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Articles Tagged ‘Las Vegas Vacation’

Las Vegas is a cultural desert (but in a good way)

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Bellagio_las_vegas
By E.C. Gladstone

Ever since 1955, when Noel Coward graced the stage at the Desert Inn, there’s been an ongoing debate about whether or not culture could thrive in the freewheeling, easy-dealing Sin City. Surprisingly, when art collector Steve Wynn opened the Bellagio with its own Gallery of Fine Art, the discussion only became more heated.

But the upcoming performance of legendary operatic tenor Placido Domingo at Planet Hollywood‘s Theatre for the Performing Arts on September 15 seemed like a good time to review the more refined pursuits of our little oasis.

Small by museum standards,  Bellagio’s Gallery nonetheless continues to present worthy exhibitions. The current American Modernism review includes many rarely seen canvases by Georgia O’Keefe, Max Weber, Hans Hoffman, Marsden Hartley, Arthur Garfield Dove and Arshile Gorky in an unusually relaxed and intimate setting. Visitors to the property should also enjoy three free attractions: The Art Of Richard MacDonald in the foyer of the ‘O’ Theatre, the glorious Dale Chihuly glass sculpture in the hotel lobby, and the ever-changing floral displays at Bellagio‘s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

If science or history are in your sights, Luxor has a newly expanded presentation of Bodies The Exhibition and the Tropicana houses an exhibit of genuine S.S.Titanic artifacts. Forum Shops, Fashion Show Mall and the Grand Canal Shoppes all have a wde variety of retail art galleries worth exploring (Peter Max, Peter Lik and more).

Anyone here the first week of the month (or any) should try to attend First Fridays downtown, a regular open house and fanciful block party of our city’s downtown galleries on and around Charleston Boulevard. Golden Nugget is certainly the preeminent place to stay downtown — though it’s actually the budget-priced historic El Cortez casino which has a free First Friday shuttle.

Farther afield on the west side, the Las Vegas Philharmonic is celebrating its tenth year; Bosendorfer Pianos of Las Vegas displays the largest selection of the uncommon instruments in the country; and the Las Vegas Art Museum is presenting a selection of contemporary art owned by local collectors, including works by Basquiat, Hirst, Hockney, Murakami, Price, Ruscha and Warhol (LVAM is hosting a celebratory gala at the elegant Wynn resort on September 27). Summerlin’s Red Rock Resort and JW Marriott are two fine places to stay nearby.

So feel free to continue the debate about Las Vegas culture over a plate of fine cheese and a glass of excellent wine at any number of excellent restaurants up and down the Strip… we’ve already made up our minds!

Insider tip: Though it is a retail store, Bauman Rare Books (Palazzo) displays astounding historical literary works, political documents, and even some artworks — but Las Vegans may be most intrigued by their impressive collections of Western Frontier maps and rare food, wine and cocktail books.

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and interviews top
Strip entertainers, restaurateurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes
players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when
absolutely necessary.

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Fiesta! Vegas celebrates Mexican Independence Day

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Las_vegas_package_deals
By E.C. Gladstone

Viva los héroes! Although this blog is of course written in English, esto es para mi amigos Mexicanos. Felicidades! It’s Mexican Independence Day Sept. 15-16 — a bigger holiday than Cinco de Mayo — and Las Vegas ("The Meadows" en español), which was once in the northern frontier of Alta Mexico, is throwing uno maximo celebracion!

No doubt the hottest ticket of the long weekend will be the MGM Grand Garden lightweight boxing match between Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez and Cuba’s Joel Casamayor on Saturday (9/13). For sure, MGM’s Diego will be packed afterward during their weekly Vida club night (every Friday & Saturday). Diego is also serving a special tres colores meal on Monday and Tuesday including a shrimp tamale and pork two ways, in addition to their already impressive menu, 80-something tequilas (blancos, reposados and anejos), fantasic made-to-order margaritas and other tequila cocktails. Magnifico!

