Showing posts with label fun trips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun trips. Show all posts

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Flamingo Website

Hi Vegas fans,

As you know, I tend to rail on Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CEC) for a few main reasons. First, their table games typically have horrible rules, especially for us average Joes. Second, they try to build consistency and brand recognition but in doing so have taken unique properties and turned them into blah. Finally, navigating (and even looking at) CEC websites is a painful experience.

For a major corporation who has a stake in all things Vegas, they sure don't make their sites very appealing. Remember your dad's old paisley ties that were wide enough to be bibs? Remember how you wanted to hurl when he kept wearing those well into this decade? That's how I typically respond to CEC websites.

However, I like to be a positive person. I like to give credit where credit is due. I like to avoid hurling. So here it goes.

The Flamingo website contains a cool video on the home page that makes me think maybe, just maybe CEC is starting to turn it around. Now, granted, it's a modest little video that only lasts about 30 seconds, so it's not like it's going to win a Webbie or anything. But it's good. Be sure to watch it (at 30 seconds, you can't go wrong), but here's a synopsis:

It begins with an old station wagon, complete with a radio (not a stereo with a CD player or Auxiliary jack for your MP3 player, just a radio that you tune to stations) and an old analog clock. It drives into the desert, and then you see the sparkle of a pool. The familiar Flamingo sign is out of focus, but you can see the classic Vegas neon lights, and you know we're getting closer. Then, some beautiful women. Of course. A woman puts on her lipstick, then there's scenes of them by the pool. The Flamingo sign comes into focus. Then, fellas in sunglasses are enjoying a drink. Everyone looks happy. Then the station wagon drives off into the sunset.

What's so great about this? Here's what I like about it:
  • It's perfect for the web. They pack a ton of good stuff in half a minute. Lots of good images, cool music, and few spoken words. Even with the sound down, this is a fun video to watch.


  • It blends the modern and the classic. It's in black-and-white, but yet you get a sense of modernism through the pool and the young folks enjoying drinks.


  • It has character. This is what I'm craving from CEC. Nowhere in the video does the narrator say "Flamingo" or "Caesars" but you know when he's talking about "a place" he means that the Flamingo has always been a Vegas staple. That's their niche - Ben Siegel and pink flamingos. 1946 and a cool pool. Showgirls and art deco. Now blend that with modern Las Vegas and you have something.


And that's the feeling I get from the video, in a nutshell. The guys driving the station wagon aren't just going to meet some gals. They are going to meet some gals in Vegas, and they're going to have fun at a classic stop on the Strip. Bingo.

Now, if they would only change their blackjack tables to pay 3:2 instead of 6:5 in the 6 deck shoes, I might just play there....
Viva,
Mike

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Updates to Simplifying Las Vegas Home Page

Hi Vegas fans,

For me, the first step to updating the website always starts with the Home page. The other day I was looking at the cool photos on the SLV Flickr group. I saw one that I really liked from Christine Holm, so I asked her if I could use it. She was more than happy to have it on the site, so now it's the feature photo. Be sure to check out Christine's other work on her Etsy store or her Facebook page.

I will be making some other modifications to the site soon. Revising the site is a lot of research but a ton of fun, and it always is a springboard to update my travel guide. I hope you enjoy the changes!
Viva,
Mike

Saturday, May 28, 2011

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

Monday, May 23, 2011

"Bridesmaids" Didn't Leave Me with a Hangover

Hi Vegas fans,

Before you think this blog post is a movie review, I want you to just hang with me here for a minute. Ok - so I went to see Bridesmaids with my wife. She picked this one. I picked the last movie - Everything Must Go starring Will Ferrell.

Rotten Tomatoes gave Bridesmaids an 89% fresh rating, and it has been billed as "the next Hangover." It had its moments, and a few raunchy scenes, but for me it really didn't live up to the expectations. And it's not because it wasn't set in Vegas or because my wife picked it. We tend to like the same movies, and I really trust her judgement.

