Hi Vegas fans,
I read this article about Tony Hseih and thought I'd share it with you. He's the guy who helped put the zap! in Zappos and sold it for a ton o' money and is now focused on projects in Las Vegas. He's looking to build up the downtown area, which is a nice idea. It could really use some attention.
I think it will be really cool, but I hope it doesn't turn into a generic, plastic cityscape. True, any renovations are better than no renovations. But I really like the way that Fremont East has developed, and I hope that Hseih and his heroes have the same types of ideas. You won't find a TGI Friday's down there, or even a Starbucks. Cool bars and mom-and-pop type places to hang out and have a good time.
The Strip has become pretty corporate - let's face it, there are plenty of upscale shops there that can compete with Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Downtown has always been a kind of "plain folks" atmosphere, and it will appeal to a larger audience if it stays that way.
Just my nickel slot opinion...
Viva,
Mike
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Celebrate!
Hi Vegas fans,
It's always a good time to go to Vegas, but when you have something cool to celebrate, it's even better. Now first let's start off with a reality check (translation? not so great news here...). If you are going to Las Vegas for your birthday, for example, you're not going to get a lot of love from the casinos these days. Flash you driver's license and maybe they'll give you a free drink or a discount at a restaurant. But in terms of gambling comps, you won't get anything special. If you don't seem to be getting any free stuff, don't give up. The key to scoring discounts in Las Vegas, much like life, is persistence.
Don't keep knocking on the same door, though. Pit bosses and hotel managers get requests all the time, and the truth is they are either going to give you something or they won't budge. What I mean by persistence is keep trying to get stuff at other places. Chances are you'll be hopping from casino to casino, from club to club, from restaurant to restaurant in your celebratory mode, right? So when you hit a new place, show your ID and tell them your story. Make it good. They have heard "it's my birthday, can I get a free drink?" Try adding something unique and original and you'll have a better chance.
Even if you can't something for free, don't let it get you down. Just do what I do. Plan to have the most fantastic time you've ever had. Do the things that you want to do. Take advantage of the fact that it's your special day and milk it. Remember, Vegas is the escape that you deserve after working hard day after day. So when you're there, enjoy it to the fullest.
Viva,
Mike
It's always a good time to go to Vegas, but when you have something cool to celebrate, it's even better. Now first let's start off with a reality check (translation? not so great news here...). If you are going to Las Vegas for your birthday, for example, you're not going to get a lot of love from the casinos these days. Flash you driver's license and maybe they'll give you a free drink or a discount at a restaurant. But in terms of gambling comps, you won't get anything special. If you don't seem to be getting any free stuff, don't give up. The key to scoring discounts in Las Vegas, much like life, is persistence.
Don't keep knocking on the same door, though. Pit bosses and hotel managers get requests all the time, and the truth is they are either going to give you something or they won't budge. What I mean by persistence is keep trying to get stuff at other places. Chances are you'll be hopping from casino to casino, from club to club, from restaurant to restaurant in your celebratory mode, right? So when you hit a new place, show your ID and tell them your story. Make it good. They have heard "it's my birthday, can I get a free drink?" Try adding something unique and original and you'll have a better chance.
Even if you can't something for free, don't let it get you down. Just do what I do. Plan to have the most fantastic time you've ever had. Do the things that you want to do. Take advantage of the fact that it's your special day and milk it. Remember, Vegas is the escape that you deserve after working hard day after day. So when you're there, enjoy it to the fullest.
Viva,
Mike
Friday, January 13, 2012
Consumer Electronics Show Wraps at Convention Center
Hi Vegas fans,
I'm a bit of a techie... not a really big nut - I save that insanity for my love of Vegas. But I do keep up with the latest trends. And there isn't a bigger show for tech fans than CES every year. One of my favorite items this year is Samsung's OLED TV. It's 55 inches and less than half an inch thick. Wow. If it gets any thinner, you'll have to put it on a couple of slices of bread and call it a sandwich.
I find some of the stats about the show as amazing as the actual products. Here are just a few:
I hope this is a positive sign for the electronics industry and for Las Vegas. I mean, those folks at the show will probably spend some time away from the exhibit floor and on the casino floor. I know I would.
