Bellagio Hotel and Casino – Christmas Holiday

2011 is quickly winding down and the holiday season is approaching. Many of you make Las Vegas one of your top destinations for holiday season travel.

More than eight million people visited Las Vegas during last year’s holiday season, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Spend a memorable holiday season in Las Vegas this year. We’ve gathered some of our best holiday season picks for you to enjoy.

Thanksgiving
– Thanksgiving is wonderful but it can be a lot for work – the cooking, clean-up, etc….  Now you can finally skip doing the dishes this year and try an extraordinary Thanksgiving meal the whole family will love.
– The Buffet at ARIA is a true palate pleaser, offering limitless fine food choices such as fresh crab legs, made-to-order pastas and seasonal favorites including oven-roasted turkey, of course.
– For those with a sweet tooth, you can feast upon signature creations by World Pastry Champion Jean-Philippe Maury.
– The best part is there’s no need to clean the kitchen afterward. Instead, head over to one of the many state-of-the-art sports books to catch all the football action.
– If you’re a sports lover, then feel the excitement of every tackle and touchdown with more than 10,000 square feet of big-screen action at The Mirage or try a more intimate setting with the private Skyboxes at MGM Grand complete with 42-inch plasma televisions and surround-sound audio systems.

Holiday Shopping
– Shopping during the holidays can be a treat for many. Now you can take an enchanted journey through couture, cuisine and entertainment inside Crystals at CityCenter.
– Located within a magnificently modern gathering place, the options for luxurious brands are endless and include fine fashion boutiques such as world-renowned designers Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Tom Ford.
– Consider perusing The Shoppes at Mandalay Place and enjoy one-of-a-kind boutiques like LUSH, the “cosmetic grocer” that features traditional and non-traditional merchandise from fragrant soaps to fizzing bath bombs.
– For dad, The Art of Shaving carries a large collection of accessories for men and also offers the Royal Shave, scissor haircuts or skin treatments performed by expertly trained master barbers in the luxurious Barber Spa.
For golfers on the shopping list, check out Nike Golf, the first location in the U.S. to offer the hottest brand in the golf industry today. This unique store is known for innovation in apparel and offers complete lines of men’s, women’s and children’s brand apparel as well as professional personalized swing analysis (what better gift for anyone who takes their golf seriously?).

New Year’s Eve
– Although it’s frigid in other parts of the world, Las Vegas is still heating things up, even in a December winter.
– Some of the world’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties line the Vegas Strip at nightclubs like ARIA’s Haze, MGM Grand’s Studio 54, Bellagio’s The Bank and Mandalay Bay’s miX Lounge.
– From outrageous celebrity appearances to mind-blowing performances by world-class DJs, few cities can do New Year’s Eve like Las Vegas can.
– But the party doesn’t stop there; The Strip becomes America ’s Party as resorts including MGM Grand and ARIA launch unbelievable fireworks displays when the clock strikes midnight.

Contact us today to help plan your trip and spend a memorable holiday season in Las Vegas. Make this year a magical VIP experience, that only Las Vegas can deliver.

From the moment you descend the marble staircase leading to Tryst, the nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas, it becomes evident that a decidedly unique nightlife experience awaits you.

At the base of the stairs is a lounge, complete with its own DJ booth, tables and couches, walls covered almost completely by hundreds of framed mirrors. But it is the plush red velvet walls of a hall beyond that beckon you to enter the waiting nightclub.

As you emerge from the hall, prepare to have your breath taken away, as you find yourself immediately captivated by the club’s centerpiece – a 94-foot waterfall, rising above Tryst’s private oasis.

Tryst seems even larger with the waterfall as the centerpiece of the action. The falling water makes you want to dance the night away and have a few too many drinks.

The club itself is awash in rich, dark chocolate and red tones, with alligator-skin booths and elegant marble tables. Lush velvet is found everywhere – walls, draperies, and especially in the VIP champagne room, which is all red velvet and sensual crimson lighting, centered by a pole dancing stage.

