flying into the audience like a carless crash test dummy. One misstep — a failed skate, a weakened grip, debris on the table — would be devastating. Read More…
  • George Wallace – George Wallace has been a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip for more than seven years. He’s been called the ‘Godfather of Comedy’, ‘The New Mr. Las Vegas’, and his show is hailed by many as the ‘Best 10 PM show’ on the strip. You can find this funny man thinkin’ and performing Tuesday through Saturday night at Flamingo Hotel and Casino. We recently spent some time getting to know the man behind the show.
  • Cocktail Culture: Swedish Fish – Watch bartender Hilary Clevenger get her sweet on with Sugar Factory’s Swedish Fish, created by Ken Hall. Sugar Factory Las Vegas is far more than a place to buy lolipops!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Members Mania will return when Ted returns next week. In the meantime, remember you can post comments to many of our stories by looking for the comment box below the story.

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

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Comments(0)

August 24, 2011

Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 24, 2011

August 24th 2011 Posted to Las Vegas Newsletter

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – What has otherwise been a wimpy summer (no stretches of 112-115 F heat) is trying to go out with a temper tantrum. We’re in a midst of 110 degree days at a time when we should be barely cracking 100. Normally by this time of year, I’m ready to see the heat go, but as someone who enjoys spending evenings* outdoors (dining and watching TV if I’m not headed out), I’m lamenting that we only have a few more weeks left of palatable evening temperatures.

September brings a significant drop in the daytime high, coming in at 99 and exiting at 88 by the end of the month. We see another 10 degree drop during October and come November, we are well into jacket weather.

* Summertime temps at traditional dinnertime are still above 100. I modify my summer work schedule to knock off around midnight at which time we’re down around 90F. The best way to deal with summer here (schedule permitting) is to be an early riser enjoying the lowest temps of the day around sunrise, or shift your schedule so that “after work” is after midnight. Which in a 24/7 city works just fine regardless of your choice.

Rock ‘N’ Roll All Night, Drink Coffee Every Day? – The success of a KISS (the band) themed coffee shop (read: Starbucks) in Myrtle Beach, SC has led to the announcement of a pending location in Las Vegas. Look… I know KISS has millions of loyal fans. I’m not a KISS-aholic, but I’ve enjoyed their music for decades. I also like coffee. But am I going to go out of my way to have it at a KISS-themed shop? No. They may want to re-think this one, or get a liquor license. Vegas is fueled by booze. You can only sell somebody so many $5 coffees during a single day, but you can sell them quite a few drinks.

Jubilee’s 30′th Anniversary, No Tats Or Implants – Jubilee at Bally’s recently celebrated 30 years in business, and they are still sinking the Titanic nightly. This is pretty much your only chance to see traditional (sans-tops) Las Vegas showgirls in a big production.

Interesting tidbit I found reading all the various stories about the anniversary: Jubilee dancers can’t have body art (ink) or breast implants. They feel the ink draws attention away from the spectacular showgirl costumes, and that implants are simply too easy to spot and thus also distracting from the show in general. (This could also be a move to distinguish their dancers from what you’ll see at local “gentleman’s clubs”). In other words, Jubilee won’t be recruiting for dancers at the Hard Rock’s infamous Rehab pool party…

Bouncing Back – A recent local article highlighted how locals are wondering when things will bounce back to normal for Las Vegas. That really depends. If you consider 1999 or 2003 as “normal” then I’d say we have another 2-3 years to go. Analysts are suggesting that home prices (which are currently at 1999 levels) won’t begin to start increasing until at least 2013 and I agree.

If you consider 2006 to be normal, we’ll get back to that economic level locally right about the time it snows on the Las Vegas Strip in July. Another article noted that it will take a decade for housing here to regain 1/2 of the value it had at the top of the bubble. Somehow, that implies that it will eventually get back to 2006 levels. Highly unlikely that will ever happen in real dollars. It was a boom. A huge abnormality.

The good news? If you are a visitor, none of this matters to you. For years, outside (the area) journalists have lumped the local housing woes in with visitor woes. Visitor volume is resuming nicely and is completely unaffected by the significant percentage of Las Vegas homes are are “under water” (financially) or in foreclosure. If you live here and are making a go of it, congratulations. If you can keep your head above water (or better) right now, you’ll do extremely well as the Las Vegas economy bounces back.

Welcome Back, Jerry Lewis? – After being unceremoniously dumped from (what was to be) his last year on the MDA Labor Day telethon, Lewis has been reinstated as host. Or so it was reported. Now no one seems to know. Nonetheless, the abbreviated telethon show (6 hours) will air from the South Point hotel in Las Vegas on Sept. 4 at 6 PM Eastern time. Many Las Vegas performers including Celine Dion are scheduled to appear. In the past, admission to view the live show has been free, but expect lines and a wait while the audience churns during the six hours.

