We love Louis! Even if it is just window-shopping the posh purses at CityCenter Las Vegas and this two-story Louis Vuitton shop, the brand's largest store in North America.

Something we read on VegasChatter today made us get off our blogging butts and write this post we’ve been meaning to do for ages.  While most of our trips to Vegas are geared around couples, we do indulge in the occasional “Girls Getaway” and that agenda is a whole lot different from any we follow when the boys come along.

Here are just a few suggestions – tried and true – of what to do on your next (if you happen to be female) girls trip to Las Vegas.

1.        We love to get our girlie on with a visit to Sephora at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops.  Better yet, book a FREE make-over and you’ll leave there looking like a million bucks.  And yeah, just try not to buy any of the fabuloso stuff they use to create the new you.

2.       Speaking of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, you’ll definitely want to spend some time traipsing the circular mile-plus path and hitting such fun stores as H&M, Betsey Johnson, BCBG MAXAZRIA, Urban Outfitters, kitchen specialty shop Sur La Tab and our fave shop for cheap Vegas T-shirts, ABC Stores.  (There are actually two of them in the mall.)  Leave time for a stop at Fat Tuesday’s Daiquiri Bar where we highly recommend the Banana Banshee and the Mojito.  (Word to the wise, drink too many of the latter and you won’t be able to movito away from the bar.)

3.       When we travel with the boys, we find ourselves at lots of casino buffets – big fat breakfast and lunch buffets.  While that’s fine for those trips, we really appreciate relaxing with the girls over a more refined meal – one that includes servers who, well, serve us.  With that in mind, check out these girlie favorites:

• Serendipity 3 in front of Caesars Palace – Just look for the pink and white striped awnings and be sure to order the Cotton Candy Martini.  Need we say more?
• Payard Bistro inside Caesars – The tiny jewel box of a restaurant serves some of the best breakfasts in town.  The one that gets our morning going in the right direction is the Eggs Benedict on Croissant.  This is the real-thing:  perfect Hollandaise sauce, gently poached eggs, lean salty ham and the BEST croissant on the planet.
• Society Café at Encore – Yes, we know lots of guys like it but, really, take one look at all the frou-frou and fluff and it just screams gently whispers “Ladies-Who-Lunch” at you.  The classic Tuna Nicoise and the fruit-and-nut laden Grilled Chicken salads are both fresh and, gulp, good for you as well.

4.       No Las Vegas girls weekend is complete without this stop:  Lunch or dinner on the Strip-side patio at Mon Ami Gabi restaurant which fronts Paris Las Vegas.   This  Vegas favorite combines the BEST people-watching opportunities with a menu sure to please the fussiest of groups (you know who you are) along with a front-row seat to the Fountain Show at Bellagio.  Toss in a  thoughtful wines-by-glass list, the must-have profiteroles for dessert AND superb service and you’ve got a spot to make everyone happy, happy.

5.       Last stop, window-shopping at Crystals, the retail area of CityCenter, then onto ARIA Casino Hotel for our one big blow-out dinner of the trip at Sage.  This funky yet sophisticated purple-and-gold outpost of Chef Shawn McClain is the most under-appreciated fine dining spot in Las Vegas.  Really.  The food is phenomenal and the service is excellent.  The Roasted Day Boat Scallops with braised Oxtail/Wild Mushrooms/Salted Caramel Reduction (quoted from the menu) is one of the best scallop preparations we have ever had – anywhere.  Start with the Foie Gras Custard  Brûlée and end with any of the chocolate-centric desserts and you’ll leave a happy camperess.  By the way, Sage now features Absinthe service, something we are definitely going to try during our next visit.

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

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

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

Kicking things off in style is the Masters’ Series Dinner at Caesars Palace where guests can
mingle with celebrated chefs such as Guy Savoy and François Payard, among others. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in a “Sweet Decadence” culinary workshop at the Bellagio during which Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury and Bon Appétit Editor-and-Chief Barbara Fairchild create a lineup of delectable chocolate desserts.  (And, yes, I will definitely be at this event!)

