DesertXPress High-Speed Rail Line

vegas to california rail lineA proposed high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California has received another federal government approval from a board that grants licenses to build new railroads, in an exemption permitting DesertXpress Enterprises LLC to build a 190-mile high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and Victorville, California. It will travel 150 miles per hour on dual tracks and cost nearly $6 billion.

It could put thousands of Nevadans to work, and also stimulate the economy, bringing potential weekend trippers and many more to Vegas.

The company is pursuing a $4.9 billion federal loan to build the line. We wish them the best!

Las Vegas Tropicana and Nikki Agreement Ends

Vegas Tropicana HotelIt could get ugly. In a dispute over money made over the first four months of their agreement, Tropicana Hotels has ended its agreement with Nikki Beach. The Trop released the following statement:

“The company (Tropicana) terminated the Management Agreement due to the failure by NBLV (Nikki Beach Las Vegas, LLC) to comply with and perform the covenants, agreements, terms and conditions set forth therein, and NBLV’s repudiation of its contractual obligation to achieve a targeted ‘net income’ for the clubs. Following the termination, the company has taken over management of the clubs.”

Business will operate as usual, albeit with Tropicana Hotels keeping and running the Nikki Beach, Cafe Nikki, and Club Nikki names. Nikki officials have “submitted the matter to an attorney for further handling,” so this could get interesting. In the meantime, everything remains open. We’ll keep you posted.

If you want to visit places like Club Nikki at the Tropicana, get the newest version, 1.1, of the Vegas iPhone App, which includes all the latest restaurants, shows, nightclubs, and more. Don’t forget to head to Vegas Hipster, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Lynyrd Skynyrd to Open New Vegas Restaurant at the Excalibur

Lynyrd Skynyrd's BBQ and Beer

While in town to play a concert at the M Resort and Casino, world-famous rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd toured another new facility–the future home of Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer at the Excalibur. Slated to open in December, the restaurant will feature Texas-style barbecue at all hours of the day and evening, then become a late night club with music and entertainment after hours. The band has already agreed to play shows there, and their memorabilia will line the walls. The facility is even modeled after their old practice and living space, Hell House. Band members Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke toured construction at the restaurant Friday. We’ll keep you posted as construction unfolds, and to prepare you, we have deals on rates at the Excalibur as low as $33/night!

If you want the best app for Vegas, we have it. The Vegas iPhone App will help you rock out in Vegas. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Vegas Hipster, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Vegas Attractions – Impact Basketball at Lagasse’s

NBA lockout Vegas Impact

Even though the NBA lockout has some basketball fans wondering if there will be a season at all, you can still have the chance to see the stars shine in Vegas. The Palazzo‘s Lagasse’s Stadium is hosting a complimentary, open-to-the-public event on this Wednesday, September 21 for fans to interact with their favorite basketball stars, such as Chauncey Billups and John Wall. In light of the lockout, many players have taken to competing at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas, so the rare opportunity to not have to go to an NBA game to see NBA play and its players has presented itself. We have the link for a quick, cheap hotel rate to take advantage of it too; stay at The Palazzo.

Also, don’t forget the Vegas iPhone App to help you plan the rest of your quick trip or vacation to Vegas. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Vegas Hipster, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Mayweather set to fight at Vegas MGM Grand Tomorrow

Vegas Mayweather Ortiz

Undefeated boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather will take on Victor Ortiz for the WBC welterweight boxing title at the MGM Grand tomorrow, and if you’re in the area or able to make it, this one will be worth the money. Mayweather hasn’t boxed in 16 months and is itching to prove his doubters wrong, while 24-year-old Ortiz has the opportunity to make the 34-year-old Mayweather feel his age and ruin his undefeated record. There has been plenty of controversy surrounding Mayweather–his legal issues, his tendency to defend and talk about his accomplishments constantly–and if Ortiz pulls off a victory, it will be a fight everyone refers to. If you’re near the MGM Grand this weekend, don’t miss it!

The Vegas iPhone App will give you everything you need for a weekend adventure to places like the Mayweather fight in Vegas. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Vegas Hipster, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Alcohol in Vegas – The Rules

Las Vegas Alcohol

We get a lot of questions about “the rules” for drinking and alcohol in Las Vegas, and are here with the answer to all of your problems! Our new page on alcohol in Las Vegas is here:

Alcohol in Vegas

In it, we highlight all the tips and tricks for getting around Vegas without getting in trouble for taking a sip. Enjoy! The Vegas iPhone App will give you everything you need for a night on the town (or a full vacation) in Vegas. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Vegas Hipster, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Changes in Vegas – Margaritaville, Mob Experience, and New Restaurants

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Casino

A lot of new things are coming to Vegas very soon, and we thought we’d take you through some of the most interesting changes that are coming soon or recently-arrived. For those of you heading to Vegas soon, check these out:

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Casino Las Vegas

We reported on this one earlier, but it’s worth repeating due to popularity–The Flamingo will host the brand new Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Casino starting October 1. It will be an addition to the Margaritaville Restaurant, and parrotheads can enjoy Buffett in Vegas October 15 and 22. The casino within a casino already has quite a bit of interest, and we’ll keep you posted when it opens.

Mob Experience Re-Opens Soon

The Tropicana’s Mob Experience saw some hard times recently and, though some artifacts and displays remain open, is scheduled for a January relaunch after an update.

Many New Restaurants – Central Michel Richard, Las Vegas Chocolate Shop, Lobster ME, 35 Steaks + Martinis, Public House at Venetian

As one door closes, several new ones to restaurants have or will open. In light of customers opting to spend a little less on dining out, the Vegas restaurant scene has shifted appropriately to include affordably-priced dining experiences. Famous Washington, DC chef Michel Richard recently made his Vegas debut Wednesday with 24-hour cafe Central Michel Richard, the first all-hours cafe created by a James Beard award-winner. Central Michel Richard is in the main lobby of Caesars Palace and serves Richard’s signature California-French food.

Planet Hollywood got two new places last month, with the Las Vegas Chocolate Shop and Lobster ME in the Miracle Mile Shops. Las Vegas Chocolate Shop offers chocolate bars, dipped strawberries and truffles, and even baked goods, sugar candies, and coffee. If you’re looking for a little bit more adventure in your eating experience, Lobster ME has you taken care of. They advertise the world’s best lobster rolls, lobster ice cream, lobster on a stick, and even lobster mac and cheese. Finally, a new gastro pub at the Venetian titled Public House will open by the end of the year.

If that’s not enough to get you going, we have the Vegas iPhone App to help you find the best Vegas experience for you. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Vegas Hipster, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!