Barry Manilow's new CD, "The Greatest Love Songs of All Time," hit the streets today.

Promising “something new” and a production “definitely not to be missed,” Barry Manilow will begin a new two-year stint at Paris Las Vegas on March 5. The mega-hit singer will perform 78 shows each year in the 1500-seat Paris Theater at the Harrah’s-owned property and tickets for the new Manilow show – including tickets for opening night! – are available online and at the Paris box office.

Manilow has been out and about quite a bit lately with appearances on one of Conan O’Brien’s last “Tonight Show” episodes, an interview on “Access Hollywood” as well as hosting his very own QVC special on January 19 to hawk his newest song collection, The Greatest Love Songs of All Time.  This newest CD dropped today and is already #10 on the Amazon sales list.

The new show at Paris comes on the heels of his long-time run at the Las Vegas Hilton which began in February 2005 and claimed gross ticket sales of more than $70 million over the years. The new show is under the direction of Jeffrey Hornaday (Flashdance, A Chorus Line, High School Musical), and Manilow promises an all-new production for his legion of “Fanilows.”

Check out Ticket Network for Barry Manilow Tickets Las Vegas.

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CityCenter's towering Vdara Hotel shines brightly in the Vegas sun.

Like a Broadway debut from the city it’s trying to emulate, CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip is opening…softly. Beginning last week with the December 1st grand opening party at the 1,495-suite Vdara Hotel, project CityCenter continues to open piece by glittering piece with the Crystals retail and dining complex and the new Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas now open as well. All three properties are, however, a prelude to the main act: the 61-floor MGM MIRAGE Aria Resort & Casino featuring over 4,000 rooms, a new Cirque du Soleil show – Viva Elvis – plus eateries from such well-known chefs as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Julian Serrano. Aria will open December 16th.

CityCenter is not just another high-end gaming property opening in Las Vegas. This 67-acre parcel of prime Strip real estate — site of the biggest privately financed construction project in United States history — is now home to a “city within a city,” an urban landscape of shining skyscrapers, public art displays, an elevated train, residential condos and even a “pocket park.”

We visited last week and got a first glimpse of the Vdara Hotel and the Crystals shopping area. Both are striking examples of the city-chic contemporary architecture guiding the entire project. All sharp angles and shimmering surfaces, the thin December sunlight bounced from one building to the next creating an urban canyon of sorts.  And, honestly, having lived in D.C. as well as having spent considerable time in NYC, we have to say that we really did feel like we were in a major metropolitan neighborhood.

We entered CityCenter via the new pedestrian walkway running from the Bellagio into the Vdara Hotel. It is a striking contrast to go from the lush Italianate surroundings of the Bellagio and into the stark yet stunning halls of the ultra-modern Vdara. (Be sure to check out the bar at Silk Road restaurant before continuing on into the hotel’s reception area.)

Bar Vdara is a cozy spot for a cocktail (albeit an expensive cocktail )and affords a great view of the interior courtyard of CityCenter which features a Nancy Rubins sculpture in a starburst design composed of castoff canoes. (Read more about the artist and see a similar sculpture here.)

The Crystals retail and dining area can be accessed from the Strip via a new pedestrian bridge and walkway (across from Planet Hollywood) or by tram (the “elevated train” mentioned earlier) from the neighboring Bellagio. (The tram continues on to the Monte Carlo conveniently linking all three MGM MIRAGE properties: Bellagio, CityCenter and the Monte Carlo.)

At Crystals, we found a lot of construction still underway with only about 40% of the retail area occupied by stores. This is high-end (think nosebleed-level) shopping. From the three-story flagship Louis Vuitton boutique ( a Strip-side LED light show will take place every night from dusk to dawn) to Roberto Cavalli, Mikimoto pearls, Hermes and Prada, this is destination shopping at its finest. BESO, a fine-dining spot from actress Eva Longoria Parker with celeb chef Todd English in charge of the kitchen, is open on the first floor. The spot also features, Eve, a swank nightclub.  Additional restaurants from English, Wolfgang Puck and other top toques will be opening in the future.

Here are some pics from our recent trip PLUS the latest promotion codes and links for getting the best room rates at both Aria and Vdara.  Also, check out the CityCenter website for more information on the project.

The multi-level Crystals shopping and dining area at CityCenter Las Vegas.

Opening December 16, the new Aria Resort & Casino is the crown jewel of CityCenter Las Vegas.

Veer Towers form a background for the new Crystals shopping area at CityCenter Las Vegas.

Bar Vdara at CityCenter is highly-recommended for people-watching.

There's a sculptural feel to the burnished metal portico marking the entrance into the Vdara Hotel.

The CityCenter tram runs past the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas and Veer Towers.

Vdara “Winter Special” Rates from $139/nt (2nt Min). *Stay Two Nights at Vdara Hotel & Spa at a Special Introductory Rate from $139 and Receive a $50 Resort Credit (*See site for additional detail and restrictions). Dec 1, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: VRLVCVA (Exp 4/1/10)

ARIA “Winter Special” Rates from $159/nt (2nt Min). *Enjoy this incredible offer at ARIA, MGM MIRAGE’s newest resort-casino at CityCenter – Stay Two Nights at a Special Rate from $159 per night and Receive a $75 Resort Credit (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Dec 17, 2009 – Apr 1, 2010. Promo Code: AR159G75 (Exp 4/1/10)

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the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 10.1-Inch Netbook

I can't wait to use this pretty red and gold Mikasa Parchment dinnerware on Christmas Eve.

In addition to the hourly deals, there is a whole section of all-day Cyber Monday sales also going on at Amazon.  I picked up this Mikasa Parchment Red 40-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 8 for the holidays for just $130.  That’s 78% off the regular list price of $580!

I’m also getting this Wusthof knife — Wusthof Classic Ikon Santoku. The Santoku is made in such a way that the blade cuts through food with less drag and allows for thinner slicing of almost anything. (Caution: This includes your fingertips!) The lowest price I’ve seen on this particular knife is $89 so this is a fab deal, especially for cooks like me who first became a fan of the brand back in culinary school.

(And, yes, I know this post has nothing to do with Las Vegas or gaming but I just felt that my readers would love getting a good deal(s) as much as I do!)

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Save on great gifts like laptop bags, handbags and travel items at eBags.com with our links.

The ravishing raspberry hue will make this travel kit stand out in any suitcase.

Here’s an exclusive offer from eBags.com — Use this link and you’ll get to take 25% off on one item this Monday only:   Cyber Monday Super Deal: 25% Off Any 1 Item! Got more shopping to do at eBags?  Do it and you’ll also save 20% off additional items plus get free shipping today. Use link:   Cyber Monday Double Deal: 20% Off + Free Shipping on Orders over $100 at eBags.com. We’d love to see this “pack it flat” travel bag (in raspberry!) under our tree this year and at less than $25 on sale, it’s an affordable gift idea.

From Restaurant.com comes this 80% off deal on their popular $25 restaurant gift certificates. Think stocking-stuffers for friends who love dining out at top restaurants in Las Vegas or in lots of other major U.S. cities. Also, be sure to check out all the new restaurants now participating in the program including several at Las Vegas favorite, Mandalay Bay. 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates. Use code SAVE and Pay just $2 through 11/30/09.

You have until midnight on Monday to save $25 on a hotel stay when booking at Expedia.com with the travel company’s first-ever Black Friday weekend promotion.  Use promo code BlackFriday25 to get your discount along with this link: Black Friday Special: Get $25 off a hotel booking of $150+. Use Code BlackFriday25 at checkout. – Expires 11/30/09.

Looking for a pre- or post-holiday getaway?  Then check out this deal at the all-new Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter in Las Vegas:

Vdara “Winter Special” Rates from $139/nt (2nt Min). *Stay Two Nights at the new Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter at a Special Introductory Rate from $139 and receive a $50 Resort Credit (*See site for additional detail and restrictions). Dec 1, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: VRLVCVA (Exp 4/1/10).

Happy shopping!

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Vegas is wooing out-of-town shoppers with free tickets to shows like Blue Man Group at The Venetian.

Here’s how to roll three of my favorite things — Las Vegas, shopping and free — all into one sentence:  Do your holiday shopping in Las Vegas this year and get free show tickets.  No kidding.  Non-Nevada residents who shop from 11/29 through 12/13/2009 and spend $500 or more at participating retail shopping areas such as the brand-new Crystals at CityCenter, the Forum Shops at Caesars, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and even the stores at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet mall can qualify for two complimentary tickets to shows like Phantom at the Venetian, Peepshow at PH, Donny & Marie Osmond and more.  Find all the details at VisitLasVegas.com.

Speaking of CityCenter, the sure-to-be-spectacular new Aria and Vdara resorts are both taking reservations and you can get special rates when you use the promo codes plus these links:

Aria: ARIA “Winter Special” Rates from $159/nt (2nt Min). *Enjoy this incredible offer at ARIA, MGM MIRAGE’s newest resort-casino at CityCenter – Stay Two Nights at a Special Rate from $159 per night and Receive a $75 Resort Credit (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Dec 17, 2009 – Apr 1, 2010. Promo Code: AR159G75 (Exp 4/1/10).

Vdara: Vdara “Winter Special” Rates from $139/nt (2nt Min). *Stay Two Nights at Vdara Hotel & Spa at a Special Introductory Rate from $139 and Receive a $50 Resort Credit (*See site for additional detail and restrictions). Dec 1, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: VRLVCVA (Exp 4/1/10).

Also, take advantage of more great rates this winter by booking a room at MGM Grand with this cool offer –

MGM Grand Las Vegas “Holiday Spree” — Rates from $75 per night. *Promo includes: $35 Dining credit, $25 Spa services credit, and 15% off retail purchases. (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Nov 4, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: MKT320 (Exp 1/31/10).

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Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas will host special performances by Garth Brooks beginning in December.

Country superstar Garth Brooks is ending his retirement in a deal with Steve Wynn where the singer will perform a  limited number of engagements at the Encore Theatre in Las Vegas.  The all-acoustic performances begin with a single weekend in December and will continue on select dates throughout the term of the 5-year arrangement.

The price for tickets (said to be a point of discussion between Wynn and Brooks) is a very “reasonable-for-Vegas” $125 plus a $5 service charge and a $13 tax to equal a total of $143 and go on sale this Saturday, October 24 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific (9:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. CT and 11:00 a.m. ET). Tickets are available by calling 702.770.1000 and online at the Wynn Las Vegas box office.

The following weekend dates have been released with all performances happening at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas Resort:

December 2009:  11 – 13

January 2010:  1 – 3 and 22 – 24

February 2010:  12 – 14 and 26 – 28

Performance times are:  Fridays – 8:00pm; Saturdays – 8:00pm & 10:30pm; and Sundays – 8:00pm.

More information about ticketing can be found on the official Garth Brooks website plus there’s lots more info on the deal in a good article on CMT News online:  “NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Garth Brooks Goes Back to Work.”

You can check out room rates here for  Encore at Wynn Las Vegas and for Wynn Las Vegas where we found rates ranging from $235 on up with a $75 resort credit.  There are lots of options nearby including TI – Treasure Island Hotel and Casino ($101 – $139,) or The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino and The Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino at the Venetian for $219 per night each plus slot credit of $50 and dining credits as well.

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Harrah's will host the "Great Gift Wrap Up" from November 12 - 16, 2009. Another event happens at Caesars Palace in December.

If you’ve been playing Las Vegas this year and using your all-important players club cards, you’ve probably been racking up “gift points” at lots of casinos up and down the Strip.  Now is the time to make plans to cash in those annual points by attending the big “gift-o-rama” events held each year by the various participating casino companies.  Make your room reservations now since you must be there in person to cash in your points and these special shopping days bring in lots of visitors to Vegas.

Here are the dates and venues for this year’s big gift giveaways in Las Vegas:

Harrah’s Entertainment will be hosting their fourth annual “Great Gift Wrap Up” on November 12th – 16th, 2009 at Harrah’s Las Vegas and again from December 3rd – 7th, 2009 at Caesars Palace.  Go to GreatGiftWrapUp.com for details plus a look at this year’s merchandise catalog. You can even get your point total.

MGM Mirage’s popular “Holiday Gift Shoppe Event” will be taking place at participating Las Vegas properties from November 28 – December 13, 2009.  Check out this special event at the company’s PlayersClub.com site and click on the “Holiday Gift Shoppe” logo for gift ideas and a special count-down clock.

