Newkirk’s Notes

Hello From Las Vegas! – Rooms for the March Madness weekend were ridiculously expensive, and worth every penny. We hit our first 80F day of the year, although keep in mind the March average is around 70F. Always pre-check the weather when packing.

Moving forward…

Newkirk’s Notes has been published by AccessVegas.com Founder Ted Newkirk continuously (in one form or another) since 1995.

Ted is a noted and quoted Las Vegas analyst, having been quoted and sourced multiple times in 2020 along in publications ranging from the Las Vegas Review-Journal (Nevada’s largest newspaper) to U.S. News and World Report.

Newkirk’s Notes go well beyond the basic news, rumors, and (often questionable) thoughts and proclamations floating around on the internet. Our Supporting (Paid) Members know not only what is happening, but why, and how they can benefit (or know what to avoid).

For example, countless Members have had incredibly enjoyable and successful visits to Las Vegas during COVID simply because they were truly in the know, and not only knew what was happening, but what was on the horizon.

Saving them money, time and inconvenience.

At $34.80 for an entire year (only $2.90 per month), we distill down what you really need to know, so that your trip this spring, summer, or even later in the year turns out to be your best ever. And, we GUARANTEE it.

Especially in these unprecedented times, find out what it is like to ACTUALLY be in the KNOW this time around:

Members.AccessVegas.com

MGM Sued Over Resort Fees – Are things finally getting serious? What changes would this mean for you as a visitor? Our Members knew how to (often successfully) contest resort fees in various ways the past 18 months.

Shows Are Back – The extra change made to various show capacities have most shows either back or slated to be back. This also affects sports. We do into all the “need to know”

Major Limo Fire – This Las Vegas happening made national news. However, where were they headed, and why? And, why should anyone thinking about getting married or doing a vow renewal strongly consider this “best kept but in plain sight” wedding venue?

The Mayor Is Livid – With COVID restrictions soon to be turned over from the Governor to the County, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman wasted no time saying “I told you so” to the detractors who lambasted her for having a different idea than the Governor when it came to restrictions just one year ago.

What did she say? We have the direct (unedited, no commentary) footage, and it will help you understand what to expect as Las Vegas continues to reopen.

The Drew Back To Fontainebleau – The big blue monster sitting 2/3 finished on The North Strip has changed hands. Again. What does the future hold, what will affect hotel prices and availability over the next year or two, and what factors would make your next few trips pretty cheap. Or, pretty expensive. Our Members KNOW what to keep an eye on.

Buy Your Airline Tickets Now? – We analyze future trends in airfare and have some advice that may save our Members significantly.

Mark Hall-Patton – If this name rings a bell, you know him as the bearded man in the Amish hats who shows up on Pawn Stars from time-to-time. We link to a great article on him, and tell Members what you should know about his “day job”, and why worth knowing is well worth your time (and, one of the best values in town!)

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Members Mania

Note From Ted:

Members Mania is a regular feature for our Supporting (Paid) Members. Membership includes our “Your Guy In Vegas” feature, where you can reach out to myself and our paid staff of experts with your specific Vegas questions. We don’t have “canned” answers. We’ll ask you for some details pertaining you your wants and needs. Then, answer accordingly.

So I know the Monorail is closed. Does anyone have a timeframe on when it might open? I will be in LV last week of April.

Elizabeth Oberlin via AccessVegas.com Las Vegas Insider Vibe Membership Group

Ted Responds:

Paid (Supporting) Members, please login to your Membership Area to read the answer!

Assuming shows startup in earnest after the Governor’s March 15th press conference, does anyone know if Caesars Diamond members are still getting their 2 free show tickets a month? Unless I am completely missing something, it’s conspicuously absent from the Total Rewards status page.

Jim Woltman via TravelZork, ZorkCast (and ZorkFest too!)

Paid (Supporting) Members, please login to your Membership Area to read the answer!

