Royally Flushed

A view of the construction at CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip.

Curious what the rooms will look like when Aria, The Strip’s newest mega resort under construction at the 67-acre MGM Mirage CityCenter complex, opens late next year?  Then check out this excellent four-page article on Vegas Tripping for an extremely detailed look at the design model for the resort’s King Deluxe room.  With a color palette featuring bronze and royal purple, the room’s two most striking features for me are the floor-to-ceiling windows and the clean simple lines of the furniture.

In addition to the sophisticated decor, rooms will also feature über-technology including a 42-inch LCD flatscreen TV that acts as the operations hub for the room.  A user-friendly (at least they hope) joystick-type remote will keep controls for lights, draperies, a/c, and more at the fingertips of room occupants. 

The Aria, an MGM Mirage property, will have more than 4,000 rooms in a 61-story tower along with an adjoining casino.  The sprawling CityCenter development, a joint venture of MGM Mirage and Dubai World, will also include three luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental, The Harmon Hotel Spa & Residences and Vdara Condo Hotel; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; approximately 2,600 condominium residences; and The Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot dining, retail and entertainment district.

Casino Arizona at Indian Bend - construction has progressed rapidly since this photo was taken in early September.

Casino Arizona is moving right along with construction of its new resort and spa at Indian Bend and the Loop 101.  Members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community are betting that this new 15-story resort featuring almost 500 rooms and a huge, 13,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art spa along with the location’s already-operating Talking Stick Golf Club will appeal to Scottsdale visitors looking for an activity and amenity-packed resort experience.

The centerpiece of the new resort near will be the casino with its 240,000 square-foot gaming floor featuring 800 slot machines, 50 poker tables, a Vegas-style off-track betting lounge, and a high-limit slots area.  When it comes time to dine or just relax with a cocktail, guests will be able to choose from among eight restaurants and 10 lounges.  Also, a new 750-seat showroom will bring live entertainment year-round to the venue. 

In addition to Scottsdale/Phoenix locals and vacationers, the new Casino Arizona Resort & Spa will also be courting the business and convention community by offering over 50,000 square-feet of meeting and expo space. 

Slated to open in December 2009, the new hotel will be privately operated by the community.  A “topping-off” ceremony was held earlier this week when members and invited guests gathered to celebrate the placement of the final beam onto the structure.  (The photo above was taken in late-summer.)

In addition to the Indian Bend location, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community also operates Casino Arizona at McKellips Road and the Loop 101 and hosts more than 7 million visits yearly at its two properties.

Learn video poker strategy then try your luck at South Point's casino.

If you are a video poker player like P.B. and me and you want to take your game to the next level, then here is an opportunity for you – FREE video poker classes with America’s most well-known player, Bob Dancer.  Mr. Dancer has spent years researching and teaching video poker strategy through his popular books, software programs including “Video Poker for Winners” and live lessons. 

Beginning on Tuesday, November 11, and continuing through to January, Mr. Dancer will be giving classes at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.   Again, classes are free but you must be 21 or older to attend.

The classes will offer both a 90-minute session for beginners as well as a one-hour portion for intermediate players.  Classes focus on different games such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and Double Bonus Poker as well as varying subjects so see the class schedule here for more details.

Also, check out the great package prices available at South Point and combine your free video poker training with a hotel stay.  South Point is about 10 minutes from The Strip but offers guests all the amenities such as a spa, multiple restaurants, show room, lounges and more that Las Vegas visitors have come to expect in a casino destination.

Exquisite pastries at Jean Philippe at The Bellagio.

One of the best things about going on vacation is being “allowed” to suspend your diet for a few glorious days.  I can’t think of a better reason to do this than Jean Philippe Patisserie at The Bellagio.

If you’re like me – a desserts lover, sweets fanatic, pastry aficionado - then a visit to this shop will be an “OMG” moment for you.  Peer into the cases and try to choose just one dessert!  Should it be the fruit tarts sporting an array of seasonal gems or the nearby raspberry tarts with their pyramids of precariously perched ripe red specimens?  Even carrot cake – that most democratic of flavors – is redesigned in sexy orange fondant. 

