MTM Vegas - Fun, Interesting & Absurd Sides of Vegas!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

This week Wynn was in the news for everything outside Vegas as they made a huge purchase in a new for them market. They also were dealt a big setback in their pursuit of a NYC casino when the Town Board voted against their proposal. Is Wynn's Hudson Yard project dead in the water and will they ever build Wynn West in Vegas?

In other news Venetian and Hyatt have now started their parnetship but it isn't as good as we had hoped. We also discuss Rio's 34th birthday, the old hotel room "ick", a new Olympic Village project, Peter Luger's lunch deal, Downtown Grand raising prices, transparency in the gambler influencer space and Venetian's wicked social media dance.

• 0:00 Venetian's "wicked" social media dance
• 0:42 Rio turns 34 - First all suite Vegas hotel
• 1:33 The old hotel bed cover "ick"
• 2:33 Wynn purchases high-end Crown London casino
• 3:44 Wynn's NYC casino project hits a big roadblock
• 5:36 Huge shakeups at the Raiders
• 6:38 Hylo Park begins construction - Replacement for Texas Station & Fiesta Rancho
• 9:07 The myth of Circus Circus flying elephants
• 10:42 Bellagio's Conservatory boneyard
• 12:12 Peter Luger's prix fixe lunch menu
• 12:59 Taste of Hakassan menu - A deal?
• 14:02 Downtown Grand raises price of hot dog deal & cuts good video poker
• 15:55 Transparency from slot influencers - Tracking losses?
• 17:57 Troubling issues with the gambler influencer space
• 19:00 Venetian and Hyatt begin partnership - Good or bad?
• 20:44 Both Vegas Hyatt hotels are all-suite and renovated

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

This week we finally got the gaming numbers for November, 2024 and they aren't great as expected. While the declines are less than we saw with room rates, numbers are down from 2023. We take a look at the numbers going back to 2021 to see what the impact of F1 is and whether the race should be back past year 3.

In other news Durango has announced the beginning of construction on their anticipated phase 2. It has been cutback significantly, so what exactly are they building and when will it be open? We also discuss the top Sphere visuals of the year, Lenny Kravitz' possible residency, Virgin's strike woes, the old Circus Circus tram and bungee, problems at Wolfgang Puck, another casino floor robbery and how a Dutch couple is looking to set a world record for visiting the most casinos in 24 hours.

• 0:00 Vegas celebrating Elvis' 90th birthday
• 0:51 Fontainebleau's strange social media post
• 1:56 World record attempt - Visiting the most casinos in 24 hours
• 3:23 Another casino floor "robbery" video
• 4:33 The Virgin Culinary Union strike is getting ugly
• 6:49 Dropicana construction is over budget & won't be done on time
• 8:01 Circus Circus' abandoned tram & the old "Strataflite"
• 9:43 Anyma at the Sphere - Most incredible visuals yet?
• 10:43 Possible Lenny Kravitz residency at the Sphere?
• 11:36 Top 10 fan favorite Sphere exterior displays
• 12:38 Wolfgang Puck at MGM Grand shutdown for health violations - Reopen now
• 13:33 Longest running Vegas attraction is closing on January 15
• 14:31 Sam Boyd Stadium sold - What is its future?
• 15:35 Main Street Station closes off second floor displays
• 16:48 Durango announces much smaller phase 2 expansion
• 18:43 November gaming numbers are in - F1 was not a success
• 20:30 Is all of the inconvenience worth these numbers?
• 21:43 Will F1 return to Las Vegas after year 3?

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

A lot is going on this week as Las Vegas strolls into the New Year. On this episode we discuss the November visitor numbers and just how well year 2 of the F1 race did. Mixed results, but what will the gaming numbers look like and who will visit the race in year 3?