We Want Your Water – Slowly but surely, a buzz is picking up regarding pumping Mississippi River water west. It is a complete win-win. More and more people are moving to the west. Where we have water supplies that can’t sustain the unlimited growth, the Mississippi frequently has far more water than it can handle, flooding out substantial areas and even entire towns and cities. Could it be done? Certainly. Right now, a pipeline is under consideration to pump oil from Canada to Texas. Currently, water from the Colorado River is pumped 200-250 miles for use in Southern California.

Would the path be easy? Not at all. With the U.S. government broke, a special taxing district involving the tens of millions affected on both ends of the spectrum would have to be put in place. Worth it? I’d vote for it. We need the water, you along the Mississippi need to stop getting flooded.

“The Train To Nowhere” Update – The Desert Xpress high-speed train from Las Vegas to Victorville, CA has gotten though the environmental impact stage and is about to go into the engineering stages. Proponents are continuing to claim that this will create more than 32,000 jobs in our area.

These people are a high as a kite. At this point, a Victorville to Los Angeles connection may never materialize as it was depending on federal funding. As it was, the journey would require a connection in both Victorville and Palmdale. If you spend time on the ground during two connections, you’re probably going to completely negate the time saved by the high-speed nature of the rail. If a Victorville to Southern California link is never built, how many people are going to drive all the way to Victorville to catch a train the rest of the way? By the time you’ve hit Victorville, you are over Cajon Pass and already 1/4 of the way here!

In related news, no new word on the Las Vegas to Los Angles XTrain which would make the trip in 5 1/2 hours using existing rails and offer a party atmosphere (large seating, two lounge cars, TV) during the journey. I imagine they are waiting until this Desert Xpress idea finally falls flat on its face before they run with the ball.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style:
Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

Comme Ça To Feature Outdoor French Barbecue On Labor Day Weekend – Comme Ça, the new modern French brasserie by acclaimed chef David Myers at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, will celebrate Labor Day with a special prix fixe barbecue menu on Sunday, Sept. 4.

‘The Feast’ will be offered from 4 until 10 p.m. on the restaurant’s spectacular patio. Patrons can enjoy the breathtaking view of the iconic Las Vegas Strip as they indulge in the mouthwatering, grillade selections created by Chef Myers and Executive Chef, Brian Howard, priced at $49 per person.

Cabo Wabo Introduces Delicious New Breakfast Items – Wake Up on the Right Side of the Cantina – Sammy Hagar’s Las Vegas cantina unveils new morning items to go along with their already flavorful spread. The new Cabo Wabo Cantina breakfast menu features everything from traditional eggs to exciting in-house specialties.

Hagar’s rockin’ cantina is known for its killer margaritas and tasty Mexican fare, but the bar has certainly been lifted with the addition of their flavorful new breakfast menu. Guests will start the day off right with their choice of several Mexican inspired dishes served from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Morning classics such as three buttermilk pancakes or two eggs any style served with a choice of bacon or sausage and breakfast potatoes will satisfy any early morning craving.

Rockhouse Goes College Crazy For The Kick Off Of NCAA Football – Dust off your jerseys and foam fingers because Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub is gearing up for some NCAA fun Labor Day Weekend.

The Strip’s only ultra-dive bar is giving college football fans just what they need opening weekend; booze and beer pong. Revelers can root on their favorite team on any of Rockhouse 27 high definition TVs throughout the bar, while they enjoy two-for-one beers, cocktail and shots during any NCAA game. Party-goers can close out their Labor Day Weekend in true college form as they partake in Rockhouse’s staple beer pong tournament Sunday night, where the champion team will take home the $500 grand prize.

Day or night, it’s always the right time to party at Rockhouse. Whether people watching on the rowdy Strip-side patio by day, or dancing on the bar with an 80-ounce guitar by night, the ultra-dive bar is one of Vegas‘ best-kept secrets. Rockhouse gives partygoers the ultimate nightlife experience – minus the ‘VIP’ attitude. With a knockout lineup of gorgeous bartenders, bottle service that won’t break the bank, a daiquiri bar and casual dress code, Rockhouse is definite must-visit hotspot for locals and tourists alike.

Tacos and Tequila Participates In Restaurant Week To Benefit Three Square Food Bank – Las Vegas Restaurant Week is back, with not just one, but two weeks of culinary creations from Aug. 29 – Sept. 11, and Tacos & Tequila has developed a delectable menu to help benefit Three Square Food Bank. The menu provides guests with two different dining options, the first, which is only available at lunch, is priced at only $20.11 and features three courses. Guests can start with the appetizer course and choose from T&T’s homemade guacamole, a chopped or Caesar salad or tortilla soup.

