IGT Slots put some of our favorite games into this home version including Lobstermania and DaVinci Diamonds.

Best home slots game — IGT Slots: Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania

IGT strikes gaming gold with this fun in-home slots game that includes such favorites as Cats, Carnival of Mystery (love this game at Caesars in Las Vegas,) Frog Princess and Stinkin’ Rich.  At less than $20, it’s a great deal for those who want to play, not pay!

Best Cross Body Bag for Women — Cole Haan Bailey Bag

Here’s the dilemma — as much as you (or the woman in your life) love toting around that jumbo purse/suit

case/carryall, it just isn’t very practical for a day at the casino.  Do you keep it on that sticky shelf between machines or clutch it to your body like you’re protecting the family jewels?  And, please, don’t even think of hanging it off the back of your chair!

Solution:  enter the Cross Body bag which — just as the name suggests — smartly and compactly sits across the chest holding valuables and necessities in neatly and stylishly.  We couldn’t believe the price on this beauty (less than half the regular price!) and it comes in a gorgeous shade of lipstick red as well.  This doesn’t have to go in her stocking…it can be her stocking! Love it.

Also, be sure to check out our extensive Gift Guide here.

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Beginning March 15, Dion will be performing a brand-new Colosseum show featuring her most-beloved hits set to the music of a 30+ member orchestra.  The show’s co-producer promises a technically-innovative sound and screen experience courtesy of celebrated Grammys director Ken Ehrlich.  Although we’ve seen numerous reports of sell-outs, we found tickets available for even the debut performance through our affiliate at TicketNetwork –  Las Vegas Tickets.

The month of March also sees some famed performers hit the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  March 5 brings Eric Clapton to town for a single Saturday night show.  Clapton, whose hit song “Layla” and accompanying album celebrates its 40th anniversary in March (yeah, makes me feel old, too) had a recent stop in Tokyo and you can read about the show on this special Eric Clapton website — WheresEric.com. Tickets (starting at $59) info:  Eric Clapton Tickets 2011-03-05 Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena.

March 19 is the date for the latest Las Vegas concert featuring Bon Jovi.  This one-night show is their only Las Vegas stop during 2011 in a tour dubbed simply Bon Jovi Live in support of their newest “Greatest Hits” recording.  Last year’s Circle Tour was named the highest grossing concert tour of 2010 according to Billboard’s annual Top 25 concert tours. Get Bon Jovi Tickets for MGM Grand Las Vegas at TicketsNow.

The Monster Ball World Tour featuring Lady GaGa takes the Las Vegas stage on March 25.  Tickets at MGM Grand’s Garden Arena to see the “Born This Way” singer are scarce and pricey but we found some starting at $200 on TicketsNow.  Lady Gaga Tickets.

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These limited-time offers for room discounts and special credits come directly from MGM Resorts and pop up fairly frequently but always on different properties.  The current ones happen to be for ARIA Resort and the Vdara, the non-gaming hotel across the traffic-circle, weird entryway, courtyard from ARIA.  (If you caught “The Bachelor” on ABC last night, you would have seen Brad Womack under the ARIA portico awaiting his posse of bachelorettes. What? No gaggle of desperate gorgeous women to accompany you? No problem, you can still stay there.)

We have to admit it.  We are strangely attracted to ARIA and, no, it has nothing to do with Brad.  We actually enjoy playing slots there (IGT’s Secrets of the Forest is a fave) and Julian Serrano has become our routine stop for yummy tapas — try the warm spinach salad with garlic and pine nuts — and white sangria.

Here are the latest deals we have as an affiliate of MGM Resorts:  (Affiliate means we get a couple of bucks if you book through our site.  Thanks.)

ARIA “$50 DAILY ARIA Resort Credit” The Center of Excitement has Shifted! *Be our guest on select dates now through June 30, 2011 and enjoy a daily $50 ARIA Resort Credit (*see site for additional details and restrictions). Promotion Runs: Jan 28 – Jun 30, 2011. Promo Code: AR7D50 (Exp 2/2/11)

Vdara – Room Rates From $119/nt.

And here’s a video look at “Secrets of the Forest” slot machine from IGT.

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The Crazy Diamond Slot Bank is a top-seller this holiday season.

We posted ideas for buying gifts for poker and card players so time to give you some hints on what to get for the slot machine fan on your list.  There’s still time to order these items from Amazon.com and have them under the tree on Christmas morning.  And don’t forget — if none of these ideas floats your boat there are scads more in our Gift Guide storefront.

This is, by far, my fave gift for women, myself included…hint, hint — a cozy Pashmina-style wrap for those chilly casino floors.  Really, I’ve been in meat lockers that are warmer than your average casino.  In a luscious solid color, posh print or smooth neutral, this is a great gift item for travelers as well.  (Sure beats those skanky-looking airplane blankets.)

Maybe we have a skewed sense of humor but we love this hoodie! The BusyBodies Slot Machine Hooded Sweatshirt simply makes us smile every single time we put it on. Win or lose, it’s a great gift for a dedicated slot machine player.