In other news Bally's is looking for investors as the A's president resigns. What is the latest with the ballpark? We also discuss: MGM's $5 million slot challenge, the potential of new MGM fees, a Vegas bartender's take on CES, Caramella at Planet Hollywood, the best burgers in Vegas?, Ellis Island's new frontage, a new Hard Rock concept and who won Circa Survivor's $14 million prize.

• 0:00 Old people's New Year's Eve in Vegas
• 0:53 MGM's $5 million slot challenge
• 2:31 Circa Survivor ends with 8 winners - $1.7 million each?
• 4:08 Vegas bartender's perspective on CES, Tier Multipliers & New Year
• 6:38 Athletics' President Dave Kaval resigns - Future of the ballpark?
• 8:30 The best burger in Las Vegas?
• 9:23 Julian Serrano Tapas closing at Aria
• 10:23 Caramella at Planet Hollywood - Rooftop patio, speakeasy & more!
• 12:07 Excalibur/Luxor moving walkways officially gone for good
• 13:07 122 people arrested for stoping on Vegas pedestrian bridges
• 14:11 Another look at Ellis Island's expansion - Too modern?
• 15:19 New concept art for Hard Rock's Guitar Tower!
• 16:28 Bally's seeking public investment for Chicago casino
• 17:50 November Vegas visitor numbers - Big F1 drop but still good?
• 19:33 MGM cooking up brand new fees?
• 21:10 Why Las Vegas continues to change rapidly - Maximizing revenue

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

On this final episode of 2024 we look forward to everything coming to Vegas in the new year. Vegas changes quickly and there is a ton coming in 2025. Attractions like Bob Marley's Hope Road, Universal's Horror Express, Netflix Bites and more are opening while we will get more clarity on the future NBA team, the Spaceport and more. And don't forget the food halls! We are getting more of those as well.

In other news Casino Royale may be closing soon for a rebuild, but it holds a charm unlike other Strip casinos. We also discuss the crazy hold percentages for roulette, the Suncoast's sportsbook, the Raiders Game Day Express experience, Neon Museum's "expansion" and why the Rio has improved, but isn't quite all great after phase 1 of their renovations.

• 0:00 "Worst casinos in Las Vegas"
• 0:35 A closer look at Casino Royale - Is it closing soon?
• 2:35 Harmon Corner finishes their "giant screen" installation
• 3:22 Game Day Express experience - Good for Raiders/Golden Knights?
• 6:00 Roulette is more popular & has worse odds than ever
• 8:27 A look at Suncoast's sportsbook - Better times ahead?
• 9:18 Neon Museum expands scope - new Cirque display
• 10:50 25 things to look forward to in 2025
• 11:43 NBA clarity coming in 2025?
• 12:50 Popups, spaceport, more food halls, Zero Bond & Bob Marley coming in 2025
• 15:25 Rio's renovated casino is a giant improvement
• 16:25 Rio's front desk staff is a huge disappointment
• 17:25 Is Rio worth staying and playing at after phase 1 renovations?
• 19:58 Where is Rio's "approachable luxury"?

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

This week Shawn hit the Strip to provide some updates on what is going on. We'll discuss the latest at Flamingo including the incredible new Pinky's by Vanderpump, the crazy pool construction and why everything new there is great. We also cover the latest at Hard Rock and Shawn discusses his Fontainebleau spa day and dinner at Washing Potato.

In other news Encore turned 16 this week and so did Steve Wynn's iconic second rooftop commercial. We also discuss a new Metro Pizza concept, a white Vegas Christmas, what to do on New Year's Eve, Four Queens Silver Strike tournament and the death of the $10 Vegas buffet.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Encore's iconic opening commercial & birthday
• 0:55 A white Christmas in Las Vegas?
• 1:57 Updates on Flamingo Pool reconstruction & Havana 1957
• 3:55 A closer look at the new Pinky's by Vanderpump
• 6:53 Metro Pizza's new slice concept
• 8:37 Update on Mirage/Hard Rock construction & blue glass test
• 10:17 Jim Murren's huge gaming conflict of interest
• 12:23 Silver Strike tournament at 4 Queens
• 14:22 The death of the $10 Vegas buffet
• 16:54 4 interesting ways to do New Year's Eve in Las Vegas
• 18:20 Fontainebleau spa experience & review
• 19:36 Fontainebleau's "show sauna"
• 20:55 Washing Potato at Fontainebleau - Good food, but so hot!

