VIVA LAS VEGAS NEWSLETTER
============================
LAS VEGAS, NV --- In this Newsletter the report is on:
OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS, HERE IN LAS VEGAS, LAST MONTH
by billhere, Publisher.
CLOSED LAST MONTH:
====================
+++++
ALEXIS PARK RESORT: Joey & Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding
Show closed.
+++++
BLACKJACK: Beware of casinos that change the standard casino
rules on table games. It always means you are getting shorted.
Orleans cuts-off 1/2 the cards of the shoe in a 6-deck game.
Most casinos on The Strip now pay a lower amount for blackjacks
on single deck blackjack games. That means:
On a $10 bet at 6/5 they now pay you $12.
On a $10 bet at 3/2, standard rules, they should pay you $15.
That's a significant loss after only a few hours of play.
The following casinos are now only paying 6/5 for blackjack on
single deck blackjack games instead of 3/2:
Aladdin, Bally's, Boulder Station, Caesars Palace, Excalibur,
Flamingo, Green Valley Ranch, New Frontier, Las Vegas Hilton,
O'Shea's, Paris Las Vegas, Sunset Station, Treasure Island and
Westin Casuarina.
Stay away - you can't win! Pertinent articles at:
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2003/10/23/upfront4.html
and
http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com/2003/11/14/gaming.html
and
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/leisure/2003/nov/13/515853930.html
+++++
BLACKJACK CONFIDENTIAL MAGAZINE: Suspended publication.
+++++
FITZGERALDS: The Larry G. Jones comedy show closed.
+++++
FLAMINGO: Amazing Johnathan show closed.
+++++
GOLD COAST: Serendipity Show closed.
+++++
GOLDEN NUGGET: Spirit of The Dance and the
Funny Bone Comedy shows are both closed.
+++++
HOLSUM BREAD: Their building on 299 West Charleston is now
closed. That's where every down-and-out Las Vegas gambler
bought day old bread or got free two-day old bread in the
dumpster in the back. Every degenerate gambler knew that
scenario!
The building is being converted into chi-chi residences
called the "Holsum Lofts". Renovation starts in
February, 2004. Completion in June, 2004.
Another Vegas tradition bites the dust! Story at:
http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2003/11/21/columnists/col01realestate.txt
+++++
JAGUARS STRIP CLUB: Closed because their liquor permit
was revoked due to the owner pleading guilty to corrupting
local politicians. Might re-open after the holidays. Read all about it
at:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/lv-crime/2003/dec/24/516075568.html
+++++
LA CONCHA MOTEL: Across the street from the Stardust and
next to the Riviera has been demolished to make way, eventually,
for a casino/hotel high rise tower.
+++++
MGM GRAND: Ricardo's Mexican Restaurant closed to allow
construction for new monorail station access.
+++++
MIRAGE: Buffet closed for renovation. Re-opening June,2004.
+++++
O'SHEA'S: The Vegas Baby show opened and closed.
+++++
PALMS: Marshall Sylver's Hypnotist Show closed and none
too soon. We have confirmed that he used amateur local
actors as his "supposed" volunteers whom he put under
hypnosis in his act. Is this what other hypnotists are doing?
In addition, the Nevada Attorney General has accused Sylver
of bilking customers, of his self-help program, out of tens of
thousands of dollars. You can read all about it at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-08-Mon-2003/news/22704278.html
+++++
PEDICABS: Shut down on The Strip. Officials were complaining
about the traffic problems they caused but the real reason was
pressure from the taxicab industry, which was losing rides.
Pedicabs are still available on private property inside shopping
malls.
+++++
RIO: Carnival World Buffet. They are intermittently closing half the
food serving stations for renovations and do not reduce their
outrageous price of $16.99 per person to their dinner buffet.
The renovations will continue until April, 2004!
Avoid this rip-off by going to the Gold Coast ($9.95) or the
Palms ($11.99) which are just across the street.
In any case, both buffets are better.
+++++
RIVIERA: MEN, THE SHOW, Little Anthony & The Imperials and
Ray Brown, Jr. shows all closed.
+++++
SAPPHIRE TOPLESS CLUB: The Sex Strikes Back show closed.
+++++
=====================================
=====================================
CLOSINGS COMING UP
====================
+++++
Dec.28= Magical Forest. Huge, must-see Xmas drive-thru closes:
http://www.opportunityvillage.org/Calendar/Magical_Forest.htm
+++++
Dec.31= Rock History Photography Collection closes - Rio.
+++++
Jan.1, 2004= Hard Rock Hotel closing Baby's nightclub for major
renovations. Re-opening in June, 2004.
+++++
Jan.18, 2004= TREASURES OF CHATSWORTH exhibit
closing. Located in the Gallery of Fine Art inside the
Bellagio. Information at: http://www.bgfa.biz
+++++
Jan.31, 2004= Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club closing - Excalibur.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= FAO Schwarz Toy Store in the Forum Shops in
Caesars Palace is closing, due to bankruptcy, in mid-January.
+++++
Feb.29, 2004= Martin Nievera Show closing - Golden Nugget.
+++++
May 2, 2004= "A Century of Painting: From Renoir to Rothko"
exhibit closing in the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in
the Venetian.
+++++
=====================================
=====================================
OPENED LAST MONTH:
====================
ADVANTAGE GAMBLER: Read how the El Cortez harassed
an advantage gambler for no good reason:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-25-Thu-2003/business/22871776.html
+++++
ALADDIN: Steve Wyrick, magician and Illusionist, opened his
show at the Aladdin's Center Stage Showroom which is now
called the Steve Wyrick Showroom.
+++++
BELLAGIO: Christian Dior opened a new boutique.
+++++
BOARDWALK: Spectrum (a tribute to Motown) and Purple Rain
(a tribute to Prince), both shows opened.
+++++
BOYD GAMING: One slot club card introduced for all three of
their downtown casinos:
Main Street Station, California and Fremont.
