With the economy in not-so-great shape and Las Vegas tourism struggling, I'm surprised that there are not more discount offers from hotels, airlines, and travel sites. I did a quick search, picking sites at random and found that there's not a ton of interest in getting the average, thrifty visitors to Las Vegas.
The airlines and travel sites have their usual discounts listed, but nothing to suggest that there's a reduction in bookings. I'm expecting more widespread promitions like I found on Vegas.com, which has a big banner announcing savings of up to $200. Or the giant HOT DEALS button on the Riviera's site.
I also haven't received any offers via mail or e-mail. Now my action is not such that I'll get a ton of offers, but I usually receive something once or twice per year, at least. I would expect that during this crunch, casinos would start reaching out a little farther to entice folks.
Without a little more aggressive marketing and promotions for discount offers, the Las Vegas tourism industry is going to continue to see declining numbers until the economy picks up, which, from all indications, could be 6 months to 1 year.
I guess I'm surprised - mostly because they hit their target markets pretty heavily during the good times. Why not extend that to travelers when they don't have as many dollars in their pockets???
Viva,
Mike
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
News & Coming Attractions
Hi all,
Vegas News:
According to the Las Vegas Advisor and the Las Vegas Sun, Cher has cancelled all of shows at Caesars Palace through the end of the year due to a health issue. If you have purchased tickets, you can get a refund for tickets if you've purchased them.
Simplifying Las Vegas News:
I'm very excited about what's coming up for Simplifying Las Vegas. It's going to take a little time, but it'll be really cool when it's done.
Website:
New tabs, new design, new reader poll, and a trivia quiz for fun.
Book:
The 2009 version of SLV is in the works, and it'll be even more packed with goodies than the first version.
In the meantime, if you have suggestions or requests for the website or book, please send me an email. I'm always happy to hear from you!
Viva,
Mike
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
New Survey Winner, New Reader Poll
Hi Vegas fans,
First, contrats go out to Bess from New York, who was this month's winner of the cool luggage tag. Didn't win this month? Fill out the survey to try to win for October. Good luck!
Second, I've decided to start a poll. No, not a stripper poll - there's already plenty of those in Vegas. This is a reader poll. At first I was going to start with a lame topic, like "what's your favorite free show in Vegas?" But then I thought I'd save the lame ones for later, when I run out of ideas. Instead, I started with one that anyone could answer, regardless of whether you've never been to Sin City or have visited there a million times: "What's the best part of planning a trip to Vegas?" Answer it and see others' answers on my site.
With the economic crisis, it's actually a good time to plan a trip to Vegas. You'll get good rates right now, and if you plan far enough ahead, you may even be able to withdraw money from your bank so you can gamble while you're there!
Viva,
Mike
First, contrats go out to Bess from New York, who was this month's winner of the cool luggage tag. Didn't win this month? Fill out the survey to try to win for October. Good luck!
Second, I've decided to start a poll. No, not a stripper poll - there's already plenty of those in Vegas. This is a reader poll. At first I was going to start with a lame topic, like "what's your favorite free show in Vegas?" But then I thought I'd save the lame ones for later, when I run out of ideas. Instead, I started with one that anyone could answer, regardless of whether you've never been to Sin City or have visited there a million times: "What's the best part of planning a trip to Vegas?" Answer it and see others' answers on my site.
With the economic crisis, it's actually a good time to plan a trip to Vegas. You'll get good rates right now, and if you plan far enough ahead, you may even be able to withdraw money from your bank so you can gamble while you're there!
Viva,
Mike
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Another Successful Question of the Day
I was again fortunate to answer a Question of the Day for the Las Vegas Advisor this past Monday. The question was about booking your trip to Vegas, and I answered it by detailing the joys of looking for the best flight, room, and rental car prices online.
There was some great response - I had a lot of hits to my website, people filled out the form for a free itinerary, and some folks filled out the survey for a chance to win a luggage tag. A few Vegas lovers also purchased my book! Thanks to all - it's been quite a lot of fun, and I'm excited about the future of Simplifying Las Vegas.
There's only 1 week left to win the September luggage tag, so if you haven't filled out the survey yet, check out the site and do it now! Someone's gotta win it, why not you???
Four months from now, I'll be in Sin City... woo-hoo!
Viva,
Mike
There was some great response - I had a lot of hits to my website, people filled out the form for a free itinerary, and some folks filled out the survey for a chance to win a luggage tag. A few Vegas lovers also purchased my book! Thanks to all - it's been quite a lot of fun, and I'm excited about the future of Simplifying Las Vegas.
This weekend I'll be working on the site and on the 2009 version of the book. It's a lot of hard work (updates, research, etc.) but I enjoy it. I hope you enjoy the end result.
