Comming to the Olympia ?

[Ron]

Here are some more pics of the Orleans I took in 2005...


http://www.getbig.com/olympiaweekend/2005/hotel/hotel01.htm

http://www.getbig.com/olympiaweekend/2005/hotel/hotel02.htm

http://www.getbig.com/olympiaweekend/2005/hotel/hotel03.htm

[stuntmovie]

Good photos, Ron. All those spots look just about the same as they were last nite. Well done hotel review too.

If anyone was to book a Orleans room for the Olympia right now (July 3, 07), the rates are presently ....

Thursday nite       $ 80
Friday nite           $150
Saturday nite       $150
Sunday nite         $  75

Above rates do not include tax and are subject to change in accordance with supply and demand. But never arrive in LV on a weekend or when a big convention is in town without a room reservation.

I gotta mention the great Rehab Party at the Hard Rock on Summer Sundays. It's the best pool party in town but you have to a hotel guest. Check it out at the Hard Rock site.

[stuntmovie]

Here's a shot of the Wild Wild West sign that you will be passing every day on your trip from the Convention Center or the Strip back to the Orleans. They are advertising a 2 million room upgrade but even with that it will still remain as one of the less fancy joints in town. But this will be among the cheapest places to stay during the Olympia which is within a mile of the Orleans. They presently advertise midweek rooms for 29 a night.

Expect to see old timers that look like Gabby Hayes, Percy Kilbride and Marjory Maine in this place.

[Monte71]

The top ten hot nightclubs + two for the younger crowds - 20's/30's. Check me out if I am incorrect with the exact location... And don't go too early or you'll be sitting in an empty room. Lines start forming up around 10 PM in most cases. Hours are usually 10 PM to 4:00 AM or until the last drunk leaves or falls flat on his/her face.

1. Jet - Mirage
2. Rain - The Palms
3. Body English - Hard Rock
4. Playboy Club - The Palms
5. Light Nightclub - Mirage
6. PollyEsthers - Stratosphere
7. Voodoo Lounge - The Rio
8. Moon Nightclub - The Palms
9. Ghostbar - The Palms
10.Risque - Paris
11.Tryst - Wynn
12.Tao - The Venetian

Each require a $10 - $20 entry fee on the weekends and holidays, but you can usually find free passes handed out by the guys who stand on the Strip cornors handing out free nightclub passes (they would appreciate a tip). Or here's  a good request to make with your cab driver or bellman or even the front desk if you are checking into one of the hotels where the clubs are located. I don't know anyone here who pays to go to one of the top night spots. Free passes are available if you ask around.

Hey Stuntmovie Great post!!!! Lots of good info!!! But if I'm correct isn't Light Nightclub in side of the Bellagio?   

[stuntmovie]

Monte, Yes, your are correct and I made the change. Thanks.

Here are some free attractions you Olympia fans might be interested in seeing on and off the Strip .......

The Sirens of TI .... This big pirate ship battle occurs at various times throughout the day in front of the TI hotel.casino and is a major attraction along the Strip. For full details, check it out here --------->>>   http://www.treasureislandlasvegas.com/pages/ent_sirens.asp           It used to be more kid oriented but LV recently discovered that this town isn't "kid oriented" (at least along the Strip) so they changed it around a bit to make it more sexy and adult oriented and also changed the hotel name from Treasure Island to II. The last time I saw this event, one of the ships actually sinks and I believe that that's still part of te performance. Get there early because it is popular and the front spaces get taken fast, For best effect, view the show from the rampway that leads from the street into the hotel. You can notice it by the roped off section for "Invited Guests".

The Volcano Eruption in front of the Mirage.  This one is getting a bit old but it still attracts a decent crowd. The volcano erupts and if the weather is right it catches fire and the fire flows over the side. Better to see this one at night.

The Dancing Waters Fountain in front of the Bellagio. Definitely a "must see" and only lasts 5 to 10 at the most. And the area in front of the hotel along the Strip is big enough to handle any crowd that may gather for the event.  This one is also best to see during the evening.

The Fremont Street Experience ...... This attraction can only be seen in Downtown, Las Vegas during the evenings and each showing last for roughly 7 to 10 minutes on a huge "screen" overhead. This screen stretches on for three blocks so there is always room to see what's going on. If you go see this one do yourself a favor and get one of the best delacatessen sandwiches in town inside the Golden  Gate Hotel and Casino .... go to the back or just follow the sounds of the piano music. This is the home of the original 99 cent shrimp cocktail but they added a couple of renditions to the menu which may appeal to your appetite. There sandwiches are the best in town and definitely worth a trip down to Fremont Street. Park in any of the casino parking lots and get your ticket stamped/validated at the Cashier's Booth for free 3 to 4 hour parking. (The Golden Nuggat parking charges now I believe.)