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

This week the last of the F1 deconstruction took place as we settled into the holiday season. We'll take you down to the Strip to see some of the updates including the new speakeasy at Caesars, the Hard Rock trash situation, different holiday displays and the Bellagio Fountains in all of their glory.

In other news the Safe Bet Act is being discussed in congress, but will it backfire? We also discuss Virgin's move towards integration, MGM's unique employee gift, how the Raiders are struggling, Sahara's old poker room, Caesars' new carpet, Scott Sibella getting the boot and Treasure Island's shiny brand new player's club.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Dressing up as Elvis for the holidays
• 0:42 Treasure Island's new players club
• 3:28 Virgin moving forward with integration plan
• 5:32 Will the Safe Bet Act backfire?
• 7:49 Should the federal government regulate sports gambling?
• 9:35 Scott Sibella loses his gaming license
• 11:39 Holiday displays on the Strip
• 12:40 The Strip feels like the Strip again!
• 13:48 MGM Grand's "unique" employee holiday gift
• 14:44 Sahara's old poker room is now converted
• 15:21 Caspian's Rock & Roe opens at Ceasars Palace
• 16:40 Caesars' new high limit and amazing carpet
• 17:30 Raiders experience & struggling attendance?
• 19:55 Whiskey Pete's officially closes
• 21:48 What is the future of Primm?

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

This week a number of shifts have happened in Las Vegas. To start, Delano officially became the W Las Vegas even if it will take years for the renovations to complete. We also saw a new penthouse at Resorts World and Hyatt's bombshell return to the Strip. They are partnering with Venetian/Palazzo, but is this a good fit?

In other news the FTC has enacted sweeping new rules for disclosure of concert junk fees and hotel resort fees. It's about time! We also discuss the new Caesars property, old school crazy slots, UNLV's epic season, another new Vegas sports team, Horseshoe's penthouse and giving sports parlays as Christmas gifts.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 MGM Grand turns 31
• 0:36 Delano officially becomes The W
• 1:36 Big and fast casino renovations at The D
• 3:28 Update on Harmon Corner expansion - Less trees!
• 5:16 Las Vegas Bighorns - Another pro sports team
• 6:28 UNLV Football's record season ends with a bowl win
• 7:23 Parlays as a Christmas/wedding gift?
• 9:57 Inside Resorts World's new Villa 66
• 11:36 Scoring an upgrade on Horseshoe's Penthouse Suite
• 13:46 Shake Your Booty slot machine
• 15:05 Caesars Virginia now open
• 16:19 Hyatt returns to the Las Vegas Strip
• 18:02 How will the Hyatt/Venetian partnership work?
• 19:08 FTC's HUGE new "junk fees" disclosure rule - Resort fees & concerts

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

This week we got word of another Vegas area casino closing. Primm has long struggled with three casinos that have seen much better days. For years the area has struggled but this week we got word that the oldest casino may be closing for good. Along with the closure comes other shakeups. The big question is whether any of the casinos in this area can survive. What will it look like it five years?

