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Appendix Suggested Reading

Bass, Thomas. Eudaemonic Pie. Houghton Mifflin, 1985. The fascinating story of physicists from the University of California–Santa Cruz who invent a computer to beat the at the game of roulette. A hilarious, true-life adventure. Castleman, Deke. . Compass American Guides, 2003. A well-written guide to Las Vegas and its environs. This book is long on anecdote and history. If you take only one other book to Las Vegas, take this one. A very enjoyable read. Castleman has also authored an excellent guide to the entire state of . Castleman, Deke. Whale Hunt in the Desert—Secrets of Las Vegas Superhost Steve Cyr and His High Rollers. Huntington Press, 2004. Castleman’s rare access to hosts and high rollers enabled him to pen the de- finitive, never-before-told, behind-the-scenes story of the catering to Las Vegas's heaviest high rollers, known as whales. Dancer, Bob. Million Dollar Video Poker. Huntington Press, 2003. Bob Dancer tells the story of how he rose from an obscure scuffler to become the best known and most successful video poker player and writer in the world. Demaris, Ovid and Ed Reid. Green Felt Jungle. Trident Press, 1963. When first published, this was a highly sensational exposé of Las Vegas—its mobsters, rackets, and prostitution. Lively reading . . . Mezrich, Ben. Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Las Vegas for Mil- lions. Free Press, 2002. A fascinating and illuminating look at team blackjack players and the security systems that try to stop them. Nestor, Basil. The Unofficial Guide to Casino Gambling. Wiley, 2001. Every game has an optimal strategy. So, if you want to win more, this is the book to check out first. Orkin, Mikael. Can You Win? W. H. Freeman and Company, 1991. A discussion of the real odds for casino gambling, sports betting, and lotteries, including winning strategies and computer odds. Rubin, Max. Comp City: A Guide to Free Las Vegas Vacations. Huntington Press, 1994. A practical and often hilarious guide to taking advantage of every possible comp and freebee. Scott, Jean. More Frugal Gambling. Huntington Press, 2003. Dubbed the “Queen of Comps” by CBS’s 48 Hours, Jean Scott is the most successful low roller in the country. This is the sequel to her best- selling The Frugal Gambler—full of thousands more tips on getting everything you want from casi- nos withoutCOPYRIGHTED losing your shirt. MATERIAL Shaner, Lora. Madam—Inside a Nevada Brothel. Huntington Press, 2003. Author Shaner worked for five years as a full-time madam at Sheri’s Ranch, the nearest legal brothel to Las Vegas. This is her com- pelling account of the sex-for-money culture, complete with a how-to section for potential brothel customers. Silberstang, Edwin. The Winner’s Guide to Casino Gambling. Signet, 1980. The basic primer on casinos in simple, easy-to-understand language. A difficult subject made simple and fun. Whitney, Branch. Hiking Southern Nevada. Huntington Press, 2000. Whitney details 50 adventures-on- foot within an hour’s drive of the bright lights of Las Vegas.

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Hotel Index

airport transportation, 22–23, 26–27 Hard Rock , 5, 55, 99 Aladdin Resort and Casino, 5, 6, 42, 54, 85–86 Harrah’s Las Vegas, 5, 42, 54, 99–100 , 132 Holiday Inn Boardwalk, 54 AmeriSuites, 132 Holiday Inn Emerald Springs, 132–133 Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Decatur, 55, 86 Horseshoe, 51, 100 Arizona Charlie’s East, 5 and motels. See also specific hotel or motel within 20-minute walk from Convention Bally’s, 5, 6, 42, 54, 86–87 Center (table), 80 Barbary Coast, 54, 87 best deals in Las Vegas (table), 143–144 , 5, 42, 54, 87–89, 413–414 best in various categories, 147–148 Best Western, Mardi Gras Inn, 133 commuting time between (table), 48–51 Binion’s Horseshoe, 51, 100 comparisons between (table), 140–142 Boardwalk, 5, 89–90 family-oriented, 36–37 , 55, 90 grand hotels, navigating, 130–131 Bourbon Street, 54, 90 motels, 133–134 ratings and rankings, 134–140, 144–146 , 3–6, 42, 52, 54, 90–91 reservations, 59–60 California, 51, 83, 91–92 room rates and packages (table), 61 Cannery, 5, 55, 92 shuttles and trams connecting, 46–47 Casino Royale, 54, 92 suite hotels, 131–133 , 92 treatment of, in this book, 12 Circus Circus, 5, 6, 41, 55, 83, 92–93, 413 Las Vegas, 5, 6 Crowne Plaza Holiday Inn, 132 Hyatt Regency , 7, 100–101

Desert Inn, 3, 5, 6 Imperial Palace, 54, 101 Internet room reservations, 20, 71 , 51, 93 JW Marriott Las Vegas, 5, 6, 7, 55, 101–102 Excalibur, 4, 6, 43, 54, 93–94 , , 5–6, 55, 94–95 Key Largo Casino and Quality Inn, 102

