But the really good news is that the formerly moderately priced and inexpensive hotels are now, often, dirt cheap. I’ve seen rates at some places as low as $29 and these are for really nice hotel rooms in really nice hotels. Of course not all cheap hotels are created equally, so I thought it was time to take a look at my picks for the Best “Cheapest” Hotels, where you can usually get a very inexpensive room and not feel like you are sacrificing too much in the way of comfort or amenities.

Note that prices vary wildly in this town so you may not always be able to find a cheap room at one of these places, but generally speaking they are usually going to be less than their competitors.

In alphabetical order:

Bally’s
There is nothing overtly fancy about Bally’s – it’s not Palazzo or Wynn Las Vegas – but there is also absolutely nothing wrong with the place. Clean, comfortable, large rooms are filled with well-kept furnishings, the location is perfect, and the prices are often significantly lower than neighboring hotels.

Eastside Cannery
Yes, it’s a bit of a trek to get here (probably 15-20 minutes depending on traffic), but this newer hotel on the east side of town has gorgeous, sleekly modern rooms that will leave so much extra money in your wallet that you won’t care about how many red lights you have to sit through to get there.

Excalibur’s Wide Screen Rooms
The castle’s recently redone “Wide Screen” rooms are a million times better than their standard rooms, which of course normally wouldn’t be saying much but they did a pretty good job on these. They are a few bucks more but it’s still a lot less than what you’ll pay at nearby hotels.

Main Street Station
Downtown Las Vegas’ hidden gem, the Main Street’s rooms are on the small side but they are charming, comfortable, and, most importantly, often very cheap.

Monte Carlo
Looking like a dollhouse next to the soaring CityCenter, the Monte Carlo is literally being overshadowed by its bigger, newer brother. But instead of paying the (expected) exorbitant rates at one of the hotels there, why not stay right next door and save yourself a ton of money?

Silverton
It’s a ten minute drive from the south end of The Strip and while the rooms won’t win any awards, they are nice, well-maintained, and tremendous bargains.

But perhaps his most audacious idea was to build the tallest structure in Las Vegas and one of the tallest in the United States. The fact that he quickly lost The Stratosphere after it sank into bankruptcy shortly after opening is really not the point… he got it built and considering the fact that it was done more out of sheer moxie than anything else points to how good the guy really was.

Stupak grew up in Pittsburgh, the son of a reputed mobster who ran the underground gambling rackets in the city. As a young adult he did everything from running his own illegal card and dice games to singing and recording under the name Bobby Star.

He came to Vegas in the early ‘70s, buying a tiny parcel of land just north of Sahara Avenue along Las Vegas Boulevard. In 1974 he opened his first Vegas business and, always a master of hyperbole, named it Bob Stupak’s World Famous Historic Gambling Museum and Casino. The joke was that the name was “10 feet longer than the building.”

The place burned down less than three months after it opened but Stupak used the insurance money to open Vegas World in 1979, a 20-story hotel-casino that became a favorite for serious gamblers.

The Stratosphere was his dream project, as outsized as his personality and ego. Originally the place was going to be the tallest building in the world at 1,800 feet but the FAA put the kibosh on that saying it would be a danger to planes flying into the nearby airport. He settled for 1,049 feet making it the tallest observation tower west of the Mississippi. Ever the gambler – this is a man who bet $1 million on the Super Bowl (and won) – he risked everything he had to get the place built.

A combination of a difficult location (not really walking distance to anything of note) and poor timing quickly sent the Stratosphere into bankruptcy, but Stupak wasn’t done with his big dreams.

He touted his Titanic idea for years, trying to get investors and approvals for a 400-foot long replica of the ship that would’ve had 1,200 rooms, time-shares in the smoke stacks, gangplanks from a parking garage next door, and an iceberg with a shopping mall in it. Neighbors of the project, that was to be built just north of The Stratosphere, objected loudly and the city council killed it.

Stupak spent the last decade of his life a little more quietly than his previous ones, although he could regularly be seen in the World Series of Poker, wagering big as he always did.

