Las Vegas Getaways

Great Dining Deals during Las Vegas Restaurant Week 2010

Vegas Getaways — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:38:45 +0000

The restaurants in Las Vegas serve up some of the best (and most expensive) cuisine in the world. But, from Aug. 30, 2010 through Sept. 5, 2010 visitors can feast on some tasty dishes at a fraction of the price, thanks to the popular Restaurant Week.

For seven days, nearly 100 restaurants all over the city, including top-ranked, celeb-chef properties are offering special three-course, prix-fixe restaurant week menus for mostly $20.10 (lunch), $30.10 or $50.10 (dinner). Proceeds from Restaurant Week benefit Three Square, a Southern Nevada food bank.

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Some of the Best Restaurants in Las Vegas participate in Restaurant Week

Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak is one of many great restaurants with special Restaurant Week menus.

Restaurants participating in this fundraiser include Mesa Grill (Caesars Palace), Stratta (Wynn), American Fish (Aria), Craftsteak (MGM Grand), Andre’s (Monte Carlo) and Prime Steakhouse (Bellagio).

For the entire week, Stratta is offering a three-course menu for $50.10:
-Braised short rib of beef in Barolo sauce with port-wine glazed shallots;
- Seared sea scallops with summer veggies and basil; or
- Roasted chicken with braised artichokes, baked tomatoes, caper and white wine
For late night diners, Stratta will also have a special menu for $30.10.

American Fish is offering dinner for $50.10:
Starters: Tuna tartare; AMERICAN FISH Ceaser; or Shrimp and Grits
Entree: Cornmeal-crusted Rainbow Trout; Mixed Grill; or Sea Salt-Baked Hawaiian Walu
Dessert: Farmer’s Market Strawberries; or Valrohona Chocolate Custard

Craftsteak also has a prix-fixe dinner menu for $50.10:
Starters: Shaved Fennel, Lemon, Olive Oil; Vermont Farm Quail, Quince Saba; Italian Buffalo Mozzarella, Hazelnuts; or Persian Cucumber, Watercress, Ginger
Entrees: Grilled Angus Skirt Steak; Prime Beef Flat Iron; Diver Sea Scallops; Lemon Vinaigrette
Side Dishes: Brentwood Sweet Corn, Green Onions; Organic Baby Shiitake Mushrooms; Yukon Gold Potato Puree, Chives
Dessert: Pastry Chef’s Selection of Confections, Ice Cream and Sorbet

And, for fine dining, Andre’s at Monte Carlo is offering a $50.10 menu:
Starters: Seared Diver Scallops; Ceaser’s Salad; or French Onion Soup
Entrees: Scottish Salmon; Free-Range Chicken; or Filet of Beef
Dessert: Creme Brulee; Souflee du Jour; or Lemon Tart

Also, for $50.10, Prime Steakhouse at Bellagio is serving:
Starters: Heriloom Tomato and Burrata Mozzarella; or Lobster – Sweet Corn Bisque
Entrees: Prime Filet; or Slow-Baked Salmon
Dessert: Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream; or New York-Style Cheesecake with Strawberry Wine Sorbet

More about Three Square

Three Square is an organization that serves as a central location for donated and rescued food to be collected and distributed to those in need. It provides a variety of foods, including dairy, produce and ready-to-eat meals to non-profit and faith-based organizations in the Valley. A community collaborative it works to “serve hope to the hungry” by partnering with businesses in Southern Nevada, the gaming industry, non-profits, food distrubtion companies, University Of Nevada – Las Vegas, government agencies and more. Today, it provides 17 million pounds of food and grocery products to more than 570 program partners in the region.

For more information on restaurant week, including a list of participating restaurants and their Restaurant Week menus visit ThreeSquare.org

Save up to $100 on Flight and Hotel Packages to Las Vegas

Vegas Getaways — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:51:29 +0000

If you are looking for a cheap package deal to Las Vegas then check out this promotion at Southwest Vacations. Get a great deal on flight and hotel getaways to Las Vegas.

Save up to $100 on Vegas Packages, PLUS up to an additional 30% off stays at participating MGM Resorts properties.
Valid at some of the best hotels on the Strip including Aria, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo and The Mirage
Book direct with Southwest Airlines Vacations

More Details: Cheap Getaways to Las Vegas – Save up to $100 on Flight and Hotel Packages + up to an additional 30% off hotel stays – (Expires September 9th, 2010)

Reservations are limited. Check the link for restrictions.

