31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 303

Index

Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort & • A • Casino, 17, 19, 105, 288 AAA Alaska Airlines, 45 auto travel, 48, 295 Alizé, 12, 141 membership, 39 All Hotels on the Web, 99 AARP membership, 39, 55 Allegiant Air, 45 Access America, 63 Aloha Airlines, 45 Access-Able Travel, 56 America West, 45 Accessible Journeys, 56 American Airlines, 45 adult hotels, 95–96 American Airlines Vacations, 51 Adventure, 110 American Eagle, 45 Adventuredome, 202 American Express, 41, 295 age, gambling, 174 American Express Vacations, 51 Air Canada, 45 American Trans Air, 45 Air Tickets Direct, 47 Amtrak, 45 airfares, best, 46–47 Andre’s, 12, 122–123, 141 airline security antiques shopping, 239 carry-on items, 69 April calendar of events, 30 curbside check-in, 68 Aqua, 143 e-tickets, 68 architecture, , 20 electronic kiosks, 68 area code, 295 gate check-in, 68 arrivals IDs, 68 car arrival, 76–77 metal objects, 68–69 information, 82–83 online check-in, 68 Atlantic City gambling, 18 airlines ATMs, 40–41, 295 about, 45, 298–299 atriums, 283 booking online, 47–48 attractions sales, 47 about, 201–202 security, 68–69 best of Las Vegas, 13 airports cost, 37, 38 gambling, COPYRIGHTED21, 74 maps, MATERIAL 203–204, 207, 211 limo, 76 money, 36–37 renting cars, 74 neighborhoods, 229–230 shuttle, 75–76 sports, 225–228 shuttle service, 60 top sites, 202–229 slot machines, 18 by type, 230–231 taxis, 74–75 Aureole, 12, 143 Austin’s Steakhouse, 13, 143–144 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 304

304 Las Vegas For Dummies, 3rd Edition

non-celebrity chef restaurants, 12 • B • non-Vegas moment, 11 baby-sitters, 295 production shows, 13 baccarat, 196 red meat, 13 Bale’s Las Vegas, 105–106 resort hotels, 11 Barbara Coast Hotel & Casino, 106 smart guys, 13 bargains swimming pool, 12 about, 291 theme hotels, 12 Ellis Island Casino, 291 Vegas revue, 13 Experience, 292 best rooms, hotels, 100 Gold Coast, 293 Best Western Mardi Gras Inn, Golden Gate Hotel, 292 108–109 Harrah’s, 292 betting, roulette, 189–190 Imperial Palace, 293 beverages cost, 38 Key Largo, 292–293 Beyond Belief, 19 Mirage, 292 big 6 bet , 195 Westward Ho, 293 big 8 bet craps, 195 bars biking, 225 about, 273–275 Bikini, 22 sports, 277 Binion’s Horseshoe, 184, 199 bathrooms, 12, 297 Bishop, Joey, 17 Beach, The, 22 blackjack Bell Trans, 76 about, 185 , 11, 12, 36, 106–108, chips, 185 184, 198 comp, 188 Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, 36, 205 dealer minimum, 186 Bellagio Water Fountains, 11, dealers, 187–188 204–205 doubling down, 187 Benny Binion’s Horseshoe Club, 16 downtown, 188 Bergen, Edgar, 16 hitting, 186 best of Las Vegas how to play, 185 about, 9 insurance, 186–187 bathrooms, 12 multi-deck games, 186 budget meals, 13 pit boss, 188 buffets, 13 push, 185 cheap fun, 11 shoe, 186 chef restaurants, 12 single-deck games, 186 classic Vegas revue, 13 splitting, 187 downtown hotel, 12 standing, 186 entertainment, 13 stash, 188 experiences, 11 strategy, 186 hotels, 11–12 Blue Man Group, 13 magic shows, 13 Boingo, 67 map, 10 Bonnie Springs Ranch trip, 250–252 new hotel, 11 booking online, airlines, 47–48 new restaurant, 13 books, 22–23 Border Grill, 144 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 305