+++++
CIRCUS CIRCUS: Their existing 400 hook-up site, Circusland
RV Park, adjacent to their property, will now operate as a
KOA Campgrounds site.
+++++
CVS PHARMACY: Opened a 24-hour, 7-day store on The Strip
between the Boardwalk and Monte Carlo.
+++++
FASHION SHOW MALL: "The Cloud" a huge 479-foot long canopy,
128 feet in the air opened in front of the Fashion Show Mall. This
shopping center is now a Megamall with eight valet locations!
Good article and pictures at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jul-13-Sun-2003/living/21684116.html
+++++
FITZGERALDS: The Two Girls and a Guy Show, with music,
magic and comedy opened.
+++++
FLAMINGO: Margueritaville Restaurant and Nightclub opened
fronting on The Strip. Read a review at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-19-Fri-2003/weekly/22724871.html
+++++
FREEWAY: The free 53-mile Las Vegas beltway opened
using the 215 and I-15.
+++++
GOLD COAST: Honky Tonk Angels Show re-opened.
+++++
HARRAH"S: Opened a huge McDonalds hamburger joint on
The Strip to the North side of their property.
+++++
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS CLUB TIMESHARE:
Opened their Phase One, 33-story, 295 studio, one and two
bedroom units. Located across the street from Wet 'n' Wild on
The Strip. Tel.(702)699-7900. Internet site at:
http://www.hgvc.com
+++++
LUXOR: It has been revealed that the Luxor charges higher hotel
room rates for spillover customers when Mandalay Bay is sold out.
Book separately and do not tell them that you tried to book into
Mandalay Bay and don't let Mandalay Bay reservation clerks
transfer your call to the Luxor. You will get a better rate
booking separately by yourself.
+++++
MANDALAY BAY: Opened a new 43-story tower of 1,122-rooms,
all-suites, in the space between their theater and parking garage.
With a separate theme, it's called THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.
Has a rooftop restaurant/bar called "MIX", spa/health club, meeting
rooms, 24-hour coffee shop, coffee bar, retail stores, registration
desk and ground floor bar/lounge.
Mandalay Bay, including Four Seasons, now has 4,825 rooms,
second only after MGM Grand's 5,034 rooms.
+++++
MANDALAY BAY: Their Shark Reef exhibit now has the first
great hammerhead shark ever displayed in the U.S.
She is some mean-looking critter.
Don't ask me how they know she is a female!
+++++
MARRIOTT: Construction has started on a $100 million,
548-room, 15-story, non-gaming, hotel at 3400 Paradise Road.
Will also have Starbucks Coffee Shop, swimming pool, spa and
a five-story parking garage. Will be located 300 feet from the
Convention Center. Completion is for February, 2005.
+++++
MCCARRAN AIRPORT: Security vehicle check points have been
set up causing additional delays due to hightened security.
Another good reason to rent a car.
+++++
NEW YORK-NEW YORK: New automated machines installed
at the Valet area to retrieve your car. The parking receipt you
get, when you left your car with them,has a bar-code on it so the
machine alerts the valet to get your car and advises them of
where your car is located in their garage. Congratulations to
New York-New York for this innovation.
Also a new huge, marquee $10 million sign, at the entrance, has
been installed.
+++++
RIVIERA: The Hail Hail Rock 'N" Roll show opened. Don't miss it
if you like rock 'n' roll, it's great. Note the 2 for 1 coupons below.
+++++
ROY HORN OF SIEGFIRED & ROY: Roy Horn,59, has returned
from UCLA Hospital in Los Angeles to a make-shift hospital room
in his home in Las Vegas. His speech is very limited but is able to
write notes. He's still paralyzed on his left side with one quarter of
his skull still removed and attached to his stomach. Until recently,
he was totally dependent on a respirator. He was mauled by a
381-pound tiger during the October 3rd Siegfried & Roy show in
the Mirage.
Please join us in praying for him. Vegas is not the same without
Siegfried & Roy.
+++++
SANTA FE STATION: Charcoal Room Steakhouse opened.
+++++
SHOWCASE MALL FOOD COURT: New, four-story, 24-hour,
7 days a week Food Court opened with 9 fast food restaurants
(including Wendy's, Subway, Panda Express, La Salsa Cantina,
etc.), next to the MGM Grand, where the All Star Cafe was located.
+++++
SILVERTON: Twin Creeks Steakhouse opened.
+++++
STARDUST: Anthony Cools, hypnotist show started.
+++++
TUSCANY: Opened bikini clad dealers in their craps and
blackjack pits. ridays thru Mondays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
+++++
VIDEO POKER MAGAZINE: Rates the best Video Poker casinos:
1. Casino Montelago.
2. Las Vegas Hilton.
3. Palms.
4. Fiesta Rancho.
5. Fiesta Henderson.
6. Las Vegas Club.
7. Main Street Station.
8. Hacienda.
9. El Cortez.
10. Texas Station.
Further info on the magazine at:
http://www.vphomepage.com
+++++
WESTIN CASUARINA: The old Maxim Hotel on 160 E. Flamingo
and Koval Lane was completely renovated ($80 million) and
re-opened with 825 rooms, as the Westin Casuarina Hotel & Spa.
Small casino, all-new spa, Starbucks and casino lounge is
included. Coffee Shop, open 24-hours, is called the Silver Peak
Grill. No poker room or sportsbook. Only a Breakfast Buffet
at an exorbitant $9.95. Blackjack only pays 6 to 5 at single deck
games. Restricted doubling down on double-deck blackjack games.
Poor Video Poker schedules. Food comps are not available from
the pit for the table games. VERY disappointing.
Telephone 1-888-625-5144 or (702)836-9775. Internet:
https://www.starwood.com/westin/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1448
Comedian David Brenner is the resident headliner show. Review at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Nov-28-Fri-2003/weekly/22664403.html
+++++.
