The gal’s August home-from-home, Bellagio Las Vegas – whither she usually wanders, every August, for Virtuoso Travel Week VTW – re-opens today, Thursday 4 June 2020. No, she will not be back there THIS August as VTW 2020 is virtual. She will be ‘home’ in 2021.
Other areas of Las Vegas are reopening, and getting ready to get customers back. And look how eager those travellers are. Derek Stevans, a property developer and CEO of what is called the Keep America Flying promotion, announced 1,000 free flights to bring punters to Las Vegas. Less than two hours after announcing this, all flights were taken, so he added 700 (but these were only one-way!). The new flights are available through Allegiant, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines. Cities in which new flights have been added include Atlanta (ATL); Boston (BOS); Buffalo (BUF); Denver (DEN); Grand Rapids, Mich. (GRR); Kansas City, Mo. (MCI); Orlando (MCO); Oakland, Calif. (OAK); Phoenix (PHX); San Antonio (SAT); St. Louis (STL); and Tampa (TPA).
You are flown TO Las Vegas, but you have to make your own way home. You must be at least 21 years of age. Though you are encouraged to stay at one of Stevens’ properties, you are not required to do so (you have to pay your own hotel accommodation, anyway). Contact www.theD.com
“We knew there was a high demand for Las Vegas, and to see these flights book as quickly as they did is overwhelming and exciting,” said Stevens. “Whether people decide to visit my casinos or explore other parts of the city, this is a strong indicator of how Las Vegas can quickly be restored to its former glory.” Derek Stevens’ downtown casinos are The D Las Vegas, and the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, both re-opening today.
The D Las Vegas promotes thrilling energy and attitude synonymous with the surrounding neighborhood. With 629 rooms and suites, offerings include LONGBAR, a sports hub and the longest bar in Nevada; the only Sigma Derby horse racing game in Las Vegas; the recently debuted Circa Sports book; and new hockey-centric bar, BarCanada. Hungry patrons can once again grab a world-famous Coney Dog at American Coney Island, premier steaks and seafood at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse and contemporary fare at D Grill.
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino originally opened in 1906 at One Fremont Street. This is Downtown Las Vegas’ most historic hotel, brimming with stories and artefacts from Las Vegas’ past. There are, indeed, a set of “Original 10” rooms, which have been maintained for 114 years (alternatively, opt for a swanky suite in its luxury tower). Get a drink at the outside watering hole, OneBar, or relive the Rat Pack era with a stop at Bar Prohibition!, located where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. used to drink. Sports fans can bet on their favorite teams with a visit to Golden Gate’s intimate Circa Sports book.
