Photos by © Scott Harrison/Retna www.harrisonphotos.com The Venetian and The Palazzo continue the holiday spirit as season 13 winner of “Dancing with the Stars” Karina Smirnoff made a stop at the resorts’ first-ever Winter in Venice. Karina Smirnoff graced the Winter [...]]]>

Click Images Below to See More Karina Smirnoff Pics

Photos by © Scott Harrison/Retna www.harrisonphotos.com

The majestic ice skating rink is just one of the many ways guests can experience Winter in Venice at The Venetian and The Palazzo this holiday season, taking place now through Jan. 8. Winter in Venice is the first true celebration of the winter season on the Las Vegas Strip, with 49 days of holiday festivities throughout both resorts, including strolling carolers, candy cane stilt walkers, puppets, jugglers, magicians, the Nightly Spectacular holiday show and an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED holiday tree.

Photos by © Scott Harrison/Retna www.harrisonphotos.com The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas welcomed PEEPSHOW star Holly Madison as she steped out onto the enchanting outdoor ice skating rink on today.

The majestic ice skating rink is just one of the [...]]]>

Click Images Below to See More Holly Madison Pics

Photos by © Scott Harrison/Retna www.harrisonphotos.com

The majestic ice skating rink is just one of the many ways guests can experience Winter in Venice at The Venetian and The Palazzo this holiday season, taking place now through Jan. 8. Winter in Venice is the first true celebration of the winter season on the Las Vegas Strip, with 49 days of holiday festivities throughout both resorts, including strolling carolers, candy cane stilt walkers, puppets, jugglers, magicians, the Nightly Spectacular holiday show and an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED holiday tree.

– The Spa at Ravella spices up ‘Sip & Spa’ Thursdays in December with holiday party-prep spa treatments and festive winter cocktails. Round up the girls and head to Ravella at Lake Las Vegas [...]]]>

‘Tis the Season at the Spa at Ravella. Celebrate with Holiday-Themed ‘Sip & Spa’ Thursdays in December

– The Spa at Ravella spices up ‘Sip & Spa’ Thursdays in December with holiday party-prep spa treatments and festive winter cocktails. Round up the girls and head to Ravella at Lake Las Vegas for a mini-escape each Thursday, 6 – 8 p.m.

Different treatments each week ensure attendees are pampered and ready for every joyful get-together on their calendars. An ode to relaxation during the busiest time of the year, seasonal cocktails will accompany the services to help guests unwind. Taking a cue from Santa, each week The Spa will give one lucky guest a spectacular spa gift basket no one would want to re-gift.

Enjoy a mini treatment, cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and spa gift for $25*. Or, indulge in everything BUT the treatment for $10. Space is limited. To make a reservation, call 702.567.4600.

Holiday Sip & Spa Event Schedule:

· Appletinis & Aromatherapy (Dec. 1): Mix the perfect blend of essential oils into a one-of-a-kind mini body butter for a friend (or indulgence for yourself!) under the guidance of Ravella’s Aroma Artists while mingling with friends over sweet appletinis.

· Mimosas & Makeovers (Dec. 8): Sip a sparkling mimosa while looking your best from The Spa’s skilled makeup artists on perfecting a glam or smoky eye – the perfect complement to any winter cocktail dresses.

· Reindeeritas & Relaxation (Dec. 15): The little ones would never guess Rudolph had a signature drink! If you need a break from the holiday frenzy, a Reindeerita and a revitalizing neck and shoulder massage is the perfect mini-escape.

· Eggnog & Eye Lashes (Dec. 22): Enjoy this traditional festive drink and adorn your eyes with expertly applied false lashes. You won’t be able to wait to bat your eyes at the cutie at the holiday office party.

· Mistletinis & Manicures (Dec. 29): Toast hello to the New Year and goodbye to cracked hands and chipped nails with a much-needed mini manicure, while enjoying a sophisticated take on this classic cocktail.

*Cost is per person and valid only on Thursdays during ‘Sip & Spa’ Thursdays. Credit card and advanced reservations are required with 24-hour cancellation. Reservation telephone line (702.567.4600) is available 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Management reserves all rights.