Index 305

Bouchon, 12, 13, 130, 144–145 discounts, 61 Bougainvillea, 145–146 liability insurance, 62 Boulder Dam, 15 out of town, 60 Boulder Highway, 82 personal accident insurance, 62 bowling, 225–226 personal affects insurance, 62 Bringing Down the House, 22 rates, 61 Brookstone, 69 refueling packages, 62 budget gambling, 199 weekend vs weekday rates, 61 budget restaurants, 13, 138–139 car travel buffet restaurants, 13, 137 AAA, 48 Bugsy, 22 California, 48–49 bungee jumping, 226 east-west route, 85 Burger Bar, 165 north-south routes, 85 Burton, Lance, 13, 262–264 Northwest, 50 bus service, 60, 90–91 renting busy slot machines, 179 routes, 48–50 buy bets craps, 193 rules of road, 87 Bye, Bye, Birdie, 18 scenic route, 50 Stratosphere Hotel, 87 traffic jams, 84–86 • C • upper Midwest, 50 Caesar’s Palace, 11, 37, 109, 198 weather, 48 Café Heidelberg German Deli and Caribbean stud, 196 Restaurant, 146 Carlin, George, 37 cafes, 166 carry-on items, airlines, 69 calendar of events casino clubs gambling, 174 about, 29 Casino de Paris, 18 April, 30 casino hotels, 94 December, 31 Casino Legends Hall of Fame February, 30 Museum, 205 January, 29 Celebrity Poker, 183 June, 30 cellphones, 65–66 March, 30 centennial celebration, 29 May, 30 Center Strip November, 31 about, 77 October, 31 dining, 149 September, 30 hotels, 108 California auto travel, 48–49 chain hotels, 95 Camera repair, 295 chain restaurants, 136, 139 Canyon Ranch Spa, 130 Channing, Carol, 17 Capriotti’s, 13, 146 chapels, 284–285 car arrival, 76–77 Charlie Palmer Steak, 13, 114, car rental 146–147 about, 59, 299 cheap fun, 11 airport, 74 cheating, gambling, 175 Collision Damage Waiver, 61 chef restaurants, 12 Chinese food, 168 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 306

306 Las Vegas For Dummies, 3rd Edition

chips, blackjack, 185 come bet, 194 Chocolate Swan, 166 coming out, 193 CineVegas Film Festival, 30 craps out, 193 Circo, 147 don’t come bet, 195 Circus Circus, 18, 59, 110, 199, 287 don’t pass bar bet, 194 Circus Circus Midway, 215 field bet, 195 Cirque de Soleil, 13, 22, 37, 260–261 Hard Way bets, 195 Citicorp, 43 lay bets, 193 Citizen’s Area Transit, 76, 90 pass line, 193 Cladwell, John, 183–184 pass line bet, 194 Clarion Emerald Springs, 109–110 place bet, 195 Clark County Heritage Museum, 223 play odds, 193 Clark County Marriage License point, 193 Bureau, 221 proposition bet, 195 classic Vegas revue, best, 13 shooter, 193 Cleopatra’s Barge Nightclub, 37 craps out, 193 clothes shopping, 239–240 Cravings Buffet at , 148 Clover Room, 17 Crawford, Joan, 17 coffeehouses, 166 credit cards, 41, 43, 295–296 Collision Damage Waiver, Crowne Plaza, 110 car rental, 61 cuisine restaurants, 168–169 column bets roulette, 190 Cupid’s Wedding Chapel, 221 combinations and odds craps, curbside check-in, 68 193–196 curfews, 54 come bet craps, 194 cybercafes, 66–68 comedy clubs about, 267, 269 maps, 268 • D • coming out craps, 193 dance clubs, 22, 270–273 Commander’s Palace, 147 Davis, Sammy Jr., 16, 17 comp blackjack, 188 dealer minimum blackjack, 186 computer games, 197 dealers, blackjack, 187–188 Consumer Electronics Show, 28, 29 December calendar of events, 31 contacts, extra pair, 64 deep vein thrombosis, 64 Continental Airlines, 45 Delmonico Steakhouse, 148 Continental Airlines Vacations, 51 Delta Airlines, 45 Convention Center, Las Vegas, Delta Vacations, 51 81, 295 dentists, 296 cost saving, 39–40 , 16, 18, 289 Côte d’Azur, 17 destroyed landmarks, 287–289 Craftsteak, 121 dining. See also restaurants craps money, 36 about, 192 savings, 40 big 6 bet, 195 disabilities, travelers with, 55–56 big 8 bet, 195 discounts, 39, 98 buy bets, 193 doctors, 296 combinations and odds, 193–196 don’t come bet craps, 195 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 307