=====================================
=====================================
OPENINGS COMING UP
====================
+++++
Dec.30= Beacher's Comedy Madhouse opens - Hard Rock.
+++++
Dec.31= Fremont Street Experience unveils its $16.5 million
upgrading of their lights on New Years Eve.
+++++
Dec.??= Construction begins to add 296 new rooms. The hotel
now has only 201-rooms. Completion November, 2004-Suncoast.
+++++
Dec.??= HOFBRAUHAUS, a $12 million, enclosed beer garden,
and replica of the famous one in Munich, Germany will open at
4510 Paradise Road corner of Harmon Avenue. at the
southeast corner, across from the Hard Rock Cafe.
Capacity will be for 800 people. The Hofbrauhaus beer and large glass
steins will be imported from the original and famous Hofbrauhaus in
Munich, Germany.
Will have 45-foot-high ceiling. The restaurant will serve Bavarian
food and German pretzels. The music will be performed by authentic
German oom-pah bands. If it is half the fun of any beer garden, this
project will be a huge success! Tel.(702)454-4009. Further
information:
http://www.hofbrauhauslasvegas.com/index.php
+++++
Dec.??= Turnberry Place on Paradise, across the street from the Las
Vegas Hilton, completes their third 40-story Tower. Residences sell
from $500,000 to $5.25 million. http://www.turnberryplace.com
+++++
2004
Jan.1,2004= New Entertainment Tax of 5% in venues over 7,500 capacity
(collected on the admission price only)
and 10% in venues under 7,500 capacity
(collected on admissions, all food & souvenirs).
(Venues with less than 51 slot machines and 300 capacity are exempt.)
+++++
Jan.6, 2004= Park Place Entertainment Corp. changes corporate
name to Caesars Entertainment Corp.
Individual casinos will not change their name.
New stock symbol will be CZR and new internet site will be:
www.Caesars.com
+++++
Jan.12= New BOUCHON Restaurant opening in the new Venezia
Tower - Venetian.
+++++
Jan.13, 2004= Amazing Jonathan Show grand re-opening - Golden
Nugget.
+++++
Jan.16, 2004= George Wallace opens his continuous running
comedy show - Flamingo.
+++++
Jan.16, 2004= PLUSH nightclub opening where OXO restaurant
was located - J.W.Marriot Hotel (Rampart Casino).
+++++
Jan.22, 2004= Nevada Gaming Control Board approves the
Golden Nugget sale from MGM Mirage to the former owners of
travelscape.com. Expect major positive changes.
+++++
Jan.30 to Sep.13,2004= Monet Art Exhibit - Bellagio Gallery of Fine
Art.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= Coast Casinos starts their new slot club card which will
be good at all their casinos; Orleans, Suncoast, Gold Coast and
Barbary Coast.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= Construction begins on the new 296-room Tower.
Completion is for December,2004 - Green Valley Ranch Station.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= McCarran Airport will start using radio frequency tags
on all checked luggage. The tags will be read by screening machines
as the bags travel on the conveyor belts to the correct plane and
ensure that each bag meets security requirements.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= Sales Offices open for the huge new condominium project
(The Residences MGM Grand), which is going to be built where the
now closed MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park was located, in the back
of the MGM Grand property. Tel.:1-888-891-1688 or (702) 891-5555.
Internet site, which is now under construction, will be:
http://www.mgmgrandresidences.com
+++++
Feb.9, 2004= Jeff Hobson's Money & Madness Comedy Show
Grand Opening - Excalibur.
+++++
Feb.12, 2004= TED, low-fare unit of United Airlines, starts flying
their new low cost airline. Initial roll-out cities will be Las Vegas,
Reno, Phoenix, New Orleans, Orlando, Tampa and
Ontario, California. Further information at:
http://www.FlyTed.com
+++++
Feb.25, 2004= Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company
opening a tattoo parlor - Palms. (The first tattoo parlor in any
casino.
They already have a fortune teller's booth. Congratulations to the
Palms for trying something new but don't look for me in the line!)
Internet site:
http://www.hartandhuntingtontattoo.com
+++++
Feb.??, 2004= TAO Restaurant & Nightclub opening, taking the
place of WB Stage 16 in the Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian.
+++++
Feb.??, 2004= Hawaiian Marketplace opening $140 million, two-story,
shopping center with 60 stores and 12 fast food restaurants.
Located on The Strip just south of Harmon in place of the Polo Plaza
shopping center in front of the Polo Towers. The Polynesian-themed
center will recreate the look and feel of the International
Marketplace in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Some of the announced stores are: Pearl Factory, Zebra Shoes, Body
Jewelry, Sunglasses, an Urgent Care Center, a wedding chapel and the
Polo Fitness Center.
Some of the announced restaurants are: Pizza Hut, China Chef, Subway
and Hamada.
+++++
Mar.1, 2004= New Robert N. Broadbent Las Vegas Monorail grand
opening. (Delayed from January 15th, 2004.)
Will go from MGM Grand all the way to the Sahara.
Monorail trains will have huge advertising on them to help defray
costs.
Will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., take 15-minutes,
and cost $3 one way, $5.50 round trip. Information:
http://www.lvmonorail.com
Picture and story at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-08-Tue-2003/news/21058377.html
NOTE: The old section from MGM Grand to Bally's is now closed and
will NOT re-open until March 1, 2004 as part of the above.
+++++
Mar. 4, 2004= Spirit of the Dance reopens in the Golden Nugget.
+++++
Apr..??, 2004= Forty Deuce, an L.A. hot night club, is opening on the
top floor of the new THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.
+++++
Apr.??, 2004= Mirage Buffet re-opening after major renovations.
It's now closed.
+++++
May??, 2004= Construction begins on a new $100 million, 460-room,
21-story Tower, facing Tropicana Avenue. Completion is for
December, 2004 - Orleans.