About The Spa at Ravella:

The Spa at Ravella invites guests to step away from the tension of everyday life into a Mediterranean oasis where they can drift off to the hillsides of Tuscany or the Capri coast. The Spa boasts beautiful European architecture and a picturesque lake setting reminiscent of a colorful waterside village in Italy. During spa experiences, guests can soak up the atmosphere on the spa’s tranquil outdoor terrace and meditation garden with twinkling lake and breathtaking mountain views. The 30-000-square-foot spa and wellness center features 24 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, advanced fitness center, men’s and women’s vanities, relaxing healing waters and more. The Spa’s unique treatments draw inspiration from Italy and use botanical essences gathered from several Mediterranean regions, blended with indigenous plant and mineral ingredients from the local area. The Spa also features a custom aromatherapy bar, where guests can incorporate their own personal blend of essential oils into a lotion, scrub or oil for use at The Spa or at home for a Ravella-inspired treatment any time they like.

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas is offering two options to make this year’s Thanksgiving feast stress-free and delicious for all. Guests can choose to indulge in a delectable Thanksgiving Day Feast with bottomless champagne for $45 per [...]]]>

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas Offers Gourmet, Stress-Free Thanksgiving Feasts with Two Holiday Options

• Bottomless Champagne Thanksgiving Day Feast, Thursday Nov. 24, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For a decadent Thanksgiving feast without the cleanup, Ravella invites foodies to dine in Medici where their meal will be prepared in an exhibit kitchen and they can soak up glorious fall weather on the outdoor terrace. Begin the meal with a variety of soups and salads or a bowl of fresh pasta and made-to-order sauce. When it’s time for the main course, treat oneself to unlimited prime rib of beef, Yorkshire puddings and juniper-rubbed venison with pear chutney. For more traditional holiday fare, gobble down organic turkey and pile plates high with herb stuffing and gravy. Bursting with flavor, the feast also will include a seafood station featuring house-smoked salmon and trout for bagels and lox, crab claws, prawns, lobster, oysters and clams, all garnished with cocktail sauce, Remo lade and mignonette. Because no holiday is complete without dessert, feast on an array of sweets including a variety of pies and cakes. To make a reservation, call 702-567-4700. *Cost is $45 per adult and $20 per child age 12 and under, plus tax. Seating is available 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• “Thanksgiving To-Go,” Thursday, Nov. 24. For those who wish to celebrate in the comforts of their own home, Executive Chef Andrew and his team of culinary experts will prepare a traditional Thanksgiving spread for five people. For $120 per meal, patrons can purchase a gourmet feast complete with a 15-pound turkey, roasted butternut squash soup, herb stuffing, mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet peas, carrots and pearl onions, cranberry citrus relish, homemade gravy and choice of two delectable pies. Choose from pumpkin, apple, pecan and lemon meringue pies to delight taste buds and complete the meal. To order a “Thanksgiving To-Go” meal, please call 702-567-4700. All orders must be pre-ordered and paid in advance by Saturday, Nov. 19. No changes, substitutions or refunds. Dinner packages will be available for pick up on Thursday Nov. 24 from noon – 4 p.m.

About Ravella at Lake Las Vegas:
Basking in year-round sunshine in a radiant lake setting, Ravella is a sprawling 349-room-and-suite resort situated on the shores of the largest privately owned man-made lake in the country. Located just 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, Ravella offers an escape from the city’s frenetic energy with its white sandy beach; kayaking, boating and fly fishing; nearby Jack Nicklaus golf course; and hiking and jogging trails. Ravella features a 30,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, 55,000 square feet of meeting or social event space including Vegas’ only over-water chapel; multiple lounge and dining experiences, and more. Working in concert with the picturesque Lake Las Vegas community, Ravella guests enjoy stunning vistas, miles of green, two marinas, and a neighboring Village reminiscent of Europe’s colorful waterside communities with scenic walking streets of boutiques and restaurants.