Viva,
Mike
I'm a bit of a techie... not a really big nut - I save that insanity for my love of Vegas. But I do keep up with the latest trends. And there isn't a bigger show for tech fans than CES every year. One of my favorite items this year is Samsung's OLED TV. It's 55 inches and less than half an inch thick. Wow. If it gets any thinner, you'll have to put it on a couple of slices of bread and call it a sandwich.
I find some of the stats about the show as amazing as the actual products. Here are just a few:
- 1.86 Million Net Square Feet of Exhibit Space - the largest in its history
- Product launches from more than 3,100 exhibitors
- More than 20,000 product announcements
I hope this is a positive sign for the electronics industry and for Las Vegas. I mean, those folks at the show will probably spend some time away from the exhibit floor and on the casino floor. I know I would.
Viva,
Mike
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Resolutions
Hi Vegas fans,
So it is about that time of year. I know, I know, you and I have both made promises and then not kept them. But this year, I'm looking for a fresh start. I mean it this time.
I'm not sharing my personal New Year's resolution, but I do have Vegas resolutions. Here they are:
Well, that's a short list, but I have a feeling I'm missing some. Maybe you can help me. What are some of your Vegas resolutions?
Viva,
Mike
So it is about that time of year. I know, I know, you and I have both made promises and then not kept them. But this year, I'm looking for a fresh start. I mean it this time.
I'm not sharing my personal New Year's resolution, but I do have Vegas resolutions. Here they are:
- Enjoy every minute in Las Vegas. Time goes by so fast, especially when you're having fun. I resolve to really savor every moment and let it sink into my soul.
- Give Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CEC) a break. I rail on them pretty hard, mostly because their gambling rules are not favorable compared to other properties. Their hotels are pretty nice, though (well, most of them), and their entertainment is top notch. Two out of three ain't bad.
- Take more pictures. Capturing the moment in Vegas is key to a good shot, and there is always something fun going on, so I want to do a better job of finding some fun stuff on film (well, digital film anyway).
- Explore more new stuff. I like to try new things while I am in Las Vegas, but I don't do enough of it. There doesn't seem to be enough time, but sleep is for the timid.
Well, that's a short list, but I have a feeling I'm missing some. Maybe you can help me. What are some of your Vegas resolutions?
Viva,
Mike
Monday, January 2, 2012
Simplifying Las Vegas Hot in 2011-2012
Happy New Year's, Vegas fans!
I hope you had a wonderful New Year's and are ready to face the best year ever! I know I am.
I am a lucky guy. SLV rocked in 2011, selling over 470 copies (over 50 in December!) So far, 2012 looks promising, too, with a handful of sales already. Thanks to you, SLV fans, for your continued support! I look forward to updating the travel guide and my site as Vegas continues to change and grow this year.
Think about booking your next trip to Sin City soon because discount prices will start to disappear. Look for room rates to rise - hotel chains can't afford to offer rock-bottom rates for long periods of time, so the prices will likely climb for a while. The good news is that you can still find an affordable vacation to Vegas in a number of ways, including package deals, discount codes that you can find on the Internet, and comps from your play. The important thing is to... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike
I hope you had a wonderful New Year's and are ready to face the best year ever! I know I am.
I am a lucky guy. SLV rocked in 2011, selling over 470 copies (over 50 in December!) So far, 2012 looks promising, too, with a handful of sales already. Thanks to you, SLV fans, for your continued support! I look forward to updating the travel guide and my site as Vegas continues to change and grow this year.
Think about booking your next trip to Sin City soon because discount prices will start to disappear. Look for room rates to rise - hotel chains can't afford to offer rock-bottom rates for long periods of time, so the prices will likely climb for a while. The good news is that you can still find an affordable vacation to Vegas in a number of ways, including package deals, discount codes that you can find on the Internet, and comps from your play. The important thing is to... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.
Viva,
Mike
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Ready for New Year's, Vegas fans?
Hi all,
With Christmas in the rear-view window and Santa taking a well-deserved break, it's time to start thinking about the New Year. What's in store for 2012? If you are a Vegas fanatic, you'll notice a lot of activity this year. The trend toward upscale and fancy-pants continues, especially on the Strip, with new nightclubs in the works for many MGM properties, new restaurants (of course) to whet your appetite, and the inevitable switcharoo for entertainment venues.