Index 307

don’t pass bar bet craps, 194 expensive doubling down blackjack, 187 hotels, 284 downtown restaurants, 135–136 about, 77 experiences, best of Las Vegas, 11 blackjack, 188 experts, slot machines, 18 hotels, 12, 113 neighborhoods, 80–81 Downtown Transportation • F • Center, 54 Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 112 Dragon Noodle Company, 148 fall season, 27–28 dress, restaurants, 137 families, 53–54 drinks, gambling, 174 family hotels, 95–96 dry cleaners, 296 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, 22 , 288 February calendar of events, 30 Durante, Jimmy, 16 field bet craps, 195 fields, roulette, 189 Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel, 112 • E • Flamingo, 16, 112–113 E-mail, 65–66 Flamingo Road, 77 e-tickets, airlines, 68 flat-top slot machines, 176 East Las Vegas neighborhood, 82 floods, 18 east-west route, getting around, 85 Flower Drum Song, 18 Eiffel Tower Tour, 224 flush, poker, 181–182 8/5 machine, poker, 181 FlyCheap, 46 Eighth Wonder of World, 15–16 Flying Wheels Travel, 56 , 16, 199 Folies Bergère, 18, 262 El Cortez Emerald Room, 138 food courts, 164 , 16, 17, 287 foot, getting around on, 88–89 El Sombrero Café, 149–150 Forum Shops, 37 Elderhostel, 55 Forum Shops at ElderTreks, 55 Fountain Shows, 206 Eldorado Club Downtown, 16 four day itineraries, 241–244 Electric Horseman, The, 22 four of a kind, poker, 181–182 electronic kiosks, airlines, 68 , 114 Ellis Island Casino, 291 Four Seasons, 11, 114 Elvis O’Rama Museum, 205–206 free shows, 11 emergencies, 296 Fremont Street Experience, 16, 19, Emeril’s 59, 206, 292 Fish House, 150 French food, 168 entertainment. See attractions frequent-flier bonuses, Ethel M Chocolates/M&M’s World, car rental, 61 215–216 Frommer’s guidebooks, 302 etiquette slot machines, 178 Frontier Airlines, 46 Excalibur Hotel, 19, 20, 53, 110–112 full house, poker, 181–182 Expedia, 47, 61 fun for families, 213–219 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 308

308 Las Vegas For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Grand Slam Canyon, 19 • G • Grand Wok and Sushi Bar, 150–151 gambling Resort, 82, 115 about, 21 Griffin, Merv, 18 age, 174 group travel hotels, 97 airport, 74 GSM (Global System basics, 173–175 for Mobiles), 66 budget gambler, 199 Guggenheim/Hermitage casino clubs, 174 Museums, 208 cheating, 175 Guinness Book of World computer games, 197 Records, 283 drinks, 174 Guinness World of Records hotel gaming lessons, 197 Museum, 223 information, 196–197 laws, 296 locations, 197–200 • H • losing, 175 , 288 money spent, 285 Hard Rock Cafe, 151 in , 15 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 19, not serious gambler, 198–199 116, 198 serious gambler, 197–198 Hard Way bets craps, 195 smoking, 174–175 Harley-Davidson Cafe, 151 gambling gear shopping, 240 Harrah’s Las Vegas, 116–117, GameWorks, 218–219 198, 292 Gans, Danny, 261 Hawaiian Airlines, 46 gate check-in, airline, 68 Haymes, Dick, 17 Gay & Lesbian Pride Celebration, 30 Hayworth, Rita, 17 gays and lesbian travelers health about, 56–57 about, 63 clubs, 277–278 deep vein thrombosis, 64 getting around glasses, 64 about, 73–91 identification cards, 64 car, 83–87 Medic Alert Foundation, 65 Ghost Bar, 22 medications, 64–65 glasses, extra pair, 64 health clubs, 227 Global System for Mobiles Henderson neighborhood, 82 (GSM), 66 Henie, Sonja, 16 Gold Coast, 293 hidden costs hotels, 101–102 , 138 highway conditions, 296 Golden Gate Hotel, 292 hitting blackjack, 186 Golden Nugget, 12, 16, 115, 184 Holiday Inn, 110 Golden Nugget Buffet, 150 Holiday Inn Casino Boardwalk golfing, 226 Deli, 139 GoToMyPC, 67 Holmes, Clint, 263 Goudeau, Michael, 214–215 Honeymoon in Vegas, 22 , 37, 207–208 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 309