Grazie Club members can cash in the points they’ve earned by playing at both the Venetian and Palazzo resorts during the “Grazie Gifts” Holiday Shopping Extravaganza in November.  From November 20 – 29, 2009, players here can choose from such high-end names as Tag Heuer, Ralph Lauren, Coach and more in exchange for their points.  Get the details on this event at Venetian.com and click on the “Grazie” tab then select “Grazie Gifts” as your destination.

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New York New York in Las Vegas celebrates Halloween with great room deals and the "Zombie Precinct" attraction.

There’s still plenty of time to book a trip to Las Vegas for Halloween weekend and with rates this good — weekend rates, at that! — we can’t find any reason not to go.  I have been going to Vegas for Halloween for years and I truly cannot remember when I last saw rates this low! Book these hot deals on Strip hotel rooms and you’ll still have plenty of cash left over for a really good costume and lots of Halloween candy, too.

Last-minute deals on Las Vegas hotel rooms include this smokin’ offer from MGM Grand: The “Halloween Treats” room offer includes a $35 beverage credit good at hotel hotspots like Studio 54 and one of our favorite spots for an intimate drink, the elegant Rouge Lounge, PLUS 2-for-1 buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner at their Grand Buffet. Check out these amazing rates:  $67 for Thursday, 10/29; $110 on Friday, 10/30; just $118 on Saturday 10/31 and $84 for Sunday, 11/1.  Use this  link — MGM Grand — and Promotion Code “MKT329″ to get this great deal.

Across the street, check out New York New York “ZOMBIE PRECINCT” Oct 8 – 31, 2009 and the hotel’s big Halloween weekend promotion that includes: Park Avenue Strip View Room Weekend, 2 Haunted Bridge Admissions, 2 Rok Vegas Nightclub Admissions, and 2 Roller Coaster Passes (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Oct 9 – 31, 2009. Use Promo Code: ZOMBIEWE (Exp 10/29/09) and get it all starting at just $199 per night, 2 night minimum.

Other really great deals include the Flamingo Las Vegas ranging from $41 on Thursday to $109 on Saturday night; downtown favorite the Golden Nugget from $58 to just $99 for the weekend nights; and mid-Strip Harrah’s property, Paris Las Vegas, for rates from $56 to the $136 tab for the Saturday night stay. These and other best deals on Las Vegas hotel rooms are available online at i4Vegas.com at: Great Vegas Hotels from $20!

*All rates quoted are pre-tax and do not include any hotel fees or add-ons.  Check each deal for any fine print or other restrictions.

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In-house aging is one key to the juicy tender steaks at STRIPSTEAK LV.

I recently had lunch with a friend of mine (a professional food writer and guest reviewer here) who made the most spot-on comment I’ve ever heard when it comes to Chef Michael Mina’s food: “The man is a wizard with potatoes!” So, you’re thinking if this is a review on STRIPSTEAK LV, why do I care what the chef does with potatoes? It’s the meat that matters not the sides. Well, in this case, while the steaks are more than worthy, it is definitely the spuds that make for a memorable meal. And, did we mention that said spuds are free? No kidding, these crisp crunchy beauties come courtesy of the chef… au gratis… n/c.

First, the restaurant itself: Located at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, the space is sleek and edgy with enough hard surfaces to make sound somewhat of an issue if you were hoping for an intimate dinner for two.* But keep in mind, the sound bouncing from walls to ceiling comes from people having fun! This is a great spot for celebrations like bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday bashes and other group events or for couples looking to dine in a high-energy atmosphere. (We had a terrific time chatting away with the couple at the table next to us who also happened to be from Phoenix. Yeah, it’s that kind of place.)

This trio of spectacular fries is presented au gratis with dinner at the winning STRIPSTEAK LV.

The fries: Okay, back to those marvelous complimentary potatoes. After ordering drinks (wine for P.B., a draft for me) and dinner, the server brought out this very cool serving stand filled with three tubs of perfectly cooked-in-duck-fat fries – herb-flecked, paprika-dusted and saffron garlic – along with three dipping sauces: housemade ketchup, perky BBQ sauce and our hands-down favorite, a luxurious truffle cream sauce I would’ve eaten with a spoon! The serving is so large we couldn’t finish it but, oh, how we tried.

Dinner: For an appetizer, we chose to share the Maine lobster fritters, a dish we unfortunately wouldn’t order again. The batter was too heavy for the delicate seafood flavor to come through and the bacon mentioned in the menu description seemed to be AWOL from our dish. In hindsight, we would have merrily munched on the fries with our drinks and ordered a salad to share with the yummy warm potato focaccia (served in a cast iron skillet) before the main course. For our steaks, we chose the American Kobe beef – the Rib Eye ($64) for P.B. and the Rib Cap ($65) for me. (STRIPSTEAK also offers Japanese A5 Wagyu beef at Market Price.) Chef Mina’s steaks are heralded for their cooking method which entails a long slow-poach in clarified butter and then a quick turn on a high heat (think 1,000 degrees!) grill. The process renders a steak that is meltingly tender inside with a beautifully crusty exterior. As we expected, our steaks were superb. As a side, we shared a de-lish mountain of creamed spinach topped with crumbled bacon bits. (Note to self: next time we eat here, we walk back to our room at the Bellagio.)

Well-marbled and perfectly cooked, the rib cap American Kobe steak is a terrific menu choice.

Dessert: Overkill for sure but the “Beignets with Macallan 18-Year Butterscotch Pudding” were just way too tempting to resist and we’re so glad we didn’t. Plump, fluffy pillows of warm donut dipped in scotch-flavored caramel pudding…uh, what’s not to like? (Do be aware that the liquor really comes through in this decidedly “adult-flavored” dessert.)

Service and other highlights:

Excellent, attentive service even on a busy Saturday night during prime time dining hours of 8 – 10 pm.

Another freebie courtesy of STRIPSTEAK — A bag of gourmet dark-chocolate-drizzled caramel corn made in-house sends you out the door.

I have to say that I knew we were in for a great meal when Las Vegas local, UNLV professor and famed foodie, Patti Shock, highly recommended the place to me via Twitter. (If you are interested in food and Las Vegas you should follow her.  @PattiShock)

The best: We used a $25 certificate purchased for $2 at Restaurant.com (use coupon code “FOUR” and the link below) to pay for part of the meal.  At the restautant, be sure to present it early on so they have time to validate the certificate before the check comes.

STRIPSTEAK definitely merits a top spot on our list of “Best Las Vegas Steakhouses.”

(*Looking for a romantic spot to dine? Try Fleur De Lys or Mix In Las Vegas, both located at Mandalay Bay and both participate in the Restaurant.com certificate program.)

Save 80% off on every $25 Gift Certificate order. Use code “FOUR” and pay just $2 through 10/12/09 only at Restaurant.com.

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Starting October 7 and continuing through December 13, tabloid TV host (and, I kid you not, former Cincinnati mayor and Ohio congressional candidate,) Jerry Springer, will emcee the new variety show. Headlining the show is former chicken catcher now million dollar show winner, singer Kevin Springer, who will star in the new production along with other favorite acts from the show. (We thought the best acts from this year’s show were Recycled Percussion and the weirdly-named Acrodunk.  And, really, are we the only ones who thought opera singer, Barbara Padilla, had a great back story but as an opera singer isn’t exactly what we consider a “Vegas act?”)

Springer will host the 10-week run of America’s Got Talent Live!, with shows running every Wednesday through Sunday at Planet Hollywood’s 1300-seat CHI Showroom. Tickets range from $64 – $104 but we have seen mailers from PHo touting 2-for-1 ticket deals with certain room packages.  Or check out this deal from i4Vegas — Planet Hollywood from $69 per night!

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The posh pool complex at the M Resort in Las Vegas was featured in a recent episode of Top Chef Las Vegas.

We’ve always been big fans of the Bravo channel’s popular reality show, Top Chef.  We confess –watching some of the contestants’ huge egos positively wilt under head judge Tom Colicchio’s incredulous stare or sharp-as-a-Wusthof criticism is the high point of our Wednesday nights. (No doubt that particular joy comes from our experiences dealing with the many prima donna chefs we encountered during our decade-plus in the restaurant industry.)

So, take one of our favorite guilty-pleasure TV shows, combine it with our favorite guilty-pleasure city in the world then set it within the walls of a swanky new casino resort and… wait, wait, you know it’s coming… you have a recipe (there, we said it!) for a hugely entertaining waste of an hour every week.

This year, filming takes place at the stunning new Henderson-located M Resort Spa Casino. When I interviewed the M’s Anthony Marnell III back in March for Casino Player magazine, the CEO made it very clear that food and the nine dining outlets of the M were going to be the highlights of the new resort. At the time, Mr. Marnell said “We believe food is one of the most, if not the most important reason why guests will visit the property. The restaurants we have developed will introduce a new kind of dining experience that reflects my family’s reputation for great food and great value.” We think that by agreeing to let the show film at his resort, Mr. Marnell further cements the M’s reputation as a “destination-dining” spot in Las Vegas.

Now, back to the show: Last week’s episode offered viewers the chance to get a glimpse of some of the best chefs working not only in Las Vegas but in the world today. The assembled group of top toques was so impressive that even Chef Colicchio admitted to being humbled in the presence of such cooking masters as Joël Robuchon, the man awarded the title “Chef of the Century” by the venerable dining and travel guide, Gault Millau. Chef Robuchon’s Las Vegas restaurants — L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Joël Robuchon at The Mansion – are located at the MGM Grand. 5 Diamond Award Winner: Joël Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand.

Last night’s show found the contestants far from the neon lights of the city and cooking over open firepits in the sizzling 100+-degree stark Nevada desert. Their guests (and critics) were a group of real Southwestern cowboys. As always, some dishes stood out for their taste and originality while others were remarkable for their awfulness. Ceviche for cowboys? I don’t think so. With that, Mattin, the French chef (who reminded me of the character Remy from the movie “Ratatouille“) was told to “pack up his knives and go.”

Tips and More Info:

• For a taste of the new M, try the resort’s highly-praised 500-seat buffet restaurant, “Studio B,” where a live-action exhibition kitchen features the restaurant’s chefs preparing signature appetizers, entrées and desserts.

• Check out Top Chef on Bravo TV’s website and you’ll find lots of ideas for hosting viewing parties with a Vegas vibe.  You can also catch up on past shows from this season as well as those from other years.

• Get a glimpse into the world of renowned chef, Joël Robuchon, with a visit to his website where you’ll see pics of his Las Vegas and other restaurants plus read articles on his accomplishments in the culinary field.

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A stunning view of Paris Las Vegas as seen from our 25th floor room at the Bellagio.

“Where to stay in Las Vegas” — Hotel Review — The Bellagio:

After our recent three-night stay at the Bellagio, we’re happy to report that the resort remains one of the best hotels in Las Vegas. From the perfect center-Strip location to the recently-remodeled rooms; the posh selection of shops and restaurants and the sophisticated casino; the Bellagio is a worthwhile splurge for Las Vegas visitors.

We’d recently heard rumors that the Bellagio – open since 1998 — was showing its age but if so, we certainly didn’t see it in the maintenance of the hotel or the room we were given. Our room was luscious and restful: sage green, soft golds and creamy ivory tones in the bedding and upholstery were set off by the dark woods used for the furniture and bath vanity. Adding immensely to our enjoyment of the resort was the magnificent view of the Strip and the Bellagio fountains which we had from our 25th floor front-and-center perch. The biggest complaint we had about the room was the small outdated TV but since we don’t spend much time on vacation watching the tube, it wasn’t a huge issue for us.

Bellagio restaurants

We love the restaurant selection at the Bellagio: Olives by Todd English (read our review of Olives here); Palio for a quick breakfast; the decadent Jean-Philippe Maury patisserie; the Bellagio’s own buffet plus the sunny Café Bellagio overlooking the pool and the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are a few of our favorites when in town.

The pool complex is perfect for a sunny summer day and offers lots of shady spots courtesy of the many trees and well-placed umbrellas.  Pool aficionados may want to reserve one of the large cabanas ringing the main pool.

A “Best Bet” on the Strip

With its great location, plush surroundings plus all the amenities of a AAA Five Diamond Award Las Vegas hotel we can confidently recommend the Bellagio to our readers looking for a posh Vegas getaway. Take a Virtual Tour of Bellagio here.

The new CityCenter construction provides a back-drop to the Bellagio's pool complex.

A comfy king-sized bed plus soft colors make for a restful stay at the luxurious Bellagio Las Vegas.

