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

• Receive instant savings with packages of 3+ Nights or longer to qualifying resorts.
• Receive One Night Free at Select Hotels!
• Book direct with Southwest Airlines Vacations

More Details: Save on Flight and Hotel Packages to Las Vegas – Save up to 50% on Hotels plus up to $80 Instant Package Savings

Reservations are limited. Check the link for restrictions.

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NASCAR is roaring back into Las Vegas Friday March 9 through Sunday March 11, 2012. The time to get your tickets and book your best deals is now!

Featuring both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup series, the Sam’s Town 300 on Saturday and the Kobalt Tools 400 on Sunday promise to deliver high octane thrills for race enthusiasts. Both will be held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway located off Exit 54 on the I-15 about 12 miles north of downtown. But you don’t necessarily need a car to get out there. Many Vegas resorts are offering affordable package deals that include tickets and transportation to the events.

Mark Martin will try to defend last year’s Sam’s Town victory and Carl Edwards, who edged Tony Stewart out in last year’s Sprint Cup race, are once again the odds-on favorites to find victory lane in Las Vegas again. But not all the action is going to be out at the race track. NASCAR hotspots like the Southpoint and Sam’s Town casinos will vie against the Strip and downtown resorts for a piece of the action.

Insider’s Tip #1: Although featuring many high profile drivers, both races feature many up and coming drivers too. Don’t forget to look at a favorite long shot or two if you’re looking to fatten your bank roll.

The main event on Sunday is the Kobalt Tools 400

INSIDER’S TIP #2 – Don’t forget the Friday morning free event of the haulers rolling down Las Vegas Boulevard. The sight of forty or fifty brightly colored semi’s strutting along at 15 mph peacocking their race insignias is not to be missed.

NASCAR Las Vegas Packages and Room Deals

The casinos in the Boyd Gaming chain have some best NASCAR package deals still available. All starting around $1,000, they include a 3-night stay, 2 tickets each to the Sam’s Town 300 and the Sprint Cup, plus motorcoach transportation to and from the Speedway. Flagship resort The Orleans, the newly re-modeled, Strip-adjacent Gold Coast, Sam’s Town out on Boulder Highway and the California, Fremont Hotel and Main Street Station downtown are all participating. Check out their terrific last minute NASCAR deals here.

The Golden nugget is offering an exclusive two deals, one for the Sprint Cup only starting at $379/pp and the other for both races starting at $519/pp. Both deals are based on quad occupancy. Single and Double occupancy is extra. These special deals are offered only through this NASCAR affiliate.

The MGM Grand is offering special room rates during the 2012 Nascar festivities for about $200/night. Click here for details on this deal which includes 2-for-1 buffet each day, 2 Complimentary admissions to the hot night club Tabu and 20% off salon and spa services. This deal does not cover tickets or transportation out to the Speedway though. For deals that do include race tickets and transportation call 1-800-782-8222 and ask about the MGM Grand NASCAR Race Packages.

Note: The South Point Hotel and Casino is already sold out for NASCAR weekend in 2012, but 2012 prices are available for 2013 reservations if you hurry and call 1-866-791-7626 before April 17, 2012! South Point is sort of the de facto NASCAR headquarters since many of the race teams stay here and this is where the previously mentioned Hauler Parade is staged.

Not looking for a NASCAR package deal?

Grandstand seating for the main event on Sunday ranges from $49-69 and can be purchased in advance here. A Vegas 4-Pack (4 tickets) is available for $199. Call 1-800-644-4444 for discounts for children 15 and under. Grandstand seating for Saturday’s Sam Town 300 ranges from $30-41, with discounts available for children under 15 too.

Since the 2012 NASCAR Las Vegas event is on the north end of town, some of the most affordable and convenient hotel deals are going to be found downtown at best value casinos like the California Hotel Casino, Main Street Station, El Cortez, Four Queens, Fitzgerald’s, and on the more upscale end, the Golden Nugget. If you book now, you can still find Friday and Saturday night rates between $80-150. Sunday night rates, (stay the extra day, believe me!) are currently running around $60-100.

RV TIP: There are also special package deals for those traveling by RV that include week-end parking and amenities at the Speedway. For fans arriving at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in their motor homes, check out info about Motorhome Hill or take some advice from long-time NASCAR fans and RV’rs and Morry and Kathy.

Okay. On your mark. Get set. GO!

