Is Downtown the New Strip?

Hi Vegas fans,
For a few years I've been saying... well, to anyone who will listen to me... downtown Las Vegas has great potential. The Strip continues to build big and bold - see CityCenter and Cosmo for recent examples - and while these properties are beautiful, they are upscale and expensive.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Strip. I spend a lot of time on the Strip. But for the average Joe and Jane, downtown is a very attractive alternative. Years ago, I would not have recommended staying or playing downtown. Not even to people I didn't like. It was a little run down, a little dangerous, a little crummy. But they have really turned it around.

And I'm not just talking about the thriving Fremont East district, with it's boutique bars and restaurants. I'm talking about the actual hotels and casinos, too. There are plenty of examples, and I'd just like to highlight a few:

The Plaza
The Plaza is undergoing a renovation and will officially reopen September 1st. Now here's a place that was, honestly, pretty dank and dull the last time I visited it. Remember the casino that Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie went to in Vegas Vacation? You know, games like "What Number Am I Thinking" and Rock Paper Scissors" and a buffet with choices of "blue" or "yellow."

But that was right before they closed, and I'm really looking forward to the reopening. New rooms, new restaurants a new theater - all look wonderful. The Plaza's website shows a new logo with the phrase "a modern classic." Perfect. This joint is at the heart of Las Vegas' humble beginnings, the railroad station that brought people to the city at the turn of the 20th century. So combining that with an updated hotel at a reasonable price is a very exciting idea to me. I wish them much success!

Gold Spike
Gold Spike also recently underwent major renovations. Word on the street was that the Spike might not survive. Surprise. It's a little out of the way, but still a great hotel and a great value.

Golden Gate
Here's something from the Golden Gate's website:

You can’t do this on the Strip: Party inside with Dancing Dealers and take a few easy steps outside onto Las Vegas’ most dynamic street. Look ten stories up at fantastic light shows on the world’s biggest video monster (yes, it’s gigantic). The Fremont Street Experience is four neon blocks of party action with 3 stages, dancing DJ’s, tribute bands, a zip-line overhead and bars everywhere. And it’s free. Really... Forget the Strip mega-hassle. Spend less time walking and more time dancing in the street!

All of these properties are targeting a young, hip audience. While the Strip is building extravagant hotels that mostly older, richer folks can afford, downtown just might be the place to go for the average Jane and average Joe.

Viva,
Mike

Um.... Does Anyone Remember Gambling?

Hi Vegas fans,

The latest news in Las Vegas points to an interesting trend on the Strip - more shopping and entertainment. Compass Investments broke ground this week on the new Skyvue Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel similar to the London Eye, which will be flanked by shopping and restaurants.

There is also a new shopping center that will be - gasp - next to Planet Hollywood, home to the Miracle Mile shops. Think about what's close to Plant Hollywood - you've got CityCenter with the upscale Crystal shops, and not far from that you've got the Forum Shops. Take a short walk south from Planet Ho, and you arrive at Showcase Mall, complete with M&M's World and the World of Coca-Cola, among other unique retail opportunities.

Too much? I think so. Don't get me wrong, I think a lot of variety of entertainment and dining options help attract visitors to Sin City. But this reminds me of another particularly odd time in Las Vegas' history. In the 1990's many casinos built entertainment options to present the city as a family-friendly destination. Remember the amusement park at MGM Grand? The pirate show at TI? It wasn't a bad idea - after all, why not try to increase visitation by enticing parents to bring the kids?

But it didn't really fly. Mom and dad want to escape, and they don't want Disneyland for kids, they want Disneyland for adults. So the MGM tore down the amusement park. The pirate show was revamped into The Sirens of TI, complete with scantily-clad ladies and shirtless pirates. Now the casinos have "party pits" where very sexy ladies dance while you drop your hard-earned money at 6-5 blackjack.

Downtown, you'll find a similar trend. There are often several concerts going on at the same time on Fremont Street. And you can get your photo taken with showgirls and bunnies. Um, not that I would know.