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Take a tour of Hoover Dam and you'll also get to see the new bypass bridge currently under construction.

We love Las Vegas ANY time of year but particularly in the fall.  There just seems to be something special about the warm sunny days and temperate evenings.  Visit in October and you can expect daytime temps ranging from the 80’s to high-70’s with evenings in the 50’s and 60’s — that’s sweater weather for desert dewellers like us. With weather like that, it’s a perfect time to put down the dice, back away from the buffet and visit some of the top things to do in Vegas that don’t involve the Strip or the gaming tables.

Hoover Dam — This marvel of engineering is located just thirty minutes from the Strip and offers visitors an amazing example of engineering wizardry.  In an article entitled “The Grand Dam” by Julian Rhinehart, the author says “Few structures in America display the diversity of design and craftsmanship that you see at Hoover Dam. It is a showcase of seldom-seen skills of artists and artisans–beautifully presented terrazzo tiles, sculpture, metalwork, and even military emplacements.”

A visit to this “don’t-miss” Las Vegas attraction is  further enhanced  by the opportunity to view the construction of the massive new Hoover Dam Bypass bridge that will route traffic over and away from the dam.  A mind-boggling assortment of pulleys, tracks, winches and cranes is in place and in use for workers building this newest engineering masterpiece.  When completed next year, this signature bridge will span the Black Canyon (about 1,600 feet south of the Hoover Dam), connecting the Arizona and Nevada Approach highways nearly 900-feet above the Colorado River.

Lake Mead/Hoover Dam Cruise — Living in Phoenix, we drive to Las Vegas almost every trip and we still marvel passing by at how beautifully blue the waters are at Lake Mead!  You can cruise Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States, aboard the “Desert Princess” paddle wheeler.  While on the lake, you’ll pass by such sights as the colorful Arizona Paint Pots, Fortification Hill, and Boulder Island. Take this all-day trip and you’ll also visit Hoover Dam, make a stop at Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Gardens.

Red Rock Canyon – The stunningly beautiful Red Rock Canyon park, located just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159, was designated as Nevada’s first National Conservation Area.  The area is 195,819 acres and is visited by more than one million people each year and offers visitors access to a 13-mile scenic drive, more than 30 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, plus a visitor center with exhibit rooms and book store.  One of the favorite ways to take in Red Rock’s beauty is through a “Pink Jeep” tour of the area.  (Take your camera for some memorable shots of the colorful Calico Hills that surround the park.)

Take advantage of these fall deals from Expedia.com and save on activities, hotel rooms and airfare packages for your visit to Vegas.

+ Book Las Vegas Activities and save on Expedia.com! Expires 9/30/09

+ Book Early & Save on October Trips: Air + 3 Night Vacations from $187! Expires 10/15/09

+ Fall “Free Nights” Hotel Sale: Stay 3, 4 or 5 nights & Get your last night FREE! Expires 10/15/09

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Take in a show this fall then head to the new Pink's at Planet Hollywood for one of their legendary dogs.

We’re starting a new feature this week — Friday Finds – featuring news about Las Vegas that we find interesting plus lots of great deals on Las Vegas hotel discounts, travel packages, shows, concerts, restaurants and more.  Take a look at what we’ve seen and heard this week:

We’re really digging some of the shows planned for this fall at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s “The Joint.”  Tickets are on sale now for Van Morrison (September 25,) Creed in concert on September 27, actor/comedian Dane Cook on both October 9th and 10th at 8:30pm plus one of our all-time favorites, Bob Dylan, on Sunday, October 18th at 8 pm.

At Mandalay Bay, Britney Spears is back with her “Circus” tour; this time featuring special guests Jordin Sparks and Kristinia DeBarge.  Special room + ticket deals are available at these properties:

Luxor “Britney Spears” Concert and Room Package. *Package Price of $154.00 plus tax and resort fee on Sunday September 27th includes: One night stay in a Tower Deluxe Room and Two tickets to Britney Spears in concert at the Mandalay Bay Event Center on Sunday, September 27 at 8pm (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 24 – 30, 2009. Promo Code: PBRIT (Exp 9/24/09)

Mandalay Bay “Britney Spears” Rates from $194/nt. *The Final Act of the Circus Tour Starring Britney Spears at Mandalay Bay Sunday, September 27 –Book Mandalay Bay and receive 2 tickets to see Britney Spears Live in Concert on Sunday, September 27 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 22 – 30, 2009. Promo Code: PBRITH (Exp 10/1/09).

Also at the Mandalay Bay Events Center this fall, look for Grammy® -winning superstar Justin Timberlake who’s bringing his “Justin Timberlake and Friends, a Special Evening Benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children” event to the stage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 8 PM.  Ticket prices for this charity concert range from $100 – $250. Check out tickets here: Justin Timberlake Las Vegas

On the restaurant front, don’t forget that Pink’s in now open at Planet Hollywood. The hot dog haven (which has been in business since 1939)  has a loyal following — and a sometimes hour-long wait — at its original location in the city of Hollywood.

This week’s restaurant.com deal: Take 50% off w/every $25 Gift Certificate order! Use code MENU and pay $5 thru 9/8/09 at Restaurant.com. And just a hint, when you do use these certificates toward your meal, be sure to give it to the server early on so they have time to validate the certificate number before you get your final bill.

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Stratta will be one of the restaurants at Wynn Las Vegas honoring Julia Child at Restaurant Week Las Vegas 2009. (Photo/content copyright RoyallyFlushed.com 2009)

Masters in their own right, top chefs at Wynn Las Vegas and sister property, Encore, will be paying tribute to culinary icon Julia Child throughout next week’s Las Vegas Restaurant Week. Chefs like Alessandro Stratta, chief toque at Wynn’s two-star Michelin rated French restaurant ALEX and the more casual rustic Italian restaurant, STRATTA, will be offering special and specially-priced menus based on dishes associated with Julia Child and her impact on American cuisine.

Chef Stratta, who met and cooked for Child during his run at Renoir at Mirage Las Vegas, will be preparing his rendition of lobster Newberg at ALEX while at STRATTA, he’ll be offering a special version of coq au vin, the classic dish of chicken, mushroom, onions, bacon and herbs cooked in red wine and served with egg noodles. Diners will be paying at most $50.09 to dine at these and other top Las Vegas dining spots during the national charitable event. A portion of the proceeds from Restaurant Week Las Vegas will benefit Three Square Food Bank, a partner organization of Feeding America, which is working to end hunger in Southern Nevada.

Also at Wynn Las Vegas, award-winning chef Paul Bartolotta of Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare will draw on his experience of cooking for Child more than six times when he prepares moules a la mariniere along with gnocchi alla pariginia grainati al formaggi—sumptuous pasta pillows filled with cheese.

At The Country Club – A New American Steakhouse, diners can indulge in a number of Child-inspired creations including one of my personal favorites, coquilles St. Jacques a la Parisienne, a dish that features plump scallops and earthy mushrooms in a decadent white wine sauce. Chef of The Country Club, Carlos Guia, also has experience cooking for Child and in the August issue of Wynn Resort’s newsletter said this — “Her visit to Lutèce was both unexpected and truly special. Before leaving, she took the time to come into the kitchen, thank us personally and tell us how much she enjoyed her meal,” says Chef Guía.

Chef Mark LoRusso, the man in charge at the Encore-located Botero will be channeling Julia Child with his preparation of sole a la Normandie, a particularly scrumptious dish featuring the delicate fish alongside mussels and shrimp in a wine-infused sauce. Having tasted what LoRusso can do with Dover sole, this is no doubt a dish not to be missed.  Check out our review of Botero.

Other Wynn Resorts dining establishments participating in Restaurant Week include Sinatra, Society Café and Switch at Encore and Daniel Boulud Brasserie, Okada and SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas.

A complete list of participating Restaurant Week establishments may be found by visiting www.threesquare.org.

80% off w/every $25 Gift Cert. order. Use code TASTE. Pay $2 thru 8/31/09 at Restaurant.com.

If you are not reading this post in a feed reader or at http://www.RoyallyFlushed.com then the site you are reading is illegally publishing copyrighted material. Contact me at c.c.royal@royallyflushed.com PLEASE. All text and photographs in this post are the original creations & property of the author unless otherwise noted. © 2008-2009 RoyallyFlushed.com

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"MGM Grand restaurant SeaBlue will be just one of the top dining spots participating in next week's Las Vegas Restaurant Week." Photo/content copyright 2009 RoyallyFlushed.com

Restaurant Week Las Vegas starts just one week from now and brings with it your chance to try some of the city’s best – and we mean absolute BEST – restaurants for a fixed price of $20.09, $30.09 or a high (we think “low”) of $50.09. Running from August 31 through Sept. 6, more than 50 of the city’s top dining establishments will participate in the annual event which benefits Three Square Food Bank, a partner organization of Feeding America. Working to end hunger in Southern Nevada, a portion of all Restaurant Week sales will benefit Three Square.

When we say best, we aren’t kidding. Take a look at just some of the top restaurants (link to a list of all participating restaurants at the end of the post) that will be firing up the stoves for this national charitable event:

Wynn/Encore: Alex, Botero, Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Daniel Boulud Brasserie

MGM Grand: Cat House, Diego, Pearl Chinese Restaurant, SeaBlue

Caesars Palace: Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, Bradley Ogden

Palazzo/Venetian: Pinot Brasserie, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro

Mandalay Bay: miX, Fleur de Lys (a favorite of ours,) RM Seafood, Aureole

Bellagio: Prime Steakhouse, Café Bellagio

In addition to the special pricing on select meals, many of the city’s best resorts are also offering Restaurant Week diners exclusive entertainment, spa and overnight packages.

For instance, MGM Grand is offering deluxe accommodations and a tasting menu for two starting at just $159 at any one of their signature restaurants including L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Nobhill Tavern, SeaBlue, Italian favorite FiAMMA, Diego, Pearl, Shibuya and the highly-rated Tom Colicchio restaurant, Craftsteak.

At Bellagio, the “Unforgettable Night” package is just $178 per person and includes a ticket to “O™” by Cirque du Soleil®, a prix fixe dinner menu at FIX or Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge (terrific sushi!), a complimentary drink at Caramel Bar & Lounge as well as complimentary entrance to the high-energy nightclub, The Bank.

At Mandalay Bay, Aureole, Fleur de Lys, miX, Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood and StripSteak will all offer specially priced three and four-course tasting menus to pair nicely with the resort’s overnight packages. Both Mandalay Bay and THEhotel will offer special room rates for Restaurant Week visitors that include a dining credit to the House of Blues Restaurant plus other resort goodies.

There are no “tickets” but reservations should be made in advance if you want to secure your seat at the table for what will most definitely be a busy week at participating restaurants.

A complete list of participating Restaurant Week establishments may be found by visiting www.threesquare.org.

Tomorrow, see what the chefs at Wynn and Encore have planned for Restaurant Week Las Vegas.

MGM Grand Las Vegas “Maximum Escape” Rates from $69.99/nt. *Plus, $35 Activity Credit (per stay), 2 Line passes to Studio 54 or Tabu, and 25% off Spa Services (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Jun 23, 2009 – May 31, 2010. Promo Code: MKT205 (Exp 12/30/09)

Bellagio Hotel Promotions

Special Online Promotions at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

If you are not reading this post in a feed reader or at http://www.RoyallyFlushed.com then the site you are reading is illegally publishing copyrighted material. Contact me at c.c.royal@royallyflushed.com PLEASE. All text and photographs in this post are the original creations & property of the author unless otherwise noted. © 2008-2009 RoyallyFlushed.com

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The Crystals in Las Vegas will open its doors to shoppers on December 3. (Photo/content property of www.RoyallyFlushed.com)

So much has happened since our January report on the happenings at MGM Mirage’s CityCenter Las Vegas that what we’ve decided to do is post our newest CityCenter photos and then give some highlights of the project along with a list of websites/articles you can go to for more info.

Aria Resort & Casino

Scheduled to open December 16, Aria is taking room reservations now at their new website. Click around the ARIA Home Page and you’ll find photos of the rooms, a section on some of the chefs and restaurants planned plus info on the new “Elvis” show at Aria which, to quote the website, comes from the “creative geniuses at Cirque du Soleil® (who) have created a new show exclusively for ARIA. The production pays tribute to Elvis’ music and life, fusing dance and acrobatics, live music and iconic tracks, nostalgia and modernity, high technology and raw emotion. In short, the show will be in Elvis’ image: powerful, sexy, whimsical and truly unique.”

