A quiet spot for a drink is just behind these striking light fixtures at BOA Steakhouse in the Forum Shoppes at Caesars Palace.
In our quest to seek out the best bars for a quiet drink in Las Vegas, we give you Part II of our list. Covering the stretch of the Las Vegas Strip from Caesars Palace to Mandalay Bay, we found great bars and lounges for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy a cocktail or two while enjoying the company you keep.
Caesars Palace – Between the resort itself and the sprawling Forum Shoppes complex, there are so many options for drinking and dining that you’re sure to find a place to call your own. For us, that spot is BOA Steakhouse on the third floor of the newer shopping galleria. Their homemade potato chips with cheese and shaved truffles are as decadent as they sound and a perfect foil to an icy cold beer. If the weather is cooperating, we’re also partial to the outdoor Spanish Steps bar with its frozen concoctions and best-ever bar stools not to mention superior people-watching opportunities. (more…)
You knew the October numbers weren’t going to be pretty but I’m not sure anyone guessed that Nevada gaming revenue would be down – are you ready? – 22.3% as compared to a year ago. That is the single largest monthly drop in reported “win” in state history and the 10th straight month that gaming revenues have declined.
Here’s how the numbers released today by the Nevada Gaming Commission played out in the Silver State:
Nevada as a whole brought in $905 million for a 22.3% drop.
The Las Vegas Strip was hit hard with its $475 million take which represents a 25.8% drop compared to a record “win” in excess of $637 million in October of last year. (more…)
We have our very first contest winner! In a random drawing,* our reader/commentor “AL” has won a copy of the 2009 Edition of Steve Bouri’s popular “American Casino Guide”. Congratulations to Al and thanks to all who entered. Our next contest starts tomorrow so come back then for details and another chance to win.
Here is the comment Al posted about his favorite/first big casino hit: (more…)
Sink into this comfy colorful sofa at Parasol Up lounge at Wynn Las Vegas and enjoy a classic cocktail.
These aren’t the Las Vegas bars or clubs where you have to stand in line for hours and hope you get in (that is if you forgot to buy the now popular line pass.) Nope. And they’re not the kinds of places whose music makes you feel like the drummer just took up residence somewhere inside your rib cage. Uh-uh. These are just a few of our favorite spots to grab a drink, maybe a light appetizer or two, and enjoy some conversation with our companion(s). We’ve organized these by proximity so you can find a calm little reprieve no matter where you find yourself along The Strip.
Wynn Las Vegas – Hands down, it has to be the lobby levelParasol Up lounge. We smile every time we see the “Alice in Wonderland” parasols and the bar’s whimsical décor. Who knew red and gold, blue and green, stripes and polka dots could be so ultimately classy when combined? (If you take the adjacent circular escalator to the lower level, you’ll be at Parasol Down lounge with its gorgeous view of the lake.) (more…)
The iconic Mirage Volcano made it’s newly-renovated debut on The Strip in Las Vegas last night. Under construction since February of this year, the $25 million face-lift caps a recent $110 million room and suite redesign to The Mirage’s 2,765 Deluxe and Tower Deluxe accommodations.
The new volcano show features a musical score by Mickey Hart of Grateful Dead fame and Indian impresario Zakir Hussain and comes from the acclaimed design firm WET, creators of The Bellagio lake show. Fireballs and the aptyly-named Fireshooters explode into the air and send fiery waves of burning lava across the Strip-front lagoon during the four-and-a-half-minute blazing spectacle.
See it for yourself with this terrific video of the opening night’s show from KLAS television. Mirage Volcano Video.
Here’s a very smart move from Harrah’s Entertainment. They’ve collaborated with WMS Gaming, makers of the wildly-popular Wizard of Oz machines, (you know, the ones I can never play!) and will introduce a special TOTAL REWARDS® version of WMS Gaming’s new Star Trek machine beginning this week in Las Vegas.
Here’s the skinny from a joint press release dated December 1, 2008 (Emphasis mine) – “Players who are members of Harrah’s TOTAL REWARDS® program will be able to use their cards to create a personalizedand differentiated gaming experience on the STAR TREK themed gaming machines at most of the company’s casinos in North America, as Harrah’s moves forward with a market-by-market implementation plan, subject to additional jurisdictional regulatory approvals.
“This server-enabled, networked gaming platform provides players with the unique ability to personalize their game play, allowing them to save their play status and unlock additional bonus rounds and game episodes over time. ” (more…)
This Week’s Hot Post– “And It Feels Like the First Time!” Just leave a comment on this post and tell us about your first big win, or your favorite game, or simply a note saying “hello.” We’ll choose our first winner on Thursday morning so enter today.
The PRIZE: The 2009 edition of the American Casino Guide which contains 496 pages of detailed information on every U.S. casino, plus it includes more than $1,000 in valuable casino coupon offers! This book is a gem for casino players and retails for up to $18.95.
*** Check out our current Gift Guide for the most up-to-date holiday gift ideas and prices. ***
The slot-playing casino kings and queens on your shopping list will simply love receiving one of these great holiday gifts. We’ve chosen the best gifts for casino lovers in a wide range of prices ($10 to $299) that will keep them organized, entertained, on time and more while you get all the credit for your gift-giving savvy.