Need more temptation?  There are chocolates and myriad other candies, cookies and croissants, Danish and brioche, gelato, made-to-order crepes, and several variations on chocolate-covered strawberries. (They also offer salads and sandwiches for those who think chocolate isn’t one of the four main food groups.)  And be sure to check out the intricate Willie Wonka-style fountain featuring an “only-in-Vegas” display of creamy milk, dark and white chocolate cascading over a variety of crystal shelves.

Jean Philippe's mesmerizing chocolate fountain.

The shop is small so grab your goodies from the counter, exit the shop and take a right toward the back of the corridor.  There you can snag a table near the windows that look out over The Bellagio’s lush pool area.  It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a little people-watching while snacking on some truly outstanding sweets.

Location:  The Bellagio.  Go through the main reception/registration area of the hotel and take the hallway on the left, past the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.  Jean Philippe will be on your right just across from the hotel’s gift shop.

Hours:  Monday to Thursday – 7 AM until 11 PM   Friday to Sunday – 7 AM until Midnight

The luscious Chocoban features chocolate, caramelized banana and hazelnut - perfect paired with a cappuccino.

Donny & Marie fans should purchase tickets before leaving for Las Vegas.

Yeah, I admit it – I sometimes eavesdrop on other people’s conversations. Especially when they are sitting three feet away and TALKING REALLY LOUDLY. On our last trip to Las Vegas, P.B. and I were enjoying lunch at one of our fav restaurants – Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas - when I overheard the couple next to us discussing what they wanted to do during their stay. Well, that’s not exactly correct – let’s say they were discussing how they had NO CLUE what to do while in Las Vegas. Here they are in one of the most exciting cities in the world and they can’t decide if they want to see a show…what show to see…where to eat dinner…you name it. Later that day- call it kismet – I was reading an article that said 80% of people visiting Las Vegas don’t know what they want to do once they get there. What a waste of time, energy and vacation dollars!

I visit a lot of Las Vegas forums on the ‘net and this seems to be a popular topic:  “To Plan or Not to Plan” – that is the question.  For me, the answer is definitely PLAN!  Okay, I’m not saying plan every minute or even every day but it just makes sense to me to do some research before going so you’re not wasting precious time standing in line at restaurants or theater box offices.  If there is one thing that is lacking on the ‘net (and I’m not sure there is) it is NOT info on Las Vegas. Buy show tickets – like those to see Donny & Marie at The Flamingo.  Make dinner reservations. Book your spa day. Look up what games are available at each casino so you can maximize your playing time.  Whatever it is you definitely want to do while in Las Vegas – or at any vacation destination, for that matter – make your plans and any necessary reservations before you get to where you’re going!

As many times as we have been to Las Vegas, P.B. and I always go armed with a list of hot new Las Vegas restaurants we want to try (usually complete with reservations) as well as anything else we don’t want to miss like shows, slot tournaments and other events. Check out other areas on our site plus VisitLasVegas.com  for things you might want to incorporate into your trip.

"Gold Fish" - a popular slot game from WMS Gaming.

For a spirited discussion on “favorite slot machines,” visit TripAdvisor and check out what people are talking about right now in regards to slot machines. This is one hot topic on TripAdvisor considering the original post asking Las Vegas visitors to name their favorite slots game is dated August 24^th and the replies keep coming – six pages of them so far.

I don’t play slots too often but always stop and check out any new games I see  – think eBay®, Deal or No Deal® – and any games that seem to have a lot of people gathered ‘round.

From the topic replies, it looks like “Gold Fish” from WMS gaming is a hot slot favorite.  I mention this one specifically because P.B. and I walked by a double bank of the machines several times during our last stay at Paris Las Vegas and not once was there a machine open.  People were even hanging around waiting for machines to open up so they could play.  Hmm, based on its popularity, maybe we’ll check it out again when we go to Vegas later this month.