Four months from now, I'll be in Sin City... woo-hoo!
Viva,
Mike
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Vegas Myths and Facts
Today's topic discusses perception vs. reality in Sin City. Here's five myths and facts:
Myth: It's a bad idea to drive the Strip because it's always so dang crowded.
Fact: Yes, the Strip is frequently gridlocked. However, if you plan ahead, you can enjoy the sites and lights. Try driving early in the morning (before 11am) and later at night (after 11pm) to really enjoy the Strip. Stay in the left lane because most drivers are looking to turn off the Strip or into a casino parking lot in the right lane.
Myth: Taxis are cheap and you can pick them up anywhere on the Strip.
Fact: Taxis can be a good source of transportation if you are going to Vegas with a bunch of people who will be sharing the cost of the cab. However, if you are just going with one or two people, it may make more sense to rent a car. You can actually save money because taxis are expensive. I rented a car for $68 for a 4-day weekend trip in January. Considering that it would cost about $30~40 just for a trip to and from the airport in a cab, I think I got a good deal.
Also, by renting a car you can come and go as you please. You cannot pick up taxis on any street on the Strip; you have to pick them up at the taxi stand located at the hotel's portico. And you often have to wait to get one.
Myth: Anything goes in Vegas.
Fact: Well, almost anything. Heck, you can drink alcohol on the street, as long as you are not being a bozo and, of course, as long as you don't drive. However, you may be surprised to find that prostitution is illegal in Clarke County (that includes Vegas), so don't try it! There are houses of ill repute north of the city, but not in Vegas.
Myth: Shows are expensive, and tickets are very hard to get.
Fact: Some shows are priced at over $100 per ticket. But, you can often get tickets for great shows at great prices. A good friend of mine recently visited Vegas and recommends V-the Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood, ICE at the Riviera, and the Fab Four Beatles show at Planet Hollywood. I haven't seen these myself, but I've seen reviews and these shows look pretty great. Also, try Tix-4-tonight and Tickets2nite for 1/2 price tickets. They have tickets for specific shows, and you can get the tickets the same day as the show only. But they are worth checking out.
Tickets are not always hard to get. I have gone to Vegas without tickets for any shows and seen some great ones just by seeing what strikes my fancy once I get there. There are a lot of shows to see, so I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
Myth: Jump on a slot machine as soon as someone quits playing it, because chances are good that you'll hit a jackpot.
Fact: Um, no. These things are very, very random and will take your money regardless of whether someone else just lost or won $1000. There's no such thing as a lucky machine, a lucky spot in the casino (sorry, mom, I don't think the ones near the door are better than any others), and so on. If you must play slots, and I suggest you don't, your best bet is to play a progressive machine and play the maximum amount every time because you will only get bonuses and jackpots with "full coin in."
Well, that's it for this week. Maybe I'll include more next week. Send me your thoughts and questions about fact vs. fiction in Vegas.
Viva,
Mike
Myth: It's a bad idea to drive the Strip because it's always so dang crowded.
Fact: Yes, the Strip is frequently gridlocked. However, if you plan ahead, you can enjoy the sites and lights. Try driving early in the morning (before 11am) and later at night (after 11pm) to really enjoy the Strip. Stay in the left lane because most drivers are looking to turn off the Strip or into a casino parking lot in the right lane.
Myth: Taxis are cheap and you can pick them up anywhere on the Strip.
Fact: Taxis can be a good source of transportation if you are going to Vegas with a bunch of people who will be sharing the cost of the cab. However, if you are just going with one or two people, it may make more sense to rent a car. You can actually save money because taxis are expensive. I rented a car for $68 for a 4-day weekend trip in January. Considering that it would cost about $30~40 just for a trip to and from the airport in a cab, I think I got a good deal.
Also, by renting a car you can come and go as you please. You cannot pick up taxis on any street on the Strip; you have to pick them up at the taxi stand located at the hotel's portico. And you often have to wait to get one.
Myth: Anything goes in Vegas.
Fact: Well, almost anything. Heck, you can drink alcohol on the street, as long as you are not being a bozo and, of course, as long as you don't drive. However, you may be surprised to find that prostitution is illegal in Clarke County (that includes Vegas), so don't try it! There are houses of ill repute north of the city, but not in Vegas.
Myth: Shows are expensive, and tickets are very hard to get.
Fact: Some shows are priced at over $100 per ticket. But, you can often get tickets for great shows at great prices. A good friend of mine recently visited Vegas and recommends V-the Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood, ICE at the Riviera, and the Fab Four Beatles show at Planet Hollywood. I haven't seen these myself, but I've seen reviews and these shows look pretty great. Also, try Tix-4-tonight and Tickets2nite for 1/2 price tickets. They have tickets for specific shows, and you can get the tickets the same day as the show only. But they are worth checking out.