Total rooms will be 1,886 after this latest expansion.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= Three new pedestrian overpass bridges at Spring
Mountain and The Strip will open:
between Fashion Show Mall and Wynn Las Vegas;
between Fashion Show Mall and Treasure Island and
between Wynn Las Vegas and the Venetian.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= ALADDIN: Grand reopening as Planet Hollywood.
Operations will continue to be normal until the change of owners.
No further details available for now but expect major changes.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= Caesars Palace opening ROMAN PLAZA at the
main corner of Flamingo and The Strip. Dining, retail and
entertainment venue.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= Baby's nightclub reopening after major renovations.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= Nevada Gaming Control Board approves the
sale of the Las Vegas Hilton from Park Place Entertainment Corp.
to an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC, a Los Angeles based
international private investment firm, for approximately
$280 million. Name of the hotel is to remain the same but major
positive changes and expansion are expected. Full story at:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2003/dec/24/122410100.html
+++++
Jul.??, 2004= New Cirque du Soleil show opening in the old EFX
Theater - MGM Grand. It will be Asian-themed and will have an
actual story about two brothers who square off after embracing
the forces of good and evil.
+++++
Nov.3, 2004= McCarran Airport will open a new $90 million wing
which will add 11-gates to the existing D-Gates.
+++++
Dec.??, 2004= Bellagio opens another tower of 925 rooms
costing $925 million, called the Spa Tower, south of the main
pool area. Includes spa, retail, convention and restaurant space.
One of the restaurants will be called Sensi and will have its
kitchen in the middle of the diners seated around its edge.
The tram from Bellagio to Monte Carlo, which is now closed,
will re-open at the same time.
+++++
2005
Jan.??, 2005= Forum Shops opens a $139 million, three-story, Phase
lll, with an expansion from the existing mall all the way to The Strip
and will then have a three-story grand entrance direct from The Strip
- Caesars Palace. About 50 new stores.
Announced tenants so far are Dolce & Gabanna, Jeweler Harry
Winston, famous Miami restaurant Joe's Stonecrab & Seafood,
Prime Steak and Stone Crab, Sushi Roku, high-end shoe
and fashion accessory emporium Donald Pliner, Casa Fuente
Cigars, shoemaker Bruno Magli and Valentino.
+++++
Jan.??, 2005= WORLD MARKET CENTER opens a $200 million,
10-story building. It's fully leased with 225 furniture, bedding,
decorative accessories, lighting and design companies, near
downtown, on the northwest corner of Bonneville and Grand
Central Parkway. East of the Interstate 15. Tel.: 1-888-416-8600.
Internet site at:
http://www.lasvegasmarket.com
+++++
Feb.??,2005= Caesars Palace opening new 949-room, 26-story
luxury, hotel tower. The total room count at Caesars Palace will
be over 3,370 after this latest addition.
+++++
Feb.??, 2005= Marriott opens a new 548-room, 15-story,
non-gaming, hotel at 3400 Paradise Road. Has a Starbucks
Coffee Shop, swimming pool, spa and a five-story parking
garage. Will be located 300 feet from the Convention Center.
+++++
Apr.??, 2005= WYNN LAS VEGAS is opening a $2 billion
mega-resort. The 50-story (the tallest tower in Vegas), 514-foot
tall glass Tower, with 8,000 permanent employees, will have
2,701 hotel rooms and suites, a 111,000-square-foot casino,
18 restaurants including six fine dining, three nighttime venues,
three-acre pool, luxury spa, many brand-name high-end retail
stores, the strip's only 18-hole golf course, an art gallery,
Ferrari and Maserati car dealerships.
An eight-story mountain in the front of the property (rising out of
the ground in January and completed by Easter) will enclose a
three-acre lake.
The water-based, $24 million production show much like "O", will be
housed in the 2,080-seat, $70-million theater, which will be finished
eight months before the Hotel to give rehearsal time for the new show.
Major site work has started with humongous construction cranes
on site. Hotel tower construction has reached the 40th floor.
Internet site: www.wynnresorts.com
+++++
May 15, 2005= 100th Anniversary of the founding of the City of Las
Vegas.
"The mayor's vision is that this has to be the biggest, most fantastic
party the world has ever seen".
The main celebration is scheduled for May 15, 2005, the 100th
anniversary of the land auction that created the original town site
bounded by what is now Stewart Avenue, Garces Street, Las Vegas
Boulevard and Main Street. Article on this project, on the internet
at:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2003/jul/12/515333192.html
+++++
Jun.??, 2005 = Construction starts to extend the new Monorail from
the Sahara to Downtown. Completion in 2007.
+++++
2006
Sometime in 2006, the new $160 million consolidated car rental
facility at McCarran Airport will open at Warms Springs and
Gillespie Roads.
2007
Sometime in 2007, the new Hoover Dam bypass and bridge opens.
Major visible construction has started and with security vehicle
check points, there are some lengthy delays.
=====================================
=====================================
NEW LAS VEGAS RELATED INTERNET SITES:
======================================
http://www.desertspace.org
http://gamblingtimes.com/poker_player/
http://www.saveredrock.org
http://skister.com/bj
http://michaeldesimone.home.comcast.net/Nevada.htm#LasVegas
(Please e-mail to billman@lvcm.com any Las Vegas related internet
sites you wish to be listed here next month.)
=====================================
=====================================
NEW COUPON IN THE COUPONS-LISTS INDEX:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(349) Riviera has a 2 for 1 coupon to their must see Hail Hail
Rock 'n Roll Show. You save $34.95 with this coupon.
===================================
===================================
->->->NOTE<-<-<-
To order the above, please do not e-mail us right away, but
go on the following internet site for further information and
how to order:
http://www.billhere.com/coupons-lists.htm
or go direct to our shopping cart at:
http://www.goemerchant7.com/Merchant=vivalasvegasn
On the above internet sites, we have over 600 Las Vegas
items to make your next trip to Las Vegas more fun.
===================================
===================================
You are reading the free, weekly, e-mailed VIVA LAS VEGAS
NEWSLETTER.