Las Vegas Room Deals – August 2010 Update

Vegas Getaways — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:36:41 +0000

As the weather heats up, Summer is filled with fun in Las Vegas. Here are some of the best hotel deals currently available at major Vegas hotels. Perfect for planning your Labor Day Getaway, and late-Summer Vacations.

Cheap Vegas Hotel Rates

If you are searching for a cheap getaway but don’t want to sacrifice location then consider the “best rates” deal at Excalibur.

Best Rates Sale at Excalibur
From $28/night
Valid on travel through February 2011

More for Less at Mandalay Bay
From $89.99/night + $25 Food/Drink Credit, Save 30% on Lion King tickets, Spa Discounts and more.
Expires: September 9th.

Summer Deal at Circus Circus
Save up to 40% with Room Rates from $22/night.
Valid on advance bookings through June 2011

Best Rates online at MGM Grand
Experience Maximum Vegas from only $69.99/night.
Valid on bookings through Spring 2011

Las Vegas Family Activities and Attractions

Diana Edelman — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 02:56:26 +0000

Las Vegas isn’t just a playground for adults. Families from all over the world head to the desert oasis for some quality time together. Whether spending time on The Strip, or adventuring outside the infamous casino-lined boulevard, activities for families await.

Las Vegas Strip Family Attractions

Adventuredome at Circus Circus encourages you to act your age somewhere else.

Housed in a large, pink glass bubble, the five-acre Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas offers a day full of thrills. It’s got 25 rides and attractions, including the exciting roller coaster that hovers above the crowd and treats guests to upside down screams, Board the Canyon Blaster — the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster, then check out the 4D theater experience and head over to the midway for some carnival games. Be ready to get wet if you plan on trying out the Rim Runner, a boat ride that plunges its passengers 60 ft into a pool of water. An all-day pass is $24.95.

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Gameworks, located next to MGM Grand, offers another indoor experience for families. Adults can sip on beers while kids can play games like virtual bowling, race car driving and more, as well as shoot pool or play darts.

Housed in Mandalay Bay, Shark Reef Aquarium is an underwater exhibit where families can watch sea creatures up-close. It’s the only predator-based aquarium in North America and is packed with 2,000 animals including a variety of sharks, sting rays, piranhas and jelly fish. It’s even got endangered sea turtles and rare golden crocs. If you are a diver, there is an opportunity to dive with sharks in a ship wreck experience. Admission is $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children 12 and under. Admission is free for children four and younger.

The famous illusionists, Siegfried and Roy have created the Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage. The pair present a sanctuary for animals such as white tigers and lions, panthers, leopards and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. The Secret Garden even allows people to participate in the special dolphin trainer-for-a-day program. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and under.

There’s still more! Las Vegas: The CSI Experience at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is a fantastic option for children 12 and up. Young crime-solvers (and grown-ups, too) act as crime scene investigators in an interactive challenge. It’s a hands-on attraction and when you solve the crime and find the killer, you receive an official CSI Diploma. Admission is $30 for ages 12 and up. Children under 12 are admitted for $23. For the younger crowd, M&M World at the Showcase Mall is perfect. The four-floor retail-entertainment complex is a chocolate-lover’s dream and includes a massive gift shop and a free 3-D movie.

Head off the Strip for more Family Fun

The Springs Preserve is a top recommendation for families

Escape the Strip and head out to explore the rest of Las Vegas with the family. The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre outdoor exhibit commemorating the history of Las Vegas that we highly recommend. It’s got museums, an outdoor concert area, and botanical gardens. There’s even a system of trails that takes families through an exploration of wetlands. The environmentally-friendly preserve features the Desert Living Center, a five building enclave complete with art gallery and library. The Center aims to educate people on the environment and how to live a greener life. It’s even got a Compost Crawl and Garbage Truck Theater to entertain kids. Ticket prices vary based on age and residency.

Other family activities include the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum — an interactive exhibit that combines education and child development with fun; the Alicante Nature Discovery Park — a 20-acre park with a lake; the Sky Zone Recreational Center where you can experience parachuting indoors; and the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix Family Fun Center, complete with rides, arcades and four race tracks.

