Sunday, May 1, 2011

pool complex is located quite

I must admit this paradise has a few drawbacks. One of the drawbacks is that you need to rent a tube or a raft to truly experience the lazy river . I believe the rental is $15 per tube per day. The MGM Grand is known to run special promotions where you can get the rental cheaper, free or 2 for 1. Before you book your room bellagio las vegas hotel you should check out websites with coupons for MGM (just go to Google and type coupons MGM Las Vegas in to the search - early vegas is a good one). The second drawback is that the pool complex is located quite far from the guest elevators. You need to walk through the promenade with stores and restaurants to get to the pool, but the walk is well worth it.
#2 The Monte Carlo

These are just a few examples of what is available if you wish to find a Las Vegas wedding gown rental. In the city where over 120,000 weddings are performed every year, you can rest assured that you will have no problem finding the perfect wedding gown to rent for your big day!

 
Do you want to get married in Vegas but are afraid you don't have that kind of money? Do not worry - there are affordable Las Vegas wedding packages that let you take your vows for a lower price, without sacrificing elegance. Here is how to plan your affordable Las Vegas wedding.Go for off-season price cuts. Decide when you want to get married. If you are looking to save serious money and you don't live close to the city, consider going during the off-season. If you aren't quite sure when the off-peak travel times for Las Vegas are, then call the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce or tourist information center for more information.

Take advantage of package deals. You will need to decide how you are going to get there and where you are going to stay. If you live far away enough to need a plane, try to find a package deal with airfare and hotel. Some airlines offer package deals that come complete with free meals and discount coupons to 3-star Las Vegas hotels. If you can't find a deal, do some research and find the lowest rates possible. You can also check with your travel agent - they usually know of deals, but never tell you about them unless you ask.

Starting out the day, there are breakfast

Dropping house prices and plummeting interest rates have caused the downfall of many industries within Las Vegas. Although this is bad for the rest of the city, it is great for those looking to invest. An inventory that boasts thousands of empty houses prove to be a relief as land costs and construction prices boom. If there was ever the perfect time to invest and buy into real estate within Las Vegas now is certainly that time.Despite the lack of jobs, somewhere in the neighborhood of 6,000 people still move to Las Vegas every month. Thankfully more tourist attractions such as casinos and hotels means that more jobs will be available for the ever growing population. Although reports claim that the house prices and interest rates will start to rise at the tail end of 2009, critic's state that it could actually take longer than this but either way, the window has been opened for real estate investors in the area.
With foreclosures being considered the wild card in the real estate market of as Vegas. As long as the numbers stay down which they should with increased jobs the housing market will soon return back to its normal state. Should they continue at a staggering rate however, the return to normality will take a little longer than expected.
 
Limit your guest list. Keep your Las Vegas wedding intimate. The less people you invite, the less expensive the wedding will be. Also make sure you tell people that you are going to Las Vegas for your wedding. Explain to them that you would like people to go, but you can?t afford to pay for them. Those who really want to be there for you will go at their own expense.

 
Las Vegas is a great city to have an outdoor wedding in. With warm weather and nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, you are almost guaranteed a perfect day. Las Vegas offers many wonderful outdoor or garden locations for weddings.Las Vegas is home to many golf courses which make great wedding locations for an outdoor wedding. These The Luxor Hotel and Casino golf courses offer great scenery with lush landscaping and usually have stunning views of the golf course, mountains, and Las Vegas skyline.
Many Las Vegas hotels also offer great Arial Las Vegas outdoor or garden wedding sites. Caesars Palace offers three outdoor wedding venues including one garden location which features a pond and fountain. The Flamingo Hotel offers five outdoor and garden locations including two with gazebos and two with waterfalls, which act as stunning backdrops for the wedding ceremony. At the Bellagio, they offer a two level outdoor terrace which overlooks their lake and fountain area. The Paris Hotel offers poolside cabana weddings by their rooftop pool. This is just a few of the hotels with outdoor wedding locations available.
Las Vegas chapels also offer dramatic outdoor wedding locations. At Little Chapel of the Flowers they offer an outdoor garden area with a gazebo, bridge, and waterfall. The Chapel of Love offers weddings in their outdoor gazebo which is decorated with twinkle lights.
Many Las Vegas banquet facilities offer great outdoor wedding sites. At The Grove at Silk Hooters Hotel and Casino Purse Ranch, they offer a gazebo in a garden setting that comes complete with lavish landscaping, a bridge, brook, and lagoon. Emerald Gardens has an outdoor courtyard with garden area, lighted palm trees, and golf course and mountain views.

Starting out the day, there are breakfast buffets in most casinos, some pricier than others. The Station Casinos tend to have better breakfast food at lower prices when compared to the big name casinos. Assuming you'd rather save the buffet for later in the day, here are a couple of alternatives that won't wreck your wallet.
Early Breakfast is also known as the Graveyard Special, and there are quite a few choices for this one. As long as you're done partying before 6 a.m. here are a few of the best places to catch a bite.
So if you want an outdoor wedding in Las Vegas, there are plenty of options available to you. And with the beautiful weather and scenery that this city provides, you can't go wrong planning your nuptials in an outdoor setting.

 
Recent reports of the real estate market within Las Vegas have shown that those looking to invest within the area should do so now. The economic crisis has finally hit and many of the industries around the states particularly the housing market has virtually come to a standstill. House prices are down as are interest rates. Although this is bad for some it is great for those looking to invest or buy a house.The Las Vegas real estate outlook for the coming year has been mixed depending on who you listen to. One thing that seems to stand out is that things are going to get better. The time scale is the only thing that has been argued about. Everyone agrees that although the prices are down and jobs are low at the moment. The economy will reach a complete overhaul within a short time frame. Right now there is a lot of houses empty and such a low demand. There is only a small number of buyers looking to purchase them. Las Vegas was one of the hardest hit of all the places within America. Things are still pretty bad and the real estate market still dried up.

destination, the number of wedding

At The Burger Joint inside the Flamingo, between midnight and 6 a.m. they serve a Ribeye steak and eggs for $5.99, or a Burger and fries for $2.00. No matter what time you go, expect a 20 minute wait. They always cook the steak to a medium temperature without asking, and they throw in some hashbrowns and toast. If you go for the burger, the fries are fabulous if you like them steak cut and crispy. (In the center of The Strip by Flamingo Road.)
Level 107 Lounge, (formerly the Romance Lounge,) at the Stratosphere, located on the north end of the fabulous Las Vegas Strip, features the most spectacular views in town. Level 107 Lounge sits on a circular balcony high up in the Stratosphere Tower. Low lights and a deep red décor combined with great cocktails and incredible breathtaking views, make this a great place to unwind or to create a most memorable experience. Level 107 also overlooks the restaurant which makes appetizers available. Live music by Afterglow between 9 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. is a plus on Wednesday through Saturday nights. Afterglow has a unique sound that combines Jazz, Pop, and Contemporary music.
SPOTLIGHT: The Silverton Hotel
The Silverton Hotel is worth a mention here. It is no where near anything on the Las Vegas Strip, but if you just happen to have some extra time on the way in or out of Las Vegas from the Los Angeles direction, or if you simply want to get out of the traffic if your timing allows, there are several deals here. They have no choice but to bribe you since they are so out of the way from Las Vegas proper. Although, they do have easy freeway access at Highway 15 and Blue Diamond Road!
The Silverton Hotel has an aquarium as their major attraction. This is no ordinary aquarium as you can expect to see mermaids in addition to 4,000 tropical fish (including three species of stingray and three species of shark.) The room sized curved acrylic tank is located by the bar, and the mermaids put on a 15 minute show every half hour throughout the afternoon and evenings on Thursday through Sunday. During the day, everyday, you can also watch the sharks and stingrays being fed in the afternoon at 1:30 and 4:30 or in the evening at 7:30 p.m. There are also a few creatively lit small jellyfish aquariums in the bar.