But the point is this. Entertainment is great in Las Vegas, but you can get top-notch shows and restaurants in many cities. What separates Las Vegas from them is the casinos. I wish they would focus more on them. Really focus on them. I think the art of planning the casino floor has been lost.

So I'm sending out an open call to casino moguls and the execs who run the floors. Rethink your gaming plan. Please. Here are some ideas, for starters:

• Dedicate your space to lots of good table games and plenty-o'slots and video poker machines. Make that the focus of what you do again.
• Send out good gaming promos to your players to draw them in, and not just the usual invitations to slot tourneys. Think about coupons for other games, poker gatherings, and other creative investments in the people who love to spend a few dollars in the casino.
• Make sure your casino floor is comfortable so that guests will want to stay there a while. Freshen the carpets and felts on the tables, and keep those drinks coming. Too many cocktail waitresses take their time between rounds. Even when I pre-tip them.
• Forget the unbuilt condos behind your properties. Let them rust. Remember that when push came to shove, they didn't work, but people still walk into your casinos.

I've got lots of other ideas. You'll find me at the 3-2 blackjack table with a rum and coke in my hand. I hope.

Viva,

Mike

Baccarat and Blackjack

Hi Vegas fans,

I read an article in the Las Vegas Sun recently which reports that baccarat and penny slots are overtaking blackjack as the number one game on the Strip. Baccarat is a high-end game, and penny slots are obviously cheap entertainment. The article quotes Anthony Curtis, publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor, who points out that blackjack is a game for the mid-market gambler.


With the economy the way it is, this kind of makes sense. Affluent people who can afford to go to Vegas these days are going to spend some coin on a game like baccarat. But gamblers who may have played $1 slots before are probably downgrading to the penny machines. But what about the average Joe and Jane, who play blackjack as their game of choice? Would they just not play as much because the economy is bad? Maybe. Maybe not.

There is one other factor that I think is missing in this equation. Caesars Entertainment, formerly Harrah's, now owns a majority of the casinos on the Strip. Their blackjack rules are terrible (6-5 payout on natural blackjacks, dealer hits on soft 17, etc.), even on multi-deck games. I no longer play at any of these casinos, which is a shame. I remember when Bill's Gamblin' Hall (formerly Barbary Coast.... which was a better name that did not require apostrophies or ampersands) was a great place to play $5 blackjack. So was Caesars, Aladdin (now Planet Hollywood), the Rio... and the list goes on. As Caesars Entertainment acquired more properties mid-Strip, I found myself on the very northern and southern ends of the Strip.

The funny thing is that it doesn't have to be this way. Casinos can have their cake and eat it, too. They can make the rules slightly better for players, which will drive more people to the tables. They still have an advantage, even with good rules.

Casinos may be worried about card counters. I get this. Make single-deck games 6-5; that's the price you pay if you are going to try to count. Install a constant shuffle machine for multi-deck games and use other measures to ward off card counters. But you are losing an opportunity with the large percentage of us who are not card counters.

The Strip needs blackjack as a staple because it needs the mid-market. If it's going to attract gamblers, it must provide a few decent games with fair rules. The good news is that there are still some places to play $5 and $10 blackjack with good rules, including: Stratosphere, MGM properties, Riviera, downtown, and several of the outskirts casinos (such as Station properties, Orleans, Las Vegas Hilton, etc.).

I encourage you to seek blackjack tables with good rules and to tell anyone who will listen to you to do the same. If you get surveys or have questions about your experience at a casino, comment on the blackjack rules, especially if they are bad. I'm starting a blackjack revolution. Will you join me?

Viva!
Mike

Sahara to Close

Hi Vegas fans,

It's a sad day for low-rollers. The storied Sahara Hotel and Casino on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip is closing May 16th. Until then, it's business as usual, according to the casino.

The casino opened in 1952 and is famous for the Rat Pack days with Sinatra and company. Elvis hung out there in the 60s. In recent years, they built a roller coaster and added NASCAR attractions in an attempt to modernize the property.