The Carnival in the Sky .... Worth a look-see if you've never seen it before. Located in the Rio Hotel/Casino and is something like a Mardi Gras in the sky as the "floats" float over your head in tune to some vibrant music. You can participate by riding in one so check that out if that sounds like something you'd like to do.

Circus Circus has an indoor theme park called the Adventure Dome. There is no entrance fee but they do charge for the rides. A good place for kids,
And Circus Circus offers free circus type acts in the casino on the second floor plus a bunch of other kid stuff up there. If you find yourself in this place, the best part of the who outfit is the often award winning Circus Circus Steak House ... but in most cases you will need reservations.

Here's a photo of one of the boats in the TI Bay ...... The upload folder is full. Please try a smaller file and/or contact an administrator.

I'll  post it later

[stuntmovie]

Receiving a lot of questions about distance to the Convention Center to the Orleans and questions about the monorail which delivers passangers to the Convention Center but does not service the Orleans.

I believe that the Olympia will provide transportation to and from the Orleans Hotel and the LV Convention Center. Has anyone seen a bus schedule yet?

Here is the LV Monorail website.... Good info here ........ http://www.lvmonorail.com/       Check it out

If you are staying at one of the Strip hotels, it might be best to take the Monorail to the Expo.

And even if you are not staying at one of the Strip hotels, it might be beneficial to park your car at one of the Strip hotels that has a Monorail terminal attached and pay the five bucks for the 5-8 minute ride to the Expo. That way there is no traffic to argue with and no time spent looking for a parking space which could be a hassel if there is a lot of stuff happening at the Convention Center that week. The Conv. Center is one huge monstrocity of a building.

Submitted as just another option to consider in traveling to and from the Expo that week. Plus the Monorail needs more riders to meet their monthly financial obligations.

[PhoenixBuff]

I'm staying at Mandalay Bay.  I stayed at Cesars last year.  Bringing my vehicle from Phoenix for the convenience.  Getting taxi's and across town to the Orleans was a damn nightmare.  Should be a great great time!

[stuntmovie]

Thanks for the backup about the possible traffic situation again this year, Phoenix.

And watch your speed on Hwy 93 around the Wickensberg area. That sheriff there likes to stop anyone going over the speed limit. I think it's the town's main source of income.

Mandalay Bay is my favorite Las Vegas hotel. You get a The Hotel room?

There's a new pool area casino but I have yet to see it. They are pretty tight on pool passes there unless you are staying in the hotel.

[stuntmovie]

Here's some additional information on what other events/conventions will be happening at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Mr Olympia Expo.

AMUSEMENT AND MUSIC OPERATORS ASSOCIATION at the LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
09/27/2007 - 09/29/2007
6,500 attendees expected

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY / FUN EXPO at the LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
09/27/2007 - 09/29/2007 4
4,000 attendees expected

LAS VEGAS SOUVENIR & RESORT SHOW at the LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
09/27/2007 - 09/29/2007
3,000 attendees expected.

AND

MR. OLYMPIA Exposition at the LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
09/28/2007 - 09/29/2007
20,000 attendees expected each looking for free stuff.

That totals to about  33,500. Possibly for each day. The Center is huge so you probably won't even notice much of a crowd once you find a parking space and head into the Expo. That parking space discovery may be a major problem though, so think "Monorail".

Big Secret Here - May not be a bad idea to find a covered parking space in the Hilton (next door) and make the five minute walk to the Expo. Or better yet, park at one of the Strip hotels that has the monorail service behind it and pay the $9.00 for a two way trip.

If you don't know which Strip hotels have monorail service, go here -----------> http://www.lvmonorail.com/

In that case, I recommend you park in one of the Strip hotels closest to the Orleans .....

Closest to the Orleans :

MGM Grand -which is located on Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd (The Strip) about a mile east of the Orleans which is about one mile west of the MGM Grand. The MGM Grand is  the first hotel on the southern end of the monorail. It is the end of the line so you can only go north which is the direction of the Convention Center a few minutes ride. (Maybe five to eight minutes.)

Next best bet is to park in the Paris or the Bally's hotel/casino. They both share one monorail station. Take the monorail heading north. About a four to six minute ride to the Convention Center.

Monorail rides cost $5 per entrance or $9.50 for two entries (round trip). You pay the money in a cash machine that dispenses the tickets and your change.  There is usually someone on duty to help those people who don't understand how to read the directions on the machine and on busy days, there could even be a ticket booth open to help you do the right thing to get on the monorail.

The ticket taking machine at the gated entrance to the monorail accepts your ticket and spits it back out so you can reuse it on your return trip providing you purchased the $9/50 ticket or more.

It really isn't too difficult but I've been reading lots of GetBig posts, and some of us may be needing this additional help.