Whether it has been accurate information on exactly what is happening in Las Vegas, accurately letting our Members know what to expect as Las Vegas reopened, specific information they NEED to know for their next visit which we answer via our “Your Guy In Vegas“ Membership benefit, or more…

Investing less than $3 per month (paid yearly) with our Access Vegas Insider Vibe Membership Program is the ultimate way to hedge the thousands you spend on your Las Vegas vacation. Especially as you are needing the best information now (more than ever) as you decide exactly when you can or should start to think about your return visit after the COVID upheaval.

The casinos don’t fund us. No cause or political party funds us. We are Member-Supported. Invest in a One-Year Membership TODAY!

Free Subscribers: This article, with more valuable tips, is immediately available in our Insider Vibe Members Area. Become a member today for instant access to this and a year of access to our library of Las Vegas information guaranteed to save you money and time on your next visit!

We have answers to your Vegas questions!

But, you have to ask the questions.

Email us at [email protected], and let us know, what YOU want to know!

Newkirk’s Notes

Hello From Las Vegas! – In our current members issue, we talk about:

• The re-opening of hotels back to 7 days per week.
• Sports attendance allowed again, what you need to know.
• Why the investment advisers are completely wrong about Las Vegas, and the basic facts they are blind to.
• The third and final report in our “Hit The Road, Jack” series expertly detailing day trips (with an bonus casino overnight suggestion), one to the north and one to the south. State and Federal parks that are bucket-list items. Historic Route 66 and what you need to know to do it the right way from Las Vegas. This and much, much more. In your own (or a rental) car, no masks required!

Not your thing? Twice per month, we keep our members updated on all of the true “need to know” information regarding all aspects of visiting the current Las Vegas.

Our Supporting Members are not slaves to spammy (and often incorrect, especially during these times) internet information or forums/board where recent, first-hand info on a variety of topics is missing.

And, with our current Coupon Code SAVE777, you get to be the absolutely most knowledgeable, informed Las Vegas visitor, for $2.25 a month (paid yearly).

You can’t even get a cup of coffee (let alone just about anything else) on The Strip for such a small amount. Think about how small a price that is to pay when you consider how much you truly need to be “in the know” when planning a visit during these times when we’re still transitioning out of COVID. Help us with a few pennies, we’re likely to save you serious bucks by helping you make the right choices. Our reputation depends on it.

Join Now, Using Coupon Code SAVE777 to get $7.77 off for a full year of expert Las Vegas info you won’t find elsewhere. Access is instant.

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Members Mania

Why is the Las Vegas Airport being renamed from McCarran to Harry Reid International Airport?

Ted Responds:

Normally, Members Mania consists of answering specific questions our Members have asked, or passing along helpful thoughts and tips from their recent visits. However, this “nearly out of nowhere” action raised so many eyebrows and questions, that I’m going to have to devote serious discussion to it. If it is news to you, I’ll do a brief overview of the details. Then, we’ll dive well into the weeds and even down into the dirt of “why”. Stuff I have yet to year others noting.

The remainder is premium information, for our Supporting (Paid) Members only.

We have answers to your Vegas questions!

But, you have to ask the questions.

Email us at [email protected], and let us know, what YOU want to know!

Hello From Las Vegas! – In our current members issue, we talk about:

• The pending lifting of many COVID restrictions
• Case number news that will soon be allowing many more of your states to “allow” travel to Nevada.
• The return of shows and concerts.
• In addition, we have a special report on everything you need to know on a visit to Red Rock Canyon, the stunning federal park located (literally) 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

  You can do it like an amateur and miss out on the best times of day, the best route to get there (it makes a huge difference, only amateurs simply put it in their GPS and just drive), what to look for to enjoy in the park, and a “best kept secret” historical area in that area which is well worth the side trip.

Not your thing? Twice per month, we keep our members updated on all of the true “need to know” information regarding all aspects of visiting the current Las Vegas.

Our Supporting Members are not slaves to spammy (and often incorrect, especially during these times) internet information or forums/board where recent, first-hand info on a variety of topics is missing.