But we tend to disagree on one aspect of movies: ratings. She follows Rotten Tomatoes pretty closely, and that's why she picked this movie. I do not follow the tomatometer. Here's why. They gave Secretariat only a 64% fresh rating. Worse, they gave Sense and Sensibility with Hugh Grant a 98% fresh rating. I liked Secretariat and thought it was a heart-warming but not over-the-top movie and gave me more than what I expected from a Disney flick - much better than a 64% rating. On the other hand, I'd rather stick my head in a vat of boiling grease and bob for day-old onion rings rather than see Sense and Sensibility. I have two very simple but strict rules about movies:

1. A movie shall not have Hugh Grant in it.
2. A move shall not be adopted by anything written by Jane Austin.

Those are my requirements. I don't need a fresh or rotten meter to tell me how great or how lousy a movie is. I just need to see a few coming attractions and read what the movie is about in order to determine whether or not I want to see it. Most of the time, I'm not disappointed. I'm sure you have your requirements, too, and I bet they have nothing to do with critics.

Ask yourself this question: how many times have you been to a movie that the critics loved but you hated? How about the opposite: how many times have you been to a movie that the critics didn't treat kindly but you liked?

But I digress. What does all of this have to do with Vegas? After all, I promised this was not going to be about movies. Well, here you go: don't trust ratings. You'll read lots of critics who review Vegas shows, restaurants, and so on. They all have opinions. Some of them will like stuff you hate, and others will hate stuff you like. You need to know what your Hugh Grants and Secretariats are. Then make up your mind.

Think about it this way - if the critics aren't always right, and you blow $35 or more on a movie (you're taking a date and buying popcorn), you're gonna be mildly tiffed that you spent hard-earned dollars on someone else's opinions. How are you gonna feel if you do the same thing on a much more expensive vacation to Las Vegas?

That's why my travel guide offers you something different. It has categories of information and provides you with a lot of context for what you need to decide about how you can have an awesome time in Vegas. And I've got a lot of work to do to update it for 2012. But that's for another blog post...

Viva,
Mike

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Vegas Numbers

Hi Vegas fans,

Today I have a bunch of numbers to talk about, beginning with a report from the Las Vegas Advisor:
  • 5.6 percent: the increase in total Las Vegas visitors in March 2011 compared to March 2010
  • 19.2 percent: room rate increase
  • 4 months: that's how long revenues on the Strip were on the decline, until March
  • 3 years: March saw the highest take from blackjack since 2008

That last one doesn't surprise me. I helped increase the blackjack intake in April for Strip properties. But despite my outcome, I'm happy that things are starting to look up again for Las Vegas. It's about time! I hope the good news continues.

Here are some other numbers, brought to you by the good folks at Simplifying Las Vegas (that's me):
Thanks for all your support, Vegas fans! Please continue to visit this blog and my site and let me know if you have comments or questions. And, of course, continue to... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,
Mike

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Viva Las Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

Here's a snapshot of our recent trip to the Strip. Steve and I had a blast, regardless of the fact that we lost some cash. Notice that the picture only shows us from the waist up. That's because we lost our pants. Ha! Just kidding.

I really had a great time. It's nice to escape from reality, if only for a little while. Part of the fun for me is that Steve and I go way back. Friends that gamble together stay together.

We checked out the Cosmo for the first time on this trip. Steve played some blackjack (and lost). It played it safe by just taking pictures. What a really fun place to hang out. It's really upscale, but unlike a lot of modern casinos, it's not difficult to navigate. I think the reason is that they built it "up" instead of creating a sprawling, 100 mile casino floor to roam until your feet ache.

We also saw a Dodgers game, and I cashed one of my only successful sports tickets. I had the Dodgers winning and also a second bet on the run line (Dodgers - 1 1/2 runs). They held on to win 7-5, which made the drive back to Vegas much nicer.

I'll be looking at another five day adventure within a few months, but until then I have a lot of work to do. I'm going to be making updates to the book and the site soon. I've just updated the Gambling tab on the website with a thought I had when Steve and I were losing money at the tables. It's a light, fun read, so take a look and let me know what you think.