Index 309

Hoover Dam, 15, 21, 247–250 Las Vegas Hilton, 118 Horseshoe, Binion’s, 184, 199 by location, 131–132 hotels Luxor, 118–120 about, 93, 299–300 Main Street Station, 120 adult, 95–96 , 120–121 Aladdin/Planet Hollywood maps, 104, 107 Resort & Casino, 105 MGM Grand Hotel, 121 Bally’s Las Vegas, 105–106 Mirage, 122 Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino, 106 Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, Bellagio, 106–108 122–123 best, 11–12, 103–130 New York-New York, 123 best rooms, 100 no reservation, 131 Best Western Mardi Gras Inn, non-casino, 94 108–109 North Strip map, 111 business centers, 66 number of rooms, 284 Caesar’s Palace, 109 Orleans, 123–124 casino, 94 package tours, 98 chain, 95 Palms Resort & Casino, 124 Circus Circus, 110 Paradise Road map, 119 Clarion Emerald Springs, 109–110 Casino cost, 35–36, 38 Resort, 105–106, 124 Crowne Plaza, 110 parking, 60, 105 discounts, 98 by price, 132–133 downtown, 12 pricing, 102–103 Excalibur Hotel, 110–112 rack rates, 96–97 expensive, 284 rates, 96–99 Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 112 reservations, 97–98 families, 53–54, 95–96 Rio Hotel & Casino, 125 Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel, 112 Ritz Carlton , Flamingo, 112–113 125–126 Four Queens, 114 Riviera Hotel & Casino, 126 Four Seasons, 114 Sahara Hotel & Casino, 126 gaming lessons, 197 shops, 236–238 Golden Nugget, 115 small, 94 Green Valley Ranch Resort, 115 smoking, 99 group travel, 97 Stardust Resort & Casino, 126–127 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 116 Stratosphere Las Vegas, 127 Harrah’s Las Vegas, 116–117 tallest, 284 hidden costs, 101–102 Terrible’s Casino and Hotel, Imperial Palace, 117 127–128 information, 83 THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, 128 Internet deals, 98–99 theme, 95 La Quinta Inn, 118 TI at the Mirage, 128–129 Lady Luck Casino Hotel, 117 Tropicana Resort & Casino, 129 large, 94 valuables security, 42 largest, 284 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 310

310 Las Vegas For Dummies, 3rd Edition

hotels (continued) itineraries Venetian, 129–130 four day, 241–244 Web sites, 99 Hoover Dam, 247–250 Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Lake Mead, 247–250 Hotel & Spa, 130 Red Rock Canyon, 250–252 without reservations, 100–102 hotlines, 296 Hotwire, 47 • J • House of Blues, 121 jackpots, slot machines, 178 Hughes, Howard, 18 jacks in poker, 181–182 January calendar of events, 29 Japanese food, 168 • I • Jazzed Cafe, 277 Ice House Lounge, 151 JetBlue, 46 identification cards, health, 64 Jillian’s, 152–153 IDs, airlines, 68 Jodi Maroni’s Sausage Imperial Palace, 117, 198, 293 Kingdom, 166 Imperial Palace Auto Jubilee!, 13, 22, 262 Collection, 208 June calendar of events, 30 Imperial Palace Coffee Shop, 139 In the Shadow of the Strip, 23 Indecent Proposal, 22 • K • information Keller, Thomas, 13 about, 296 keno arrivals, 82–83 about, 191–192 sources, 301 runner, 191 Web sites, 301 spots, 191 inside bets roulette, 189 Key Largo, 292–293 insurance King Tut’s Tomb and Museum, 216 blackjack, 186–187 lost luggage, 63 medical, 63 • L • travel, 62–63 La Quinta Inn, 118 trip-cancellation insurance, 62 Lady Luck Casino Hotel, 117 International Gay and Lesbian Laine, Frankie, 16 Travel Association, 57 Lake Mead, 21, 247–250 Internet access, 66–68 landmarks, disappeared, 287–289 Internet deals, hotels, 98–99 large hotels, 94 Internet kiosks, 66 largest hotel, 284 Internet rates, 39 Las Vegas Internet Service Provider (ISP), about, 9 66, 68 best of, 9–13 InTouch USA, 65 history, 15–20 INTRAV, 55 local architecture, 20 iPass network, 68 map, 10 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 311

