I’ve been called a shill for the ride-hailing industry. It would be correct that I support goods and services that I like. When it comes to ride-hailing, my preference for Uber ride-hailing and Lyft is magnified by my distaste for the taxi industry. I’ve been long-hauled, yelled at, sat in smelly taxis, and I’m over it. We all have our preferences and I’m still in the minority.
Ride-Hailing In Las Vegas Up, Taxis Down
According to statistics from McCarran Airport nearly twice as many people took taxis to and from the airport in May (See taxi and ride-hail statistics). Trips via taxi were down approximately 10% from the same period last year.
Meanwhile, ride-hailing trips were almost double at LAS. Moreover, the Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that revenue and trips for 16 taxi companies in southern Nevada are both down almost 13% compared to this time last year.
The ride-hailing companies have tapped into a business model that customers seem to like. I know that they’ve reached Las Vegas at a good time for me. The cost, convenience, and service have changed my travel habits. Not only don’t I take taxis, but I hardly stay in hotels anymore. As a local, a roundtrip fare is often less expensive than a crash pad in a casino. ( Uber sign-up invitation )
Read: Save Time And Money by Using Uber or Lyft at LAS (Airport)
BIG Week For The Vegas Golden Knights
Las Vegas’ first major professional sports team, the Vegas Golden Knights (VGK for short), had a very busy week. Here are some quick-hitting highlights from the past week for the NHL expansion team:
Uniforms: Vegas Golden Knights unveiled uniforms this week. What do you think? The Las Vegas Review-Journal has info on the colors and such.
Draft part 1: Vegas Golden Knights drafted players from other NHL teams in the expansion draft. NHL.com has details.
Shop: Vegas Golden Knights opened their official team store at T-Mobile Arena called The Armory. You can read more about it here and buy merch online here. Heads up, no sweaters (jerseys pictured above) won’t be available until September.
Draft part 2: The NHL entry draft took place this weekend. See Vegas Golden Knights picks here.
MOST IMPORTANT: Vegas Golden Knights release schedule. Find out when you’re favorite team is playing in Las Vegas here. The NY Rangers aren’t in Las Vegas until Sunday, January 7, 2018.
Lastly and somewhat related, MGM Resorts made hockey inspired logos for their Las Vegas casinos in honor of the first major professional team in Las Vegas. No word on how soon these will hit stores. Kidding. Sorta.
Hard Rock Gets New Stores, Affliction Lives!
The headline says “Dunkin’ Donuts Opens First Location In Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, In Partnership With Hudson Group.” That would be a bit more exciting if there wasn’t a Dunkin’ Donuts right across the street. There are a total six new retail outlets open at the Hard Rock.
Here’s the breakdown of the new stores: Bezel replaced Rocks The Jewelers, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Chill by Hudson replaced Fuel Café, and Shine replaced a Hard Rock Hotel gift shop. Hootenanny by Hudson and Day + Night are new.
The good news for the hard rockin’ bros reading this is that Affliction, Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. and John Varvatos all survived.
MGM Grand Breaks Ground On Convention And Meeting Space
Two weeks ago (Vegas News June 11) we informed you that MGM Grand was expanding conference space. The interesting news here is that there will be a wellness meeting area called Stay Well Meetings. These meetings will feature amenities and programs intended to stimulate healthy, productive and creative work environments that many MGM Resorts International meeting clients are actively seeking.
You can read the press release here.
Jean Georges Steakhouse At Aria Returns Soon
I’ve been to nearly every steakhouse on the Vegas Strip besides Jean Georges. Last week I tried to make a reservation and couldn’t find anything available. I forgot that they were renovating. The good news is that they’ll start taking reservations again on July 10 according to Eater Vegas. I guess I’ll have to be patient and try this steakhouse in a few weeks.
Don’t forget this Mlife Rewards promotion if you’re in Las Vegas for the 4th of July weekend
Mlife Rewards Red, White & Blue Giveaway In Las Vegas From June 29-July 2
Airbnb Gets Regulated In Las Vegas
Only certain parts of the sharing economy appeal to me. While ride-hailing works for me, housesharing doesn’t work for me. The idea of saving money is great but I don’t want to stay in someone else’s house when I’m on vacation – especially in Las Vegas.
Last week the Las Vegas City Council approved new restrictions on short-term rentals like Airbnb. You can read more about this in the Las Vegas Sun. Fun Fact, the Vegas Strip is in Clark County and not Las Vegas. ( Airbnb sign-up invitation )
Quick Hits:
Quick Hits return with a vengeance as there was plenty of Las Vegas-related news last week.
- Hyperloop Hotel is a kind of amazing and scary concept. Read more here.
- Penny slots are paying big time in Las Vegas. Big Bang Theory hit for over $1 million at El Cortez. Read more here. The newest Willy Wonka hit for almost $1 million at Harrah’s last week. Read more here.
- Charlie’s Bar and Grill replacing restaurant near Wynn sports book. Read more here.
- The guy from Pawn Stars opened a candy store. This is news in Las Vegas. Read more here.
- The NBA Summer League begins July 7 and they just released the schedule. You can see up to 8 games for $30. Read more here.
Not Las Vegas, But Gambling
Will Ferrell was on the Today Show discussing his new movie “The House.” He and Amy Poehler turn their house into a casino to pay for their daughter’s college tuition. The premise seems fun and Will Ferrell plays blackjack in the second half of this interview. Ferrell is also producing a TV show about visiting Las Vegas for Fox.
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