A dark-tiled dance floor in the center of the club opens out onto the patio, extending 15 feet over the water outside. Plush, vanilla-colored seating lines the patio, which wraps around the semicircular lagoon. Exclusive seating and beds are available right next to the spectacular waterfall.

The crowd is generally more upscale as the Wynn Las Vegas clientele frequent this hot spot. The dance floor is sizeable and there are three bars around the club to keep you hydrated.

Gorgeous cocktail servers in alluring attire serve the needs of patrons enjoying bottle service, which is available from about $300, at one of the club’s 84 tables. There are also two bars in the main club area and one in the champagne room, so libations are never far away. Tryst also offers specialty drinks and a limited selection of high-end cigars.
Review by: PJ Perez

HAZE Nightclub at ARIA

As The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas will definitely be the place to be on New Year’s Eve.

Up and down the world famous Las Vegas Strip, people will bring in the new Year with a wide choice of parties and celebration hot spots.

All the major, luxury Las Vegas hotels and resorts along The Strip will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with spectacular nightlife, exciting shows, and affordable luxury Vegas hotel packages.

Don’t forget to step outside and take in one of the biggest and best fireworks shows anywhere. Nobody does New Year’s Eve right, like Sin City Las Vegas!

It won’t be difficult to catch a glimpse of a celebrity during one of the many Las Vegas New Year’s parties. Just a few that will be in Vegas are fashion designer and film star Diddy, hip-hop artist Nelly, plus playmates –  Lauren Anderson and Stacey Fusion.

Below is a sample of some of the hottest New Year’s Eve events planned in Las Vegas.

• HAZE Nightclub at ARIA

GRAMMY award-winning hip-hop artist Nelly will host a blowout New Year’s Eve bash at HAZE Nightclub at ARIA Resort & Casino. With its cutting edge light and sound technology, HAZE treats partygoers to an unparalleled sensory experience. Individual tickets are $150 per person, permitting VIP access all night. Table reservation packages are available.

• The BANK Nightclub at Bellagio

The BANK Nightclub at Bellagio, Las Vegas’ most exclusive nightclub, will toast to 2011 with a performance by British hip-hop sensation Jay Sean.  Ring in the New Year as one of the music industry’s hottest acts shares a string of hits, after leading a special countdown to Midnight with a champagne toast. Individual tickets are $150 per person, permitting VIP access all night and a champagne toast at Midnight.  Table reservation packages are available.

• LAX Nightclub at Luxor

LAX combines the best of its Los Angeles’ namesake. LAX Nightclub brings the energy and excitement that only Las Vegas can create.  Music mogul, fashion designer and film star Diddy will host the evening’s festivities.  For more information, please call (702) 262-4529.

• Mandalay Block Party at Mandalay Bay

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Mandalay Bay’s “Block Party” and enjoy food and specialty drinks from a variety of sponsors including Border Grill and rm Seafood. The “Block Party Pass” guarantees entrance into Mandalay Bay Beach where FOX will be filming “New Year’s Eve Live” hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality Nancy O’Dell. Passes are $50 in advance, $75 the day of the event and will include a total of five drinks per pass holder.

The location of the The Mirage Hotel and Casino is perfect and within walking distance to a mall, restaurants and many other resorts.

Out front you are greeted by the erupting volcano and the throngs of people lined up to see the free show and inside you will encounter white tigers and sharks. This is still a Mirage in the desert only now it has taken a seat further back relative to the rest of the mega-resorts.

The Mirage set the tone for going large and is still the resort that set the standard for everyone to live up to. This is a high end resort with affordable restaurants, large casino and quality accommodations.

Checking in to the Mirage you encounter the massive salt water aquarium that lines the wall behind the clerks.

Take a look at the many species of fish that call the hotel lobby home. The buffet, “Cravings”, is one of the best in town and along with the Carnegie deli should easily help stash away some leftovers for late night snacking. Take a look at the Secret Garden and get up close and personal with the dolphins.