The hot new "Wizard of Oz" slot machine from WMS Gaming.

We recently saw this new game at Harrah’s Ak-Chin near Phoenix  - “The Wizard of Oz” from WMS Gaming (for information, click on the game icon in this cool virtual gameroom.)  Check out the high-backed spaceship seating for this game.  Here’s what the manufacturer says about it on their website:   “The Wizard of Oz^TM is the newest theme in the revolutionary “Sensory Immersion Gaming” product category, where players hear, see, and feel the experience, thanks to real-time 3D animation and our innovative gaming chair that features the BOSE® 3Space^TM audio system and CPU-NXT®2 enhanced graphics.” Again, we didn’t get a chance to play since all the machines were taken but we will definitely play Wizard of Oz slots in the future – when we get the chance.

If you’re a slots player, I’d love to hear about your favorite game and where you play it.  Also, check out the thread on TripAdvisor and chime in with your recommendations.

Win $1,000,000 at Harrah's Ak-Chin in Arizona.

Someone will be a new millionaire on December 28th when Harrah’s Ak-Chin casino in Maricopa, Arizona gives away the guaranteed $1,000,000 grand prize in their new “Win Your Million Dollars” promotion. 

Beginning October 31 (or October 29 for upper-level Total Rewards Club members), players can earn entries into weekly drawings with those winners then eligible for the big event drawing in late December.  The weekly cash drawings will be held  every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. 

There’s lots of cash being given away, lots of opportunities to earn bonus entries and lots more “fine print” so for details be sure to get all the information at the promotions center at the casino.

Casino carpeting features intricate designs, wild colors.

It’s nice to know I am not the only person fascinated with the over-the-top colorful designs on casino carpets.  I have to confess that while walking through a casino or down a hotel hallway, I have been known to run into people - as well as inanimate objects – because I am so focused on what’s under my feet.  The exhuberant colors and the intricate patterns never cease to entertain me.

Well, David G. Schwartz, who writes extensively about Las Vegas, gambling, and history has several photo pages on his website, The Die is Cast, devoted to current and defunct carpets at casinos throughout the U.S.  Who knew?  His gallery organizes the carpet photos mostly by location but if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you’ll find his “Hall of Fame” page which features extinct carpets as well as extinct casinos…think Stardust and the Aladdin among others.

Schwartz is the Director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV and has a Ph.D. in United States history from UCLA.  Check out his website for lots of fascinating information.  After spending some time on his website, I definitely plan on purchasing his book, Roll the Bones, A History of Gambling.

Oh, and the carpet pictured above?  You can find it in all it’s dashing purple glory – at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona!

A father-and-son fishing trip only at The Bellagio.

Where else can you see a father and son bear duo – each fashioned from moss, bark and colorful button mums – outfitted for a summer fishing trip?  Or how about a miniature train running through a covered bridge constructed of twigs?  And then there is my personal favorite from this summer’s display – a reproduction of The Bellagio and its lakeside “village” all done in flowers and other natural materials.  The attention to detail was stunning!   

When you’re done touring this indoor oasis, be sure to check out theGiardini Garden Store at the back of the display.  There you’ll find lots of high-style home and garden items such as exotically-scented candles, colorful glassware and more.  Bring your casino winnings because the gorgeous items here aren’t cheap.

Location - The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden is located off the main reception/registration area.  If you arrive at the Bellagio from the pedestrian bridges coming from either Caesars or Bally’s, walk through the shopping galleria and veer left then continue through the casino and into the main entry hall.  You’ll see the garden at the back.  Also, don’t miss the floral displays behind the registration desks – they, too, change with the seasons. 

Player’s tip – Bellagio has some fun multi-denomination Spin Poker machines in the middle of the casino near the blackjack tables and also near the entrance to the shopping gallery.  We’ve played – and won - on them more than a few times.

Treat tip – Stop at Jean Philippe Patisserie - down the hall from the garden, toward the back of the hotel - for a cappuccino and a pastry that is almost too pretty to eat.  Almost.