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Every year in March, College Hoops fans from across the nation make their annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for March Madness. If you are planning a getaway to Las Vegas for March Madness in 2012 and want a great place to watch the games here are a few options:

Great Atmosphere at the Sports Book

For the ultimate March Madness experience, the best atmosphere is usually found in the sports book. The problem is that each race and sports book has limited seating, so if you want a seat you have to get up early. Our best advice is to scope out a couple of options the night before and then plan on sending 1 or 2 people before 7am to grab some seats.

Any of the Sports Books at the major Las Vegas Hotels will provide a great experience, but some of the larger (and nicest) Sports Books on the Las Vegas Strip can be found at Mandalay Bay, Lagasse’s Stadium at the Palazzo, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mirage and Wynn. Even these mega-books fill up quickly on game day so be sure to get there early. Other recommended smaller sports books can be found at Bellagio, Planet Hollywood, Aria and, if you are willing to make a short trip off the Strip, the Hard Rock Hotel. Check our gaming section for a more complete guide to the Best Las Vegas Sports Books.

Another relatively new and excellent off the Strip Sports Book can be found at the M Resort and Casino. This state of the art sports book was voted ‘Best Sports Book for Watching March Madness’ by ESPN Insider in 2010.

Las Vegas Sports Bars

There is nothing better than great bar food and beer to accompany March Madness and guests lucky enough to get a seat at Lagasse’s Stadium at the Palazzo can enjoy a full bar and menu designed by Emeril Lagasse. Another Sports Bar to enjoy the Buzzer Beaters and Bracket Busters at, is the The Sporting House Bar & Grill in NYNY. Opened in October 2010, to replace the ESPN Zone, this bar features 130 high-definition televisions and a decent selection of beers and bar food. Plus it’s just a short walk to the Sports Book.

Other good Sports Bars in Las Vegas include Blondies, located inside the Miracle Mile shopping mall at Planet Hollywood and, if you are willing to make the short drive South on Las Vegas Boulevard, The Yard House at Town Square provides a great selection of draft beers and food to accompany the games. The Mirage is also promoting drink specials at their sports bar. Click this link for details on March Madness events at the Mirage hotel.

If all else fails just head for a March Madness Viewing Party

Many of the hotel/casinos will open up special event rooms with food and drink specials to try and pull in the crowds. If you sleep in and can’t get a seat at the Sports Book, or want to avoid some of the hustle and bustle generally found in the Sports Books, then these viewing parties usually have plenty of space. Keep in mind that if they are not full, the atmosphere may not be as lively and fun.

Planet Hollywood is hosting Hoops On The Mezz offering an all you can eat buffet and open Miller/Coors Light beer bar. Prices start at $49/day (plus tax/fees) for general admission.

Located off the Strip, the LVH (hotel formerly known as The Las Vegas Hilton) boasts one of the largest Sports Books in town with over 300 seats and 28 giant screens. If you can’t find a seat at the Sports Book then head to Hoops Central at the LVH Theater. Admission is free and the event features $2 beers, $2 hot dogs, giant HD screens and over 1,500 seats! Note: Hoops central at LVH is a smoke free environment.

The Stratosphere is opening its theater this year and is offering a four-day wall-to-wall marathon of all the big games. The TI has also announced that it will open it’s newly renovated, non-smoking theater for a viewing party for the first 2 days of March Madness action.

Staying Downtown? The Golden Nugget is hosting March Fever 2012 at The Grand March 15th through March 18th. With giant plasma screens and live betting stations this event will also feature drawings for basketball memorabilia.

Recommend your Favorite place to watch March Madness in Las Vegas

If you know of any other good options for March Madness this year, or if you have been to Las Vegas for March Madness before, just leave a comment below to recommend your favorite Sports Book or Bar.

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Budget conscious thrill-seekers have put Vegas on their party map for the last several years. There are plenty of fun-in-the-sun party deals for those who don’t mind risking getting caught in a cross-fire of jello shots with beautiful strangers. But Vegas also offers a surprising array of affordable, family-oriented escapes during Spring Break.

Top Resort Destinations for Las Vegas Spring Break 2012

#1 – MTV Spring Break 2012 at the Palms – Want to be on television? Then for anyone who wants to be at party ground zero for Spring Break, there’s no other place to be except at the Palms from March 20-22, 2012. Packages include invites to private MTV parties, events and more! Click here for info.

