LAS VEGAS CONNECTION BY BART TORRES

The Venetian and The Palazzo Receive Prestigious Honor as one of the World’s Top 500 Hotels
Congratulations to The Venetian and The Palazzo who have started the New Year with being honored as one of the World’s Best 500 Hotels in 2012 in Travel + Leisure’s tenth annual T+L list that is decided by the most recent World’s Best readers’ survey. The rankings are based on readers’ rating in five categories: rooms/facilities, locations, service, restaurants/food and value. Last year, the resorts also received numerous prestigious awards.  

Las Vegas Preparing for Chinese New Year Celebrations
This Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dragon will be celebrated throughout Las Vegas with parades, entertainment, dining specials and even gaming promotions. The M Resort will host a traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance on Monday January 23 marching through the lobby into the casino area. Asian favorites will be served at the award-winning Studio B Buffet beginning January 23. Exciting casino promotions in the poker room will continue through January 30, all relating to the lucky number 8. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace welcomes Wakin Chau: Diva Live Concert on January 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for $48, $68, $128 and $188 plus tax and fees. Call (800) 745-3000 or stop by the box office for tickets.  Other Caesars properties involved in Lion Dances are Harrah’s on January 27 at 5 p.m., Imperial Palace at 6:15 p.m., Flamingo at 7 p.m., and Rio at 10 p.m. The next day, January 28, Planet Hollywood’s traditional dances are at noon, Paris at 1 p.m. , Bally’s at 2 p.m. and Caesars at 5 p.m. MGM Resorts will also ring in the New Year with lion dances planned at the ARIA on Tuesday, January 24 at 1 p.m., Crystals at 1:30 p.m., and The Mirage at 4 p.m. On Wednesday, January 25, the MGM Grand will have their procession at 1 p.m. and the Bellagio at 6:30 p.m. All events will take place in the resort’s respective main valet and porte cochere areas.  On Monday, January 23, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Silverton Casino Hotel will be paying 8X on Reels and 2X on video poker to celebrate the New Year. For the first time, from January 24-28, The Fremont Street Experience will present its first Chinese New Year-Dragon in the Desert” celebration. The opening ceremony of the five-day extravaganza begins January 24 at 6 p.m. featuring a live dragon dance, virtual fireworks displayed on Viva Vision, an eye painting ceremony and parade of performers dressed in colorful costumes. The Gold Coast will also be welcoming the Year of the Dragon with a variety of Chinese New Year events and promotions. Plenty of casino action will also be taking place such as drawings for $16,800 in promotional chips on January 23 and 30. On January 28 there will be a $5,000 Hot Slot Hot Seat contest. On February 1 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., students of the Lohan School of Shaolin will perform the Lion Dance as they parade through the casino.

Treasure Island Revamping Mystere
Mystere, the long-running production at Treasure Island will be taking a hiatus until February 8 as it undergoes a complete revamping. Expected additions to the show will be a dramatic trapeze finale, a new solo aerial act and the Chinese poles number will have significant changes.

Registrations Being Accepted to “Scale the Strat” for Charity
Ready for a challenge and bragging rights? Well, you have a couple of months to build up your stamina and reserve a spot in the fourth annual Scale the Strat, a one-of-a-kind experience scheduled at the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4. The American Lung Association in Nevada (ALAN) and the Stratosphere work together in this yearly event offering participants the chance to scale down a total of 108 floors and climb 1,455 steps as their contribution to fighting lung disease. Teams and individuals will race for the fastest times while raising money for this worthy cause. Last year about 300 people joined the fight and raised a record $110,000 for ALAN. The winning time was seven minutes and 26 seconds! The event is limited to the first 400 climbers who are at least 21 years of age with the qualifying climb set for March 3. The top 50 participants with the fastest times will go on to the March 4 “Climb-Off.” Registration is $50 and participants are requested to make a fundraising pledge of $150 to the American Lung Association. Details and registrations forms can be found by visiting www.ScaleTheStrat.com.  

Gold Coast Hotel & Casino Launches Vegas Magic Theatre
Vegas Magic Theatre has officially opened at the Gold Coast featuring a mix of specialty acts and rotating cast of talented magicians. The Paul Stone production, hosted by his son Ben, presents three to four acts per night in the high-energy 70-minute show. One hour prior to show time, audience members are invited into the Magic Lounge in front of the Theatre (similar to Hollywood’s Magic Castle) to see close-up magic performed by sleight-of-hand artists. Vegas Magic Theatre plays Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 5 and 7:30 p.m. This may be the best value in town when to comes to a top new production show with all the bells and whistles because tickets are a budget friendly $14.95, plus tax and fees. Contact (702) 367-7111, visit goldcoastcasino.com or stop by any Coast Casinos box office.   