Fitzgeralds, 51, 95 Lady Luck Park Plaza Las Vegas, 51, 102 Flamingo Hotel, 3, 5, 41, 54, 95–96 , 51 , 51, 96 Las Vegas Hilton, 42, 43, 55, 80, 83, 103, Four Seasons, 7, 54, 96–97 414–415 Fremont, 51, 97 Las Vegas Marriott Suites, 133 Gold Coast, 55, 97 hotels and casinos. See also specific , 6, 51, 97 hotels and casino Golden Gate, 51, 98 generally, 40 Golden Nugget, 6, 51, 98 shuttles and trams connecting, 46–47 Greek Isles, 98 Luxor, 4, 6, 43, 54, 103–104, 415 , 5, 55, 99

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Restaurant Index 463

Main Street Station, 104–105 Sahara, 5, 7, 42, 52, 55, 119, 417 , 5–7, 42, 52, 54, 105–107, 415 Sam’s Town, 55, 83, 119 Mardi Gras Inn Best Western, 133 San Remo, 54, 119 Marriott Renaissance, 80 , 55, 120 MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, 4, 42, 46, 54, Si Redd’s Oasis Resort Casino, 445 107–109, 415 Silverton, 5, 120 Mirage, 4, 7, 41–43, 52, 54, 109–110, 415 St. Tropez, 133 Monte Carlo, 6, 54, 110–111 Stardust, 41, 55, 120–121 Montelago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas, 111 Station Casino, 6 motels in Las Vegas, 133–134 Stratosphere Hotel and Casino, 5, 41, 52, 55, 121, 418–419 Nevada Palace, 55, 113 Suncoast, 5, 122 New Frontier, 54, 112 Sunset Station, 5, 55, 122 New York–New York, 5, 54, 112–113 Terrible’s, 122–123 Orleans, 5, 55, 113–114 , 5, 55, 123 O’Shea’s, 6, 54 THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, 54, 123–124 Tournament Player’s Club, 55 , 55, 114 Treasure Island (T.I.), 4, 41, 42, 54, 124–125, Palms, The, 55, 114 415–416 , 5, 43, 54, 115, 416–417 Tropicana, 42, 54, 125–126 Plaza Hotel, 6, 51, 116 Tuscany, 5, 55, 126

Red Rock Station, 116 Venetian, 5, 41, 54, 83, 127–128, 419–420 Reserve, 6 Residence Inn, 133 Westin Casuarina, 6, 7, 54, 128–129 Rio, 6, 55, 116–117 Westward Ho, 55, 129 Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas, 7, 117–118 Wild Wild West, 129 Riviera Hotel, 5, 41, 55, 76, 80, 118 , 6, 7, 54, 129–130

Restaurant Index

8-0-8, Caesars Palace, 366 Bacchus Bistro, 382 Bagel Oasis, 346 Ah Sin, Paris, 349–350 Bally’s, 332, 335 A.J.’s Steakhouse, 349 Bellagio, 329–331 Aladdin, 326, 330 Bertolini’s, Caesars Palace, 353–354 Alan Alberts, 350 Billy Bob’s Steakhouse & Saloon, Sam’s Town, 354 Albina’s Italian Bakery, 347 Blue Wave, 354–355 Alize, The Palms, 349–351 Bonjour French Restaurant, 355–356 Andre’s, Monte Carlo Hotel, 351 Bootlegger, 348, 356 Anna Bella, 351–352 Bouchon, Venetian, 327, 356–357 Antonio’s, 352 Boulder Station, 332 Aqua, Bellagio, 8, 352–353 Bradley Ogden, Caesars Palace, 357 Arizona’s Charlie’s West, East, 336 Bradley Ogden, California, 326 Arriva Room, Gold Coast, 335 Brennan’s, 8 Aureole, Mandalay Bay, 353 Broiler, Boulder Station, 333, 357–358 brunches, 332–333 07_559710_bindex.qxd 7/27/04 8:56 AM Page 464

464 Restaurant Index

Buccaneer Bay Club, Treasure Island, 359 gourmet restaurants, 32 buffets, 329–332 Grape Street Café, 371 Burger Bar, Mandalay Bay, 8, 347 Great Buns, 347 Buzios, Rio, 348, 358–359 Green Valley Ranch, 330, 331