Las Vegas is famous for its food specials. There was a time you could get a complete steak dinner for $2. Those days may be gone, but overall, the cost of dining in Las Vegas is still better than in many parts of the country. How long has it been since you've really had a blast? Is Las Vegas on your list of fun places to go? Learn what the locals know about having a good time on a budget. Their Staycation just may be your dream! Since there is a major difference between catching a bite to eat and fine dining, or finding a drink and clubbing, we will be looking at these subtitles: Breakfast Lunch and Snacks, All You Can Eat Buffets, Restaurant Dining, Where to Get Cheap Drinks, andNightclubs and Lounges With No Cover Charge.
Eat and Drink For Less
Free Comps are anything but free. The casino management will be glad to give you a meal, pay for your room, or get you some show tickets. All you have to do is win or lose a lot of money. They rate you by how long you gamble, and how much you gamble. You have to sign up for their slot club or their table games club, insert your Player's Card into the machine or ask to be rated at the tables. Then after four hours you will likely qualify for some kind of Comp. After four hours of gambling, you will also have likely spent more than the Comps were worth!
Just the same, many of the specials require a Player's Club Card. It's not required that you use the card, only that you have one. And naturally, every casino has its own club. Fortunately, several of the clubs share an owner, and will honor cards from their affiliates. Club Cards are free, but for those of you who consider the Club Card thing just a little too much of a hassle, I will point out which specials require a card, and which ones don't.
Locals also tend to frequent their neighborhood casinos rather than the touristy ones; and the neighborhood prices are lower across the board. But when you come to Las Vegas on vacation you're not expected to spend an hour crossing town to find an obscure place to eat, so this list will focus on places within a mile of The Strip, and on Freemont Street (downtown.) If you were to do an exhaustive internet search you could find many of the same deals listed here, they do all advertise, but this will simplify matters for you. There is no way for me to cover all of the choices, as there are hundreds; and the establishments are not under my control, so they may change their specials; but this is where I'd go for specials on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy the variety and the prices.
Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
Las Vegas has many nicknames, and one of them is "The wedding capital of the world." Over 100,000 couples get married every year in Las Vegas. Since many people choose Las Vegas as their wedding destination, the number of wedding chapels in the city is tremendous. There are different types of wedding chapels found all over Las Vegas today. They are almost like tourists Palms Hotel and Casino spots which are a must see while traveling through the city. A number of reviews of Las Vegas wedding chapels are also found online on various websites. These reviews include personal experiences from couples that have got married in different chapels of Las Vegas.The wedding chapels in Las Vegas offer all kinds of wedding  Las Vegas Villas celebrations based on different themes, right from a classic traditional wedding to a totally imaginative and romantic ceremony. Hence, the couples get a vast choice to make their wedding day as memorable as possible. Nearly all reviews of Las Vegas wedding chapels mention one thing in common. All the wedding chapels in Las Vegas have beautiful surroundings. They are surrounded by lush green gardens and waterfalls, which create a very unique and romantic set up. Some chapels are also found in well-known casinos and other noisy places. These chapels are mostly preferred by couples who want to celebrate their weddings with a big bang and a lot of crowd. Another feature that is generally highlighted in most of the reviews is the number of services offered by these wedding chapels. Almost all wedding chapels in Las Vegas provide pick and drop limousine service from the hotel to the chapel for the couples along with other services such as banquet facilities, caterers, bakeries, photographers, entertainers, florists, jewelers and so on. This ensures that the couples have a stress free memorable wedding day.
Reviews of Las Vegas wedding chapels provide all the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas necessary information on the chapels all around Las Vegas. They give a clear picture about the chapels and indirectly tempt various couples to get married in Las Vegas after reading them.

 

Style Beef Hotdog with the work

Just a tip: Most of the pools in Vegas say that you Caesar Palace Las Vegas are not allowed to save lounge chairs at the pool, but everybody does it. If you don't you won't get a good spot because hundreds of people before you ignored the rule. Live and Learn.
If you need to find a Las Vegas wedding gown rental, you have many choices available to you. There are many Las Vegas businesses that specialize in wedding gown rentals and they are not the only ones. Several Las Vegas wedding chapels have jumped on the bandwagon and are also offering a selection of wedding gown rentals as a way of making their establishments even more attractive to brides-to-be.Bridal Elegance is just one of the many Las Vegas businesses that offers wedding gown rentals. They offer over 550 gowns in stock in sizes ranging from 0 to 34. They also offer same day services, pick up and delivery of the gown, alterations, and a complimentary limo with your rental. Bridal Elegance also offers tuxedo rentals.
Las Vegas Formal Wear is another Las Vegas wedding gown rental establishment. They boast that they have over 1000 gowns to choose from in sizes varying from 1 to 42. They have wedding accessories including garters, gloves, shoes, and veils as well. Las Vegas Formal Wear also offers over 450 tuxedos to rent in all sizes and styles.
At Cupid's Wedding Chapel, their Gown and Tux Wedding Package includes a chapel wedding ceremony complete with the wedding gown and tuxedo rental, photographs, flowers, and more for under $500.
The Little White Wedding Chapel offers wedding gown and tuxedo rentals that can be added to any of their wedding packages. For $200 you get a wedding gown, shoe and veil rental. They offer sizes from 1 to 30. Their tuxedo rentals run $100-150.
Inside Tip:Down town every casino has specials on the marquis. These specials are sometimes for specific time frames, and are not always up to date - but usually good deals - so verify the price when ordering!
Lunch timemay require a sandwich special. One of the best deals is the $1.25 Hotdog, at the Gold Coast. It is available between 10 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. at the Sports Book - look for a vender's cart. Expect a Chicago Style Beef Hotdog with the works. You don't have to place any bets to take advantage of the Hotdog Vender, and there are usually plenty of seats with monitors everywhere for viewing the races or the games while enjoying your dog. (On Flamingo road, about a mile west of The Strip.)

Let's talk a little bit about how Las Vegas house foreclosures and real estate short sales work, so you can better appreciate how there can be a positive aspect in it for the wise investor.
A short sale happens when the homeowner is unable to make their mortgage payments and the bank agrees to allow a sale of the property for less than the amount owed on the property. Wonder why that is? When payments stop coming in, the banks will consider taking a lesser amount, thinking to themselves that something is better than nothing. From las vegas casino resorts the start, it must be apparent to the lender that it is impossible for them to be repaid the original amount. The property owner and buyer are linked, a sale is arranged and the bank or investment company must approve it. Once that's settled, the homeowner gets out from under a house they cannot pay for, the new property owner gets an incredible bargain on a Las Vegas home, and the loan company will get at least part of their loan repaid.
A foreclosure happens when the loan merchant has had to take steps to take the property back. Now the mortgage lender does not want the home, they are motivated sellers! With the market being down, the new homebuyer wins.
Currently, property short sales and mortgage foreclosures are a booming sector in Las Vegas real estate. These are incredible family homes hard rock las vegas hotel at unbelievable bargain prices. As it stands, these two types of home sales comprise a significant part of Las Vegas houses real estate and fortunate new house buyers are getting astounding bargains. Here are a couple examples:
Las Vegas has so much to offer beside the gambling and the nightlife. Every year there is more stuff to see and experience.

The MGM Grand has an amazing

SPOTLIGHT: Ellis Island Casino & Brewery
Don't be put off by the outside appearance. This place is almost always busy because it draws both tourists and locals. Also plan to wait for a table, and service can be slow if you want to eat at traditional times. Fortunately, you can get a deal here at any time, 24 hours a day. And like the sign says, this is also a brewery, so you have the opportunity to try one of their several microbrews, or even their own root beer if you prefer. Next to the restaurant you'll find the bar, which is a local's favorite for karaoke. Ellis Island is located behind Bally's on Koval Lane, by Flamingo Road.
For an early traditional breakfast (Two scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy and bacon or sausage,) Ellis Island only charges $1.95 between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. for the special.
Later in the morning, or at night before crashing, you might consider New Yorksteak and eggs for $3.45 at Ellis Island. They serve breakfast between 11 p.m. and 11 a.m.
In the 24 Hour Restaurant, [yes, that is what they actually call it,] you can also get a 10-ounce Steak Dinner for $6.99. The steak comes with green beans, potato, bread, and a Beer. Overall the meal is very tasty and may be the best value meal in town. This special is not always in the menu, but if you ask for it, it is always available.
At the bar they serve Miller Genuine Draft for $1, and the show is free. While you're there, the Sundance Grill serves a sirloin steak, golden fried shrimp, soup or salad, and your choice of baked potato, rice, or fries for only $12.99.
Have a Lot of Fun for Less
With these tips it is possible to eat for under $20 a day, and still get as much as you want.
A few things to remember though: Most of the Las Vegas employees get paid next to nothing, and actually live off of their tips. Typical tips start at $1 to $2. If you happen to be a winner, you might tip a little more; you'll be surprised at the increased quality of service when you do. So please remember to appreciate the service, especially when it is excellent.
For further savings and to avoid tipping situations, here are a few suggestions:
Avoid Room Service! Room Service always includes additional charges and requires a tip for your server. Most all of the hotels have a 24 hour Café that will cost you much less. Also refer to the deals mentioned above.
A lot of people were out of work between 2005 and 2008 and there were not enough jobs to go around. Therefore there were less people looking to buy homes. These job shortages have come to an end. There have been more and more building developments of hotels, resorts and casinos. These developments reach staggering amounts of cash to build them. These have opened the way for job seekers and brought much more to the area than just pretty lights and a chance to win big.These resorts and other constructions are not the end of the overhaul of Las Vegas. However there is more being said to open in 2009, 2010 and even later than this. The amount of jobs that are free for residents is steadily growing at a very comfortable pace. The unemployment that started the meltdown of various industries within Las Vegas, including real estate is now going to turn it around and more jobs means more opportunities.