The casino is extremely smokey, even by Vegas standards, and attracted grinds with $1 blackjack and other low-minimum games. The floor is dark and cramped. I know I'm not painting an attractive picture of it, but I always liked it. It's hard to capture the charm of this casino, but I always felt comfortable there. It's more like a downtown casino than a Strip joint, and maybe that's why it's had a hard time financially.

The Strip is a tough gig, especially these days when competition is fierce for every tourist dollar. The high-end joints, like Wynn, Palazzo, Bellagio, and Cosmo, are lowering prices to attract more people. Where does that leave the Sahara, the Riv, and the Strat? When they can't attract customers based on price, they lose their edge.

So it begs the question... is there still room on the Strip for the older casinos? Can they compete against the big, new venues with powerful marketing machines? I hope so. One of my favorite aspects of Las Vegas is the variety you get on every street. Whether it's a pyramid, pirates or the tallest tower west of the Mississippi, I'm looking to have fun and be entertained. Well, that and 3-2 blackjack.

Viva Sahara, I will miss you.
Mike

Legalized Online Gambling?

Hi Vegas fans,

Since 2006, online gaming has been illegal. Now that the economy is in a downturn, the government is looking for more ways to make some money, and the online gambling bug is biting. There are, of course, plenty of opponents to this idea. They fear corruption, crime and addiction. All good points.

However, if the government is prepared for these problems, it has a better chance of controlling it. If they eventually decide to legalize gambling, they must set aside money for problems and be sure to have experts help handle them. If the government does nothing, then illegal gaming will continue with all of its inherent problems, and the fed will lose out on some serious revenue potential. There is always a trade off with gaming.

If online gaming does become legal, what does this mean for Vegas? Will visitation go down as people forgo keno for keyboards? Probably not. My guess is that people will continue to visit Vegas for the experience, which you can't get on a computer monitor. They may supplement their trips with online gaming, but for travelers, there's nothing like going to Vegas.

Viva,
Mike

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Hi Vegas fans,

I hope you are enjoying your Labor Day weekend thus far. If you're in Las Vegas - have a blast! I typically don't visit Sin City on holidays to avoid crowds. But visitation numbers are down, so it isn't as crowded as some years.

I encourage everyone to take a break during this 3-day weekend, if you can. And what better way to get away from reality than to visit Vegas? Rates are really reasonable right now, so think about getting away to the most exciting city on the planet. I can think of anything more fun than my trips to Vegas. My countdown is 20 days - just under 3 weeks and I'll be soaking up some blackjack, craps, and rum & cokes. Good times.

Until then, I'll be updating the site and coming up with new ideas for the book. I hope you enjoy all that Simplifying Las Vegas has to offer!

Viva,
Mike

Q & A with John Wilson

Hi Vegas fans,

My friend and fellow blogger John Wilson just returned from Las Vegas with his wife and five month old baby. John’s been to Vegas before, and like me he’s quite the Vegas nut, but this was a little different because it was his first trip with his baby. I sat down with him and asked him about his vacation.

SLV: So, John, you just returned from Vegas with your family. Your posts on whereisjohnwilson.com about traveling to Vegas are really fun and informative. What was the biggest difference for you with a five month old versus traveling without a baby?

JW: About $1,000 not put into a slot machine. In all seriousness, going to Las Vegas with my wife and our new baby was a great deal of fun. It’s a completely different experience, however, than many of your readers may be used to. I spent almost zero time gaming and tons more time resting, sightseeing and taking pictures.

Some highlights of our trip include going to Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon and some sights from TV shows such as The Ultimate Fighter, the World Series of Poker and Pawn Stars.

I think it’s a great place to vacation if you go in knowing it will be different.


SLV: It must have been time-consuming getting from point A to point B. I know you rented a car. What do you think about renting a car in Vegas vs. public transportation?

JW: Renting a car is a great idea unless you’re only staying for a weekend of debauchery. Any more than casino hopping on the South end of the strip would best be served with an automobile. If you add up all the inconvenience of the monorail and the high costs of cabs and include the missed opportunities to visit the locations above, it’s well worth the time and money to get a car.

I have some tips over at the site for getting the best use of your car and some hints for getting around.