In other news Fontainebleau Las Vegas turned one year old this week. After sitting abandoned for over a decade the property has had mixed results, but it brings a uniqueness to the Strip. What does it need to be successful? We also discuss the Resorts World cowboys, crazy room noise at MGM Grand, the King David Hotel, depositing casino cash to your bank via ATM, F1 removal, the holidays Sphere style and how Las Vegas has become the most exciting sports town.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Resorts World "Cowboys"
• 0:42 Crazy room noises at MGM Grand
• 2:12 Rage against the Mirage
• 2:35 Another Vegas area casino is closing
• 4:05 How can they turn Primm around?
• 5:35 UNLV's big name head coach
• 6:41 Las Vegas the most exciting sports town
• 7:58 Messi coming to play soccer in Las Vegas
• 8:57 Update on the King David Hotel project on TI site
• 11:30 Holiday spirit Sphere style
• 12:33 Depositing money to your bank from a casino ATM
• 14:03 Casino money strategies & ATM fee reimbursements
• 15:53 Vegas can't pay for its freeways
• 17:28 F1 removal follow up - Flamingo bridge finally being removed
• 18:27 How much money for a 3 day Vegas trip?
• 20:25 Doing Vegas on a budget - Is it fun
• 21:42 Fontainebleau Las Vegas turns 1
• 23:48 Struggles on the North Strip - What's the future for Fontainebleau

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

This week as F1 continues its slow tear down in Las Vegas we learned that a popular mall along the course will be expanding. Harmon Corner is not only building new space out over the sidewalk, but it is adding kiosks and other areas to maximize every square foot. Is it too much or is this maximization just the new normal in Las Vegas?

In other news Holstein's has announced its return to Vegas as 6 Chinese eateries make the Yelp top 100. We also discuss: an accident at the Wynn flower beds, an explanation for the Strip gaming declines, stuff stolen from The Orleans, a crazy 25 leg parlay, announcing casino wins, the huge expansion of gaming apps and why the Mirage Atrium is definitely gone for good.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Attack of the Wynn flower beds
• 0:47 Update on Bellagio's post-F1 teardown
• 2:00 Confirmation on Mirage Atrium removal
• 3:19 Harmon Corner's expansion - Squeezing in even more
• 4:45 Explaining the decline in Vegas gaming revenue
• 8:08 6 Las Vegas Chinese restaurants on Yelp Top 100
• 9:40 Holstein's coming to the Arts District
• 10:13 Zoox publicly launching driverless taxis on the Vegas Strip
• 11:43 Stuff stolen from a room at The Orleans
• 13:00 Interesting way to announce casino jackpots
• 14:22 Crazy 25 leg parlay win
• 15:49 Apps and problem gambling
• 18:10 Booming app industry & barrier to entry

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

Want more MTM Vegas? Check out our Patreon for access to our exclusive weekly aftershow! patreon.com/mtmvegas

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories

This week we learned more about the huge shakeup at Resorts World which includes a new four person panel to turn the ailing resort around. Jim Murren is leading the new board, but the property has a new CEO as well and ambitious plans that call for bringing a lot more action to the North area of the Strip. Will it work?

In other news Hard Rock has officially started taking down the glass atrium at the former Mirage as trash piles up outside. Why Hard Rock why? We also discuss a possible hack of Nevada Gaming, a crazy Wheel of Fortune slot lawsuit, three big grand openings, UNLV's huge loss, leaving money in an unattended machine, the new Strip In N Out and the Excel World Championships!

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Excel World Championships in Vegas!
• 0:49 New In 'N Out Strip renders
• 2:07 Nevada Gaming Control Board hacked?
• 2:59 Money stolen when leaving a slot machine
• 4:57 Insane Wheel of Fortune slot lawsuit
• 6:50 China Mama opens at Palace Station
• 7:18 Jason Aldean's Kitchen & Bar officially opens
• 8:20 Pinky's by Vanderpump is now open at Flamingo
• 10:00 How Flamingo's restaurant scene has improved tremendously
• 11:16 Sam's Town Mystic Falls holiday display
• 12:35 UNLV loses head coach
• 13:31 Huge changes at Resorts World - "Under new management"
• 14:37 How Resorts World wants to transform the North Strip experience
• 17:04 Why it's so hard to break into the Las Vegas market
• 18:23 Hard Rock is removing their glass atrium
• 20:05 Mixed feelings about Hard Rock Las Vegas

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!