One thing to note if you are not a medium distance walker ...... the monorail terminals are usually in the back of each hotel that has monorail service which means that it could be a rather long walk for some. Expect to wear out some shoe leather.

Be prepared to get off the monorail upon passing the huge golf course to the left of the train. That is the Wynn Golf Course ($500 for 18 holes so it should be completely empty when you pass it no matter when you pass it). At that point, just follow the guys with the biggest arms.

At the Convention Center terminal immediately after getting off the monorail there is a Sprint office that will clean your cell phone for free or make necessary repairs. SPRINT is the official sponsor of that terminal and offers a great service if you find you need it.

I think that you will find that the Convention Center site is extremely well organized as they do many an event similar to the Expo. The only possible problem I can foresee is the parking. If you carry loaded weapons or explosives, they will be collected at the check in point and returned upon your exit.

And now that I have mentioned the possible parking situation, the parking lot may be entirely empty; so get there as you see fit.

I know for a fact that I will be parking at the Hilton so please leave that final space for me.

And none of this will be necessary if you simply take advantage of any transportation that may be offered between the hotel and the Convention Center by the Olympia organizers. Even an $8 round trip fee would be a bargain. But don't put that idea into their head just yet.

With that I'll leave it up to someone else to report those transportion details.

Thanks, Stunt

[stuntmovie]

Next update will be  something like ..... Stuck at the EXPO with no place to go? Best dining places in the immediate area or less than a mile away.

[stuntmovie]

Some of the Exhibitors may find it more convenient to stay at the Las Vegas Hilton which is right next door to the Convention Center. (Rooms available between $160 to $225 a night.)

There is a great Benihana in the Hilton and just across the road on Sahara Avenue is one of the most unique and respected restaurants in the State of Nevada. It's located in a small, former residence and is called Pamplemousse and is widely known for catering to celebrities who like dining weli.

I've never eaten there but I understand that the prices are resonable and is one of the highlights of many a celebritie's visit to Las Vegas.

It ain't for everyone but check out the website and see if you would like to give the Pamplemousse a try. --------> http://www.pamplemousserestaurant.com/

[stuntmovie]

Where are ya gonna eat during the Olympia: I suggest that you give the Orleans' restaurants a try before driving around town that busy weekend. Expect a long wait during peak dining times in any LV restaurant if you don't have a reservation

I’ll start with the buffet in the Orleans first because that is the place where most of you will be eating most of your meals.

French Market Buffet:: Most buffet folks say that this buffet is one of the best buffets in town for the money. It serves breakfast., lunch, and dinner from 7 am till 10 pm. ($7/$9/$14) On Sunday mornings, they open at 8 am. They serve a large variety of good food and like any buffet, you can load up your plate and go back for fourths or fifths or whatever. A great place to eat if you’re in your bulking up phase, but please note that the buffet will be closed (10 pm) after most Olympia evening events.

Canal Street: The Orleans’ fancy dining spot described as “an elegant steak and seafood restaurant”. Nice big booths. Reservations recommended. (5 to 10 pm).

The Prime Rib Loft: Good prime rib in a spot overlooking the casino. Make reservations definitely. Good meal and reasonable prices.

Big Al’s Oyster Bar: Good mix of Creole foods but order one and share it as we got way too much food the last time we were there and I don’t think that they have changed lately. Most of the food is cooked in big pots behind the counter. (Lunch and dinner) Open till midnight on Fri/Sat.

Don Muguel’s: Good Margaritas and Mexican food. 4 to 10 pm

Courtyard Café:The 24 hour Coffee Shoppe with Graveyard Specials served Mondays through Thursdays onl). I like the Prime Rib special that is served here throughout the week. Last time I priced it - about $12 included salad and potato.

Sazio: Good Italian food. Reservations may be required on weekends, (Lunch and dinner)

Koji: Expensive Japanes fare., Lunch and dinner, Open till 1 am.

TGIF: Lunch and dinner, No posted closing time.

Brendan’s Pub: More like an Irish  sports bar but they do serve “Pub Food”. Never ate here.

Subway: Sandwiches and salads, Open 24 hours.

Based on past experience, the majority of the Olympia spectators are hungry immediately following the nightly Olympia events, so expect to find those restaurants in the Orleans  that are open late to be crowded, especially – TGIF, the Courtyard Café, and Big Al’s. And if you try to go elsewhere in town on Friday or Saturday nite, you can expect the same - long waits.

That takes care of the Orleans dining spots. Next report will cover some suggestions about good food in places along the Strip and possibly beyond.

[stuntmovie]

Anthony Curtis is an expert on the town of Las Vegas and offers a great web site at ----------> http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/topten.cfm

Take a look at it for the Top Ten Values in Las Vegas which includes a $4.99 steak dinner with all the trimmings, a ninety-nine cent shrimp cocktail, dollar beers, etc.