We usually visit Las Vegas every September new york las vegas hotel right after Labor Day weekend. The weather is great and we can't wait to lounge by the pool sipping cold drinks. We always pick a hotel with the best pool that is family friendly and we won't get dirty looks by bringing our boys down. The top 3 picks of our family are The MGM Grand, The Monte Carlo and The Mirage.
#1 The MGM Grand
The MGM Grand has an amazing pool complex. In my opinion one of the best in Vegas. You feel like you entered an exotic paradise with lots of lush greenery, beautiful flowers, fountains and little island connected with bridges. This massive over 6 acre paradise offers 5 swimming pools, 3 whirlpools and lazy river. The lazy river was a hit with my family. It floats under bridges, through waterfalls and ends in a little las vegas hotel luxor Lagoon with waterfall which is perfect wading pool for babies and little ones.
The Monte Carlo pool is much smaller in comparison to the pool complex at The Grand , but we enjoyed it regardless. They are kids friendly and that's all that matters.
The Monte Carlo offers 3 swimming pools, whirlpool and kids pool. If you Cheapest Las Vegas Hotels are visiting Las Vegas with little kids you will love the enclosed kiddie pool with kids size beach chairs. The wave pool with 3ft waves was designed to simulate the ocean and is a blast for the whole family. If you want to have a swim then try the Lagoon pool. It is a nice and relaxing square pool with a waterfall. My favorite was the relaxing 400 feet of Easy River Ride. There is a tube rental as well, but you can purchase a tube inside their beach shop for around $12.00 and the rental shop will even blow it up for you. This is a real money saver for larger families or longer stay like us. After you done with it , why not pass the tube onto a new family.
#3 The Mirage
The pool at the Mirage is a series of pools connected by bridges and lagoons with cascading waterfalls in tropical Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino setting. They used to have a waterslide , but to a big disappointment of my children they closed it down. They offer raft rental to float around, but we never needed one. You can ask for complimentary life jackets for children. The pool is located close to the guest elevators just down a little promenade with few stores, coffee bistro and ice cream shop. If you will decide to order a drink take my advice and order small size. If you don't specify they will bring you a huge drink with even bigger price tag.

Downtown for lunch

Every year my boys can't wait for our annual family Vegas vacation. This year it will be our 7th year. Lots of people disagree that Vegas is a good place for families with children, but we love it. My husband and I are not gamblers or drinkers and we truly enjoy spending our free time with our two boys.
Downtown for lunch with a big appetite, Uncle Joes's Pizza has one of the better deals. $3 will get you two oversized slices of Pizza and a Soda. Uncle Joe's is a small authentic NY style pizza house; so expect a traditional crunchy crust, good sauce, plenty of cheese, and laid back friendly but not too fast service. (On Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard.)
Another choice would be to pick up a Hot dog and a Coke for $2.95 in the Fremont Club at the Lanai Express. Lanai Express is known for its reasonably priced Chinese dishes served cafeteria style, so you don't have to wait for your meal. American food like Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and Shrimp Cocktail will give you more choices than you'd usually find at a Chinese place; so there's something for everybody, even those who don't want the Hotdog deal. (The Fremont Club is in the center of the Fremont Street Experience.)
SPOTLIGHT: Mermaids Casino and Lounge
Famous for vintage slots rather than glitz, this place is a funhouse for those who are not looking for quiet, high-end class. The brassy waitresses cater to the drinkers, slot players, drinkers, socializers, drinkers, eaters and drinkers. If you end up spending much time here, the waitresses will even remember what you like to drink; you'll notice a personal touch. The strings of welcome beads you discover around your neck tend to be financed by the nickel slots, and the treats here are unique. Mermaids is between the Golden Gate and the Golden Nugget on Freemont Street, downtown.
Snacksat Mermaids Casino and Lounge include the 99 cent Fried Twinky. They also have Fried Oreos and a Chocolate Covered Banana on a stick. If that's too radical, you can also get a Nathan's hot dog for 99 cents at the Snack Bar.
Snacks in Las Vegas have traditionally included a Shrimp Cocktail Special. I believe that tradition started at the Golden Gate downtown on Fremont Street over forty years ago. Sometime their menu changes faster than their Marquis, so remember to verify the price. Nowadays just about everyone has some form of Shrimp Cocktail Special priced between 99 cents and $2.99, so look around for it, both downtown, and in many of the smaller casinos on The Strip.


The temperatures in Fall decrease faster than they increase in Spring. The daily average temperature on September 1 is 99, by December 1 its 60. If s mgm las vegas omeone tells you they were swimming and sunbathing in Las Vegas in the Fall it was probably not late Fall. Rain levels are lower than they are in January, February, July or August.
There are two weather phenomenon that can be potentially dangerous in Las Vegas (three if you consider the rare but potentially crippling snowstorms). One is wind. Wind can happen any time of year, and gusts into the 90s have been recorded in the flat, open valley that Las Vegas is situated in. Wind is rarely life threatening, but its strong enough that you should take it into consideration when enjoying the outdoors here. The other, more serious problem, is flooding. Rain amounts that wouldn't raise an eyebrow in many locations can cause flash flooding in Las Vegas. Besides having las vegas map hard ground that isn't very absorbent, Las Vegas is in a bowl-like valley, surrounded by mountains. Water runs from on high and accumulates in low lying areas. Pay attention to flash flood watches and warnings, and unless its an emergency stay off of the roads during a flooding situation.

 
News reports indicate the economy in the U.S. has a lot of people tightening their belts. Industry and homeowners las vegas casino hotels alike are having to endure these hard situations. Among the hardest hit it seems is the homeowner. This market has seen home foreclosures hitting all time high rates - a fact that has the common individual reevaluating their investing habits. Case in point: the Las Vegas real estate market has suffered, too, but short-sales and foreclosures are sky rocketing. So what does this mean for investors and cash conscious real estate buyers? Opportunity! About a mile off The Strip to the west on Tropicana Avenue, the Orleans serves Steak and eggs with toast and hash browns for $3.99 at the Courtyard Café, between midnight and 6 a.m. Service is a little faster than at The Burger Joint above, and the steak is cheaper - but not a Ribeye. If you're not in a steak mood, the Courtyard Café is one of the few remaining places to have a lot of graveyard breakfast choices for fabulous prices between $1.99 and $2.99. The Courtyard Café also has Asian and Pacific food on their menu at very reasonable prices.

You also need to choose the location

Garden CourtBuffet
Located at Main Street Station, this international buffet is likely the best choice in the downtown area. The selection of Asian dishes is respectable here. Garden Court Buffet only charges $10.99 on most nights, and a Buy1 Get 1 coupon is usually available online. Their Friday Seafood Buffet runs $5 more, on Thursday they have a Filet Mignon & Scampi Buffet for only $3 more, and a T-Bone Buffet on Tuesday for $3 more. Dinner starts at 4 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m. This has been one of my favorite places to eat downtown, for years. I also have to remember to save room for the deserts here. (Just one block north of the Fremont Street Experience on Main Street, and connected to the California Hotel by an over-the-street walkway.)
Le Village Buffet
I'm a sucker for French cuisine, and this buffet is probably my very favorite, anywhere in town. At Paris, Le Village Buffet only serves food from the different regions of France; it is not a world buffet. If the $24.99 price is too steep, you might consider going in for late lunch, which is served until 3:30 p.m. By arriving around 3 p.m. and casually enjoying a two hour meal with someone special, you will just be finishing around 5 p.m., and you will only have paid $17.99 a piece for a fabulous meal that would run north of $49 in any other city. Le Village Buffet serves the same selections for lunch as they do for dinner, except for the choices in shellfish, and they don't close down between Lunch and Dinner. Be sure to find the made-to-order crapes for desert! The line at Le Village is always long, so plan for that too. (On The Strip across from the Bellagio, near Flamingo Road.)
It really doesn't get any cheaper than that and you'll have more than just your memory of the event to take home and share with friends and family. Getting married on the cheap in any other city but Las Vegas would be, well, tacky. But cheap Las Vegas weddings have been turned into an art form, unequaled in any other city in the world. Anybody can spend a lot of money, but doing a fun wedding and reception on the cheap shows real talent!
- Planet Hollywood unfortunately does not offer this option so just go for lunch. Also, always ask for coupons at check in or when you book your stay. Alternatively, check the local newspaper (they offer coupons almost everyday), the flyers inside the cabs and always ask for free buffet coupons at check in and at the Players' Club. We haven't paid full price in years and we go to Vegas 4 times a year!If you don't care about what you eat but just want a mountain of food, go to the Palace Station; the local newspaper has - almost daily - coupons which will allow you to eat here for one dollar! These are lunch prices but dinner is equally cheap. Junk food lovers will like this place (burgers, high-doe pizza, Chinese, macaroni and cheese, desserts, etc.) and you can even have a salad here! Come on, where else can you eat this much for one dollar? The Hilton also offers free buffets, especially if you book one of their 3-day offers (if you sign up you will receive these offers regularly). They will offer you 6 free buffets hard rock las vegas  per 3-night stay; and, their buffet is actually ok even if it's small!

Whatever option you choose, though, you still need to answer the some basic questions. How big do you want your Las Vegas outdoor new york las vegas wedding to be? Do you want to have bridesmaids and a whole entourage, or will it be a small, quiet ceremony with only you, the groom, and some friends?
You also need to choose the location of your outdoor wedding. Las Vegas looks great from every angle, so this should not be a problem. Many people choose the Red Rock Canyon, which is especially breathtaking during sunrise and sunset. Some people who want to make their weddings more extraordinary have a "helicopter wedding," where they get married inside a helicopter flying over the Grand Canyon.
One-stop shop
In general, the lower priced buffets will charge an extra $5 for all you can eat crab legs and shrimp on Seafood Night (usually Friday), whereas the higher priced buffets will serve seafood every night. Another thing to note is that buffets generally charge the same price for Sunday Brunch as for their regular evening Dinner. Most buffets also present an assortment of Asian food in addition to any other international cuisine.
Breakfast buffets will run from $4 to as much as $10 less than the regular Dinner price. And Lunch buffets will usually cost between $3 and $7 less than Dinner. The listed price for the following buffets will be the regular Dinner amount unless noted otherwise.