#2 – The Hard Rock Hotel — You’ll feel like you’re on TV when you’re hanging out by the pool at the Hard Rock. It’s not quite time for the Rehab Summer Pool Party cameras to roll just yet, but that might be all for the best if you want to adhere to the what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas rule. Buddy up, bring your sleeping bags and rock-paper-scissors every night to see who sleeps on the (plush) carpet floors. Click here for deals and be sure to mention you’re coming into town for Spring Break to get a few perks thrown in with your reservation.

#3 — ANY MGM/Mirage Property — for the entire month of March, MGM is offering its Vegas Spring Break Escape 2012 as Six (6) Resorts and One Big Party. Offers vary between resorts, like 2-for-1 inner tube rentals at the MGM Grand Pool are replaced with a $50 cabana credit at Mandalay Bay, or 2-for-1 pitchers of mojitos at Monte Carlo. Other resorts included are the Luxor, New York New York and Excalibur. Click here for more info.

#4 – For professors and college faculty looking for a fun-in-the-sun escape from campus, consider the newly remodeled Tropicana Resort. The Trop truly has one of the best pools in Vegas, with lots of shade and greenery. Plus, their spring getaway packages are good through May 24, which makes both a Spring Break getaway or decompressing after finals a viable and affordable option. Click here for more details.

Other Vegas Hot Spots

Club Paradise – located on Paradise Road behind the Hard Rock, it’s like Cirque du Soleil with gorgeous strippers. ‘Nuff said.

Freemont Street – yeah it’s downtown but there are THREE OUTDOOR STAGES, a Zip Line, a half a dozen free, very trippy light shows, a live shark tank, and lots of cheap rooms (i.e., $89 + tax gets you a room for two nights, a $40 dining credit plus $10 in slot play at the California Casino Hotel). Oh, plus there are lots and lots of outdoor bars up and down a pedestrian-only walkway.

The Bank at Bellagio – the Light Group’s premier night club in Vegas. Expensive, exclusive and one of the most fashionable places to hang in Vegas.

The Griffin also on Freemont Street downtown, but a very low-key place to have a beer huddled around a fire pit. Right around the corner from the more L.A. trendy Downtown Cocktail Lounge and right next door to Beauty Bar where some of the coolest bands in the U.S. and Canada come to jam.

Family Spring Break in Vegas

Here are my tips for families vacationing in Vegas during Spring Break.

Red Rocks Resort – located on the western edge of Charleston along the 215, for those who want to feel like a local, hit the delicious breakfast buffet then find your way up to the Red Rocks Park (excursion buses available) where you’ll find great hiking and views of the entire city. You can even be back by late afternoon in time to watch your favorite teams play in the man-cave sportsbook at the resort, or catch up on your homework by the pool.

Springs Preserve located just west of downtown the Springs Preserve offers a fascinating botanical garden tour and glimpse into the history of the Mojave Desert. Coupled with a visit to the old Mormon Fort and you’ll be able to amaze your friends back home with cool, little known facts about the early history of Sin City.

Atomic Museum and Nevada History Museum – see what life was like inside Area 51 with interactive exhibits and catch a glimpse into our not so distant past. Science, History and Psychology majors are guaranteed to go back to class with new ideas for their term papers.

Mob Museum the newly opened Mob Museum downtown is the newest must-see exhibit in Las Vegas. Criminal Law majors will find a term paper readily made for them.

Lake Mead Recreational Area – it might be a little cool, or it might be warm, but it’s almost guaranteed to be bright and sunny. Regardless of the temperature, the Mojave will be in some stage of its amazing springtime bloom. In addition to the natural wonderment, the lake, the dam and the new overpass to Arizona that faces the dam are inspiring testaments to the ingenuity of man.

Lou Revo Center for Brain Health all Biology, Chemistry and other body science majors should schedule an informational interview at this cutting edge medical clinic that opened in July 2009. Architecture students might find it interesting too, especially since it’s located right next door to the avant-garde World Market Center which recently opened it’s 50,000 sq feet of home design to the public.

Bottom line, there’s much more to Las Vegas than endless rows of one-armed bandits and buffets!

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The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is coming back to Las Vegas in 2012 from May 27 to July 16 where millions in prize money, and 61 WSOP bracelets will be up for grabs. Once again, the Main Event along with daily satellite events will be played at the fabulous, Brazilian Carnivale-themed Rio All-Suites Resort.