Redesigned for music and Multi-Touch, the Apple iPod nano is smaller and lighter than ever. You can clip it to your sleeve, jacket, or running shorts and keep your favorite songs at your fingertips. There’s even a built-in FM radio so you can tune into your favorite game while you play the machines.

Top Gift Idea — Here’s a cool way for your slot machine fan to save up for that next trip to the casino — the Crazy Diamonds Slot Machine Bank. This large-scale replica features a chrome bevel and tray, a jackpot bell and a flashing light. This is our best-selling item for 2010.

Book a stay at the ARIA Resort and Casino and you'll be in the heart of the exciting new CityCenter Las Vegas.

Last but not least, how about a trip to Vegas for the casino lover on your list?  We can’t think of a better gift than a three-night stay at the Bellagio, Caesars Palace or one of CityCenter Las Vegas’ newest spots — the ARIA Casino Resort or Vdara Hotel.  Click Here for the Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!

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This "Powered by Poker" hoodie would be a great gift for any card player to find beneath the Christmas tree.

Looking for gifts for casino players?  We’ve got lots of ideas for you.  From stocking-stuffers to more substantial offerings, we’ve picked gifts for slot machine players and card players – ones we know they will love.  There’s still plenty of time left to shop online and we’ll be posting some of our fav picks from Amazon.com’s extensive gift catalog right up until the bitter exciting end of this year’s holiday shopping season.

Best Gifts for Cards and Poker Players:

Whether you are just learning to play poker or looking for advice on advanced strategy, this is one of the books to own and read.   Harrington on Hold ‘em is one of the few books players agree on — it’s a five-star guide to winning the game of poker.  One reviewer says,  “This book paid for itself immediately. Some of the fundamental concepts in this book seem extremely obvious once they’ve been pointed out to you, but cost real money until you grasp them.”

Instead of a stocking stuffer, how about the entire stocking?  Accented with a royal flush, this Playing Cards Christmas Stocking will definitely make any card player smile come Christmas morning.

A fun little goodie to put into the stocking: this World Series of Poker Texas Holdem Handheld Video Game.

Here’s a colorful addition to any Christmas tree and especially one belonging to a poker player — this holiday ornament representing stacks of poker chips.

Home poker parties continue to be all the rage these days and this Poker Platter With Aces is a perfect gift for entertaining. An optional set of Poker Snack Plates is also available.

Want more gifting ideas for casino players? We’ve assembled a huge variety of gifts to choose from in our storefront Casino Gifts Guide. (Don’t miss the cute ornaments featuring the poker dogs.  Yep, those ubiquitous “Dogs Playing Poker.”)

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Rooms at ARIA Casino Resort at the heart of CityCenter Las Vegas are on sale during MGM Resorts' holiday promotion.

This year, “Black Friday” shopping can include snagging a great deal on a winter getaway to Las Vegas when you book with one of MGM Resort’s special holiday sales.

One of the properties participating is the new ARIA Casino at CityCenter, home to two of our newest fave restaurants:  tapas bar Julian Serrano and Sage Restaurant.  Serrano’s eponymous spot features a wide selection of  luscious “small plates” such as salmon with truffle bechamel and portabello mushrooms, a deconstructed Mediterranean Stew with shrimp and sole and a warm salad of spinach, garlic, pine nuts and raisins that is unforgettable and guaranteed to keep vampires away for at least a week.  (Yes, there is that much garlic and it is divine.)  Also, don’t miss the white wine sangria with notes of pineapple and pear.

Book the holiday sale rates through 12/1/10  for travel dates through February 28, 2011.  Use the links and promo codes below to check out all the dates and details:

ARIA “10 Day Holiday Sale” Promotion Runs: Nov 22, 2010 – Feb 28, 2011. Promo Code: AR10DAY (Exp 12/1/10)

Mirage ” Winter Sale” Promotion Runs: Nov 22, 2010 – Feb 28, 2011. Promo Code: MIRBLK10W (Exp 12/1/10)

Luxor “Holiday Special” Promotion Runs: Nov 22, 2010 – Feb 28, 2011. Promo Code: L1122 (Exp 12/1/10)

Another special deal from MGM hotels comes just in time for the Wrangle National Finals Rodeo happening December 2 – 11 at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus.  Stay at MGM Grand and get not only a great room rate but also lots of 2-for-1 deals and freebies.

MGM Grand Las Vegas “NFR at MGM Grand” Rates from $69/nt. * Your NFR Maximum Vegas package is at the MGM Grand – Your package includes: 2 for 1 buffet, Two (2) complimentary admissions to Studio 54 or Tabu Ultra Lounge, Two (2) Complimentary cocktails at the 4 main bars (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Nov 24 – Dec 18, 2010. Promo Code: MKT410 (Exp 12/11/10)

Here’s one more great deal — this one from the Monte Carlo Las Vegas which offers easy access to NYNY and to CityCenter.  Monte Carlo is also home to the new Minus5 Ice Lounge, a cool (pun intended) spot for a late night cocktail.

