Royally Flushed

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.

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).

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.

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas will play host to this year’s top acts from summer’s popular “America’s Got Talent” reality entertainment competition in a live stage show beginning Wednesday.

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!

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.

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

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.) (more…)

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: (more…)

Some of the chefs appearing at the Vegas Uncork'd event include: Guy Savoy, top right; Bobby Flay, top center; and Francois Payard, bottom left; all from Caesars Palace.

Calling all foodies!  Tickets for the culinary festival, Vegas Uncork’d, are selling out quickly.  The annual event — held over Mother’s Day weekend this year — is being billed as “A Bon Appétit Epicurean Experience” with the popular cooking magazine a co-sponsor of the four-day bash.

With the Las Vegas dining event happening May 7-10, this would make a perfect Mother’s Day getaway weekend for the special lady in anyone’s life.  Moms who love gourmet dining, amazing desserts, superb wines and rubbing elbows with the top chefs who make it all happen will really enjoy this year’s agenda.  Mother’s Day hotel deals in Las Vegas are still available.  Check out the deals at Bally’s, The Venetian, Paris and more here >>>> Last minute Vegas values at Expedia.com! (more…)