Cabo Wabo Cantina Marks Two-Year Anniversary with Week-Long Bash
In honor of its 2nd anniversary, Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops kicks off a week-long birthday bash beginning January 23 and continues the party through January 29 with food and drink specials, entertainment, and prizes, including an autographed guitar from Hagar himself. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, patrons can climb on stage and go for the $500 prize in the Red Rocker Karaoke contest. On Friday, at 11 p.m. Hagar’s tribute band OUI82 performs at 11 p.m. and the guitar will be given away to one lucky guest. Cabo Wabo Cantina opens daily at 11 a.m. with live entertainment on the weekends from 9:30 p.m. to closing. For additional information, call (702) 385-2226.

Miss Nevada USA 2012 Pageant Coming to the Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort
Beautiful young women will be taking the runway at the Pearl inside the Palms Casino Resort on Sunday, January 29 as they compete for the title of Miss Nevada USA 2012. This year’s hosts include model Shanna Moakler and radio personality Chet Buchannan. Dancing with the Stars favorite Tony Dovoloni will be lending his expertise to choreograph the dances of the contestants. The winner of the competition will go on to represent the state of Nevada in the Miss USA Pageant in June. Tickets are on sale for $30, $55 and $80 and may be purchased by calling (800) 745-3000 or through www.ticketmaster.com

Wynn Las Vegas Unveils New High Limit Slot Salon
Starting off the New Year at Wynn Las Vegas is the addition of a plush new high limit slot salon featuring a private lounge with a 103” plasma television, opulent décor and an assortment of refreshments for players. The exclusive gaming area has 65 slots machines, video poker and reel games with denominations ranging from $5 to $1,000.

Comedian George Wallace Treats Active Military to Free Show Tickets
Comedian George Wallace headliner at the Flamingo is offering free show tickets during 2012 to all active United States military wanting to see his hilarious “I Be Thinkin” production as a thank you for the support they give to our country. Bring your valid military ID to receive your free admission. George performs Tuesday-Saturday at 10 p.m. All audience members have a chance to take home prizes which are given away at each show. For tickets call (702) 733-3333.

Mirages’ RHUMBAR Hosting Patio Playoff Tailgate Parties
With Big Game Sunday less than a month away, RHUMBAR inside The Mirage is getting the party started early with their weekend Big Game tailgate bashes going on throughout January 22. All the remaining games can be viewed on high definition screens on the venues outdoor patio. Ultimate Bloody Marys, 16-ounce can of Coors Light and Patron margaritas will be flowing for $6. Order a bucket of six Coors Light bottles and keep the souvenir bucket for $25. Stadium food will also be available. For more information call (702) 792-7615.

Las Vegas Hilton Officially gets new Name
 It will probably take some time to get used calling the Las Vegas Hilton by its new name, the LVH, but get over it because as of January 3, 2012 that is what it is now known as. The property, which is owned by billionaire Thomas Barrack’s Colony Capital LLC, lost their franchise resulting in the removal of the old marquee. LVH is reassuring guests they will continue to get the same great customer care and should not expect big changes. Only the name is different. Let’s go back to the changes, there has been a significant one regarding their entertainment schedule. Rick Faugno, of Jersey Boys fame, has jumped ship following a short run in the Shimmer Cabaret  and is moving his one-man show, “Body & Soul” to The Lounge at the Palms Casino Resort tomorrow, January 17. Faugno will play every Tuesday at 9 p.m. with tickets a budget-minded $15 (including tax and fees). For reservations call (702) 944-3200.

Chef Gordon Ramsay Setting up Shop at Paris Las Vegas
Internationally-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay will open his first Las Vegas restaurant this spring at Paris Las Vegas. Gordon Ramsay Steak will replace Les Artistes Steakhouse. The contemporary restaurant’s main dining room will accommodate 274 guests including a spacious bar area, chef’s table and private dining room. Among the menu choices will be delicious steaks, and traditional English favorites like fish and chips, Shepard’s Pie, fresh fish, French-influenced side dishes and scrumptious desserts. For hotel reservations at Paris Las Vegas call (702) 677-3200.  

Check with resorts for all current offers published. Hotels have all rights and may cancel or modify at anytime. On your drive up to Vegas tune your radio to The Highway FM 98 & 99 for my up-to-date Las Vegas reports. GOOD LUCK!