With over 271,000 subscribers, the VIVA LAS VEGAS
============================
LAS VEGAS, NV --- In this Newsletter the report is on:
OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS, HERE IN LAS VEGAS, LAST MONTH
by billhere, Publisher.
CLOSED LAST MONTH:
====================
+++++
ALEXIS PARK RESORT: Joey & Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding
Show closed.
+++++
BLACKJACK: Beware of casinos that change the standard casino
rules on table games. It always means you are getting shorted.
Orleans cuts-off 1/2 the cards of the shoe in a 6-deck game.
Most casinos on The Strip now pay a lower amount for blackjacks
on single deck blackjack games. That means:
On a $10 bet at 6/5 they now pay you $12.
On a $10 bet at 3/2, standard rules, they should pay you $15.
That's a significant loss after only a few hours of play.
The following casinos are now only paying 6/5 for blackjack on
single deck blackjack games instead of 3/2:
Aladdin, Bally's, Boulder Station, Caesars Palace, Excalibur,
Flamingo, Green Valley Ranch, New Frontier, Las Vegas Hilton,
O'Shea's, Paris Las Vegas, Sunset Station, Treasure Island and
Westin Casuarina.
Stay away - you can't win! Pertinent articles at:
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2003/10/23/upfront4.html
and
http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com/2003/11/14/gaming.html
and
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/leisure/2003/nov/13/515853930.html
+++++
BLACKJACK CONFIDENTIAL MAGAZINE: Suspended publication.
+++++
FITZGERALDS: The Larry G. Jones comedy show closed.
+++++
FLAMINGO: Amazing Johnathan show closed.
+++++
GOLD COAST: Serendipity Show closed.
+++++
GOLDEN NUGGET: Spirit of The Dance and the
Funny Bone Comedy shows are both closed.
+++++
HOLSUM BREAD: Their building on 299 West Charleston is now
closed. That's where every down-and-out Las Vegas gambler
bought day old bread or got free two-day old bread in the
dumpster in the back. Every degenerate gambler knew that
scenario!
The building is being converted into chi-chi residences
called the "Holsum Lofts". Renovation starts in
February, 2004. Completion in June, 2004.
Another Vegas tradition bites the dust! Story at:
http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2003/11/21/columnists/col01realestate.txt
+++++
JAGUARS STRIP CLUB: Closed because their liquor permit
was revoked due to the owner pleading guilty to corrupting
local politicians. Might re-open after the holidays. Read all about it
at:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/lv-crime/2003/dec/24/516075568.html
+++++
LA CONCHA MOTEL: Across the street from the Stardust and
next to the Riviera has been demolished to make way, eventually,
for a casino/hotel high rise tower.
+++++
MGM GRAND: Ricardo's Mexican Restaurant closed to allow
construction for new monorail station access.
+++++
MIRAGE: Buffet closed for renovation. Re-opening June,2004.
+++++
O'SHEA'S: The Vegas Baby show opened and closed.
+++++
PALMS: Marshall Sylver's Hypnotist Show closed and none
too soon. We have confirmed that he used amateur local
actors as his "supposed" volunteers whom he put under
hypnosis in his act. Is this what other hypnotists are doing?
In addition, the Nevada Attorney General has accused Sylver
of bilking customers, of his self-help program, out of tens of
thousands of dollars. You can read all about it at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-08-Mon-2003/news/22704278.html
+++++
PEDICABS: Shut down on The Strip. Officials were complaining
about the traffic problems they caused but the real reason was
pressure from the taxicab industry, which was losing rides.
Pedicabs are still available on private property inside shopping
malls.
+++++
RIO: Carnival World Buffet. They are intermittently closing half the
food serving stations for renovations and do not reduce their
outrageous price of $16.99 per person to their dinner buffet.
The renovations will continue until April, 2004!
Avoid this rip-off by going to the Gold Coast ($9.95) or the
Palms ($11.99) which are just across the street.
In any case, both buffets are better.
+++++
RIVIERA: MEN, THE SHOW, Little Anthony & The Imperials and
Ray Brown, Jr. shows all closed.
+++++
SAPPHIRE TOPLESS CLUB: The Sex Strikes Back show closed.
+++++
=====================================
=====================================
CLOSINGS COMING UP
====================
+++++
Dec.28= Magical Forest. Huge, must-see Xmas drive-thru closes:
http://www.opportunityvillage.org/Calendar/Magical_Forest.htm
+++++
Dec.31= Rock History Photography Collection closes - Rio.
+++++
Jan.1, 2004= Hard Rock Hotel closing Baby's nightclub for major
renovations. Re-opening in June, 2004.
+++++
Jan.18, 2004= TREASURES OF CHATSWORTH exhibit
closing. Located in the Gallery of Fine Art inside the
Bellagio. Information at: http://www.bgfa.biz
+++++
Jan.31, 2004= Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club closing - Excalibur.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= FAO Schwarz Toy Store in the Forum Shops in
Caesars Palace is closing, due to bankruptcy, in mid-January.
+++++
Feb.29, 2004= Martin Nievera Show closing - Golden Nugget.
+++++
May 2, 2004= "A Century of Painting: From Renoir to Rothko"
exhibit closing in the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in
the Venetian.
+++++
=====================================
=====================================
OPENED LAST MONTH:
====================
ADVANTAGE GAMBLER: Read how the El Cortez harassed
an advantage gambler for no good reason:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-25-Thu-2003/business/22871776.html
+++++
ALADDIN: Steve Wyrick, magician and Illusionist, opened his
show at the Aladdin's Center Stage Showroom which is now
called the Steve Wyrick Showroom.
+++++
BELLAGIO: Christian Dior opened a new boutique.
+++++
BOARDWALK: Spectrum (a tribute to Motown) and Purple Rain
(a tribute to Prince), both shows opened.
+++++
BOYD GAMING: One slot club card introduced for all three of
their downtown casinos:
Main Street Station, California and Fremont.
