LAS VEGAS CONNECTION BY BART TORRES

Room Rates Reflect CES is in Town
If your travel plans didn’t include Vegas this week think of the money you saved on the price of a room! In town for their annual convention is the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and room rates are out of sight with the highest going for as much as $632 per night. For instance, last week you could have snagged a room at the Riviera for the bargain price of just $39. This week those same accommodations are $499! Next week they return to $39. Wynn is getting $632, $597 at the Cosmopolitan, $582 at the Aria, $524 at Bellagio, $377 at MGM Grand and $350 at the Mirage. The least expensive digs can be found at Circus Circus where the average is $186. Off Strip, Hooters is getting $202 per night. CES officially starts tomorrow and goes through Friday, January 13, but many conventioneers arrive a few days early for the pre-show events. Speaking of the convention, patrons flashing their show badge can save a couple of bucks and put it toward your hotel tab at downtown’s InsertCoins Video Lounge Gamebar between Tuesday, January 10 and Friday, January 13 for 2-for-1 drink specials.

Donn Arden’s Jubilee! Holding Auditions at Bally’s
Here’s your chance to be in the spotlight as a cast member of a famous Las Vegas production. Donn Arden’s Jubilee! The longest-running extravaganza on the Strip recently celebrated its 30th  anniversary at Bally’s will hold casting auditions for female and male dancers and singers 18 years of age and older on Monday, January 23, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Jubilee Theatre. All male applicants must be 6 feet or taller and females must be at least 5 feet 8 inches in height. Male dancers will be seen at 10:30 a.m., girl dancers and showgirls will audition at noon. Male and female singers will try out at 2 p.m. and principle dancers will get their big moment at 3 p.m.   

Free Song Downloads for Ticket Holders Seeing IP’s Human Nature
A nice little giveaway is being offered until further notice to ticket holders seeing the Imperial Palace’s hit show “Smokey Robinson Presents Australia’s Human Nature-The Ultimate Celebration of the Motown Sound.” All guests will receive a one-of-a-kind downloadable offer for two free songs from their website at www.humannaturelive.com Human Nature performs six nights a week (dark Fridays) at 7:30 p.m. with tickets ranging from $52.95 to $72.95, exclusive of tax and fees. For reservations, call (888) 777-7664.

Palazzo and Venetian Celebrating The Year of The Dragon
A sight to behold will be at The Venetian and The Palazzo where they will celebrate the Chinese New Year with a ceremonial dragon dance at 1 p.m. on January 23 in The Venetian porte cochere, making its way through The Palazzo. A 128-foot, 8,000 pound hand-crafted, fire-breathing dragon will be on display at The Palazzo’s Waterfall & Atrium Gardens through February 5. During Chinese New Year, The Palazzo’s Zine Noodles Dim Sum diners will enjoy special prepared dishes. Specialty drinks will also be served at all the bars of both resorts throughout February.   

Hyde Lounge Completes Renovations at Bellagio
With a beautiful view of the outdoor Fountains of Bellagio, Hyde Lounge, a spectacular indoor/outdoor venue opened New Years Day. The 10,000-square-foot nightspot replaces the previous Fortuna Bar and completes the new look to the famed AAA Five Diamond resort  following a $70 million renovation of its 2,568 guest rooms. Hyde Lounge can easily accommodate up to 714 guests with drinks served tableside from a signature cart. Starting at 5 p.m. daily, high-end appetizers are available including Kobe beef sliders, Ahi tuna tarter cones, caviar, Kumamoto oysters, a Thai Mango salad and scrumptious desserts. At 11 p.m., the space transforms into an ultra lounge with celebrity DJs playing the hottest tunes. On Friday and Saturday, the party continues through 4 a.m.

Vegas StrEATs is Hotspot for Downtown Visitors
Vegas StrEATS, a unique concept showcasing local businesses continues to draw in the crowds the second Saturday of each month. The free community event began last March and has been a huge success since opening night. Featured are a number of food trucks selling a wide variety of tasty food at reasonable prices, art vendors, live entertainment and drinks runs from 6 p.m. to midnight in the Fremont Street East District in the El Cortez lot directly across from the El Cortez Hotel & Casino, north of 6th and Fremont. Kids under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

$150,000 Apple Gift Cards Giveaway at the Cosmopolitan
Through February 25, club members can win a share of $150,000 worth of Apple Gift Cards at the Cosmopolitan by earning ten Identity points through gaming. Everyday on the hour from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., a name will be drawn for a $500 gift card. The grand prize drawing will be held on February 25 at 9 p.m. giving entrants a shot at winning their share of $50,000 worth of Apple Gift Cards. See the Identity Membership Desk for complete details.