Another sure way to impress mom is with tickets to “A Tale of Five Chefs” at the Bellagio with
Julian Serrano, Todd English, Michael Mina, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Jean-Philippe Maury. Night owls and card players can hold’em or fold’em with chefs and vintners at the Midnight Poker tournament at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

For a memorable Saturday afternoon, guests can attend the Wynn Star Chef Luncheon Series and meet chefs Alex Stratta, Paul Bartolotta, Daniel Boulud, David Walzog and Richard Chen. The perfect ending to a weekend with mom is at one of the Wynn’s two simultaneous Mother’s Day brunches at Tableau with chef Mark LoRusso and The Country Club with Chef Rene Lenger.

Find all the information on events and tickets here at the Vegas Uncork’d website.

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Stylish dining at Botero Steak at Wynn Encore in Las Vegas.

A lot of special occasions are celebrated by going to Las Vegas.  Birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor and bachelorette parties, “the-divorce-was finalized-and-it’s-time-to-party”-party.  You name it; we celebrate it by taking a jaunt to the Nevada desert.  So on a recent trip to Las Vegas, when it was time to pick a restaurant for a birthday dinner for P.B., we chose the new Botero Steak restaurant at Wynn Encore.

Being huge fans of SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas, we were curious to see how the newest steak-centric Wynn restaurant would stack up.  It’s a real pleasure to report that this newest eatery is firing on all cylinders – and that’s just a few weeks after opening.

Botero – named for the South American painter, sculptor, and artist who is a favorite of Steve Wynn’s – is striking in its design and lay-out no doubt in part to nightlife impresario and Botero partner, Victor Drai.

Entry into the circular dining area is through a cozy bar/lounge (a goldmine of people-watching opportunities) with a colorful display of artwork and glass decanters filled with gumball-hued liquids.  The main dining room – dominated by Botero’s “The Seated Lady” sculpture and looking out over the Encore’s lavish pool area – is done mostly in chocolate browns and glossy white which allow the primary colors of the paintings to stand out in stark relief.  It’s a sleek, wry space.  (Even if you don’t dine here, it’s worth a trip into the restaurant just to see the fanciful décor.)

But, you should dine here.  Décor aside, the food is well worth the visit.

Chef Mark LoRusso, formerly of Wynn’s Tableau restaurant, is the toque behind the menu and a fun menu it is.  His appetizers offer everything from soup to nuts in the form of a “Tasting of Soup” (choose two) to the candied walnuts found atop the “Gem Lettuce Salad.”  A hefty number of sea creations vie with entries from his “Farms and Fields” collection for your dining attention.

P.B. and I both chose salads (a real rarity we both wanted greens) with the Caesar for him, the aforementioned Gem Lettuce Salad – pears and Roquefort as well as walnuts on baby greens – for me.  Both were exactly what we wanted: crisp greens perfectly dressed with complementary vinaigrettes.

For our main course, P.B. was extremely happy to find that one of the night’s special entrees was Dover Sole – his absolute favorite fish.  (Happy Birthday, indeed!)  My choice was the bone-in, dry-aged New York Strip.  All steaks are offered with your choice of preparation:  traditional, pepper steak or chimichurri.  I chose traditional grilling with a ramekin of the spicy, garlicky chimichurri sauce on the side.

Far and away, the star of the evening was P.B.’s huge portion of melt-in-your-mouth Dover Sole done in a caper-accented buerre blanc and presented in a copper pan which served to keep the fish warm throughout the meal.  My steak was very good – beefy, chewy in the best possible way and cooked perfectly; the assertive chimichurri sauce a good accompaniment to the hearty flavor of the meat.

Side dishes could possibly steal the show if not for that stellar Dover Sole.  Our “Creamed Spinach with Crispy Egg” featured a breaded and fried whole egg whose yolk combined with the cream sauce for a rich take on this steakhouse side fav.  The “Polenta and Leek Onion Rings” were light and crunchy – terrific munchies to go with the beef.

And what meal would be complete without dessert?  None that I know of but particularly not one meant to be a birthday celebration.  We chose the “Ice Cream Cupcakes,” hobbit-sized babycakes in a variety of sweet flavors like banana, strawberry and mint chocolate topped with housemade ice cream frosting.