Family Friendly Shows in Las Vegas

For a more stationary experience, there are family-friendly shows up and down The Strip. Magician Lance Burton is a must. Named “Best Magician” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal consistently, he delights crowds daily at the Monte Carlo Resort. Act quick to catch his show — his final performances are in early September. Nearby is the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur, a dining experience that takes you back to medival times of knights and feasts, including a jousting match on horses, fireworks and dinner sans silverware (yup, eating with your fingers).

Other shows for families are The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino; the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at V Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile; the entertaining performance by the Blue Man Group at the Venetian; and the family favorite “Lion King” matinee at Mandalay Bay. Just be aware that little kids may find the Lion King a little long and wordy.

Do you regularly visit Las Vegas with your family? If so, and you have some advice for readers planning a Las Vegas getaway, please let us know by leaving a comment below.

Downtown Las Vegas Coupons

Vegas Getaways — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:48:34 +0000

Home to deals like the 99 cent shrimp cocktail, Downtown Las Vegas is a bargain hunters paradise. If you are tired of $20 blackjack and $8 beers then visit Fremont Street for a glimpse into what Vegas used to be like.

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For some of the best Downtown Las Vegas Coupons head to the Freemont Experience Website. Enter your email address as the username and use the password REALVEGAS. You will then be able to immediately download and print the latest coupon sheets. These coupon sheets regularly offer deals at popular downtown Las Vegas buffets like 2 for 1 coupons to the Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station and 2 for 1 coupons to the Paradise Buffet at Fremont Hotel. You can also get coupons for Magnolias Veranda (a popular cafe at the Four Queens), drink specials at the Fitz and coupons for a free photo with the one million dollars at Binions.

Before you visit Downtown Las Vegas look for special offers advertised by the hotels lining Fremont Street. These casinos realize that many of the patrons that visit downtown love a good bargain, and regularly offer gaming deals and food and drink specials that are harder to find at some of the larger properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Join the 24 Karat Club at the Golden Nugget for your chance to win up to $1,000 in Free Slot Play. Check out the promotions at El Cortez for monthly events and daily slot tournaments or visit the Fitz Casino’s web site for details on promotions and $2 blackjack.

Do you love Downtown Las Vegas? If you do and you have some tips for finding Downtown Las Vegas Coupons then share a comment with our readers and let’s keep Downtown Las Vegas rocking!

A Guide to the Luxury Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas

Diana Edelman — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:27:51 +0000

The Bellagio Hotel and Casino may not be the newest resort on The Strip, but its facade and fountains are recognizable the world over.

Bellagio For Free!

The Bellagio has some of the best Free Attractions in Vegas

For people who aren’t staying in the hotel, or have spent their small fortunes playing the cards, Bellagio still can entertain. It’s free attractions are some of the best on Las Vegas Boulevard. The infamous 8-acre lake with fountains, which dance, sway and spray to various musical numbers daily, draw crowds year-round. Catch the free spectacle Monday through Friday from 3 – 8 p.m. on the 1/2 hour, from 8 p.m. to midnight every 15 minutes; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from noon to 8 p.m. every 1/2 hour. At night, the Fountains of Bellagio are lit up, exhibiting a powerful and magnificent display of beauty.

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In the heat of the summer, step inside Bellagio and enjoy the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Housed just beyond the lobby, the Conservatory and Gardens offer and seasonal exhibits displaying some of the most rare and stunning plants, flowers and trees, complete with picture perfect bridges, gazebos, ponds and more. In the winter, exhibits include a special holiday (think cranberry-filled ponds and snow) and Chinese New Year displays. Check out the Conservatory & Gardens anytime — it is open 24/7.

Rooms at The Bellagio

The AAA Five Diamdon property offers luxury beyond the norm. Depending on budget, Bellagio offers guest rooms, guest suites and the ultra luxe villas. Guest rooms range from 510 to 628 sq. feet and come in three varieties: Bellago King, Bellagio Queen and Bellagio Deluxe King. All feature plush bedding, rich colors and scenic views of the Las Vegas Valley.

For even more decadence, guests can book a suite. Bellagio offers three styles — Salone, Bellagio and Cypress Suites. The cozy Salone Suite measures in at 853 sq. feet and comes complete with a whirlpool tub and separate shower. The Bellagio Suite is more than 1,000 sq. feet and includes a living room and bedroom, separate powder room, along with his and her baths (his has a steam showers, hers has a whirlpool tub) and more. For an even sweeter luxury experience, there is the Cypress Suite. Reservations for the 1,525 sq. foot, arc-shaped suite can only be made by calling the property. The suite promises spectacular views of The Strip, along with the an open floor plan blending the living room, dining room and sleeping area; his and hers baths; and a nightly turndown service.

