Hi Vegas fans,
I read a great article this afternoon on Yahoo called Stop Asking What Your Waiter Likes. It's Pointless. It's a very short article, and I encourage you to read it. It really hits home and confirms the major premise of my book: you know what you like, so don't let other people tell you what is "good" or "bad" about something for which you are going to spend your hard-earned money.
In Simplifying Las Vegas 2014, I share my ideas and tips, including a new itinerary section. But I always note that these are my thoughts and that you should really use my guide as just that: a tool to explore what you will like about the most exciting city in the world. If it's one thing my 20+ years of experience has taught me, it's that I learned that I loved Las Vegas because I have so many opportunities to have fun doing activities that I enjoy. It's my money and I'm going to make the most of it! I hope you do the same.
Viva,
Mike
Monday, February 3, 2014
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Of Resort Fees and Good Times
Hi Vegas fans,
As I write you today, I consider myself very blessed. It's my 43rd birthday, and although I'm not in Las Vegas right now, I'm happy. I'm in a great relationship, my day job is great, my book is selling like hot cakes, and I'm healthy. What else could I ask for?
I know what you're thinking: "A trip to Vegas!" Yes, and it's coming in August. And as I plan my trip, I'm constantly looking at rates, flights, and what's going on in Vegas. The latest is that Caesars Entertainment Corp (CEC) is going to charge a resort fee. Most casinos on the Strip charge somewhere around $15 per day for this type of fee, which covers the pool, workout room and other amenities. If you don't use them, your loss. Most of us Vegas travelers find this annoying, but there's really no way around them right now. In all fairness, I have a win-win proposal for casinos. Execs, please listen up:
Make the resort fee an optional add-on fee. If you want to use the pool or workout room or other stuff, inform the guest at check-in that he or she must pay this fee. This will be added to your hotel bill per day per guest per room and is non-negotiable after you sign the agreement. If you sign, your room key allows you to access the stuff you paid for. If you do not agree, then your room key only gets you into your dwelling. Simple enough. It's a win-win. The guest cannot complain that he or she is paying an extra fee, and the hotel can cover expenses for all things that are extra.
Let's end this discussion about resort fees and get on with the fun. Pool season is coming up in Vegas, and good times are about to roll. We have more important things to discuss.
Thanks for your continued support. When all else fails, remember my motto... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike
As I write you today, I consider myself very blessed. It's my 43rd birthday, and although I'm not in Las Vegas right now, I'm happy. I'm in a great relationship, my day job is great, my book is selling like hot cakes, and I'm healthy. What else could I ask for?
I know what you're thinking: "A trip to Vegas!" Yes, and it's coming in August. And as I plan my trip, I'm constantly looking at rates, flights, and what's going on in Vegas. The latest is that Caesars Entertainment Corp (CEC) is going to charge a resort fee. Most casinos on the Strip charge somewhere around $15 per day for this type of fee, which covers the pool, workout room and other amenities. If you don't use them, your loss. Most of us Vegas travelers find this annoying, but there's really no way around them right now. In all fairness, I have a win-win proposal for casinos. Execs, please listen up:
Make the resort fee an optional add-on fee. If you want to use the pool or workout room or other stuff, inform the guest at check-in that he or she must pay this fee. This will be added to your hotel bill per day per guest per room and is non-negotiable after you sign the agreement. If you sign, your room key allows you to access the stuff you paid for. If you do not agree, then your room key only gets you into your dwelling. Simple enough. It's a win-win. The guest cannot complain that he or she is paying an extra fee, and the hotel can cover expenses for all things that are extra.
Let's end this discussion about resort fees and get on with the fun. Pool season is coming up in Vegas, and good times are about to roll. We have more important things to discuss.
Thanks for your continued support. When all else fails, remember my motto... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike
Monday, December 31, 2012
Las Vegas Resolutions for 2013
Good Morning Vegas fans!
As we wrap up 2012 and forge into 2013, I must say I'm excited for the possibilities for the new year. I hope you are, too. A new year is always full of hope, and my wish for you is much prosperity in your lives and, if you are so inclined, your travels to Las Vegas.
In the past I have typically written about either my New Year's resolutions or my wishes for Las Vegas (kind of like the city's resolutions), but this year I'm going to do both. So here are my five combined resolutions for 2013:
- Get more exercise. This should be easy for me because I usually do a ton of walking in Vegas. Now I just need to add a few more aerobic routines a few more times a week.
- Eat healthier. This one is harder. Food tastes good. And when I'm in Vegas, it tastes even better.
- Help as many people as possible with my travel guide. 2012 was a great year for Simplifying Las Vegas. I hope 2013 is even better. For those of you interested in my guide, please visit Amazon.com.
- Less nagging about Caesars Entertainment Corp (CEC). So I wish swift construction and great success for the Linq project. While I'm not a huge fan of more retail space and a ginormous Ferris wheel on the Strip, it is important for CEC and Las Vegas that this project goes well. Completion is estimated for 2014, but there will be a lot of activity this year.