Check out all the nice goodies that come along with this terrific room rate offered in the Vegas Partyscape package: Monte Carlo “Vegas Partyscape” Rates from $39.20/nt (2nt Min). *Two Neighbors – One Vegas Playground – Book now and enjoy all of these inclusions – NYNY: Free $10 Game Card at The Sporting House, 2-for-1 Breakfast at Il Fornaio, 2-for-1 Admission to The Roller Coaster, 2-for-1 Admission to ROK Vegas Nightclub,One Free Dessert at Nine Fine Irishmen (refer to NYNY Coupon Book for details)- Monte Carlo: Free Margarita with entrée at Diablo’s, 2 for 1 Buffet, Free shot with entry at Minus5 Ice Lounge, Buy 2 get 1 free Cupcakes at the Cupcakery, 2-for-1 “Mouth Watering Burger” at The Pub (*see site for additional details and restrictions). Oct 28, 2010 – Feb 28, 2011. Promo Code: XPRTYWB (Exp 2/28/11)

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Just check out some of the award-winning top Las Vegas restaurants that participate in this money-saving program:

• Fresh fish and creamy chowders at Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood at the posh Mandalay Bay resort

• Succulent steaks at Rare 120 or coffee-shop favs at the famous Mr Lucky’s, both inside the Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

• Authentic Italian favorites at Valentino Las Vegas inside the elegant Venetian Hotel

• Spicy South-of-the-border specials at the rockin’ Tacos and Tequila at the Luxor

• LV’s only revolving restaurant offering breath-taking views and fine cuisine, the Stratosphere’s Top of the World

Buy several coupons and save on every Las Vegas dinner during your next trip.

Here’s the latest code and link for your path to big dining discounts!

ONE DAY ONLY! Save 90% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates! Use code WOW at checkout through 9/30/10.

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This regal bronze statue greets guests at the entrance to the sleek new ARIA resort in Las Vegas. Room rates are 20% off this week.

Snap up some big discounts on Vegas hotel rooms during the 7-Day Sale from MGM Resorts happening this week. These special discounted rates — available at a number of their Las Vegas resorts — are yours when you use our featured promotion codes.

Looking for luxury? Choose the 20% off rate at ARIA and pay just $127.20 per night on select days to stay at the Strip’s newest high-end resort and the focal point of the new CityCenter development. Sleek, sophisticated rooms feature the most advanced guestroom technology in the world with touch screen controls for lighting, temperature adjustment and more.

The resort offers players a 150,000 square-foot casino featuring some of the latest slot machines on the market. Guests will also enjoy the three pools, 16 restaurants, 10 bars and lounges (including Haze nightclub) plus an 1,800-seat theater housing Viva ELVIS™, a tribute to the life and musical legacy of Elvis Presley from Cirque du Soleil®.  (Check out Cirque du Soleil’s newest show Viva ELVIS!)  Adjacent to the resort is the stunning Crystals retail development with its selection of exclusive stores and restaurants including Beso, the popular dining spot backed by Eva Longoria-Parker.

Other properties on sale this week include:

• Mandalay Bay
• Luxor
• Excalibur
• MGM Grand
• Mirage

This is a limited-time offer but reservations can be made for dates through January 31. Use the links and promotion codes below to take advantage of these special savings today.

ARIA ARIA “7 Day Sale.” Rates from $127.20/nt * ARIA would like to invite you to take advantage of an exclusive offer – Receive 20% off our Room and Suite rates, on select dates(*See site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 27, 2010 – Jan 31, 2011. Promo Code: AR7DAY (Exp 10/3/10)

MIRAGE Mirage “7 Day Sale” Rates from $64/nt. * Book Now and enjoy 20% off our lowest rates(*See site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 27, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011. Promo Code: MIR7DAYW (Exp 10/4/10)

MANDALAY BAY Mandalay Bay “7 Day Sale” Rates from $71.99/nt. * Book your stay within the next 7 DAYS and enjoy up to 20% OFF(*see site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 27, 2010 – Jan 31, 2011. Promo Code: PA7DAY (Exp 10/3/10)

MGM GRAND MGM Grand Las Vegas “7 Day Sale!” * Maximum Vegas is at MGM Grand – You have seven days to make a one minute decision: Book your room with rates starting from $55/nt(*see site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 27, 2010 – Jan 31, 2011. Promo Code: 7DY1MN (Exp 10/3/10)

LUXOR Luxor “7 Day Special” *Rates starting at $38/nt (*see site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 27, 2010 – Jan 31, 2011. Promo Code: L7D927 (Exp 10/3/10)

EXCALIBUR Excalibur “7 DAY SALE” *Rates starting at $28/nt (*see site for additional details and restrictions). Sep 27, 2010 – Jan 31, 2011. Promo Code: X7D927 (Exp 10/3/10)

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Stay, dine and see a show at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas for less. This plush resort is offering great deals right now.

Mandalay Bay is one of our favorite Strip hotels in Las Vegas and everything from the rooms to the restaurants to tickets for the award-winning show, The Lion King, are on sale now!

From that first whiff of the pineapple coconut-scented lobby, we know we have arrived at Mandalay Bay, a lush Caribbean-themed resort on the Las Vegas Strip.  There are so many things to enjoy while staying here that there’s really no reason to venture out if a laid-back, relaxing trip is the goal.