Until then, remember... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Flying Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease

Hi Vegas fans,

For those of you who fly to Sin City, you'll appreciate this article about America's Meanest Airlines. I have flown just about all of those major airlines, and I can tell you it's an accurate report. I now fly Southwest, new to my area, and I'm very pleased. It's a great airline with a spectacular business model.

I was surprised they issued paper tickets, and I am assuming this is because they are new to my city. However, even that was not a huge deal. I did have a problem retrieving my confirmation number (which only appeared on paperwork they sent me, but not on the ticket) versus my reservation number. When I wanted to check in 24 hours before my flight, I did not have all of my paperwork. My efforts to find my confirmation number online proved difficult, and I had to call to get it. Other than that, Southwest made my flight easy and enjoyable. Here are some highlights of my recent Southwest and airport adventures:
  • Southwest is fun. Flight attendants are funny and one even sang on my flight, making it an enjoyable experience for passengers.
  • For those of you not familiar with Southwest, boarding is different. You don't have an assigned seat, you just have a spot in an area. Then passengers board the plane and sit where they want. You'd think mass chaos would ensue, but it doesn't.
  • Southwest planes seem to have a little more room to me than others. And they serve normal size snacks, not those tiny pretzels that other airlines throw at you.
  • I love the charging stations available at most Southwest gates now. I charged my iPad and got online with free WiFi at the airports.
  • Two "first time EVER" situations for me: 1. The first leg of my flight arrived right next to the gate to my connection. No running through the airport, dragging a bag, getting on a train to another terminal. Nice. 2. I had a non-stop flight home where I just stayed on the plane. With Southwest, this was nice because I could move up and sit in one of the best seats on the plane. Little things like this make me happy.
  • Coming home, I went through one of McCarran's body scanners. When the TSA agent said, "remove ALL items from your pockets" that was no problem. But when he said, "remove your belts," I had to hold up my pants. This made it difficult when I was in the chamber and the agent said, put your hands up above your head and bend your elbows. I was afraid that everyone in McCarran airport was about to get a free showing of my boxers (plaid), but fortunately my pants stayed up. Barely.

Overall, traveling gets easier for me every year as I learned how to deal with airlines and airports. For me, the first step is picking my flights. I know when to fly into Vegas how busy the airport will be, how long the check-in line at the rental car and hotel will be, and so on. I'm ready for it. I also have learned that less is more in my suitcase, patience is a key, and most importantly, arrive early to the airport.

When leaving Vegas, I always leave my hotel 2 hours before my flight is scheduled to depart. If I get through security quickly and to my gate an hour early, so be it. I'll sift through my pictures and try to remember what happened on my trip. And then plan the next one.

Hope your next flight is safe and easy. And remember, for the love of all that is good and holy, ensure your seat back and folding tray are in their full upright positions.

Viva,
Mike

Monday, March 28, 2011

Final Four Madness

Hi Vegas fans,

Whether your brackets are busted or you are hanging on by a thread, it's always fun to watch the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments and pull for your teams. This year, I had two brackets for the men's tournament.

In my office bracket, I picked some big upsets (VCU beating G'town and Richmond beating Morehead St to reach the round of 16) but my brackets started to fall apart after that. My final four in that bracket are Kentucky, Connecticut, Kansas and Kansas St. I have Kansas beating UConn in the final. I'm in 3rd place there, and I don't think I have a chance to win it (haven't seen the other contestants' final four teams yet.

In my other bracket, run by my brother-in-law, I have the same final four, but in this one I have Kentucky beating Kansas in the final. This past weekend, a very specific scenario would ensure me a win regardless of what happens in the final four: Butler had to beat Florida, UConn had to win over Arizona, VCU had to topple Kansas, and Kentucky needed to secure the W over UNC. So you could imagine my surprise and utter jubilation when all four of those things happened. It was like my own magical mini-tournament.

College basketball - gotta love it. You never know what's gonna happen. I'll be in Vegas for the final four, and no matter who I bet on, it'll be quite a great experience watching the games knowing that I've already secured a win in one of my two pools!