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Las Vegas

This 47-story non-gaming hotel features 227 residences plus 392 Adam D. Tihany-designed rooms and suites with contemporary decor and “subtle oriental touches.”  The 23rd-floor Sky Lobby is just one of the luxurious design elements guests will encounter when staying at the new hotel.  Check out the Mandarin Oriental Hotel website for artist’s renderings of the rooms, the soaring lobby and an exclusive online brochure.  Opening date is currently scheduled for December 4th and the hotel will begin taking reservations on August 17th.

A new bridge constructed over the Strip will give pedestrians easy access to the massive CityCenter Las Vegas project. (Photo/content property of RoyallyFlushed.com)

The Crystals Retail Complex

More than 500,000 square-feet of retail and dining space will open December 3rd in this stunning shopping complex fronting the Las Vegas Strip.  High-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, TIFFANY & CO., jeweler H. Stern, apparel store Marni and luxury men’s retailer/designer Ermenegildo Zegna will be among the exceptional brands dotting the corridors of the contemporary space.  A French brasserie from CelebuChef extraordinaire Wolfgang Puck will join Katana, a sushi/Robatayaki concept (and L.A. favorite) from the same restaurant group that currently operates Las Vegas restaurants Sushi Roku and BOA Steakhouse.  Read more here about the Crystals.

Vdara Condo-Hotel

The newest rumor has it that Vdara’s lackluster sales may push the project into a holding pattern while developers try to sell more of the Veers Towers and Mandarin Oriental residences.  The newest info can be found in an August 15th article by Brian Wargo for the “In Business” section of the Las Vegas Sun.

The Harmon Hotel & Spa

This part of the massive CityCenter project was put on hold early this year and is not slated to open until late-2010.  The original plans called for a condo component to the building but that has been scrapped in favor of an all-hotel-room project.  The Light Group is still scheduled to operate the hotel once it opens.  Read the latest on Light Group here.

Cosmopolitan (for now!)

What can we say about this project?  Not a part of CityCenter but neighboring it and The Bellagio, this project has gone bankrupt and is currently owned by Deutsche Bank AG who has hired and fired architects in an attempt to make the project more commercially-appealing.  (Not sure to whom.)  The broken lines of the glass-fronted lobby are certainly interesting — not attractive but interesting.  The Cosmo now has a new leader, former Caesars Palace exec, John Unwin, and there’s rumor that the Hilton group may be coming on-board to manage the hotel.  The project is slated to open in September of 2010 but stay tuned for more info.  Read more about the Cosmo’s troubles at the LV Business Press website and an article by Tony Illia.

For a fascinating look at Las Vegas today including an interview with the Sands Corp.’s Sheldon Adelson plus a report on the town’s real estate woes, check out TIME magazine writer/videojournalist Joel Stein’s article “Less Vegas: The Casino Town Bets on a Comeback.”

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Stay at the famous Golden Nugget in Downtown Las Vegas and enjoy the Fremont Street Experience's end of summer bash all weekend long. (www.RoyallyFlushed.com)

In case you needed an excuse to head to Vegas next month, here it is!  Just in time for that last big summer fling in Las Vegas, the Hotels.com Labor Day Sale is here.  Celebrate this last 3-day weekend of the  “Summer of 2009″ by taking advantage of big savings on lots of great  Las Vegas hotels plus check out all the cool stuff happening around town that weekend.

Our hotel picks:

Our number one choice for Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas is the downtown fav, the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino at just $104 per night average.  Spend the days lounging by the pool (considered to be one of Vegas’ finest) and the evenings at the Fremont Street Experience “End of Summer, What a Bummer Bash” featuring the last of a summer-long concert series the weekend of Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7. Highlighting the weekend will be concerts by Canned Heat on Saturday, Sept. 5, and Three Dog Night on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Looking for a center-Strip location and a reason to party all weekend long? Think Harrah’s Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. No, this isn’t a “top luxury” hotel but the price is right ($142 per night avg.) for a busy holiday weekend plus the outdoor Carnivale Bar, the dueling pianos saloon and the great location all give it extra points in our book.  (And the adjacent Ghirardelli’s ice cream shop doesn’t hurt, either….)

Cool pools, hot nightclubs and a brand-new show debuting from singer Matt Goss will be the highlights at Las Vegas hot-spot  The Palms Casino Resort.  With nine dining venues plus a casual food court, a 14-screen movie theater, busy gaming floor and two of Las Vegas’ hottest nightclubs — Rain and Ghostbar — The Palms will keep guests occupied all weekend long.  Room rates:  $151 per night avg.

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Simply magical. The Bellagio gardens shine after the sun goes down. (Photos & all content property of www.royallyflushed.com)

No matter how busy we are during our trips to Las Vegas, we still never miss the chance to see what gorgeous seasonal display the Bellagio has in store for visitors to their remarkable Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. We definitely consider it to be one of the top free things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.

For some reason, we always seem to be at the Bellagio during the day but because we spent two fabulous nights there this trip, we were able to visit the famed Bellagio garden at night and see it in all its evening finery. If you have never seen the garden at night, you really should make a point of going because it truly is a different experience once the sun goes down.  You can see from the photos how the ambiance changes day to night.

This summer the display features some popular design elements used in the past including colorful hot air balloons floating overhead and a pair of father and son bears made entirely from greenery. New this year: a brilliantly-lit Ferris wheel with cars brimming with sunflowers; a glass “green house” with aviaries featuring flocks of rainbow-colored birds like lorikeets and parakeets; and whimsical over-sized tin cans pouring forth glowing cascades of water.

The current display will be on view until September 14 when the theme changes to one featuring autumn leaves and harvest time colors.

Daytime reveals colorful balloons and a green house filled with exotic birds.

Dancing waters accented with LED lights put on a show at night at the Bellagio gardens.

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A dedicated wine room overlooks the main dining area at the contemporary French gem, Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. (All photos and content property of www.royallyflushed.com)

In honor of this week’s episode of “Top Chef Masters” on Bravo TV, we give you our review of chef/competitor Hubert Keller’s splendid Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. (Warning: gushing ahead!)

This last trip to Las Vegas was memorable for a number of reasons not the least of which was not only did we enjoy a superb dinner at contemporary French restaurant, Fleur de Lys, but also because we had the unique opportunity to meet the chef. (We have been fans of Chef Hubert Keller’s food for years after having dined at his original San Francisco outpost several times over the years so meeting him was a real treat.)

But, more on that later: first, we’ll highlight the food and atmosphere of  Fleur De Lys at Mandalay Bay. (By the way, we used one of our fav dining discounts – a $25 certificate (our cost $5) from Restaurant.com toward our check. See details at the end of the post.)

The space: This is a romantic Las Vegas restaurant perfect for couples and it seems especially designed for those celebrating special occasions. In addition to the low-lighting, lush smoky velvet drapes, widely-spaced tables and hushed atmosphere, the compact space somehow fits in several private, curtained tables for the ultimate in cozy dining. Although compact in floor-space, the room is easily two or more stories high and features a second-floor wine room overlooking the main dining area. (The night of our visit, a private table for two was in use in the glass-fronted, candle-lit space so you may be able to book a table there in advance.)

The focal point of the room is a huge leaf-shaped wall sculpture made entirely of hundreds of fresh peachy-pink rosebuds. When we remarked on it, our server shared that a local floral company came in daily to replace any spent blossoms.

The food: For a chef who has been re-interpreting French classics for decades, Chef Keller’s dishes are as fresh and imaginative as they were twenty years ago. While looking over the inventive wine list – a menu of specialty cocktails is also available – the kitchen sent out an amuse bouche of a tiny bite of cod paired with a creamy smidge of warm potato salad and a spicy aioli sauce.

Tender monkfish, clams and mussels served atop flavorful barley is a winning entree.

Having settled on a bottle of the Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($75,) we indulged in the chewy pretzel bread while deciding on the night’s meal. We began the meal by splitting a light salad of organic greens and heirloom tomatoes in a perky herb vinaigrette.

For entrees, we chose the citrus-glazed monkfish ($43) with clams, mussels and chorizo sausage and the “gently heated” Alaskan King salmon filet ($39.) The generous monkfish plate was a riot of color, flavors and textures with the lobster-like sweetness and meatiness of the fish playing off the briny taste of petite mussels and clams and all set off by a risotto-like side of creamy barley festooned with bits of oven-roasted tomatoes, baby broccoli florets and a smoky dice of chorizo.

Though simpler in presentation and number of ingredients, the Alaskan King salmon filet was a master’s example of how to treat a scrumptious piece of fresh fish. Oven-roasted at just 200 degrees, the fish emerges from cooking with a silky, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and clean, smooth flavor. The accompanying julienne of beets and surprisingly mellow apple rosemary puree and horseradish chive bouillon served to accent rather than overwhelm the pearly filets. We would most definitely order both dishes should they be on the menu on our next trip.

Even though both entrees were more than generous, we specifically went light on the first course so that we could indulge in something sweet post-entrees.  While chocolate and Grand Marnier soufflés are available (order early in the evening to ensure ample time for prep) and we saw several tables sharing the airy confections, we chose the appealing carrot cake ice cream sandwich ($12) and finished every bite. Luscious cream cheese-flavored ice cream was fitted between two slabs of moist carrot cake, the whole sprinkled with candied walnuts and served with a decadent scoop of pineapple coconut ice cream.

The service:  Excellent service with attentive yet non-intrusive servers.

Back to meeting the chef: While we were sipping our wine and relaxing before the first course, out from behind the long velvet drapes that line the front of the restaurant, pops Chef Keller himself – sort of like a culinary Wizard of Oz.  It was so cool to see him in Las Vegas and according to our server, he visits Mandalay Bay for at least one week each month.  Table to table he went, greeting diners and making small talk. Once he reached our table we couldn’t help but ask about his “Top Chef Masters’” experience (he enjoyed it immensely) and compliment him on the many dinners we’ve enjoyed throughout the years at his restaurants.  (For a “foodie” like me, meeting Chef Keller is like coming face-to-face with a rock star you’ve listened to for years!)

More reviews at urbanspoon.

More info:  Save money while dining at some of the best spots in Las Vegas! Save 80% Off w/every $25 Gift Cert. order. Use code PORTION. Pay $2 thru 8/13/09 at Restaurant.com.

Mandalay Bay Resort is a fabulous place to stay while in Las Vegas (have you seen the extensive pool area and “beachside casino?”) plus you can’t beat the great online rates right now.  Check out  Special Online Promotions at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

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For a fun evening out, check out "Peepshow" at Planet Hollywood. (Photo property of royallyflushed.com)

So we’re back and still getting over our “eight-days-in-Vegas” hangover while working on putting together all the info we need to give you about what’s going on right now in Las Vegas. We ate at some terrific and not-so-terrific places, stayed at three different resorts, found and used a number of great Las Vegas deals, played lots of video poker, took tons of photos and spent a lot time just checking out the crowds (or lack thereof) on and off the Strip. (Hey, it’s a tough job but someone has to do it….)

Usually, we start with a round-up of where we stayed but this time we’re going to start with our review of the Planet Hollywood burlesque revue, “Peepshow,” starring Broadway-alumni Shoshana Bean, former Playboy Playmate Holly Madison and – we’re going to throw this name in because he deserves it – vocalist Josh Strickland from American Idol, Season 2.

First, what this show is not : It’s not Holly Madison dances “Swan Lake;” it’s not going to be nominated for a Tony; and it’s not got some deep dramatic storyline going on.

What this show is: A lot of music-and-dancing-girls fun! Terrific vocals from Shoshana Bean and Josh Strickland are the high points of the show. (Although, based on the reaction from the big groups of guys in the theater that Saturday night – bachelor parties? – I think most men will say the boobs and butts are points more worthy of notice!) Bean is particularly entertaining with her gravelly-voiced musical narration of a story based on Bo Peep’s (Madison) transformation from goody-goody to “shows-her-boobs-in-the-finale” kind of gal. And Strickland provides a little eye-candy for the ladies along with his powerful vocals.

“Peepshow” is fast-paced with one production number after another featuring dance numbers loosely based on Mother Goose rhymes. Our favorite dancer was “Ms. Pete,” a gorgeous gal pole-dancing inside of a pumpkin (did I really just write that?) in a take-off on the old “Peter, Peter, Pumpkin-Eater” rhyme. (You can make up your own jokes with that one.)