Café Heidelberg, 359–360 Habib’s, Sahara, 371–372 Café Lago, Caesars Palace, 329 Hard Rock Hotel, the, 335 Café Nicolle, 348, 360 Harley-Davidson Café, 372 Café Sensations, 348 Harrah’s, 330, 331 California, 335 Harrie’s Bagelmania, 346, 347 Cannery, 330, 332 Hawaiian Plantation House, 372–373 Canter’s Delicatessen, Treasure Island, 347 Hofbrauhaus, 373 Carnegie Deli, 326 Horseshoe, 336 Carnival World, Rio, 331 House of Blues, Mandalay Bay, 333 champagne brunches, 332–333 Hugo’s Cellar, Four Queens Hotel, 373–374 Champagne Café, 347 Chang, 360–361 Il Fornaio, New York–New York, 374 Cheesecake Factory, Caesars Palace, 361 Ilsa, Treasure Island, 376 China Grill, Mandalay Bay, 361–362 Inka, 375 China Spice, Green Valley Ranch Station, 362 Internet, browsing menus on the, 20 Chinois, Caesars Palace, 362–363 Isis, Luxor, 375–376 Chocolate Swan, 347, 348 Isla, Treasure Island, 327 Circo, Bellagio, 349, 363 Island Paradise Café, Stardust, 335 Circus Circus, 332 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 348 Jerry’s Nugget, 335 Coffee Pub, 348 Jitters Gourmet Coffee, 348 Commander’s Palace, 8 Joe’s Seafood and Steakhouse, Caesars Palace, 326 Commander’s Palace, Aladdin, 363–364 Craftsteak, MGM Grand, 364 Kathy’s Southern Cooking, 376–377 Cravings, , 326, 329–330 Kilroy’s, 347 Kokomo’s, Mirage, 377 Delmonico Steak House, Venetian, 8, 364–365 Koreana, 377–378 Desert Passage, Aladdin, 333 Diego Mexican, MGM Grand, 326 La Piazza, Caesars Palace, 348 dinner show restaurants, 191–192 La Scala, 378 Drai’s, Barbary Coast, 365 Lawry’s The Prime Rib, 8, 378–379 Le Cirque, 8 Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Paris, 349 Little Buddha, Palms, 379 Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, MGM Grand, Little Ellis Island, 335 327, 348, 366–367 Lone Star, 347 Lotus of Siam, 379–380 Fellini’s, 367 Lucille’s Green Valley Ranch, 380 Fiamma Trattoria, MGM Grand, 326, 367–368 Luxor, 331 Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, 330, 332 Fiesta Rancho Festival, 331, 332 Main Street Station, 330, 331, 332 Fiore, Rio, 368 Makino Sushi Restaurant, 380–381 Florida Café, Howard Johnson, 368–369 Malibu Chan’s, 381 Four Seasons, 8 Mama Jo’s, 381–382 Fremont, 332 Mandalay Bay, 8, 331, 347 Frontier, 336 Marche Baccus, 382 Fuji, 369 Marrakech, 382–383 Mayflower Cuisiner, 383 Garduno’s Chili Packing Co., Fiesta, 370 Medici Café, Ritz-Carlton, 383–384 Garduno’s, The Palms, 370 Memphis Champion Barbeque, 384 Gaylord’s, Rio, 369–370 menus, browsing on the Internet, 20 Gold Coast, 330, 332, 334, 336 Mesa Grill, Caesars Palace, 326 Golden Gate, 336 Metro Pizza, 348 Golden Nugget, 332 MGM Grand restaurants, 331, 332 Gordon Biersch Brewpub, 347 Michael’s, Barbary Coast, 385 07_559710_bindex.qxd 7/27/04 8:56 AM Page 465

Restaurant Index 465

Mirage, The, 329, 330 Rio, 332 Mon Ami Gabi, Paris, 385–386 Ristorante del Flori, San Remo, 335 Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery, 347 Rosemary’s Restaurant, 395–396 Morton’s, 8 Rosewood Grille, 396 Rumjungle, Mandalay Bay, 396–397 Neros, Caesars Palace, 386 Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 397 Noodles, Bellagio, 386 Samba Grill, Mirage, 397–398 Olives, Bellagio, 386–387 Sam’s Town, 331, 336 Orleans, The, 329, 330, 332, 336 Samuel’s Deli, 347 San Remo, 336 Palio, Bellagio, 348 Sazio, Orleans, 398 Palms, The, 8, 329, 330, 331, 336 SeaBlue, MGM Grand, 326, 348, 398–399 Pamplemousse, 387 seafood buffets, 332 Panevino Ristorante, 387–388 Shibuya, MGM Grand, 326 Paradise Garden Café, Flamingo Hilton, 348 Siena Dele, 347 Paris, 329, 330, 331 Silverton, 332 Pasta Palace, California, 388 Simon Kitchen & Bar, Hard Rock Hotel, 399 Pasta Palace, Palace Station, 336 Sir Galahad’s, Excalibur, 335, 399–400 Pasta Pirate, California, 335 Souper Salad, 348 Pearl, MGM Grand, 388–389 Spago, Caesars Palace, 348, 400 Pho Chien, 389 Stage Deli, Caesars Palace, 347–348 Picasso, Bellagio, 349, 389–390 star rating system for restaurants, 336–337 Piero’s Trattoria, 390–391 Starbucks Coffee Houses, 348 Ping Pang Pong, Gold Coast, 391 Steak House, Circus Circus, 333, 400–401 Pinot Brasserie, Venetian, 392 Stefano’s, Golden Nugget, 401 Polonez, 392–393 Suncoast, 332 prices Sunset Station, 330, 331 generally, 327–329 Sweet Georgia Brown’s, 401–402 value rating for restaurants, 337 Prime, Bellagio, 393 Taste of Indonesia, 402 Terrazza, Caesars Palace, 402–403 Rainforest Café, MGM Grand, 393–394 Texas Station, 330, 331, 332 Rampart, 332 Tillerman, The, 403 Range Steakhouse, Harrah’s, 394 Tintoretto, Venetian, 347, 348 rating system for restaurants, 336–337 tipping, 32–33 Red Square, Mandalay Bay, 394 Tokyo, 403 Redwood Bar & Grill, California, 334, 395 Tommy Hamburgers, 347 Regina’s Pizza, Palms, The, 336 Top of the World, Stratosphere Tower, 404 Renoir, Mirage, 395 Toscana’s, Rio, 336 restaurants Trattoria Del Lupo, Mandalay Bay, 404 ‘best Las Vegas’ (table), 338–343 Treasure Island, 331 with dinner shows, 191–192 Triple Seven Brewpub, 347 gourmet, 32 hotels with best dining, 147 Venetian, 348 locations of (table), 343–346 Ventano, Henderson, 405 meal-deals, 333–336 Voodoo Café & Lounge, Rio, 349, 404–405 new, in Las Vegas, 326–327 rating system for, 336–337 ‘Wichcraft, MGM Grand, 326 treatment of, in this guide, 12 Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, MGM Grand, 8, types, dining options, 327–328 326, 406 07_559710_bindex.qxd 7/27/04 8:56 AM Page 466