Mr. Curtis is the reigning expert on all things Vegas.

Here are another few dining spots I recommend you give a try while you are here providing you have the time to fit it in.

My favorite fine dining spot is Charlie Palmer's Steak House in the Four Seasons/Mandalay Bay Hotel. A great place to take a special person in your life.

I think that the Circus Circus is one of the least appealing hotels on the Strip but I have to admit that is has one of the better steak houses in Las Vegas. Th Circus Circus Steak House = Great atmosphere once you get beyond the carnival and kid like ambience of this hotel. It's been one of the top restaurants in town for as long as I can remember, but I had a tough prime rib there once.

If you're looking for a coffee shop type of place, try the Las Vegas version of the home town coffee shop at the Peppermill. Great looking place with lots of good food and loads of it. Check out the bar area which was featured in the movie - Casino.

The coffee shop at Silverton is also excellent. Order the ham and eggs and the ham is so huge that you can't see your plate.

PF Changs in the Planet Hollywod is great but usually always crowded on weekends. They also have a location on Paradise and E. Flamingo across from Terribles Hotel/Casino.

And Roy's is a bit further down E. Flamingo about one more block.

And for the best prime rib in town try Lawrey's House of Prime Rib in that same general area roughly a mile east of the Strip on East Flamingo.

And everyone who knows fine dining in Las Vegas swore that Michael's was far beyond the best. That is when it was situated in the Barbary Coast Hotel/Casino. But the Barbary Coast recently sold out to Harrah's so Michaels moved down to the south end of the Strip into the South Point Hotel/Casino. They just reopened recently in this new location and I have not heard anything since they got into their present location, but I'm sure it's as great as is used to be. Not cheap but it's still old style Vegas with great food and service.

And for a relatively inexpensive meal in a fancy first class hotel, try Wolfgang Puck's in the MGM Grand.

And for the best sandwich in town - definitely downtown on Fremont Street in the Golden Gate Hotel/Casino. The same place that serves the original 99 cent shrimp cocktail.

[stuntmovie]

Orleans entertainment ...

Neil Sedaka, September 26 - 30,   The Orleans Showroom

The best-known Billboard Hot 100 hits of his early career are "Oh! Carol" (#9, 1959), "Calendar Girl" (#4, 1960), "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" (#6, 1961), and "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" (#1, 1962).    And he's been working ever since ..... notably with Elton John, the Carpenters, ABBA and others.

Good show to attend if you want to take an hour or so and sit back and relax to some great music.

A nice small room .... same as the Olympia Press Conference venue unless they move the Press Conference to one of the ballrooms upstairs for some reason.

[stuntmovie]

If Craig was not incarcerated, I'd recommend the following .......

Someone should promote an "After Olympia Dinner" in an Orleans'  ballroom immeditely following the final confrontation.

Every fan and every official and evey contestant is going to be looking for a place to eat immediately following the Olympia finals and every place in the Orleans and within the immediate area is either going to be either closed or filled to capacity with a waiting line for the next few hours.

Some industrious company or individual ought to promote an "After Contest Dinner" in the Orleans hotel.

Presell the dinner tickets beforehand and get Costco or another reputable company outside of the hotel to set up some of those rotesserie chicken cooking machines and serve a whole roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy and a small salad at a resonable price of $25 of thereabouts.

But it ain't a "After Olympia Dinner" without the Olympia guys and gals so you got to feed them for free (and the officials too) and keep them in the room until the last meal is eaten or possibly even fully digested.

Most of the contestants will want to get out and do finer things after a good meal but you got to keep them there for the fans, and here is a recommendation on how to make that happen.

After eveyone has eaten that roasted chicken dinner, have a drawing that gives the participating pros a chance to win a couple of thousand bucks. And a similar drawing for one of the officials to win a few bucks too. And maybe a $5,000 prize for one of the lucky diners in the room. And maybe a couple of thou to the one pro who mingles with the fans the best as determined by the fans themselves.

Prize money would depend on the income of course but I think at least a thousand fans would pay 25 smackers to spend a couple of hours wineing and dineing with the pros. And a complete rotesserie chicken dinner should cost no more than $10 bucks even if the hotel did the cooking.

People will buy tickets to eat  because they are either hungry or just want to mingle with the pros or argue the results with the officials.

I know that I'd buy a ticket even it I wasn't hungry. I enjoy mingling with eveyone and arguing the result over a decent meal.

This seems like something that Titus would have promoted. No one would have to drive off anyplace because it's held in the same location as the contest and it would be convenient.

Your biggest problem at the Oly will be finding a place to eat after the evening Olympia events. No one likes to wait and this recommendation could be a decent remedy for the contendas, the officials, and all the hungry fans.

Where the heck is Titus when you need him?

[stuntmovie]

Almost like home ........