SLV: I know you usually stay close to the Strip. But for this trip, you stretched your Vegas legs and went further out than usual. What was that like, and what was your favorite non-Strip excursion?

JW: We stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacations just behind the Sahara. It was a great alternative with the baby. The hotel had its own swimming pool, outdoor bar, grocery store with cold sandwiches and it was only 30 yards from the Hilton Las Vegas. Though we had a car, the monorail station at the Hilton would have been incredibly handy.

The problem with the North end of the strip, as commented in your most recent post, is its relative “deadness” compared to its brethren to the South. My take on the issue with this end of the Strip is the distance between hotels. It’s a long walk with not much to look at between. Even though it takes forever to walk from the Bellagio, past Caesars to the Mirage, there are ton of people, things and shenanigans to keep you interested. North of Encore, it’s pretty sleepy til you get to the Sahara.

I think you nailed it about the Sahara’s secret to longevity. I consider myself a pretty decent poker player. I get pot and implied odds, I play tight aggressive, etc – and I always play at the Sahara. There are some very nice poker rooms all over the Strip – but the 2/4 Limit HE at Sahara is always full of very nice tourists acting as calling-station ATMs. The strong drinks, $1 blackjack and $3 roulette keep the place full.


SLV: It was pretty danged hot when you were in Vegas. What were some of the ways you beat the heat?

JW: Because of our son, we took LOTS of naps. One piece of advice for folks taking their family traveling from the East Coast is to never bother getting off of Eastern Standard Time. We did more before 9am (and before it was 300 degrees) than most people do all day. All of the casinos are open, no one is getting in your way (or grabbing your baby’s cheeks) and there are virtually no lines.

The weather while we were there stayed around 104 most of the time, with 0% humidity. Living in South Carolina, I thought 104 with no humidity was a cool day. We walked around for hours and never worked up a sweat. We always had tons of extra water to keep us all cool throughout the day.

Thanks John... I'm sure you're already looking forward to your next trip to Vegas.
Viva,
Mike

Las Vegas Hilton - What's Next?

There are some changes to the lineup of shows at the Las Vegas Hilton. Namely, Voices and Sin City Bad Girls are out. This is not a huge surprise. The Hilton has been shopping for an identity for a while. Barry Manilow left to go to Paris earlier this year. So they have been trying to usher in new shows and capture a younger, hipper crowd from the Strip. This might prove difficult.

The Hilton is just far enough off the Strip that it's going to take some nifty advertising to get the usual Strip crowd over there. Think of it this way: if I'm staying at TI or Caesars, and I have all of these great clubs, restaurants, casinos, and shows within walking distance, why would I want to go to the Hilton? If I'm booking a trip to Vegas, why would I stay there?

They basically have two options to try to draw people away from mid-Strip: price or unique atmosphere. Because Las Vegas is suffering from a down economy, the Hilton probably won't attract people based on price. Places like the Flamingo or the Imperial Palace will be able to match them and maybe beat them. As far as a unique experience, that's also a tough sell when the Strip continually ups the ante with more fun and excitement than you can shake a stick at.

So the Hilton seems to be in the same limbo as many North Strip hotels. The Riviera filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. The Stardust is gone. The Frontier is gone.

Now there are exceptions. The Sahara is holding on, but they have a few things going for them. One, they are on the Monorail path. Two, they have good gambling promotions (dollar blackjack, affordable poker, etc.). Circus Circus is part of MGM, and they have the whole circus thing going on, so they are different.

But what's to become of these properties? I don't know. If I had to venture a guess, I'd say that some will be purchased, possibly razed, and re-opened as new, hip casinos to look like their mid-Strip counterparts. Here's the thing that baffles me. It doesn't have to be this way. These properties north of Sahara Avenue could be a haven for the average Joe and Jane traveler to Vegas. Here's how I think it could work for them:

1. Use the Sahara as a model and offer inexpensive gaming with good rules. You'll beat Harrah's properties every time.
2. Don't try to beat mid-Strip properties at their own game. You're not about clubs, fancy-pants restaurants, and giant suites. You're about affordable rooms, good gaming, fun, and Las Vegas class. Bring back some old Vegas because people still want to see that. Nostalgia is a powerful drug, even for people who didn't experience it the first time around.
3. Join forces. This worked for downtown when they built the Fremont Street Experience. It could work for you, too. Put your heads together and offer something that nobody else has.