The show offers the ladies dressed in almost every stock-in-trade fantasy outfit imaginable. You got your sexy cheerleaders; your school girls complete with plaid pleats and knee-socks; the mistress of leather and chains and lots more. And, for the pet-lovers among you – there is even a weird dancing dog. (Ummm, yeah, make up your own jokes once more.)

So, can Holly Madison dance? Well, let’s say she has a really pretty face and I hear she is a real sweetheart in person. You can make up your own mind after seeing one of her performances on “Dancing with the Stars” on a YouTube video at the bottom of this post.

Again, it’s not “Jersey Boys” or “The Lion King,” (but those shows don’t have the bare boobs and butts you could bounce quarters off of like “Peepshow,” now do they?) but it can add to a fun evening out in Las Vegas.

More info: We had 2-for-1 tickets that came with our stay at Planet Hollywood but you can also get tickets the day of the show at our favorite discount ticket outlet, TIX 4 Tonight.

Planet Hollywood has some great Las Vegas room deals going right now. And, since the closing of their big nightclubs, Prive and The Living Room, expect to see the deals continue.   Planet Hollywood from $69 per night!

Take alongs: Whenever we have plans to see a show, I take these compact binoculars with me just in case I want a better view.

Holly Madison on “Dancing with the Stars”

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We'll be checking out the new "Peepshow" starring Holly Madison at Planet Hollywood while on this trip to Las Vegas.

Leaving in a couple of days for a week in LasVegas and here’s a  “hit” list for some of the stops we’ll be making to check out some new places both on and off the Strip:

- Lunch and a famous “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate” at Serendipty 3 at Caesars Palace.

- Late-night sliders and the “Lucky Onion Soup – $7.77″ at First Food Bar at the Palazzo.

- Dinners with our discount restaurant gift certificates (from Restaurant.com) at Mandalay Bay spots Aureole, Fleur de Lys and Strip Steak.  Since we’ll be spending so much time at Mandalay Bay’s restaurants, we’ll just have to check out the new Mandalay Bay Beach Side Casino.

- A night with Holly Madison at “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood.

- Visits to the new M Resort with either lunch or dinner at their highly-praised “Studio B” buffet plus a stop to see what’s shakin’ at Treasure Island since new-owner Phil Ruffin took over (and to sign up for their new players club card.)

Also on the agenda — lots of pool time at The Bellagio, Spin Poker™ at Green Valley Ranch and a stop at our fav bakery, Payard at Caesars Palace.

We”ll report back with all our findings both from the road and after we return home!

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Bally's Las Vegas features big, comfy rooms, a great center-Strip location and more at discount rates.

Several years ago (and, no, we’re not saying how many) when we first started taking frequent trips to Las Vegas  we got a recommendation for a hotel from an unlikely source: our dentist. The topic of “favorite hotel in Vegas” came up during one of those routine visits — the type where you can still talk during the appointment — and our fav D.D.S. (who is a native of Phoenix) told us he traveled to Vegas quite a few times each year for both vacation and to attend dental conferences. His hotel of choice on the Strip: Bally’s Las Vegas.  Now here’s a guy who could stay pretty much anywhere — and had — yet he chose Bally’s time after time.  He gave us a bunch of reasons so we decided to give it a try and ended up agreeing with a lot of what he said.

Since that conversation and first stay, we’ve hung our hats at Bally’s a number of times not only because we use our Diamond status in Harrah’s Total Rewards® club to get free rooms but also because we actually like staying at Bally’s. Is it the fanciest hotel on the Strip? No, not by a long-shot but it may be the best budget hotel on the Strip!

Location: It doesn’t get much more “center-Strip” then the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo.  If you want a prime location at a very reasonable price, Bally’s will fill the bill perfectly.     View Map of The Strip here.

Monorail Station:  Take the escalator down, trek through the tunnel past the shops, restaurants and pool and there’s the Bally’s/Paris Station ready to take you up and down the Strip.  Especially convenient during the summer when temps can easily top 100 degrees.

Access to Paris Las Vegas:  Bally’s is adjacent to Paris Hotel & Casino — complete with interior walkway — so it’s like having two casinos in one.  We can easily  head to all of our fav Paris restaurants including Mon Ami Gabi and La Creperie (and its chocolate banana confection) and those “Goldfish” slot machines we like so much.

That “old Vegas” feel:  We admit it — we’re suckers for all that gold and brass in the casino; the daily “Aces Cracked” poker tourney; and the large hotel rooms featuring touches of baby blue or dusty mauve velveteen.   Plus, don’t forget that Bally’s is the home of the long-running showgirl extravaganza — Jubilee! – an absolute must-see variety show for any Vegas visitor.

If you’re looking for a world-class spa, celebrity-chef restaurants and ultra-lux rooms then Bally’s is not the hotel for you. (Think Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas, Venetian Resort & Casino, Encore.)  But, if like lots of visitors to Las Vegas, you want a great location, comfy room and more-than-reasonable rates, Bally’s Las Vegas may be your great stay.

We found discount July and August hotel rates starting at just $49 per night mid-week and that rate includes a coupon book worth $700 in Harrah’s discounts!  Check it out at Bally’s Hotel & Casino

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The ethereal Mix at Mandalay Bay offers diners luxurious surroundings, superb food and a fabulous view of The Strip and all at a discount this summer.

If you’re like us, planning the perfect trip to Las Vegas starts with finding the best Vegas hotel room at the lowest rate. Once we’ve secured where we’re staying, we go right on to figuring out the next most important trip detail — where we’re going to eat while we’re in town! We love great food and we love great deals so when we can combine the two it’s like hitting the Vegas dining deal equivalent of a Wheel of Fortune jackpot.

That’s exactly how we feel about the gift certificates available through Restaurant.com. We’ve written about these before and frankly, we really don’t know why everybody isn’t using them not only in Las Vegas but in any vacation spot around the country not to mention for restaurants in their own hometowns. (We and our friends use them here in Phoenix all the time.)

So, we’re writing about them again because in looking over the list of restaurants to choose from for our late-July trip, we were so excited to see a bunch of terrific Mandalay Bay restaurants added to the selection. Here’s a recap on the deal: for just $10, you buy $25 restaurant gift certificates from restaurant.com good at top spots all over Vegas. But, wait (yes, we do know we sound like an infomercial!) use this restaurant discount code SEVENTY and get those same $25 certificates for just $3 now through July 13.

Now, check out the great slate of Mandalay Bay restaurants that are participating in the program –

Fleur De Lys – Renowned chef Hubert Keller’s contemporary French restaurant. We’ve been fans of Keller since he hit the dining scene in San Francisco and we watched as he recently competed on the Bravo TV show “Top Chef Masters.” (He was the winner of that round so we look forward to seeing him in the series finale later this summer.)

Aureole – Home of the famous flying “wine angels” this beautiful spot features a fabulous seasonal menu from Chef Charlie Palmer, by far one of the most influential chefs working in America today. Oh, and did we mention the “to-die-for” dessert list or that on our last visit we stopped in the bar to have a drink and sat two seats down from Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne? Uh, yeah.

Mix In Las Vegas – Perched atop THE Hotel at the resort, MIX is one of the most beautiful dining spots in all of Vegas. Inside hangs the largest chandelier in the world with 15,000 hand-blown Murano glass balls, a menu originally composed by French Master Chef Alain Ducasse and a balcony that offers the best sunset view of THE Strip. Really.

Strip Steak – As much as we love BOA at Caesars Palace, we’re going to give Michael Mina’s Strip Steak a whirl this trip and check out why it was awarded “Best Steak in America 2008″ by Esquire magazine.

Shanghai Lilly – We haven’t been there yet but we’ve heard good things about the eclectic Cantonese cuisine featuring some spicy Szechwan dishes plus they have a $29 all-you-can-eat Shabu Shabu menu.

Along with these new additions to the restaurant.com list, don’t forget old favs like Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood, also at Mandalay Bay, Hawaiian Tropic Zone (Inside Miracle Mile Shops @ Planet Hollywood) and well-known locals hang-out, Hash House A Go Go.

Follow the link below and again, use code SEVENTY to get in on the $3 deal. And, like everything else, be sure to read the details on each restaurant’s offer before you purchase.

Save 70% off of $25 Gift Certificates when you use code SEVENTY.Pay $3 thru 7/13/09 only at Restaurant.com.

Casino Destinations: Book early & save! Air + 4 nights from $205! Expires 7/25/09

Top Travel Deals at Expedia.com

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There’s also a section on the site that we particularly like which pictures all the “slot hosts” and gives their individual email addresses so you can get personalized attention to your questions or comments.  Also, be sure to check out the page that gives you “Slot Floor Updates” including details on all the newest additions to the gaming floor.  We’re really looking forward to playing the new video poker variations from IGT/Action Gaming, “Ultimate X Poker™” and “Good Times Pay Poker™,” when we visit The Bellagio later this month.

Here’s another item of interest from the Bellagio Slots website and we’re quoting them directly:  “Compared to official data published by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, during the first two months of 2009 Bellagio’s average payback on its slot machines was over 2.75% better than the rest of the Las Vegas Strip! In fact, Bellagio’s payback percentage has been consistently higher than the Strip average since 2005.”  So we just added another reason to love the Bellagio casino!

Looking for a great rate at The Bellagio?  Check out The Bellagio at hotels.com for the summer’s best deals on The Strip.

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Sunset Station is one of the casino resorts taking part in this year's huge "Station's 4th of July Blast" fireworks show. (Click the pic to check on rooms.)

Station Casinos will be hosting the biggest fireworks show in Las Vegas this 4th of July 2009 when each of the Company’s nine properties participate in a huge simultaneous pyrotechnics show to celebrate the holiday.  Called the “Station’s 4th of July Blast,” the monster production will go off at 9:30 pm on Saturday with shows at Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, the new Aliante Station, Santa Fe and Sunset Stations plus the shared location of neighboring properties Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho.

The show will be coordinated and produced by the Grucci Family, a company famous for providing magnificent displays at presidential inaugurations as well as legendary Fourth of July shows from coast-to-coast. During the show, several radio station including KSNE Sunny 106.5 FM, KWNR New Country 95.5 FM and KOMP The Rock Station 92.3 FM will provide a musical accompaniment choreographed to highlight the nine-minute fireworks show.

Want the “best seat in the house” for watching the show?  Here’s a list from Station Casinos of recommended public viewing areas that  each property has carved out  for their guests:

* Aliante Station – Hotel valet/parking lot area

* Boulder Station – Parking garage rooftop

* Fiesta Henderson – Parking garage rooftop

* Fiesta Rancho – Parking garage rooftop

* Green Valley Ranch – Backyard pool area

* Palace Station – Parking garage rooftop (south parking garage connected to casino entrance)

* Red Rock Resort – Pool area and amphitheatre

* Santa Fe Station – Parking garage rooftop (north parking garage) and the race and sports book patio

* Sunset Station – Amphitheater

* Texas Station – Parking Lot C off Rancho entrance

In addition to the free fireworks show, all Station Casinos will be celebrating the holiday weekend with food and drink specials, live entertainment and more.  Be sure to check with each casino for more info on the big Fourth of July bash.

Holiday Hint: Make it a “playcation” and book a night or two at one of the hotels.  Rooms are still available at several resorts including: Sunset Station Hotel And Casino,  Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa and Fiesta Rancho Station Casino Hotel.

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Fourth of July fireworks explode in the sky between The Bellagio and Caesars Palace during 2008's display.

There’s still plenty of time and great hotel deals available if you want to spend this Fourth of July in Las Vegas.  P.B. and I usually spend three or four days at one of the resorts on The Strip hanging out at the hotel pool; sampling any new restaurants and ice cream joints (thinking Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace this year;) and just relaxing over the lazy holiday.

This year we’re going to head for Fremont Street for at least one evening and check out the downtown’s “American Pie 4th of July” celebration which starts Friday, July 3 and goes through Sunday, July 5. The popular Fremont Street Experience has been running a “Summer of ‘69″ event featuring the Viva Vision show, “Don McLean’s American Pie,” so we’ll see that plus enjoy one of the weekend concerts. Headliners this year include Janis Joplin’s original band, “Big Brother & The Holding Company,” on Friday with “The Grass Roots” playing on Saturday. The evening of the 4th also promises a brilliant virtual fireworks show on the Viva Vision canopy.  Get more info here – Fremont Street 4th Celebration.

The Brooklyn Bridge at New York New York Hotel & Casino will be the scene of another week-end long event – the Fourth of July “Beer Bash on the Bridge.” Tickets for this party include unlimited beer from 20 brewers plus a changing schedule of daily entertainment featuring groups like “Boogie Nights,” ” The Spazmatics,” and “Phoenix.” Check out the details at the NYNY Hotel & Casino website, promotion section.