Las Vegas Legends Delivers More Than History – In an all-encompassing breadth similar to his previous books in the Legends series, traveler and author Greg Niemann is proud to announce the September 2011 release of his newest book Las Vegas Legends: What Happened in Vegas…

This fall, readers have a chance to discuss the explosive content of the book with the author first hand, as Greg Niemann visits a variety of Las Vegas locations to promote his work. His upcoming Sin City itinerary includes:

Saturday, September 17, 12 pm, Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park (Discussion & Signing)
Sunday, September 18, 1-4 pm, Barnes & Noble, Northwest Las Vegas (Signing)
Sunday, September 18, 7 pm, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (Lecture to Docents)
Monday, September 19, 2 pm, Gambler’s Book Club (Signing & Podcast)
Tuesday, September 20, 6 pm, North Las Vegas Kiwanis (Meeting Speaker)
Saturday, October 1, 12-2 pm, Book Boutique (Signing)

Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas Unveils 35 Steaks and Martinis – The premier entertainment destination presents a traditional steakhouse concept with a Hard Rock edge, beginning September 2 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is synonymous for bringing life to the saying, “party like a rock star,” with its rock and roll entertainment, famous poolside and nightlife parties, exquisite restaurants and luxurious hotel accommodations, all under one roof since its inception in 1995. Continuing to transform the legendary Sin City experience, the off-strip property introduces its newest culinary destination, 35 Steaks + Martinis, beginning Monday, September 2.

MGM Grand Las Vegas Receives Most 2011 Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards In Country For Second Consecutive Year – MGM Grand continues to be the industry leader for another year as Wine Spectator confirms an extraordinary number of wins for the hotel during the 2011 Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards. For the second consecutive year, an incredible 11 MGM Grand restaurants including Joël Robuchon Restaurant, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Nobhill Tavern by Michael Mina, Seablue by Michael Mina, Pearl, Shibuya, and Fiamma Trattoria & Bar, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill, and Diego garnered awards, more than any other property in the world.

Help out by dining out! This year Las Vegas Restaurant Week is a two week celebration of fine dining in celebration of the 5th Anniversary, kicking off on August 29th and ending September 11th – Las Vegas Restaurant Week – Help out by dining out! This year Las Vegas Restaurant Week is a two week celebration of fine dining in celebration of the 5th Anniversary, kicking off on August 29th and ending September 11th. During Restaurant Week you can enjoy an exclusive three-course menu for $20.11, $30.11 or $50.11, with a portion of each meal donated to Three Square Food Bank.

Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas Restaurant Week Specials – Wynn Las Vegas and Encore will take part in the fifth annual Las Vegas Restaurant Week to benefit Three Square, a non-profit organization that works to combat hunger in Southern Nevada.

WHO: Participating restaurants include:
· La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas
· Lakeside at Wynn Las Vegas
· Stratta at Wynn Las Vegas
· Society Café at Encore

MGM Las Vegas Hotels Participates In Las Vegas Restaurant Week Aug. 29 – Sept. 11 – Get ready to feast like a king as Las Vegas Restaurant Week 2011 kicks off Aug. 29 – Sept. 11 at select MGM Resorts International restaurants. For the fifth consecutive year, the finest restaurants, celebrity chefs and Master Sommeliers will come together to support Three Square, a non-profit organization working to end hunger in Southern Nevada.

Skywalk Odyssey Grand Canyon TourSkywalk Odyssey Grand Canyon Tour – Your direct helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon Skywalk departs from the Las Vegas Strip. Experience a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip on your flight. Upon landing at the Grand Canyon, get ready to witness a true engineering marvel, The Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Click To Book Skywalk Odyssey
Grand Canyon Tour  Now!

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My husband and I will be visiting Las Vegas in September and are looking for a restaurant recommendation. We are not opposed to paying a little more for a good dining experience. Heard the steak house at Harrah’s is good, but too noisy. Also heard the Stratosphere is not as good as it used to be, but don’t know if this is true.

Thought of trying the steak house at New York New York, but it doesn’t seem to have a view of the strip. Any advice on an excellent steak house or other fine restaurant with a view of the strip and quiet atmosphere would be greatly appreciated.

We always look forward to reading your news letter and hope you can guide us to a good restaurant.

Denny and Arlene from Pennsylvania

 

Ted Responds:

Voodoo Steakhouse at the top of the Rio offers an amazing view of The Strip in a subdued setting. There is also nightclub called Voodoo, but it not on the same floor as the restaurant. Two different experiences. (Menu)

Alize at the top of The Palms is also a complete winner with both food and view. (Menu)

I’ve heard that Stratosphere (Top Of The World Restaurant) has hired a new executive chef and are trying to get their act together, but too many years of relying on the view (and not the food or service) leaves me leery to suggest it. I’ll probably get up there this winter to see if it has improved.