Does Botero break new culinary ground?  No.  Did I expect it to?  Again, no.  Is it a hip, well-executed steakhouse restaurant with enough interesting and outstanding dishes to warrant being a Las Vegas favorite?  You bet.

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The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France in New Orleans is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States.

If you are planning a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (or for any time at all,) here’s Part II of our terrific piece on the current state of the town — plus tips on what to do and see — written by one of our most experienced food and travel contributors.

Apart from dining, drinking, gaming and shopping there is a wealth of things to do and see in the area.  You don’t have to be a history buff to be seduced by the unique architecture and centuries of colorful stories and characters that inhabit the streets.  The past lives cozily right alongside the present.

Sure, you can spend a bunch, but the budget conscious will appreciate that New Orleans prices are a relative bargain and there are plenty of free and low cost things to do.

Drinking café au’lait and eating beignets at Morning Call Café across from St. Louis Cathedral is people-watching par excellence. Take the free ferry across the Mississippi to Algiers, a tiny colorful neighborhood that calls to mind a separate small town with its Victorian homes and cottages. Strolling through the Garden District admiring the mansions (including author Ann Rice’s former home, a brooding purple pile) is a lovely way to spend a half day — stop for Gulf oysters at little Cassamento’s on Magazine or have a happy hour cocktail on the veranda of the The Columns (the hotel doubled for the bordello in the movie Pretty Baby).

The cemeteries, known as “Cities of the Dead“, are legendary and it is easy to get lost wandering their narrow “streets”. Because of the wet soil, bodies are laid to rest in above ground tombs rather below ground in graves. They range from the staggeringly ornate in the Metairie cemetery to simple “ovens” where bodies are stacked in vaults in a wall. Perhaps one of the most evocative is Lafayette Cemetery # 1, directly across the street from Commander’s Palace. The ages and dates chiseled in the tombs trace the epidemics that swept through the city in centuries past. A tiny tomb is inscribed simply “Our Five Babies”.

New Orleans and the River Road are rich in historic home/museums and plantations, an evocative glimpse of life in other times. If you’re lucky, as we were, a visit might coincide with a charity-driven home tour and an opportunity to see how present day inhabitants live in these old buildings.

Has New Orleans changed? Yes, without question. Driving around outside the District, Quarter and Faubourg Marigny reveals how many crumbling homes and businesses are boarded over, still bearing FEMA’s red identifying marks. And, unfortunately, many of the things that could have been done that would have strengthened the infrastructure and bolstered the indomitable spirit of the inhabitants were not. It is a smaller, less populous place and that in itself is a boon to travelers who would like to experience fun, food and frivolity without the too often obnoxious crowds and long lines of the past.

Would I go back?  In a heartbeat. It is still the city that care forgot offering a million ways to forget your own cares. And, increased tourism can only help bring back the glory days of pre-Katrina. We all owe New Orleans that.
Book now & save up to 50% on Hotels in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Book by 2/23 for travel from 2/13 to 2/28/09.

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Mardi Gras revelers will soon be jamming Royal Street in New Orlean's famed French Quarter.

Beginning this weekend, thousands of revelers will descend upon New Orleans to take in all that the City has to offer for its famous (some would say infamous!) Mardi Gras celebration.  For those of us who enjoy casino gaming, Harrah’s in New Orleans will be high on the list of places to both see and spend some time at during Carnival Week.  If you haven’t made your reservations, there are still lots of hotel rooms available and lots of fun to look forward to in “The Big Easy.”  Book now & save up to 50% on Hotels in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Book by 2/23 for travel from 2/13 to 2/28/09.

If you are planning a trip to New Orleans either for the big party or any time at all, here’s a terrific piece on the current state of the town — plus tips on what to do and where to eat — written by one of our most experienced food and travel contributors. (Look for Part II tomorrow!)

It would be difficult to describe to someone who’d never been there, just what New Orleans was like before Hurricane Katrina.  Historically, culturally, geographically, socio-economically, the city was unlike any other in the United States.