Subject Index

24 Hour Fitness centers, 432 MGM Grand, 415 Mirage, 415–416 accommodations. See lodging near Las Vegas, 3 , Circus Circus, 93, 420 Paris Las Vegas, 416–417 aerobics, health clubs, 432–433 Sahara, 417 afternoon shows, 246–249 seating at, 194 agencies Speed (roller coaster), 417 rental car (table), 28 Speedworld (ride), 417 travel, 64–66 Star Trek: The Experience, Hilton, 103 air flyovers, 426 Stratosphere, 418 Air Play, Tropicana, 421 Time Traveler (ride), 420 airport Treasure Island, 415–416 McCarran International, 22 Venetian, 419–420 parking charges, 27–28 X Scream (ride), 418 tipping, 33 Auto Collection at the Imperial Palace, 421 transportation from, 22–23, 26–27 Avenue Q, Wynn Las Vegas, 130, 210 Amazing Jonathan, Riviera, 208 Amazing Superstars, Stratosphere, 185, 209 Ba-Da-Bing, Aladdin, 191, 210–211 America’s Tribute to Neil Diamond, 209–210 Bali Hai golf course, 435 An Evening at La Cage, Riviera, 222 baccarat described, strategies, 319–322 An Evening at the Improv, Harrah’s, 250–251 Back to the Future, 104 Angel Park Golf Club, 435 backpacking, 451 apparel, clothing, 411 Bar at Times Square, The, 253–254 aquariums, 415 Barden, Don, 95 Arthur, Dirk, 221–222 Barrick Gambling, 6 artworks, Gallery of Fine Art Exhibition, Beach, The, 254–255 Bellagio, 413 Bear’s Best golf course, 436 attire for shows, 192 Beary Hobb’s Drifters, Sahara, 232 attractions. See also specific attraction or show Bellagio attractions, 413–414 Adventuredome, Circus Circus, 93, 413 bellmen, tipping, 33 Air Play, Tropicana, 421 Belz Factory Outlet mall, 409 Bellagio, 413–414 Berman, Lyle, 121 Big Shot, The (ride), 418 ‘best deals in Las Vegas,’ 143–144 celebrity headliners, 183, 200–204 ‘best locations on the Strip,’ 52–55 getting to shows, 192 ‘bests’ in Las Vegas, 147–148 High Roller (roller coaster), 418 bicycling, 446–451 impersonator shows, 185 Big Shot, The (ride), 121, 418–419 invited guests, line passes, 193 Bishop, Joey, 243 Las Vegas Hilton, 414–415 Black Canyon of Colorado River, 423, 454 Luxor, 415 Black Mountain Golf and Country Club, 436 magic/illusion shows, 184 blackjack strategies, 305–313 Mandalay Bay, 415 Blue Diamond Bike Outpost, 450–451