The ultra exclusive villas at Bellagio give guests a taste of true indulgent living. Nine private estates come in two styles: the 6,500 sq. foot 2 bedroom/5 bath and the 8,000 sq. foot, 3 bedroom/7 bath villas. Each features an in-suite workout facility, massage room, dry sauna, and more. Need to have a quick trim? Every villa includes a private hair salon. For entertaining, villas include a private kitchen, dining room and a fully-stocked bar with guests’ favorite beverages. For unwinding, there are dual fireplaces, private terraces and gardens complete with pools and whirlpools. It gets even better — amenities also include limousine service; Michael Kors’ products and fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival.

Fine Dining at Bellagio

Bellagio also features some of the best dining options in Las Vegas. For a delicious culinary experience, reserve a table at Prime Steakhouse, Picasso or Le Cirque.

Prime Steakhouse, helmed by executive chef Sean Griffin, is an award-winning steakhouse from celeb chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and serves up melt-in-your-mouth steaks, seafood and lamb. With ambiance that captures the 1930s speakeasies, diners are transported into a world otuside of Las Vegas. After enjoying the dishes, step outside to the garden patio for a post-meal cocktail and enjoy the nighttime sky of Sin City.

If choosing a restaurant on awards alone, Picasso is a natural. A recipient of the annual AAA Five Diamond Award, is is a sure-to-impress dining experience complete with walls adorned with Picasso paintings. Aside from a wine cellar with more than 1,500 selections from some of European’s finest vineyards, Executive Chef Julian Serrano’s menu changes daily and brings to life French and Spanish cuisine in the heart of the desert.

And, then there is Le Cirque. Also a recipient of the Five Diamond award, the French menu of steak, fish, chicken, rabbit, lobster, duck, veal, are just some of the highlights of the enticing and delcious menu by Executive Chef David Werly. Enjoy the creation of Restaurateur Sirio Maccioni, situated on Bellagio’s lake — it’s atmosphere is as lively as the tasty cuisine.

Aside from fine dining, Bellagio has other mouthwatering options. Todd English’s Olives is popular with the locals and has gorgeous patio seating to take in the fountain spectacle. Jaime Mendoza, Olives’ Executive Chef, has created some amazing Mediterranean-style dishes to enjoy while soaking in the stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Relaxation

Hotel Guests can relax at one of the Best Pools in Las Vegas

Walking, gambling, eating … relaxing. Bellagio has become known for both its pool and spa, Rejuvenate. Locals regularly rank both as some of the best in town. The Mediterranean-inspired pool includes plush cabanas, lounge chairs, and of course, drink service to wrap any day in perfection. As if that wasn’t enough, it is open year-round (unlike some other resort pools in Las Vegas) and is heated allowing visitors to unwind even during the winter and lower temperatures.

Rejuvenate, the 65,000 square-foot oasis of calm and tranquility, provides some of the most decadent services in Las Vegas. From special caviar facials to poolside massages, and a myriad of packages, there is something for everyone. Check out Rejuvenate’s world therapies, including aquastretching, Raindrop therapy, Thai Yoga massages and the Indian Head massage.

Bars, Lounged and Nightlife

Following an afternoon of relaxation, sip an afternoon tea at Petrossian Lounge. Named one of America’s best hotel bars by Sante Magazine, the lounge opens every afternoon for a traditional tea service from 2 – 5 p.m. Service includes traditional tea menu items, as well as a variety of imported international teas.

Bellagio has no shortage of nightlife. Start the evening with drinks at the lakeside Fontana Bar. Sit outside and watch the fountains, or head inside to enjoy live entertainment complete with a dance floor. Then, head over to Caramel Bar & Lounge, the swanky ultra-lounge nestled in the casino, before capping the night off at The Bank, an upscale nightclub pumping out the ultimate club experience until 4 a.m. It brings in the beautiful people, big name celebs and world-class DJs to create a massive party.

Don’t Miss Out!

There’s more! Be sure to sample a sweet morsel from Jean-Philippe Patisserie before checking out. The European-style pastry shop serves the famous pastry chef’s chocolates, cookies, light fare and more. And, there’s a chocolate fountain.