Every fiesta needs music, and of course, tenemos el ritmo en Vegas. Luis Miguel is performing every night from Friday (9/12) through Monday (9/15) at the Caesars Palace Colosseum (Check out Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill — don’t hate him ’cause he’s gringo! — beforehand to try over 70 tequilas and some remarkable "single village" mescals, like Chichicapa, that recall excellent Scotch. The creative menu is seafood-centric); Enrique Iglesias and "kings of Bachata" Aventura share the stage at Mandalay Bay Saturday (9/13) while Jaguares play the much more intimate House of Blues across the casino floor (Border Grill, with patios overlooking the Mandalay Beach, is having drink specials and live music through the weekend — their organic/sustainable menu has particularly good taco and tamale choices for lunch). Also on Saturday, Latin legends Amanda Y Diego perform at the Las Vegas Hilton –  with tickets starting at only $34. And Circus Circus‘ regular Saturday night Latin club Luna Y Sol is also sure to be en fuego.

Monday, Alejandro Fernandez continues the fiesta at Mandalay Bay Events Center, while Mariachi Divas play House of Blues. On Tuesday, Dos Caminos — the place in the Palazzo with the addictive guacamole, extensive tequila list and creative margaritas — is having a fantastic night of DJs and live music, along with a special menu that’s definitely worth sampling. Expect to see roaming mariachis other places up and down the Strip.

Las_vegas_vacationOn the funny side, Paul Rodriguez starts the long weekend off right, taking the stage at T.I. with the Latin Kings of Comedy Friday night (Isla, the Mexican restaurant at T.I. with a huge tequila selection — ask for the "goddess" — has a nice meal & show package deal); Gabriel Iglesias performs Friday and Saturday at the Monte Carlo (hit Diablo’s Cantina there afterward for a solid tequila selection, creative cocktails and a great Strip view from their patio).

I’ve already mentioned most of my favorite cocinas on the Strip, but other resort spots worth checking out are Taqueria Cañonita (Venetian) with a fantastic patio overlooking the indoor Grand Canal, 70+ tequilas, and a creatively traditional menu. … Pink Taco (Hard Rock) with another huge tequila selection and good tacos. … Yolo’s at Planet Hollywood with a mildly adventurous menu (more vegetarian options than most) and great casino-side bar with cute bartenders. … Silverton Lodge‘s Mi Casa, a colorful but romantic room with 65 tequilas and open grill. … Cabo in Palace Station. All are reasonably priced.

Insider tip: For the more adventurous, there are also excellent eateries (mostly mas barata) away from the Strip, including Doña Maria Tamales, Casa Don Juan, Ricardo’s,  Agave, Linda Michoacan, Caminos de Morella and Expee’s

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and interviews top
Strip entertainers, restaurateurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes
players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when
absolutely necessary.

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Best cabanas in Las Vegas

Friday, August 29th, 2008

Wynnsunlitcabanas
By E. C. Gladstone

Labor Day marks the "home stretch" of pool season in Las Vegas, and prime time for our competitively lavish cabanas. While renting a cabana might seem an extreme indulgence to some (prices rival those of rooms, going up on weekends and even up-per on holidays), it makes sense if you’re planning on a whole day at the pool with the family or friends. Typically you must be a hotel guest to reserve one, but you can invite a number of non-hotel guests (limits vary) along. And if an "adult/club pool" is in your plans, it may actually be a good deal since it includes admission fees for your whole party!

The best of them all include ample relaxation seating as well as reserved chaises, complimentary fruit/snacks and soft drinks, plasma TV, iPod-docking stereo, house phone, a safe for valuables and personalized service. Most also offer private massage service from their resort spa.