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Subject Index 467

Blue Man Group, Luxor, 185, 191, 199, 211–212 comfort zones, 18, 82–84 boating, 458–459 commuting Bonnie Springs Old Nevada, 421 from downtown to the Strip, 46 Bootleg Canyon, 449–450 to hotels from the airport, 22–23, 26–27 Borders Book Shop, 34 to shopping malls, 408–412 Borg Invasion, Las Vegas Hilton, 414 to shows, 192 Bottoms Up, Flamingo, 247 time between destinations (table), 48–51 Boulder City Municipal Golf Course, 437 Comp City: A Guide to Free Casino Vacations Boulder Highway area, 55 (Rubin), 278 Boulevard Mall, 409 complementary rooms, 61 bowling, 147 con jobs, 277–278 Breitling, Tom, 6, 98 conventions brunches, 332–333 avoiding, 22 Bryce Canyon, 425 business, 41, 43 buffets, 329–332 rates, 74–79 buses and trolleys, 47, 50 and special events calendar, 24–26 business travel packages, 74–82 Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, Sahara, 232 business visits to Las Vegas, 41, 43 costs. See also prices entertaining children, 36 C2K (club), Venetian, 255 rental cars, 27 cabs. See taxis taxi service, 23 Caesars Palace tipping, 32–34 Forum Shops, 407 costumes, 411–412 water-and-laser show, 421 Cottonwood Valley, 449–450 calendars of Las Vegas conventions, 22, 24–26 Coyote Ugly, New York–New York, 256 Campanile Bell Tower, 127 Craig Ranch Golf Course, 437 canoeing, 454–456 craps described, strategies, 313–318 Canyon Blaster (roller coaster), 413 Crazy Girls, Riviera, 205, 219–220 Canyon Gate Country Club, 434 crowd avoidance, 22 canyon tours, 425–426 Curtis, Anthony, 292 casino games described, 291 Curve, Aladdin, 256–257 Casino, The (reality TV show), 6, 98 celebrity headliners, 183, 200–204 Danny Gans: Entertainer of the Year, Mirage, 191, Celine Dion’s A New Day, Caesars Palace, 185, 220 189, 194, 212–214 David Brenner, Westin Casuarina Hotel, 220–221 champagne brunches, 332–333 Davis, Sammy, Jr., 243 Chaos (ride), 413 Golf Course, 129 cheating, 269 Desert Passage (shopping venue), 9, 85, 408 Cheetah’s (club), 273 Desert Pines Golf Club, 437 Chihuly Dale, 88 Desert Rock Sports, 453 children Desert Rose Golf Course, 438 bringing to Las Vegas, 34–37 Diamond, Neil, 209 Las Vegas attractions for, 421 dining. See also Restaurant Index Chippendales, Rio, 214 ‘best’ in Las Vegas, 147 Circus Circus Adventuredome, 413 ‘best’ restaurants, 337–349 Cirque du Soleil, 89, 125, 184, 194 buffets, champagne brunches, 329–332 Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere, Treasure Island, 89, in gourmet restaurants, 32 191, 199, 214–215 in Las Vegas generally, 326–328 Cirque du Soleil’s ‘O,’ Bellagio, 216–217 meal-deals, 333–336 Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, New York–New new developments of, 8 York, 113, 217–218 restaurant profiles, 349–406 Clark County, 31 dinner shows, 191 Clint Holmes: Takin’ It Uptown, Harrah’s, 218–219 Dion, Celine, 91, 183, 185 Club Paradise, 272 Dirk Arthur’s New Art of Magic, Plazza, 221–222 Club Rio, Rio, 255–256 discounted hotel rates, 61–66 Coasters, Sahara, 232 Dragone, Franco, 130, 183 Colorado River, Hoover Dam, 425 dress and weather chart, 21 Comedy Club, Riviera, 250 Drifters, Sahara, 232 comedy clubs, 186, 249–251 driving tours, 423–425 Comedy Stop, Tropicana, 250 Dylan’s Saloon & Dance Hall, 257 07_559710_bindex.qxd 7/27/04 8:56 AM Page 468

468 Subject Index

Eiffel Tower, Paris, 416–417 keno, 322–324 Elvis-a-Rama Museum, 423 for recreational gamblers, 286 Elvis impersonators, 185 roulette, 324–325 Emerald Springs Inn, 132 video-poker, 304–305 Engelstad, Ralph and Betty, 101 Gans, Danny, 220 entertainment. See also attractions, nightlife, or geographical zones of Las Vegas, 12–18 specific show ‘best’ restaurants in (table), 337–346 categories of, 183 nightclubs in, 253 for children, 35–36 Ghost Bar, Palms Hotel, 257–258 comedy clubs, 186 Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall, and Barbeque, New impersonator shows, 185 Frontier, 258–259 invited guests, line passes, 193 Gladys Knight, 224–225 nightlife generally, 251–253 Glitter Gulch, 4–5, 41 organization by geographic zones, 12 Gold’s Gym, 433 prices of shows, 188–190 golf courses. See also specific courses production shows, 184–185 ‘best,’ 147 Ethel M. Chocolate Factory, 36, 424 Desert Inn, 129 excursions and tours, 37 Hyatt Las Vegas, 5 exercise profiles and ratings of, 433–446 equipment, 148 Grand Canal Shops, 9, 127, 407 outdoor, 427–431 Grand Canyon, 425 Exotic Hypnotics, Riviera, 222–223 Green Valley area, 55 Greens of Las Vegas (golf), 434 Falcon Ridge golf course, 446 Griffin, Peter, 289 family destinations Guggenheim Heritage Museum, 420 development of, 8 guidebook Las Vegas’s, 34–37 about this, 9–12 , 407 author’s bias, 84 fees. See costs, prices organization of information in this, 12–18 fishing, 458–459 writing the author of this, 12 Flatley, Michael, 230–231 Gunter, Cornell, 232 flyovers, 426 Follies Bergere, Tropicana, 223–224 handball, 433 Forum Shops, 9, 91, 407 Hard Rock Hotel–The Joint, 200–201 Frederick’s of Hollywood, 409 Harrelson, Woody, 288 free shuttle service, 46 Hawaiian Marketplace, 409 Experience, 41, 420 health clubs, spas, 432, 459–460 frequent-player clubs, 301–302 Herbst family, 123 High Roller (roller coaster), 418–419 Gabe Kaplan’s Laugh Trax, Palace Station, 251 high rollers, 83 , 409 Highland Falls Golf Course, 438–439 Gambler’s Anonymous, 294 hiking, backpacking, 451 Gambler’s Book Club, 290 Hip-Nosis, O’Shea’s, 225–226 Gambler’s Book Store, 19 Hobbs, Beary, 232 Gambler’s General Store, 410 Hollywood Theater, MGM Grand, 203 gambling Honky Tonk Angels, Gold Coast, 226–227 best places to play, 292–293 Hoover Dam, 36, 425, 426 customs and protocols, 32 horseback riding, 457–458 games of chance and skill, 286–287 hotels. See also Hotel Index games of chance, law of averages, 284–286 within 20-minute walk of Convention gaming instruction and resources, 290–294 Center, 80 generally, 279–282 choosing, 39 house’s advantage, 282–284 clusters along the Strip, 54–57 slot machines, 294–302 comfort zones, 82–84 strategies. See gambling strategies convenience to other common destinations, where to play, 292–294 23–26 gambling strategies leisure, recreation, services ratings, 144–148 baccarat, 319–322 navigating the large, 130–131 blackjack, 305–313 organization by geographic zones, 12 bold-play, 289–290 profiles of, 84–130 craps, 313–318 rack rates, 60 07_559710_bindex.qxd 7/27/04 8:56 AM Page 469