The Rio is a large hotel, but it will definitely be packed to capacity for the 2012 WSOP. Caesar’s Entertainment (formerly Harrah’s Corp.) is offering discounted rooms to all players with proof of registration. Check this link for details on WSOP room reservations, or check here for promo codes valid at the Rio hotel.

And don’t forget to check-out the Gold Coast, which is right next door to the Rio. Or, the swank and sexy Palms which is also walking distance from the Rio.

If you can’t decide which resort’s amenities suit your taste, check out our 2011 Pool Guide, or chose your resort based on one of our Dining Guides.

For a complete World Series of Poker / WSOP tournament schedule click here.

Good luck, don’t draw dead and don’t forget to tip your valet!

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Cupid’s annual celebration might be right around the corner, but when it comes to romantic dining in Las Vegas, any day of the year can feel like Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s mid-February or mid-August there are dozens of romantic restaurants to choose from and most have incredible decórs and views to go along with their gourmet delights.

Here is a quick run-down of a few favorites:

Romantic Restaurants with a View

Guests lucky enough to get a patio seat at Picasso can view the spectacular Bellagio fountain show along with their gourmet dinner.  Tastefully decorated, Picasso features the French and Spanish flavors from the regions that inspired Pablo Picasso, as interpreted by master chef Julian Serrano. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call 866-259-7111.

One of Vegas’ best epicurean gems is located northwest of the Strip in the Lakes District. About a twenty minute cab ride from either downtown or the Strip Marche Bacchus has been a local’s favorite for years. The patio seating around the man-made lake is so serene and quiet you feel like you’re at someone’s house. Picking out a wine in the attached wine market to accompany your meal means you can afford dessert. Marche Bacchus is small and intimate, so be sure to call (702) 804-8008 for reservations.

Another great option for patio dining that features a moderately priced menu is Mon Ami Gabi located outside Paris Las Vegas. In addition to being open for dinner, the gourmet bistro is also pen for lunch and week-end brunch. Sitting right along the Strip, it offers lots people watching and one of the best views of the Bellagio fountains.

Another quality gourmet restaurant with a view at Paris Las Vegas is the Eiffel Tower Restaurant located atop the iconic tower. Other great views: Nove Italiano in the Palms Fantasy Tower, Top of the World at the Stratosphere and the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay.

(For just a drink with a view, check out Mix atop the THEhotel at Mandalay Bay tower.)

Excellent Italian Restaurants

French restaurants don’t have a corner on romantic fine dining in Las Vegas. For those who love great Italian food, Valentino’s at the Venetian has been winning epicurean awards ever since it opened in 2003. One reason is their attention to detail. For instance they smoke their salmon for 23 days in-house and Chef Luciano Pellegrini uses wild mushrooms, goat cheese and other exotic ingredients in secret, unbelievable top-chef ways.

Nove Italiano at the Palms has a great view and is another excellent choice for Italian food in Las Vegas. Note: like the Palms resort itself, Nove Italiano generally attracts a younger, sexier crowd, due in part to its location just below the Playboy Club in the Palms Fantasy Tower. Call (702) 942-6800 for reservations.

Other gourmet Italian restaurants on or near the Strip are: the exclusive Sinatra’s at the Wynn, Wolfgang Puck’s Trattoria del Lupo inside Mandalay Bay, the old school wise guys and local’s favorite Piero’s at 355 Convention Center Drive and Il Mulino at New York New York.

Excellent French Restaurants

Many of the best French restaurants in Las Vegas also have great the best romantic views (see above). The aforementioned Marche Bacchus in the Lakes District, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant and Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas compete with Le Cirque at the Bellagio for best French food in Las Vegas. Reservations are a must at Le Cirque, (866) 259-7111

Another excellent French restaurant in Las Vegas is Andre’s at the Monte Carlo. It offers an excellent French Nouveau menu along with a separate cognac and cigar bar to continue your conversations after dinner.

Excellent Seafood Restaurants

For gourmet seafood lovers, the exquisite Italian dining experience at Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at the Wynn will also make you immediately start planning your return visit. Specializing in Italian seafood, chef Paul Bartolotta uses sea bass, purple snapper, turbot and a host of other types of fish in so many spectacular ways he won the 2009 James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef Southwest (that’s best chef for the entire southwestern United States!). Mostly he likes to roast them whole and serve them by weight, but the menu is also full of classic Italian fare. Reservations required, call (888) 352-3463.