Mon Ami Gabi (Menu) can seat you outdoors literally ON the Las Vegas Strip with a view of the Bellagio Fountains or you can really splurge on the Eiffel Tower Restaurant (Menu), both at Paris Las Vegas.

Make sure to let us know how things went!

In your recent newsletter you discussed statistics regarding people moving to Vegas whereby school enrollment and employment are not going up accordingly. I think the difference now is all the retired Canadians buying condos and small houses in your area. Our friends have purchased everything from a Soho loft with a gorgeous view of the Stratosphere and other friends bought small ranchers in the Green Valley area close to the airport. We are considering Henderson.

Of course there are no children and none of us need jobs due to our retirement funds just going into our bank accounts. We can live down there half the year, pay for utilities half the year, and get away from our cold winters cheaper now than traveling in “snowbird” rv’s due to the housing “deals” in Nevada. Hopefully we will help your economy by spending it in your wonderful friendly city that we have been visiting since the early 80′s at least 3 times a year!

Ardie Lush

 

Ted Responds:

The powers that promote Las Vegas have been woefully behind in targeting retirees like yourself who create very little burden on our local systems (no kids in school, you have health care coverage so not a drag on the county hospital) and I’m scratching my head why. We offer sunshine, better weather than many parts of North America, and unlimited entertainment. We’re happy to have you!

The only downside is that your property won’t appreciate for a few years. But, homes/condos are so cheap that even if you use it just a few weeks here and there, you are getting your money’s worth. Buy a solid but inexpensive car (Nevada’s car tax is based on value) to keep down here and all you have to do is hop an airplane ride to Las Vegas and you’re still right at home.

I’m a Tour Director who regularly visits Las Vegas. Your newsletter helps me keep current on politics, construction, new development, what’s hot and what’s not and just things I need to point out to my passengers.

Thanks for helping me to do my job better.

John Schueler

 

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

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

Comments(0)

August 17, 2011

Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 17, 2011

August 17th 2011 Posted to Las Vegas Newsletter

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – Big news about a major new project in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, and the weather is unchanging (around 105 F for the high, and lows in the mid-80′s F). So, let’s move along.

Las Vegas “Linqing” Up Hotels With New Shops, Dining (Say Goodbye, Imperial Palace) – Like the Imperial Palace? Bummer for you. No, they are not blowing it up. But it will get a completely new look, new casino area, new name, and open it up to create a passage between Carnival Court and Linq.

project linq las vegas

O’Sheas is going bye-bye. Kind-of. The present O’Sheas location will be turned into part of Project Linq (which we assume means more Strip-front dining and roof-top nightlife which has become so popular). O’Sheas itself will be integrated into the “new” Imperial Palace (which has no announced name yet).

las vegas high roller ferris wheel

Curious to know more and to add your comments and thoughts about this huge new project? Click over to Las Vegas “Linqing” Up Hotels With New Shops, Dining (Say Goodbye, Imperial Palace) where you can read the complete story and add your comments at the bottom of that page.

Ring Around The Rosie, We All Fall Down – The Harmon Hotel (the unfinished billboard hotel next to The Cosmopolitan) looks like it is going to end up in a cloud of dust. Construction defects apparently prohibit building it out to the original height and Las Vegas needs more hotel rooms like I need more In-And-Out Burgers. (I live just a few blocks from an In-And-Out — love it, but you can only eat so many of them a month). An implosion date has not yet been set as MGM Resorts and the hotel builder are still doing some fighting.

160 New Cops On The Strip? – We usually don’t break the news. I’m not an investigative reporter. However, I overhead a Metro (Las Vegas police) officer last weekend telling a couple of civilians (who seemed like possible recruits for the force) that the department in cooperation with Strip properties were hiring an extra 160 officers to beef up their presence in the tourist corridor. (Note: Both on The Strip and downtown, police now have a very pronounced presence in the wake of a few killings and all the complaints about street vendors, panhandlers, and similar).

Are the hotels helping fund this? Is it more effective for them to fund fully sworn law officers instead of hiring more of their private security? Are there any conflicts of interest (if the officers are essentially being funded by a private company)? I know we have plenty of local journalists reading this. Have at, should make a great story!

Viva Less Elvis – Cirque du Soleil completely revamping Viva Elvis (at Aria) due to less-than-desired ticket sales. It will downplay Elvis and focus on traditional Cirque (acrobats and the like). Interestingly enough, we’ve gotten tons of great feedback (and no negative reports) on Viva Elvis. Could it be that the problem is the location (seemingly way back from The Strip in Aria) and not the show itself? Time will tell.