Subject Index 469

rating and comparing, 134–144 Strip. See Las Vegas Strip reservations for business or conventions, weather and dress chart, 21 74–82 when to go in, 20–22 reservations, packages, deals, 59–74 Las Vegas Advisor newsletter, 19, 288 suite hotels, 131–132 Las Vegas Athletic Clubs, 432 without casinos, 132–133 Las Vegas Convention Center, 43–44, 79–82 House of Blues, Mandalay Bay, 202–202, 259 Las Vegas Country Club, 434 Hypnosis Zone, Rivera, 227 Las Vegas Golf Club, 439 Las Vegas Hilton Ice (club), 259–260 attractions, 414–415 Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas, Tropicana, Hilton Theater, 201 247–248 . See monorail IMAX 3-D theater, 415 Las Vegas National golf course, 439 Imperial Palace, auto collection, 421 Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 421 impersonator shows, 185 Las Vegas Paiute Resort golf course, 439–440 In Search of the Obelisk, 415 Las Vegas Premium Outlets shopping complex, Indecent Proposal (movie), 288 9, 409 Indian petroglyphs, 425 Las Vegas Review-Journal, 20 Internet Las Vegas Sporting House, 429, 432 entertainment calendar, 187 Las Vegas Strip finding deals on, 69–70 avoiding traffic on, 57–59 information about Las Vegas, 19–20 commuting from downtown, 46 Las Vegas shows, 198 and downtown area, 50–55 room reservations, 62–63 history and future of, 3–9 lodging and casinos generally, 39–40 jogging, 148, 427–431 Las Vegas Strip Trolley Company, 50 Joint, The, 200–201 laundry service, 45 Jubilee!, Bally’s, 86, 227 law of averages, 284–286 Legacy Golf Course, 440 Kaplan, Gabe, 251 Lee Canyon, 424, 456 kayaking, 454–456 Legends in Concerts, Imperial Palace, 185, 229 Kefauver, Estes, 268–273 leisure ratings, 144–148 keno described, strategies, 322–324 letters from guidebook readers, 11–12 Kerkorian, Kirk, 107 Liberace Foundation and Museum, 423 Klingon Encounter, Las Vegas Hilton, 414 Light (club), Bellagio, 260 Knight, Gladys, 183, 224–225 lion habitat, MGM Grand, 415 Kyle Canyon, 424, 457 liquor, 410 lodging. See also Hotel Index La Cage, 185, 222 convenience chart, 45–51 La Femme, MGM Grand, 228 Los Prados Country Club, 440 Lake Como, 5 lounges, 251–252 Lake Mead, 424, 426, 448, 452, 458 LR&S (Leisure, Recreation and Services) ratings, Lake Mohave, 458 144–148 Lance Burton: Master Magician, Monte Carlo, Lucas, Ronn, 248 199, 228–229 Luxor attractions, 415 Las Vegas arriving, getting oriented, 22–23 Mac King Comedy Magic Show, Harrah’s, 248 ‘bests’ list, 147–148 Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, 420 Convention/Special Events Calendar (table), magic/illusion shows, 184 24–26 ‘maitre d’ seating, 193 customs, protocol, 30–34 male strippers, 270–271 downtown area and the Strip, 50–55 Mamma Mia!, Mandalay Bay, 230 as family destination, 34–37 Mandalay Bay attractions, 415 geographical zones of, 12–18 Mandalay Bay Theater, 202–203 health clubs, 460 Mandalay Place (shopping venue), 408 hotels. See hotels, and Hotel Index Mandalay Resort Group, 5 lodging convenience chart, 45–51 Manhattan Express, New York–New York, 420 motels, 133–134 maps and illustrations (list), vii off the Strip, 55 Martin, Dean, 243 overview of, information about, 1–3, 19–20 Masquerade in the Sky, Rio, 117, 420–421 shopping. See shopping massage parlors, 275 07_559710_bindex.qxd 7/27/04 8:56 AM Page 470