Index 311

1930s, 15–16 location 1940s, 16 hotels by, 131–132 1950s, 16–17 restaurants by, 167 1960s, 17–18 Lorenzi Park, 222 1970s, 18 losing, gambling, 175 1980s, 18–19 lost luggage insurance, 63 1990s to present, 19–20 Lotus of Siam, 154 , 223 Lowe, Charles, 17 Las Vegas Chamber of Lutece, 20 Commerce, 83 Luxor IMAX Theater/In Search Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s of the Obelisk, 210 Authority, 29, 83, 118 , 12, 19, 20, Las Vegas Cyber Speedway, 208–209 118–120, 199, 283 Las Vegas Hilton, 118, 197, Luxor Pharaoh’s Pheast Buffet, 154 199, 287 Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix, 216 Las Vegas Natural History • M • Museum, 223–224 Madame Tussaud’s Celebrity Las Vegas Review Journal, 301 Encounter, 210 Trolley, 91 magazines, 297 Las Vegas Weekly, 301 magic shows, 13 Last Honest Place in America, The, 22 mail2web, 66 Lawford, Peter, 17 Main Street Station, 12, 13, 120, 200 Lawry’s The Prime Rib, 13, 153 Main Street Station Garden Court lay bets craps, 193 Buffet, 154 Le Cirque, 153 malls shopping, 235 Leaving Las Vegas, 22, 23 Mame, 18 Legends in Concert, 264 Mamma Mia!, 264 lesbians, 56–57, 277–278 Mandalay Bay, 12, 19, 59, let-it-ride, 196 120–121, 197 Lewis, Jerry, 16 Manhattan Express Roller Coaster, liability insurance, car rental, 62 210–211 Liberace, 17 maps Liberace Museum, 11, 54, 59, 209 about, 296 Liberty Travel, 50 Center Strip dining, 149 Lido de Paris, 17 Center Strip hotels, 108 Lied Discovery Children’s comedy clubs, 268 Museum, 209 downtown hotels, 113 light beams, 283 hotels, 104, 107 Limericks, 153 Las Vegas, 10 limos, from airport, 76 neighborhoods, 77–79 Lion Experience, 121 North Strip restaurants, 152 liquor laws, 296 Paradise Road hotels, 119 Literary Las Vegas, 23 restaurants, 142 local restaurants, 138–139 restaurants, Paradise Road, 155 shopping, 234 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 312

312 Las Vegas For Dummies, 3rd Edition

maps (continued) Morton, Peter, 19 shows, 257 Resort, 30 South Strip hotels, 107 movies, 22–23 South Strip restaurants, 145 moving sidewalks, 89–90 traffic jams, 84–86 multi-deck games blackjack, 186 Marjorie Barrick Museum, 222 music, live, 270 Martin, Dean, 16, 17 Maryland Parkway neighborhood, 82 •N • Masquerade Village Show National Finals Rodeo, 31 in the Sky, 216 NCAA March Madness, 28, 30 MasterCard, 43 neighborhoods max playing, slot machines, 179 about, 77–79 May calendar of events, 30 attractions, 229–230 McCarran International Airport, 73 downtown, 80–81 McCarthy, Charlie, 16 East Las Vegas, 82 Medic Alert Foundation, 65 Henderson, 82 medical insurance, 63 map, 77–79 medications, traveling, 64–65 Maryland Parkway, 82 Mediterranean Café & Market, 156 Paradise Road, 81 metal objects, airlines security, Strip, 79–80 68–69 between Strip and downtown, 81 Mexican food, 169 , 224 MGM Grand Hotel, 19, 36, 53, 121, , 219 200, 284 New Frontier, 17 Midwest Airlines, 46 new hotels, best of Las Vegas, 11 Mills Brothers, 16 New Orleans Fish House, 121 mini-baccarat, 196 new restaurants, best Mirage, 19, 36, 88, 122, 184, 197, 292 of Las Vegas, 13 Mirage Dolphin Habitat, 11 New Year’s Eve, 28, 31 Mirage Volcano, 211–212 New York-New York, 12, 19, 20, Mizuno’s, 156 123, 198 Mon Ami Gabi, 156–157 Newman, Paul, 17 money Newspapers, 297 about, 38 Newton, Wayne, 17 attractions, 36–37 9/6 machine, poker, 181 dining, 36 1930s, Las Vegas, 15–16 entertainment, 37 1940s, Las Vegas, 16 lodging, 35–36 1950s, Las Vegas, 16–17 shopping, 37 1960s, Las Vegas, 17–18 transportation, 36 1970s, Las Vegas, 18 monorail system, 60, 89–90 1980s, Las Vegas, 18–19 Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery, 157 1990s to present, Las Vegas, 19–20 Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 19, no reservation hotels, 131 122–123, 197 non-casino hotels, 94 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 313

