"The Orleans" Resort Fee

Like a lot of hotels now "The Orleans" has a resort fee although in this case it is a inexpensive one and is $5 per day and is mandatory and includes the following:

*Unlimited local & toll-free calls

*In room coffee

*Access to the fitness center in the Spa Orleans

* Safe in the guest room

*10 minutes of access to internet in the business center

*Free wi-fi at Vegas Java

Quick Takes: Leprechauns & Girls Next Door

Last week during my visit to Las Vegas i didn't see the Leprechaun who is usually outside Oshea's Casino which was a shame but i have heard he is still around maybe working less hours. I was in town during the premiere night of Holly Madison from the Girls Next Door reality show in the role of Bo Peep in Planet Hollywoods "Peepshow." In celebration of the Holly taking on the role the lights on Planet Hollywood said Planet Holly which was a cool idea. Planet Hollywood has promoted this show a lot with tv screens and billboards all over the hotel inside and out and i must say it is on my list of shows to see.

Pamela Anderson In Magic Show

Pamela Anderson is to be the assistant for magician Hans Klok in the new show "The Beauty Of Magic" at the new Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the strip. The 39 year old ex Baywatch beauty replaces Carmen Electra who recently dropped out of the show before it opened. Because Pamela Anderson needs to get ready for the show the grand opening is being pushed back to June 2nd.

MTV's "Video Music Awards" Coming To LV

MTV's flagship "Video Music Awards" is coming to Las Vegas for the first time September 9th. The 24th annual ceremony will take place at the Palms Casino Resort just off the strip with guests and host to be named later.

Moneysaver: Staying At Off Strip Properties

One way to save money on hotel rooms is to stay at a hotel property off the strip. If you are driving in to Las Vegas and want to save money this is a good option as the prices are lower than the strip properties. By staying at these smaller properties off strip you also have the advantages of getting to your room quicker and not having to deal with the traffic problems with some strip properties. If you are not driving in to Las Vegas its still possible to stay at some of these properties to save money but be careful with your choice. Taxi rides back and forth from the strip can add up and also even though a property only looks a block from the strip that block can be a long walk. Hotels such as the Rio and Gold Coast are a block from the strip but in between is a real busy on ramp and off ramp from the interstate which is dangerous to cross. If you want to stay at one of off strip properties without a car look for one that operates a free shuttle service to the strip; Some of these properties also offer shuttle services to the airport, but routes and times are always subject to change. Some of these shuttles that have been running for years include properties such as The Hard Rock, Rio, Gold Coast, Orleans and Showboat. The shuttle for the Showboat stops at several properties on the strip as well as downtown but one note about this shuttle is they sometimes ask for a Las Vegas hotel key or your check in confirmation at the Showboat. I guess this is to stop locals from using this extensive shuttle as free transportation around town.