A planned community called The Lakes is in Las Vegas, is las vegas hotel mirage built around a man made lake. There are multiple homes for sale in this lovely community, which features multi-storied classy homes with manicured lawns and breathtaking trees.
Another development to consider is Seven Hills. If you have been waiting for a great piece of real estate, take a look at this area! The community is gated, and is located merely 7mi from the radiant Las Vegas Strip. This development prides itself on being home to several golf clubs and courses.
With so many properties are located in Las Vegas, you're bound to find the one that's right for you. The only similarities are limited to newest las vegas hotel the fact that they're all available at remarkably low prices because of the many house foreclosures and property short sales. Investors and potential new householders have more possibilities than ever to own real estate in sunny Las Vegas.

who specializes in Las Vegas

Nightclubs and Lounges With No Cover Charge Locals have free access almost everywhere, and most of the time. Seeing that sign can really irritate you if you happen to be from out of town. Ladies also get treated special at many of the Las Vegas clubs; on Ladies' Night the drinks are often free until 11 p.m. - for ladies only.
Although the drinks may not be free for most of us, here are some of the clubs that usually have no cover charge - so you can regulate your expenses according to what you drink while dancing and having a blast.
Caramel Bar & Loungeat the Bellagio is a hybrid high energy dance club and smooth intimate ultra lounge combination. Chocolate oversized leather furniture under warm caramel lighting, accented by a marble topped center island, creates a warm and inviting ambience that delivers both comfort and sophistication. The dance floor is animated by local DJs turning Hip-hop and Top 40 hits. And a light appetizer menu is available between 5 and 9 p.m. to compliment the full service bar. Since proper club attire is required, bling is not out of place here. You'll find that this is the perfect place to kick back with friends, or spend some intimate time with someone special.
Cleopatra's Barge Nightclub atCaesar's Palace has reinvented itself to attract a younger crowd than in the past. Cleopatra's Barge has a floating dance floor with DJs turning R&B and Classic Rock hits through the night. This Egyptian themed dance club is served by a full bar, with tables scattered across the "dry land" and a few more tables "on deck" that are usually reserved. If you're looking for a quiet romantic spot, this may not be it; but if you just want to have fun, this is the place for you.
Mist Bar & Loungeat Treasure Island is a fusion of two ideas. On the one hand Mist is very similar to the Caramel Bar & Lounge, just a little darker and bit more intimate. With Persian rugs, dark leather lounge style couches, warm ambient overhead panels, candle lit coffee tables, and potted plants, against dark burgundy walls, Mist is the perfect hotspot to mingle with close friends or unwind with a little romance in mind. DJs spin a tasteful blend of Hip-hop, Rock, and the popular current hits at a volume that allows a comfortable mixture of conversational privacy, intimacy, and people watching. On the other hand, Mist also sports an oversized plasma TV for game night and a few beers with the guys. This is like partying in a larger version of your own truly cool living room!

Las Vegas is a great place to get married. Everything is las vegas resorts within reach - great outdoor venues, posh hotels for honeymooning, casinos, and great restaurants. Choose Las Vegas outdoor weddings if you want to be different but still have the all the comforts and amenities at hand. It is perfect for the fun-loving, adventurous couple.

 
Contrary to what some people think, Las Vegas weather does have four seasons. Yes, the seasons are different than you would experience in a Northern state, restaurants in las vegas but they exist nonetheless. Let's take a look at what they are like.Normal high temperatures in Las Vegas, in the middle of Winter, are around 55 degrees farenheit. Daily normal lows hover around 35. Lows have been recorded as low as 8 degrees. Temperatures into the 80s have been recorded in March as Winter was ending. Las Vegas hasn't has a major snowstorm in years, but in January 1979 Las Vegas received 9.9 inches of snow, and in January 1949 Las Vegas was hit with 16.7 inches! January and February tend to be rainier than most months, but they still average well below an inch of rain.

Four Queens is part of the Fremont Street Experience. Inside Four Queens, Magnolia's Veranda offers a Prime Rib Dinner between 4 p.m. and midnight for $9.95. The special comes with soup or salad, choice of potato, vegetable of the day, and a roll.
French Market Buffet
If you are looking for more of a bargain, while still in The Strip area, the French Market Buffet is inside the Orleans. Don't let the name fool you; for $13.99 you can enjoy this multi-national all you can eat treat between 4 and 9 p.m. Lunch is about half the price; but they clear the dining room between meals here, so you can't stay through into dinner. They also offer Friday Seafood for $5 more, and Wednesday Steak for $2 more. This is another locals hang out, so the lines can get long; but they usually move pretty quickly, except on Senior Tuesdays when the lines seem to grow beyond expectation. (About a mile west of The Strip on Tropicana Avenue.)
Restaurant Dining
Most casinos also offer specials of some sort in their 24 hour cafés. Some specials are always available, and other specials are not on the menu, but are available by specific request! Here are a few of the many specials, starting with the Downtown area.
SPOTLIGHT: The California Hotel
Imagine the cheapest wedding you'd like. You have to pay the $55.00 fee for the marriage license and you have to pay someone to perform the service. Then there's the witness who must be present at the ceremony. And you have to perform the service somewhere, although it doesn't have to be lavish. There are many places in and around Las Vegas that will harrahs las vegas perform the service and provide the witness for as little as $40.00. And they'll even throw in a CD in the background featuring traditional wedding music.You get there on your own, present your paid license and in a few short moments you'll be in front of a person licensed to perform wedding services in Las Vegas that are recognized las vegas suites around the world. Not exactly the wedding of your dreams but for $40.00 and the price of the license what did you expect. Go for another $60.00 and they'll throw in a limousine ride back to your hotel, a few photos taken with a disposable film camera that you'll get developed on your own, a bouquet of flowers and a boutonnière for the groom.
But with all the choices for Las Vegas outdoor weddings, you can get confused. How can you plan your Las Vegas wedding so that you get everything you want? Well, you have three choices: you can hire a travel agent who specializes in Las Vegas outdoor weddings, or you can purchase a package yourself online, or you can plan everything yourself when you get there in order to have true control over every detail.
The California Hotel seems like it could be renamed the Hawaiian Hotel, as they specialize in Pacific Island specialties. For example, this is one of the few places to find Spam on a menu. And their best lunch is in a place called Aloha Specialties. For cheap drinks The California offers Heineken and Corona for $2 in all of their casino bars, 24 hours a day. Located at Ogden and Main Street, it is one block north of Fremont St, and behind the Las Vegas Club. The California Hotel is also connected to Main Street Station by an over-the-street walkway.
Tips to eat a lot, well and for a good las vegas holidays price! If you go to Las Vegas and enjoy food you have three options:1 - Eat at the many restaurants there, on or off Strip. We avoid this option because when we go to Vegas we want to experience something truly different from what we experience at home. There are many restaurants everywhere but we always favour variety and of course we always want to eat well at a good price.
2 - Eat at buffets. This is our favourite option, because we love variety, freshness and a good deal anywhere we can find it. We want to try dishes we may not eat everyday at home and we also want to enjoy our regular favourites amongst some healthy options too! We think that the prices of Las Vegas buffets are, with the exception of dinner, more than reasonable for what you can enjoy. If you follow our tips you will eat well and at reasonable prices.
- There are several top-quality buffets in Vegas. Amongst them we recommend the buffet at the Bellagio, the one at the Mandalay Bay, the las vegas buffets buffet at the Mirage, the buffet at the Wynn (but this one's pricey!), the buffet at Planet Hollywood, the buffet at the Paris, the buffet at the Rio and, if you love Sushi, the Sushi buffet at Planet Hollywood (more on these buffets further on). These are top buffets so if you are on a budget make sure you show up between breakfast and lunch so you will enjoy a great lunch at breakfast prices (so go there 15 minutes before breakfast ends.)