Bob Stupak has been called everything from a huckster to the Vegas version of PT Barnum, but I’ll always think of him, lovingly, as Wacky Bob – the guy who “got” Vegas and new how to put on a show.

I remember it so vividly — as they say, as if it was yesterday. Six years ago this weekend, I stood on a stage at The Mirage, where the Cirque du Soleil Beatles musical Love is performed today, with Masters of the Impossible Siegfried & Roy. We were celebrating Roy Horn’s 59th birthday!

We never dreamed a day later after that happy occasion, we would be standing vigil and praying for Roy as he fought for his life after the tragic accident with 7-year-old male tiger Montecore. Doctors told me at the time that Roy had died three times on the operating table, yet refused to die.

It was to become a medical miracle — and a human miracle because as manager Bernie Yuman told me, “Roy has the strength of a thousand men. He never lost the will to live.” Even when surgeons had to remove a portion of his brain to lessen the swelling and secure it in part of his stomach, Roy continued to fight.

Over the years, Roy has continued to fight. He was told he would never walk again, yet last Christmas, he walked the entire length of the Opportunity Village Santa Claus 5K route. Nobody thought he’d ever perform magic again, yet earlier this year, fulfilling a promise to me, they accepted my invitation to perform again at our annual Keep Memory Alive gala. The incredible event was televised by ABC’s 20/20 as a one-hour special, and Roy won yet another standing ovation.

He has defied all the odds and simultaneously proved everybody wrong. His courage, determination and diligent discipline are humbling. Roy Horn has taught us so much about the true meaning of winning. He has served as an inspiration to so many, and now he’s supporting the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health downtown.

I couldn’t let his 65th birthday tomorrow go by without noting it here on Vegas DeLuxe. His favorite chef, Spago’s David Robbins, will prepare the special birthday dinner at their Jungle Palace home for Roy, Siegfried, Lynette Chappell and their friends. I was there a year ago, but tomorrow I will be in Los Angeles to emcee their friend Wolfgang Puck’s annual chefs benefit fundraiser for Meals on Wheels.

Impressionist Rich Natole, an afternoon tenant in Slayton's venue, also had to close, at least temporarily, when he had no one to share production costs with.

Fantasy at the Luxor will continue to make some changes. While visiting with Felix Rappaport, president of the Luxor and Excalibur, I learned there's a new set being put in place and there will be some new guest stars arriving this week. The show's original lead Stephanie Jordan - now known as Stephanie Dianna – is focusing on a new CD, a new band and spending quality time with her family. Fantasy producer Anita said Stefanie may become company manager. 

Frank Marino's new show is scheduled to open this month at the Imperial Palace. His reps say it's a done deal, but I haven't heard a firm date yet. In the meantime, Human Nature continues to do good business at the Imperial Palace and their surprise hit of the season is Matt Goss.

Entertainer Tony Sacca is planning to open The Las Vegas Rocks Cafe at Neonopolis. The cafe menu will feature items named after legendary entertainers. Tony, as most of you know, has been a part of the Las Vegas scene since the early 1980's. Hopefully this will be the hit that Neonopolis needs.

Our sit-down takes place not in a shadowy social club filled with characters with colorful nicknames, but at a sunlit table at Mimi's Café.

That's my first clue this Chazz Palminteri fellow is the real deal and, thankfully, not just another Hollywood tough guy.

The street of Palminteri's youth comes to life in "A Bronx Tale." Starting Oct. 7, his Memory Lane stretches from a tough street corner to The Venetian showroom with a performance that includes 18 characters in about 90 minutes.

By ARNOLD M. KNIGHTLY
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

While attention has been focused on the bigger project across the street, the 1,201-room PH Towers at Planet Hollywood Resort has been moving toward a December opening.

The tower's opening will be competing for county inspectors' attention with MGM Mirage's CityCenter, which will be opening around the same time.

Meanwhile, construction is continuing on the nearly 20,000-square-foot lobby area overlooking the pool. The lobby area will include a check-in counter, restaurant, Starbucks, a bar and retail space.

Construction is also nearing completion on a 15,000-square-foot convention area and seven additional meeting rooms.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/business/pooling-their-resources-62542007.html

By ARNOLD M. KNIGHTLY
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

The marriage of tattoos and Strip casinos is something tattoo artist Mario Barth would never have imagined a few years ago.