Caesars Palace has announced it will hire a total of 450 employees with the opening of Octavius Tower on January 2, 2012. The resort’s sixth hotel tower will yield 3,960 total accommodations, bringing hundreds of new jobs to the Las [...]]]>

Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace Brings 450 New Jobs to Las Vegas

The resort is currently seeking qualified candidates for both front- and back-of-house positions in hotel operations, guest services and VIP services. Applications are currently being accepted online at www.caesars.com/employment.

The 668-room hotel tower will offer a unique and private luxury resort experience with an exclusive entrance, attentive staff and separate hotel lobby. Spacious guest rooms will feature plush pillow top mattresses with Anichini™ linens and marble-tiled bathrooms with oversized whirlpool bathtubs, glass showers with multiple shower heads and flat screen televisions. An innovative technology package will include cutting-edge media hubs and a unique application which will allow guests direct access to guest services from the convenience of a smart phone or tablet device.

The opening of Octavius Tower marks a major milestone in the two-year renaissance of Caesars Palace, which began in March 2011 with the return of Celine Dion and encompasses major entertainment and dining initiatives including the return of Elton John and the premiere of Rod Stewart at The Colosseum and the opening of Central Michel Richard, by its namesake award-winning chef. Newly announced projects also include Old Homestead Steakhouse (to open winter 2011), Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and Lounge (to open fall 2012) and Shania Twain’s Colosseum headlining residency (to premiere December 2012).

About Caesars Palace:
Caesars Palace is the world’s best known resort-casino, celebrating the grandeur that was Rome in an 85-acre destination location that sets the standard for entertainment, dining and luxury. Reigning at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace features 3,960 hotel guest rooms and suites, including the addition 180-room Nobu Hotel set to open in 2012; 25 diverse restaurants and cafes, including the 24-hour café by James Beard award-winning Chef Michel Richard; nearly 129,000 square-feet of casino space; a five-acre Garden of the Gods pool complex showcasing eight pools and two wedding gardens; the 55,000 square-foot award-winning Qua Baths & Spa and Color Salon by renowned celebrity colorist Michael Boychuck; the acclaimed 683,000-square-foot Forum Shops offering more than 180 boutiques and shops; Cascata, one of the world’s most exclusive golf courses; and the 4,300-seat Colosseum spotlighting world class entertainers such as Celine Dion, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Jerry Seinfeld, and Shania Twain (beginning December 2012).

Caesars Palace, along with all Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts, including Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s, Bally’s, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Imperial Palace and Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, proudly prohibit adding hidden resort fees to hotel guest room rates.

Purchase Your Smashing Pumpkin Tickets Here Join The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for this dynamic concert experience headlined by one of the most influential alternative rock bands of this generation, Smashing Pumpkins. Enjoy this performance amidst unobstructed stage and Strip views at The Boulevard [...]]]>

Get Tickets to See Smashing Pumpkins in Las Vegas

Purchase Your Smashing Pumpkin Tickets Here

The Smashing Pumpkins have created one of the most acclaimed bodies of work in musical history and sold over 30 million albums. Formed in Chicago in 1988, they released Gish, their influential (and platinum) debut in 1991, which was followed by more platinum and multi-platinum albums including the nine-time platinum Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness and the four-time platinum Siamese Dream as well as the platinum certified 1998 album Adore. The pivotal group’s many hits defined the alternative music era and continue to resonate on modern rock radio, influencing a whole new generation. Since their triumphant return to the stage in 2007, the Pumpkins have headlined some of the biggest events around the globe.

The Smashing Pumpkins will be appearing with special guests Fancy Space People and Light FM.

Photos by © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com Legendary singer, songwriter and performer, Elton John returned to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with an all new show September 28, 2011. Dubbed “The Million Dollar Piano,” Elton John’s return marks [...]]]>

Click Below to See More Elton John The Million Dollar Piano Pics

Photos by © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Elton opened tonight’s performance with ‘The Bitch is Back’ and ‘Benny and The Jets’.