If you are coming to the Olympia and definitely need accomodations with a complete kitchen for a week or more, there is a Budget Suites of America about a block and a half east of the Orleans on Tropicana which may fit your needs.

I believe that Budget Suites offers furnished 1 & 2 bedroom suites for approximately $200 a week and maybe slightly higher during the week of the Olympia.

You'll have to call their office for the exact rate but I understand that it is affordable.

Price includes:
Fully Furnished Rooms
All Utilities Paid
Free Local Calls
Free Cable TV, including HBO and ESPN
Full Size Kitchens
Full Size Appliances
On-Site Laundry Facilities
Offices Open Extended Hours 7 Days a Week
Covered Parking Available*

Also Available:
Linen and Maid Service
Dishware, Pots and Pans
Hairdryers, Irons, etc.

Call them at 866-877-2000. Make sure you ask about Budget Suites on Tropicana in the immediate vicinity of the Orleans as there are more than one in Las Vegas and that is a central number for each of them.

[stuntmovie]

I'm running out of LV stuff to post here but this one is great if you are coming to the Olympia on a limited budget and still want to do a bit of gambling in the local casinos.

I taught this one to some of my nephews/nieces and a couple of them started with ten bucks and came back home with a bit over a hundred. And that's happened more than a couple of times, so you too can be lucky if you give it a shot.

First of all you gotta expect to get "free stuff" while you are here. Free stuff includes comped passes to the local night clubs, free cocktails (if you plan to have a few), and best of all - FREE MONEY.

Now if you are a generous type of person (as most people are who live here due to the fact that "tipping" is a major source of income in the local economy), you should always give at least a one-dollar tip to the cocktail waitress who brings you that "free" drink, and maybe a buck or two to the big guy at the front door of your favorite nightclub for accepting your free (comped) pass to this den of inequity. That free pass saved you at least $18 and a possible three hour wait in line. ( I never ever wait in any line in Las Vegas).

But the real best deal in Las Vegas in the "Free Money". Now I can't list all these LV joints that will offer you free money because it changes frequently but I can give you some guidance on where to start looking.

But I gotta admit this .... You gotta have some of your own hard earned money to get the free, easy come, easy go money.

OK, here's how it works ...... Every decent casino in Las Vegas (and most of the "indecent" ones too!) encourages one and all to get a "Player's Card" and use it throughout the casino. They want you to have that Player's Card and use it so that they can "track" the players who gamble within their four walls and treat the big spenders accordingly (comping them with room, meals, and drinks - and in a few cases with a "Yellow Rolls Royce or diamond encrusted his and her's Rolex watches).

And for us cheap gambling type guys, they give us free lunches or dinners or chances to pull the handle on a million dollar slot machine. I have enough comped stuff on my kitchen table that I don't have to buy any Christmas presents for those nephews and nieces mentioned earlier this year or the next.

SO you simply go to the Player's Card desk and hand them your driver's license and within a minute or two you get a plastic card and possibly a cord attached so you won't forget it after inserting it in one of the slots or forgetting it at the tables. (I lose at least three a week but have no problem getting a new one each time I realize one has gone astray.)

Use them in the slot machines and at the tables and watch your points add up and if you get enough you can use them just like cash in that casino.

BUT here's the best part I haven't mentioned yet. When you get one of these Player's Cards the first time, they give you a bonus of $10, or $20, or $50 but it's on that card and you gotta play to build it up.

I'm a bit vague here because each casino works it a bit differently, BUT each casino wants you to use their Player's Card badly enough that they will offer you the money or something of value that will encourage you to sign up and get one. Some offer what we call a Fun Book that has worthwhile coupons such as BET FIVE AND WIN TEN, or three drinks for the price of two, or two buffets for the price of one, or 30% off in the gift shop on certain items(forget that one).

So every time you go into a new casino, get that player's card (it's called something different in each casino) and ask the clerk what they offer for a "freebee"! Never hesitate asking for that freebee.

Here are some of the better freebees I've taken advantage of lately .......

The Wynn ... get that card here and they will add $10 of the house money to the $10 you place in the machine. But make sure you know how it works because some newbies don't and fail to take advantage of this windfall/

Sahara ..... Ditto here. $10 added to your slot play/

Casino Royale ... Get a card here and they let have $50  worth of fun on select slot machines.... they are tight as hell but it's still a lot of fun. And you can get a dollar beer at the bar. Not free but a bargain if you're a beer person. If not, get the $1 Margarita.

Bill's Saloon gives you one of those Fun Books which are of little value to me but you might enjoy it.

Slots O Fun has fun books with no need to sign up for a card. The best coupons are the five cent coffee and the $1 gambling coupon (the bright pink one). Plus they offer one Blackjack table that has a $1 minimum but it's mostly always crowded.