The Churn Continues – During the boom, the big number constantly floated around was that 5000 new people were moving to Las Vegas each month. We joked around that the dirty little secret was that 20-30% of them eventually turned around and left when they found out that there wasn’t a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Interesting recent statistics show an even more remarkable churn. Roughly 5000 people are still moving here each month. But power company new service requests and school district enrollment are both flat. Which means we’re seeing 5000 people a month come while another 5000 give up and leave.

How can this be? As construction jobs continue to dry up, those in that trade are forced to walk away from homes (that they are underwater with and perhaps can’t afford on unemployment) to go seek work in other parts of the country. They are being replaced as residents by retirees (and those close to retirement) plus a pretty healthy dose of entrepreneurs who can work from anywhere. Both groups obviously not necessarily dependent on the local Las Vegas economy. Although Project Linq will be providing 3000 construction jobs, that is minuscule when you look at Nevada’s current unemployment rate in that field.

NASCAR Cafe Sell-Off – So much for earlier news that the NASCAR Cafe (formerly in The Sahara) will be relocated. They are pulling a “Sahara” and selling off everything.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Click and
Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

Mask Yourself! Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Invites Fans To Try On The Iconic Mask – Virtually – Application on Facebook Encourages Fans to Celebrate 5 Years in Las Vegas – If you’ve always wanted to don one of the world’s most iconic masks, a new application on Facebook now gives you the chance. After thousands of performances over five years, Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular is celebrating by giving fans the opportunity to show the world just how much they love the music of the night with the Phantom Mask Maker application.

The Mirage’s Newest Dolphin Calf Named – A moment to last a lifetime. We all have memories we will never forget, and MGM Resorts International is providing guests the chance to live some of those special life moments at their 15 participating properties through M life, their new loyalty program. One such moment arose recently when an M life member had the unprecedented opportunity to name the bottlenose dolphin calf born July 3 at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage.

‘Name That Tune’ marks its return with live game show at Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas – Las Vegas favorites, Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor of Zowie Bowie, to host live version of the classic game show. – ‘Name That Tune,’ one of America’s most beloved game shows of all time, makes its live debut at Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, beginning Thursday, August 18. An up-to-date, fast-paced version of the iconic daytime game show, Name That Tune Live! will give 100 participants per show the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Photo Credit: Ira Kuzma/Vegas Video Network

The Spa at Trump Introduces the New Mom Package For Post-Partum Pampering – From pregnancy to labor to tending to a newborn’s needs, the first days of motherhood are as exhausting as they are unforgettable. In honor of new mothers everywhere (including TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION’s own Ivanka Trump), The Spa at Trump has created a New Mom Package that offers a few hours of well-deserved ‘me time’ and post-baby rejuvenation. The package is available exclusively at The Spa at Trump’s four locations across the U.S.: Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk and Trump SoHo New York.

The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas BOTH Awarded Coveted AAA Five Diamond Ratings – The resorts celebrate the prestigious recognition with ‘Five Day, Five Diamond Scavenger Hunt’ – The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas, two of the world’s largest and most luxurious resorts, both owned and operated by global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS), are pleased to once again add to their distinguished roster of accolades the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for 2012. This marks the fifth consecutive year The Venetian has been awarded with this esteemed honor and third consecutive year for The Palazzo.

To celebrate, the resorts are hosting a ‘Five Day, Five Diamond Scavenger Hunt’ from Aug. 22 – 26. Visitors and guests will have the opportunity to win exclusive prizes by finding the day’s diamond hidden somewhere different each day throughout both Five Diamond resorts.

Hoover Dam Deluxe Bus TourHoover Dam Deluxe Bus Tour – Considered one of the greatest engineering feats in the world, Hoover Dam is Nevada’s number one sightseeing attraction, the tallest structure of its kind in the world, and one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. Travel to the Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard safe, modern and clean touring buses. Your talented driver/guide will be more than happy to share points of interest and answer all your questions along the way. You’ll experience breathtaking views of Hoover Dam, the Colorado River and Lake Mead.

Click To Book Hoover Dam Deluxe Bus Tour  Now!