Player Cleans up at The Orleans by Turning a $2 Wager into $315,119  
Talk about knowing your horses! A $2 bet at The Orleans race book last month put a generous $315,119 into the wallet of an unidentified person who bet on a Black Gold Pick 5 on the Fairgrounds simulcast. This particular jackpot was a carryover pool that had built up over 18 racing days.  

Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub Celebrates Friday the 13th with Drink Specials
It’s time to party at Rockhouse Bar & Grill this Friday, January 13 as they celebrate with a $13 open bar from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Las Vegas’ only ultra-dive bar, located in front of Imperial Palace features great DJs, dancing on the bar and beautiful bartenders. The daiquiri and main bar open at 10 a.m. and the adjacent nightclub is open from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. For bottle and table reservations call (702) 731-9683.

Time to Secure Reservations for Super Bowl and March Madness
Two huge sporting events are coming up in the next couple of months and Vegas will be packed with fans for both. Super Bowl Sunday will be February 5 and now is the time to make your weekend plans. South Point is offering a two-night package (February 4-5 or 5-6) including four complimentary cocktails, two buffets, access to the Fitness Center and an invite to the Big Game Party priced from $209. For reservations, call (866) 791-7626 and mention code BIG0205. Next up is the South Point’s offer of a chance to see the culmination of college basketball’s March Madness. The property has another good deal going on with their March to the Championship Package, March 15-18. Priced also from $209, this includes the cocktails, food, fitness center plus entry for two to the viewing party. Hurry on this because it must be booked by January 15, 2012. Call the above number and ask for code MAR0316.

Joey Fatone Returns to Host Bally’s “The Price is Right Live Live Stage Show
Celebrity Joey Fatone begins a three-month engagement starting January 11-April 8 as guest host of Bally’s popular “The Price is Right Live Stage Show.” Based on the hit television game show, audience members are invited to “come on down” and play for thousands of dollars and big ticket prizes. Featured on the live stage show are favorites such as “Plinko,”, “Cliff Hanger,” “The Big Wheel and everyone’s favorite, “Showcase Showdown.” “The Price is Right Live Stage Show” plays Wednesday through Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with tickets priced at $56.25. Children are welcome in the audience but to be a contestant you must be 21 and older. For reservations, call (877) 374-7469 or visit www.ballyslasvegas.com.

Affordable Entertainment at Treasure Island
You are going to like the value you will find for upcoming entertainment at Treasure Island. Taking the stage February 18 is the original Urban Cowboy Mickey Gilley performing at 8 p.m. in the Treasure Island Ballroom. Tickets start as low as $39. Comedian Bill Engvall makes a return visit March 9 at 8 p.m. to the Treasure Island Theatre with tickets as low as $49 followed by standup comic Carlos Mencia in the same venue on March 23. Tickets for his 9 p.m. show also begin at $49. Taxes and service charge for all performers is added to your tab. For reservations, call (866) 712-9308.

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas Named One of Gayot’s “Top 10 New U.S. Hotels”
Congratulations to Ravella at Lake Las Vegas, a Dolce Hotel & Resort with their recent award of one of GAYOT’s “10 Top New U.S. Hotels” in 2011. Adjacent to Montelago Village, with access to paddle boats, two marinas, fine dining, championship golf courses, trendy shops,  boutiques, a white sandy beach, hiking and jogging trails, Ravella is a quaint 349-room-and-suite resort offering a tranquil getaway from the bustle of the Vegas Strip. For room reservations, call (888) 810-0440.

“Yes You Can” Shopping Event and UFC 142 Viewing Party at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops
Two fun events are on their way to Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops later this week. First up, Thursday, January 12, Extra correspondent Adrianna Costa will host a “Yes You Can” shopping experience inside Bebe from 6 to 8 p.m. Along with DJ entertainment, food, and live modeling, Costa will share with shoppers her hints for staying healthy and fit into the New Year. On Saturday, January 14, at 6 p.m., Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina will host an ultimate viewing party for fight fans enjoying the UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendez matchup. A $20 admission gets you in for all the preliminary televised bouts leading up to the main event. To reserve a seat, call (702) 385-2226.  

Check with resorts for all current offers published. Hotels have all rights and may cancel or modify at anytime. On your drive up to Vegas tune your radio to The Highway FM 98 & 99 for my up-to-date Las Vegas reports. GOOD LUCK!