And, with our current Coupon Code SAVE777, you get to be the absolutely most knowledgeable, informed Las Vegas visitor, for $2.25 a month (paid yearly).

You can’t even get a cup of coffee (let alone just about anything else) on The Strip for such a small amount. Think about how small a price that is to pay when you consider how much you truly need to be “in the know” when planning a visit during these times when we’re still transitioning out of COVID. Help us with a few pennies, we’re likely to save you serious bucks by helping you make the right choices. Our reputation depends on it.

Join Now, Using Coupon Code SAVE777 to get $7.77 off for a full year of expert Las Vegas info you won’t find elsewhere. Access is instant.

Hope You AreEnjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

As we’ve devoted parts of this and the previous issue to the thought of renting a car when you visit, even if you usually don’t, we thought it would be a good time to post the following advice regarding whether to get the extra coverage car insurance on your rental.

This is premium information, for our Supporting (Paid) Members only. 

This note from an insurance agent details when it is wise to take the insurance, and when it isn’t. And yes, there is a dividing point depending on a number of factors. Relying on your personal car insurance isn’t always the most wise move, and he details the factors to consider.

Join Now, Using Coupon Code SAVE777 to get $7.77 off for a full year of expert Las Vegas info you won’t find elsewhere. Access is instant.

Free Subscribers: This article, with more valuable tips, is immediately available in our Insider Vibe Members Area. Become a member today for instant access to this and a year of access to our library of Las Vegas information guaranteed to save you money and time on your next visit!

We have answers to your Vegas questions!

But, you have to ask the questions.

Email us at [email protected], and let us know, what YOU want to know!

Hello From Las Vegas! – So… this is what was supposed to be the first issue of the year! While I’m doing fairly well with a number of New Year’s resolutions, my intent on putting COVID and bad news in the rear-view mirror crumbled over a number of very unfortunate things I had to report.

So, let’s try again!

Doom And Gloom? – Las Vegas Strip casinos made more than $2.7 billion in profits in 2020. Gaming made up only 1/3 amount of the amount, most likely due to more bargain-seeking visitors who wanted to eat, drink, and hang out. Downtown casinos reported good profitable numbers as well. If Las Vegas can get by under the current limitations and concerns, we’ll bounce back just fine.

Wynn, Venetian, and Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas have achieved Forbes Travel Guide’s Sharecare Health Security verification. Expect more to follow. The diligence of following protocols here in Las Vegas has resulted in making it very rare for people to return home sick. As we’ve constantly reported, keeping you well ahead of the curve.

The False Scare Is Over – As I predicted, the “5 Las Vegas hospitals are at or over 100% ICU capacity” fear-scare news is a thing of the past, and COVID hospitalizations are dropping.

What’s really going on? What do the real numbers say? Is Las Vegas a super-spreader and things are getting worse? Or, can you feel fairly comfortable visiting yet? Our Supporting (Paid) Members continue to be updated on the facts and stats, not simply the news headlines. And, since we are Member-Supported, we report what is best for our Members. Not what the casinos tell us to say.

Join Now, Using Coupon Code SAVE777 to get $7.77 off for a full year of expert Las Vegas info you won’t find elsewhere. Access is instant.

When Do Shows Return? – Some shows wanted to attempt to operate under the “25% of capacity” limits. However… the 25 foot mandate between performers and the audience is an impossible-to-overcome mandate for just about all shows. It wipes out way too much space. Check out this video of the procurers of Absinthe attempting to make this work.

This is premium information, for our Supporting (Paid) Members only. Along with a practical look at how soon Las Vegas will be back to (or near normal), giving you the upper-and on knowing when to safely book your next visit.

Join Now, Using Coupon Code SAVE777 to get $7.77 off for a full year of expert Las Vegas info you won’t find elsewhere. Access is instant.

New Years Even A Success, All Things Considered – Normally, this is where I laud Las Vegas for our amazing New Year’s Eve. And, mock New York City’s boring ball drop. Not to mention the mathematically disproven claims that Times Square has a million people. (It is physically impossible to fit one million people into the available space for that celebration).