Viva,
Mike

Monday, March 21, 2011

You Know You're a Vegas Nut When...

Hi Vegas fans,

This falls under the category of "certified Vegas nut." If I see Vegas-related stuff on TV, I watch it.

Now before you picture me on the couch, drinking a Colt 45 in my boxers with my hand in the pork rind bag, I want to clarify that I don't watch a lot of TV. But upon my return from the gym tonight (see... no booze or snack foods) I have found myself watching "Pawn Stars" on the History Channel. Last night it was "Undercover Boss" on CBS, which was about MGM Grand President and CEO Scott Sibella. Very touching show - I like Sibella.

I guess writing a Vegas travel guide also falls into the category of fanatic. What about you? I'd love to hear about what makes you a Vegas nut...

Viva,
Mike

Sunday, March 20, 2011

eBooks and Apps

I love apps. I've been playing with my iPad and discovering all kinds of fun stuff, especially Vegas-related. Apps are fun, cool and interactive. Perfect for small, mobile devices for people on the go.

Of course, I love eBooks, too, but they're different. eBooks contain more content and fewer features. The content might consist of words, pictures or maps, but the interaction doesn't work the same way as an app.

Obviously, there's a difference between reading/searching a book and surfing an app. There's a purpose for each. If I want to see photos of the Bellagio fountains and locate them on the Strip, then an app is great. Maybe I can read a review of them and see what time the shows run, too. So the app provides a snapshot of Vegas while you're there and gives you snippets of information. Which is great.

On the other hand, a good travel guide gives you a different experience. It connects the dots with a story. Now I don't mean a literal story, but rather one that arms you with information that you can use when you plan your trip and also use as content you can search while you are there.

Here's an example. Suppose I'm planning my trip to Vegas and I've decided that I'm going to see the volcano at Mirage because I haven't seen it in a while. I'm also a blackjack player, so I want to know what to expect at the tables. I know I'll only be in Vegas 3 days, so I want to explore as much mid-Strip as I can without having to take a taxi or spend a lot of time wearing out my shoes trying to find an Italian restaurant or a Cirque du Soleil show. By the way, my wife's coming with me, and she's going to want to shop, too.

That's my story, and whether I'm planning these things a month before I'm in Vegas or when I arrive at McCarran airport, it's the story that a good travel guide can help me tell, and it can do it comprehensively, in one format.

Maybe there's room for both apps and eBooks in this crazy new world. With free Kindle and Nook apps for the iPhone and iPad, you can have your travel guide at your fingertips. So while you're searching for "volcano" within your Vegas travel guide on your iPhone to see what time it erupts, you can also see that there's a free tram to take you to TI so you can see Mystere. You'll also see on a good map that there's a pedestrian bridge to take you over to the Venetian so you can spend some non-gambling money at the Grand Canal Shoppes. Oh, and if you want to spend some money gambling, your travel guide will remind you to find a 3-2 blackjack table and stay away from those 6-5 tables.

In any event, make sure that you tell your own story (even if you make it up) the next time you... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Thursday, March 17, 2011

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

Saturday, March 12, 2011

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

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

You Pad, We Pad, All Vegas Fans Can iPad!

Hi Vegas fans,

In case you haven't guessed, I recently purchased an iPad. I'd been looking for an excuse to buy one, and this year's income tax refund sealed the deal. It's quite a fun tablet, and it's so easy to use. It's light and surprisingly fast. It has fun games for free and stores a ton of iTunes music and photos. Great stuff.

One main reason I bought an iPad is to use when I travel to Vegas. I don't like lugging around a laptop through the airport and up to the hotel. And my Kindle just doesn't quite cut it when I need to do a lot of surfing online. Plus I can download the Kindle and Nook apps for the iPad, which allow me to read my books on one device.

With the iPad, I can get online quickly. If I don't want to pay for a hotel's wireless connection, I can go to a nearby Starbucks or other hot spot to get service. I'm not online a lot in Vegas, so it's not like I'd be dependent on the connection, but it's nice to have.