Mandalay Bay “More for Less” Rates from $89.99/nt. *Includes: $25 Food and Beverage Credit, $100 Cabana Credit, 25% Off Spa Treatments, Complimentary Access to House of Blues Foundation Room, 50% off mid-week entry into Moorea Beach (Monday-Thursday,) 2-for-1 Original Margaritas at Hussong’s Mexican Cantina, and 2-for-1 Breakfast at House of Blues (Monday – Thursday) – (*See site for additional details and restrictions.) Good for travel select dates March 8 – Sept. 9, 2010. Promo Code: PHSPR10 (Exp 9/9/10).

Pool — Home to one of the best pool complexes in Las Vegas, the Mandalay Bay Beach Club is one of the big attractions drawing visitors from all over the world.  Located on 11 acres, Mandalay Bay Beach offers a wave pool, lazy river, three swimming pools, jogging track and 2,700 tons of real sand.  There’s even a beachside casino located just steps from the pool.

Restaurants — Sushi to steaks, burgers to pasta, Mandalay Bay has a fabulous array of restaurants and we have the promo code to get $25 worth of dining for just $2 right now.  Here are the hotel restaurants participating in this money-saving program:  (Click the name of the restaurant for more info and to purchase the certificates!)

Aureole – Home of the famous flying “wine angels,” this beautiful spot features a fabulous seasonal menu from Chef Charlie Palmer.  Be sure to leave room for dessert from the decadent sweets menu.

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 plus a menu originally composed by French Master Chef Alain Ducasse and a balcony that offers the best sunset view of THE Strip.

Shanghai Lilly – We’ve heard good things about the eclectic Cantonese cuisine featuring some spicy Szechwan dishes plus the relaxing dining room looks perfect for kicking back and sharing a meal.

Special Online Promotions at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood — If you love creamy clam chowder, garlicky steamed mussels and the freshest fish prepared in a variety of mouth-watering ways, then RM Seafood is for you. The casual downstairs bar and grill is our favorite place to order up a couple of ice cold beers and enjoy bowls of clams and mussels swimming in fragrant broth served with lots of crunchy cheese-topped country bread perfect for sopping up all that great liquid.

Raffles Cafe — Mandalay Bay’s 24-hour restaurant offers diners breakfast, lunch or dinner in a relaxed yet beautiful atmosphere.  From waffles to prime rib, this cafe has it all.

NEW to Restaurant.com — Mizuya Sushi and Sake and The Cafe plus The Noodle Shop all at Mandalay Bay!

Special Online Promotions at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas.

Save on The Lion King – The Tony award-winning Broadway favorite, The Lion King, has been wowing audiences in Las Vegas with its soaring musical score, fantastic costumes and make-up and magical storyline since opening at Mandalay Bay.  Visit BestOfVegas.com and receive a Complimentary Upgrade to VIP seating (Your Price: $126.00, Regular Price: $177.25) or a Category 3 Upgrade to Category 2 (Your Price: $93.00, Regular Price: $133.25).

Room deal: For Best Rates at Mandalay Bay, Book Online!
Restaurant discounts: Click here for Restaurant.com Gift Certificates
Show tickets and more!: BestOfVegas.com

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Click the ad to go to ARIA's sale page.

It’s here…the ARIA Las Vegas room deal.  In an exclusive 72-hour sale,  MGM is offering rooms at the newest hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip for 20% off the usual rates. These luxury Strip rooms and suites can be booked for trips from June 21, 2010 – September 30, 2010.

ARIA Resort & Casino is the centerpiece of the newly-opened CityCenter development.  This 67-acre parcel of prime Strip real estate — site of the largest 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, luxury shopping at the Crystals and even a “pocket park.”  (Our full article and photos of CityCenter here.)

Check it out because the sale ends on June 23, 2010.

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Grab some great Las Vegas room deals at Strip icon MGM Grand and family-fav Circus Circus LV during this limited-time sale.

Here are more great offers in the on-going summer sales promotion program from Strip giant, MGM Resorts International, the new name for MGM Mirage. These “best rates on Las Vegas hotel rooms” are available to book just until midnight on June 19 so you’ll want to take advantage of these offers quickly.

MGM GRAND Discounts — In this latest offer, guests can book at rates as low as just $55 and get an upgrade to a Bungalow Suite for just $5 more per night! According to MGM, the Bungalow King Suite is a “comfortable 675 square foot petite suite with an over-sized bedroom connected to an extended living area, features a conversational area with a plush couch, chair and coffee table. Bungalow suites are available with one king bed and include a separate tub and shower with a double sink vanity. All rooms feature wireless high-speed internet access.”

MGM Grand Las Vegas link: “72-Hour Sale!” Rates from $55/nt. *Book your limited time exclusive offer now and receive: * Discounted rates starting from $55, $5 upgrade to a Bungalow Suite (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Jun 16, 2010 – Mar 31, 2011. Promo Code: MKT431 (Exp 6/19/10).

Circus Circus Las Vegas — Another Las Vegas Strip casino property featured this week is Circus Circus LV where guests can get an additional 30% off on already-reduced room prices. One of the Strip’s first “theme” resorts, CCLV beckons families with features such as the AdventurDome, America’s larget indoor theme park and a “2010 Best of Vegas” winner for Best Arcade and Best Family Attraction.  A quick check showed mid-week room rates as low as $21 – $23 per night with the promo code!

