Las Vegas Scoop

The Castle is Now Taking Reservations

The reopening of Las Vegas is going well. Excalibur Las Vegas has announced that it will be opening its doors on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

These MGM resorts will be reopening their doors on June 4, 2020

MGM Resorts have announced that they will be reopening MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, New York-New York, and The Bellagio with doors opening on June 4, 2020. At the opening, amenities at all properties will be limited. Each location will have open pools with a selection of cabanas available.

MGM Resorts have compiled a comprehensive safety plan to keep both guests and employees safe. A few steps include:

• Employee screening, temperature checks, and COVID-19 specific training
• Employees will be required to wear masks
• Guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks, and in some settings where physical distancing is more difficult and/or barriers do not exist, they will be required to do so
• Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on casino floors

As customer demand grows, additional MGM resorts will continue to open.

Phase 1: Caesars Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas will be the first of the Caesars Entertainment resorts to open.

Once the state of Nevada announces a re-opening date, Caesars Entertainment will activate a partial reopening. Phase 1 will have both Caesars Palace and The Flamingo Las Vegas open for lodging, dining options, and access to their outdoor pools, as well as slot machines and table games. However, some offerings, including live entertainment, bars, spas, buffets, and valet parking will not be resuming immediately. For the time being, they will be suspending fees for paid self-parking.

Several retail and dining outlets along the LINQ Promenade, as well as the High Roller Observation Wheel, is also expected to reopen.

Caesars Palace and The Flamingo Las Vegas have implemented enhanced health and safety protocols. All offerings will operate in a manner consistent with physical distancing guidelines.

Phase 2 has Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and the gaming floor at LINQ Hotel & Casino to be the next properties in Las Vegas to reopen, with timing based on customer demand.

Caesars Entertainment – Temporary Shut Down

Caesars Entertainment Corporation has temporarily shut down its owned properties in North America, consistent with directives from various government bodies.

“It has become clear that we must take this extreme action to help contain the virus and protect the safety and well-being of our team members and guests,” said Caesars Entertainment CEO Tony Rodio.

Caesars is working to ensure a smooth closing process throughout its network and looks forward to welcoming back team members and guests as soon as appropriate. Caesars recognizes the disruption that these property closures will have on team members and is committed to helping employees manage the impact.

An update on property closures throughout the Caesars network can be found at here.

Caesars Resorts:

Caesars Palace
NOBU Hotel
Planet Hollywood
Paris
Bally’s
The Cromwell
Flamingo
The Linq Hotel + Experience
Harrah’s
Rio

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

All hotel reservations during the closure period will be canceled automatically. Any prepayments will be refunded within the next few days. Please visit here for more information.

CAESARS SPORTSBOOKS

In response to official game and/or tournament cancellations, Caesars Sportsbooks will refund any associated wagers. “Futures” wagers will remain active until the leagues issue guidance on how currently suspended seasons will conclude. For wagers made in-person at a Sportsbook, please refer to the back of the ticket for mail-in instructions. If the wager was made on the app, the funds will automatically be returned.

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

All ticketed live entertainment held in Caesars Entertainment venues in Las Vegas are suspending performances Sunday, March 15, through at least April 17, 2020.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Last Updated: March 24, 2020 10:00 a.m. PST.

Q: Are Caesars Las Vegas resorts still open?

No–Caesars Entertainment Corporation has temporarily shut down its Las Vegas properties. “It has become clear that we must take this extreme action to help contain the virus and protect the safety and well-being of our team members and guests,” said Caesars Entertainment CEO Tony Rodio. Caesars looks forward to welcoming back team members and guests as soon as appropriate. Caesars recognizes the disruption that these property closures will have on team members and is committed to helping employees manage the impact. An update on property closures throughout the Caesars network can be found at https://www.caesars.com/corporate/newsroom/press-releases.

Q: When will they reopen?

Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts will be closed through at least April 17, 2020.

Q: What about my hotel reservation in that window of time?

All hotel reservations during the closure period will be canceled automatically. Any prepayments will be refunded within the next few days. Please visit caesars.com/book/my-reservation for more information.

Q: What about my sportsbook wagers?

In response to official game and/or tournament cancellations, Caesars Sportsbooks will refund any associated wagers. “Futures” wagers will remain active until the leagues issue guidance on how currently suspended seasons will conclude. For wagers made in-person at a Sportsbook, please refer to the back of the ticket for mail-in instructions. If the wager was made on the app, the funds will automatically be returned.