Index 313

non-celebrity chef restaurants, Paris Las Vegas Casino Resort, 20, best of Las Vegas, 12 105–106, 124 non-Vegas moment, best parking, hotels, 60, 105 of Las Vegas, 11 parks, 21 north-south routes, getting pass line bet craps, 194 around, 85 pass line craps, 193 North Strip Penn & Teller, 13, 264–265 about, 77 penny slots, 11 dining, 152 performers, 21–22 hotels, 111 personal accident insurance, Northwest Airlines, 46 car rental, 62 Northwest auto travel, 50 personal affects insurance, not serious gambler, 198–199 car rental, 62 November calendar of events, 31 PF Chang’s China Bistro, 158–159 nuclear testing near Las Vegas, 17 PGA Tour Las Vegas Invitational, 31 nuggets, 285 PGA Tournament of Champions, 17 pharmacies, 297 Picasso, 12, 20, 159 • O • Pink Taco, 159 Ocean’s Eleven, 17, 22 Pinot Brasserie, 159–160 October calendar of events, 31 pit boss blackjack, 188 Odd Couple, The, 18 place bet craps, 195 odd-even bets roulette, 190 Places to Stay, 99 off season travel, 39 plane arrivals, 73–76 Oktoberfest, 30 play odds craps, 193 Olives, 157 point craps, 193 Onda, 157–158 poker rooms, 183 One From the Heart, 22 police, 297 one pair, poker, 181 Positively Fifth Street, 22 online check-in, airlines, 68 post office, 297 Orbitz, 47, 61 Presley, Elvis, 17, 18, 289 Orleans, 123–124, 184 Priceline, 47 outlet malls shopping, 235–236 prices outside bets roulette, 189 hotels, 102–103, 132–133 restaurants, 169–170 production shows, 13 • P • progressive slot machines, 176–178 package tours, 39, 50–51, 98 proposition bet craps, 195 pai-gow poker, 196 public libraries, 66 Palms Festival Market Buffet, 158 push blackjack, 185 Palms Resort & Casino, 124, 184 Paradise Road • R • area, 77 hotels, 119 rack rates, hotels, 96–97 map, 155 Rain, 37 neighborhood, 81 Rainforest Cafe, 121, 160 Paris, Le Village Buffet, 13, 158 Range, 160 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 314

314 Las Vegas For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Rat Pack, 17–18 food courts, 164 rates, car rental, 61 Golden Nugget Buffet, 150 red-black bets roulette, 190 Grand Wok and Sushi Bar, 150–151 red meat, best of Las Vegas, 13 Hard Rock Cafe, 151 Red Rock Canyon, 21, 26, 250–252 Harley-Davidson Cafe, 151 Red Square, 20, 160–161 Ice House Lounge, 151 refueling packages, car rental, 62 Jillian’s, 152–153 renting cars from airport, 74 Jodi Maroni’s Sausage reservations Kingdom, 166 hotels, 97–98 Lawry’s The Prime Rib, 153 restaurants, 137 Le Cirque, 153 resort hotels, best of Las Vegas, 11 Limericks, 153 restaurants local, 138–139 about, 20, 135 by location, 167 Alizé, 141 Lotus of Siam, 154 Andre’s, 141 Luxor Pharaoh’s Pheast Aqua, 143 Buffet, 154 Aureole, 143 Main Street Station Garden Austin’s Steakhouse, 143–144 Court Buffet, 154 best, 12–13, 139–163 map, 142 Border Grill, 144 Mediterranean Café & Market, 156 Bouchon, 144–145 Mizuno’s, 156 Bougainvillea, 145–146 Mon Ami Gabi, 156–157 budget, 138–139 Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery, 157 buffets, 137 North Strip, 152 Café Heidelberg German Deli and Olives, 157 Restaurant, 146 Onda, 157–158 cafes, 166 Palms Festival Market Buffet, 158 Capriotti’s, 146 Paradise Road map, 155 Center Strip dining, 149 Paris, Le Village Buffet, 158 chains, 136, 139 PF Chang’s China Bistro, 158–159 Charlie Palmer Steak, 146–147 Picasso, 159 chef restaurants, 12 Pink Taco, 159 Chocolate Swan, 166 Pinot Brasserie, 159–160 Circo, 147 by price, 169–170 coffeehouses, 166 prices, 140–141 Commander’s Palace, 147 Rainforest Cafe, 160 cost, 38 The Range, 160 Cravings Buffet at the Mirage, 148 Red Square, 160–161 by cuisine, 168–169 reservations, 137 Delmonico Steakhouse, 148 Rio’s Carnival World Buffet, 161 Dragon Noodle Company, 148 Rosemary’s Restaurant, 161 dress, 137 Second Street Grill, 162 El Sombrero Café, 149–150 smoking, 137 Emeril’s New Orleans south Strip dining, 145 Fish House, 150 Spago, 162 expensive, 135–136 Stage Deli, 162–163 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 315