I will also find it useful on the plane. Between blackjack games, music and movies, I'll be able to pass the time faster and have a lot more fun. I can also read my travel guide and get really excited about my trip. While I have time to read on the plane, I'll also probably come up with some good ideas to modify it.

Some folks just need a smart phone. Others take a Kindle or a Nook to read on vacation. And some travelers will bring their laptops with them to Vegas. For me, the iPad is a win-win!

Viva,
Mike

Sunday, February 20, 2011

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

Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine's Day

Hi Vegas lovers,

Don't forget today is Valentine's Day. Give that special someone in your life an extra hug. Even if it's your dog or cat. Hopefully it's a little less fuzzy than that.

Here's another idea. Book a romantic getaway to Vegas for the two of you. Yes, just the two of you. You deserve it. And Vegas is a great place for lovebirds. Try Paris - go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and look out over the city. You can see the Bellagio fountain show from there, too, which is another romantic site.

Go see a show together. Any of the Cirque shows are great for couples - from the daring and sexy Zuamanity at NY NY to the visually stunning Ka at MGM Grand to the Beatles Love at Mirage.

Rekindle your zest for each other. Vegas has a lot of options in this category, from the mild (like the Sirens at TI) to the medium (Peepshow at Planet Hollywood) to the wild (let's just say if you can dream it, Vegas can make it happen... for the right price).

Whatever you do today, I hope you enjoy love, whether you are with someone special or just doing something nice for yourself.

Viva,
Mike

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Myth of "Touristy"

Hi Vegas fans,

I read a very good article in the New York Times today about a travel writer's first visit to Las Vegas. Matt Gross describes the path most travel writers try to take when they visit new cities: the "locals" route. This is a decidedly different method than the majority of people take: the "tourist" route.

Living in Charleston for many years has taught me the difference. When you live in a city that people visit frequently, there is some sort of "code" that we all have to follow. Residents shall not go to places that the tourists go, and tourists search out all the things that the locals do. I'm not really sure why. For one thing, I can tell you that many a Charlestonian enjoys when family visits so that they can go to the downtown historic section of the city and "play tourist" in their own town.

My point is this: the touristy parts of a city and the locals only corners are all part of the puzzle. In Las Vegas, the Strip and Fremont Street are fun and fantastic. So are Four Kegs and the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas and M Resort. There's no shame in liking the "touristy" parts of town, whether you are a tourist or a life-long resident.

I think Gross puts it quite nicely when he describes his transition from the outskirts to Las Vegas Boulevard:
The 'real' Las Vegas I’d been exploring was a diversion from another, just as real version: the Sin City of the Strip, the crowds, the resorts, the gambling.
Absolutely.
Viva,
Mike

Saturday, February 5, 2011

It Takes All Kinds

Hi Vegas fans,

I learned recently that the Digiscrap-apalooza conference will be in Vegas at the Riviera the same time that Steve and I will be there. In case you don't know (and I didn't), this is for scrap book fanatics. Not exactly something we would get excited about, but it got me thinking.

There's this Big Game this weekend (Super Bowl XLV), and although Vegas will be packed with football fans this weekend, it's not everyone's cup o' joe. It takes all kinds.

People go to Vegas for all different kinds of reasons, but it seems clear to me that it's a great gathering place, whether you are watching a sporting event, having a reunion, getting married... I could go on. Bottom line: when people think of "fun" and more specifically "over-the-top fun," Vegas often comes to mind. Viva Digiscrap-apalooza.

So whether you are watching the game in Vegas this weekend or at home or at a bar or at a friend's house, or whether you are knitting or baby-sitting or doing a crossword puzzle, whether you have never been to Vegas or whether you are going for you 100th time, remember my motto: Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Enjoy your weekend.
Viva,
Mike

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Classic Las Vegas


Hi Vegas aficionados,

Steve and I will be staying at the Riviera on our next trip. We've stayed there a few times, including on our very first trip back circa 1992. What a blast - we were just kids then, really. We really didn't know what to expect, but we had fun playing $2 blackjack and craps, even at the high-end places like Caesars and the Mirage. Back then, Caesars was a great place to gamble. Lots of tables, bonuses for things like 6-7-8 blackjack (not a side bet, a bonus!). Those days are gone.