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

  • Las Vegas Mob Experience Preview Clips – The Las Vegas Mob Experience, interactive attraction chronicles the rise and fall of organized crime in Las Vegas. Actors Frank Vincent, James Caan, Mickey Rourke, Steve Shirippa and Tony Sirrico in the form of apparitions, also serve as virtual ‘celebrity gangster guides.’
  • Vic Vegas Talks About His Food Network Experience, Sommelier’s Aren’t Scary People – In this episode of Top of the Food Chain: If you’ve watched Food Network Star, you know who Vic Vegas is. Hear him talk about his experiences. Then, find out there is no need to be intimidated by a restaurant’s sommelier from Linsey Whipple of Cut restaurant.
  • Getting REAL (Estate) In Vegas – Quite a few of you are poking around the Las Vegas real estate market. In this episode, you’ll find out: What will $135k (the current average home price in Las Vegas) buy me in the suburb of Henderson? What are the best (and not so good) ways to work with an out-of-town Realtor?
  • The Gun Store – If you’ve ever seen a gun in a movie and wondered what it might be like to fire a few rounds, we have the place for you. The Gun Store on Tropicana has pretty much any weapon you’ve seen, on their shelves.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I like a great burger on our last trip we found Nathan’s in belly of the Bally’s Hotel . We stay at Paris and to find Nathan’s was a good find. A great find only bad thing it was it was on our last day there.

Can you tell me where to get a great burger in Vegas . We go a couple of times a year and have been going for 20 years now and will continue.

Also your site is great and very helpful even to me one who knows pretty much on what to do in Vegas.

Thanks,

Rob

 

Ted Responds:

You can’t go wrong with Strip Burger in front of the Fashion Show Mall (across from Wynn). Great burgers, outdoors with a great view of The Strip. BLT at Mirage serves great tiger burgers has everything from Kobe Sliders to Colorado Lamb. Very creative menu. For the best basic burger in the world (my opinion), you can’t beat In-And-Out with two locations very close to The Strip on West Sahara and West Tropicana. Burger Bar at Mandalay Place is Chef Hubert Keller’s take on the burger and has yet to disappoint me. I have yet to try Holsteins at Cosmo but we’re getting great feedback. There are so many more (I Heart Burgers, Le Burger Brasserie) plus many other dining establishments tend to do up a nice burger.

Let’s get the readers chiming in. Which burger are your favorite(s) in Las Vegas? Where have you been disappointed? Click on over to Where To Get A Great Burger In Las Vegas and leave your thoughts in the comment section!

Hi, I am really sad to write this as I have been vacationing every year in Vegas since the 70′s. First with my husband and then with my brothers and sister. 20ll is the first year we have not attended. Here is the reason. We were so disappointed when we found out that the casinos were shipping their employees on buses to vote. We could not believe that they would vote for Harry Reid, which is a vote for Obama who bashed Las Vegas and caused many cancellations and who is ruining this country. Just see how many people will be able to afford Las Vegas with this government.

I live in Florida, my brothers live in Indiana and my sister lives in Alabama. This year we stayed at my sister’s home in Alabama and spent our time and money in Biloxi, Ms. and had a wonderful time.

We will miss Las Vegas some, but we won’t miss your politics.

Thanks for listening,

Mary Anne

 

Ted Responds:

First, I’d suggest you read the Politics section of my blog post So You Want To Move To Las Vegas, Is It Right For You? and you’ll find out that Nevada isn’t exactly a state that bleeds blue. You might be surprised.

Gaming (and not just here in Las Vegas but all  over the US including areas you mentioned) gave significant support to Harry Reid (D-NV, US Senate Majority Leader) because they felt that the power he has would protect the industry from federal regulation and legislation that might not be gaming-friendly. His opponent Sharon Angle has never been a gaming proponent.

I’ve expounded on this and listed (among the major gaming properties) how each CEO stands politically in a blog post. Click on over to Why Did All The Las Vegas Hotels Support Harry Reid Last Election? where you can read more and add your own comments and thoughts.

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

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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August 10, 2011

Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 10, 2011

August 10th 2011 Posted to Las Vegas Newsletter

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re almost halfway into August and it looks like we’re going to get out of summer without any obnoxiously hot stretches. The official temperature bumped the 111F mark just a couple of times, but overall the low 100′s have been typical. The warm air mass that usually sits over the desert southwest blasting Las Vegas, Phoenix, and inland Southern California moved east this summer to demolish Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas as well as hitting most of you in the Eastern time zone with some pretty muggy days. Who’d have thought that Las Vegas would have been a place to come “cool off” this summer!

Speaking of time zones and with NFL preseason football already upon us, don’t forget the time zone difference when you’re here and want to catch your favorite team play. The first Sunday games start at 10 AM and Monday Night Football has a 5 PM start. Failure to take this into account could have you missing part of a game you really want to see.

I had the opposite happen to me about 10 years ago. I was in the Destin, Florida area in November and back then, Monday Night Football started at 6 PM Pacific time. Completely forgetting that I was now in Central Time, I showed up at Anglers Sports Bar (great place, right on the beach) about 5:30 PM, took a seat at the bar, and muttered to myself how empty it was with MNF pending. About 6 PM I realized that the game’s start wasn’t for two hours!