Here are my favorites:

• As far as cabana comforts, the Wynn resort is hard to beat — theirs are so luxurious you may want to move in!
• Bellagio‘s popular 50+ cabanas are roomy and pleasant, as you’d expect for their famously refined pool area.
• Those at The Venetian & Palazzo are comparable — and they even have A/C units.
• With certainly the most magnificent pool area, The Beach at Mandalay Bay also has over 70 cabanas of several classes from $150/daily upwards.
• Anyone can reserve the Red Rock Resort‘s cabanas at their cool circular pool deck, and they include Nintendo Wii and several treats daily (but start at a steep $400).
• The Hilton, MGM, Mirage and TI–all nice pools—are also good options.

Mandalayrotui
Best deals:

• Mandalay Bay‘s Private Garden Bungalows ($150 & up)
• The Golden Nugget‘s sexy & shady cabanas ($175 & up) are perched on two levels above their shark tank — you can take a tube slide straight down into the pool!
• Excalibur‘s recently remodeled deck includes an adult-only pool with pleasant cabanas, a bargain at only $75-150.
•Both TI and the JW Marriott, Summerlin offer half-day options at $100 or less (does anyone really spend 12 hours at a pool anyway?) and even the Marriott’s not-too-shabby Grand Cabana maxes out at $225 on weekends.

Adult/club pools:

• The nicest party pool, MGM’s Wet Republic, also has the best standard cabanas — roomy and chic, with huge TVs, DVD players and Xbox game systems (their 4 VIP cabanas feature king beds and private Astroturf terraces)
• Moorea at Mandalay Beach’s four open air "pavilions" are also gorgeous — and the Villa Rotui sky cabana, with panoramic views, rotating circular bed, stripper pole, wet bar and private pool is as cool as it gets.
• Sapphire pool at Rio may not have the swankiest cabanas, but its definitely the most "adult" party pool — and the only one which will pick up your party in a limo!
• For Vegas’ biggest pool party, Rehab (Sundays at the Hard Rock Hotel ), renting one of their see-and-be-seen open cabanas is a good way to get you and 12 or so guests in faster — hope it’s worth $1,000 or more!
• And if you’re dead set on the swank spa-quality cabanas at TAO Beach (Venetian), the bleacher-style bed-bungalows at Bare Pool (Mirage), or the exclusive Venus Pool cabanas (Caesars Palace) on a weekend…then you don’t need my help!

I’ve been told to warn you: prices can vary for many reasons, and advance reservations are pretty essential.

Insider tip: There are a lot of amazing concerts and DJ events here Labor Day weekend, but one definitely stands out: Ice Cube at the House of Blues on Saturday, August 30. A true hip hop legend in a room that small? Holla.

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and interviews top
Strip entertainers, restaurateurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes
players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when
absolutely necessary.

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New clubs vie for Las Vegas’ late-night crowds

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

Rokvegas
By E.C. Gladstone

Las Vegas resorts are continually trying to top each other in every way, but never more fiercely than with our nightclubs. I told you a few weeks ago about two new clubs. Now, for Labor Day weekend, four more clubs are joining the array of choices on the Strip (!), all more intimate and unique in character than our world-famous megaclubs like Tao and Pure. Check ‘em out:

• Lavo at Palazzo

When the people behind TAO announce a sequel, you know it’s a must-see, and Lavo (Latin for "bathe") does not disappoint. Mediterranean themed as half Roman bath, half North African souk, Lavo is technically smaller than TAO at 7,000 square feet, but in many ways better designed, with a larger lounge area and wide Strip-view patio (devoted to hookah smoking after hours), gorgeous glove leather seating, and lovely half-dressed ladies here and there in ritual bathing performances. The intimate top-floor club has a distinct New York/Euro feel, promising a sexy, high-energy, dance-anywhere-you-can scene. Hopefully the music will be equally creative and not just repeat the Tao formula.

• ROK Vegas at New York-New York

A Vegas-sized offshoot of Miami’s ROKbar, the new club in New York-New York (who’d ever imagine this casino would be going after the hotties?) sets itself apart with a huge 360-degree video screen ribbon, making the moderate-size room feel like a private Times Square or Shibuya. Intense lighting, fog effects and an overwhelming sound system augment the oval space featuring performance/DJ stages on both ends and bottle service tables right on the dance floor with stiletto-proof banquettes and mobile modular tables. The outdoor Strip-view patio, with separate DJs, has a more relaxed and roomy vibe — a nice duality for a club that wants to make rock and dance music fans equally at home. Check the huge photos behind the bar — they move!