We found some really good hotel deals through Expedia’s big summer hotel sale with great rates at Treasure Island, Luxor, NYNY and The Flamingo plus a great offer at the downtown California Hotel.  Be sure to make your reservations by June 30th and don’t miss the special offer available for using your MasterCard® plus all the special coupon books and other cool freebies when you book through Expedia.

Expedia Hotel Sale! 5000+ Deals worldwide, hotels from $24! – Expires 6/30/09

We’ll be posting more events in Las Vegas as the holiday weekend gets nearer.

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We love the Spanish-influenced menu at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba in the Fashion Show mall (not to mention the very yummy sangrias and specialty cocktails!) so we really dig their fun Dad’s Day deal — the perfectly named “Tapas for Papas” breakfast happening this Sunday.  Dad can nosh on goodies like Eggs Benedict with Spanish Ham and Hollandaise or the homemade Waffle with Bananas and Cream from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. plus all Dads dining that day will receive a $25 gift certificate good for a future visit!

Down the street, at another of the Strip’s major shopping venues — the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood — Dad can eat free at Pampas Brazilian Grill.   Just send your first and last name to saleslv@pampasusa.com and receive a complimentary $40 gift certificate for Dad to enjoy a FREE DINNER anytime from now through June 30!  The offer is valid for dinner only and with purchase of additional dinner Rodizio and two drinks but hey, you are going with him, right?

For more information on these offers plus menus and more click on the “Tapas for Papas” deal at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba and the “Dad’s Eat Free” deal at Pampas Brazilian Grill.

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Enjoy a special "Taste of Wynn" menu -- and price -- at Wazuzu at Encore this summer.

It’s not going out on much of a limb to say that the best Las Vegas restaurants — as a group — are found at Wynn Las Vegas and sister property Encore.  From the rarefied atmosphere of Alex at Wynn to the over-the-top “Muffy in Wonderland” decor of Society Café at Encore, Wynn restaurants are a “must-do” for any Vegas visitor.  So, when we heard about the “Taste of Wynn” dining promotion, we couldn’t wait to check out the menus, prices and all the details.

Here’s the deal:  Ten top restaurants are offering special signature menus this summer with prices starting at just $29 for pan-Asian stunner Wazuzu at Encore and ranging up to $95 for dinner at our absolute favorite Vegas restaurant, Alex.  Special times and days do apply and you have to mention the “Taste of Wynn” promotion when calling for reservations.

Currently on the menu at Alex, guests can choose from a starter of sea scallops or black truffle risotto; a main dish of beef tenderloin or Hawaiian onaga plus a choice of dessert with an agonizing decision between Vanilla Citrus Parfait with Toasted Marshmallow Creme or Crunchy Chocolate Caramel Bombe.  (Okay, I give up — just give me both!)

Another feature of the “Taste of Wynn” dining discount ties the special restaurant prices to a $25 discount on show tickets to Wynn resort’s aquatic spectacular, Le Rêve.

You can check out all the menus, prices, times and more on this fantastic Las Vegas dining deal at Wynn’s website.  Reservations for dining and/or show tickets can be made by calling (702) 770-DINE.  Be sure to mention “Taste of Wynn” to get the special pricing.

And for more great dining deals, don’t forget to check out 80% off of $25 Gift Certificates when you use code PRESENT. Pay just $2 thru 6/15/09 only at Restaurant.com.

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The Palazzo Resort at Venetian

In addition to sophisticated pampering, guests of this newest “ultra-pool” can indulge in culinary creations from celebu-Chef Wolfgang Puck whose Azure pool menu includes his signature pizza (this one with smoked salmon and black caviar,) a Maine lobster salad featuring heirloom tomatoes and avocado or consider this — crisp calamari with grilled zucchini and oven-roasted tomatoes.  And, of course, wines and champagnes are available by the glass or even by the magnum!

The pool scene will really heat up when Azure presents Absolut® Vodka Saturdays — a daytime event featuring fashion shows from Palazzo Shoppes favorites like Tory Burch and Barneys New York; signature spa services from the resort’s own Canyon Ranch SpaClub®; live DJ’s and other entertainment plus inventive cocktails like the “Spiked Bellini” from the Absolut® drink menu.

Azure will be open from 11 AM – 6 PM, Friday through Sunday, for guests 21 and over with reservations for cabanas, daybeds and lounges available by calling 702-607-1218.

The resort is offering an “online” only Palazzo suite deal with rates as low $129 per night which includes a list of great extras including restaurant and spa discounts plus a $50 per stay slot credit using promotion code EPNJUNX for reservations made by June 15, 2009.

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The Las Vegas landmark, Caesars Palace, features prominently in new comedy, "The Hangover."

What’s the next best thing to being in Las Vegas?  Seeing the city in all its racy, glitzy glory up on the silver screen of course!  Ready for its close-up, Caesars Palace Las Vegas plays a starring role in the new comedy, “The Hangover,” which opens nationwide, tomorrow, June 5th.  The film stars Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper (you may know him from “Nip Tuck” and “Alias” plus lots of big screen flicks,) Ed Helms (we love Andy on “The Office”) and Zach Galifianakis (yeah, spell that 20 times really fast!) as guys out on the town in Las Vegas for a last bachelor party splash.

Things go completely awry when three of the friends wake up in their Caesars Palace suite only to find a tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the closet and no groom-to-be in sight!  The comedy, directed by Todd Phillips of “Old School” fame, is already garnering good pre-opening reviews including this article at “The Hollywood Reporter” which calls the movie “head-poundingly (in a good way), sidesplittingly funny.”

Look for lots of of great shots of Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino, the Strip and other easily-recognizable Vegas landmarks as the boys re-trace their steps while trying to find the missing groom.  It may not be Vegas but it could serve as a “fix” until you can make that next trip out.

Expedia Hotel Sale! 5000+ Deals worldwide, hotels from $24! – Expires 6/30/09

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Introducing the newest of the new technology where special offers come via your cell phone and its “text messaging” feature!  Called “mobile marketing,” this tool is currently being tested in some of the Harrah’s Entertainment properties such as the Rio in Las Vegas.   According to the company, the program provides real-time offers, property information, and Total Rewards® points balance to Rio guests directly to their mobile phones.

For example, visitors to the Rio will see signs posted throughout the property informing them of a number to call if they wish to “opt-in” to receive text messages.  If they choose to participate, guests can then expect to receive text alerts offering special deals on show tickets, dining and more sent right to their mobile devices.

According to David Norton, chief marketing officer, Harrah’s Entertainment, the new program offers the casino operator “the capability to communicate directly with specific guests via their mobile devices, offering great promotional opportunities when it’s most relevant.”

With growth predicted to be in the 150% range over the next five years, expect to see even more of this targeted mobile marketing from casinos and resorts in the future.
Click Here for the Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!

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This all-business-black CaseLogic
16″ Executive Laptop Case will hold all 15″ – 16″ computers in style. Constructed of nylon with leather straps and accents, the case has lots of padding plus adjustable straps to keep you comfy and your computer safe while traveling.

We LOVE this rolling duffel bag — the Mother Lode TLS Mini 21″ Wheeled Duffel. Check out all the inside compartments — perfect for packing our travel necessities — plus there are lots of outside pockets for stashing books, magazines, files, iPods and more. This funky “soylent green” shade is our choice but you can get it in a much more subtle gray or even basic black!

Be sure to click on the link below when going to eBags so you get this terrific one-day offer. (And, ladies? If you don’t see something for him, be sure to scope out the handbag section on the site. This summery Tignanello hobo will definitely be in our shopping cart today!)  Touchables Cargo Hobo

Exclusive Offer – Get 25% Off a Single Item at eBags.com – valid 05/28 Only!
*Some brand restrictions apply.

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Summer deals await at The Venetian Las Vegas.

Time is running out to book this Las Vegas suites and dining deal from The Venetian.  Starting at just $109 per night weekdays, The Venetian, one of the top Las Vegas hotels, is offering guests a luxury suite plus:

• 25% off bill at Postrio, Wolfgang Puck’s trendy Grand Canal Shoppes eatery.
• $50 off any spa service 80 minutes or longer at Canyon Ranch SpaClub®.
• $30 off your dining bill at Woo (with $60 minimum purchase) located at sister property, The Palazzo.
• Complimentary upgrade to Blue Zone tickets with purchase of Red Zone tickets to The Venetian’s popular Blue Man Group stage show.
• $50 in Slot Credits per stay.

Be sure to use Venetian promotion code “EVBMAY” when booking your Las Vegas room.  Hotel reservations at The Venetian must be made by May 31 to take advantage of this special offer.

To book your luxury Las Vegas room, click here:  Venetian Summer Room Promotion

Other great Las Vegas promotions can be found here: Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!

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Players Club members have been accruing Gift Shoppe points since January 1. Gift Shoppe points are completely free and club members accrue them automatically – no extra sign-ups required.  Plus, these points are in addition to other slot club points and benefits.

Players can redeem Gift Points at the fabulous year-end Players Club Holiday Gift Shoppe 2009 which will take place during the two week event happening November 28 – December 13 where you can get watches, jewelry, electronics, home & sporting goods, Gift Cards, FREEPLAY^® and more!

Check for details at MGM Mirage’s website at playersclub.com or at the players club desk at each casino location.    Click Here for the Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!

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Get great room deals this summer in Las Vegas.

Looking for low rates and great hotel deals for your Las Vegas vacation?  Here is a booking site plus several  hotels in Las Vegas offering not only smoking hotel room rates but also lots of vacation package add-ons like free room upgrades, food coupons, show discounts and more.  These are — by far — some of the best deals in Las Vegas.

The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is offering i4vegas.com customers a FREE UPGRADE TO A RESORT ROOM for stays through 6/26/9. (Stays during May 18-19 & 22-24 are excluded.)  This is a $50.00 per night value! Just book a Hollywood Hip room, and you will be upgraded at no charge when you check-in.  Now thru Sept 30, guests also receive a $25 Buffet Credit (liquor excluded), and these coupons:

• $40 in Free Play – present coupon at the A-List Players Club Booth
• Miracle Mile Shops – Shop-Dine-Save Coupon Book – Up to $2,000 total savings throughout the mall
• Planet Dailies – 10% Off your Food & Beverage Lunch purchase up to 4 people
• Planet Hollywood spa by MANDARA – one complimentary admission with purchase of one
• The Playing Field – 2 for 1 Well Drinks

Planet Hollywood is home to one of the Strip’s hottest new shows, the burlesque-style revue, “Peepshow,” as well as several popular restaurants like P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and Trader Vic’s.  With it center-of-the-Strip location, Planet “Ho” is a terrific spot for a summer stay especially with rates starting at just $89 per night.

To reserve this offer, click here: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

The venerable Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas is another cool hotel offering a hot summer deal!  The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino is giving customers of i4vegas.com a THIRTY PERCENT (30%) DISCOUNT on rates between now and August 31, 2009 good over most dates.  Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at a beautiful AAA Four-Diamond hotel at rates like just $53 per night midweek!  Through 8/31/9, i4vegas customers will also receive the Golden Value Book valued at $250.

* One complimentary breakfast or lunch buffet with purchase of one
* One complimentary ticket to “Simply Ballroom” with purchase of one
* One complimentary cocktail or beer at Claude’s Bar or the International Beer Bar
* Spa – $10 Off any salon service totaling at least $50
* $10 in FREE Slot Play when you join the 24 Karat Club
* $25 in FREE Slot Play when you are a qualified member of the 24 Karat Club by earning 1,500 points
* $10 Match Play Voucher on any table game except poker
* Receive $60 in chips for a $50 buy-in in the Poker Room (non-smoking)
* Receive 10% Off a retail purchase at Essentials or Style & Trend
* $5 Off any entree at any Landry’s restaurant location (except at Golden Nugget)
* 15% off a Budget car rental (Budget is located in the hotel lobby)

The Golden Nugget is perfect for those who love hanging out at one of the City’s best “ultra-pools.” Enter “The Tank,” the hotel’s $30 million, one-of-a-kind pool complete with an aquarium and three-story waterslide!  Check out a neat video of the pool here on YouTube.

To reserve this offer, click here: Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

Bally’s, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Imperial Palace, Paris and Rio have joined together in putting together a spectacular Coupon book valued at $700.  Plus, one of the coupons is good for a VIP Special Offer Booklet featuring valuable offers from participating shops & restaurants in The Forum shops at Caesars Palace.