Circus Circus Las Vegas link: “3-Day Sale” Rates from $22.70/nt. Limited time only! *Stay with us now through May 31, 2011 and receive up to an additional 30% discount off our already reduced online rates(*see site for additional details and restrictions). Jun 16, 2010 – May 31, 2011. Promo Code: XJUN33D (Exp 6/19/10).

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Free video poker classes plus a low $42 room deal make South Point Casino in Las Vegas a great summer stay value.

South Point Casino in Las Vegas will be hosting a series of free video poker classes this summer featuring pro player, author and columnist Bob Dancer. The 10-week session begins June 15 with classes held every Tuesday at the casino’s Showroom. Classes start at 1 p.m. with a beginner’s class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. followed by an intermediate class from 3 to 4 p.m. The schedule changes during the final four weeks of the session when there will be one class beginning at 1 p.m.  The schedule along with topics and more information can be found on www.bobdancer.com.

Video poker is one of the most popular casino games and learning proper video poker strategy can have a huge impact on your bottom line.  Different games require different “holds” and knowing which cards to keep when playing a specific game version can spell whether you come out ahead or you let the casino keep your cash.  Luck  will always play a part but having a clear understanding of the game will give you a better outcome on your video poker play.

During this summer’s class run, Dancer will teach two games for the very first time and those are the popular 8-5 Bonus Poker Quick Quads and the 15-9-4-4-3 Deuces Wild version of Ultimate X Poker. Both versions — along with many other favorite video poker games — are from leading manufacturer, Action Gaming.  (If you haven’t played these games, check out the company’s videopoker.com site where you can play video poker for free.)

Stay and Play details:  Hotels.com is offering rooms at South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa for as low as $42 per night PLUS receive a FREE VIP coupon savings booklet containing hundreds of dollars in discounts at spots on and off the Strip including the popular Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

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ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter Las Vegas glows in the late day sun.

Updated promo code available!  Click here to get the latest details on “Aria rooms on Sale.”

The newest addition to the Las Vegas Strip, ARIA Resort &Casino, is the latest property to be featured in this summer’s hotel room promotion from MGM Mirage: the “72-Hour Sale” event.  ARIA is the focal point of the casino giant’s massive CityCenter project located on the Strip between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo hotels.  (A monorail runs among the three properties making it easy for guests to move around in the summer heat.)

Featuring the requisite host of fine dining celeb chef outposts including such digs as Jean Georges Steakhouse from the award-winning Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Sage from Vegas newcomer (and James Beard winner) Shawn McClain plus a stylish ultra-pool, Liquid, luxury spa and the hip-shaking, toe-tapping Viva ELVIS™ by Cirque du Soleil®, ARIA offers guests a plethora of activities.  There’s also a 150,000 square-foot casino to keep visitors entertained.  A high-end poker room named after pro player Phil Ivey recently opened in the casino.

Reservations start at $103 per night (not including taxes or resort fees) for select dates from now through September 10, 2010. That’s a 20% savings off published rates. The room sale is for a limited time only so book before June 9, 2010. Click the link below and use the promotion code ARLO20.

ARIA “72 Hour Sale” Rates from $103.20/nt. *Receive 20% off our Room and Suite rates, on select dates (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Jun 7 – Sep 30, 2010. Promo Code: ARLO20 (Exp 6/9/10).

Check out this description of Cirque du Soleil’s newest show Viva ELVIS!

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The Mirage Las Vegas is a great Strip destination.

Las Vegas hotel specials for summer are starting to pop!  Check out this limited-time offer (and we do mean limited!) from MGM property and Strip icon The Mirage.  One of the first luxury properties on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mirage Las Vegas offers guests a number of reasons to both stay and play at the home of the famous fiery volcano show.

Mirage Restaurants

With such favorites as BLT Burger at the Mirage and its justly-famous juicy burgers and decidedly adult milk shakes (try the “Campfire Marshmallows” shake) to the coolly chic interior of the hotel’s Cravings buffet, the Mirage offers a wide-array of dining choices.  Dessert lovers won’t want to miss the New York-style cheesecake at the Vegas outpost of Carnegie Deli.

Bare Pool

What would a Strip hotel be without its own “ultra-pool?”  Bare is the European-style pool at The Mirage and features an expansive pool plus two “dipping” pools, one of which features a see-through wall.

Shows/Entertainment at The Mirage

Take a trip back to the groovy days of the Beatles with the Cirque du Soleil® production of LOVE, the highly-touted musical production that has both critics and show-goers dancing in the aisles.

Jet nightclub at The Mirage is open Thursdays – Saturdays and features celebrity-attended events as well as all-night dancing and partying to the beat of Vegas’ best DJ’s.

Mirage Hotel discount promotion code:

Mirage “72 Hour Sale” Rates from $63/nt. *Book NOW and receive 20% off our lowest rates (*See site for additional details and restrictions). May 26, 2010 – Apr 30, 2011. Promo Code: MIRAGELTO2 (Exp 5/28/10).

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The iconic Garden of the Gods pool complex at Caesars Palace debuts a major reno this summer.

