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Articles for ‘Las Vegas Vacation’ Category

Hotel 32 brings Monte Carlo to Vegas heights

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

By E.C. Gladstone

Loft living area in Hotel 32 at Monte Carlo (Courtesy of MGM/Mirage)

Loft living area in Hotel 32 at Monte Carlo (Courtesy of MGM/Mirage)

With the opening of the monumental City Center mere weeks away, virtually all of the major Las Vegas hotels on the Strip have been sprucing up to try and keep pace. But none has done more perhaps than City Center neighbor the Monte Carlo. For a long time, this European-styled resort was something of an also-ran in Sin City, but in the last year major changes have given it new life: revamping Andre’s Restaurant, Dragon Noodle, and the Pub; adding Brand Steakhouse and Diablo’s Cantina; introducing comedian Frank Caliendo; bringing back lounge lovers Zowie Bowie; and even revising Lance Burton’s image. But the crowning glory of the Monte Carlo (literally) is their new boutique floor, Hotel 32.

While perhaps not on the level of the highest high-roller Vegas accommodations, Hotel 32 nevertheless represents a significant upgrade in service and style, comparable to many of the nicest rooms in town. The personalized experience begins with a personal driver retrieving you from (and, ultimately, returning you to) Vegas’ McCarran Airport. Upon arrival at the Monte Carlo, your suite assistant will escort you up dedicated elevators to the 32nd floor lounge, where a concierge will fulfill any request throughout the day. Everything from Voss water and Champagne to gourmet light breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres are all complimentary-even snacks throughout the day. (more…)

LGBT Las Vegas and 2009 Halloween happenings

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

By E.C. Gladstone

While Las Vegas has always been known as an “anything goes” town, it doesn’t always get top billing as a destination for LGBT travelers. And that’s an oversight, especially since the passing of Nevada’s Domestic Partnership Act. Vegas is actually a very gay-friendly town if you know where to look; but since I’m not in that category myself, I consulted with my friend and colleague Steve Friess, author of the Gay Vegas travel guide. Here’s Gay Las Vegas at a glance:

Penn & Teller flanking Holly Madison and Josh Strickland at a Human Rights Campaign event (courtesy of R&R Partners)

Penn & Teller flanking Holly Madison and Josh Strickland at a Human Rights Campaign event (courtesy of R&R Partners)

ACCOMMODATIONS & WEDDINGS

While none of the major Las Vegas Hotels are unfriendly to the Gay community, some are friendlier than others. Wynn Encore and Paris Las Vegas in particular have regular promotion packages aimed towards same-sex couples, Luxor and Mandalay Bay both hosted Gay pool parties over the summer, so are certainly friendly. Other good choices include the Venetian/Palazzo with three Broadway shows under one roof (Jersey Boys, Phantom and Blue Man Group), Planet Hollywood, adjacent to the Krave club, as well as the Bellagio, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, the Palms, Hard Rock Hotel and the Mirage.

And then there’s the intimate Blue Moon Resort, the only dedicated Gay hotel—and certainly the only one with a clothing optional pool! (more…)

Vegas Strip Stars A-Z

Monday, October 5th, 2009

By E.C. Gladstone

So many new shows have been opening on the Strip and in all the Las Vegas Hotels, that it seems almost impossible to keep up. I have to confess that despite my Strip-hound reputation, even I haven’t had a chance to see them all. While I do, I figured the least I could do is give everyone a quick encyclopedic list of everything I have seen and would recommend (with a few I’m about to see, based on strong tips).

The uniquely dark and disturbing show, "Freaks"

"Freaks" courtesy of Harrah's Entertainment

A is for affable but accomplished tiger tamer Dirk Arthur, of Xtreme Magic (two shows daily, Wed-Mon, Tropicana) as well as Australians—specifically Human Nature, the show-stopping Motown tribute singers from down under (8 PM Sat-Thurs, Imperial Palace).

B
is for The Beatles LOVE (two shows nightly Thurs-Mon, Mirage), Cirque du Soleil’s pop rock celebration. B is also for Bette Midler, whose frolicky fun Showgirl Must Go On revue appears intermittent weekends at Caesars Colosseum. Added to this list is the provocatively pungent Blue Man Group (Two shows nightly, Venetian ) and Bite, the topless vampire rock musical you’ve always wanted to see (10:30 PM Fri-Wed).

C is for Cher (who trades off with Bette at the Colosseum in her fashion-filled career review) and the elegantly erotic Crazy Horse of Paris (two shows nightly Wed-Mon, MGM Grand).

D is for David Copperfield, certainly the most esteemed magician in town, performing intermittently at  MGM Grand. (more…)

Top 10 bargain travel destinations for fall

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Fall is shoulder season, the period between summer and holiday season known for low cost travel and fewer crowds at many vacation hot spots. This year, the Orbitz Insider Index reviewed average hotel costs in 10 popular shoulder season destinations, identifying which give travelers the most value this fall.

Dublin and Bermuda top the list, offering the highest year-over-year percentage savings. But, thrifty travels should set their sights on a fall vacation to Las Vegas, San Juan, and once again, Dublin, all of which offer average hotel rates under $100 per night. (more…)

Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel Rocks Anew

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

By E.C. Gladstone

Perhaps more than any of the other Las Vegas Hotels, everything about the Hard Rock is focused on attracting the young and gorgeous. That isn’t the type of property where “aging gracefully” is an option, especially since (slow economy or not) many others would love to snag their hot and happening clientele. So their new expansions- Paradise Tower up and running, HRH tower coming first quarter 2010 — almost seem overdue.

Paradise Hotel Courtesy of Erik Kabik/RETNA

Paradise Hotel Courtesy of Erik Kabik/RETNA

In fact, the new towers are actually the capping numbers on an album of hits the HRH has been playing ever since the luxury-leaning Morgans Group took over in 2006.