The normal high for Summer in Las Vegas

If you'd rather not leave The Strip, O'sheas Casino in the middle of The Strip between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo serves a Hot dog with a Beer for $3.00, 24 hours a day. For more information on Q'sheas Casino, read further down under Where to Get Cheap Drinks.
All You Can Eat Buffets
If anywhere is famous for their buffets, it's Las Vegas! Almost every casino has one, so we'll only focus on a few of my favorites that have personality. There was a day when buffets represented the best deal in town. They are still a great deal for what you get; but with the Las Vegas transition into a family destination, the cost of food has gone up across the board to reflect the lack of gambling by minors.
Located inside the California, Aloha Specialties has an assortment of cash specials available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Chicken Super Bowl for $2.85 is served over rice with either gravy or teriyaki sauce. You can enjoy a Hamburger with macaroni salad for $2.85, a Chicken Tofu Saimin Noodles or a Loco Moco for $4.75. Loco Moco is a bowl of rice with fried egg and a hamburger patty drenched in gravy. Or a Large Saimin Noodles dish for $5. The Market Street Café offers a Prime Rib Special for $7.95. The Prime Rib is served between 4 and 11 p.m. and comes with soup or salad, potato, vegetable, and a desert! Reservations are recommended at Pasta Pirate which is more than just a pasta house. They are offering what is likely the classiest dinner deal in town! Steak and Lobster Tail with a choice of pasta, potato or rice, plus a saladand a glass of Wine for only $16.
You've dreamt of getting married in Las Vegas. You love the city for its nightlife, restaurants, and beautiful hotels. Besides, Las Vegas is also a great honeymoon spot. You and your spouse can enjoy a beautiful city.
Las Vegas golf stores have a unique line of golf accessories and equipment, which includes golf head covers, deluxe golf shoe bags, golf apparel, golf bags, golf balls, golf related books, and golf gift ideas.Many golf stores in Las Vegas maintain a separate department hard rock hotel las vegas  to customize the ideas and needs of the customers, and some have specialists to educate golfers on such matters as golf rules and etiquette. Most Las Vegas golf stores come with a section devoted exclusively to clear the doubts of all levels of golfers ranging from beginners to professionals.
Golf stores stock merchandise and provide equipment like golf carts, shoes, and trolleys. Golf accessories as well as golf apparel are available at discount rates. There are a number of stores in Las Vegas selling used golf equipment. The prices of used golf items are exceptionally low, and Las Vegas golf stores make it available through auction, consignment, or typical retail operations. Most of the Las Vegas golf stores have sites on the web to facilitate buying and selling of used golf equipment.Aztek Custom Golf, Zion Golf, and Vegas Golf are some of the prominent golf stores in Las Vegas. Major golf clubs with pro shops in Las Vegas are Craig Golf Course, Las Vegas National Golf Club, Siena Golf Club, Sunrise Vista Golf Club, and Tuscany Golf Club. Additionally, Las Vegas golf stores, such as Nevada Bob's Golf, Inc., boasts ballys las vegas facilities including Golf-Tek video training system and a full swing golf simulator.
Today, prominent Las Vegas golf stores have facilities for online shopping. In order to shop online, the customers have to supply some information and create an account with the store. Online payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

The normal high for Las Vegas in Spring starts around 70 degrees, and by the time Spring is ending the average high is 100. Temperatures as high as 116 have been measured near the end of Spring, that's just a degree short of the highest temperature measured in Las Vegas in the past 80 years. Spring is particularly dry in map of las vegas strip most years, with less than half an inch, on average.falling in the months of April, May, and June combined. Humidity is also low, and bottoms out in June.
The normal high for Summer in Las Vegas is over 100, although is dips below 100 after September 1. Humidity increases in July and August, and the number of thunderstorms increases to about 3 per month for those two months. Lows have been measured in the 50s in September, but 80s is normal for July and August, dipping into the 70s in mid September.
First a little note of caution; the "free drinks" in the casinos for gamblers are not all that free. If you can stay on your budget while alcohol happy, go for it. But the casinos have found that alcohol happy gamblers spend much more than sober ones!
Many of the restaurants in Las Vegas offer Happy Hour Specials; often a two drinks for the price of one type of thing.
On The Strip, O'sheas Casino offers Domestic Draft Brews for $2. I've seen Beer Pong played here, and this is the only place I've ever seen Casino Backgammon. The crowd tends to be under thirty, and everything here is on the cheap. Try to imagine a Frat House Party with the Sorority Girls in attendance. O'sheas Casino is tucked in between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo.
Benny's Bullpen in Binion's Horseshoe serves Miller Lite, Jack Daniels or Southern Comfort for $2. Next to the Sports Book, Benny's Bullpen is a more comfortable place to kick back with a few drinks while watching your game. Benny's Bullpen also runs a $10 Pizza and Pitcher special... best with friends. (Downtown in the middle of the Fremont Street Experience.)
If you prefer cheap mixed drinks, The Plaza serves Well Drinks for $2.50 all the time. The Plaza was once a fabulous new casino, but that was eons ago. Nowadays they tend to attract the cheapskates and low-life's. To make this work for you just remember to generously tip your waitress and smile; she won't be expecting it, so you're likely to get better service than anyone else. If you're looking for glitz, this is the wrong place; if not, the Sports Book may be the best place to hang out. The Plaza is on the Main Street side of The Fremont Street Experience.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Bal Harbour, Florida

Bal Harbour is a village at the northern tip of Miami Beach, Florida in Miami-Dade County.

Bal Harbour has some of the most desirable real estate in all of Florida. The village offers a variety of real estate options, including low-rise residential building featuring individually owned units and a large selection of single-family homes for sale. It is perfect for families because it is essentially a walled-in community with a guardhouse that is manned 24 hours a day to screen entry. Bal Harbour also offers a variety of locations for residents, such as both waterfront and dry lots.

Bal Harbour is home to just 3,000 residents, but those residents enjoy some of the greatest amenities. Its residents enjoy the areas oceanfront resorts, fine dinning, and assortment of shopping. But although Bal Harbour is known for it’s luxury, it also maintains a small-town charm. Bal Harbour Village covers approximately one third of a square mile and is one of the smallest municipalities in Miami-Dade County. The village is located an equal distance between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Collins Avenue is one of the most popular places in Bal Harbour to relocate to. The Bellini Condominiums are a town favorite, and there are usually several condos for sale at the Bellini. All units in the high-rise Bellini are ultra posh and feature open layouts, European finishes, an intercom system, exercise room, pool, sauna and one the riches addresses in all of south Florida.

But if you find that the Bellini isn’t what you’re looking for or simply just isn’t for you, there are several other condominium options in this village.

One-Bal-Harbour is perhaps the most luxurious of all and Miami Beach’s northern jewel. From penthouses to condo-hotels, One Bal Harbour has it all, including great service, style, spacious floor plans, stunning views, and an A+ location. It is a 26 story luxury condominium and one of the first towers to be built here. The condos here range from 2,000 to 8,000 square feet and usually sell for 2 to 10 million.

The residents of One-Bal-Harbour enjoy all the amenities of the five-star adjoining hotel, Regent-Bal-Harbour. Amenities included a spa, room service, concierge and valet, and gourmet dining.


Miami Hotels Collins Avenue

One Bal Harbour – More Than Luxury Condos

The One Bal Harbour is one of the most beloved luxury condominium centers in the entire state of Florida. It is usually associated with the very wealthy, and has entertained many celebrities throughout the years. What stands out about the One Bal Harbour? The One Bal Harbour offers tower estates, grand penthouse views and units that range thousands in square footage. The views of the surrounding areas are of the oceanfront, so you certainly give your eyes a visual feast.

The total property covers about a third of a mile and is ideally located between major airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It is right across from popular retail shops and department stores and nearby other populated areas like South Beach, Downtown Miami and Sunny Isles Beach. What are some of the services that guests can enjoy at the One Bal Harbour?

The One Bal Harbour offers plenty of amenities besides scenic views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy floor to ceiling windows, private elevators, large lobby ceilings, and recessed incandescent lighting. There is also a 10,000 square foot spa that offers maximum pampering and therapeutic treatment. In addition to enjoying a relaxing soak, guests can also receive facial treatments and massages. The condo rooms at the One Bal Harbour offer much in the way of luxury and comfort. Guests can look forward to granite counter tops, Italian Seimatic cabinets with lighting, high-tech appliances and walk in closets. The master suites of the hotel feature bathtubs, walk-in showers (separate from the bathroom and tub) and Jacuzzis for guests’ enjoyment.

This is a property that is highly trafficked and well-known throughout the nation. Imagine if you could invest in one of the center’s condos. This is not a cheap investment but it’s one that you could see a quick return on, as well as larger profit overtime. Some investors buy a condo for vacationing and then rent the room out to others for vacation stays. Of all Florida’s luxury hotels and condominiums, the One Bal Harbour is one of the most populated and well reviewed. It is located at 10295 Collins Avenue, 33154.


Miami Hotels Collins Avenue

Meyer Lansky, the Legend

I was 26 years old, working for a real estate investment company in Los Angeles, and answering to my father’s every request. I was sent to Miami to report on the Carriage House, one of the apartment high-rises our company owned. My father said as long as I was in Miami I should meet his good friend Meyer, whom he referred to as Guy. Milton is my boss. Teddy is Meyer’s wife:
The Carriage House on Collins Avenue was miserably neglected. It was worn around the edges, the paint peeling, the carpet frayed, and the glass windows smudged with dirt. The lobby was the centerfold of action; women dressed in bathing wraps and high-heeled sandals, and men in melon, and lime colored suits. There was an abundance of light, and a distinctive smell of chicken soup. Great numbers of Jewish men and women shuffled through the lobby in flip-flops, carrying big beach bags recognizable by their Yiddish dialect.

After a quick tour, I was whisked off to a lovely ocean front suite. I changed clothes and went looking for the Fontainebleau, the hotel where we were to have vacationed had my mother not died. I walked through lofty empty dining rooms, decorated with ornate chandeliers and furnishings, imagining the gaiety that once played, like an old forgotten movie set. The rooms were empty, and the obvious absence of guests or activity anywhere gave it a ghostly appearance. A heaving sadness for the place, and for the loss of my mother collided and I left in tears.