OK, so if you want free stuff or just want to get stuff cheaper than most of your fellow Olympia compatriots, get that Player's Card before spending any money in that casino. Don't be surprised if you get what you wanted and really needed for no money at all.

But be advised, it's pretty foolish to lose a thou at the tables or in the slots and merely get a free buffet.... Use the card and you may get two!

Or possibly that Yellow Rolls Royce mentioned earlier.

[stuntmovie]

Oppps, almost forgot!

I had the opportunity to meet Eric (manager or sales at Gold's Gym on Craig Road here in Las Vegas) and have to say that he is one hell of a great guy for the Gold's Gym operation. Great to talk with and unlike many gym sales personsx, he answers questions directly and honestly and looks you in the eye while doing so.

I asked Eric what the LV Gold's  Gym policy will be for comped workouts during the USA and the Olympia and to the best of his knowledge, the contestants will be allowed to train for free.

Good business policy from a good man.

Thanks, Eric.

Training while in LV or not, fan or contestant ..... check out Gold's  while you are here. (Six great locations). And give Eric a handshake if you get out to his Craig's Road location in Northern Las Vegas. Back in my days that was ten miles from civilzation of any kind. More than likely where the boyz hid the bodiez.

[stuntmovie]

Just received an IM regarding LV hotels that offer poolside or in-pool blackjack.

So here are the hotels that offer blackjack tables in the pool or beside the pool, but if you are really counting on staying at one of these hotels, ask about pool hours during that Olympia time period. In most cases you have to be staying at the hotel to use these swimming holes. (That general rule is usually not adhered to during the slow midweek periods.)

Mandalay Bay ..... Probably the most impressive pool area in Nevada with a wave pool and a lazy river if you feel like floating. They just completed a $30 million, three story, glass fronted, beach-side casino that offers the top casino games. Check it out if they let you in. (Usually only open for Mandalay Bay hotel guests).

Tropicana ..... Play Blackjack while in the pool.

The Palms ....  A 40 million dollar upgrade makes this pool with gambling the place to be on Friday afternoons at the famous "Ditch Fridays" blast. Open to guests only, but I don't thnk that applies to "Ditch Fridays".

Wynn Las Vegas .... Offers poolside gambling back there in the vicinity of the "European style sunbathing pool" (that means topless). Guests only.

Hard Rock .... The place to be for Rehab Sundays. Great in-pool and poolside Blackjack spots in a tropical atmosphere. Rehab is probably the largest and wildest pool party in the US. Guests only. Not sure how they work those Rehab Sundays though.

Red Rock .... Relatively new and yet to be visited but poolside gambling is offered.

Golden Nuggat on Fremont Street has a new pool area with a huge shark tank that you can slide through. Poolside Blackjack is available. This one is definitely worth taking a look at through the lobby windows if you find yourself downtown. Guests only.

During the midweek period, you can usually walk through and check these pools out, but on the weekends you usually have to be a hotel guest. If you want to attend one of these pool parties it might be beneficial to call the hotel and ask for their pool party policy regarding non hotel guests and fees.

[onlyme]

Demand casino rate at the Orleans for just $35 a night.

[stuntmovie]

Only, yea, I recall those days too but that was at least three years back and forever no more! I don't think you can even get a Wild Wild West stable for less than 49 now-a-days.

And ever since Harrah's bought out your buddy Mike (Barbary Coast) and now control a lot of the Strip properties, room rates are way beyond what we were used to just a few years back.

This town is just about carpeted wall to wall with houses and commercial shopping centers. You really have to look around to see where the desert used to be. Amazing growth since your LV days.

Those old timers who paid $4,000 for a few acres of desert land five miles from the nearest casino and buildt a five bedroom, $20,000 home with room to raise some horses have been or are being bought out so that the developers can squeeze three 1,500 square foot homes in a 4,000 square foot lot.

Be prepared to be surprised when you step foot back in this former small desert berg. It ain't the same as it used to be.

[stuntmovie]

I've mentioned earlier that some of these major suppliment companies who will be setting up at the Olympia, should throw a private party for its major customers and the Olympia contenders like we used to do in the good old days.

If anyone is considering this, I strongly recommend one of more of the Fantasy Suites at The Palms. Here is a brief description of a few of the better party rooms in the Fantasy Towers .... Try one! You'll like it! (Prices are estimates and probably negotiable!)

PLAYPEN SUITE - Behave yourself. Or you’re getting spanked. Then again, that’s probably the point. The Playpen Suite at the Palms is the ultimate playroom for grown-up boys and girls. Two luxury suites specifically designed for private bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Dancer Pole
In-Wall Murphy Bed
Two Double Beds in adjoining room
Strobe and Techno Lighting
Wooden Dance Floor
Plasma TVs
1,500 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 30
Nightly rate: $2,500 Friday & Saturday - $1,500 Sunday -Thursday


CELEBRITY SUITE - Live life like a movie star. Or maybe you are one and just need a place to escape. This nearly 2,000 square foot retreat features enough amenities to satisfy even the most demanding elite. Luxury living room, full bar, walk-in closet, vanities and plenty of plasma TVs to watch your latest blockbuster.