The Next Mr. Las Vegas… – Wayne Newton has been Mr. Las Vegas for decades, and deservedly so. Comedian George Wallace has billed himself as the “New” Mr. Las Vegas. But the “new” face of Las Vegas will be our beloved former Mayor Oscar Goodman, who has accepted a $60k job per year from the LVCVA (Convention/Visitors Authority) to be the top promotional officer for our area. This is a great move and money well spent. Goodman has worked tirelessly to promote Las Vegas and probably has more mental acuman than the entire rest of the brass (head honchos) at the LVCVA. He’ll be putting a lot of their previous efforts to shame.

Speaking Of Oscar, And Speakeasy’s – The Plaza’s former Center Stage Restaurant (which also housed Firefly for about a year) under the dome facing Fremont Street will soon be the new home for Oscar’s, a fine dining restaurant eponymously named for Oscar Goodman. (No word as to whether he’s simply lending his name, or has a financial investment). In related news, a salon for men will also be opening at the remodeled property. Why is this of note? The stylists will be clad in bikinis and lingerie. “But honey, I really needed a haircut…”.

June Numbers Are In – Visitor volume grew a phenomenal 7% comparing June 2010 to June 2011. The dark days of (seemingly) having The Strip all to myself are gone. It was nice to not wait in many lines, but financially we’re obviously happy at the increases. Plus, Las Vegas just doesn’t seem right unless it is jam-packed and the party is non-stop.

Interestingly enough, we’ve seen the “We’re not coming back to Las Vegas because it is too expensive” letters trail off. Somebody’s coming back, and often. PS We’ve gone a record two months with no one complaining about the airfare. Something that nobody (nor the hotels nor the local government) can do a thing about. Write and complain to Delta.

Gaming Revenue Up As Well – Betting revenue on The Strip climbed over 8% during the same period. Interestingly enough, downtown betting revenue fell over 4%. We do keep getting email regarding how tight the slots on The Strip are. We’ve suggested a million times that if you are a slot player, you need to try downtown where the players are winning (which is why gaming revenue for the downtown hotels has fallen despite an uptick in visitors to Fremont Street). Now, the proof is in the pudding. Quit complaining if you choose to play where things are tight. If more of you took your slot play downtown, hotels on The Strip would be forced to loosen up.

sonny west and big elvisAn Evening To Honor Sonny West – Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee hosts top Elvis tribute artists, musical entertainers and celebrity guests honoring Sonny West who was Elvis confidant & head of security, Memphis Mafia member, author and friend. Sonny West, a Friend, Confidant, Chief of Security for Elvis Presley, Member of the King’s Memphis Mafia and Author has suffered severe medical challenges since earlier this summer, resulting in a lengthy hospitalization and financially devastating medical bills. Pete Vallee is bringing the Elvis Community together for this Event to raise donations for Sonny. More details and ticket info at www.BigElvis.biz

Weekly Las Vegas Trivia from the upcoming book Las Vegas Legends by Greg Niemann Available September 2011:

  • The Nevada legislator who in 1931 drafted the bill to legalize gambling, Phil Tobin, did not gamble and had never visited Las Vegas.
  • Nevada’s Black Book (List of Excluded Persons who can’t enter casinos) originally had only 11 names. Today 34 remain from a total 56 listed through the years.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

 Book A Las Vegas Limo Today!

Legendary New York Restaurant Old Homestead Steakhouse To Open At Iconic Las Vegas Strip Resort Caesars Palace – Continuing to reinforce its positioning as a premiere dining destination in Las Vegas, Caesars Palace will become home to one of New York City’s most historic restaurants – Old Homestead Steakhouse. The announcement made today by Caesars Palace and by brothers Marc and Greg Sherry, whose family has been associated with Old Homestead in New York for decades. A classic eatery known for its quality steakhouse selections and legendary history Old Homestead will replace Neros restaurant.

Rhumbar Hosts Day Parties On The Patio – Spend Weekend Days on the Rhumbar Patio – Rhumbar, the stylish cocktail and cigar lounge at The Mirage, will host weekend parties on the patio this summer and fall. DJs Larry Lynx and Enrie will take over the ones and twos every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., creating the perfect place for partiers to spend their day.

Lobster Rolls Into Las Vegas! The LEV Restaurant Group Brings A Taste Of Maine To The Strip With Debut Of Lobster ME – From classic New England style lobster rolls to not-so classic lobster ice cream, Lobster ME is a celebration of all things lobster.

Forget the bibs and butter – lobster lovers have a new way to indulge with the opening of Lobster ME, the newest fast-casual concept from The LEV Restaurant Group in Las Vegas. With its prime location on the Las Vegas Strip in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Lobster ME is bringing a taste of New England to the least likely of spots – the desert.