Summer comes early to Las Vegas with the opening of “ultra” pools all around town and none is more famous than the sybaritic “Garden of the Gods” oasis at Caesars Palace. Debuting March 19th, Caesars has taken its already iconic pool complex and renovated the Roman-themed attraction to  feature eight — yes, EIGHT — pools primed and ready for summer sunners, swimmers and gamblers.  To celebrate the renovations, Caesars is offering summer “pool packages” with special room rates, pool credits and more.

At the heart of the mega-resort, the sprawling Garden of the Gods has been completely redesigned to highlight lavish amenities, over-the-top statuary and landscaping plus, of course, the stunning new water playgrounds. For instance, the new Fortuna pool features an 18-foot waterfall plus swim-up blackjack for guests who want to catch some rays and, with a little luck, a few 21′s! Over at the “invitation-only” Bacchus pools, private shallow sun chaise pools and butler-attended cabanas are featured.

Private pool cabanas at Caesars Palace

In addition to the extravagant new pools, there are 44 new private cabanas each with a stocked refrigerator of juice and water, flat-screen TV, DVD player, iPod docking station, wireless Internet access, ceiling fan and plush furniture. With hundreds of new vibrant blue deck chairs, plush daybeds and loveseat-inspired scoop chairs, guests can keep it simple and do nothing but enjoy a day of sun-worshiping. Completing the Garden of the Gods additions is an all-new whirlpool retreat and an added garden wedding venue.

Spa treatments at the pool

For guests looking to indulge not only in the sun but also spa, CP’s Qua Baths & Spa, a Strip-favorite, offers poolside treatments. Spa services also include neck massages at deck chairs as well as full-service massages in the large Jupiter spa cabana.

Promo code for special Caesars Palace pool package

To be among the first to experience the new Garden of the Gods, go to caesarspalace.com/gog to book hotel, pool and dining accommodations. The “Garden of the Gods Pool & Hotel Package” includes a 3-day, 2-night stay, $25 Garden of the Gods pool credit and a pool bag complete with bag, towel and other necessary pool items. Package begins at $110 per night, based on availability. Use promotion code: PKGCGOG.

Insider’s Tip:  When staying at CP, escape the crowd with breakfast at the tiny but plush Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace.  Surrounded by buttery walls and vanilla leather banquettes, enjoy the rich, European-style coffee and luscious Eggs Benedict on Croissant.  Before you leave, be sure to pick up one of Payard’s fabulous pastries at the counter next door.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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We discovered the cozy little "Very Venice" bar at The Venetian to be a prime spot for some relaxed people-watching.

As soon as we get the news on the latest room offers from The Venetian Las Vegas, we pass the details on to you ASAP.  Here’s the 411 on March’s room discount package as well as some info on a great spot to have a cocktail:

From $129 per night on selected days your suite offer includes:

• Luxury Suite at The Venetian
• 2-for-1 drinks at TAO from 5 pm – 7 pm
• Complimentary line pass and admission to TAO Nightclub
• $10 off at restaurant David Burke with $50 minimum purchase
• $10 off at restaurant AquaKnox with $50 minimum purchase
• $40 off tickets for Front Orchestra or Golden Circle seats to Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular
• $25 in Slot Credits per stay

This exclusive offer must be booked by March 16th using offer code:  EVNMAR.

Also, on our last trip to Las Vegas, we found this terrific little bar at The Venetian that’s not only perfect for a quick drink but also a worthy addition to our list of favorite people-watching spots on The Strip.  Check out the “Very Venice” bar — located in the walkway to St. Mark’s Square — on your next trip to the resort.

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Book a stay at Caesars Palace in Vegas for just $90 a night this spring.

We’re back….  After a driving trip across the country’s mid-section (and, sadly, no time for stopping at the numerous casinos along the way) we came home to a mailbox full of outstanding Las Vegas deals.

Las Vegas really does represent one of– if not the — best travel values available in the country right now.  Take a look at these rates for the best in Spring getaways:
Enjoy Caesars Palace from $90 a night or
Las Vegas on Sale: Trump Hotel from $89 a night.
and, remarkably,
The luxury of the 5-Star Wynn Las Vegas from just $129 a night!

You can also get great values on things to do while you’re in town by booking your shows and more online at Expedia.  Pick up tickets for less to shows like the highly-recommended KA at MGM Grand (plan on dinner at Nob Hill Tavern before or after) or the fast and funny “V – The Variety Show” at Planet Hollywood.  (While at Planet “Ho,” have a drink at the casino’s Heart Bar or play a couple of hands of blackjack with their “Pleasure Pit” dealers.)

You can also book trips to visit nearby Hoover Dam or explore the breath-taking scenery of the Red Rock Canyon area while on a Pink Jeep Tour. For all the coolest activities at terrific prices check out: Best of Vegas at Expedia.com

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Use our tips to get a great deal at mid-Strip favorite, Bally's Las Vegas.

How do you get the best hotel deals when you are planning your Las Vegas vacation? A little time, a little effort and some “web-work” will help you get the best rates on Las Vegas hotels.