My emotions were replaced with getting ready to meet Meyer Lansky and his wife,Teddy. By now I’d heard the rumors, seen the Godfather, and knew that he was a living legend. All my life, I heard his name mentioned. My father said he had not spoken to Meyer in 20 years, that would be 1950, the year my parents moved to Houston to start a new life.

At seven o’clock, I was standing in front of the Carriage House dressed in an outfit my father insisted on picking out. A vintage four-door gray Mercedes pulled up in front. Neither one moved, but as I opened the door, Teddy grasped my hand.

“Oh my God! Look Meyer, she is exactly like her mother!”
He turned around once, took me in, and grinned. His face was a historical map; the lines were cut deep as roads, and the curve of his nose twisted, but his eyes; unmistakable eyes that see right through you.
“Oh darling I’m so thrilled to see you. Meyer, isn’t she just exactly like Lucille?” Teddy peered through twinkling brown eyes, radiating warmth and eagerness. She had a rapacious smile, petite frame, with lovely blonde hair pulled back at the nape of the neck. My father called her Tiger because she was untamable.

“No. She looks like Allen,” Meyer protested.
“Oh Meyer, she’s her mother’s image, she would be so proud of you, wouldn’t she Meyer…”
“Teddy will you please shut up so Luellen can speak.” Meyer never turned around, he glanced at me through the rear window. They continued to argue about whom I looked like, and both agreed it was a blessing I took after my mother, because she was a saint. He drove tentatively, hitting the brakes every few feet, while Teddy chided him about his driving. When we arrived at the restaurant, he faced me directly for the first time. He just stood there and examined me without hesitation. He was dressed in an open necked shirt and sports jacket.

Though his face was creased with deep permanent lines, when he smiled they all melted together, and looked almost youthful.
“So tell me, is your father still as sensitive as he used to be?” he said. I didn’t know how to answer. I had never thought of my father as sensitive.
“Well, he yells a lot.” I answered. He chuckled and nodded his head in agreement. Teddy took my hand and we went inside the restaurant. It was like meeting family, not friends. They made so much fuss over me, I felt remiss in not meeting them before. They wanted to know everything about my life. I was taken aback, and wished my father had been sitting with us. He sat very still; Teddy was kinetic and consumed with the turmoil of emotions.

I was not born when these people knew my father; my parents were not even married.
“So, he yells a lot does he?” Meyer continued once Teddy stopped talking.
“Yes, in fact his friends call him the “Warden.” They both burst out laughing. They were sharing something beyond my comment. Meyer ordered, suggested what I might like, and picked out a bottle of red wine. Teddy sat beside me intermittently squeezing my hand and dabbing her eyes with a Kleenex. She immediately wanted to talk about my mother. She could not say my mother’s name without a tear in her eye.

“Your mother was ravishing, and I don’t mean her looks, though she was prettier than any movie star, she was beautiful on the inside. She had a quality of kindness and sincerity every one adored.” Meyer’s eyes bonded to mine, and I felt him almost whispering to me. He was examining my character, what I was really thinking, if I was hiding conflict, what was in my heart, and if I could be trusted. His posture was relaxed, his mind was intense.

“We loved Lucille, everyone did,” Meyer interjected sadly. He talked about my father in the very same praiseworthy fashion my father talked about him. I did not sit there thinking, this is the Meyer who collaborated with Frank Costello, Lucky Luciano, and Ben Siegel to operate casinos and racetracks all over the country. I did not think of him as any sort of criminal, mobster or organized crime boss. My interest was what he knew of my father and mother, what stories could he share with me. Maybe he could tell me something concrete about my mother’s life. Meyer’s discerning eyes crinkled up when I asked a question. After a glass of wine, and we relaxed, it was my turn to ask a question.

“When did you meet my mother?”
“I can’t remember,” he answered. “A long time ago.” he skirted over my question just like my father.
“How do you like your job?” he asked.
“I love it.” His warm eyes darkened as I spoke. He encouraged the discussion and yet I felt he was displeased with my answers. I wanted to impress Meyer because I wanted to make my father proud.
“What exactly are doing on this trip?” he asked.
“I’m reviewing the rents, and looking over the condition of the property.” I answered. Teddy smiled supportively but Meyer suddenly went silent.
“I have a number of friends who live at the Carriage House.” His eyes pierced mine.

“You do?” I replied dumbly.
“Yes I do–and they live on social security every month, fixed income. Are you going to raise their rents?” he asked. I blushed red as the tablecloth. He continued eating.

“NO NO! Just tell me who they are and I can exclude them somehow,” I said in haste. Teddy pressed Meyer with her delicate hands.
“No, you cannot do that. I just wanted you to know is all,” he said in finality. It was just like my father, that crescendo of stupidity that comes when my father lays a trap for me. Teddy interjected something to break the seriousness, and we returned to lighter conversation. My easiness ceased at that moment. I could think of nothing else than the inconvenience of my job at that moment.

Later that night I allowed myself to recall all the things I’d heard about him over the years, shaved by years of denial. I shuddered to think how he felt about my raising the rents on his friends. Guys he played poker with once a week, while Teddy sliced corn beef sandwiches. My father casually informed me that Meyer lived at the Carriage House, before moving to the Imperial House. He knew all about Milton and about my job. I had the power to raise or lower rents. I wanted to bury my head in the sand, but my father’s words reclaimed my denial.
“This is what life is about, making decisions that you can face years later.”

I knew not everyone who assumes the veneer of affluence has money. Not even Meyer Lansky who reporters allege was worth over a million. My father facilitated a wealthy lifestyle, but he lived month to month. He may have had a million one day, maybe he had it a year, but eventually the bankroll is gambled. That is what they do with money. If these men invested their money, they would be richer than the government. Maybe that is what worried the government.

My relationship with Meyer was limited to what we had in common; we loved my father. The next time I called Meyer and Teddy to have dinner he was gratuitously polite, “We don’t want to interfere with your job.” I sensed a twitch of sarcasm; just enough to let me know that he was on to me.
We exchanged more than an exaggeration of emotions the second night. I could not extort any specific information from either one of them. Meyer was interested in discussing my job.

“Are your people are going to convert the Carriage House to condominiums?” Meyer caught me off guard again. I knew he and my father had talked.
“I haven’t heard that. Why do you ask?” I said.
“I want to protect my friends,” he answered, and a slip of a smile passed over his lips. “I’ll tell my father right away if I hear anything. And about the rents; I m not recommending an increase on any units, until we refurbish the place. It needs a lot of work.” Teddy took hold of my hand.

“That’s very thoughtful,” she said.
“Don’t let me interfere with your job,” he emphasized.
“I hope I can interfere, on your account.” He nodded acknowledging our little understanding. I got a glimpse of the Meyer that negotiated peace treaties between different factions of the underworld, with Cuban emissaries, Army Generals, and the Israeli government. Meyer emulated power, without any gestures, or expression. It came from inside. At the end of the evening, I dove for the check like I’d seen my father do a thousand times.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Meyer, my father will kill me if I don’t get this check.” I said in jest. He chuckled and captured my focus, while he snapped the check right out of my hand.

I could see how difficult it would be to cross this man. Part of America’s history was sitting with me that night, a man that could weave true stories around a thousand lies. I did not know much when I met Meyer, only stories about “Murder Inc,” and his friendship with Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello. What penetrated most was what I’d heard about Benny Siegel’s murder. I thought about that after I returned to Los Angeles, and why my father had not spoken to Meyer in twenty years.


Miami Hotels Collins Avenue

 

It’s Just Different in South Florida

The weather channel girl has sung its praises every winter season for the past 30+ years that I know of, and God only knows how long before that.

I’m talking about Florida, the Sunshine State, and more specifically South Florida. Great weather is the main reason why people escape to this peninsula, but its the everyday life that keeps people down here longer then their week long getaway allows. I’ve heard of people coming down here for a three day getaway, and never go back – except to pack up their belongings. Not too many places around the country can claim to have thousands of new residents every day.

I’ve been living in south Florida for a bit longer then a decade and it has been an exciting and rewarding experience every step of the way. Put aside the nearly perfect weather along with the long stretches of beach – the nightlife is second to none. Second to maybe New York and Los Angeles, it should come to no surprise why ‘A-listers’ set their sites on coming down to enjoy some fun in the sun.

So, you’ve been hesitating on finding out what the rumor is all about due to some inclement weather that comes around a few times during the year? Since I’ve lived down here there has only been three hurricanes and although they were scary, it comes with the property. The Northeast has snow storms and the Northwest has mudslides. The middle of the country has to deal with tornadoes, and since the hurricane season hasn’t been quite as powerful, the risk is still there. You take the good with the bad while living or visiting Miami.

Another exciting thing about escaping to south Florida is all the difference influences that engulf this area. Food, drink, the different vernacular that people speak, adds to the flair of south Florida. The music seems to get kick started down here before it reaches other parts of the country – so you know that the clubs that line popular Collins Avenue in Miami or the music clubs on Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale are always rippin’ and roarin’. Different cuisine flavors give your taste buds a trip to the tropics and the laid back island drinks complete the transition.

