Chinese New Year Pigs Out In Vegas
New Bid For Harrah's Could Top $27 Billion
POSTED: 10:57 am CST January 30, 2007
The American version of New Year's Eve is big business in Vegas, but the Chinese New Year is also pretty substantial -- and getting bigger each year.An influx of tourists from overseas and an increased awareness here in the states has resulted in the annual celebration becoming an unofficial holiday in Las Vegas. And you know what holidays in Vegas are like -- busy and expensive.The Chinese New Year officially starts Feb. 18, and many hotels are going all-out to mark the occasion. Bellagio recently unveiled a new Asian-inspired theme in the Botanical Gardens dominated by a large pig as its centerpiece (2007 is the Year of the Pig).In addition, a major concert will be held a couple of days ahead of the date at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood with some big names headlining. Fusion is the name of the event, to be held Febr. 13-14. It will feature Kanye West, Gnarls Barkley, Lupe Fiasco and a host of acts from China, all hosted by actor Jackie Chan.For more information on the concert, visit the official Web site at http://www.fusionyearoftheboar.com.
I don't even begin to understand the ins and outs of high finance. I don't even have a savings account, and my version of big stakes financial affairs is inserting my ATM card into the machine and hoping that money actually comes out.But when the Las Vegas Business Press reports, in an arcane money-speak kind of way, that another bid may be in the works for Harrah's -- one that could top the recently approved $27 billion bid from a Texas-based investment group -- even the financially challenged pay attention.These rumors have been floating around for the last couple of weeks in various media outlets, and very few details have emerged. But the Las Vegas Business Press reported that a major investment banking firm has stopped rating Harrah's temporarily.Why? Well, no one is saying, but it often means that said investment banking firm is advising someone who may want to buy the company -- someone other than the folks who are already offering to pony up $27 billion. There has also been some serious movement in Harrah's stock futures, which could mean that word has gotten out that another, bigger offer could be in the works.
What is the world coming to when a major hotel replaces bikini-clad bartenders with a bowling alley? Ah, but this is Vegas, and this won't be just any bowling alley.Lucky Strike Lanes is the latest concept from Pure Management Group, the folks who run Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace. It replaces Bikinis nightclub at The Rio, which shut down last year.The new venue will feature a 10-lane bowling alley and full-service restaurant and bar, open to all ages during the day and at night turning into a 21-and-over nightclub.Lucky Strike Lanes will be outfitted with a red brick facade featuring oversized, retro bowling photographs both inside and outside the. The alley will be complete with oversized couches and a gigantic, neon-lit, script-lettered Las Vegas sign that will radiate light over the black-lit lanes. The venue will house state-of-the-art technology, including five projection screens, which will descend from a cascading, wave-patterned white ceiling and feature score screens complete with picture-in-picture -- perfect for viewing sporting events while also keeping track of bowlers.It is due to open in March.
Generally speaking, you should always sign up for a players' club card if you are planning on doing any gambling. You can earn points that can often be used for comps and be eligible for special sweepstakes like the one Harrah's is currently running that could net you a cool $1 million.Total Rewards Hidden Jackpots is the name of the promotion at all Harrah's Entertainment casinos across the country, including the six in Las Vegas: Harrah's, Caesars, The Flamingo, Paris, Rio and Bally's. Each day, the cpmpany will select a person at random and "hide" $1 million in that Total Rewards account. If the person happens to swipe the ard on that particular day at any Harrah's casino, he or she wins the money.The Hidden Jackpots promotion runs through March 25.
The Westin is popular with business travelers but is often overlooked by tourists, despite the fact that it's only two blocks from the Strip and offers plush rooms and high-class service. But with its new hotel and spa packages for 2007, the hotel may change some minds and get people to think of the place as more than just a convention pit stop.Several packages are available, and each offers an interesting theme. There's the romantic Two Hearts package, with champagne, strawberries and late check out. A Plunge into Pampering package with spa treatments and breakfast buffets. The most unique of the bunch is the Movies and Martinis package, which offers one complimentary in-room movie per night, a welcome basket with pre-made, bottled martinis, glasses and snacks, as well as an in-room breakfast.Prices vary from not bad to, "Wow!" and all can be purchased by visiting the hotel's Web site, www.westinlv.com, or by calling 702-836-5900 or 866-837-4215.The Full Story
I don't even begin to understand the ins and outs of high finance. I don't even have a savings account, and my version of big stakes financial affairs is inserting my ATM card into the machine and hoping that money actually comes out.But when the Las Vegas Business Press reports, in an arcane money-speak kind of way, that another bid may be in the works for Harrah's -- one that could top the recently approved $27 billion bid from a Texas-based investment group -- even the financially challenged pay attention.These rumors have been floating around for the last couple of weeks in various media outlets, and very few details have emerged. But the Las Vegas Business Press reported that a major investment banking firm has stopped rating Harrah's temporarily.Why? Well, no one is saying, but it often means that said investment banking firm is advising someone who may want to buy the company -- someone other than the folks who are already offering to pony up $27 billion. There has also been some serious movement in Harrah's stock futures, which could mean that word has gotten out that another, bigger offer could be in the works.
What is the world coming to when a major hotel replaces bikini-clad bartenders with a bowling alley? Ah, but this is Vegas, and this won't be just any bowling alley.Lucky Strike Lanes is the latest concept from Pure Management Group, the folks who run Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace. It replaces Bikinis nightclub at The Rio, which shut down last year.The new venue will feature a 10-lane bowling alley and full-service restaurant and bar, open to all ages during the day and at night turning into a 21-and-over nightclub.Lucky Strike Lanes will be outfitted with a red brick facade featuring oversized, retro bowling photographs both inside and outside the. The alley will be complete with oversized couches and a gigantic, neon-lit, script-lettered Las Vegas sign that will radiate light over the black-lit lanes. The venue will house state-of-the-art technology, including five projection screens, which will descend from a cascading, wave-patterned white ceiling and feature score screens complete with picture-in-picture -- perfect for viewing sporting events while also keeping track of bowlers.It is due to open in March.
Generally speaking, you should always sign up for a players' club card if you are planning on doing any gambling. You can earn points that can often be used for comps and be eligible for special sweepstakes like the one Harrah's is currently running that could net you a cool $1 million.Total Rewards Hidden Jackpots is the name of the promotion at all Harrah's Entertainment casinos across the country, including the six in Las Vegas: Harrah's, Caesars, The Flamingo, Paris, Rio and Bally's. Each day, the cpmpany will select a person at random and "hide" $1 million in that Total Rewards account. If the person happens to swipe the ard on that particular day at any Harrah's casino, he or she wins the money.The Hidden Jackpots promotion runs through March 25.
The Westin is popular with business travelers but is often overlooked by tourists, despite the fact that it's only two blocks from the Strip and offers plush rooms and high-class service. But with its new hotel and spa packages for 2007, the hotel may change some minds and get people to think of the place as more than just a convention pit stop.Several packages are available, and each offers an interesting theme. There's the romantic Two Hearts package, with champagne, strawberries and late check out. A Plunge into Pampering package with spa treatments and breakfast buffets. The most unique of the bunch is the Movies and Martinis package, which offers one complimentary in-room movie per night, a welcome basket with pre-made, bottled martinis, glasses and snacks, as well as an in-room breakfast.Prices vary from not bad to, "Wow!" and all can be purchased by visiting the hotel's Web site, www.westinlv.com, or by calling 702-836-5900 or 866-837-4215.The Full Story
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Rick Garman is the head writer for Vegas4Visitors