Q: What about ticketed shows?

All ticketed live entertainment held in Caesars Entertainment venues in Las Vegas are suspending performances Sunday, March 15, through at least April 17, 2020. Refunds and exchanges for affected dates are available through the following:

1. If you have a postponed event, hold on to your ticket. It will be valid for the new event date, once announced. Or you can login to your Ticketmaster.com account on a desktop or mobile/app and use the self-service refund option for a refund. Dues to the high volume of calls, we highly encourage the self-service option. If you call customer service, please expect over an hour wait time at a minimum.

2. All canceled events will be mass refunded. Due to the high volume of event change requests, it will take up to 30 days to process.

3. If you have purchased your ticket from a sales channel other than Ticketmaster, please contact your original point of sale for a refund.

We are taking these bold measures now and look forward to welcoming guests back to enjoy world-class entertainment experiences as soon as we are able. We thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these challenging circumstances.

Q: I purchased a Buffet of Buffets pass online. What do I do?

In response to property closures, Caesars Entertainment will refund all Buffet of Buffets pass online purchases for dates beginning Monday, March 16 through at least April 17, 2020. Refunds will be made available through Caesars Billing Assistance. Please allow 7-10 business days for the refund to appear on your credit card used for the original transaction.

Stay safe and healthy.

MGM Resorts – Temporary Closure

MGM Resorts has temporarily suspended operations at its Las Vegas properties for the good of its guests, employees, and communities.

We will continue to support our employees, guests, and communities in every way that we can during this period.

MGM Resorts:

MGM Grand
The Signature at MGM Grand
Mandalay Bay
Delano
Luxor
Excalibur
New York-New York
Park MGM
NoMad
Aria
Vdara
Bellagio
The Mirage

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did you close your properties?

This is a time of uncertainty across our country and the world. We all must do our part to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

We plan to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so and will continue to support our employees, guests, and communities in every way we can during this period of closure.

Q: What are my options if I’ve already booked my trip for dates between now and April 16?

Reservations for stays between now and April 16 will be automatically canceled and fully refunded. No action is required by the guest. The cancelation will occur automatically and guests will be notified through email about their refund.

Q: When can I rebook? When are you reopening?

MGM Resorts is currently taking reservations starting for arrivals on April 17th. Because of the safety and health of our employees and guests is our top priority, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes.

Entertainment

Q. I had purchased tickets for an event that is now canceled. How will I get my refund?

Orders purchased with a credit card will be refunded automatically to the credit card used for purchase. Please allow up to 30 days for this refund to reflect with your financial institution.
For guests who utilized a 3rd party to secure tickets, please reach out to your original point of purchase for information regarding credit.

Tickets purchased with cash will be refunded by check upon request. To initiate the refund process, please follow one of the following actions below:

By Email:

Scan and send a copy of your ticket(s) to corporateticketing@mgmresorts.com
Include your Name, Contact Phone Number and complete Mailing Address in the body of the email
Upon validation, the credit will be processed in full and a check will be issued to you by mail within 6 weeks
Refund checks will only be issued to the account holder on file
By Mail:

Please send the physical ticket(s) to:

MGMRI Ticketing
C/O Cancelled Show Support
3780 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89158

Include your Name, Contact Phone Number and complete Mailing Address in the envelope
Upon validation, the credit will be processed in full and a check will be issued to you by mail within 12 weeks
Please be certain to keep a copy of the ticket for your files
Refund checks will only be issued to the account holder on file
We recommend retaining a copy of your original ticket for your records

Q. My event has been postponed. What do I do?

If your event has been postponed and no new date has been announced, we encourage you to hold onto your tickets for the new date.

Q. The event I purchased tickets for has been rescheduled. What happens next?

If your event has been rescheduled for a new date, you will be able to attend the newly rescheduled date with your existing tickets. Should you no longer be able to attend the rescheduled date, you may request a refund at the original point of purchase.
Q. I have tickets for an event after May 1 and am unable to attend, or I am not comfortable traveling. What should I do next?

If attending a Cirque du Soleil or a Showroom Event, you may cancel your show booking for a full refund, for any reason, through May 31, 2020, up to 24 hours prior to showtime.

If you secured tickets for an event at Park Theater or a Las Vegas Arena, all sales are final. We look forward to hosting you at the show! Should you be unable to attend, we encourage you to utilize resale options.

Stay safe and Healthy.