- Finally, I resolve to update my site, blog and book more frequently. This one tough because I don't have as much time as I'd like to do this, but in the end it will save me time when I'm ready to publish next year's travel guide. However, it's a labor of love, so I certainly won't mind this task much at all!
Wishing you a prosperous 2013!
Viva,
Mike
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Re-reinventing a casino
Hi Vegas fans,
For the past few years, the Riviera and Tropicana have both been undergoing renovations and reinventions. The Trop has struggled with the Havana theme and, quite honestly, has been a bit of a disappointment. I was hoping that it would keep its charm yet add a bit of pizazz. It hasn't really worked out yet, but they are still tweaking the concept.
To be fair, their competition is pretty tough. They are surrounded by a high end joint (Mandalay Bay), several middle of the road casinos (NY NY, Luxor, MGM), and a low roller haven (Excalibur).
On the other hand, the Riviera has Circus Circus and the Stratosphere to compete with, which are both lower end properties. They used to compete on price, much like the now defunct Sahara. But the Riv has a rich history and can compete on its unique position in the market. With few changes, it can go from low roller rust to mid market madness. CEO Andy Choy has already made some significant changes (check out some of them in the Desert Companion). 3:2 single deck blackjack, single zero roulette, and gazillion times odds in craps will help draw in the gamblers. Better food and fun (such as a pinball museum) will remove the dive stigma. I think they are finally turning it around.
I'll be checking it out soon to see its progress. In the mean time, if you visit and have comments, please share them with the rest of us.
Viva,
Mike
For the past few years, the Riviera and Tropicana have both been undergoing renovations and reinventions. The Trop has struggled with the Havana theme and, quite honestly, has been a bit of a disappointment. I was hoping that it would keep its charm yet add a bit of pizazz. It hasn't really worked out yet, but they are still tweaking the concept.
To be fair, their competition is pretty tough. They are surrounded by a high end joint (Mandalay Bay), several middle of the road casinos (NY NY, Luxor, MGM), and a low roller haven (Excalibur).
On the other hand, the Riviera has Circus Circus and the Stratosphere to compete with, which are both lower end properties. They used to compete on price, much like the now defunct Sahara. But the Riv has a rich history and can compete on its unique position in the market. With few changes, it can go from low roller rust to mid market madness. CEO Andy Choy has already made some significant changes (check out some of them in the Desert Companion). 3:2 single deck blackjack, single zero roulette, and gazillion times odds in craps will help draw in the gamblers. Better food and fun (such as a pinball museum) will remove the dive stigma. I think they are finally turning it around.
I'll be checking it out soon to see its progress. In the mean time, if you visit and have comments, please share them with the rest of us.
Viva,
Mike
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Fireworks and 4th of July Events
Hi Vegas fans,
Here's a list of the major fireworks and 4th happenings in Vegas this year:
Also, per the Las Vegas Advisor, "There will be big patio parties at Rhumbar, PRB Rockbar, Senor Frogs, and Cabo Wabo, with food and drink specials, while Tao Beach is hosting a "BBQ and Bikinis" party, with a $5,000 cash prize to the hottest bikini bod."
Enjoy, be safe, and have a fantastic 4th!!!
Viva,
Mike
Here's a list of the major fireworks and 4th happenings in Vegas this year:
- Station Casinos - Check out the fireworks shows at Aliante Station, Green Valley Ranch resort, Fiesta Rancho, Texas Station or Red Rock Resort. They start after 9 p.m. Free to the public.
- The Bank at Bellagio - The celebration starts at 10:30 p.m. with DJ Karma.
- 4th of July Party with Dada Life at Encore Beach - BBQ menu, bananas and champagne! Free for locals.
- 4th of July Celebrations featuring Kid Conrad at Ghostbar (Palms) - The party 55 floors above the Strip begins at 10 pm. Guys: $23, Gals: $12, Hosted Bar: $99
- Providence’s Knickerbocker Park - Park activities beginning at 6pm with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Free to the public.
- INDIE-pen-DANCE party at the Beauty Bar - On Fremont Street downtown. Live bands, no cover and free BBQ and Miller Lite from 9-10 p.m.
- Fremont Street - Fireworks display after the Viva Vision shows at 11 p.m., midnight, and 1 a.m. Free to the public.
- Happy Birthday America at Atria Sunlake - BBQ and entertainment to follow. Free to the public.
Also, per the Las Vegas Advisor, "There will be big patio parties at Rhumbar, PRB Rockbar, Senor Frogs, and Cabo Wabo, with food and drink specials, while Tao Beach is hosting a "BBQ and Bikinis" party, with a $5,000 cash prize to the hottest bikini bod."
Enjoy, be safe, and have a fantastic 4th!!!