The first two times I visited Las Vegas, I stayed at the Riviera and the Hilton, respectively. I had so much fun that I continued to return to Las Vegas. Going on 18 years now, as a matter of fact. I stay at different places these days, depending on deals, who I'm going with, and so on. I would love to see these properties return to their former glory. Or even a new glory.

As dealers say to me when they push the chips to me, good luck!

Viva,

Mike

Vegas 2009: A Look Back

Hi Vegas fans,

Well, it's getting closer to New Year's. And I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the past year and look ahead a little bit. It was a difficult time for Vegas in many ways, but in true Vegas fashion, the city endures. Here are some of the stories I wrote about this year:

• Folies Bergere closed in March after 50 years at the Trop. I saw it about 7 years ago and enjoyed it very much. It was a Vegas classic.
• Danny Gans, only 52 years old, died suddenly on May 1st. He was a talented impressionist and a Vegas headliner at the Mirage for years. He will be missed.
• The Hangover was released in June. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I mean, I could see myself in these guys. I hope one of my close buddies decides to get married soon so I can throw a bachelor party in Vegas. The movie is now out on DVD and Blue-ray.
• Lance Burton re-ups at Monte Carlo. This is one of those cases where you can't believe everything you read. Rumors floated for a while that once Lance's contract came to an end, contract negotiations would not work out and Lance would not return. Not true. Not only is Lance back, but his contract is for 6 years, and all parties seem happy with the deal.
• Mike Tyson marries at La Bella. Maybe he was reacting to the high coming off his part in The Hangover.
• Bob Stupak died at the age of 67 after a long illness. Bob epitomized the Vegas entrepreneurial spirit. I think of him every time I go to the Strat, which is a lot.
• Charo fell and put her show on hiatus. Just one of the many show closings for the struggling Riv this year, which is having financial trouble but still afloat. What will 2010 hold for it? I hope it hangs on.
• Wayne Newton is back! His Once Before I Go tour is at the Trop. See him now before he retires.
• Simplifying Las Vegas 2010 available on PDF and Kindle. And I got on the social media bandwagon with Facebook and Twitter. Who knew. And the website got a facelift, too. Hard work, good fun. Thanks for coming along with me!
  
• CityCenter opened in December, and wow is it big and upscale! You've got a lot of stuff going on in one space: Vdara, Aria, Harmon, Mandarin Oriental, and Crystals retail center. And you thought the economy was bad. And speaking of...

I also reported on the economy and its impact on Las Vegas, of course. And while the pundits predict, the oft-quoted Mark Twain bit rings in my head: "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." Indeed. Vegas is alive. It may not be well, but I think that's temporary, and it's certainly showing signs of rebounding.

Looking ahead to 2010

People work hard. Too hard. They need a break from reality. Vegas accomodates. It's really that simple. Casino execs look at all kinds of numbers (comp values, player averages, etc.) and focus on target markets (whales, promotions to high rollers, and so on) because they have to, but I think sometimes they miss the bigger picture.

People like to have fun on vacation. They like to be treated like royalty whether they are playing nickle slots or $1000/hand blackjack. Everyone likes to win, but most of us going to Vegas know that it's risky business. So, we take what we can afford to lose, and we want to be entertained while we're there. Vegas does a very good job of this overall, which is why I continue to return.

But sometimes the chain properties get very big for their britches, and when they expand, they try to squeeze every dime. 6:5 blackjack is a good example. Think about how many empty pits you have. Would you rather make a little bit of money from many 3:2 full tables, or a moderate amount from half-empty 6:5 tables. I'm just sayin'.