Don’t miss the fabulous Paula Abdul on stage performing her greatest hits along with some new ones

Paula Abdul is the latest superstar to become the next headlining act with Flamingo Las Vegas. Back in the 80s & 90s, Paula was the hottest pop sensation with her catchy hit songs and her amazing dance skills. The younger generation may recognize her from TV as the nutty and loveable judge on American Idol (sandwiched between Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson), Live to Dance, The X-Factor, and So You Think You Can Dance.

“Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl” will showcase her greatest hits, dancing, and even some behind the scenes from American Idol. Shows start in August and run sporadically through to January 2020. Tickets are already on sale. Don’t miss your chance to see this talented artist.

Show dates:

Aug. 13, 15 – 17
Oct. 22, 24 – 26
Nov. 26, 28 – 30
Dec. 23 – 24, 27 – 28, 31
Jan. 1, 3 – 4

Get 25% off Donny & Marie’s Farewell Shows at Flamingo Las Vegas

All good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, that rings true with Donny & Marie at Flamingo Las Vegas. After an amazing run, these Osmond siblings are bringing their show to a close. What first started as a brief six-week concert engagement bloomed into a permanent Flamingo residency that has lasted eleven years successful years. However, the time has come to say farewell. There are only a few shows left. If you are wanting a getaway to Las Vegas, now is the time to plan around the Osmond’s final show dates. March 22, 23, 26 – 30, are perfect for that spontaneous road trip. For those who can’t jet away at a moments notice can wait until November 5 – 9, 12 – 16, 2019. With the popularity of Donny & Marie, the remaining shows will sell out quickly. This is your chance to get tickets 25% off. This may be your last opportunity to hear “I’m a little bit country. I’m a little be rock ‘n roll.”

Take in Las Vegas from a different view and faster speed

The Linq Promenade brings all the cool rides to The Strip. First it was the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel. Since The Linq conquered tall heights, they decided their next goal was to take on high speeds. Mission accomplished! Next month will be the grand opening of Fly Linq Zipline. This will be the first zipline on the Las Vegas Strip. Riders will soar through the air 12-stories above the Promenade. Choose from two types of rides, Seated or Superhero. We highly suggest the Superhero position. If you are going for a ride you might as well soar through the sky and fly like your favorite superhero. Zip during both day and night for totally different experiences.

Bring your furry best friend with you on vacation!

DOGS ALLOWED

Say goodbye to the days of extremely sad puppy eyes looking back at you as you leave for Las Vegas. Times have changed! Several strip hotels are now Fido-friendly. That’s right, your dreams have come true. You can bring your fur baby on vacation with you. Individual resorts may have strict rules and additional room charges, but the upside is that you won’t have to leave your dog alone in a scary, noisy kennel anymore. Instead of whimpering all night long, your best friend will feel safe sleeping soundly next to you in bed.

To all those who are allergic to our furry friends, there is no need to panic. Most resorts have specially designated rooms that are only for dogs (and their owners). You can be confident knowing that you won’t be sneezing through your entire vacation.

Here is a list of these awesome dog-friendly resorts:

Delano
Vdara
Bellagio
Venetian
Paris
Bally’s
Rio
Harrah’s
Flamingo
Caesars Palace
Planet Hollywood
The Linq

Everything looks so tasty at Pronto by Giada. What to order first?

Visit Pronto by Giada for Lunch or a Glass of Wine

Chef and TV personality, Giada De Laurentiis has opened her second restaurant. Pronto by Giada is now open in Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Pronto offers Italian fare in a quick and casual setting. Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a coffee/wine break, Pronto has you covered. Giada offers savory dishes like lobster rolls and grilled cheese sandwiches. Cheat on that diet with decadent bake goods including cinnamon buns, chocolate cornetti’s, and danishes. Her dishes alone sound wonderful, but she has gone one step further by adding a Pronto Wine Bar. Peruse through the list of Californian and Italian wines. If the wine options are overwhelming, sample several with a wine flight. Try some of her personal favorites. Giada never fails to impress us.

Move over slots, video poker and card tables, there are new games in town

New Casino Games at Planet Hollywood and Paris

Moveover slot machines, video poker, and table games. Gamblit Gaming are the hottest new games hitting the casinos. Planet Hollywood and Paris are just a couple of casinos to have these exciting new games. Poker and Cannonbeard’s Treasure are two of Gamblit games on these casino floors. Both are card games and are interactive for 2-4 players. Say goodbye to the dealer. This is a perfect game to play with your friends or meet new ones. Both games are based on the player’s speed and skill achieving that perfect hand. The first person who gets that winning hand, wins the table. Gamblit Poker has a goal of creating the highest traditional poker hand. Gamblit Cannonbeard’s Treasure aims to assemble cards that add up to the assigned target number (always changing) faster than everyone else. Consider it a modern take on Blackjack. Speed is the name of these games. Steal those desired cards before your opponents. As the saying goes, “You snooze, you lose”.