470 Subject Index

McCarran International Airport, 22 outdoor recreation Meadows, the (shopping venue), 409 bicycling, 446–451 meal-deals, 333–336 golfing. See golfing Medieval Village, Excalibur, 36 Mesquite golf courses, 445 package deals, 61, 71 MGM Grand Painted Desert golf course, 440–441 attractions, 415 Palm Valley Golf Club, 441 Garden Area, Hollywood Theater, 203 Palmer, Charlie, 104 monorail station, 46 Palomino Club, The, 272 MGM Grand Showcase, 408–409 Paris Las Vegas attractions, 416 Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, 230–231 parking at large hotels, 43 microbreweries, 252 Petty, Richard, 421 Midnight Fantasy, Luxor, 231–232 pirate battle, Treasure Island, 415 Miller, Randy, 92 Planet Hollywood, 6, 85 Mirage attractions, 415–416 Platters, The, Sahara, 232 Mojave Desert, 423 police in Las Vegas, 268 monorail, 7, 41, 46, 47, 81, 87 Poster, Tim, 6, 98 Monte Lago Village, 118 Powerhouse Rock Gym, 454 Moore, Demi, 288 Presley, Elvis, 247–248 Moran, John, 274 priceline.com, 29 motels. See also Hotel Index prices. See also costs Las Vegas, 133–134 canyon tours, 425–426 rating and comparing, 134–144 driving tours, 424 , 424 golf courses. See specific course mountain biking, 449–451 hotel rates generally, 60 mousesavers.com, 29 overall trends of, 8 movies, 409 public transportation, 50 museums shows, 188–190 Elvis-a-Rama Museum, 423 Primm Valley Golf Club, 444–445 Guggenheim Heritage Museum, 420 private dancers, 275–276 Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 421 production shows Liberace Foundation and Museum, 423 closed productions, 187 Lied Discovery Museum, 421 generally, 184–185 Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, 420 hit parade, and ratings, 205 prostitution, 273–278 National Finals Rodeo, 20 public transportation routes, 47 Native American Indian petroglyphs, 425 RA (club), Luxor, 262 shopping, 411 racquetball, 433 natural attractions near Las Vegas, 423–426 Rain in the Desert (club), Palms Hotel, 263 (shopping venue), 409 rating and comparing Nevada Corporate Gaming Acts of 1967 and golfing, 433 1969, 269 hotels, 134–148 Newton, Wayne, 183, 200, 243–244 LR&S (Leisure, Recreation and Services), Nicklaus, Jack, 5, 436 144–148 Nightclub, The, Las Vegas Hilton, 186, 261 production shows, 205–208 nightclubs. See also specific club restaurants, 336–337 by geographic zone (table), 253 rooms, 137–138 profiles of, 253–268 reader survey, 12 nightlife. See also attractions, or specific show real estate, 20 generally, 251–253 recreation ratings, 144–148 Internet information about, 20 Red Rock Canyon, 36, 423, 424, 429–431, 448, Nine Fine Irishmen, New York–New York, 261 452 North Las Vegas, 55, 272 Red Rock Guide (Urioste), 453 nudity, 270–271 Redford, Robert, 288 Reflection Bay golf course, 441–442 ‘O,’ Bellagio, 185, 199 renting Olympic Gardens, 273 bicycles, 450 one-armed bandits. See slot machines canoes, kayaks, 456 OPM (club), Caesars Palace, 261–262 cars, 23, 26–30 organized crime, 268 fishing boats, personal watercraft, 459 Orleans Showroom, 203–204 snow skis, 457 07_559710_bindex.qxd 7/27/04 8:56 AM Page 471