Tickets are not always hard to get. I have gone to Vegas without tickets for any shows and seen some great ones just by seeing what strikes my fancy once I get there. There are a lot of shows to see, so I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
Myth: Jump on a slot machine as soon as someone quits playing it, because chances are good that you'll hit a jackpot.
Fact: Um, no. These things are very, very random and will take your money regardless of whether someone else just lost or won $1000. There's no such thing as a lucky machine, a lucky spot in the casino (sorry, mom, I don't think the ones near the door are better than any others), and so on. If you must play slots, and I suggest you don't, your best bet is to play a progressive machine and play the maximum amount every time because you will only get bonuses and jackpots with "full coin in."
Well, that's it for this week. Maybe I'll include more next week. Send me your thoughts and questions about fact vs. fiction in Vegas.
Viva,
Mike
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
When's the Best Time To Go?
I'm often asked, "When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?" My response? Any time! But, all kidding aside, there are some times that may suit your type of vacation better than others.
Here are some thoughts:
Spring/Fall - the weather is best during these seasons. It's usually cool during the day, although you may get some rain. The crowds are a little bigger, but I found that they were not as bad as I had feared. Just make sure there are no major conventions or huge events going on when you are making your reservations. If you plan ahead, you can get good rates, too.
Winter - Many pools are closed (some heated ones are open year-round), and it can get a little cool. I avoid holidays, especially New Year's, when they close off the Strip to traffic and everyone goes nuts. Again, careful planning will allow you to enjoy less-crowded times and better rates.
Summer - Ok, yes, it's hot. Dang hot. But, I don't do much outside walking because I rent a car, and the casinos are often quite cold. So, it doesn't bother me. Rates are usually better during the summer, and the crowds are not as thick.
I've enjoyed Vegas every time I've ventured out there, and I just can't help but have the time of my life. Whether I'm gambling, seeing a show, or just people-watching, I enjoy Las Vegas year-round, and I hope you do, too!
Viva,
Mike
Spring
Here are some thoughts:
Spring/Fall - the weather is best during these seasons. It's usually cool during the day, although you may get some rain. The crowds are a little bigger, but I found that they were not as bad as I had feared. Just make sure there are no major conventions or huge events going on when you are making your reservations. If you plan ahead, you can get good rates, too.
Winter - Many pools are closed (some heated ones are open year-round), and it can get a little cool. I avoid holidays, especially New Year's, when they close off the Strip to traffic and everyone goes nuts. Again, careful planning will allow you to enjoy less-crowded times and better rates.
Summer - Ok, yes, it's hot. Dang hot. But, I don't do much outside walking because I rent a car, and the casinos are often quite cold. So, it doesn't bother me. Rates are usually better during the summer, and the crowds are not as thick.
I've enjoyed Vegas every time I've ventured out there, and I just can't help but have the time of my life. Whether I'm gambling, seeing a show, or just people-watching, I enjoy Las Vegas year-round, and I hope you do, too!
Viva,
Mike
Spring
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Luggage Tag Giveaway!
Congrats to Roger from Bay City, MI for winning the August Las Vegas luggage tag! Thanks to everyone who filled out a survey. For your chance to win September's luggage tag, just go to the website and fill out the survey. I'll be updating the site yet again very soon, so stay tuned for new, cool stuff!
I have one of these on my laptop bag (which I keep my Kindle and lunch in, but not a laptop). It's a cool tag and has held up really great over a few months. When I go to Vegas in January, I'll put one on my suitcase so that I can recognize it when I pick it up at McCarran Airport.
Also new on the website - my Vegas pictures. Just go to the website and look in the top, left corner to link to my Flickr photos. I would love it if you have some Sin City snapshots to share, comments to post, etc. So log in and start Flickr-ing!
My January trip to Vegas is way too far away... but I'm still thinking about it. Sigh.
Viva,
Mike
I have one of these on my laptop bag (which I keep my Kindle and lunch in, but not a laptop). It's a cool tag and has held up really great over a few months. When I go to Vegas in January, I'll put one on my suitcase so that I can recognize it when I pick it up at McCarran Airport.
Also new on the website - my Vegas pictures. Just go to the website and look in the top, left corner to link to my Flickr photos. I would love it if you have some Sin City snapshots to share, comments to post, etc. So log in and start Flickr-ing!
My January trip to Vegas is way too far away... but I'm still thinking about it. Sigh.
Viva,
Mike
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