Finally, the Bellagio experience is not complete without taking in a Cirque du Soleil performance. The beautiful “O” is housed at Bellagio and treats the audience to a visual spectacle beyond the imagination, set in, on and above a stage of water.

Garth Brooks at Wynn Las Vegas – New shows on sale June 19th

Vegas Getaways — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:22:12 +0000

Garth Brooks has scheduled 5 more weekends of concerts at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The dates for these concerts are September 10, 11, 12; October 1, 2, 3; October 22, 23, 24; November 5, 6, 7; and November 19, 20, 21. Show times are Friday: 8:00pm, Saturday: 8:00pm and 10:30pm, and Sunday: 8:00pm.

Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-877-65-GARTH. As always, tickets will be non-transferable and you will be required to provide the names of each person attending the show when you purchase. Click here for more details.

To get a feel for the show read Mike Weatherford’s review from the Las Vegas Review Journal. He called the solo acoustic show “audacious and revealingly pure”. We have seen the show and loved it. If you are a music fan and have ever seen the VH1 series Storytellers or Unplugged, then these Garth Brooks shows are, in our opinion, a cross between the two.

Tickets for future performances are probably going to sell quickly. Our advice is to sign up at the Wynn Las Vegas Box Office to receive future concert information.

Best Sports Books in Las Vegas

Eric Miller — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:23:27 +0000

Whether it’s hockey finals, basketball finals, the Kentucky Derby, the World Series, or the Super Bowl there’s no place like Las Vegas to enjoy watching your favorite team. This year, we can even include soccer’s once every four-year championship series the World Cup into the mix.

High End Sports Books on the Strip

If you’re coming to Las Vegas for a special sporting event or to watch your favorite team compete in the play-offs, it’s important to realize that not all sports books are created equal. Some are smoky old school, some are swanky hi-tech marvels, some get packed with exuberant fans and others are a quiet oasis tucked away from the casino’s other attractions.

The sports book at Caesar’s Palace was one of the first to go hi-tech and it became famous for attracting high stake gambler’s who wanted to be pampered in between placing their large wagers. It started with heavyweight fights and the Super Bowl. Now every play-off season in every sport comes with it’s own food, drink and special wager offers. Caesar’s is still one of the #1 places to go to rub shoulders with sports celebrities, models and other sports fans during the big games. It’s big and modern and often attracts standing room only crowds, so get there early if you want a seat.

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The sports book at the Wynn is another classy, high-tech sports mecca that attracts the rich and famous as well as the serious, high stakes gambler. But its refined elegance and generally subdued clientele don’t attract, or even tolerate, the rambunctious crowds of heavy beer drinkers found at Caesar’s or many of the other sports books on the Strip. The Wynn often has some of the best odds and most generous lines available on the Strip too. Plan ahead and take advantage of some of their great room rates for a memorable and affordable stay.

Bally's Race and Sports Book is back and better than ever.

The Bellagio, Mirage and Aria also compete in the high-end sports book category. All three carry the exact same, fairly generic odds, parlays and proposition bets because they’re each owned by MGM/Mirage. A surprising contender in the high-end category is the sports book at Bally’s (owned by Harrah’s). Re-modeled from their old stadium style movie theater a few years ago, it’s large and high-tech with multiple flat screen TV’s and an awesome sound system. It also includes a glassed-in VIP area. The clientele is mixed since it serves as the sports book for guests staying at Paris Las Vegas too. (After cashing in your ticket, stop by the Indigo Lounge to relish in your victory!)

Other Sports Books on (or right off) the Strip

The sports books at Harrah’s and Imperial Palace are old school, no frills affairs, popular with cigar chomping gaming pros. Relatively smaller in scale than many other resorts, they offer a glimpse into a bygone era of sports gambling in Las Vegas. If you want to avoid the crowds and the distraction of trying to watch a dozen big screens at once, but still enjoy a modest amount of amenities, check out the sports book at Monte Carlo. Since this resort generally attracts a decidedly international crowd, I expect this will be a particularly fun place to enjoy a few key World Cup games.