Private Show Shower TM
Full Bar
Two-Way Fireplace
Steam Shower
Jacuzzi® Tub
Plasma TVs
Superior Sound System
iPod® Hi-Fi
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
2,000 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 65
Nightly rates from $2,000

DIRECTOR´S SUITE - You’re a star. The world just doesn’t know it yet. Let them in on the secret with your own full-length Hollywood feature. With nearly 1,500 square feet, you have everything you need to direct a hit. And no need to worry about second takes – just turn on the “quiet please” light located outside the suite for complete privacy.

Private Show Shower ™
Full Bar
Two-Way Fireplace
Plasma TVs
Steam Shower
Jacuzzi Tub
Superior Sound System
iPod® Hi-Fi
Creston Controlled TVs And Drapes
1,500 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 65
Nightly rates from $2,000


HOT PINK SUITE - Pretty in pink? This suite is the ultimate bachelorette pad. Hot pink décor reigns supreme with silver accents and touches of fur. Extras include back bar Show Shower TM, extra large Jacuzzi Tub®, Hollywood-style dressing vanity and mirrored terrazzo bubble floor. And let’s not forget a fireplace to stay cozy, along with bathrobes and an entertainment center to keep you up on all the action.

Private Show Shower TM
Two-Way Fireplace
Full Bar
Plasma TVs
Steam Shower
Jacuzzi® Tub
Superior Sound System
iPod® Hi-Fi
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
Amazing Strip Views
2,350 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 50
Nightly rates from $3,000

EROTIC SUITE - Extremely sexy and very suggestive, this suite features the Palms’ exclusive metal Show Shower TM featuring a dancer pole and fogged windows, full bar, and an eight foot round rotating bed with mirrored ceiling. Bring appropriate attire!

Extra Large Private Show Shower TM
Large Rotating Bed
Jacuzzi® Tub
Full Bar
Steam Shower
Plasma TVs
Superior Sound System
iPod® Hi-Fi
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
Nearly 1,500 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 50
Nightly rates from $3,000

CRIB SUITE - You’ve probably never been in a hip-hop video. But you can live one if you like. This 2,000 square foot suite is the epitome of the hip-hop lifestyle. It includes a DJ booth, back bar Show Shower™, pool table, video gaming lounge, “sound seating,” hydraulic bed, and an expanded bathroom and dressing area with a saltwater fish tank.

Private Show Shower ™
Large Jacuzzi Tub
Pool Table
Fish Tank
Two Bedrooms
Hydraulic Bed
Professional DJ Equipment
iPod® Hi-Fi
Full Bar
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
2,000 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 75
Nightly rates from $3,000

g-SUITE - Make the ghostbar your own private club. The Palms did just that with this 2,500 square foot suite. It captures the look and vibe of the original but in a private setting. The living room and full bar feature the same furniture and finishes you’d find on the 55th floor. The bedroom on the other hand, is an original ultra hip retreat of its own creation. A Show Shower TM, pool table and a replica of the ghostbar balcony glass floor put the finishing touches on this mega-watt VIP suite.

Includes Two Bedrooms
Private Show Shower ™
Ghostbar-Themed Suite
Full Bar
Pool Table
Fireplace in Bedroom
Amazing Strip Views
Pop-Up Plasma TVs
Superior Sound System
iPod® Hi-Fi
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
2,500 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 100
Nightly rates from $3,000


REALWORLD SUITE - MTV’s Real World may not have much to do with reality. But it had everything to do with fun. Spend a night in the Las Vegas cast’s dream world. Six rooms on the 28th floor were remodeled and combined to create this 3,000 square-foot suite, including three bedrooms and a communal bathroom with two shower stalls.

Three Bedrooms
Pool Table
Full Working Kitchen
Full Bar
Fish Tank
Extra-Large Jacuzzi® Tub
Plasma TVs
“Confessional” Room
Superior Sound System
iPod® Hi-Fi
Amazing Strip View
3,000 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 100
Nightly rates from $5,000


KINGPIN SUITE - You’re only 10 frames from bowling the perfect game. That’s not the only fantasy you’ll have in the Kingpin Suite. This retro-style, nearly 5,000 square foot suite features two full-size bowling lanes with regulation equipment, wall-to-wall plasma TVs and a fully operational bar. It also includes two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a theatre sized projection TV and lounge with plenty of room for up to 100 people. So perfect game or not, you’ll have one hell of a story to tell.