Sugarcanelounge
• SushiSamba: Sugarcane at Palazzo

Miami’s Japanese-South American fusion restaurant (also in NYC, Chicago, Dallas and Tel Aviv) has likewise pumped itself up for Sin City, bringing a burst of creative cool that the Palazzo — if not the whole Strip — sorely needed. Hanging in the graffiti art and video infused dining room is trippy enough (like being inside an Anime), as is the decadently daring menu, but this SS is the first with an intimate 4,000-square-foot nightclub hidden in the back. Call it a space-age speakeasy! Great cocktails and a stunning sake list push it over the top.

• Dal Toro at Palazzo

Other than the larger-than-life chrome bull hood ornament, the restaurant/club overlooking a Lamborghini sports car dealership doesn’t have many "wow" factors, but the big bar, comfy Strip-side patio and large authentic Italian menu make this an interesting alternative.

Don’t forget Hard Rock Hotel‘s new rock club Wasted Space (my current favorite) and T.I.‘s new Christian Audigier nightclub too! Check with the venue’s reservations desk or your concierge for club hours and admission policies. (Related story)

Insider tip: Sept 1-7 is the annual Las Vegas Restaurant Week, when dozens of our best restaurants on and off the Strip contribute to local homeless charity Three Square for every prix fixe dinner sold ($25.08/$50.08). If you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to get a great meal deal for a great cause!

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and interviews top
Strip entertainers, restaurateurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes
players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when
absolutely necessary.

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Yes, Las Vegas is a family-friendly destination

Friday, August 15th, 2008

Excaliburvegas
By E.C. Gladstone

A recent New York Times article on the 31 best places for summer holidays in the U.S. put Las Vegas at #3. No surprise … yet like most national media, the Times parroted "the much-hyped efforts of Las Vegas to turn itself into a family destination a few years ago pretty much fizzled." I hate to disagree, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Despite a healthy amount of sin in Sin City, Vegas retains so much family-friendly fun, I can’t sum it up in one blog.

But the first decision to make is where to stay — and yes, it makes a difference. Luckily, several of the more moderately priced family-friendly Las Vegas hotels have recently remodeled rooms, making that decision much, much easier.

• Excalibur will never be mistaken for a 5-star Strip property — after all, it’s built to look like a fairy-tale castle. But after they invited me to stay for a knight (sorry, couldn’t resist) in one of their new rooms, I was pleasantly surprised. Pillow-top beds, huge flat-screen TVs, plush towels and marble counters finish a tasteful design in modern earth tones — mustard, chocolate, rust, mint — with just a few subtle medieval touches. They remodeled the multi-pool deck to include a couple water slides; my four-year-old loved the equestrians and acrobats of Tournament of Kings ("Best show ever!"); and the adjacent midway games are fun too. A free tram connects to the Luxor (new exhibits) and Mandalay Bay/THEHotel/Four Seasons (Shark Reef, more restaurant options).

Treasureisland
• Though it’s been angling toward a more adult appeal, T.I. (Treasure Island) also remains a good family choice. The room remodels are distinctly clever and stylish, with dark wood tones, lots of smart space usage, a cool chaise lounge, flat-screen TV, iPod-docking clock-radio, and a very plush pillow-top bed with soft white linens and big comfy pillows (adults will also appreciate the strong water pressure and good Wi-Fi signals). T.I.’s pool is a nice shady oasis, the nightly (free) pirate show is still fun, and it houses the most (over age 5) kid-friendly Cirque du Soleil show, Mystere. A free tram connects to the Mirage — which also has new rooms — with Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden, the Beatles LOVE show, and some solid kid-accessible food options (Cravings buffet, Carnegie Deli, BLT Burger … ); The Venetian, with Blue Man Group, Madame Tussaud’s, the gondolas, and a great food court, is right across the Strip; Caesars Palace and Forum Shops (huge aquarium and Atlantis Show, FAO Schwarz, another good food court) is right next door.