Look for scary costumes at Fort McDowell Casino's Halloween bash.

Looking for a fun Halloween party in the Phoenix area?  How about one where you can win cash for your most creative costume?  Grown-up revelers can head to Fort McDowell Casino on October 30^th for their annual “Costume Bash” at the casino’s Lucky 7 Saloon.  Although we haven’t – as yet! – dressed up, P.B. and I have been to this event a couple of times and it really is a lot of fun.  You’ll see lots of elaborate costumes – both scary and funny – and you can dance the night away to live music starting at 9 PM.  Registration for the costume competition starts at 6 with judging from 9 to 11 PM and prize-winners announced at 11:30 PM.  Keep the evening’s celebration going by booking a night at the adjoining Radisson Fort McDowell - it looks like rooms are still available at this time.

Win a trip to the 2008 CMA's in Nashville.

Also this month, The Fort kicks off its “KMLE Country 108 CMA Trip Giveaway” promotion.  The Grand Prize is a 3 day/2 night trip for two to the 42^nd Annual Country Music Awards in Nashville.  The trip includes airfare, accommodations, tickets to the event and $200 cash.  Beginning October 20th, players club members can swipe their card for entries into the drawing which will be held on November 2nd at 7 PM.

Be sure to visit The Fort’s website for details on all upcoming events.

Let’s say it’s Friday night in Vegas and you find yourself with a pocketful of cash and an urge for a drink and only one with a 24-karat-gold and diamond-studded straw will do.  Well, oh, thirsty one,  you’re in luck because Tryst, the ultra-hip nightspot at Wynn, has just the thing for you.  The “Menage a Trois” is a $3,000 cocktail – yes, I said $3,000 - featuring Hennessy Ellipse cognac, Cristal Rose champagne, and Grand Marnier and, yes, it is served with the aforementioned gold and diamond straw for leisurely sipping.   

To find out more about the ultimate in Vegas luxuries, check out Conde Nast Traveler ‘s recent special report called “The Seven Deadly Sins Guide to Las Vegas.”   How apropos that it is an envy-inducing collection of the best Las Vegas has to offer including where to stay, eat, shop, drink and more – if you have the cash.  Make that plenty of cash.

It really is a fun look at what gobs of money can buy you in Las Vegas.  Everything from the $40,000 a night Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms to diamond jewelry galore to a trio of buttery steak samples at Wolfgang Puck’s Cut at the Palazzo. 

In addition to the nose-bleed-inducing luxuries there are several items in the “culinary tour of Sin City” that sound luscious and are actually in a less stratospheric budget-range.  My own recommendation for an affordable splurge?  Try a scoop of any of the superbly rich, smooth and luscious ice creams at “Sugar and Ice” cafe at Wynn.

A luxury stay at a great rate awaits you at The Venetian.

For the most up-to-date deals, click here for our Events and Offers page.

Looking for a last-minute vacation to Vegas?  Your quest for a great deal has been answered.  Calling it “The Ultimate Escape,” both The Venetian and The Palazzo in Las Vegas are promoting a great offer on rooms right now – especially if you can get away during the week.  For just $119 per night weekdays or $159 per night weekends on selected days from now through JANUARY, you get a luxury suite PLUS $50 per day in slot credits (up to $100 total) PLUS $50 in drink vouchers and a line pass good for four people at the brand new LAVO restaurant and nightclub at newly-opened and absolutely stunning Palazzo.  (I recently spoke to some people who attended LAVO’s opening night and they said it is definitely a place you’ll want to see in Las Vegas.)

This offer was just in my emailbox this morning so lots of dates are still open as of this post.  Check out all the dates available in December and think about combining a fun getaway with some unique holiday shopping at The Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian.  But hurry, these terrific rates are only good if you book by October 31st so grab your calendar, pick your dates and head to Las Vegas for a fabulous stay at either The Venetian or The Palazzo.

UPDATE: Booking has been extended through November 30th for the room rates.  Other details of the promotion may have changed so ask when you book your room.