This year, our famous fireworks celebration was canceled. This did not stop plenty of people enjoying Las Vegas! The Las Vegas Strip was closed, as it is every year. While certainly not as crowded, many tens of thousands enjoyed themselves. For those of you who didn’t catch the live stream from Las Vegas’ KLAS Channel 8, here it is in it’s entirety:

Hit The Road, Jack (Part 1) – We have a loyal contingent of readers who rent a car when they are in town. It isn’t for everyone. However, even if you previously never considered it, the time has never been better.

1. Most Strip properties are currently offering free parking.

2. With basically no shows and tight demand at some restaurants due to capacity limitation, you can not only dine off-Strip, but by doing so you are likely to save the cost of your rental car in the process. (Plus, you’ll encounter some very thankful employees and restaurant proprietors).

3. YOU make the restrictions in your car. Or not!

4. The areas surrounding Las Vegas contains a bucket list of natural wonders which most of you have nothing like where you reside. Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Red Rock Canyon, Valley Of Fire, Zion, Virgin River Gorge, Historic Oatman and Route 66, and I could go on and on.

Next issue, we’ll go over suggestions for day trips, or overnight trips which overnight you at a casino so you don’t miss your evening drinking, gambling, and steak dinner (or whatever your food preferences are).

This issue, we’ll keep it closer to home. I have five (mostly) mom-and-pop joints — mostly hole-in-the-wall kinds of places most of you would never find or try on your own, which are 10 minutes (or less) from both The Strip and Fremont Street.

How do I know about them? They are in my general neighborhood and I patronize them! (Living just a few minutes from The Strip and downtown, but in a nice, quiet neighborhood, does not suck).

Note: None of these are paid endorsements. None of them know of my mention. That is why we are member-supported. I cater to the best interests of our members, and you alone!

All of these places are located on (or just adjacent to) Sahara Avenue, between Palace Station and Arville. You are literally never more than 2.5 miles from The Strip!

You’d drive right by four (of these five) restaurants without giving them a second thought (or even trying them out). And, three are not visible directly from Sahara Ave, which means you’d drive right by them without knowing they were even there!

Join Now, Using Coupon Code SAVE777 to get $7.77 off for a full year of expert Las Vegas info you won’t find elsewhere. Access is instant.

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Note From Ted:

Members Mania is a regular feature for our Supporting (Paid) Members. Membership includes our “Your Guy In Vegas” feature, where you can reach out to myself and our paid staff of experts with your specific Vegas questions. We don’t have “canned” answers. We’ll ask you for some details pertaining to your wants and needs. Then, answer accordingly.

Thoughts?

Visits to Las Vegas may have fueled coronavirus spread, study finds

Scott Pohl

Ted Responds:

We dissect this article, the data, where it came from, who did the study, the graphs associated with it, and much more. So that our Paid (Supporting) Members are truly in the know.

Join Now, Using Coupon Code SAVE777 to get $7.77 off for a full year of expert Las Vegas info you won’t find elsewhere. Access is instant.

Here’s a couple of first-hand visitor reports which will help you understand what to expect. Please keep in mind that everything is subject to change, but these line up (in general) with what things are like:

This is premium information, for our Supporting (Paid) Members only.

These reports cover:

– The good sides of the current situation.

– Food, restaurants, social distancing, menus and everything else you need to know with current restrictions.

– Attractions. Are they open? Advice for enjoying them, booking the attraction, and everything else!

– Is it the same experience? What adjustments do you need to make, so that you maximize your enjoyment?

– Is this a better or worse time to bring kids?

– How strict and when/where regarding masks?

– Table limits and what to expect.

– This and more!

Join Now, Using Coupon Code SAVE777 to get $7.77 off for a full year of expert Las Vegas info you won’t find elsewhere. Access is instant.

We have answers to your Vegas questions!

But, you have to ask the questions.

Email us at [email protected], and let us know, what YOU want to know!