Here are our favorite ten tips for booking the best rates on your hotel room in Las Vegas (or in any casino resort town) :

1. Be flexible in your dates. Can you stay early in the week or mid-week instead of over the weekend? Also, if you haven’t locked in your dates check the convention schedules for your destination and plan to be in town when they – the conventions – are not!

2. Try a new resort or one that is off the major drag. In Las Vegas, the new Eastside Cannery is offering a $29.95 per night special or check out the new M Resort opening March 1 in Henderson for some great deals. Also, off-Strip favorite, The Orleans Hotel & Casino, is offering nights in March as low as $48 and has a free shuttle to the Strip.

3. Check out the deals at places like hotels.com and Expedia.com for room and package offers and hotel/flight specials. I looked at dates in March and found a deal on Expedia for The Palms for three nights starting March 9 for $53 per night while the hotel’s website showed $89 per night for same the time period.
Book with confidence thanks to the Best Price Guarantee from Expedia.com
Search Here for Hotels.com Best Hotel Deals!

4. Search for promo codes. Offer codes, promo codes, discount codes – hotels issue them either by email, in mailers or right on their own websites and having one can save you lots of money when making reservations. We regularly publish codes here — see the Venetian and Palazzo post for February — on our site and are always on the look-out for ones we can pass on to our readers.

5. Call the hotel directly and ask if any special promotions or discounts are available. If you have your heart set on a specific hotel, simply call and ask what the best rate would be for your vacation dates. I’ve seen several stories lately in the travel news saying that this was a great way to get discounts.

6. Make sure you join the “players clubs” at all the casinos you visit. Casinos can’t offer you rooms and other discounts or package deals if they don’t know who you are or how to contact you! And don’t throw out those mailed offers – they may contain the “casino marketing” phone number that you can use in the future to get other great deals.

7. Once you have a players card and number, be sure to visit the casino’s website and register your email address with their online “guest book.” Lots of last-minute offers come through my email box, especially from Harrah’s properties, all the MGM Mirage resorts and the Venetian and Palazzo hotels.

8. Use your contacts. Do you have friends who frequently visit Vegas or other casino resorts? They may have a special “friends and family” discount code for their favorite resort that they would be willing to share with you.

9. Forgo a few of the amenities, especially if you aren’t going to use them. If having a world-class spa on property is important, then by all means book a hotel that offers one. On the other hand, if you plan on spending your time out and about, seeing the sights, playing in the casino and otherwise just using your room as a place to crash, then book a hotel with a great location and fewer in-house features. One of our favs when it comes to a great location for less dough — Bally’s Las Vegas

10. Take advantage of last-minute deals. The old advice was always to book way ahead for the best prices but in this uncertain economy (and one in which companies are cancelling bookings left and right) planning a spur-of-the-moment trip is becoming a great way to save some bucks.

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Treat your Valentine to a gondola ride at The Venetian Las Vegas.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes this super offer from both The Venetian and sister property, The Palazzo — one of the top picks on our recent list of “most romantic hotels in Las Vegas.”

Available on select dates and starting at $149 per night at The Palazzo or $129 per night at the neighboring Venetian, both resorts are offering the “Romantic Getaway” package which includes a Luxury Suite plus -

Get $25 off when you book the hotel’s “Elite Romance Package” which includes:
– Private gondola ride for 2
– Gondolier performance
– Champagne and strawberries
– One souvenir photo
2-for-1 drinks at Double Helix Wine Bar
Complimentary Internet Access
$50 Slot Credit per stay

You must book by February 16.  Use offer code EPNFEB for The Palazzo or EVNFEB when booking The Venetian.

Be sure to check out our recommended restaurants in Las Vegas list here.

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A pre-dinner cocktail in this red and gold jewelbox of a lounge at Wynn Encore is perfect for Valentine's Day.

Romance, NBA basketball –  “Love & Basketball,” anyone? — Friday the 13^th and President’s Day all wrapped into one spectacular three-day weekend.  And you, you’re still waiting for a reason to go to Las Vegas?  I don’t even know where to start to tell you about all the cool things you can plan for a Valentine’s Day weekend trip to Las Vegas.

Okay, I lied; I do know where to start. Let’s begin with some romance, Las Vegas-style, and where you might think about staying for this Valentine’s Day with your honey.  (Hey, guys, you had your Super Bowl Sunday so now it’s time to grab your best girl and head back to Vegas for a different kind of fun!)

Top Romantic Hotels in Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas and/or Wynn Encore – We’re putty in Steve Wynn’s hands when it comes to all that glitz and glamour plus all the RED used throughout the new Encore will make you think you’ve landed inside a giant scarlet satin heart.  (If you can walk through that place and not think about romance and Valentine’s Day, we’ll need to check your pulse on the way out.)  Add in some of the best, most indulgent restaurants on the Strip – Alex, Botero, SW, Bartolotta –  luxurious spas, and the hottest new “ultra-club” in town, XS, and you’ve got the makings of a memorable weekend without ever leaving the two adjoining properties.

Bellagio -  Elegance personified not only in the rooms but throughout the entire hotel.  Yards of jewel-toned silk swags in the casino; an indoor garden that just begs to be strolled while hand-in-hand with your SO; a virtual chocoholic’s wonderland at Jean-Philippe Patisserie plus a shopping gallery full of baubles and bangles perfectly poised for gift-giving  (be sure to check out the heart-shaped charms at Tiffany’s) all contribute to a sophisticated yet utterly romantic atmosphere.