+++++
CIRCUS CIRCUS: Their existing 400 hook-up site, Circusland
RV Park, adjacent to their property, will now operate as a
KOA Campgrounds site.
+++++
CVS PHARMACY: Opened a 24-hour, 7-day store on The Strip
between the Boardwalk and Monte Carlo.
+++++
FASHION SHOW MALL: "The Cloud" a huge 479-foot long canopy,
128 feet in the air opened in front of the Fashion Show Mall. This
shopping center is now a Megamall with eight valet locations!
Good article and pictures at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jul-13-Sun-2003/living/21684116.html
+++++
FITZGERALDS: The Two Girls and a Guy Show, with music,
magic and comedy opened.
+++++
FLAMINGO: Margueritaville Restaurant and Nightclub opened
fronting on The Strip. Read a review at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-19-Fri-2003/weekly/22724871.html
+++++
FREEWAY: The free 53-mile Las Vegas beltway opened
using the 215 and I-15.
+++++
GOLD COAST: Honky Tonk Angels Show re-opened.
+++++
HARRAH"S: Opened a huge McDonalds hamburger joint on
The Strip to the North side of their property.
+++++
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS CLUB TIMESHARE:
Opened their Phase One, 33-story, 295 studio, one and two
bedroom units. Located across the street from Wet 'n' Wild on
The Strip. Tel.(702)699-7900. Internet site at:
http://www.hgvc.com
+++++
LUXOR: It has been revealed that the Luxor charges higher hotel
room rates for spillover customers when Mandalay Bay is sold out.
Book separately and do not tell them that you tried to book into
Mandalay Bay and don't let Mandalay Bay reservation clerks
transfer your call to the Luxor. You will get a better rate
booking separately by yourself.
+++++
MANDALAY BAY: Opened a new 43-story tower of 1,122-rooms,
all-suites, in the space between their theater and parking garage.
With a separate theme, it's called THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.
Has a rooftop restaurant/bar called "MIX", spa/health club, meeting
rooms, 24-hour coffee shop, coffee bar, retail stores, registration
desk and ground floor bar/lounge.
Mandalay Bay, including Four Seasons, now has 4,825 rooms,
second only after MGM Grand's 5,034 rooms.
+++++
MANDALAY BAY: Their Shark Reef exhibit now has the first
great hammerhead shark ever displayed in the U.S.
She is some mean-looking critter.
Don't ask me how they know she is a female!
+++++
MARRIOTT: Construction has started on a $100 million,
548-room, 15-story, non-gaming, hotel at 3400 Paradise Road.
Will also have Starbucks Coffee Shop, swimming pool, spa and
a five-story parking garage. Will be located 300 feet from the
Convention Center. Completion is for February, 2005.
+++++
MCCARRAN AIRPORT: Security vehicle check points have been
set up causing additional delays due to hightened security.
Another good reason to rent a car.
+++++
NEW YORK-NEW YORK: New automated machines installed
at the Valet area to retrieve your car. The parking receipt you
get, when you left your car with them,has a bar-code on it so the
machine alerts the valet to get your car and advises them of
where your car is located in their garage. Congratulations to
New York-New York for this innovation.
Also a new huge, marquee $10 million sign, at the entrance, has
been installed.
+++++
RIVIERA: The Hail Hail Rock 'N" Roll show opened. Don't miss it
if you like rock 'n' roll, it's great. Note the 2 for 1 coupons below.
+++++
ROY HORN OF SIEGFIRED & ROY: Roy Horn,59, has returned
from UCLA Hospital in Los Angeles to a make-shift hospital room
in his home in Las Vegas. His speech is very limited but is able to
write notes. He's still paralyzed on his left side with one quarter of
his skull still removed and attached to his stomach. Until recently,
he was totally dependent on a respirator. He was mauled by a
381-pound tiger during the October 3rd Siegfried & Roy show in
the Mirage.
Please join us in praying for him. Vegas is not the same without
Siegfried & Roy.
+++++
SANTA FE STATION: Charcoal Room Steakhouse opened.
+++++
SHOWCASE MALL FOOD COURT: New, four-story, 24-hour,
7 days a week Food Court opened with 9 fast food restaurants
(including Wendy's, Subway, Panda Express, La Salsa Cantina,
etc.), next to the MGM Grand, where the All Star Cafe was located.
+++++
SILVERTON: Twin Creeks Steakhouse opened.
+++++
STARDUST: Anthony Cools, hypnotist show started.
+++++
TUSCANY: Opened bikini clad dealers in their craps and
blackjack pits. ridays thru Mondays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
+++++
VIDEO POKER MAGAZINE: Rates the best Video Poker casinos:
1. Casino Montelago.
2. Las Vegas Hilton.
3. Palms.
4. Fiesta Rancho.
5. Fiesta Henderson.
6. Las Vegas Club.
7. Main Street Station.
8. Hacienda.
9. El Cortez.
10. Texas Station.
Further info on the magazine at:
http://www.vphomepage.com
+++++
WESTIN CASUARINA: The old Maxim Hotel on 160 E. Flamingo
and Koval Lane was completely renovated ($80 million) and
re-opened with 825 rooms, as the Westin Casuarina Hotel & Spa.
Small casino, all-new spa, Starbucks and casino lounge is
included. Coffee Shop, open 24-hours, is called the Silver Peak
Grill. No poker room or sportsbook. Only a Breakfast Buffet
at an exorbitant $9.95. Blackjack only pays 6 to 5 at single deck
games. Restricted doubling down on double-deck blackjack games.
Poor Video Poker schedules. Food comps are not available from
the pit for the table games. VERY disappointing.
Telephone 1-888-625-5144 or (702)836-9775. Internet:
https://www.starwood.com/westin/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1448
Comedian David Brenner is the resident headliner show. Review at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Nov-28-Fri-2003/weekly/22664403.html
+++++.