• The Circus Circus experience is a unique assault on the senses (read that how you will), with an astounding array of touristy retail, the most broad-spectrum guest population you may ever see (many international travelers, and group tours) and, of course, the legendary Midway mezzanine, full of classic carnival games and hourly circus acts. But their new rooms are probably the best deal of all: done in an understated scheme just hinting at classic circus colors, they’re spacious even by modern standards, with granite surfaces, a flat-screen TV, plush pillowtop mattress and some surprising bath amenities (toothpaste and toothbrush, shoeshine sponge, even a disposable loofah). I’ve stayed in rooms twice as expensive that offered little more. Circus Circus also has the Adventuredome indoor amusement park, making it particularly good for families with tweens and teens.

• As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the Flamingo resort also has its new Go rooms (definitely worth the higher rates), fun for kids and adults alike. The (free) bird sanctuary and huge pool area will wow the tykes; comedy-magician Nathan Burton does a popular matinee show here; and the Caesars Palace , Bellagio (fountain show), and Paris (Eiffel Tower) resorts are all within easy walking distance.

Insider tip: After 10 years, Star Trek The Experience will be closing at the Las Vegas Hilton on September 1. Don’t miss your last chance to check out this unique amusement/museum/shop/restaurant!

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and interviews top
Strip entertainers, restaurateurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes
players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when
absolutely necessary.

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Las Vegas sizzles with hot summer shows

Monday, July 28th, 2008

Barrymanilow
By E.C. Gladstone

Most places here in the Northern Hemisphere tend to slow down in August. Not Las Vegas! Despite the summer heat, Sin City is still busy, and hopping. Especially when it comes to entertainment. I was so surprised with the number of top names coming here in the next few weeks — truly something for everyone — I thought it was worth pointing out.

Stars coming to Mandalay Bay include Motley Crue, Buckcherry & Papa Roach (together, 8/1), rappers Nas (8/8) and Mos Def (8/22); The Palms is hosting Steely Dan (8/8), Poison (8/22), Kiss, (8/29) and Judas Priest (9/1); Green Valley Ranch will have the Neville Bros (9/13); while other shows include Rod Stewart (8/2, MGM Grand), Daughtry (Red Rock, 8/15), and Bob Dylan (9/1, Hard Rock). And you really shouldn’t miss The Time, reunited, playing the Flamingo from 7/29 to 8/2.

At Terrible’s Primm (which is actually 30 minutes outside of town, on the Nevada border), they’ve got Pat Benatar (8/2), Liza Minnelli, (8/16), Bill Cosby (8/30) and Al Green (9/13)!

If it’s classic Las Vegas performers you want, Don Rickles is at Orleans (7/31-8/3) as is Gladys Knight (8/22-24); MGM Grand has "Mr. Las Vegas," Wayne Newton (7/31-8/6) and Tom Jones (8/7-20), Tony Bennett’s coming back to the Hilton (9/19-20). And, not that he’s exactly in this category, but legendary opera tenor Placido Domingo comes to Planet Hollywood 9/15.

You Osmonds fans know that Donny & Marie start their residency at the Flamingo Sept. 9. But plan your trip around the weekend of 9/26-28, and you can see the Osmond Brothers at the Orleans as well!

Lest we forget, Elton John and Cher are both performing at Caesars Colosseum this month as well, and Barry Manilow returns to the Hilton 8/27.

Comedians worth coming out for include Craig Ferguson at MGM Grand (through 7/30), Jay Leno (8/8-9, Kevin James (8/1-2) and Lewis Black (8/30-31) all at Mirage; Jerry Seinfeld (8/8-9) and Chris Rock (8/29-30), both at Caesars Palace; and Joel McHale at Mandalay Bay (8/8).