The Palms, Rio, Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock are hands down the best casinos to visit if you’re more interested in special cocktails and people watching. All are hi-tech venues and generally attract a majority of twenty and thirty year old guys and gals. These places are exciting, crowded and loud! (Note: the Palms does NOT offer any bets on any NBA game because their owners own the Sacramento Kings. However, because they are independently owned, they offer some of the best lines and odds in Vegas for other sports. Looking for an extra half-point on your wager? Go to the Palms!)

The Las Vegas Hilton Superbook

For the serious sports bettor though, the best odds and largest number of proposition bets (side bets on individual player performances, coin toss results and other fun, intangible elements of any game) the sports book at the Las Vegas Hilton cannot be beat. It’s huge, it gets crowded, but there’s few other places that can match the excitement and special guest appearances at the Las Vegas Hilton.

For World Cup fans, there is probably no better place to get your soccer-hooligan on than the Hofbrauhaus on Paradise (across from the Hard Rock). This is not a casino, there is no sports book, but since it is an authentic recreation of the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany it’s got an international flair, great (cheap) food and giant steins of quality beer. In 2006 the walls were adorned with every national flag of every soccer team competing in the World Cup that year. The décor consists of picnic tables and folding chairs. There’s one giant flat screen TV that features the game of the moment by direct satellite feed. You absolutely will get to know your neighbors and I know it’s going to be the same great soccer party spot in Vegas this year!

Best Off-Strip Sports Books

The sports book at the M Resort is arguably the best sports book in all of Las Vegas. Independently owned, they consistently offer some of the most generous lines and lowest “vigs” (the house hold on straight bet wagers) in Vegas. Opened in 2009, it even features the latest mobile gaming technology on the market in case you want to take a dip in the pool at half-time. All the seats are plush and comfortable, even when it turns into a double overtime game. The food available at the Vig Deli next to the sports book is fast and delicious. The only drawback to the M Resort sports book is its size. It’s small and there’s not even much standing room. If you’re betting $500 or more you can get into the VIP area, but even it isn’t very big and when there’s a big game on, it fills up too. So, whether you’re planning a trip to Caesar’s Palace or M Resort to enjoy a big game, the key is to get there at least an hour early, especially if you’re with three or four people.

Other good off-Strip sports books are at the Red Rocks Resort on the western edge of the city and the Green Valley Resort on the southeastern edge of the city heading towards Lake Mead. Both are large and offer both console (individual screen) and leather chair seating along with hi-tech, multiple screen viewing. They each attract an upscale, 50/50 mix of tourists and locals, even on the week-ends. The only downside is that both properties are owned by Station Casinos and pretty much offer the same tight lines and higher “vigs” generally carried by MGM/Mirage and Harrah’s properties on the Strip. You won’t get a “local’s insider line” at Red Rocks or Green Valley but you will get a level of service and quality consistent with the higher end Strip properties, except without the crowds.

Some other off-Strip casinos with appealing sports books are Sunset Station, Fiesta Henderson and the Orleans. Not flashy, not extravagant, lots of big screens, lots of seating, lots of friendly locals.

So the next time you want to watch your team compete, if you can’t be there in person, consider catching them in an exciting Vegas sports book that matches your style!

Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil – Tickets from $50

Vegas Getaways — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:05:18 +0000

The new Viva ELVIS™ by Cirque du Soleil® opened with a gala premiere February 19, 2010. If you are looking for a great ticket deal for the newest Cirque du Soleil show, check out this special offer on shows through October 31st, 2010. Book direct through Aria and Ticketmaster using offer code ARIA and find tickets priced from $50. (The theater is dark on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Children under +5 and older.)

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Las Vegas Shopping Malls on The Strip

Diana Edelman — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:38:28 +0000

Aside from world-class resorts and dining, Las Vegas is also a mecca for shopping. Any person who finds themselves needing a new shirt, pair of shoes, cocktail dress, even furniture, needs to only step out of their room to find some of the best retailers in the world.

Fashion Show Mall

Located in the heart of The Strip, this space-age style mall houses some of the best shops in the entire city. When the summer gets too hot outside (and the misters dotting Las Vegas Boulevard don’t cut it), locals and tourists head here.

The mall, which spans an entire block and is one of the nation’s largest malls, is anchored by six department stores: Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s, Nordstrom — the only one in Las Vegas, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s Home. Nordstrom even offers a mini-spa for Elemis facials in a private room just off the cosmetic counters.