Index 315

sweets, 165–166 Sands Hotel, 17, 288 Viva Mercados, 163 satellite phones, 65–66 Wolfgang Puck Cafe, 163 Scandia Family Fun Center, 217 Z Tejas Grill, 163 scenic route, auto travel, 50 restrooms, 12, 297 seafood, 169 Rio Hotel & Casino, 30, 36, 125, 199 seasons Rio’s Carnival World Buffet, 161 about, 25 Risque, 22 fall, 27–28 Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas, spring, 25–26 11, 82, 125–126 summer, 26–27 Riviera Hotel & Casino, 17, 126 winter, 27, 28–29 Riviera’s Nickeltown Deli, 139 winter temperatures, 27 RoadPost, 66 Second City Improv, 265 Robinson, Bill, 16 Second Street Grill, 162 rooms, number, 284 Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy/ Rosemary’s Restaurant, 12, 161 The Mirage Dolphin roulette Habitat, 212 about, 188–189 security airlines, 68–69 betting, 189–190 senior travelers, 54–55 column bets, 190 September calendar of events, 30 fields, 189 serious gambler gambling, 197–198 inside bets, 189 Shark Reef Exhibit, 121, 217 odd-even bets, 190 shoe blackjack, 186 outside bets, 189 shooter craps, 193 red-black bets, 190 shopping single-number bets, 190 about, 233–235 routes, auto travel, 48–50 antiques, 239 royal flush, poker, 181–182 for basics, 238–239 Rudner, Rita, 37 clothes, 239–240 rules gambling gear, 240 of road, 87 hotel shops, 236–238 video poker, 182 malls, 235 rumjungle, 22 money, 37 runner, keno, 191 outlet malls, 235–236 Showboat, 16 Showgirls, 22 • S • showrooms, 265–266 safes, in-room, 42 shows safety about, 21–22, 255, 258 about, 297 Blue Man Group, 259 walking, 60 Celine Dion, 259–260 Sahara Hotel & Casino, 16, 126, Cirque de Soleil, 260–261 184, 199 Danny Gans, 261 Sam’s Town Hotel and Folies Bergère, 262 Gambling Hall, 82 Holmes, Clint, 263 San Francisco Sally’s Victorian Jubilee!, 262 Chapel, 221 Lance Burton, 262–264 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 316

316 Las Vegas For Dummies, 3rd Edition

shows (continued) Special interest clubs, 275–276 Legends in Concert, 264 Special Memory Wedding Chapel, 221 Mamma Mia!, 264 splitting blackjack, 187 map, 257 sports bars, 277 Penn & Teller, 264–265 sports betting, 196 Second City Improv, 265 sports spectators, 228–229 tickets, 255–256 spots keno, 191 Tournament of Kings, 265 springtime season, 25–26 shuttle from airport, 75–76 STA Travel Siegel, Bugsy, 16 Stage Deli, 162–163 Siegfried & Roy, 18, 19 standard poker, 196 sightseeing tours, 229 standing blackjack, 186 Sinatra, Frank, 17 Star Trek: The Experience, 212 single-deck games blackjack, 186 Stardust Resort & Casino, single-number bets roulette, 190 126–127, 159 slot machines Stardust Toucan Harry’s, 139 about, 175–176 stash blackjack, 188 busy, 179 Steele, Alfred, 17 etiquette, 178 straight flush, poker, 181–182 experts, 18 straight, poker, 181–182 flat-top machines, 176 strategy blackjack, 186 how they work, 176 Stratosphere Las Vegas, 19, 53, 54, jackpots, 178 59, 87, 127 max playing, 179 Stratosphere Tower and progressive machines, 176–178 Thrill Rides, 213 small hotels, 94 Strip smart guys, best of Las Vegas, 13 about, 11 Smarter Living, 47, 61 and downtown neighborhoods, 81 smoking expansion, 16 about, 297 neighborhoods, 79–80 gambling, 174–175 visiting, 244–245 hotels, 99 walking, 60 restaurants, 137 strip clubs, 37, 278–279 Softbank Comdex convention, Studio 54, 22 28, 31 summer season, 26–27 Song Airlines, 46 Sun Country, 46 South Strip Sunset Park, 222–223 about, 77 Sunset Road, 82 hotels, 107 Super Bowl, 28, 29 restaurants, 145 sweets, restaurant, 165–166 Southern Nevada Zoological and swimming pools, 12 Botanical Park, 217 Southwest Airlines, 46 Southwest Vacations, 51 • T • souvenirs, 39 T-Mobile Hotspots, 67 Spacequest Casino, 197, 199 Tabu, 22 Spago, 20, 162 tallest hotels, 284 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 317