Subject Index 471

reservation services, 70–71 shopping reservations commuting to malls, 408–412 for business travelers, 74–82 ethnic, 411 convention rates, 74–79 in Las Vegas generally, 407–412 deals on the Internet, 69–70 Showbiz Magazine, 19 for Las Vegas shows, 190 Showcase (shopping venue), 408–409, 423 and maitre d’ seating, 193 Showgirls brochure, 188 making room, 59–74 Showgirls of Magic, San Remo, 235–236 public transportation, 50 Showgirls, Rio, 235 tour operators and wholesalers, 66–69 showroom deals, 189 restaurants. See also Restaurant Index shows. See also attractions and specific show ‘best’ Las Vegas, 337–349 afternoon, 245–249 gourmet, 32 prices for, 188–190 organization by geographic zones, 12 selecting, 198–199 profiles of, 326–406 shuttle services, 23, 46, 80–81 restrooms at showrooms, 198 Si Redd’s Oasis golf course, 445 Revere at Anthem, golf course, 442 Siegal, Bugsy, 3 Reynolds, Debbie, 98 Siegfried & Roy, 112, 236 Richard Petty Driving Experience, 421 sightseeing Rim Runner (ride), 413 attraction profiles, 413–420 Rio Secco Golf Club, 442–443 in Las Vegas generally, 412 Risque (club), Paris, 263 Sinatra, Frank, 243 Rita Rudner, New York–New York, 233 skiing, snow, 456–457 river rafting, 454–455 Skintight, Harrah’s, 236–237 road biking, 447–449 slot clubs, 301–302 rock climbing, 453 slot machines, 294–302, 410 Rodeo, National Finals, 20 snow skiing, 456–457 roller coasters, 121, 417–420 Southshore Golf Club, 434 Ronn Lucas, Rio, 248 Spa Vita di Lago, 117 rooms Spanish Trail County Club, 434 rating and comparing, 134–144 spas, health clubs, 142, 432, 459–460 reservations, 59–74 special events calendar, 24–26 roulette described, strategies, 324–325 Speed (roller coaster), 417 Royal Links golf course, 443 Speedworld (ride), 417 Rubin, Max, 278 Spirit of the Dance, Golden Nugget, 237–238 Rudner, Rita, 183, 233 Splash, Riviera, 199, 238–239 rumjungle (club), Mandalay Bay, 264 Spring Mountain, 423 running, 148, 427–431 squash, 433 RuYn, Phil, 112 star ratings. See rating and comparing Star Trek: The Experience, Las Vegas Hilton, 103, Sahara attractions, 417 414 Sand Dollar Blues Lounge, 264 Starwood Hotels & Resorts, 85 Sands Hotel, 127 Steve Wyrick, Mind-Blowing Magic, Aladdin, Sandy Valley Ranch, 457 239–240 Sapphire Club, 272 Stratosphere attractions, 418 Scandia Family Fun Center, 421 strip clubs, 270–273 Scintas, Rio, 233–234 Strip, the. See Las Vegas Strip seasonal timing for visits, 60–61 Studio 54 (club), MGM Grand, 266 Second City, Flamingo, 182, 205, 234–235 Stupak, Bob, 121 Secret Garden, Mirage, 416 suite hotels, 131–133 security Summerlin area, 55 hotel room, 135 Sun City Summerlin golf course, 441 in Las Vegas generally, 427 sunbathing, 431 police in Las Vegas, 268 Sunrise Golf Club, 434 Sehlinger, Bob, 12 swimming pools, 37, 148, 431 services ratings, 144–148 Seven (club), 265 Tabu (club), MGM Grand, 266–267 Sevilla, Aladdin, 265–266 tanning, 431–432 sex in Las Vegas, 269–278 taxis, 23 Shadow Creek Golf Club, 433, 443–444 to Convention Center, 80–81 Shark Reef aquarium, 415 tipping, 33 Siena Golf Club, 444 tennis, 147 07_559710_bindex.qxd 7/27/04 8:56 AM Page 472

472 Subject Index

Thomas, Rick, 247–248 ‘ultralounges,’ 252 Thunder From Down Under, Excalibur, 240 unofficial guidebooks, 9–10 tickets prices for shows, 188–190 V: The Ultimate Variety Show, Desert Passage, and reservations, maitre d’ seating, 193–194 244–245 Tickets2Nite, 189 Valley of Fire, the, 423–425 Time Traveler (ride), 420 , 5 tipping Venetian attractions, 419–420 captain, 197 video poker, 302–305 customs and protocols, 32–34 visitor guide What’s On, 19 for good seats, 195–196 Viva Las Vegas, Stratosphere, 248–249 maitre d’, 196 volcanoes, Mirage, 415–416 Today in Las Vegas visitor guide, 19 VooDoo Lounge, Rio, 267–268 Toiyabe National Forest, 424, 452, 457 Tommy Rocker’s Cantina and Grill, 266–267 walking, running, 148, 427–431 Tony ’n’ Tina’s Wedding, Rio, 185, 191, 240–241 water-and-laser show, Caesars Palace, 421 Top of the World restaurant, attraction, 419 wax museum, 420 topless bars, 272 Wayne Newton, Stardust, 243–244 topless showgirls, 270 weather and dress chart, 21 tour operator deals, 66–69, 77 weight training, 432–433 Tournament of Kings, Excalibur, 191, 241–242 Wet ’n’ Wild water theme park, 55 Tournament Players Club, 101, 434 We Will Rock You, Paris, 245 tours What’s On visitor guide, 19 bicycling, 450 wholesale deals, 66–69, 77 driving, near Las Vegas, 423–425 wigs, 411 hiking, 453 wine, liquor, 410 and excursions, 37 Wizard of Suds, 45 traffic on the Strip, 57–59 Wolf Creek at Paradise Canyon golf course, 446 travel agents, 64–66 World of Coca-Cola, 423 travel packages, evaluating, 72–74 World’s Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isles, travel wholesalers, 66–69 245–246 Travelers Discount Guide, 71–72 Wynn, Steve, 6, 87, 107, 129 Treasure Island attractions, 415–416 Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey, and Dean, Greek X Scream (ride), 418–419 Isles, 243 trolleys and buses, 47, 50 Zion Canyon, 425 Trumbull, Douglas, 104, 415 zones, geographical, 12–18