So far, we know that Barry Manilow is leaving Paris (... and Las Vegas until at least July). Jersey Boys will fill the vacancy at Paris, leaving a hole in Palazzo. Shel Adelson is also losing entertainment at Venetian: Blue Man Group is moving to Monte Carlo.
These are just a few of the changes that occur regularly in Las Vegas. It's hard to keep up with what's going on in Sin City, so stay tuned and I'll keep you posted on all the news. In the mean time, you are probably thinking about that next trip and how you will win enough money in 2012 to finally pay off the Christmas credit cards. Or, maybe you are planning a trip to brave the crowds and stay in Vegas for New Year's Eve (if so, I hope you like sharing your personal space with about a gazillion people... it will be a little cozy and difficult to get around, so be prepared!).
Whatever your plans, I wish you the best for 2012! If you are planning a trip to Vegas, post a reply here and let us know what you are most looking forward to, when you plan on visiting, and anything else you'd like to share with the rest of us Vegas nuts. The more the merrier.
Oh and by the way... for those of you who received Amazon.com gift cards or Barnes & Noble gift cards for the holidays, I hope you consider purchasing my book. It's only $4.99, so you will still have some left over to read all about that girl with the dragon tattoo or another book of your choice.
Viva,
Mike
With Christmas in the rear-view window and Santa taking a well-deserved break, it's time to start thinking about the New Year. What's in store for 2012? If you are a Vegas fanatic, you'll notice a lot of activity this year. The trend toward upscale and fancy-pants continues, especially on the Strip, with new nightclubs in the works for many MGM properties, new restaurants (of course) to whet your appetite, and the inevitable switcharoo for entertainment venues.
So far, we know that Barry Manilow is leaving Paris (... and Las Vegas until at least July). Jersey Boys will fill the vacancy at Paris, leaving a hole in Palazzo. Shel Adelson is also losing entertainment at Venetian: Blue Man Group is moving to Monte Carlo.
These are just a few of the changes that occur regularly in Las Vegas. It's hard to keep up with what's going on in Sin City, so stay tuned and I'll keep you posted on all the news. In the mean time, you are probably thinking about that next trip and how you will win enough money in 2012 to finally pay off the Christmas credit cards. Or, maybe you are planning a trip to brave the crowds and stay in Vegas for New Year's Eve (if so, I hope you like sharing your personal space with about a gazillion people... it will be a little cozy and difficult to get around, so be prepared!).
Whatever your plans, I wish you the best for 2012! If you are planning a trip to Vegas, post a reply here and let us know what you are most looking forward to, when you plan on visiting, and anything else you'd like to share with the rest of us Vegas nuts. The more the merrier.
Oh and by the way... for those of you who received Amazon.com gift cards or Barnes & Noble gift cards for the holidays, I hope you consider purchasing my book. It's only $4.99, so you will still have some left over to read all about that girl with the dragon tattoo or another book of your choice.
Viva,
Mike
Friday, December 23, 2011
Happy Holidays from Your Friends at Simplifying Las Vegas!
Hi Vegas fans,
Wow, it's hard to believe it is already Christmas. This year has flown by like my zippy Southwest flight from the East coast to Vegas. I don't really need anything this year, and I feel like spreading the joy, so here's my list:
he got a free spin and won a lot,
But he gave the money to the cocktail waitress to his right,
and said, "Merry Christmas to all! Can I get a Bud Light?"
Ho, ho, ho and viva,
Mike
Wow, it's hard to believe it is already Christmas. This year has flown by like my zippy Southwest flight from the East coast to Vegas. I don't really need anything this year, and I feel like spreading the joy, so here's my list:
- For the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown and Outskirts: Increased visitation, increased revenue, and continued fun and excitement.
- For seasoned gamblers: Big winnings - lots of jackpots, better blackjack on the Strip, continued fun and excitement.
- For newbies: Beginner's luck, promises to return to Vegas, continued fun and excitement.
- For casino execs: The realization that better gaming means bigger profits, a little retail space goes a long way, continued fun and excitement.
- For all my faithful readers: Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season, good times with family and friends from Newport Beach to Myrtle Beach to South Beach, continued fun and excitement the next time you visit Vegas.
he got a free spin and won a lot,
But he gave the money to the cocktail waitress to his right,
and said, "Merry Christmas to all! Can I get a Bud Light?"
Ho, ho, ho and viva,
Mike
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