=====================================
=====================================
OPENINGS COMING UP
====================
+++++
Dec.30= Beacher's Comedy Madhouse opens - Hard Rock.
+++++
Dec.31= Fremont Street Experience unveils its $16.5 million
upgrading of their lights on New Years Eve.
+++++
Dec.??= Construction begins to add 296 new rooms. The hotel
now has only 201-rooms. Completion November, 2004-Suncoast.
+++++
Dec.??= HOFBRAUHAUS, a $12 million, enclosed beer garden,
and replica of the famous one in Munich, Germany will open at
4510 Paradise Road corner of Harmon Avenue. at the
southeast corner, across from the Hard Rock Cafe.
Capacity will be for 800 people. The Hofbrauhaus beer and large glass
steins will be imported from the original and famous Hofbrauhaus in
Munich, Germany.
Will have 45-foot-high ceiling. The restaurant will serve Bavarian
food and German pretzels. The music will be performed by authentic
German oom-pah bands. If it is half the fun of any beer garden, this
project will be a huge success! Tel.(702)454-4009. Further
information:
http://www.hofbrauhauslasvegas.com/index.php
+++++
Dec.??= Turnberry Place on Paradise, across the street from the Las
Vegas Hilton, completes their third 40-story Tower. Residences sell
from $500,000 to $5.25 million. http://www.turnberryplace.com
+++++
2004
Jan.1,2004= New Entertainment Tax of 5% in venues over 7,500 capacity
(collected on the admission price only)
and 10% in venues under 7,500 capacity
(collected on admissions, all food & souvenirs).
(Venues with less than 51 slot machines and 300 capacity are exempt.)
+++++
Jan.6, 2004= Park Place Entertainment Corp. changes corporate
name to Caesars Entertainment Corp.
Individual casinos will not change their name.
New stock symbol will be CZR and new internet site will be:
www.Caesars.com
+++++
Jan.12= New BOUCHON Restaurant opening in the new Venezia
Tower - Venetian.
+++++
Jan.13, 2004= Amazing Jonathan Show grand re-opening - Golden
Nugget.
+++++
Jan.16, 2004= George Wallace opens his continuous running
comedy show - Flamingo.
+++++
Jan.16, 2004= PLUSH nightclub opening where OXO restaurant
was located - J.W.Marriot Hotel (Rampart Casino).
+++++
Jan.22, 2004= Nevada Gaming Control Board approves the
Golden Nugget sale from MGM Mirage to the former owners of
travelscape.com. Expect major positive changes.
+++++
Jan.30 to Sep.13,2004= Monet Art Exhibit - Bellagio Gallery of Fine
Art.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= Coast Casinos starts their new slot club card which will
be good at all their casinos; Orleans, Suncoast, Gold Coast and
Barbary Coast.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= Construction begins on the new 296-room Tower.
Completion is for December,2004 - Green Valley Ranch Station.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= McCarran Airport will start using radio frequency tags
on all checked luggage. The tags will be read by screening machines
as the bags travel on the conveyor belts to the correct plane and
ensure that each bag meets security requirements.
+++++
Jan.??, 2004= Sales Offices open for the huge new condominium project
(The Residences MGM Grand), which is going to be built where the
now closed MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park was located, in the back
of the MGM Grand property. Tel.:1-888-891-1688 or (702) 891-5555.
Internet site, which is now under construction, will be:
http://www.mgmgrandresidences.com
+++++
Feb.9, 2004= Jeff Hobson's Money & Madness Comedy Show
Grand Opening - Excalibur.
+++++
Feb.12, 2004= TED, low-fare unit of United Airlines, starts flying
their new low cost airline. Initial roll-out cities will be Las Vegas,
Reno, Phoenix, New Orleans, Orlando, Tampa and
Ontario, California. Further information at:
http://www.FlyTed.com
+++++
Feb.25, 2004= Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company
opening a tattoo parlor - Palms. (The first tattoo parlor in any
casino.
They already have a fortune teller's booth. Congratulations to the
Palms for trying something new but don't look for me in the line!)
Internet site:
http://www.hartandhuntingtontattoo.com
+++++
Feb.??, 2004= TAO Restaurant & Nightclub opening, taking the
place of WB Stage 16 in the Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian.
+++++
Feb.??, 2004= Hawaiian Marketplace opening $140 million, two-story,
shopping center with 60 stores and 12 fast food restaurants.
Located on The Strip just south of Harmon in place of the Polo Plaza
shopping center in front of the Polo Towers. The Polynesian-themed
center will recreate the look and feel of the International
Marketplace in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Some of the announced stores are: Pearl Factory, Zebra Shoes, Body
Jewelry, Sunglasses, an Urgent Care Center, a wedding chapel and the
Polo Fitness Center.
Some of the announced restaurants are: Pizza Hut, China Chef, Subway
and Hamada.
+++++
Mar.1, 2004= New Robert N. Broadbent Las Vegas Monorail grand
opening. (Delayed from January 15th, 2004.)
Will go from MGM Grand all the way to the Sahara.
Monorail trains will have huge advertising on them to help defray
costs.
Will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., take 15-minutes,
and cost $3 one way, $5.50 round trip. Information:
http://www.lvmonorail.com
Picture and story at:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-08-Tue-2003/news/21058377.html
NOTE: The old section from MGM Grand to Bally's is now closed and
will NOT re-open until March 1, 2004 as part of the above.
+++++
Mar. 4, 2004= Spirit of the Dance reopens in the Golden Nugget.
+++++
Apr..??, 2004= Forty Deuce, an L.A. hot night club, is opening on the
top floor of the new THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.
+++++
Apr.??, 2004= Mirage Buffet re-opening after major renovations.
It's now closed.
+++++
May??, 2004= Construction begins on a new $100 million, 460-room,
21-story Tower, facing Tropicana Avenue. Completion is for
December, 2004 - Orleans.