McFadden’s To Host Labor Day College Party Weekend – Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with ‘Beerfest,’ Live Music, Football and ‘Sunday Funday’ – McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino will celebrate Labor Day weekend with a big college bash. Kicking off Thursday, September 1, with a college night ‘Beerfest’ and wrapping up ‘Sunday Funday,’ September 4, the Labor Day weekend partying is non-stop college fun at McFadden’s.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Celebrates Labor Day With Killer Drink Specials – Spend Labor Day Weekend with Drinks on the Cabo Wabo Cantina Patio – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino will celebrate Labor Day through the entire weekend with food and drink specials on the patio. Sammy Hagar’s electrifying Las Vegas cantina is the perfect place to kick-back with an adult beverage while soaking up the sun from Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5.

Bellagio Presents Decadent Epicurean Epicenter Series Dinner Featuring Husic Vineyards Saturday, September 17 – Indulge in the latest installment of Bellagio’s Epicurean Epicenter series as the wines of Husic Vineyards are showcased in Tuscany Kitchen Saturday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will be treated to a four-course menu created by Prime Steakhouse Executive Chef Sean Griffin complemented by great wine pairings from Napa Valley’s Husic Vineyards.

Grand Canyon Landing TourGrand Canyon Landing Tour – You will start your experience with a breathtaking flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, as well as many other awe-inspiring views. After descending 3,500 feet inside the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, you will enjoy a light snack, a cool beverage and a champagne toast 300 feet above the Colorado River. Your journey will conclude with a flight through beautiful Black Canyon on your return to the South Las Vegas terminal. Operator Mustang Helicopters a division of the Maverick Aviation Group.

Click To Book Grand Canyon Landing Tour Now!

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

All I have heard from Vegas casinos is that they have not tightened their slot machine payouts. Well today I read an article from weeklyseven.com news talking about how one place called Las Vegas Club has loosened their slots by as much as 40%.

They said that it took only one week for slot players to realize that they really did loosen the slots, but when they did realize it was true they came in droves to play. Their business and slot play has tripled within seven weeks. As I said before don’t blame the economy Las Vegas, blame your slot payouts.

Mick

 

Ted Responds:

We linked to that article in our “More” section a few weeks ago. There seems to be little question that slots on The Strip are as tight as ever. As I noted in my section earlier, go play downtown (where Las Vegas Club is) until The Strip gets the message.

Speaking of, more and more people are coming to town again. They just aren’t spending as much. While the economy plays a factor, one also gets conditioned to not spend so much money when it vanishes so quickly.

Greetings, I have two questions.

1. My husband and I will be vacationing this September in the Cosmopolitan hotel and have heard mixed reviews as to what tower to stay in as far as noise is concerned ?

2. We will be renting a car and talking it to the Grand Canyon and do not know which to go to the South or the West rim ?

Thank you,

Shari

 

Ted Responds:

Noise is a fact of life with more and more indoor/outdoor nightclubs and music venues appearing each year. Wynn/Encore has issues, Imperial Palace (overlooking Harrah’s Carnival Court) and Golden Gate downtown with rooms butting right up against a Fremont Street Experience stage that has live music until 1 AM most nights.

Upon check-in at any venue known for their outdoor nightlife, politely but firmly tell the desk clerk that you are not a partier or night owl and are concerned about noise from the outdoor nightlife. Request that they take that into consideration when assigning you your room.

As far as driving to the Grand Canyon… DON’T. The west rim is “drivable” in name only. Upwards of four hours, with much of the last stretch being winding, hilly, dirt road, I’d leave this one to the professionals (numerous bus tours make the trip). OR, rent an SUV and pack plenty of food and water. Much of the trip is “the middle of nowhere”.

You’re looking at 5+ hours to get to the south rim (which is the area most people think of when they think “Grand Canyon”). Driving round-trip and seeing the Canyon in one day will be brutal. I’d drive to Williams (one hour south of the canyon), leaving Las Vegas in the early afternoon, planning a Hoover Dam stop on the way. Overnight in Williams and up to the Canyon for a mostly full day, then an evening drive back to Las Vegas.

When you start factoring in all the time and money, you may wish to check out our friends at Maverick Helicopter Tours. In just the amount of time it takes to drive to the canyon and back, they’ll whisk you there in comfort, provide you a mind-bending view of the canyon (with one tour that even stops on the canyon floor), and get you back home in time to enjoy plenty of your day in Las Vegas.

Having said that, if you are a “road trip” kind of person, the two-day jaunt over in a rental car could be a lot of fun for you. Plan an extra 30 minutes in your trip over to Williams and you can detour on Old Route 66 from Flagstaff through Peach Springs and into the world-famous historic Route 66 town of Seligman.

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

  • Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
  • Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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