True, some of the touring artists might also be playing your town — but keep in mind that most Vegas venues tend to be smaller than places the same stars play elsewhere, and sound and sightlines are almost always excellent. This is not a town where you worry about ticket scalpers either. Really really want to see a sold out show? Odds are, your hotel concierge can figure it out. Just don’t forget to tip!

Insider tip: Check out Vegas legend Cook E Jarr, who performs free at Harrah’s Carnaval Court every Friday and Saturday night. He’s truly one-of-a-kind!

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and interviews top
Strip entertainers, restauranteurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes
players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when
absolutely necessary.

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Posted in Las Vegas Vacation, Travel News | No Comments »

Hot new clubs raise the bar on Vegas Strip

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Lasvegasnightclub
By E.C. Gladstone

These are the kinds of nights that really make my job fun: getting to check out brand new clubs, and happening upon only-in-Vegas moments, all in the course of a few hours.

Last week, two new night spots opened their doors for test-run VIP/media receptions before their Grand Openings. And both of them, as Will Ferrell would say, are "kind of a big deal."

Christian Audigier, the fashion designer best known for his glam’n'tattoo inspired Ed Hardy line partnered with the people who own PURE nightclub (the celeb-magnet hotspot at Caesars Palace) to open Christian Audigier The Nightclub — yup, that’s what it’s called — at T.I. Redesigning the space that used to be Tangerine, Audigier used the rock ‘n’ roll palette (red, white, and lots and lots of shiny black), accented by huge canvases of tattoo art, crocodile skin tables and crystal-like mirrors and skulls. The ample patio, with a separate DJ, overlooks the T.I.’s signature Sirens pirate lagoon. Bartenders wear specially designed vinyl corsets and fishnets while waitresses are in short short Audigier T-shirt dresses and stacked heels. Music is a blend of rock, pop and hip hop. Audigier definitely makes a good fit with T.I.’s hip japanese fusion restaurant Social House, tequila bar Isla and sexy Sirens, making this formerly family-focused resort a lot more happening.

Over at the Hard Rock Hotel, where there are lot of huge changes under way, motocross mogul Carey Hart (who also owns Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. at The Palms) replaced the former casino lounge with Wasted Space, which is anything but. A stark contrast to virtually all other casino clubs, Wasted Space is a true Rock ‘n’ Roll joint, with bare wood walls, a small stage (yes, bands will play) and big murals of punk rock gig fliers. Bartenders and waitresses wear "saucy schoolgirl" outfits, aided by dudes with mohawks and goth bangs. The furniture is randomly upholstered to look like thrift store-cast offs, and Djs spin cool mixes of classic rock and new wave. Judging just by who turned up for the pre-opening, this is definitely gonna be the spot to meet Vegas’ female finest.

On the same night, in between hitting the clubs, I stopped in at Mirage to meet a friend for a quick dinner at Stack (love those Adult Tater Tots!) and a drink at the Beatles Revolution Lounge (another of my favorite clubs here), where America’s Got Talent winner, ventriloquist/comedian Terry Fator, made an unannounced improv appearance before taking in the Cirque du Soleil Beatles LOVE show. What was Fator, who performs at the Hilton, doing at a rival resort? Hmm, well since Danny Gans is leaving Mirage in the fall, there’s going to be some available real estate here.

Insider tip: At least four more hot clubs are set to open here next month. And superstar DJ Paul Oakenfold starts a twice-monthly residency at Rain (Palms) just before Labor Day.

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and interviews top
Strip entertainers, restauranteurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes
players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when
absolutely necessary.

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Posted in Gambling Vacation, Las Vegas Vacation | No Comments »

Flamingo Las Vegas ups the cool quotient

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Flamingo
By E.C. Gladstone

When I told some of my Las Vegas friends I was checking out the Flamingo, most of them reacted with one word: "Why?" The oldest operating resort on the Strip, Flamingo has long been a mainstay of the "casual crowd." It may be tried and true, but it hasn’t been hip since they spelled it "hep."