Indolently rooted in the past, but always enthusiastically reveling in the pleasures of the present, New Orleans richly deserves its nickname “The Big Easy”. Hear the words Bourbon Street or French Quarter and the mind conjures up jazz, cocktails, great food and good times. (Although the ostensibly well-named Bourbon Street is an homage to the French ruling dynasty not the American liquor.)

It’s the home of Mardi Gras, the greatest party ever thrown (despite the fact the public cannot gain entrance to the balls and soirees given by the insular carnival Krewes).

But who needs private parties when the streets teem with non-stop action; conventioneers, college kids, tourists and every imaginable kind of pleasure-seeker elbowing convivially through the old quarter.  From Preservation Hall to Pat O’Brien’s, happily clutching to-go cups, they looked for and found excitement, adventure and blinding hangovers.  Retail bustled, casinos were packed, and restaurants like K-Paul’s and Emeril’s only took reservations months in advance.

But Katrina and what happened in the aftermath, or more to the point didn’t happen, changed everything.

First there was news of the devastation, then the lack of help putting things back in working order. Little by little reports were made that the city was getting it together — this despite the fact the population was almost halved by the diaspora caused by the destruction. And the people of New Orleans were the city: the heart, soul, brains and brawn that defined it.

Since my first trip there in the mid-sixties, I’ve felt an inexplicable bond with New Orleans that has only strengthened after dozens of visits. I couldn’t bear not to go one more time.

Given the choice between Mardi Gras madness, when tens of thousands of visitors clog the city, or the relatively intimate, locally-driven celebration that is Halloween, I made my reservations for the end of October hence this “trip report” from that time period.

Let’s start with the restaurants.  For the most part, food and dining — always an integral part of the culture — has roared back with old favorites such as Galatoire’s, Antoine’s and Brennan’s in business but minus the long lines of waiting patrons. Some worthy new places have opened, too.

Among the not-to-miss standards are the palatial robin’s egg blue Commander’s Palace in the Garden District across Canal from the Quarter. (City transportation is good. There are abundant taxis; streetcars run along the river bank to downtown and Harrah’s casino; another line runs directly through the Garden District.) Along with Galatoire’s, Commander’s is a bastion of haute Creole food featuring local game and seafood.

Antoine’s is fun from a historic aspect but the food has always been, to put it in gaming terms, a crapshoot. Brennan’s long, boozy brunches courtesy of old-fashioned, formally clad male service are elegantly hokey.

Interesting newcomers include a contemporary Cajun spot called Cochon on Tchoupitoulas Street that’s done up in a trendy rustic-style with exposed brick and pale wood. As the name suggests, pork rules along with imaginative reworkings of local standards. In the re-gentrifying area of Bywater, Elizabeth’s is an always-crowded, oil-tablecloth joint with big flavored food like chicken livers with pepper jelly and spicy duck hash.

Take a miss on the much-hyped Uptown eatery Jacques-Imo’s; it’s crowded, ugly, chaotic and neither the service or food were particularly noteworthy. Fortunately, it’s an anomaly in a town obsessed with its culinary heritage and the pleasures of the table.

Of course, New Orleans is also the birthplace of the cocktail and local bartenders pride themselves on preparing time-honored quaffs like the sazerac, Ramos’ gin fizz and that brunch staple, bourbon milk punch. The Quarter is full of great bars, from the ultra-posh to the endearingly crummy Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop that looks every minute of its 237 years in existence. (Don’t miss the relatively new Museum of the Cocktail.)

The beginnings of jazz can be traced directly to New Orleans at the end of the 19^th century. The genre continues to flourish locally along with toe tapping zydeco and Cajun-style music. Along with traditional venues such as Preservation Hall and Tipitina’s, I found the free weekly tabloid a helpful guide to who is playing where.

Harrah’s Casino, the largest in the South, differs little in operations from other Harrah’s round the country. But the huge, circular building has plenty of its own charms including 2000 slots and over 100 table games. These days there’s no waiting for a chance to play. There is also live entertainment and an excellent steakhouse helmed by popular local chef John Besh.

Apart from dining, drinking, gaming and shopping there is a wealth of things to do and see in the area.

Read more in tomorrow’s blog post.