From the time you wake up till the time last call is announced, south Florida brings fantastic adventure on both land and water. Sunset cruises allow you to witness one of natures most beautiful spectacles. You like out door activities? There are more golf courses per squre mile then most places in the country and that’s just the beginning.

People from all walks of life visit this salty piece of land. I suppose that adds to the diversity that is south Florida living. There is more then a handful of things to do and experience which makes sense why there are so many people that vacation down here and don’t leave. There is nothing quite like being able to throw on a pair of shorts, a cotton shirt and a pair of Kino flip-flops and waive good-bye to that cabin fever lifestyle that has plagued the rest of the country.


Miami Hotels Collins Avenue

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

South Beach Hotels

Situated in a serene environment marked by dunes, salt marsh, and pine woodlands, South Beach hotels are noted for their elegant architectural style and cutting-edge comforts. Often considered to be the most spectacular section of Miami Beach, South Beach houses a number of nightclubs, historic hotels, and world-class gourmet restaurants. It covers the lower 23 blocks of the island from 1st street to Lincoln Road, including Alton Road, Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive, and Washington Avenue.

The 800-odd buildings with distinct architectural styles including art deco, garden style, and modern, were built between 1920 and 1940, and some are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. South Beach boasts an array of accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget hotels. Most of the boutique-style hotels have been restored to their original beauty. South Beach’s luxury hotels are mainly Clinton Hotel South Beach, Beach Hotel Bar and Bistro, Holiday Inn South Beach, Hotel Ocean, Newport Beachside Hotel, Park Central Hotel, Riu Florida Beach Hotel, Roney Palace Resort, The National Hotel, and Winterhaven Hotel. Some of the budget accommodations are Delano Hotel, Hotel Nash, and Hotel Victor. Lodging options in South Beach also include beach villas, bungalows, condos, and hostels.

Almost all South Beach hotels have facilities including business centers, full-service restaurants, multilingual staff, and valet parking. The hotel rooms sport fully stocked mini bars, high speed Internet access, two telephone lines with data ports, and signature furniture. Custom-designed linens, in-room safes, and toiletries with spa collections of renowned brands are usually available in the luxury hotels. Some South Beach hotels also provide facilities for Yoga.

Lummus Park, the Bass Museum of Art, Everglades Alligator Farm, Pro Player Stadium, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are just some of the local attractions. Guests can indulge in a host of activities such as bicycling, fishing, golf, sun bathing, scuba diving and snorkeling.


Miami Hotels Collins Avenue

Florida’s East Coast Beaches – Which One is Right For You?

Florida’s east coast borders on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a very long coastline starting at Jacksonville Beach in the north and stretching all the way to Miami Beach in the South. This, coupled with it’s all around temperate climate, makes it an ideal place to take a beach vacation. If you are vacationing on the east coast, which beach is right for you?

The beaches range from having a very steep incline (Flager Beach) to being very flat and wide (Volusia County). You can drive on several of the beaches including New Smyrna, Daytona and St. Augustine. New Smyrna Inlet and Cocoa Beach are considered to have some of the finest surfing conditions on the east coast of the United States.

Some Beaches to Consider on Florida’s East Coast:

St. Augustine – Nice wide beach that you can drive on and the city has lots of history as it is the oldest city in the United States. Great for families, couples and singles.

Volusia County beaches – These include Daytona and New Smyrna. Both are very wide and you can drive on them. Daytona is very commercialized and there is plenty to do while New Smyrna is quainter. Daytona has a lot of nightlife and plenty to do after hours, while New Smyrna has a cute downtown area with a few bars and restaurants. Ether would be a good vacation spot, which one depends on how much you want to have available during non-beach time.

South Beach in Miami – The ultimate people watchers beach. You will see people from all over the world and there is a great nightlife on Collins Avenue, the main drag at South Beach. The nightlife may not be suitable for young families, but singles and couples will surely find it entertaining.

Although this is only a small sampling of some of the beaches on Florida’s east coast, any of them will surely be an enjoyable vacation.


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Overview of Miami Beach (South Beach) Neighborhoods

Miami Beach’s famed 23 blocks of southernmost beaches, commonly known as South Beach, is an eclectic mix of prized real estate. From bohemian cottages, to historic Art Deco residences, to lavish top-of-the-line oceanfront condos, South Beach real estate is sure to please anyone. Dazzling beaches, world-class cuisine, designer boutiques and galleries, and sizzling nightclubs are the perfect mix to create a fabulous lifestyle. Some of the most popular South Beach neighborhoods include Flamingo Park, Espanola Way District, Collins Park, and Flamingo West.

Flamingo Park real estate includes the areas starting at Fifth Street, and extending north towards Lincoln Road. It primarily consists of low-rise buildings styled in Art Deco architecture. The most notable entertainment and leisure draw is Flamingo Park. Flamingo Park is one of the most beloved areas in all of South Beach, known across the city as a place for relaxation and fun alike. The almost 37 acre park was originally built in 1950, but recent expansion and renovation projects have added elements that all can enjoy including a football field, dog park, swimming pool, tennis courts, and children’s playground. Real estate near Flamingo Park, including Flamingo Park condos, caters to families as well as singles looking for an active lifestyle.

Espanola Way District is a funky, bohemian neighborhood originally planned for the well-to-do of Miami Beach. Styled after quaint European villages, Espanola Way effectively transports its visitors and residents to another time and place. Located north of 14th Street, between Pennsylvania and Washington Avenues, Espanola Way is adjacent to Flamingo Park. Espanola Way real estate is perfect for those looking for a unique piece of South Beach with a distinctive European flair. There are numerous dining options, art galleries, and artisan shops to choose from, and the streets are full of vendors selling homemade crafts and goods. The iconic Clay Hotel is the most recognizable tourist attraction, having been filmed for several television shows and movies. Espanola Way condos offer the perfect access to this charming corner of Miami Beach.

The Miami New Times has deemed the South Beach neighborhood of Collins Park to be Miami Beach’s most up and coming new neighborhood. The area is contained between 17th Street and 23rd Street, and is located across from the Miami Beach Convention Center. The city is undergoing a large renovation project to transform Collins Park. While the area currently consists of low-rise condo buildings, many of these have been purchased and are being turned into the trendy high-rise condominiums that are sweeping across theMiami Beach real estate landscape.

Flamingo West is a neighborhood that extends from Flamingo Park to Lincoln Road on Lennox Avenue and Michigan Avenue. The primary residences are single family homes.

Whatever the buyers’ needs, South Beach real estate has a perfect home or condo for all.


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Nightlife in Florida

Miami’s South Beach is the area to see and be seen. Tampa heaves with cool clubs and bustling bars. The Walt Disney Resort alone has an amazing number of discos, comedy clubs, restaurants and dinner shows.

The best place to spot a celebrity is… Bash, South Beach, Miami!

Bash is a European-style dance club. Sean Penn and rock star Mick Hucknall of Simply Red were the original owners of Club Bash and the trend has been carried on by current owner Steve Gabur. This is a great club and a perfect place to star gaze at the odd celebrity. A-list clientele have included Johnny Depp, Linda Evangelista, Antonio Banderas and more.

The trendy bars in clubs in Miami’s South Beach area

Marlin Hotel on Collins Avenue

Jacksonville’s T-Birds, plays 60s, 70s and 80s music

The best place to check out Rock bands is

Cheers, Fort Lauderdale.

A friendly, casual atmosphere bar, which showcases current live classic Rock and Blues shows seven nights a week. It also has a busy dance floor. There is pool and darts, cheap chicken wings and a Wednesday night taco and tequila party.

Kissimmee entertainment for the whole family.

The night comes to life in Kissimmee where you’ll find a special brand of entertainment the whole family can enjoy. There is live rodeo every Friday night for romping, stomping, heart pounding fun.

Classic cars cruise down the streets of Old Town on Fridays and Saturdays.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

Dining and stampeding by Palomino horses and extravagant performers

There are Themed dinner shows that provide distinctive entertainment each night of the week. You will also find plenty of entertainment for everyone at Walt Disney World Resort’s Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island.

Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk also offer more night-time entertainment nearby.

The evening show at Disney’s MGM Studios called – Fantasmic – combines dramatic music, dancing water, breathtaking animation, fireworks, lasers and a cast of over a hundred actors and dancers. Fantasmic

Stay at these Florida Villas Orlando, whilst being entertained in Kissimmee. Low cost luxury villa accommodation are just 10 minutes away.


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5 Places to Travel to in a Good Economy

The economy is not always likely to be bad and there are some wonderful places out there to take a holiday or vacation and these include some new destinations. Below a look at 5 places we recommend for the coming few years.

1. UAE is fast becoming a popular destination and with the introduction of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 grand prix for 2009, with a brand new circuit being built and with a location such as Dubai also gaining in popularity very fast. The United Arab Emirates has a great climate and worth considering. The Abu Dhabi F1 is bound to attract a significant amount if tourism to the Emirates and the UAE will continue to grow for tourism.

2. Rome, Italy is one of the favourites of many and it never gets tiring with so much to do and see in this city. If you have already been to Rome it is always worth a revisit and with some excellent restaurants, bars and museums this always deserves a top 10 place. The classic attractions including the Coliseum, the Vatican and the Spanish Steps are also worth seeing.

