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!

 

Michael Phelps Enjoys Encore, Lavo, and Tao Las Vegas; Olympics in Vegas for 2020?

Vegas nightclubs

Olympic legend Michael Phelps has had quite the weekend in Vegas, hitting three hot spots along the way. He began by taking over a cabana in H20 on Tao Beach, soaking in some sun and getting into the festivities of Skam Artist Fridays, then feasting on all the Italian specialties Lavo has to offer and enjoying DJ Politik following dinner. Just yesterday, he was spotted soaking up rays at Encore Beach Club at Encore Las Vegas. He then enjoyed DJ George Acosta’s music and headed to the Encore Beach Club gaming pavilion to play a little craps. Phelps, who won a record-setting eight gold medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics, was just cooling off and relaxing. If he’s around in 2020, it will most likely be as a coach, but it’s a possibility the Olympics could end up in Vegas, as the city sent in a letter of intent to host the 2020 Summer Olympics; however, the United States Olympic Committee says they will not apply to host the games. Deadlines for official applications and a possible retraction of the USOC’s non-application are due September 1. If you’re looking for deals at the Venetian, we’ve got a great hotel deal so you’ll be right near the action when athletes and celebs like Phelps come into town.

The Vegas iPhone App is FREE for a limited time only! Track the hundreds of attractions, such as (Vegas Indoor Skydiving) we have in our database, complete with price ratings, photos, reviews, and contact information for all the best in Vegas. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Vegas Hipster, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Jersey Boys in Vegas; Jersey Shore Still In Vegas

Vegas Jersey Boys ShowWe decided to give you real-life Jersey Boys along with some reality TV Jersey in Las Vegas today, beginning with the show Jersey Boys. Simply put, this is one of the best shows you’ll find in Vegas. Jersey Boys tells the story of Frankie Valli and company as they make the journey from the streets of Newark, New Jersey to international superstardom and pop culture success, and the production of such hits as “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is phenomenal. It recently celebrated three strong years on the Strip and is primed for more success. It was rated #1 Best Show in Vegas by the Las Vegas Review Journal. For more information, visit their web site, check out our page on them, and we have a deal for the Venetian, and also for the Palazzo where they play.

In reality television Jersey news, Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzo took over LAX in the Luxor this weekend,  hosting a party there. Ronnie Ortiz-Magro hosted Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel just a day later, and fellow cast members DJ Pauly D, Jenni “JWoww” Farley and Deena Nicole will be in Vegas this weekend. It seems there’s no slowing down the Jersey Shore cast, as we reported earlier.

Venetian and Palazzo Las Vegas Earn Five-Diamand Ratings

Vegas hotel Palazzo

The Venetian and Palazzo Vegas hotels have each earned the coveted AAA Five-Diamond awards for excellence in hospitality, service, and excellence in providing customers with the best experience possible. For the Venetian, this is the fifth year in a row, and for the Palazzo, the third. We love being treated well at the hotels we stay at, so these are two to watch out for. What does a company that’s just won an award for hospitality do? Give back, of course! From August 22-26, guests and visitors alike will have the opportunity to go on a scavenger hunt of sorts to discover a diamond hidden somewhere different each day throughout each resort. Contestants must follow The Palazzo on Twitter at @PalazzoLasVegas and The Venetian at @VenetianVegas to receive the resorts’ clues posted daily. Don’t forget to follow @vegashipster on Twitter while you’re at it, and click the links for for deals on 5-Star rooms at the Venetian and great rates at Palazzo Vegas as well.

Vegas Venetian Hotel Sues Tea Party Nation of Tennesee for $642,000

Venetian Hotel in Vegas

If we got a hotel bill in the sum of $642,144, we’d be a little concerned, regardless of how swanky the hotel we stayed at was. In this instance, however, the Venetian hotel owner Las Vegas Sands says the Tea Party Nation of Tennesee reserved 1,637 room nights in the hotel for the period of July 14-18, then postponed and later cancelled their event, which is where the bulk of the fee comes from. The Tea Party Nation of Tennesee cited a lack of people willing to pay for the $399 weekend pass ($125 per day). The bill also includes an 18% interest charge of $87,996. The Venetian includes a great variety of amenities and perks, and should you choose to stay there (and not cancel), we’ve got all the information for you HERE.