Index 317

taxes, 297 taxis • U • about, 297–298 Union Plaza, 18 from airport, 74–75 United Airlines, 46 cost, 38, 59 University of Nevada Las Vegas, 222 getting around, 87–88 upper Midwest auto travel, 50 temperatures, 29 US Airways, 46 tennis, 227–228 US Airways Vacations, 51 Terrible’s Casino and Hotel, 127–128 Thai food, 169 • V • Thanksgiving, 31 Valentine’s Day, 30 THEhotel, 11, 128 Valley of Fire State Park, 21, theme hotels 247–250 about, 95 valuables, hotel security, 42 best of Las Vegas, 12 Vegas revue, 13 three card poker, 196 Vegas Vacation, 22 three of a kind, poker, 181–182 , 289 Thunderbird Hotel, 18, 287 Venetian, 20, 129–130, 197 TI at the Mirage, 128–129 video arcades, 218 time, 298 video poker time zone, 298 about, 180 tourist magazines, 39–40 how it works, 180 Tournament of Kings, 265 rules, 182 traffic jams, 84–86 winning hands, 181–182 train service, 45 views, great, 276–277 trams, 89–90 Vis Rent a Car, 56 transit information, 298 Visa, 42 transportation cost, 36 visiting Strip, 244–245 Transportation Security visitors number, 285 Administration, 69 Viva Mercados, 163 Travel Guard Alerts, 62–63 Voodoo Lounge, 125 Travel Guard International, 62–63 travel insurance, 62–63 Travel Insured International, 63 • W • travelers checks, 41–42, 43 Travelex Insurance Services, 63 walking hazards, 60 Travelocity, 47, 61 wallet, stolen, 43 TravelWeb, 99 Wayport, 67 Treasure Island, 19, 20, 36 weather, auto travel, 48 Treasure Island Sirens of TI, 213 weather and time, 298 trip-cancellation insurance, 62 Web sites trolleys, 91 airlines, 45–46 Tropicana Resort & Casino, Amtrak, 45 18, 129, 199 ATMs, 40–41 24/7: Living It Up and Doubling booking online airlines, 47–48 Down, 23 centennial celebration, 29 31_573829 bindex.qxd 11/20/04 12:15 AM Page 318

318 Las Vegas For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Web sites (continued) Westin Casuarina Las Vegas CineVegas Film Festival, 30 Hotel & Spa, 130 Expedia, 61 Westward Ho, 293 Gay & Lesbian Pride Westward Ho Snack Bar, 139 Celebration, 30 Wet ’n’ Wild, 217–218 hotels, 99 wheel of fortune, 196 Information, 301 wi-fi, 67 Internet access, 66–68 wild weather, 27 InTouchUSA, 65 winds, 26 Las Vegas Convention and winning hands video poker, Visitor’s Authority, 29 181–182 Medic Alert Foundation, 65 winter season, 27, 28–29 National Finals Rodeo, 31 winter temperatures, 27 NCAA March Madness, 30 wireless networks, 67 Oktoberfest, 30 without reservations, hotels, Orbitz, 61 100–102 PGA Tour Las Vegas Wolfgang Puck Cafe, 121, 163 Invitational, 31 Woodward, Joanne, 17 Smarter Living, 61 , 16, 30, 199 Transportation Security , 80 Administration, 69 Wynn, Steve, 19 Travel Guard International, 62–63 Travelocity, 61 World Series of Poker, 30 • Y • weddings Yahoo! mail, 66 about, 219–221, 298 youth hostels, 66 industry, 17 map, 220 week day travel, 39 • Z • weekend versus weekday rates, Z Tejas Grill, 163 car rental, 61 West, Mae, 17