It’s also got hundreds and hundreds of stores, from typical mall staples such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Forever 21, Express and luxury stores like Lacoste. Fashion Show has a bevvy of niche shops including Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, The Coach Store, Cole Haan and True Religion.

But, there’s more than just shopping at Fashion Show. Aside from the large food court, there are an abundance of restaurants to fit any taste, including the popular RA Sushi, California Pizza Kitchen, Nordstrom’s Marketplace Cafe, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Luciano’s, El Segundo Sol and The Capital Grille. For last-minute people, there’s an excellent concierge service that books shows and tour packages, makes reservations at restaurants and can reserve hotel rooms.

On a budget? Don’t worry. There are plenty of stores, like Dillard’s, which features great sales year-round. Plus, there is always window shopping to keep people entertained. And, like it’s name, there is the Great Hall that brings shoppers fashion shows numerous times daily, complete with an elevated stage.

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Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Who knew ancient Rome had such fabulous shopping?

With more than 150 boutique shops, there is something for everyone at the Forum Shops in Ceasers Palace.

This mall merges (re-created) ancient cobblestone “streets,” Roman facades and statues, with modern touches like spiral escalators. Be sure to check out the marvelous recreations of the Trevi and Triton Fountains (complete with a free show that includes fire).

Forum Shops are heavy on designers, including Agent Provocateur, Louis Vuitton, Bvulgari, Fendi, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, Nanette Lepore, Valentino, Versace, Ferragamo, Bellanciaga, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch and more. For the jewelry enthusiast, stop in David Yurman, Cartier, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co. or De Beers.

Aside from the luxury stores, there’s also the regular shops such as Guess, Express and the popular multi-story FAO Schwartz, as well as art galleries, including the well-known
photographer, Peter Lik. Dining options abound, including the extremely popular Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Wolfgang Puck’s popular Spago institution and The Palm Las Vegas.

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

What was once a kitschy desert-themed shopping center is now hip and trendy, thanks to the makeover of Aladdin Hotel to Planet Hollywood. Massive chandeliers and a new slick look make Miracle Mile not only a great place to shop, but also a great venue to admire cutting-edge interior design.

Located just off the casino, Miracle Mile has 170 shops, ranging from the popular H & M and American Apparel, GAP and French Connection.

And then, there are the dining options — 15 restaurants to satisfy any craving. Restaurants include: Cabo Wabo Cantina, Blondie’s Sports Bar & Grill, Cheesburger Las Vegas, La Salsa Cantina, Ocean One Bar & Grille, Pampas Churrascaria Brazillian, Sin City Brewing Company and Todai Sushi & Seafood Buffet.

In the heart of the mall lies the Planet Hollywood Theatre. Inside, shoppers can take in
shows like the illusions of Amazing Jonathan, the men of American Storm and the music of Fab Four Live, the Mentalist and V — the Ultimate Variety Show. For those looking for some interaction, there is the Naughty Boys Hypnosis Show, Stripper 101 and Sin City Comedy.

Like Fashion Show, there are also free attractions including a laser show, rain show and fountain show.

Town Square

Opened in 2008, Town Square is the new kid on the block and well worth a visit. Unlike the other malls, Town Square is open-air, which means shoppers can enjoy some of the best weather in the world during the spring and fall, as well as hit some of their favorite stores.

Town Square’s got the largest H & M in Las Vegas, as well as Guitar Center, Apple, MAC, Border’s, English Laundry, Old Navy, New York & Co., GUESS, Eddie Bauer and GAP. The mall also includes RAVE Motion Pictures and Whole Foods Market.

No open-air mall is complete without parks — and Town Square has two of them. Town Square Park offers a peaceful and relaxing option and includes a pavilion and picnic area, complete with a bridge and water fountain. Next to Town Square Park is the Children’s Park. It recently underwent improvements, including a new play surface. The park includes a Tree House within a 42-foot tall Oak complete with a rock wall, slides and a fort; a maze with animal topiaries; the Bakery Cafe Playhouse for little gourmet cooks wanting to whip up some “food”; the Princess Tower Playhouse; Merry-Go-Round; and theatre.

Town Square features massive amounts of dining and nightlife options. Blue Martini, Yard House and Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar round up locals nightly. And then there’s a variety of restaurants including the newly opened and delicious Cana Latina Kitchen and Bar, Claim Jumper, California Pizza Kitchen, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, Miller’s Ale House, Brio Tuscan Grille, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and more.