I love a compact wallet or little case that can hold all my players club cards, my room key, some cash, my credit cards and keep everything perfectly organized. These all fit the bill and do it stylishly to boot! Left to right: I love this Colorful Credit Card Holder. Check out the rainbow of hues on this one — from basic black to “Pumpkin” and “Ocean,” $14.88. Pictured in the center is the sleek little Metro Mini Designer Card Case which will hold all the necessities and comes in ten great colors/textures. At just $9.88 each, this hard case makes a great stocking stuffer. The zippered leather case on the right is perfect for my sweetie. He can pack it with all his club cards, stash it in a pocket and off to Vegas we go! Leather Credit Card Holder, $25.50. (more…)
Chef Todd English's "Olives" at The Bellagio is a great bet for lunch.
Don’t be fooled by the location or first impression of Olives at The Bellagio, Las Vegas. It’s open to the walkway through the tony shopping arcade and at first glance appears trendy-casual. And while it is marketed as one of the resort’s casual eateries, Olives at The Bellagio is actually a paragon of culinary consistency and excellence.
Once inside, it’s also pretty nifty looking with rich, dark hues, luxurious furnishings and over-sized arched windows leading out to a lovely patio overlooking the fountain.
The briskly professional staff sweeps to the table with water, menus and the most seductive bread service ever. An artisinal assortment is accompanied by both mellow, satiny black and green olive tapenades and glistening, giant whole olives. Warning — don’t overdo — the dishes that follow are equally spectacular. (more…)
The newest room deal from The Venetian in Las Vegas continues the $119 weekday/$159 weekend room offer that has been so popular since first being announced back in October. Along with the fantastic rates, the package (available on select dates) includes not only the luxury room suite but also the following enticements:
- $25 in Slot Credits or Table Match Play
- 2-for-1 drink voucher at the V Bar
- 2-for-1 Gondola Ride
- 2-for-1 admission to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Book offer code EVODECR by December 15 to nail those rates.
Unlike the last offer, The Palazzo is NOT included in those rates at this time. Rates at The Palazzo are $159 weekdays/$199 weekends and again, for select dates. Visit their website for details.
While you’re at The Palazzo site, don’t miss the opportunity to register for “The Lamborghini Italian Getaway Sweepstakes.” Fill out the entry form for your chance to win a Grand Prize that includes a trip to Italy and a demonstration racing drive at the Lamborghini factory among other goodies. The drawing will be held in April 2009. (Some exclusions apply so be sure to read all the fine print at The Palazzo’s website.)
Beginning today and continuing for the next few weeks, you have a chance to win a copy of the 2009 American Casino Guide FREE just by leaving a comment on that week’s designated “Hot Post!”The winner will be randomly selected from all comments left on that specific article.
This Week’s Hot Post– “And It Feels Like the First Time!” Just leave a comment on this post and tell us about your first big win, or your favorite game, or simply a note saying “hello.”
The PRIZE: The 2009 edition of the American Casino Guide contains 496 pages of detailed information on every U.S. casino, plus it includes more than $1,000 in valuable casino coupon offers! This book is a gem for casino players and retails for $18.95.
Each contest will run Wednesday to Wednesday and the winner from the random drawing will be announced each Thursday. An email confirmation will be sent to the winner so be sure to use a proper email address when registering your comment. Good Luck!
Yesterday I told you all about P.B.’s memorable $1,000 Royal Flush at The Rio and today I want to tell you about my first big hit in a casino.
Mine is a classic story of beginner’s luck. This happened more years ago than I’d like to count while I was on my honeymoon with P.B. We were in the Bahamas staying at what was, at the time, the Paradise Island Princess Resort & Casino. After a full day of sight-seeing and snorkeling, we had dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants and headed for the casino. We walked around the crowded gaming floor for quite a while before deciding on which machines to play. Because it was so packed, we weren’t able to find games next to each other but we were at least in the same general area. I sat down at a multiple-line fruit and 7′s slot machine and started feeding quarters in and pulling down the lever. (Told you it was a while ago!) I went through one roll of quarters and had just cracked open the second roll when I hit a bunch of red sevens. I didn’t even know it was a big hit until the lights started blinking and the bells started ringing! In my excitement, I left — yes, left — the machine to find my new husband who immediately told me to go back to my machine and wait for the attendant. NOW! I still laugh when I think about it. (Smart man. No wonder I’m still married to him.)
My total win was 2500 quarters — $625 — which went toward our hotel bill for the week and toward my enduring fascination with casinos and casino gaming.
Now, I open the cyber “floor” for the story of your first big win. Check out our “Post Contest” for your chance to win a copy of the new 2009 American Casino Guide.
. Congratulations to Al and thanks to all who entered. Our next contest starts tomorrow so come back then for details and another chance to win.
which will hold all the necessities and comes in ten great colors/textures. At just $9.88 each, this hard case makes a great stocking stuffer. The zippered leather case on the right is perfect for my sweetie. He can pack it with all his club cards, stash it in a pocket and off to Vegas we go! 
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