They built a big 3,000-ish capacity new (Rogue) joint for big shows, while opening Carey Hart’s intimate rock bar Wasted Space; they put sexy go-go dancers right on the casino floor and added a smart-designed Poker Room that gets good marks from novices and pro players alike; they got designer Mark Zeff to test out the new tower’s aesthetic with some gothic suites in the original building, and added 65,000 more square feet of meeting space; they replaced aging AJ’s Steakhouse with the new hip Rare 120, while bringing James Beard Foundation-awarded Italian chef Marco Porceddu in to revive Ago (Nobu remains intact); They even added new retail, including a sprawling John Varvatos boutique.
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The best of downtown Vegas: Restaurants and bars

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

Las Vegas hotels

The Flame Steakhouse at El Cortez (Courtesy Kirvin Doak Communications)

By E.C. Gladstone

There are some people that say if you haven’t been to the downtown Las Vegas hotels, you haven’t really been to Las Vegas. Last week, I covered where to stay, entertainment and gambling around Fremont Street; this week, the best restaurants, bars and some secret tips.

Restaurants & Bars

Dining in and around Fremont Street may look uninspiring on the surface, but there are many hidden gems within Las Vegas hotels there — some of them surprising values. I’ve had very good steaks, served with style at both El Cortez’s The Flame and Binion’s Ranch.

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The best of downtown Vegas: Hotels, entertainment and gaming

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
Las Vegas hotels

(Courtesy: Las Vegas News Bureau)

By E.C. Gladstone

There are some people that say if you haven’t been to the downtown Las Vegas hotels, you haven’t really been to Las Vegas. Centered around Fremont Street, where the town began as a railroad stop some 100+ years ago, downtown Las Vegas has weathered the ages, preserving a classic spirit while trying to keep pace with modern times. Despite what you may hear, DTLV is safe, friendly, and offers something for every visitor. Of course, you might want some pointers on what’s good, better and best. That’s why I’m here. Because there’s so much to cover, I’m actually splitting this topic into two blogs: this week, where to stay, entertainment and gambling; next time, restaurants, bars and some secret tips.

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Las Vegas’ top 10 Italian restaurants

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

Martorano's meatballs (Courtesy: Harrah's Entertainment)

Martorano's meatballs (Courtesy: Harrah's Entertainment)

By E.C. Gladstone

Vegas has long had a healthy Italian population, so naturally it has always had more than a fair share of Cucina Italiano. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it had good Italian food. It wasn’t until the arrival ten years ago of Valentino (Venetian), Circo (Bellagio) and others that Las Vegas hotels began offering truly elegant, inspired, Italian food with gourmet ingredients.

Now, fancy fritto mistos are everywhere you turn, but to be frank, all are far from equal. Your intrepid blogger set out to try them all, but to be honest — at a certain point, I had to cry uncle and let a few pass (based on other reliable reviewers, I don’t think I missed much).  Of the top four here, each has so many strengths that I’d strongly recommend all. From there, there are some with particular strengths, and for the more adventuresome, a list of some well-regarded local places.

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Top 10 Labor Day weekend vacation destinations

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Las Vegas hotelsIf you want to ditch the backyard bbq and have a travel adventure this Labor Day weekend, we have good news. Average hotel rates are lower than last year, so pack your bags and take advantage of the top 10 Labor Day travel deals.

Labor Day in Las Vegas
If you’d rather spend money on the slots than on a place to rest your head, rejoice in knowing that Las Vegas hotels are number one on the 2009 Orbitz Insider Index. The average Las Vegas hotel rate this Labor Day is $108, down $28 from last year.

Labor Day is just another excuse to party in Las Vegas. For the best in the club scene, check out PURE, LAX and Christian Audigier. Labor Day weekend is also jam packed with performances. Check out Zumanity, the “sensual side of Cirque du Soleil,” or Lance Burton, a Las Vegas master of magic.

Labor Day in New York City
With New York hotels an average of $54 cheaper than last year, New York City is a great place to spend Labor Day weekend. The first Labor Day Parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882, and the parade tradition continues today. This year the parade will held on September 12, 2009, and will feature trade union members, high school bands, politicians, police and fire departments, and more.

Looking for other Labor Day weekend vacation ideas? The Orbitz Insider Index highlights the busiest destinations based on hotel bookings on Orbitz for September 4-7.

Destination Avg. Daily Rate 2009
1. Las Vegas, NV $108
2. New York, NY $191
3. Cancun, Mexico $151
4. Honolulu, HI $111
5. Chicago, IL $127
6. Atlanta, GA $121
7. San Francisco, CA $142
8. Seattle, WA $118
9. San Diego, CA $195
10. Paris, France $164

Related Orbitz resources:

Casino-free stays in Las Vegas

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

By E. C. Gladstone

Las Vegas hotels

Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Las Vegas Strip

It happens: Every so often, I’ll meet someone who tells me they “just don’t like Vegas.” Now, everyone’s entitled to their opinion, of course, but when I ask a few more questions, the issue usually involves an aversion to staying in the casino environment.

I could argue that every casino is a little different (some are so clean, quiet and elegant, you’d be shocked to learn there’s gambling going on!) but why bother? The fact is, if you’d like to experience all the amazing shows, restaurants, nightclubs, natural wonders and more that Vegas offers while keeping casino exposure to a minimum, there are plenty of great “non-gaming,” non-smoking Las Vegas hotels. I enjoyed stays at a few of them recently and came away impressed:

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

If you’re thinking Grand Vacations is a “vacation ownership” property, you’re right. But when rooms are vacant, they also offer them for the night just like a hotel.

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