"When I saw my logo for the first time on the marquee, I was like, are you kidding me?" said the Austrian-born Barth, who opened his shop, Starlight Tattoo at Mandalay Bay, in February 2008 after two years of talks with the gaming property.

The tattoo industry has gone mainstream and is becoming big business, with nearly 24 percent of all adults in the United States having at least one tattoo, according to a 2006 article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/strip-now-tattoo-conscious-63234572.html

That’s why there also are rumors now that he’ll move onto the Strip, possibly to the currently little-used Theatre des Arts at the Paris Las Vegas.

He told me: “I certainly don’t want to retire. I love Vegas, and I don’t want to go anywhere else. Retirement is a dirty word, and I’ve got much more to give and do.”

Barry, who celebrated his 66th birthday in early June, has recorded 42 albums, with sales approaching 100 million worldwide and two new albums already recorded for release. As this story develops over the next couple of weeks, we’ll keep a close eye on his possible jump to a new showroom.

Wayne Brady

Incidentally, there’s been a lot of confusion about comedian Wayne Brady trying to hold down two shows at once in competing Strip resorts: his new Let’s Make a Deal at the Tropicana and his long-running Making It Up at The Venetian.

So after I’d questioned the grueling schedule and asked if rumors were true that he would give up one or the other, here’s the statement from his representative:

“Due to vocal strains, Wayne Brady has decided to postpone his show Making It Up for all of October at The Venetian to give his singing voice a rest. He will continue to shoot Let’s Make a Deal at the Tropicana, but will return to The Venetian in November where his show will continue through September 2010.”

For the best secret hideaway gourmet room with reasonable prices try
the Pahrump Valley Winery only 55 minutes west of The Strip in the
Symphony Restaurant open Wednesday thru Sunday evenings. The
first-class restaurant offers up a glass of wine, lobster and filet mignon,
soup or salad plus dessert for only $39.95.

There are enough shows in Las Vegas to make your head spin when trying
to decide upon one to see. “Lance Burton: Master Magician” at the
Monte Carlo is a sure fire best bet. Here’s what the stars say: Wayne Brady
says, “Lance Burton is one of the greatest magicians working in the world
today.” Nicholas Cage says, “I loved the show and Lance is great.” John Walsh
says, “Lance Burton’s magic show is nothing short of spectacular.” Dana
Carvey says, “He’s brilliant, he’s amazing.” Carl Reiner says, “Lance Burton
is the best working magician in the world today.” Siegfreid & Roy say, “He is
great for the art of magic because he brings his own touch of class to the
stage.” Keith Olbermann calls Lance Burton “The Johnny Appleseed of
magic.” Lance Burton took up a collection the week leading up to Labor Day
with his audiences who donated on their way out of the theatre doors at the
Monte Carlo. The audience members generously donated over $2,500 for the
MD telethon. He speaks with ABC affiliate Channel 13 anchors Nina
Radetich and Brian Schofield along with Murray a comedy magician. Lance
Burton told the newscasters how the illness has struck extended members of
his family. Next year he would like to see every show on The Las Vegas Strip
follow his lead to show Las Vegas cares.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 12 for the first time ever there will be a show
after Lance Burton’s spectacular magic extravaganza. On Mondays,
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. a family friendly
comedian-impressionist Frank Caliendo will take to the stage with
impressions of the likes of John Madden, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro,
Dr. Phil McGraw, Robin Williams, Donald Trump, William Shatner and
former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Show tickets run from
$59-$95. Caliendo is best known for his work on FOX’s MADtv. His
signature John Madden impression is frequently seen on FOX NFL and
Mohr Sports. You may have seen him on “Comedy Central Presents.” For
tickets or further information call 730-7160.

October is a wonderful month in Las Vegas. It brings a cooling off spell,
the pools are closed and the big business of conventions is upon us which
are especially good for the taxicab drivers. Speaking of spells Halloween
falls on a Saturday in ’09.

“Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas” showcased with eight shows over
the Labor Day Weekend at the Imperial Palace was a complete sell-out and
a big hit for that genre. The characters include the star Frank Marino as
Joan Rivers with his quick wit and funny monologue along with boy
impersonators of Bette Midler, Liza, Dolly Parton, Wynonna, Britney,
Donna Summers, Celine, Beyonce and Cher. I’m rating this show an A+
and let’s hope Harrah’s Entertainment gives him a showroom.

Woo! Yard House at Town Square is good to the tummy but more
famous for carrying the largest selection of draft beer in Las Vegas with
125 types of brew. Good advice is to order by the pint in a glass as their
half-yard 32-ounce beers will set you back more than the meal at $13 while
a mug of draft beer is $4.25. Nice wide range menu, serves many moods.
The pizza is outstanding especially the BBQ chicken. There’s classic rock
in the background which is a plus because it creates a mood and isn’t too
loud. It’s always nice to sit out on the patio as I dislike dark restaurants. The
service is good and on a Labor Day Weekend it was packed but we didn’t
have to wait. My wife had the turkey burger but claims hers are better.
She’s probably right!

The performers drum with their hands at Margaritaville in the
Flamingo Hilton which brought back memories of Don the Beachomber’s
in the Sahara of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s action-packed with the
flavour of the South Seas but the food is Mexican and American. I enjoyed
steak Fajitas. The food is great and the wait staff is fast and efficient. You
can be in and out of there in an hour for dinner and they serve lunch and
dinner all day long. The décor is interesting when they turn large boats into
dining room seating. For being on The Las Vegas Strip they don’t strip you
of what’s in your wallet either. You can get a dinner for $10-$15. As most
of us know these theme restaurants make their money on how much booze
they serve and it’s a lot.

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar will open at Town Square Las Vegas on Friday, Nov. 13. Each night, four piano entertainers take the stage in two-person rotations to perform hits from every era imaginable on two baby grand pianos. In addition, all four players join together on stage multiple times throughout the evening. Several times an evening there will be “Showtime,” where the spotlight turns to the waitresses and bar staff to dance, sing and clap along. The place will be open Tuesday – Saturday, 4 p.m. – 3 a.m. with Dueling Piano’s beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday.

What started as a one-man show at Pete's Peanut Bar & Piano Emporium in Austin, Texas, in 1992 went on to become Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar in 1998.  There are four locations in Texas.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm

Vegas4Visitors Weekly Awards BY Rick Garman

The Sky’s the Limit Award of the Week goes to Cloud Nine, the massive balloon now parked across from Mandalay Bay that will offer rides starting October 5. The balloon is the world’s largest (what else?) at over eleven stories high and can hold up to 30 passengers. For $22.50 you get a 10 minute float at about 500 feet above The Strip. For info and tickets call 800-585-8688.

Chuck Rounds' Las Vegas Entertainment News
October: 2009

I have friends that say, "October is the 'funnest' month of the year," and though I may not fully understand why they feel this way, I can appreciate so much about this time of year.  Spring and fall are my favorite times of the year.  The weather is perfect, and one gets filled with a sense of renewal.  The summers get long in Vegas…you just get tired of the heat all the time, and this summer seems to have lasted longer than most.  The energy is just sapped out of your body every time you walk out of doors.  So when the fall comes, it is exceedingly uplifting.  In Las Vegas, fall usually also means big business.  It is time for the busy convention season to begin, and the football season is under way, hockey is getting started, too.  Casinos are usually very busy this time of year, and the economy usually booms…however, this is an interesting year because of the economic collapse of our country…but it’s bad all over the country, and when times are tough, a lot of people decide that a Vegas trip just isn’t in their best interest.  This town has suffered, and there have been a lot of layoffs and unemployment in Las Vegas is some of the highest in the country.  October could be a month of salvation for this city…or we could continue our slow slogging path to some sort of recovery.  We have some great high points in the month; Football parties, Festivals, and of course, Halloween is always a big celebration.  This year, Halloween is on a Saturday—which can only mean bigger and better things.  There have been some big changes in the shows recently…sadly, several shows having to close.

I Go Shows ( www.Igoshows.com ) is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production.  The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better.