Rates are just as enticing with Bally’s at  just $44 midweek, Rio Suites Hotel & Casino as low as $64 or how about Harrah’s at just $53 per night.  (If you visit Harrah’s be sure to check out Penazzi’s Oyster Bar for some great seafood and ice cold beer!)

Stay at one of the six hotel/casinos & receive Free Offers & Discounts on Shows, Food, Golf, Shopping and Attractions from all six (6) properties!  Some Highlights of the Coupon Book:

• Bally’s:  2-for-1 ticket to Jubilee!
• Flamingo:  2-for-1 tix to Vinnie Favorito & Nathan Burton, $5 off Buffet & gift w/ $15 purchase at  Margaritaville
• Harrah’s:  2-for-1 tix to Legends in Concert, Mac King & Improv, $5 off Buffet
• Imperial Palace:  2 FREE tickets to the Auto Collection and $5 off Buffet
• Paris:  2 FREE Eiffel Tower Experience admissions and $5 off Buffet
• Rio:  2-for-1 tix to Chippendales & Penn & Teller, 2 FREE admissions to VooDoo Lounge & 2 FREE drinks, 2 FREE ride tickets for  Masquerade Show in the Sky
• Discounts on Grand Canyon and Vegas Strip Tours

To check out this and other great offers, click here: Great Vegas Hotels From $29

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The adults-only GO pool at Flamingo Las Vegas is a tropical oasis in the summer.

It may be hot outside but Las Vegas offers lots of great attractions all summer long and you don’t have to break a sweat to enjoy them.

1.  Tour Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino.  Cruising through the more than 1 million gallons of seawater can’t help but make you feel a whole lot cooler.

2.  Order TWO scoops of super-rich, intensely-flavored ice cream at Sugar & Ice at Wynn Las Vegas.

3.  Enjoy a frozen, fruity concoction while lying poolside at any of the city’s fabulous “ultra-pools.” We enjoy the surprisingly hidden tropical gardens and pool complex at Flamingo Las Vegas — complete with real pink flamingos.

4.  Sip a cold beer inside the Fontana Lounge at the Bellagio while watching the fabulous fountain show taking place just outside.

5.  Wander the wide halls of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood then stop for lunch at the beach-themed Hawaiian Tropic Zone restaurant (complete with bikini-clad servers!)

6.  Put on your cutest sundress or flashiest Hawaiian shirt and play some blackjack at the new Beachside Casino at Mandalay Bay.

7.  Take in the 2:30 matinee performance of “The Price is Right” at Bally’s Las Vegas.

8.  Burgers and big, thick shakes – with or without alcohol – at BLT Burger at the Mirage.

9.  Try your luck at poker, craps, slots…all in the icy (and we do mean ICY) air-conditioning of your favorite casino.

10. Check out the underwater treasures at “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” at the Luxor.

11. Indulge in white peach sangria while munching on spicy garlic shrimp at Café Ba Ba Reeba at Fashion Show Mall.

12. Dig into a giant bowl of the justly-famous Frrozen Hot Chocolate dessert at the new Serendipity 3 facing the Strip at Caesars Palace.

13. Summer calls for down-home BBQ in our book so head over to the Rio and RUB restaurant where you can sample their luscious pulled pork, tender beef brisket or smoked turkey.

14. Pamper yourself with a complete spa day.  We recommend QUA at Caesars Palace with their extensive menu of massages, water treatments, facials and more.

15. Take a mid-week tour of the Ethel M Chocolate factory (M – F) where employees craft the company’s gourmet chocolate candy offerings.  For those willing to brave the heat, there is a three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden (with more than 300 varieties of plants) on premise that guests are free to wander.

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New Owner Phil Ruffin assures players that their points and play will be safe even with the sale of TI.

We received this — “A Message from the New Owner of TI” — and wanted to share it with our readers who may not be signed up to receive emails from MGM Mirage’s “Players Club.”  It answers a number of questions that have been floating around since the announcement of the sale of TI – Treasure Island Hotel and Casino to Phil Ruffin.  It’s good news for those of us who have frequented TI in the past.

“Dear _______,

I am very excited to announce the acquisition of Treasure Island by Ruffin Companies. TI is a property that is in pristine condition, ideally located in the heart of the strip and benefits from a wonderful team of outstanding employees. Ruffin Companies was able to purchase TI while acquiring little or no debt, therefore making TI a financially strong company within the Las Vegas market. I, along with the entire TI team, appreciate your loyalty and we want to assure you that, although there is a new captain at the helm, we are all committed to providing you with the amazing experience that you have come to expect at TI. You’ll still have access to the current point balance available on your MGM MIRAGE Players Club account and will not lose any existing complimentaries or points associated with your account. We will continue to offer comps and POINTPlay based on your play at TI. Your past TI play will continue to qualify you for our exciting events including slot, blackjack & poker tournaments, giveaways, shopping sprees and much more. If you would like to see the offers for which you are currently qualified, please log on to playersclub.com.

And coming soon… the all new Treasure Island Players Club!

The Treasure Island Players Club is TI’s new player loyalty program, where you’ll have the opportunity to receive rewards based on your TI slot and table games play. All past points and comps earned at TI will continue to be retained on your new Treasure Island Players Club card.

Be on the lookout for more information regarding the new Treasure Island Players Club. If you have any questions regarding your account or for assistance in making reservations, please do not hesitate to contact TI Casino Marketing at 800.944.3777.

Sincerely,

Phil Ruffin
Owner”

It will be interesting to see how the new players club shapes up.  Some advice to Mr. Ruffin:  Check out what Anthony Marnell III is doing over at the new M Resort with his iMagine players club.  100,000 new player sign-ups in one month can’t be wrong!

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Poker Buddy scores with a double Royal Flush for a cool two grand.

P.B.:  “Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is announcing their Alaskan cruise contest winners tonight.  Do you want to go out for it?”

Me:  “Not really…I’m kinda’ tired today.”

Three hours later —

Me:  “Okay, I got my second wind.  Let’s go out and see if we won a cruise.”

P.B.:  “Yeah, let’s go but I don’t want to play too much.”

Me:  “Nah, me neither.”

Two hours later –

See above photo!  Poker Buddy hits for $2000 on a quarter Triple Play DDB video poker game.  Dealt four to the Royal Flush, he pulls the queen twice for TWO Royals.  Cha-Ching!

Hmm, maybe we should not “want to play too much” more often?  (No cruise by the way.)

Got any stories you wanna’ share?  We’d love to hear them so tell us about your big wins in the comments section of this post.

Want to practice your video poker strategy for free online?  Just go to videopoker.com to play your favorite games on the ‘net’s largest non-wagering video poker site.

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1.  Check out this very cool eBags “Piazza Day Bag.”  We love the summery violet color, all the zippered pockets and compartments (perfect for holding our players club cards!) plus the adjustable shoulder strap makes it very easy to carry.  It’s an eBags award-winner and at $49.99, it’s a great deal for a good-looking organizer bag Mom will love.  (You can check out other colors when you visit the eBags site.)

2. If Mom loves to play cards — from Texas Hold ‘Em to Bridge! — she’ll really enjoy receiving and wearing this Eve’s Addiction Lucky Club Casino Pendant. In sterling silver and featuring sparkling CZ accents, this fun necklace is sure to be one of her favorites.  Order now from Amazon and get an extra 20% off the low price of $28 plus FREE shipping for a gift you’ll both love.

3.  Okay, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again:  We LOVE our iPods!  From listening to the latest music to all the free podcasts we download each week — we have our earbuds plugged in almost every day.  The cool new Apple iPod nano 8 GB Pink (4th Generation) is our current favorite.  The vibrant fuchsia tone makes it easy to find in our tote bags and the clear, bright LCD screen makes navigation much easier than in earlier models.

4.  Give Mom a reason to go out on the town more often with these amazing Restaurant.com gift certificates.  For just $10 each, you can buy Mom $25 worth of dining at your choice of 1,000’s of restaurants around the country.  (Yes, you read that correctly, JUST $10 EACH for $25 in individual restaurant credit!)  You can choose restaurants in your own town or pick some great Vegas spots if Mom has a trip planned for the summer.  Either way, it’s a sweet deal on a great gift!   Restaurant.com Gift Certificates

Just in — this great 20% OFF coupon from eBags.com! Get 20% Off Now Through Sunday May 3 at eBags.com

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Head for Planet Hollywood to catch the new "Peepshow" starring Mel B of Spice Girls fame.

With all the outrageous Las Vegas hotel deals (Last minute Vegas values at Expedia.com!) available this spring and summer now is a great time to plan on using some of the cash you’ll save on the room by booking a seat at one of the new shows in town.

At Planet Hollywood, the new “Peepshow” starring Mel B — aka “Scary Spice” from the pop group The Spice Girls — along with soap actress Kelly Monaco from ABC’s “General Hospital” is garnering good reviews since it opened earlier this month.  Part burlesque, part fantasy, the show features lots of lingerie-sporting dancing girls, exuberant singing numbers and a loose storyline.  Hotel packages are available that combine show tickets with room discounts, free slot play and more.  Ticket prices alone begin at $65 and go up to $175 each for VIP table seating.  Check out Planet Hollywood’s website here.

Coming to the Las Vegas Strip in May is the popular Broadway hit “The Lion King” which will open at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.  The Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation that Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment” will begin regular performances on May 18th.  (Previews begin May 5 and run on select dates through the May 17th opening night.)  Ticket prices range from $53 to $168.50.  Visit Mandalay Bay’s site for more info.

Also, when you visit Mandalay Bay, check out the Beachside Casino, a brand new three-story venue with dining, gaming and more overlooking the resort’s world-famous pool area.  The second floor features Blackjack, roulette and craps where casual beach attire is preferred and encouraged and even the dealers are dressed for a fun-filled day at the beach.

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Avenged Sevenfold ended their nearly two-year tour with a performance at the new Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.)

There’s lots of hot new stuff happening at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this spring!  With the grand opening of the new mega-music venue “The Joint” (including performances by The Killers, Avenged Sevenfold and Paul McCartney); the grand opening of Carey Hart’s Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; and the season opening of Rehab — complete with a Snoop Dogg set — the property was buzzing with capacity crowds and celebrity cameos throughout the past (4/17 – 4/19) weekend. Here’s a recap of the events and celebs that came to party at the HRH:

The Killers at the Opening of The Joint:

The Vegas hometown band, The Killers, officially opened the new Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas to a sold out show of 4,000 fans. Owen Wilson and Stephen Dorff caught the performance from a studio suite and were ushered backstage post-show to meet the band.  Also spotted were motocross star Carey Hart plus favorite Las Vegas residents, Andre Agassi and wife Steffi Graff (who were also seen dining pre-show at Rare 120, the new restaurant at the Hard Rock.)

Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.:

Carey Hart opened the doors to his famed Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. with friends Benji Madden and members of the band Avenged Sevenfold on hand to support. TV host Sal Masekela was first to go under the needle as he got a tattoo on camera for his show, the Daily 10.  Later that evening Hart, Madden and company set up shop in the Joint to watch fan favorites Avenged Sevenfold play the last show of their nearly two-year-long tour to another capacity crowd.

Famed Sunday Pool Party Rehab Debuts:

A 30-minute set from best-selling rapper Snoop Dogg kicked off the 6^th season of Rehab, the world-famous Sunday pool party at the Hard Rock.  Both locals and visitors alike came out to celebrate the beginning of pool season with over 3,000 people in attendance.  Celebrity partiers included New Orleans Saints Reggie Bush and Sedrick Ellis.

“Macca” Wows Crowd at Sunday Concert:

Paul opened with “Drive My Car” and played for more than two hours to a sold-out house, before getting back onstage for a double encore. Singing lots of old Beatles favs, cuts from his Wings days plus newer songs, the “cutest Beatle” was in fine voice for a now 66-year-old rocker. Celeb McCartney fans included: Donald Trump; Andre Agassi with wife, Steffi Graff; David Spade; Donny Osmond; and NASCAR driver Robbie Gordon.

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Michael Mina's Nobhill at MGM Grand Las Vegas serves a stellar soup & sandwich nosh.

In this Part 2 of our “Top Las Vegas Chefs for Less” post, we show you how to save money on more great Las Vegas restaurants.  While we always plan for one extravagant gourmet meal — hello, Botero! — we actually enjoy our visits to casual Vegas restaurants just as much and these “name” chefs have made it easy for us to sample their culinary talents for a lot less dough.