The Palazzo – All brocades and crystal, marble columns and burnished gilt — this younger sister to the flashier Venetian is like the Little Black Dress of Vegas resorts.  Understated, timeless and yet fashionable with enough pizzazz – LAVO Bar and Restaurant, Jersey Boys in the showroom, a Canyon Ranch Spa and Barneys New York in the shopping arcade – to never be boring.  (If your sweetie loves shoes – duh! – let her shop the displays at Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin for a guaranteed winner of a Valentine’s Day gift.)

Paris Las Vegas -  Huh?  Are we kidding?  Au contraire, mon ami.  We’re suckers for that whole French vibe, fake as it may be.  (Uh, this is Vegas, remember?  Fake is this town’s middle name.)  Give us  steaks at Les Artistes, the Forest Fruits berries and cream concoction at Le Creperie, dinner or simply drinks at the Eiffel Tower restaurant with its magnificent view of the City and, our favorite three-hour lunch spot, Mon Ami Gabi  just off the front entrance, and we are saying merci and beau coup with the best of them.  (And, let’s face it, we’re Harrah’s Total Rewards Club® members and get great deals here!)

Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa – Nope, not on the Strip, but with its own very hip, very romantic vibe, a “get-away-from-it-all” feeling, and a great selection of restaurants:  the T-Bones Chophouse is a favorite of locals while Cabo Mexican Restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding red rock landscape.  And bars, particularly the Hollywood- chic Cherry nightclub, one of the most popular clubs in Vegas even without a Strip address.  (Plus, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t call a cab, spend a night enjoying the Strip and then head back to “the Rock” for your own very private celebration.)

Next post, we’ll give you some romantic spots for dinner a deux while you’re in town.

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Las Vegas show and restaurant discounts are posted each morning at TIX 4 Tonight.

One of the best deals in Las Vegas for discounts on popular shows and restaurants — including one of the best buffets in town — is TIX 4 Tonight.  With five locations dotting the Strip plus one downtown, you’re sure to find one convenient to your hotel.

How it works:  This is a “same day” ticket service.  Each morning at 9:30 a.m., the TIX 4 Tonight booths begin posting the shows available for that night (with prices) on screens at each location.  When the booths open at 10 a.m., customers who’ve gathered in line can purchase popular show tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis at up to 50% off the regular price.  Show tickets are NOT sold online so you have to go to the booth of your choice and queue up to get tickets.  Keep in mind, extremely popular Las Vegas shows sell out quickly so it’s good to have a back-up choice just in case.  Also, if you absolutely have your mind set on seeing one particular show, this is probably not the option for you since ticket availability varies from day to day.  But, if you are flexible in your choice of entertainment, this represents a great deal.

A “sneak peek” at a few of the hottest Las Vegas shows available on January 25th:  Blue Man Group at The Venetian 40% off; Zumanity at New York-New York for 20% off; and the popular Beatles-themed Love at The Mirage for 35% off.

Another great Las Vegas deal offered by the TIX 4 Tonight is their dining discount coupons.  Arrangements for these vouchers can be made online and up to seven days in advance or you can purchase them the same time you buy your dicounted show tickets.  For a small service fee of $2 – $3, you can get 50% off coupons good for such restaurants as Enoteca San Marco at the Venetian (subject of an upcoming review,) Les Artistes Steakhouse at Paris, Planet Hollywood at Caesars Palace and more.  You can also book a discounted breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the Strip’s highest-rated buffets, the Le Village Buffet at Paris.

Find all the information on TIX 4 Tonight including their booth locations and the ever-present fine print, restrictions, and so on.  Be sure to click on the tab marked “Coupon” to print out a $2 off deal you can use at their booth!

$10 off your next flight to Las Vegas! Coupon Code: LASVEGAS10

Click Here for the Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!

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A view of the new CityCenter project in Las Vegas. (Click on each photo to enlarge.)

Check out these latest photos from two new construction projects happening on the Strip in Las Vegas.  With soaring glass towers in shades of cool blue and chartreuse, wickedly-angled walls and sharp points define some structures while sinuous curves soften and enrich others.  These are the elements that define the new CityCenter project and its neighbor to the north, the Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino.

CityCenter, from MGM Mirage and partner Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World, is slated to open in late 2009, and is currently the largest privately financed development in U.S. history.

Directly from an article on CityCenter’s own website comes this description of the massive $8 billion project:   ”Located between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts, CityCenter will feature ARIA, a soaring 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; non-gaming luxury hotels including Vdara Hotel and Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; approximately 2,400 condominium residences; a $40 million Public Fine Art Program; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district.  Additionally, The Harmon, a luxury 400-room boutique hotel, is anticipated to open at CityCenter in late 2010.”  Read more on the CityCenter website.

I don’t know about you, but the only thing I see that’s missing is the flying cars ala “The Fifth Element” to take us from one futuristic tower to the next.  I can’t wait to check out these newest additions to the Strip but I’m interested:  What do you think of these new designs?

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