So, casino execs, I hope you take this into consideration in 2010. Make sure your dealers are fun and entertaining, cocktail waitresses are bringing drinks a-plenty, the casino is clean and has at least some games where the odds aren't terrible (i.e 3:2 blackjack), hotel rooms have fluffy towels, the buffet is freshened often, and the check-in line doesn't stretch to Henderson. That's pretty much it. The rest is details.

It's part of my philosophy: simplify, simplify, simplify. Well, that and diet & exercise.

Here's to a prosperous 2010 for all you Vegas nuts (like me) out there. Thank you so much for a wonderful year.

Viva,
Mike

My Holiday Wish List

Hi Vegas Fans,

I'm very fortunate this year, and I really can't think of things that I need or want for the holidays. I realize how lucky I am.

So, I'm making a wish list for Las Vegas this year. If I had three wishes for my favorite city, here's what they would be:

1. CityCenter opens to great fanfare and thrives for years to come. I think this city within a city is going to be a lot of fun, create a lot of excitement, and be profitable for a long time. Best wishes!

2. Harrah's sets an example for excellence in hotel/casino properties. They certainly have the potential. They have a lot of real estate in the city. Right now, I don't find them particularly appealing (see my Open Letter in the SLV Forums). Now I've stayed at the Flamingo, and I think it's a nice property at a good price, especially considering it is mid-Strip. However, if they want to be world-class, they can do much more for their guests. Think customer service. Think hard. And, finally, please bring back 3-2 blackjack. Please.

3. Property owners realize that Las Vegas is a mix of old school, new school, and hip cool, and they embrace these differences. There's no need to continually rebuild a resort to look like everyone else's. Now pulling up the old carpets and refurbishing the hotel rooms is fine. But don't put a nightclub in your joint that resembles the one down the block, especially if that's not your style.

For example, the Riv is a great old place with good rooms and low-minimum gambling. If they put in a rooftop bar or a fancy-shmancy restaurant, it wouldn't look right. What if instead they did something like an old saloon (think swinging bar doors, player piano, bar tenders with the old West costumes, etc.). Or an old saloon with a new twist (think swinging bar doors and gas lamp lights, but hot bartenders, a big dance floor, etc.). How about an elegant restaurant with black-and-white pictures of the Strip and good steaks instead of an ultra-modern eatery with Pan-Asian cuisine?

Embrace who you are and your clientele will respect that.

Only 10 more shopping days till Christmas, so get hopping, Las Vegas!
Viva,
Mike

Vegas Economy

Recent activity in Vegas makes me wonder. When will it turn around? Or will it turn around at all? Just in the past week, here are some closing/closed victims, from Las Vegas Advisor news:

- Steve Wyrick Theater in the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood
- Bill's Lake Tahoe
- Ice at Riviera
- Aqua Lounge and Aqua Pit at the Plaza
- Rub BBQ and other barbecue restaurants

In addition, many Vegas numbers are not encouraging. Housing and gaming revenues continue to decline.

What's a gambler to do? Well, aside from going to Vegas (when I go, I make frequent deposits at the craps and blackjack tables), I'd say don't panic, don't spread rumors, think positive, and wait it out. Here are some signs that all hope is not lost:

- City Center: this huge project is built on the shoulders of MGM, folks who know a thing or two about the hotel/casino biz. And this is in the Big New Vegas style - an expensive, high-end combination of hotels, shopping and gaming.

- Visitors: Numbers are starting to inch up every-so-slightly. A lot of bargain hunters are going to Vegas right now, and I think they will start encouraging others to go, too.

- Creative Promotion: Vegas is constantly reinventing itself. And when the chips look like they are down, the Convention and Visitors Authority kicks it up a notch.

Vegas also understands the market. I've been wondering for years if Vegas (specifically the Strip) is pricing itself out of the low and mid-range gambler market. Think about the last few completed projects: Encore, Palazzo, and City Center are not built for the average Joe. These joints are not getting rich from the grinds playing $5 blackjack or nickle slots. They need whales with deep pockets (think Larry Flint) who can change the bottom line for a whole financial quarter.

Does this mean that us weekend six packers are out of luck? No - there's still plenty of opportunities for us and always will be, even when the economy picks up.