3. Miami, Florida in the Northern Hemisphere winter time has temperatures in the seventies and long sunny days and what a place for a winter holiday. Miami is a great base for visiting the Florida keys, the Everglades and Fort Lauderdale. Miami itself has some wonderful beaches and the downtown area by the art deco parts is worth walking around and seeing. Collins Avenue in particular is a street you may find yourself walking down and is central to the main deco parts.

4. Baden Baden, Germany is a class location which is a wellness spa town and which sits near to the Black Forest in the heart of Germany. Baden Baden has some excellent saunas, spas and is a wonderful place to unwind for a few days or more. Baden is not cheap but this is a quality place with excellent wellness facilities.

5. Bangkok, Thailand is a city which is often over shadowed by the beach and coastal resorts such as Koh Samui, Phuket and Pattaya. Bangkok in its own right is a city very rich in quality when it comes to restaurants, temples, museums and a number of other tourism activities. Khao Sam Road is a popular street with tourists and excellent for shopping and avoiding the language problems which can sometimes otherwise occur.


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Exotic Miami – From Art Deco to Decadent Art

Ever since the Art-Deco era of the 1930s, Miami has been an exotic location for a holiday; all-year round Florida sunshine, golden beaches and a pace of life to suit residents and visitors alike. This unique metropolis which bills itself as the ‘Magic City’ continues to be a massive tourist draw, offering luxury holidays in the best of settings.

As a major US hub at the gateway to the Americas, the city boasts a large port, which is the departure point for numerous cruise ships on their way to the nearby Caribbean. Close to the spectacular Everglades National Park, Miami is renowned for its unique culture, derived mainly from its celebrated ethnic diversity. The city certainly boasts an upbeat Latin feel, which is backed up by the 2000 census in which 60% of the population declared that they were Hispanic.

Miami was incorporated as a city in 1896, and has grown substantially since; now consisting of 13 major neighbourhoods. Covering a huge area of Southern Florida, as well as offering the seductive dual attraction of great beaches and sunny weather, Miami is also home to impressive culture, dazzling entertainment and a huge choice of shopping.

Bayside Marketplace offers an upmarket shopping experience set on the edge of the Port of Miami, off Biscayne Boulevard. There are over 150 fabulous shops and restaurants spread over the 16 acre open-air market, ranging from fabulous, little one-off boutiques to well-known, upmarket chains. In addition to the shopping and dining there is frequently thrilling, free entertainment on offer including Salsa and Cuban beat music.

Miami residents are generally very style-conscious and love art. The Miami Museum of Art reflects the make-up of the city, with a diverse range of genres on display and regularly hosts ground-breaking exhibitions that attract visitors in their tens of thousands. In addition, the Museum gives back to the community in the form of great educational initiatives, including morning lectures on the city’s diverse and dazzling architectural styles.

Some of the most luxurious and spectacular Miami hotels are found in South Beach and also along Collins Avenue, close to the Atlantic but not all hotels in Miami are restricted to the beaches. Indeed, they are spread across the city, many close to major attractions such as the Miami Art Museum, Design District and Spanish Monastery Cloisters, as well as the Downtown area.

Because the city is so spread out any potential visitor should ensure that they do their research and choose accommodation close to their particular area of interest, unless they are willing to hire a car.


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What Are the Advantages of Purchasing Sunny Isles Beach Homes?

Upscale living, scenic beauty, escape from pollution and noise, there could be hundreds of reasons for you wanting to purchase one of the plush Sunny Isles Beach homes. Whatever your reasons or tastes, there are plenty of options available across the city. However, to find a home that best suits your needs and lifestyle, remember the following:

* Your budget
* Features that you want in your home
* Location of your home

Why Sunny Isles Beach Homes?

Once called “The Venice of America,” Sunny Isles Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northeast Miami-Dade County, Florida. So, purchasing Sunny Isles Beach homes is the best investment decision you can ever make. The east side of the city is guarded by the Atlantic Ocean, and the Intracoastal Waterway lies on the west. Real estate development in the city started in the late 1920s, after the completion of the Haulover Bridge in 1925. This provided easy access to the city from Miami. This boosted development in Biscayne Bay, with streams being widened, canals being dug and islands and peninsulas being created to build waterfront properties.

The place now offers several luxurious residential options, which include single-family homes, apartments and waterfront condos developed by renowned builders, such as Donald Trump. Centrally located, the city offers easy access to the ultra-luxury Bal Harbour and the nightlife in Miami Beach through the Collins Avenue.

Buying a waterfront home gives you the lifelong luxury of enjoying the two-and-a-half mile-long stunning sand seashore; not to mention the additional facilities of water sports, fishing, boating, tennis and other adventurous activities that make your investment well worth it. There are ample options for shopping, dining and entertainment within close proximity.

The city is undergoing a major phase of development with many plush residential areas and hotels coming up. The focus, however, lies on residential condominium construction and waterfront homes. The city’s infrastructure development plan also includes a number of beautiful parks.


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Sunny Isles Beach Condominiums

Searching for Florida condominiums for sale? Is your choice a luxury building on the beach, or at walking distance to the sand? Do you like to wake up in the morning to glance on the wonderful blue water of the Atlantic Ocean, through your floor-to-ceiling windows, while you are sipping on your orange juice and biting on your croissant?

Let’s explore the place. I’ll be your guide.

If your budget allows,you surely are a candidate to purchase an ocean front Sunny Isles Condo. On Collins Avenue, you will definitely find this ultra-luxury building, with endless amenities, tennis, racquetballs, pools, saunas, fitness centers, you name it.
Starting in Golden Beach, look South at the Ocean Condos. They are some of the most appreciated buildings, built gradually since 2000. Ocean One, Ocean Two, Ocean Three, and about half a mile South, Ocean 4, are the first to come to my mind. They are just wonderful buildings.

Right across the street, the Oceanview Condos and Ocean Reserve condo conversion present you with more affordable alternatives, albeit lacking the direct ocean views and being only refurbished buildings from the 70′s.

Continue your walk South, and if you would still like to consider more affordable condos in Sunny Isles, what about the Kind David Condos, a 2005 building, with good amenities and well appointed apartments, just across the street from the beach.

You could also consider the Porto Bellagio Condos, (2003) around 171st Street, also on the opposite side from the beach.
What about the Golden Bay condos (1999)? They are a good value.

The Sole Condos are also a good alternative, right on the beach.
Also on the sand, the Sands Point built in 1996 is a great option.

I wouldn’t discard the Ocean Point Condos (2000) right between 173rd and 174th Street and Collins. They are a good compromise on luxury and location.

Let us talk now about some of the best condos in Sunny Isles, although not the newest.
I refer to the Pinnacle Condos with its peculiar shape, a great architectural landmark in Sunny Isles Beach. Great luxury has not been spared, marbles, Italian kitchen cabinets and bathrooms vanities, wonderful views through its floor to ceiling windows.
It is a 1998 building, but one of my favorites.

The Millenium Condos, built just in 1999 have some wonderful units with a frontal ocean view. It is also a high end building.

Le Meridien Condo Hotel, also known as M-Resorts, is a beautiful place, no doubt, if you like this modality.
Trump has built a few places in Sunny Isles. Let’s look at the Trump Palace Condos. Just completed, Trump luxury at its best.
Next to it, is the Trump Sonesta is a condo hotel with very upscale amenities.

La Perla Condos at 166th Street is on the sand. A 2006 building, some of the condos have good water views.

The Sayan Condos have just been delivered in 2007. At the 163rd. Street, they are a good value for your money if you are looking to walk on the beach without crossing the street.
Let me mention Oceania series of building. Located in the south end of Sunny Isles, the first three Oceanias, Oceania 1, Oceania 2 and Oceania 3, are located on the beach.

Oceania 4 and 5 are on the Oceania Island, across from Collins and the Beach.
They were built in the early 90′s. They could be a good midway between the most expensive Sunny Isles Beach condos and the budget condos built in the 70′s.

Talking of these older buildings, we have the Arlen House Condos on Bayview Drive, a couple of minutes walk from the ocean. Then I would like to mention the Winston Towers, a series of large structures on 174th Street, some of them with great views on the Intracoastal, docks and marina make it a good value if you can’t afford the newer condos.
They are conveniently priced and a good option for somebody who doesn’t mind walking 5 minutes to the Beach.

The Plaza of the Americas is another complex in the same kind.
You can also consider the Poinciana Island townhomes, across the street from the water. They have small 25 foot docks and you can have your own boat in your backyard.
And the Marina Bay Condos, a 12 floors structure, built not later than 2002 is also an intermediate solution.

By the way, I was just forgetting one of the most beautiful (and expensive) places in Sunny Isles. The famous Acqualina, a landmark. The Acqualina condos are some of the most expensive properties in Sunny Isles and the outside of the building is surely a statement.

Did I forget something? Of course, there are a few new developments, the Solis, a top-luxury place, the Jade Ocean, the St. Tropez on 163 Street, across the street from the water, and so many more are either on the drawing board or being completed.
Check my website: http://www.condo-southflorida.com and take a look.

I didn’t cover everything. But perhaps I gave you a good idea. Good luck in your search of a condo on the beach at Sunny Isles.


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