My favorite venue was the Stardust. Even back then, it was kind of old and starting to show its age. But the blackjack tables were a blast, and the dealers were friendly. Above is a picture of me with one - her name was Penny and she was really funny. Great dealer.

Las Vegas still has some awesome, professional dealers, even if the bonus deals are long gone. That's one of the reasons I still enjoy visiting Las Vegas. The dealers really make the experience worthwhile. Well, the dealers and the cocktail waitresses.

The good news is that if you come across one that you don't like, you can just switch tables. Who needs Grumpy the Dealer? I've added some more ideas on blackjack tables and dealers on the Gaming tab, and I'd love to hear your thoughts, too. So please feel free to post some comments about good and bad experiences at the tables in Las Vegas.

Viva,
Mike

Saturday, January 29, 2011

E-Book Readers

Hi Vegas fans,

E-books are continuing to gain popularity, which is great news for those of us who travel. Last year, I predicted that Apple's iPad would basically eliminate amazon.com's Kindle and prevent the launch of barnesandnoble.com's Nook. How wrong I was! The iPad is a great tablet, but it looks like anyone who wants to primarily read books is buying either a 3rd generation Kindle or a Nook.

The good news for travelers is that any of these devices is better than stuffing a bunch of paperbacks or hard cover books into your luggage or carry-on bag when you are flying. And when you are in Vegas, e-readers are light, easy to read and make it so much easier to find the information you want. Or, if you like to sit by the pool and relax with a book, it's great to have a device like the Kindle, which is easy to read even in direct sunlight.

There are a lot of these devices on the market now, but all reviews I've read note that the Kindle and Nook are the best when comparing features head to head. Here are a few sites I've visited when looking at e-book readers:

Many reviews point out that the iPad and the Kindle different, so comparing them is kind of and apples and oranges argument. I agree. It depends on what you want in a device, and how much you're willing to pay for it.

However, I will make one final note about these readers. Both amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com have free downloads for apps that you can use for your mobile phone, iPad or computer. So, if you're looking for one device to "do it all" and you don't mind spending a little more (base price $500), the iPad may be the way to go because you can get Kindle and Nook books on it.

Whatever your electronic fix, make your life easier the next time you are traveling and consider an electronic book if you are looking for a Vegas guide. The book you choose should provide easy navigation, quick links and a lot of information because, after all, e-books all weigh the same.

Viva,
Mike

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Super Bowl XLV

Hi Vegas fans,

The early line on the Super Bowl game has the Packers favored by 3 points. It will probably go down in the next week, and some experts expect the line to close around Packers by 1.5 points. If I was a gambling man, I'd take the Steelers. In fact, I think Pittsburgh will win by a touchdown. Wait, I am a gambling man!

Although I'm a long-suffering Vikings fan, I hold no grudges against the Pack. In fact, the last time I was in Vegas, I placed a wager on the Packers (I think they were favored by a few points) versus the Bears at Chicago. But the result? Not good. The Cheeseheads had the game won several times over but were called for penalties that opened the door just wide enough for the Bears to pull it out with a last second field goal.

My buddy Steve and I watched the game at Blondie's in Planet Hollywood. Regardless of our frustration (we both bet on Green Bay), we had a good time. Blondie's is a fun place to watch a game, and numerous waitresses in cheerleader outfits were kind enough to allow me to take their pictures with Steve. All good, goofy fun. And, after all, he's a single guy.

Speaking of cheerleaders, I have read some rather disappointing news about the Big Game. Because neither the Packers or Steelers have cheerleading squads, we won't see skirts (or short-shorts) at the Super Bowl, which will be a first in the game's history. And hopefully a last.

Viva,
Mike