Other top quality, romantic seafood hideaways: Sushi Roku at Caesar’s Palace, The Tillerman at 2245 E. Flamingo, the brand new American Fish at Aria and Hugo’s Cellar downtown at the Four Queens.

For a run-down of Best Steakhouses in Vegas click here .

For those looking to cover all tastes, check out Charlie Palmer’s Aureole inside Mandalay Bay. Known for their four-story wine rack and award winning blend of European and American cuisine, they feature an excellent Parallel Tasting Menu that will delight your taste buds, fill your belly and make you smile. Whether you do the tasting menu or not, it’s hard to get out of Aureole for anything less than $100/pp ($150/pp with wine), but for those who want to celebrate a special occasion, you won’t be disappointed. (Reservations strongly recommended, (877) 234-6358.) Note: Aureole has added a Happy Hour from 5:30-7PM nightly featuring 2-for-1 pricing on all wine, beer and cocktails in both the downstairs lounge and the upstairs wine lounge!

Looking for a romantic place to stay in Las Vegas? Check-out our Top Romantic Getaways in Vegas.

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Plan ahead! The holiday season is over and new year resolutions are probably being tested, but Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, so plan ahead now for a romantic getaway in Las Vegas.

Anytime of the year is great time to indulge in a romantic getaway.  Vegas gives you the option year-round,  but this time of year comes with a few extra reasons.  First and foremost, the elegant spas in some of the resorts. Secondly, the easy access to fine dining. Some people might argue that entertainment should be the next reason, but this time of year I put weather third.  Fifty-five to seventy degrees and sunny is without a doubt a great time of year to go beyond the Strip and explore other parts of Vegas and the Mojave. (check back soon for “Vegas in the Spring: Outdoor Recommendations”!)

For romantic getaways in Las Vegas, two of the best spa-oriented resorts are Paris Las Vegas and Bellagio.

Paris Las Vegas

Romantic getaway packages are designed to fit a range of travel budgets at Paris Las Vegas resort. In 2008 they redesigned  the rooms on the top floors of the hotel. These super luscious “Red Rooms” offer sensuality and sophistication for all romantics.

Cagley & Tanner’s contemporary, fun design gives way to clean, marble bathroom layouts in each room. The hip color palettes and signature sofas shaped like plump, puckered lips make staying at Paris Las Vegas especially memorable. The rooms include modern technology like 42″ plasma-screen HDTVs and iHome units that combine iPod dock, alarm clock, radio and stereo sound. The Premier Red Room suites offer sweeping Eiffel Tower and pool views and normally run from $100-$300/night depending on demand. Click this link for current promos at Paris the hotel.

Warning! Strolling around the casino or stepping outside to enjoy the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower can easily cause spontaneous hand-holding — which is exactly what makes any visit to Paris Las Vegas a perfect romantic escape. Even for those who wish to stay somewhere else, the resort offers one of the best romantic experiences for a very affordable price. Go ahead and share a kiss 460 feet above the Las Vegas Strip atop the Eiffel Tower Experience (tickets range from $7.50 – $22).

The Restaurant Eiffel Tower built one hundred feet above the Strip offers one of the best French fine dining options in town. (call 702-948-6937 for reservations) For those seeking the quintessential French bistro experience, Mon Ami Gabi, located right along the Strip is open for dinner and also for lunch and weekend brunches. (dinner and brunch reservations recommended, 702-944-4224)

Bellagio

The Bellagio resort has been a premier destination for romantics ever since it opened in October 1998. Need to be reminded? The room, spa and restaurant options at this resort are among the best in class.

For those who can afford to really splurge, “Bellagio’s Romance Retreat“ package includes:
* One Night Lakeview Cypress Suite Accommodations
* Limo Transportation to and from McCarran Airport
* 50 minute Couples Massage at Spa Bellagio
* Dinner for 2 at your choice of either Picasso or Michael Mina

There are other perks too, like chocolate covered strawberries and a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot brought to your room. The package price of $995 is high, but the experience is guaranteed unforgettable. Call the Bellagio at 1-888-987-6667 for reservations.

The Bellagio Spa also offers a “Couples Pampering Package” for $350 which includes manicures and pedicures in a private, candlelit room, with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, followed by
an herbal-infused massage for the legs, feet and hands. This package does NOT include a room, but you’ll be floating on air when you leave, so you won’t care.

Other decadent Bellagio Spa deals can be found here.