A moment to last a lifetime. We all have memories we will never forget, and MGM Resorts International is providing guests the chance to live some of those special life moments at their 15 participating properties through M life, their new [...]]]>

The Mirage’s Newest Dolphin Calf Part of Special M life Moment

M life’s popular program, M life Moments, offers experiential opportunities for members to see or do things they may not otherwise have the chance to do, such as take private dance lessons with the world-famous Jabbawockeez, cook alongside one of the country’s top chefs or sit ringside at a championship boxing match.

The birth of The Mirage’s dolphin calf provided this type of special moment for one lucky M life member and his wife, Mike and Cheryl Mendez from Scottsdale, Ariz. After learning they were chosen, the couple decided on the name, K2, in tribute to the charity organization, K2 Adventures Foundation.

“We are honored to be given the opportunity to name the newest addition to The Mirage,” Michael Mendez said. “The name was selected in honor of a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based organization near and dear to our hearts.”

K2, alongside mother Duchess, is in the Birthing and Research pool, which is open to public viewing during regular operational hours of the facility. The Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international association dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study and wildlife presentations.

Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Marketing Officer for MGM Resorts International, said, “With a collection of resorts and amenities unlike any other company in the world, we are able to create unique moments for our guests. Naming the newest dolphin calf at The Mirage is just one example of how we provide extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences our guests can’t get anywhere else.”

If you want to know more about M life and how you can enjoy your own M life Moment, visit mlife.com for information. Sign up for free and start living the M life!

For admission prices, group reservations and hours of operation for Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, call (702) 791-7188

The stunning Laura Croft from E!’s “Holly’s World” will introduce the art of seduction and a higher level of nightlife education to women with the launch of Night School 4 Girls at Excalibur Hotel & Casino [...]]]>

Laura Croft Brings the Art of Seduction to the Excalibur Hotel with Night School 4 Girls

“Night School 4 Girls will be the highlight of bachelorette parties, birthday parties, weddings, or any girls’ night out,” says Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment, the parent company of Thunder From Down Under, American Storm and more. “With participation by Laura Croft at several classes per month and instruction by real Las Vegas showgirls, ladies will have a blast mastering pole and burlesque dance moves while learning insider tips to make the most of their night out in Vegas.”

Known as the Strip’s ultimate party girl, Croft, a reality star and former Playboy Playmate, will offer tips for ladies to make the most of their Vegas vacations. From healthy ways to energize after a night out to makeup tips that will make any man melt, Croft’s valuable advice to the class is tried and true by the fun-loving knockout.

The creators of Night School 4 Girls believe every woman has an inner bombshell, and this one-of-a-kind, ladies-only class will instruct gals to find the nightlife pro within through seductive choreography and its own brand of social studies. Classes will begin with a mix, mingle and cocktail, where ladies will be issued a Vegas name for their sexy alter ego. The class will then learn how to complement their dance moves with props such as feather boas and chairs, as well as how to use their eyes to engage the opposite sex. At the end of each class, ladies will be rewarded with an official Night School 4 Girls diploma, certifying that they have mastered skills that will take their nightlife experience to the next level.

Night School 4 Girls offers a variety packages for students to customize their educational experience. All packages include VIP access to such nightclubs as CatHouse, Gallery and Chateau, a VIP Thunder From Down Under experience, and an official Night School 4 Girls diploma. Additional packages include an open bar, a signature Night School 4 Girls souvenir photograph, feather boas and T-shirts.

Night School 4 Girls is located in the Thunder From Down Under Showroom at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the 70 minute classes are offered every Thursday and Friday at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and an additional 12:30 p.m. class on Fridays. Class times on Saturdays and Sundays are offered at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Packages start at $39.95.

Photos by © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com These are photos from the final Saturday Night at the Sahara Hotel Las Vegas. The Sahara closed it’s doors for good this morning, May 16th, 2011.

Erik Kabik did a great job capturing [...]]]>

Click the Images Below to See More Sahara Closing Pics

Photos by © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Erik Kabik did a great job capturing images of the space and the photos that adorned the Sahara. This includes images of The Beatles from their visit to The Sahara in the early 60′s.