Two Full-Size Bowling Lanes
Two Bedrooms
Three Bathrooms
Pool Table
Full Bar
Theater-Size Projection Screen
Regulation Bowling Equipment
Large Jacuzzi Tubs
Superior Sound System
iPod® Hi-Fi
Amazing Strip Views
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
Nearly 5,000 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 100
Nightly rates from $7,500


SKY VILLA - It’s playtime. Our luxurious, one-story Sky Villa is a 6,100 square foot playground of pleasure. And our two-story Sky Villa has over 9,000 square feet to indulge your every fantasy. Massage room. Bedroom balconies. Revolving bed. Glass elevator. Cantilevered Jacuzzi ® pool with glass end wall and spectacular view of the Strip. Use your imagination. Just try to keep it legal.

ONE-STORY SKY VILLA
Terrace with Outdoor Pool Sunbathing Area
Indoor Water Features
Cantilevered Jacuzzi® Tub
Steam Room
Sauna
Exercise Room
Dining Room
Poker Table
Pantry
Full Wet Bar
Espresso Machine
Fireplace
Two Bedrooms
Rotating Bed
Pop-Up Plasma TVs
iPod® Hi-Fi
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
6,100 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 150
Nightly rate from: $10,000

TWO-STORY SKY VILLA
Terrace with Outdoor Pool Sunbathing Area
Indoor Water Features
Glass Elevator
Cantilevered Jacuzzi® Tub
Steam Room
Sauna
Exercise Room
Dining Room
Media Room
Massage Room
Poker Table
Pantry
Full Wet Bar
Espresso Machine
Fireplace
Three Bedrooms
Rotating Bed
Pop-Up Plasma TVs
iPod® Hi-Fi
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
Over 9,000 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 250
Nightly rate from: $20,000


HARDWOOD SUITE - Got game? Bring it to our two-story, 10,000 square foot Hardwood Suite. Flash your skills on your own basketball half-court, complete with a scoreboard, locker room and cheerleaders. Or get your drink on in your lounge with wet bar, pool table and cheerleaders. Hey, that's what they're there for.

Basketball Half-Court
Professional Locker Room
Scoreboard
Pool Table
Lounge
Full Bar
2 Master Bedrooms
3 Extra-Large Murphy Beds on the Court
Extra-Large Jacuzzi Tub
Rotating Loveseat/Booth
Dining Area
Living/Media Room
PS2 ™
Plasma TVs
Superior Sound System
iPod® Hi-Fi
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
10,000 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 325
Nightly rate: $25,000


HUGH HEFNER SKY VILLA - Only a select few ever reach the highest heights of the Fantasy Tower. Here, you’ll find every man’s definitive fantasy. A two-story suite modeled after the Playboy Mansion. It features an outdoor-cantilevered Jacuzzi® pool with glass end wall and spectacular view of the Strip. Designed to impress – even without the obligatory eye candy. No luxury was spared throughout the villa, nor any indulgence overlooked with its larger than life living room, full bar, media room, dining room, private glass elevator, eight-foot rotating bed, gym with treadmill, stair climber and sauna plus every woman’s desire - a private spa.

Palms Version of the Playboy Mansion
Terrace with Outdoor Pool and Subathing Area
Indoor Water Features
Glass Elevator
Extra-Large Show Tub
Steam Room
Exercise Room
Dining Room
Media Room
Massage Room
Spa Treatment Room
Poker Table
Pantry
Full Wet Bar
Espresso Machine
Fireplace
Three Bedrooms
Rotating Bed
Pop-Up Plasma TVs
Creston Controlled TVs and Drapes
9,000 Sq. Feet
Capacity - 250 Nightly rate: $40,000

No better way for a big company to impress!! And I'm an impressionable kind of guy!

[stuntmovie]

Fantasy Towers at The Palms

[stuntmovie]

Testing a new camera for the USA so I'll post some additional Orleans Hotel Casino shots if the event that anyone may be interested in the Olympia Host Hotel....

Some people come to LV and never leave their hotel. That's the way the hotel owners like it. That's the way they were designed. Designed with something in mind for everyone.

So bring your poker face ......

(Blurry shot)

[stuntmovie]

Bring your pennies and blue suade shoes ..... Another blurry shot, so now I know I need a tripod while shooting with a telephoto lens in an an interior location.
AAnd don't laff lightly at penny machines...... Don't expect to win big bucks but do expect to walk out with more pennies than you originally invested providing that you can be content with roughly a 30 - 50% return. That's the time to quit or invest in another machine. Any longer on any one machine and you'll lose it all. I think it is some kind of timeing mechanism on the chip inside.

Quit while you are ahead.... But that is hard to do. And ..... the slots are usually looser in the local casinos more so that those casinos on the Strip. I'm usually very lucky when I plan the penny slots at The Palms, but I NEVER win on any penny slot on the Strp.

So .... Tour the Strip and Play the Locals!