The Mirage still attracts a lot of people. However, restaurants like Kokomo do offer seating in a tropical setting where you can leave the crowd behind and enjoy the soothing sounds of paradise in the desert.

Another thing that might not be too favorable is the table limits on weekends, they tend to go through the roof and anything lower than $10 is non-existent.

Location: The Mirage Hotel and Casino
3400 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109

National Finals Rodeo 2010 logo – Las Vegas

When you think of Las Vegas, the word “rodeo” doesn’t usually come to mind.  But the 2010 National Finals Rodeo will be back in Sin City next month.

The National Finals Rodeo is the most prestigious rodeo in the world, so put on your cowboy hat and boots and have a good old time, Las Vegas style.

Cowboys and cowgirls will fill the world-famous Vegas Strip, transforming it from the entertainment capitol of the world to a true western town.

This year’s National Finals Rodeo (NRF) will be held between December 2-11.

Here are several great Las Vegas hotel packages. Be sure to book early!

NFR at MGM Grand

MGM Grand is the “Home of the Champions” offering NFR guests the best live feed in Las Vegas, free autograph sessions, food and drink specials, convenient monorail access to Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center and weekend after parties at Studio 54.

Book your NFR Las Vegas stay at MGM Grand and receive:
– Two (2) for (1) one buffet access.
– Two (2) complimentary admissions to Studio 54 or Tabu Ultra Lounge.
– Two (2) complimentary cocktails at MGM Grand’s main bars.

MGM Grand hotel package rates will begin at $69 per night – plus tax.

Reserve now for hotel stays between November 24 and December 18, 2010. This offer must be booked by December 11, 2010.

Reservations: www.mgmgrand.com
____________________________________________________

NFR 2010 at Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is your NFR Central this year! Enjoy our live entertainment, NFR viewing, drink specials and much more! Plus receive these offers as part of your stay:
– Free draft beer at The Pub
– Free shot of whiskey at The Pub
– Free margarita at Diablo’s
– Free cocktail at BRAND
– Two for one Frank Caliendo tickets
– Drawing ticket for nightly giveaway
– 20 percent off spa service
– 10 percent off retail purchase

Monte Carlo room rates begin at $50 – plus tax.

This hotel package is available between November 29, 2010 and December 16, 2010, and must be booked by December 12, 2010.

Reservations: Call (888) 529-4828 or visit www.montecarlo.com
____________________________________________________

Hottest NFR Value on The Strip at Circus Circus

Rope in all the NFR action at Circus Circus! This terrific hotel package includes:
– Free country entertainment nightly at Rock & Rita’s
– Free live NFR feed
– Free shuttle to and from NFR
– Food and drink specials

Circus Circus hotel rates start at only $25 per night – plus tax.

This hotel package is availability from December 1 to December 12, 2010

Reservations: www.circuscircus.com

Courtesy of: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The luxurious Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is scheduled to open in December and the elegant resort will establish a new high standard that all existing and new Las Vegas resorts will be measured against.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will showcase expansive private terraces overlooking the world famous Las Vegas Strip as well as inspired designs and an original collection of diverse, fine dining experiences.

The luxury resort with 2,995 rooms will feature oversized residential style living space with expansive one-of-a-kind private terraces and spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects David Rockwell, Jeffrey Beers, Adam D.Tihany and the Friedmutter Group.

Resort guests will be able to enjoy diverse dining experiences from some of our country’s top chefs, who are all new to Las Vegas.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas resort will surely make heads turn and offer a 110,000 square foot casino for gamblers, three distinct pool environments for sun worshipers, and breathtaking views of the Vegas Strip from every angle.

The footprint of the new Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is unique. It is located in the heart of the Strip, and the luxury resort’s unique, vertical multi-tower design resides on just 8.7 acres of land.

Offering its guests unforgettable, sweeping views of the Las Vegas skyline, you will feel truly at the epicenter of this city of lights, non-stop gaming and entertainment.

Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be comprised of two 50-story towers. The East and West towers will include oversized hotel and condominium-style rooms that range from 730 square feet to over 5400 square feet in size.

Courtesy of: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

In addition there are ten three-story bungalow-style suites that are adjacent to the west pool deck. The plan is for the towers to also offer a collection of privately owned condominium units.

You will find contemporary bespoke room décor designed by David Rockwell. His vision features spacious living areas, luxurious bathrooms, a hundred small but unique touches, and many with expansive terraces overlooking the heart of the Strip.

Each room at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas includes the following luxury amenities: state-of-the-art technology control panels, entertainment system, plasma-screen televisions, wireless internet and a custom in-room bar.

The oversized bathrooms offer moments of unexpected tranquility combined with breathtaking views – Japanese soaking tubs, rain showers and marble floors complete the guest bath experience.

Additional features at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas include – a nightclub and ultra lounge, 150,000 square feet of convention and banquet facilities, top restaurants, 50,000 square foot spa, salon and fitness center, retail and three pool environments.

For additional information and reservations, please visit:
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

As Halloween is quickly approaching, we wanted to let everybody know about the 1st Las Vegas Halloween Parade.

It’s your chance to celebrate Halloween, Las Vegas style. Put on your best Halloween costume and you can actually be part of the 1st Las Vegas Halloween Parade.

As the inaugural Halloween parade in Sin City, this is a good bet to be wild and crazy, with a variety of outrageous Halloween costumes on display.

Halloween Night, Sunday, October 31st 2010
6:00: Costumers & art cars line up on Hoover Ave and 4th Street Just North of Charleston Blvd. 1 Block West of Las Vegas Blvd.
7:00 Parade walks, drives, slithers, clicks & clanks North on 4th Street to Fremont Street East.

Come show off your creation. Be the star you know you are!

Costumed people & art cars may be in the parade for FREE.

The costumes are whatever you create; they can be hand made, imaginative, sassy and fun. The Parade will march up 4th Street to Fremont Street East starting at Charleston Blvd.

Come be in the parade or watch it along 4th street.

When: Sunday, October 31, 2010
Line up begins at 6:00pm
Parade ROLLS at 7:00pm – All Ages
Where: The Arts District
Charleston and 4th
Las Vegas, NV, USA 89104

The Las Vegas Halloween Parade
*Address:Hoover Street/The Arts District on Charleston & 4th , Las Vegas, NV 89101
*Date 10/31/2010
*Time: 6:00PM line up, 7:00PM Parade Rolls
*Price: FREE to anyone in costume
*Art Cars are asked to check in on website so you may be placed in parade.

To learn more, please visit – http://www.thelasvegashalloweenparade.com

Courtesy of: The Palms Hotel and Casino

The Palms Hotel and Casino has long been known as one of the hottest places in all of Las Vegas to hang out and party.

The luxury Sin City hot spot features both Ghostbar and Rain Las Vegas. You can often find many of the biggest celebrities hanging out.

Next the Palms Hotel and Casino towers, you will find an luxurious 520-foot condominium hotel and spa that’s 40-stories tall.

Palms Place features 599 luxury hotel condo suites. Palms Place also features an amazing 50,000-square-foot pool and spa that is one the top spots in Las Vegas.

The Palms Place Pool is located on the 6th floor and features a cutting edge contemporary design.

The Pool at Palms Place is a relaxing pool area that gives you a nice retreat to get away from the busy Las Vegas Strip.

The area provides a rectangular pool, waterfalls that flow amongst stone gardens, along with an overall mix of contemporary decor.

Palms Place Pool offers a fire pit, daily cabana rentals, plus a full-service bar. Kerry Simon’s new Simon Restaurant & Lounge overlooks the pool area through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Simon Restaurant serves incredible classic foods along with a modern twist, from a classic hamburger to upscale sushi.

If you are looking for a great location to hold a wedding reception, Palms Place Pool offers a setting of palm trees and tropical flowers, making it an ideal setting for a memorable, Las Vegas style experience.