Here are three more Vegas dining deals:

BLT Burger at Mirage – Chef Laurent Tourondel, acclaimed toque behind BLT Steak, BLT Fish and more, knows his way around a burger and a milkshake. How a classically-trained French chef came about making what is arguably one of the best shakes in the country is a mystery but, heck, you don’t need to know how a combustion engine works to enjoy driving a Porsche either. Debating whether to eat here? Check out this comment reader “Amy” left on our earlier review here at RF: “I truly believe they mix magic into the chocolate shake at the BLT burger. I would seriously fly there from Wisconsin to get one. We ate there last October and then again on the last night of our trip, when both my husband and I agreed we’d rather have another of these chocolate shakes than anything else we could get in Las Vegas.” Now that’s what I call a ringing endorsement.  (Our review on BLT Burger can be found here.)

Nobhill Tavern at MGM Grand – Michael Mina of Bourbon Steak, SeaBlue, and the elegant, eponymous Michael Mina at Bellagio offers a fun, less expensive lounge menu at this sleek intimate gem hidden in the sprawling MGM resort. Try the Lobster Grilled Cheese sandwich with Roasted Tomato Soup (pictured) then share a dessert – the decadent Candy Bar is a winner — for a taste of Chef Mina’s award-winning, San Francisco-honed cuisine.

Enoteca San Marco at the Venetian – “Molto” Mario Batali, yes, the orange-Croc-wearing dude, has a couple of fine dining establishments in Vegas – B&B also at the Venetian and CarneVino at the Palazzo – but this casual café on St. Mark’s Square in the resort gives you a feel for his rustic cooking for significantly less lira. Share one of the “daily” pizzas and indulge in a great glass of wine with a generous eight-ounce pour. Hey, it’s Vegas – live a little!  (Check out our review on Enoteca San Marco.)  For an even better deal, buy a $25 gift certificate for “ESM” for just $5 at Restaurant.com.)

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Creative gourmet sandwiches from "Top Chef" Tom Colicchio are on the menu at 'wichcraft at MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

Eating well in Las Vegas isn’t hard but eating well on a budget in Las Vegas?  That’s a little more tricky.

Let’s face it — we’re all watching our pennies and nickels and dimes (and, if we have any, dollars) these days and even if we are off on vacation, we still want the most bang for our buck — especially when it comes to dining. Did you know you can experience the cuisine of several of the best chefs in Las Vegas (actually in the country!) but for a lot less money? Sure, you can spend the big bucks at their “signature” restaurants, or, for a fraction of the cost, you can eat very well at their more casual Las Vegas eateries.

Here’s a sampling of some of the best Las Vegas restaurant values:

Stratta at Wynn Las Vegas – Alex Stratta of the ultra-expensive but totally worth it, AAA Five Diamond Mobil Five Stars-winning “Alex” at Wynn Las Vegas has a much less costly trattoria-style restaurant, “Stratta,” featuring thin and crispy pizzas, homemade pastas and simple grilled items. On a recent trip, I sat at the bar and before long was joined by another single diner, Donna, and we proceeded to share a fabulous whole-leaf Caesar salad and a spicy Bianca pizza with arugula, spinach, ricotta and prosciutto while trading Las Vegas stories. The meal was excellent and throughly lived up to Alex’s attention to detail and authenticity but at a much more palatable price.

‘wichCraft at MGM Grand – Tom Colicchio, the straight-shooting “Top Chef” judge, offers creative sandwiches and grilled paninis, salads and homey desserts just a stone’s throw from his popular CraftSteak restaurant. These aren’t cheap eats but the fillings like meatloaf with cheddar and bacon or the Sicilian tuna with fennel, black olives and a lemony dressing are first-class. Also, don’t miss the dinner-plate sized Whoopie Pie – two soft chocolate cake rounds stuffed with vanilla custard. It’s easily enough for two people.  Breakfast-style sandwiches such as steak and oyster mushrooms or egg, bacon and bleu cheese are also available all day.

Now Take 70% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates at restaurant.com. Use code FEAST and pay just $3 for $25 in dining dollars thru 4/20/09.

Tomorrow – Three more suggestions in the “Top Chefs for Less” category.

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One of the best hotel deals in Las Vegas this Spring -- The Bellagio for just $129 per night.

Looking for the best Las Vegas hotel deals just got a whole lot easier!  Introducing our exclusive new “Best Days, Best Rates in Las Vegas” calendar which shows you the top days for saving money on your hotel room when planning your Las Vegas getaway.  We’ve done the research on which big conventions will be in town so by avoiding those dates, you can book your Las Vegas hotel room for a lot less.  Also, if you can plan your trip for early or mid-week, you can save even more on your Vegas trip.  And because we know that a weekday trip isn’t always possible, we’ve also called out the best weekends to save money each month.

For instance, check out this amazing room deal at the luxurious Bellagio.  When you plan your three-night stay starting Monday, May 25, you’ll pay just $132 per night on average.  That’s 5-Star luxury at an almost unbelievable bargain price.  Or how about mid-Strip favorite, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, for just $89 per night during that same time frame?  And, if you’re looking to save your money for the tables, we found Flamingo Las Vegas — with its gorgeous pool area perfect for a day in May — at an average $52 per night plus a bonus of $30 in resort credits.

Plus, new this Spring, if you book through Expedia or Hotels.com, you’ll receive their new “Premier Shopping Passport” with printable Las Vegas coupons good at retail stores and restaurants up and down the Strip.   Here’s the description of this special coupon package:  “The Las Vegas Convention and Vistors Authority and Las Vegas Premier Shopping Places – Fashion Show Mall, The Grand Canal Shoppes and The Shoppes at The Palazzo — would like to offer you a Premier Shopping Passport filled with thousands of dollars in shopping and dining savings. Offers are from over 175 retailers with additional special offers and services reserved exclusively for our valued Expedia and Hotels.com customers. Examples of great offers:  Saks Fifth Avenue Las Vegas- 15% off; COLE HAAN – 20% off; or Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio restaurant — 25% off just to name a few. (Some restrictions apply.)

Here’s our exclusive new “Best Days, Best Rates” calendar for Las Vegas:

April:  27, 28, 29, 30

May:  10, 11, 12, 13, 25, 26, 27, 28 — Best weekend in May:  7, 8, 9,

June:  14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24 — Best weekend in June:  18, 19, 20

Happy planning!  We’ll publish our best summer rates calendar in early May.

Last minute Vegas values at Expedia.com!

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In addition to great room offers, free shows and merchandise giveaways, I’m also noticing quite a few more tournaments and promotional events for both slot and table game players.  Even the offers recognizing my April birthday have better incentives such as the $25 in bonus birthday play from — thank you, very much — Casino Arizona in Scottsdale.  (A side note:  Casino Arizona’s April giveaway is an umbrella.  These are the same people who gave away mittens and a scarf earlier this year.  Hmmm, someone needs to tell them it rains here just about as often as it gets cold enough for mittens and a scarf….)

Also interesting, a number of the offers are coming to me from the casinos via my email box.  Sending offers through email makes so much sense.  Got rooms to fill in a hurry?  Put together a quick email and send it to thousands of club members within a matter of minutes!

So, what does this all have to do with you?

1. Always, always sign up for a players club card even when you don’t plan on playing a lot.  A casino can’t send you offers if they don’t know who you are and where to find you.
2. Do not throw away the mailers unopened.  Who knows what goodies await inside?
3. Sign up for email notifications from the casinos.  You’ll get some great last-minute offers.
4. If you live somewhere it rains a lot, I’ve got an umbrella you can have….

Hotels.com Spring Sale- Last Week to Save up to 30% at Hotels.com! – Expires by 4/13/09

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Take a trip to the Las Vegas Strip for less with Expedia's spring/summer airfare sale.

Quick! Don’t let time run out on these discount airfares to Las Vegas!  Expedia is offering great deals on flights to top cities across the country – including Las Vegas – through the peak travel season.  With tickets starting at just $98 round trip, now is the time to plan that spring or summer trip to Las Vegas or anywhere in the nation while prices are this low.

We checked on trips in April and May and here are some sample roundtrip fares:

Salt Lake – LV   $98         Chicago – LV     $199

Baltimore – LV   $178      New Orleans – LV   $178

Pittsburgh – LV   $189     Seattle – LV   $159

These fares are valid all the way through August 12, but you must book by April 6.  A 14-day advance purchase is required.  Hurry and book your flights while these prices last.  For even more savings, look at booking your hotel at the same time. Last-Minute Hotel Deals at Expedia.com

To see the full list of fares and to book you flights with Expedia go to: Summer on sale! Fly roundtrip from $98+ Expires – 4/6/09

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Viewers can probably thank Maksim Chmerkovskiy, one of the most popular professional partners on “DWTS,” for getting the Le Reve performers on the show since he joined the Wynn show’s artistic team to choreograph three dance scenes – “Tango,” “Paso Doble” and “Piece Montee.”  (Unfortunately, the talented “Max” and his partner Denise Richards are no longer on “Dancing With the Stars” having been voted off earlier in the season.)

Le Reve was created by Franco Dragone, the internationally acclaimed director, whose credits include O, Mystere and Celine Dion: A New Day.

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Check out this excerpt from the “official rules:”
“To enter the promotion, Reef Club Members must earn a minimum of 50 Bonus Points on any day and swipe their membership card at the Entrance Terminal on that same day, to automatically receive 1 entry form….

6. A minor prize draw for 1 Easter Basket will be conducted on Sunday the 29th March at 4:00pm and again on Sunday the 5th April 2009 at 4:00pm. A major prize draw for 150 kilograms of assorted chocolate will take place at approximately 4:00pm on Sunday the 12th April.

7. The major prize winner will win an amount of chocolate equivalent to their body weight up to a maximum of 150 kilograms, or if they do not wish to disclose their body weight, they will automatically win 150 kilograms of assorted chocolate.”

Considering my love for all things chocolate, I would SO BE THERE for the drawing.  Even if I wasn’t chosen, I might be able to talk the lucky winner into sharing the wealth because, as the rules state…

15. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash, services or other goods.

(Now, I also have you wondering what that magazine article is all about but you just have to wait ’til the May issue release to find out!)

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Dine for less at Enoteca San Marco at The Venetian and check out Chef Mario Batali's signature orange Crocs.

We’re always thrilled to bring you news of great deals on Las Vegas hotel rooms and now we have an amazing offer on some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas.

We’ve sung the praises of Restaurant.com in our “Las Vegas Values” article for “Casino Player” magazine (March 2009) and right here on RoyallyFlushed so we were excited to see this fantastic deal from the money-saving website.  From now through March 31 — you can purchase $25 dining coupons for just $3! Yes, you read that right…three bucks buys you twenty-five dollars in dining at restaurants all around Las Vegas.

And here’s what we really like about the program:  you buy certificates only for those restaurants you plan on visiting.  No more buying a whole “book” of coupons only to use one or two.  At Restaurant.com, you choose only those places you like or you’d like to try while on vacation.  (And if you live in Las Vegas, it’s a great way to try some new spots for a lot less dough or save some bucks at your favorite places, too.)

Here are some of our recommended restaurants in Las Vegas:

One of the best restaurants in Las Vegas, a consistent “locals favorite,” the award-winning and nationally-recognized Rosemary’s.  Chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan will wow you with their contemporary cuisine and wonderful atmosphere. Rosemary’s Restaurant

Three Strip favorites:

• RM Seafood (Located @ Mandalay Bay Shops) (Definitely have the clam chowder!)
• Border Grill at Mandalay Bay
• ENOTECA San Marco (Located Inside the Venetian Hotel & Casino) (Read our review here.)

Other favorites include Little Buddha at The Palms, Hennessey’s Las Vegas on Fremont Street downtown and Al’s Garage at The District near Green Valley Ranch.

Oh, and two other favorites of ours:

• McCormick & Schmick’s (Their planked salmon is especially good and they’re located just minutes off the Strip.)

• Hash House A Go Go — Popular with locals and visitors alike, this off-Strip joint rocks for breakfast or anytime at all!

Also, keep in mind that restaurant.com offers dining certificates for restaurants all around the country so be sure to check and see if your fav neighborhood place isn’t also on their extensive list of participating restaurants.  (We use them here in Phoenix and Scottsdale all the time!)

Here’s the link and code to get your great dining deals now: Save 70% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates. Use code SAVE and pay $3 thru 3/31/09.

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