Total rooms will be 1,886 after this latest expansion.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= Three new pedestrian overpass bridges at Spring
Mountain and The Strip will open:
between Fashion Show Mall and Wynn Las Vegas;
between Fashion Show Mall and Treasure Island and
between Wynn Las Vegas and the Venetian.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= ALADDIN: Grand reopening as Planet Hollywood.
Operations will continue to be normal until the change of owners.
No further details available for now but expect major changes.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= Caesars Palace opening ROMAN PLAZA at the
main corner of Flamingo and The Strip. Dining, retail and
entertainment venue.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= Baby's nightclub reopening after major renovations.
+++++
Jun.??, 2004= Nevada Gaming Control Board approves the
sale of the Las Vegas Hilton from Park Place Entertainment Corp.
to an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC, a Los Angeles based
international private investment firm, for approximately
$280 million. Name of the hotel is to remain the same but major
positive changes and expansion are expected. Full story at:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2003/dec/24/122410100.html
+++++
Jul.??, 2004= New Cirque du Soleil show opening in the old EFX
Theater - MGM Grand. It will be Asian-themed and will have an
actual story about two brothers who square off after embracing
the forces of good and evil.
+++++
Nov.3, 2004= McCarran Airport will open a new $90 million wing
which will add 11-gates to the existing D-Gates.
+++++
Dec.??, 2004= Bellagio opens another tower of 925 rooms
costing $925 million, called the Spa Tower, south of the main
pool area. Includes spa, retail, convention and restaurant space.
One of the restaurants will be called Sensi and will have its
kitchen in the middle of the diners seated around its edge.
The tram from Bellagio to Monte Carlo, which is now closed,
will re-open at the same time.
+++++
2005
Jan.??, 2005= Forum Shops opens a $139 million, three-story, Phase
lll, with an expansion from the existing mall all the way to The Strip
and will then have a three-story grand entrance direct from The Strip
- Caesars Palace. About 50 new stores.
Announced tenants so far are Dolce & Gabanna, Jeweler Harry
Winston, famous Miami restaurant Joe's Stonecrab & Seafood,
Prime Steak and Stone Crab, Sushi Roku, high-end shoe
and fashion accessory emporium Donald Pliner, Casa Fuente
Cigars, shoemaker Bruno Magli and Valentino.
+++++
Jan.??, 2005= WORLD MARKET CENTER opens a $200 million,
10-story building. It's fully leased with 225 furniture, bedding,
decorative accessories, lighting and design companies, near
downtown, on the northwest corner of Bonneville and Grand
Central Parkway. East of the Interstate 15. Tel.: 1-888-416-8600.
Internet site at:
http://www.lasvegasmarket.com
+++++
Feb.??,2005= Caesars Palace opening new 949-room, 26-story
luxury, hotel tower. The total room count at Caesars Palace will
be over 3,370 after this latest addition.
+++++
Feb.??, 2005= Marriott opens a new 548-room, 15-story,
non-gaming, hotel at 3400 Paradise Road. Has a Starbucks
Coffee Shop, swimming pool, spa and a five-story parking
garage. Will be located 300 feet from the Convention Center.
+++++
Apr.??, 2005= WYNN LAS VEGAS is opening a $2 billion
mega-resort. The 50-story (the tallest tower in Vegas), 514-foot
tall glass Tower, with 8,000 permanent employees, will have
2,701 hotel rooms and suites, a 111,000-square-foot casino,
18 restaurants including six fine dining, three nighttime venues,
three-acre pool, luxury spa, many brand-name high-end retail
stores, the strip's only 18-hole golf course, an art gallery,
Ferrari and Maserati car dealerships.
An eight-story mountain in the front of the property (rising out of
the ground in January and completed by Easter) will enclose a
three-acre lake.
The water-based, $24 million production show much like "O", will be
housed in the 2,080-seat, $70-million theater, which will be finished
eight months before the Hotel to give rehearsal time for the new show.
Major site work has started with humongous construction cranes
on site. Hotel tower construction has reached the 40th floor.
Internet site: www.wynnresorts.com
+++++
May 15, 2005= 100th Anniversary of the founding of the City of Las
Vegas.
"The mayor's vision is that this has to be the biggest, most fantastic
party the world has ever seen".
The main celebration is scheduled for May 15, 2005, the 100th
anniversary of the land auction that created the original town site
bounded by what is now Stewart Avenue, Garces Street, Las Vegas
Boulevard and Main Street. Article on this project, on the internet
at:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2003/jul/12/515333192.html
+++++
Jun.??, 2005 = Construction starts to extend the new Monorail from
the Sahara to Downtown. Completion in 2007.
+++++
2006
Sometime in 2006, the new $160 million consolidated car rental
facility at McCarran Airport will open at Warms Springs and
Gillespie Roads.
2007
Sometime in 2007, the new Hoover Dam bypass and bridge opens.
Major visible construction has started and with security vehicle
check points, there are some lengthy delays.
=====================================
=====================================
NEW LAS VEGAS RELATED INTERNET SITES:
======================================
http://www.desertspace.org
http://gamblingtimes.com/poker_player/
http://www.saveredrock.org
http://skister.com/bj
http://michaeldesimone.home.comcast.net/Nevada.htm#LasVegas
(Please e-mail to billman@lvcm.com any Las Vegas related internet
sites you wish to be listed here next month.)
=====================================
=====================================
NEW COUPON IN THE COUPONS-LISTS INDEX:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(349) Riviera has a 2 for 1 coupon to their must see Hail Hail
Rock 'n Roll Show. You save $34.95 with this coupon.
===================================
===================================
->->->NOTE<-<-<-
To order the above, please do not e-mail us right away, but
go on the following internet site for further information and
how to order:
http://www.billhere.com/coupons-lists.htm
or go direct to our shopping cart at:
http://www.goemerchant7.com/Merchant=vivalasvegasn
On the above internet sites, we have over 600 Las Vegas
items to make your next trip to Las Vegas more fun.
===================================
===================================
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