Sarah Jessica Parker has her own shoe line at Bellagio Las Vegas

Sexy Shoes And The City (of Las Vegas)

What do Sarah Jessica Parker and Carrie Bradshaw have in common? SHOES, SHOES, AND MORE SHOES! For this reason, that’s how SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker shoes were born. These handcrafted Italian shoes are inspired by Sarah’s childhood memories and bold colors as neutrals. SJP’s shoes are made for everyone’s heel preference: stilettos, wedges, short heels, and flats. This is your chance to walk in shoes Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda would die for. SJP boutique is part of the Bellagio Las Vegas family.

Now you can experience Hell’s Kitchen first hand.

FROM TV TO REALITY

If you are a fan of Chef Gordon Ramsay’s food competition TV show, Hell’s Kitchen, you are about to be one very happy camper. Next time you are in Las Vegas, head to Caesars Palace and dine at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant. That’s right, it’s a physical restaurant! Now you can actually taste the perfection of his infamous Beef Wellington, instead of just watching your TV screen and drooling all over your sofa. Guests will feel as if they are actually dining on the studio set. Rumor has it that it fills up extremely quick, so we recommend you make reservations sooner rather than later. If dinner is all booked, lunch offers most of the same dishes. If you are eager to sample as much as possible, try the HK Express Three-Course Lunch or HK Signature Prix Fixe Dinner Menus. Should you be super lucky, you may hear that familiar British voice berating the kitchen as you relish your spoonful of decadent sticky toffee pudding.

FAREWELL TO MONTE CARLO

If you haven’t already heard, Monte Carlo, as we know and love it, are closing their doors. Okay, we are being a tad melodramatic. A more accurate description is that it’s being rebranded. In April 2018, Monte Carlo will transition to Park MGM. Along with a change of name this resort will have all new rooms, casino, restaurants, theater, park, and overall look. Those of us who love Las Vegas, we are always eager explore a new hotel and casino. However, today could be your last chance to take advantage of Monte Carlo’s low room rates. The Monte Carlo sales are quickly disappearing.

Romance on The Strip

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching. The pressure to find the perfect dining spot can weigh heavily on one’s shoulders. With time being an issue for everyone, we at VHS have found restaurants that have special Valentine’s Day menus. Make your reservations today.

BLT Steak Steak House at Bally’s

LAVO Italian Restaurant and Lounge at The Venetian

Mercato della Pescheria Italian Seafood Restaurant at The Venetian

Tao Asian Bistro at The Venetian

Phil’s Italian Steak House at Treasure Island

Seafood Shack Seafood Restaurant at Treasure Island

Restaurant Guy Savoy French Restaurant at Caesars Palace

Harvest by Roy Ellamar Sustainable and Seasonable Dining at Bellagio

Fix Restaurant and Bar American Fare at Bellagio

Prime Steakhouse at Bellagio

Michael Mina Contemporary Seafood and American Cuisine at Bellagio

Picasso French and Spanish-Influenced Cuisine at Bellagio

Le Cirque French Dining at Bellagio

Bardot French Comfort Cuisine at Aria – Live Entertainment: Ellen Masri

Jean Georges Steakhouse at Aria

Julian Serrano Tapas Spanish Restaurant at Aria – Live Entertainment: Flamenco Dancers and Toreador

Herringbone California-Inspired Coastal Cuisine at Aria

Sage Worldwide Cuisine at Aria – Live Entertainment: Bridge Duo

Tetsu Teppan Grill Japanese Grill at Aria – Live Entertainment: Origami Artist

An artist rendering of the future Resorts World Chinese-themed Las Vegas resort

WORD ON THE STRIP: If all goes according to plan, the Las Vegas skyline will look different in a few years. There is talk that Resorts World will be building a Chinese-themed resort where the Stardust Hotel once stood. With a planned opening in 2019, it looks as if we have a wait ahead of us.

The Lazy River at the MGM Grand Pool Complex

POOL ALERT! Monte Carlo’s pool is being renovated ALL season long. Wait, there still is hope. Guests will be granted free admission to MGM Grand Pool Complex or Mandalay Bay Beach.