Of course, fine dining abounds at the Bellagio. Picasso, Chef Julian Serrano’s AAA Five Diamond Award winning restaurant featuring a blend of French and Spanish cuisine located alongside the fountains is urban, modern and delicious. The colorful and jubilant atmosphere of Le Cirque, another AAA Five Diamond Award winning restaurant, is another excellent option.  (Reservations are necessary for both restaurants, especially on week-ends. Call 702-693-7223 in advance and ask for a window seat.)

Click here for a look at other romantic dining options in Las Vegas.

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The Bowl game between LSU and Alabama was super for college football fans, but it pales in comparison to the truly biggest football game of the year. If ever there was an excuse to visit Indiana, Sunday February 12, 2012 would be it. For the rest of us, we have the luxury of flying (or driving) to Las Vegas to watch the division champions meet.

Vegas always has a lot to offer any football fan. Especially for fans who enjoy plush leather seats, gourmet food, a full bar and a cozy room upstairs.

Top Five Recommendations for Watching the Big Game in Vegas

#1 – Emeril Lagasse’s Stadium at the Palazzo

BAM! Lagasse's Stadium is our numero uno spot for Big Game action

Huge, plush couches. A 9’x16’ big screen. Great food. Some of the cutest referee’s serving drinks this side of sports heaven. This upscale venue will fill up VERY quickly. Reservations STRONGLY recommended so call 702-607-2665 now. Otherwise, don’t even bother to look for parking unless you plan to arrive early and tip the host/hostess a Benjamin just to put you at the top of list. To help make up your mind, check out their menu here.

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#2 – Ravello Lounge at the M Resort

This is another luxury sports book with limited seating that aims for quality instead of quantity. It also attracts a good mix of regular locals and visitors from out of town. Last year there was free entry into two prize drawings, $10 buckets of Bud, $3 margaritas, $2 shots of Cuervo along with burgers, dogs, cheese steaks and wings starting at $1.50. Although under new ownership, management roughly stayed intact so look for them to serve a close repeat to last year’s offerings. More info about the M Resort here.

#3 – The super sportsbook at the new LVH (formerly the Hilton)

This is the granddaddy of Vegas sports books. Huge. Loud. The array of championship propositions is the best in Vegas because it goes far beyond who will win the coin toss. Over 300 seats, over twenty giant screens including one 40’x30’ HD monster. NO RESORT FEES and great room rates mean you can afford to take Monday off! More info about the new LVH here.

#4 – Bally’s Sportsbook

That’s right. Bally’s. It’s big. It’s comfortable. It’s classic Vegas right on the corner of Flamingo Road and the Strip. If it’s full, look for the spill over party in the Indigo Lounge. Click here and book a great NO RESORT FEE room deal!

#5 — Crazy Horse III Gentleman’s Club

This is on the list because it is so quintessentially Vegas. If you’re in Vegas with your golf buddies dodging the endless snowstorms in the Midwest or on the East Coast, what better place to watch the biggest sporting event of the year than inside the cozy confines of a premier gentleman’s club? The giant HD screens are even big enough to keep your attention! $30 at the door includes a catered buffet, an OPEN BAR during the 1st quarter, a raffle for prizes (one of which is a 46″ flat screen TV), free limo transportation and many other perks too obvious to mention. Call (702) 673-1700 for more info or to book a free limo.

Other Venues

The sports books at the Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace and Wynn are top-notch premium viewing venues too. They are guaranteed to be packed with celebrities, retired sports stars and famous high-rolling poker stars. Getting a good seat might take a little grease, but who knows who might end up sitting next to you.

Some good spots off the Strip that may not be packed by noon (kick-off is at 3:30PM Vegas time) are the newly remodeled sports book at the Southpoint where they will be hosting free, live-feed spill-over parties in the Grand Ballroom and Napa Showroom; the 125-seat book at the Orleans; and the roomy, local’s friendly Sunset Station.

There’s nothing like being at the game, but for visitors and locals Vegas offers some real pleasant alternatives to being crammed in a stadium with 65,000 other people. Single malt scotch anyone?

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The horses, cowboys and cowgirls are coming back to Vegas next month for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo! From December 1-10, 2011, fans, tourists and locals won’t be able to miss the spectacular showcase of cowboy culture. Fortunately, great deals on travel, rooms and side attractions are still available, however they’re selling out quicker than last year.