For more info, call (702) 942-7777

Photo: Mandalay Bay

Around the world, Las Vegas is well known as the place to be for throwing the most outrageous parties.

As fall has arrived and Halloween is right around the corner, plan your celebration and experience this year’s most spine-tingling and electrifying happenings in Sin City.

The weather has begun to cool down, but the the Vegas nightlife is always hot and the city is really ramping up its Halloween festivities.

This year Las Vegas will be crazier than ever, and will be known as every thrill-seeker’s ultimate Halloween destination!

Take a look at just a few of the best Halloween activities out there:

Mandalay Bay – Haunted Reef at Mandalay Bay Thrills and Chills
Shark Reef Aquarium eerily transforms into a Haunted Reef for those who dare to enter the unknown. Fearsome predators, including tiger sharks and a rare Komodo dragon with dagger-like teeth, deadly saliva and piercing razor-sharp claws will lurk in exhibits, terrorizing spectators. Rattling chains, creaking doors and haunting music replace the normally soothing sounds of the ocean and jungle as visitors walk through Haunted Reef’s dark and spooky tunnels. For more information, visit www.mandalaybay.com.

Till Death Do Us Part Wedding Package at Mandalay Bay
For couples who love Halloween and like to have fun with a side of fright, the Till Death Do Us Part package at Mandalay Bay offers the ideal Halloween wedding. Starting at $850, eternally bonded souls will have their ceremony in a themed haunted chapel. After the ceremony, the couple will enjoy a bone-chilling experience with passes to Fright Dome at Circus Circus. For more information, visit www.mandalaybay.com.

Photo: Mandalay Bay

MGM Grand – Nightmare on 54th Street
Legendary nightclub Studio 54 will transform into a frightful playground for its legendary 13th annual week-long Halloween celebration: Nightmare on 54th Street. Sexy spider girls will entertain the masses as they spin, swoop and swing on the aerial webs and ghost bungees, and hair will rise as a bewitching temptress and her slithering serpent seduce the crowd. Throughout the events, sexy dancers and performers will recreate scenes from Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Thursday, Oct. 28 famed early rapper Doug E. Fresh will take the stage to break out his beat-boxing jams during Throwback Thursday. The party continues Friday, Oct. 29 when legendary rapper-turned-rocker Vanilla Ice will celebrate his birthday with a performance for his legion of fans. Saturday, Oct. 30 Holly Madison will host the 2nd Annual Hollyween, hosting a costume contest to find the sexiest vixen at the party. This year on Halloween night, Studio 54 delivers the most extravagant gala on The Strip with the 44th Annual Beaux Arts Ball. Performers from Studio 54 and entertainers from numerous Vegas shows will come together to host an evening of fun and philanthropy, benefitting Golden Rainbow’s fight against HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit www.mgmgrand.com or call (702) 891-7254.

Luxor – Free Haunted Tours at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Featured on SciFi’s Ghost Hunters, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition has people questioning if lost passengers have returned to the personal items they once carried on board. Listen closely for chilling details to be shared this Halloween by the Titanic experts who have seen and heard it all. For some spooky fun, discover if the ghost stories are true with a free haunted tour this October with paid admission. Call 702-262-4400 for more information or visit www.luxor.com.

Circus Circus – Fright Dome at Circus Circus
It’s time to play a game… Fright Dome takes over The Adventuredome at Circus Circus beginning Friday, October 1 from 7 p.m. to Midnight. Ranked among the top five scariest haunted attractions in the United States two years in a row, Fright Dome will offer new haunted houses, freak shows, scare zones and much more to those who dare to enter. Spread throughout five acres, this haunted theme park features dark, fog-filled attractions complete with ghoulish and gore-clad professional actors. Not appropriate for children under 12, Fright Dome includes roaming scare actors, high-powered strobes, multi-colored lasers and eerie sound effects. For more information, visit www.frightdome.com or call (702) 794-3939.