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Better than a box of chocolates? A stop at Payard Patisserie at Caesars Palace on Valentine's Day.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we were going to run a list of our favorite romantic (read expensive) restaurants in Las Vegas.  However, with all the talk about how Las Vegas has become such a great “frugal” destination for travelers (it is!) plus considering the state of the economy — not to mention our wallets — we’ve decided that in lieu of that list, we’ve come up with this list: Seven inexpensive yet fun and romantic things you and your sweetie can do this coming weekend.  (Lots of these ideas can be used in places other than Las Vegas so take a look even if you won’t be traveling for V-Day.)

1.  One of our favorite stores is Bijoux Terner, otherwise known as the “$10 boutique.”  Everything (and we really mean everything) from purses to watches to bold and brassy necklaces and earrings is just $10.  Why not treat your sweetie to a week’s worth of colorful watches or five new handbags in spring’s brightest shades.  No, not “designer” pieces but who wants to spend a ton on a bright orange watch or a psychedelic pink purse anyways?

2.  Try a “celebrity chef” for less.  Case in point; Tom Colicchio, famous head judge on Bravo TV’s smash-hit “Top Chef” is the brains (and toque) behind ‘wichcraft at MGM Grand.  His fabulous meatloaf sandwich is just $10 and almost as good as the beefy entrees at his high-priced Craftsteak restaurant just down the corridor.  Oh, and make sure you save room for the decadent “Whoopie Pie” — chocolate cake layers filled with vanilla pudding.

3.  Sugar & Ice café at Wynn Las Vegas is an all-time favorite sweet stop for us.  Splurge on double scoops of rich, velvety ice cream — the lemon tart just sings with flavor — while relaxing on the gorgeous patio that looks out onto the “Lake of Dreams” and the lush surroundings of the Wynn grounds.

4.  Plan a dessert tour.  Chocoholics will love a stop at either Jean-Philippe Patisserie at Bellagio or Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace (or maybe both!) and then on to Cocolini in St. Mark’s Square at The Venetian for bowls of authentic gelato.  End the evening with chocolate martinis at Table 10 at The Palazzo.

5.  Treat each other to body lotions at Kiehl’s at The Forum Shoppes.  There’s a yummy Forest Rain lotion for guys plus a warm vanilla-scented cream for her.  Take your purchases back to your hotel room and have fun.  (You can plan ahead and make sure your MP3 player has a special “romantic songs” playlist just for the occasion!)

6.  Stroll the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens together.  Ask a kind stranger to take your picture — kissing — while surrounded by this floral wonderland.  After your walk, head for the hotel gift shop and pick up one of the sparkly “Bellagio” keychains ($10) as a reminder of your trip.

7.  Sip a cocktail, or better yet, a glass of champagne in the plush, dimly-lit Napoleon’s at Paris Las Vegas.  The piano bar comes alive later in the evening, but until then, this bar features smooth jazz, no cover charge and a very romantic atmosphere.

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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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Fireworks will light up the sky on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas.

There’s still plenty of time to pack a suitcase and head to Las Vegas for a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration.  Las Vegas hotels – both on and off The Strip – are more affordable than ever this year with many offering dining and show ticket discounts as well as last-minute hotel deals.  (Really, if I hadn’t offered to host this year’s party for friends, I would so be loading up the car RIGHT NOW.)

You really don’t even need show tickets when the whole city becomes one giant extravaganza with fireworks shot off from several locations along the Strip and a huge New Year’s Eve party down on Fremont Street.  A $20 ticket downtown gets you eight bands playing for this year’s “Tribute Palooza” — including hottie Michael Johns of “American Idol” fame and his riff on Billy Joel standards.  Tickets for visitors (Nevada residents get in free with I.D.) can be purchased for $20 by calling 877-834-2748.  Click here for a complete rundown of the Fremont Street Experience New Year’s Eve blast.

And hotels?  No problem booking a room at most of the resorts around town including favorites on The Strip.  Check out hotels.com for lots of incredible deals on the Strip especially at the Monte Carlo, Treasure Island and MGM Grand or Fitzgerald’s downtown.

Click Here for the Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!

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