Start planning your itinerary now for the busy 10-day event. Here are some NFR 2011 Vegas tips and resort suggestions to make your life easier.

EVENT SUMMARY

Sponsored by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Wrangler Jeans, the event, known as the “Super Bowl of Rodeo”, determines the annual world champion in seven different rodeo events: bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

National Finals Rodeo. December 1-10, 2011

The main competitions will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus. But other events scattered around town make exploring the many faces of Las Vegas fun. For instance, the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show will be held everyday at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The always fun 24th Annual Downtown Hoe-Down will be held December 5th under the canopy of lights of the Freemont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas.

Other events include: the 65th PRCA National Convention, Auction and Trade Show in the South Point Exhibit Hall from Nov 28-Dec 1; a live feed from the show in a 740-seat Hollywood theater at the MGM Grand including shows and cowboy theme decor sprinkled throughout Aria and Mandalay Bay; sexy cowboy/cowgirl, fun drinks and mechanical bull dares at the PBR Lounge at Planet Hollywood; and live music nightly (no cover) with Gary Leffew’s Legendary Buck’n Ball and the National Finals Tonight Show at the Gold Coast Casino, located just off the Strip on Flamingo Blvd. between the Rio and the Palms.

TICKET INFO:

Multi-day passes to the main-event competitions, or tickets to individual NFR events, can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack UNLV box office, or in advance here. Advance purchase is recommended as many of the most popular events, like steer wrestling, tie-down roping and bull riding usually sell out. Mad Dash tickets (no assigned seating) are $49/day.

Even tickets to the 4-day Miss Rodeo America Pageant can become hard to find, but that’s not hard to believe when you look at this year’s Miss Rodeo America contestants. Tickets to the Miss Rodeo America pageant events will be sold online here until November 15 and after that will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the pageant venues in the South Point and the Orleans casinos.

RESORT INFO and DEALS:

Once again, the South Point and the Orleans casinos are two of the main venues for the National Finals Rodeo event. Unfortunately, rooms at the South Point sold out not long after the 2010 event. But rooms at the Orleans, Gold Coast and Fremont are still available, some starting as low as $40/night! Check out the special NFR package deals that all the Boyd resorts are offering.

If you’re driving into town or renting a car, consider Sam’s Town, the Cannery and a few other casinos out there on Boulder Highway. They’re convenient to the Thomas&Mack Arena and the convention center are some rates are as low as $30/night. Many of them have week-end package deals that include food discounts and tickets to the rodeo.

Several Station Casinos also fit right into the crosstown patterns of the NFR. Sunset Station at the corner of Sunset and the I-93/95 is right in the middle of the action. It’s immediate access out towards the barren escapes of Lake Mead, or to Boulder City, the Hoover Dam and the northern Arizona desert, is most attractive. Palace Station and Green Valley also offer good access to all the event locations. Check here to check availability.

Although the Southpoint and Boyd casinos have been hosting the NFR faithful for years, the Strip resorts aren’t missing the fact that champion cowboys are going to be winning lots of money during these rodeo finals. Their entourages and fans will be looking to win lots of money during the first week of December, so that means they’ll be betting big from the beginning. Look for special NFR deals at the MGM Grand starting at only $60/night.

If food is an important consideration in your decision making, check out our review of Best Steakhouses in Vegas or our review of Best Buffets.

Wherever you’re having fun, if you happen to hear some cowboy introduce himself to a pretty girl with the old line, “Howdy, ma’am. What’s a nice girl like you doing at a craps table like this?” Well, smile, let him buy you a drink and roll the dice along with him!

A complete schedule of Performance Schedule for the 2011 National Finals Rodeo can be found here. In planning your transportation to and from your hotel, allow time to stand in line for autograph sessions, people watching and sight-seeing.

If you’re traveling to Las Vegas from outside of Nevada for the National Finals Rodeo event, be sure to click the sponsor link for Southwest Airlines to get special low-fare, direct flights to Las Vegas. East Coasters: keep in mind Southwest now flies to Atlanta!

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Hundreds of professional cowboys and thousands of excited fans will stampede into Las Vegas October 26-30 for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) 2011 World Finals. Here’s a look at some special PBR Hotel Package Deals, a Competition Update and some advice on how to get PBR tickets for this year’s thrilling championship run.