But things are changing. The Flamingo’s new catchphrase is "The hottest pink on the Strip." (Wow. … Do you kiss your mother with that slogan?) Luckily, they have something to back it up. I like the rooms in the Hard Rock Hotel, I dig the rooms in all three Palms towers. But for straight-up funky cool, the Flamingo’s new GO rooms have both of them beat.

From the minute I stepped off the elevator into stark white halls with pink contrasts, I experienced a daring reversal to the trend of darker, masculine tones in other new hotels here. Inside my junior suite, accented by earth tones, the theme was taken further into a fantasy mid-century resort tribute that made me feel as if I was somewhere in movieland between Austin Powers and Valley of the Dolls, from the candy-striped accent wall to white-marbled bathroom with puckered tiling and artsy table lamps.

Sexy? You better believe it, with the white vinyl upholstered ceiling-high headboard, body jets in the glass shower, sliding translucent bathroom door, surround-sound stereo (check-in gives you a demonstrational CD to try it out), and (not to be overlooked) one of the most sumptuous hotel beds I’ve ever experienced.

Flamingovegasroom
Amenity details I kept discovering included two Philips flat screen TVs (the one nearest the bed pulls out from the wall for multi-angled viewing), a ceiling fan over the bed, goose-neck reading lamps, motorized curtains, a flat screen TV built into the sink mirror, wild fig scented bath products, a small fridge (without the overpriced minibar temptations), Wi-Fi that actually works, coffeemaker, and leatherette trays and garbage cans that for once I considered worth paying for to take home.

Did I leave anything out? Probably.

Continuing the theme, Flamingo also has a hidden "European-style" (topless optional) "GO" pool deck, which unlike some other "daylife clubs," actually has a swimmable pool (with a stripper pole platform in the middle!) and ample lounge chairs. Come to think of it, the Flamingo’s whole pool area, with water slides, floating beer pong and a sexy grotto, has pretty strong party potential overall.

I topped off my stay here with dinner at Voga — a new-wave inspired restaurant with a nicely presented raw bar and wide array of creative small dishes for all tastes — then the X Burlesque, a rock-inspired take on the topless showgirl revue, with gorgeous girls dancing to music like Marilyn Manson and Guns ‘N’ Roses.

The venerated Flamingo may not exactly be taking the Palms or Hard Rock head-on, but if you like those spots (I do), the Flamingo’s GO package is definitely worth trying out.

Insider tip: Just added to Flamingo’s array of entertainment, The Time, reunited, are booked to perform here through the summer. Oh-ee-oh-ee-oh!

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and
interviews top Strip entertainers, restauranteurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes
players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when
absolutely necessary.

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Posted in Las Vegas Vacation, Romance | No Comments »

Monte Carlo: A surviving Strip standard

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Montecarlophoto
By E.C. Gladstone

Bad news has a way of traveling faster than good. When the Monte Carlo suffered an accidental fire back in January, both travelers and locals heard the Strip resort had to close down for repairs. But the closing only lasted a few weeks, and to paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of its demise had been greatly exaggerated.

Today, the AAA Four Diamond casino resort is open for business, and in many ways, better than ever. I know, because I just enjoyed a two-night stay there myself. In the spirit of the European resort it’s named after, Monte Carlo is unpretentiously elegant at every turn, while still a bit more manageable than the fanciest Strip resorts.

My room had clean, classic design, with attention to the details that really mattered, like a pillow-top mattress, soft sheets, a rainfall showerhead and bath amenities including mimosa and vine flower lotion and sweet pea massage bar soap.

MontecarlocasinoOff the full-spectrum well-designed casino floor is the showroom of legendary Las Vegas magician Lance Burton, whose family-friendly show includes illusions from sleight of hand to levitation, with a bit of drama and lot of humor. A different kind of fun can be found at Diablo’s Cantina, with dancing on the rooftop deck, drinking (creative cocktails and a huge tequila selection), and dining (try the carnitas tacos).