Viva,
Mike
Monday, July 2, 2012
Of Reviews and Guide Books
Hi Vegas fans,
Not that book sales and rankings say everything about success, but I'm pleased that Simplifying Las Vegas has risen to #2 in Amazon's Travel Guide Books in the West and #13 in Kindle Books in the same category.
I think one of the reasons the book has done so well is because of the meaning of the word "guide." For some, a guide book should tell you everywhere you "must" go and everything you "must" do, and conversely which things you should stay away from. Well, to me, "guide" means to provide a path so that people can make their own choices.
That's one of the main differences between my book and other guide books. Now I do provide some of my "tip chips" which include some of my favorite hot spots and choices, but I don't give you a play-by-play on every restaurant, every show, every hotel. Instead, I arm you with information about what Vegas has to offer. Then you can make up your own mind. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I do plan to give more recommendations in the 2013 version of Simplifying Las Vegas. And, I will also include a few sample itineraries, including some that I've tried myself. But the premise of the book will remain the same: this is your trip to Las Vegas, and you have the right... no the duty to have as much fun as you can. To do that, you don't need a guide book to tell you "eat at this restaurant because it will change your life." You may hate it, and you may waste a lot of money.
Viva,
Mike
Not that book sales and rankings say everything about success, but I'm pleased that Simplifying Las Vegas has risen to #2 in Amazon's Travel Guide Books in the West and #13 in Kindle Books in the same category.
I think one of the reasons the book has done so well is because of the meaning of the word "guide." For some, a guide book should tell you everywhere you "must" go and everything you "must" do, and conversely which things you should stay away from. Well, to me, "guide" means to provide a path so that people can make their own choices.
That's one of the main differences between my book and other guide books. Now I do provide some of my "tip chips" which include some of my favorite hot spots and choices, but I don't give you a play-by-play on every restaurant, every show, every hotel. Instead, I arm you with information about what Vegas has to offer. Then you can make up your own mind. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I do plan to give more recommendations in the 2013 version of Simplifying Las Vegas. And, I will also include a few sample itineraries, including some that I've tried myself. But the premise of the book will remain the same: this is your trip to Las Vegas, and you have the right... no the duty to have as much fun as you can. To do that, you don't need a guide book to tell you "eat at this restaurant because it will change your life." You may hate it, and you may waste a lot of money.
Viva,
Mike
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Big Dreams
Hi Vegas fans,
I've been watching America's Got Talent on NBC. As you may have read in some of my other blogs, I'm not huge on reality shows. However, I do like talent shows and great stories. And there are plenty on this show.
From the fun to the fantastic, there will be a lot of amazing acts in Las Vegas. Tonight I was really moved by a number of stories behind the acts. But the one that really stuck in my mind was the last one, Andrew De Leon. Dressed in all black and looking very goth, Andrew cited Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie as influences. So of course he sings... opera! He had never sung in front of anyone before, and he belted out a beautiful Puccini tune "O mio babbino caro" ("Oh my beloved father") and was just fantastic.
He was a young man with very little confidence, saying "I'm not good at anything." And now he's going to Vegas on a talent show. We've all heard the cliches before... If you can dream it, you can do it. Dream big. Follow your dreams. But until you believe in yourself, and until you pursue your goals and persist in them when the chips are down, they don't seem real.
I always talk about Vegas as an escape. But of course it's about dreams, too. Dreams of winning big, of putting a few dollars in a slot machine and hitting it big. True, very few people walk out of a casino with the jackpot, and most of us lose more than we win. But we believe, so we go back. And we'll keep going back.
"It's not that you are good at something..." Howie Mandel said to Andrew, "you are great at something." True. Good for you, Andrew. Best wishes. We'll see you in Vegas.
Viva,
Mike
I've been watching America's Got Talent on NBC. As you may have read in some of my other blogs, I'm not huge on reality shows. However, I do like talent shows and great stories. And there are plenty on this show.
From the fun to the fantastic, there will be a lot of amazing acts in Las Vegas. Tonight I was really moved by a number of stories behind the acts. But the one that really stuck in my mind was the last one, Andrew De Leon. Dressed in all black and looking very goth, Andrew cited Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie as influences. So of course he sings... opera! He had never sung in front of anyone before, and he belted out a beautiful Puccini tune "O mio babbino caro" ("Oh my beloved father") and was just fantastic.
He was a young man with very little confidence, saying "I'm not good at anything." And now he's going to Vegas on a talent show. We've all heard the cliches before... If you can dream it, you can do it. Dream big. Follow your dreams. But until you believe in yourself, and until you pursue your goals and persist in them when the chips are down, they don't seem real.
I always talk about Vegas as an escape. But of course it's about dreams, too. Dreams of winning big, of putting a few dollars in a slot machine and hitting it big. True, very few people walk out of a casino with the jackpot, and most of us lose more than we win. But we believe, so we go back. And we'll keep going back.
"It's not that you are good at something..." Howie Mandel said to Andrew, "you are great at something." True. Good for you, Andrew. Best wishes. We'll see you in Vegas.
Viva,
Mike
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