Eight seconds can seem like eternity when you’re a professional bull rider. But it’s generally long enough to qualify for the prize pool. Or sustain serious injury. That’s what makes bull riding such a popular spectator sport. This year, contestants from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Canada and several other countries will ride a host of mean, snorting, kicking 2,000 pound bulls to vie for more than $3 million in prize money during the five-day PBR World Finals event.

Competition Update: Last year’s PBR champion, Renato Nunes recently confirmed he intends to compete in the finals again this year, although he has been out of competition since mid-May when he had surgery on his left shoulder (riding arm). He fractured and dislocated the shoulder during competition in Tampa and then re-aggravated the injury in early May in Seattle. Currently Renato is in 30th place and fellow Brazilian Silvano Alves, a pro for only three years with already over $630,000 in career winnings is ranked #1 in the 2011 BFTS Stats.

2011 PBR Hotel Package Deals

Neon Cowboy Vegas Vic likes to watch the PBR World Finals from a safe distance.

Many Las Vegas resorts are offering special deals for the PBR 2011 World Finals. Packages usually include seating at the event, deluxe room accommodations and transportation back and forth to the arena at the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus. Since regular tickets cost $18 to $248 per day, per person (before taxes and service fees) and a cab ride could easily cost $30 each way, hotel package deals can be a great way for groups of fans to save money. Often it’s a great opportunity to stay in the same resort as many of the cowboys who are participating too.

For instance, the Silverton Casino has two options. The Balcony Package for $829 includes 5 nights lodging (including taxes and resort fee), transportation back and forth to the event site everyday and 2 tickets per day in the upper deck seating (Balcony Section 209). The Plaza Package for $1,299, also includes room and transportation but offers an upgrade in seating with two Plaza Seats (Section 103). If purchased separately, the Plaza Seats for two people for all five days would cost almost that with taxes and fees, so the room and transportation are basically free with this offer. To get in on either of these last minute deals, call Angela McLaughlin at 1-866-722-4608 ext. 8695 or email her at: angela.mclaughlin@silvertoncasino.com

The Gold Coast, located just off the Strip between the Rio and the Palms on Flamingo Road, offers a tiered, 6 day/5 night based on room occupancy. It includes Plaza seat(s) and daily round trip transportation to the event. The single ticket, single occupancy rate is $869. The double occupancy, two Plaza Seats per performance package is $1,419; the triple occupancy, triple ticket package is $1,904; and the quadruple occupancy, quadruple ticket package is $2,449. It’s not quite as good a deal as the Silverton, but rooms and tickets to the PBR World Finals are selling out fast and the Gold Coast is more centrally located. Call 800-331-5334 and mention offer code YPBR11 for this deal.

The 2011 PBR World Finals Package at the South Point Casino is offering a similar tiered occupancy/Plaza Seat (section 118 or 120) and transportation each day deal ($975 single occupancy/single ticket/day; $1,530 double occupancy with 2 Plaza Seats/day; $2,085 triple occupancy with 3 Plaza Seats/day; and $2,640 quadruple occupancy with 4 Plaza Seats/day). The added perk of staying at the South Point is that many of the performers (along with their leather vest and cowboy hat wearing entourages) will stay there too because of the plentiful RV and tractor trailer friendly parking. Also, the South Point completed a major re-model of their sports book last year and much of the PBR action will be available there on closed-circuit TV. They also have a 64 lane bowling alley and a $2 any drink Happy Hour on Fridays from 4-10PM. Call 1-866-791-7626 for more info or to book.

Aside from special events during the 2011 PBR World Finals at Mandalay Bay, the MGM Grand, South Point and Hard Rock, many fans and contestants are likely to wander into the new PBR Rock Bar and Grill at Planet Hollywood. In addition to a 3,000 square foot patio that faces the Strip, 115 flat screen TV’s, and close proximity to Holly Madison’s Peep Show, there is a very popular daiquiri bar where lots of attractive tourists from all over the world find their courage before climbing aboard the mechanical bull.

Between all the fun and PBR festivities, don’t forget to eat! Check out our rundown of the BEST STEAKHOUSES In VEGAS and our look at the BEST BUFFETS IN VEGAS.

For a full list of events at the 2011 PBR World Finals click here.

More information about the contestants, the Professional Bull Riders 2011 World Finals, or other events on the bull riding circuit can be found by clicking here. To purchase tickets to the 2011 Professional Bull Riders World Finals directly, go to www.UNLVtickets.com or click here.

Check back soon for deals and information about the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) which will be held in December right here in the neon paradise that is Las Vegas!

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