But the Monte Carlo experience would be incomplete without a visit to the intimate dining room of Andre’s (AAA four diamond), where I had an exquisite gourmet meal including a perfect Dover Sole sautéed Veronique, excellent wine pairings, and an unforgettable dessert soufflé. Afterward, my date and I enjoyed Andre’s cozy cigar and cognac bar.

Centrally located on the Strip between Tropicana Avenue and Flamingo Road, the property — which will be excellently positioned come 2009 when the massive City Center project opens just next door — also offers all the expected resort amenities: a fun pool area, wedding chapel, spa, gym, salon and access to the Shadow Creek golf club. And the hip Brand Steakhouse, which just opened, is sure to draw a sexy Sin City crowd.

Insider tip: For all your travel and convenience needs, there’s a 24-hour CVS/Pharmacy just adjacent to the Monte Carlo on the Strip.

Related Orbitz resources:

E.C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and continues to
interview many top Strip entertainers and behind-the-scenes players for
VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when absolutely
necessary.

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Getting married? Say ‘I do’ on the Vegas Strip

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008

Weddingchapel
By E.C. Gladstone

June marks traditional wedding season in most of the U.S. But getting hitched is never out of season in Las Vegas, where over 100,000 marriages are performed every year (Valentine’s Day is actually the busiest day). Don’t assume those are all just elopements: the scale of the biggest Las Vegas hotels means they are prepared to handle a gathering of any size at virtually any time, to fit any budget or desire. (The Stirling Club at Turnberry Place for example, just threw a traditional Hindu ceremony for 700 guests, with the groom arriving on an elephant!) And depending on the situation, you can choose from any number of world-famous chefs and patissiers to handle the catering and cake.

Elegance and romance

In addition to the wedding chapels on Las Vegas Boulevard South near downtown, virtually all major Las Vegas hotels
offer wedding packages in their own chapels and outdoor settings, as
well as spa and salon services, florists and photographers. Among the
most impressive are THEWedding Chapel at Mandalay Bay (selected as a 2008 pick by The Knot magazine) the Terrazza di Sogno at Bellagio, as well as several opulent packages at both WYNN and The Venetian. The Flamingo‘s classic tropical gardens and waterfalls offer poetic ambiance in a slightly more budget-conscious range. And there’s also the vintage-1942 Little Church of the West,
which is actually on the National Register of Historic Places (who
knew?), and is where celebs from Betty Grable and Harry James to
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton have gotten hitched.

Fantasy and fun

Vegas is also tops at novel nuptials: Everybody knows this is the place to get married by an Elvis impersonator, or from the comfort of your car (at The Little White Wedding Chapel’s drive-thru Tunnel of Love), even in a helicopter or hot air balloon. But did you know, you can also exchange vows on the pirate ships in Treasure Island‘s Siren’s Cove€; amongst the maneaters at Mandalay Bay‘s Shark Reef; 800 feet above the ground atop the Stratosphere; on the bridge of the USS Enterprise at the Las Vegas Hilton’s Star Trek Experience; or in Medieval costume at Excalibur; and at The Venetian, you can not only marry in a special wedding gondola on the Grand Canal, but also have a Phantom of the Opera themed ceremony in the Phantom theatre lobby.

Needless to say, Las Vegas hotels can also handle your every desire for bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and of course, honeymoons. I’m tempted to get married myself now, just so I can enjoy those!

Insider Tip: Though far from the Strip, Las Vegas™ Springs Preserve museum/park features a number of beautiful settings for an eco-friendly ceremony, with on-site organic catering by the Wolfgang Puck group!

Related Orbitz resources:

E. C. Gladstone is a former editor for AOLVegas, and interviews top Strip entertainers, restaurateurs, moguls and behind-the-scenes players for VEGAS Magazine. Like many Las Vegans, he sleeps only when absolutely necessary.

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