First of all, there are still places on the Strip that you can find good low-minimum games and entertainment, such as the Stratosphere, Riviera, Circus Circus, and Sahara on the North end of town and the Excalibur and Tropicana on the South Strip. For a few more dollars, you can spend some time at Luxor, MGM Grand, and NY NY. These last three properties are all owned by MGM - a solid corporation that will be in Vegas for along time, catering to everyone from the high end to the spendthrift (that's me) travelers.

Then there's downtown and surrounding areas. Now while the Plaza, Binion's and some of the other carpet joints are suffering, it's not because there's not a market for lower-minimum clientele. The places that are cutting back and closing have razor-thin margins and can't afford it when the competition offers good deals. In the long run, this will either help them, provided they can afford to make more of an investment in their properties, or it will shut their doors and open opportunities for someone else.

Either way, the economy traveler will still have a place to call home. Of course, I'll still peak in to City Center to see how the other half lives. Looking is still free.

Viva,
Mike

Vegas and New Year's

Hi Vegas fans,

Recently, a friend asked me about going to Las Vegas for New Year's Eve. While I've never hit the Strip on NYE, I have heard and read about how crowded and nuts it is during the whole holiday weekend. I typically don't mind people crowds, but car traffic tends to get my blood pressure way up there, so I would avoid driving in Vegas during this holiday.

Speaking of "way up there," rates tend to be higher during the holidays, but considering they've dropped significantly due to the economy, you can probably still find a reasonable room rate. Word of advice? Book now if you haven't already! Rates will only increase the longer you wait, and even last-minute deals won't be discounted.

The Strip is closed to traffic on NYE, and the hotels put on quite a fireworks display. Typically properties will also be closed during this time to everyone but registered guests, so make sure you have your room key with you.

If you don't want to deal with the Strip, there are plenty of great off-Strip hotels where you can enjoy a great Vegas vacation. Consider somewhere like the Rio or the Palms. Downtown is also an option, but Fremont Street will be crazy packed - one of the only drawbacks of having all of the properties centrally located.

Be patient and plan to wait - either in traffic, in line for the buffet, or at a club. This may be one time to visit Vegas with less of an itinerary and more of a "go with the flow" concept. If you're flexible, you will still have a good time, but you may not get to do everything on your list.

Overall, is it worth going to Vegas during New Year's? Well, you know my motto... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

2010 Simplifying Las Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

I bet you've been wondering "Where has Mike been?" Well, I've been writing. Not for this blog, obviously, but for the 2010 Kindle version of my travel guide. It was a lot of work - more than I thought - but certainly worth it. There are probably a few things that I would change, but that's the way it goes. Life is a draft.

And I wanted to get this one done and posted to Amazon soon so that travelers can enjoy it as they prepare their 2010 trips to Sin City. It will take a few days - perhaps Monday it will be available on Amazon. I can't wait to download it to my Kindle.

I also can't wait to update the PDF version and the website. Even though the economy is in the pooper, there is still lots going on in Vegas - new shows, resorts, clubs and more. I always learn so much when I write and update the guide. It's quite an adventure.

I hope you enjoy it as well. I'll have more about the new PDF and updates to the website soon, but for now I am basking. Basking in Simplifying Las Vegas 2010.

Viva,
Mike

Wayne Newton is back!

Hi Vegas fans and Wayniacs,

Mr. Las Vegas is planning his Once Before I Go tour at the Tropicana, beginning October 14th. They are on sale now, and you can call the Trop (800-829-9034)or visit their website (www.Tropicanalv.com) for tickets.

Ya gotta give the guy credit... 67 years old, 50 years in the biz, and he's still at it. This may be his last tour, but who knows. People come out of retirement all the time.

Whether you like Mr. Newton or not, this is a fantastic opportunity to see a Vegas legend.

Viva,
Mike

Vegas and the Economy

Hi Vegas Fans,

My buddy Steve just sent me this article, which discusses gaming revenues as they relate to Vegas and other cities that are planning on reviving their economies with casinos.

I think he's very accurate and provides some good insight.
Your thoughts? Discuss...
Viva,
Mike