Courtesy of: SEABLUE at MGM Grand

We’re always trying to find the best deals on Las Vegas hotel rooms, casino shows and the best restaurants on the world famous The Strip.

If you’re looking for the best Vegas Happy Hour food and drink specials, then try these fantastic deals right on The Strip !

StripSteak at Mandalay Bay – The first steakhouse by acclaimed chef Michael Mina, StripSteak’s classic yet modern menu offers corn-fed, all-natural meat, line-caught seafood and fresh, seasonal produce.  Join StripSteak for the perfect after beach or pre-dinner Treat 4 – 6 p.m. daily.
– Happy hour includes $3 bottled beer, $7 cocktails and half off lounge menu items.
nnm

SEABLUE at MGM Grand – Chef Michael Mina has created a fun and innovative menu built around “jet fresh” seafood dishes and fresh seasonal produce. SEABLUE offers incredible gourmet deals at happy hour including $1 oysters and $1 shrimp plus half-priced Salt and Pepper Calamari and Lobster Corn Dogs. $4 Draft Stella Artois is also offered.
– Happy Hour is served Sunday – Friday, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.  On Monday Nights SEABLUE offers “Half Price Sommelier’s Wine List.”

STACK at The Mirage – The menu reflects a return to fun, approachable American cuisine.  Chef Brian Massie focuses on simply grilled top-quality fish, meat and poultry.
– Experience Happy Hour at STACK from 5 – 7 p.m. daily. Enjoy $3 drinks and ½ Appetizers.

Diablo’s Cantina at Monte Carlo– This 10,000-square-foot, multi-level dining and entertainment complex, created by The Light Group, is “Party Central” for those looking to let loose in a lively fiesta-like atmosphere.
– Join Diablo’s for Happy Hour 3 – 7 p.m. daily, $3 drinks chosen every half hour by The Wheel of Sin.

Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York – Featuring a street level patio off of the Brooklyn Bridge and a second-story patio providing a bird’s eye view of the Las Vegas Strip, Nine Fine Irishmen serves classic Irish cuisine with worldwide influences.
– Join the lads for Happy Hour Sunday – Thursday, 2 – 6 p.m.  Dishes include: Steak & Stout Pies for $6, Fried Sausages for $6 and Beer N’ Cheese Dip for $6.

Courtesy of: Timpano Tavern – Venetian

Timpano Tavern at the Venetian Resort & Casino in Las Vegas is incredibly attractive as you walk in.

Granted, if the food tastes as good as the decor looks, this place will be a hit. We gave it a chance.

My party ordered “starters” of: 1 dozen fresh oysters at $24.00, (extremely fresh and tasty and nicely priced), also two onion soups – gratinee, which had no Gruyere cheese on the skimpy crouton as advertised and further had a very peculiar taste to the onion-less broth that was left – $7.00 each.  These puppies were sent back to the kitchen.

Also a House Salad was also nicely prepared and enjoyable at $9.00.

Entrees consisted of a Kobe Cheese Burger, at $19.00 – most excellent; Lobster Ravioli – acceptable at $23.00, and an 8 oz. Fillet Mignon, which was prepared superbly, at $29.00, accompanied by a mini mac & cheese w/ truffle casserole ,at $6.00, which was also excellent.

A Chocolate Tart was shared for desert and was quite delicious, at $4.00,– the only downside was that you needed an electron microscope to see it.

Pre-dinner cocktails and two after dinner Sambucas and a coffee helped produce a total bill including a 20% tip, of $213.00. Not too bad for a party of three.

Excluding the disaster masquerading for onion soup gratinee and the micro-desert, the dinner was quite enjoyable and was served superbly and professionally by a chap named Josh.

I would give the Timpano Tavern another chance.

Update: We just were informed that Timpano’s parent company, E-Brands has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and that Timpano Tavern has been closed.

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.

Timpano Tavern – Las Vegas
3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
The Venetian Hotel
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-7111