FIREWORKS, CONFETTI CANONS and other fanfare were
on tap for today's announcement that Nextel Communications will
"brand-image" -- in other words, put its name on -- one of the Las
Vegas Monorail's four-car trains. The company also signed a deal
with the Las Vegas Monorail Co. to become the $650 million,
privately funded monorail system's first station partner. The
agreement will allow Nextel to reach millions of business travelers
who visit the city each year and show them the communications
industry's latest digital wireless solutions. Nextel's presence in
the monorail station will include a "Nexpert Bar" with Nextel
experts on hand to provide advice and tutorials on Nextel's
wireless solutions, service and products; 3D-interactive video
displays featuring information about products and services; a
wireless lounge; a Nextel business theater; Nextel's largest retail
store; concierge services; and an open-air balcony with views of
the Strip.
AFTER LESS THAN A YEAR OF OPERATION, the
Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas was awarded a five-diamond designation
by AAA. The award comes on the heels of another accolade: The
resort's Medici Caf... & Terrace was listed among the country's
20 "Best New Restaurants" in this month's Esquire magazine.
ALSO, THE 349-ROOM RITZ-CARLTON, LAKE LAS VEGAS
offers three New Year's Eve packages, all of which are
commissionable to agents at 10%. The Medici plan, which includes a
two-night stay in deluxe accommodations for two, also features a
six-course dinner at the aforementioned Medici Caf... &
Terrace, complete with wine and live music by Ronnie Fabre and Her
Trio; two VIP admissions to the gala celebration in the property's
grand ballroom with champagne, midnight salad and pasta buffet,
party favors, dancing and live music by The Limit and the John
Menniti Trio, and a New Year's Day football buffet. The price is
$1,200 plus tax per room. The hotel's Montelago plan offers all of
the elements of the Medici plan except for the New Year's Eve
dinner for two. The five-course meal inside the MonteLago Ballroom
comes with wine and live swing and jazz music from the Steve Golden
Trio. The package price is $999 plus tax per room. The third plan,
the one-night New Year's Eve Overnight package, includes admission
for two to the gala celebration in the grand ballroom with midnight
salad and pasta buffet, party favors, cash bar, dancing and live
music by The Limit and the John Menniti Trio. The cost is $390 plus
tax per room. Extra room nights for all of the packages cost $199
plus tax per room. To book, phone (800) 241-3333 or call the resort
directly at (702) 567-4700.
TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY FOR TED, United
Airlines' new low-fare carrier, which is slated to begin service in
February between Denver and Las Vegas. The airline also will fly
from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and San Francisco. For more
information or reservations, phone (800) UNITED1 or visit www.flyted.com or www.united.com.
NORTHWEST AIRLINES will offer an additional
seasonal flight between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Las Vegas from
Feb. 12 through April 3. To book, visit www.nwa.com or call (800)
225-2525.