About Vegas Reviews

Aria Resort and Casino - Photo Credit : Bari Demers

Vegas Reviews was created by a Canadian couple who started going to Las Vegas since the 1980's. 

With the Vegas scene rapidly changing on a monthly basis, husband and wife team, Bari and Patricia found it necessary to share their experiences with new travelers, to ensure a wonderful overall experience for newcomers into Vegas.  It's also a hub for Vegas Lovers, coming back 2 - 3 times a year. 

After the first resort, the El Rancho Vegas being built on April 3, 1941, Las Vegas has become the fastest growing city then any other city in the world, generating billions of dollars with over 40 million visitors per year. With so many tourists, newcomers may become overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Sin City, not sure where or who to turn to.  

Vegas Reviews is here to help. 

Vegas Reviews not only entertains the unique group of Vegas Lovers, we also make it easier for newcomers, answering crucial questions, not effecting their pocketbook. Unlike paid columns or magazines, who promote certain corporate resorts for the almighty dollar, Bari and Patricia are tourists, like yourself.  We don't have a money-making agenda to promote Vegas hotels or businesses.  That said, supporting our efforts by checking out the Google links or by donation will help our fun-based Vegas Blog.

Poolside Room at Aria, Las Vegas   Photo Credit: Bari Demers

The ivegasreviews blog is totally different from other travel sites, as it focuses on the fun and less on the negative aspect, featuring years of experiences in Las Vegas, from tours, resorts, events, entertainment to the best restaurants. 

Bari is a writer, screenwriter and creator of the ivegasreviews blog, the Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/Vegasplayfun and Twitter @vegasrviewsvg featuring 1000's of photos and Vegas tips, ensured to make your next trip more enjoyable. In fact, the ivegasreviews blog concentrates on helping others enjoy a Vegas vacation without going home broke and disappointed.  In the early 1980's, our first experience was a quick reminder of exactly that. 

Since our very first stay with the Maxim hotel, Las Vegas, we have had the opportunity to enjoy MGM properties, such as the Bellagio, the Aria Resort and Casino, Excalibur, Luxor, the Mirage and Monte Carlo.  We also enjoyed the comfort of the Venetian and Palazzo, Las Vegas, including excellent restaurants, like the Grand Lux Cafe and Delmonico. Numerous other stays have been with Caesars Palace, along with some of the best entertainment at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, seeing celebrities such as Cher.  We have also adventured three different  times with Treasure Island T.I. Hotel and Casino.  

M Resort, Las Vegas

Funny, our most memorable place was the Aladdin, which so happen to have ties to the mafia in the 1960's, including a Japanese businessman, Ginji Yasuda in 1987.  Apparently, when we arrived in 1993, the hotel had changed hands to successful businessman,  Joe Burt, who was unfortunately killed in a motorcycle accident that same year.  On November 25 1997, Aladdin closed its doors and was imploded. In its place today is the Caesars Palace properties, Planet Hollywood Resort.

Treasure Island T.I. Las Vegas   Photo Credit : Bari Demers

Neighboring properties, such as the Wynn and Encore, will be on our next spotlight of resort luxury, entertainment and restaurants. Mind you, we have tried out their Buffet and found it a tasteful gourmet delight. And, throughout the Wynn we have enjoyed favorable courtesy professional staff while enjoying their casinos and restaurants. The Wynn or Encore is defiantly on our cross-hairs, sort of speak.  We relish the thought of complete luxury at the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Resort.  Until then, please enjoy my time and effort, showcasing tips, great restaurants, wonderful memorable tours (like the Maverick Helicopter Tours) and entertainment. 

If, by chance, the resort we visit, isn't a memorable fun filled experience, we simply won't write about it.  You're sure to find enough critical reviews on Tripadvisor.  

In conclusion, I trust you will find valuable information and fun facts to ensure a successful vacation while in Las Vegas. And last, but not least, we have met so many great friends across the world.

By Bari Demers - screenwriter 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Poolside at Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas - Photo by Bari Demers

Who doesn't remember the 1987 film, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" with John Candy and Steve Martin?

It's a comical look of two individuals with completely different lifestyles trying to get home for the holidays. John Candy plays character Del Griffith, a mishap salesman who sells shower curtain rings to hotel chains. Steve Martin plays a sophisticated controlling businessman basically forced to
cross country with Del, who he finds extremely annoying. But, in the end, he learns something about himself, realizing you can't control the world around you and close friends are made in the strangest circumstances.

Facebook is a good example, where you pleasantly find a new friend, not even close to your lifestyle. With millions of followers it certainly has become the hub to new friendships. It's also a great spot to find Facebook Pages, helping you plan your traveling adventures, from planes, trains and automobiles.

Las Vegas Strip - Photo by Bari Demers

Traveling these days can be very stressful, so it only makes sense to plan it well ahead, using every source of information to suit your interest, lifestyle and budget.

Every business on Facebook is trying their best to entice you to try out their product, service or resort. Each one with their own personal agenda. And this is where I come in, Vegas Reviews.

Not a business, my blogs are unbiased, with its only agenda to inform viewers of the best entertainment, resorts, restaurants and tours by my experiences only. And the best part, I only let you know of the good, NOT the bad and ugly. There are already too many websites trashing businesses. I look strictly at the FUN and PLEASANT experiences in Vegas.  It's simple really; if I find a business or entertainment I found unfavorable, I will never promote or even mention them.

My motto in Vegas ?

"Having FUN in Vegas is all you need" - simply right?


Your vacation is important to you, so who needs an unpleasant experience?  My Facebook Page, Vegas Reviews, is the hub of FUN experiences, displaying 1000's of photos, interactive blogs and showcasing my experiences in Vegas. It allows my followers to find useful information, the inside unbiased approach to the most FUN resorts with great food and service.


The resorts themselves, are busy advertising, in order to find you,"the best bang for your buck", so its not necessary for me to head down that rabbit hole.  Each of my viewers have the option to read my blogs and decide for themselves which resort will suit their lifestyle and budget.

The Wynn Landscape - Photo by my friends Mark & Romeo of Visual Aerials

On a worldwide view of Vegas, the best prices are unquestionably suited for Americans in their homeland, which is totally understandable. They have the option of a short vacation without hurting their pocketbook.  Whereas in Canada, it's not as easy because of the cost of airfare, but still at a very competitive price.  But never under estimate the rest of the world.  Las Vegas has recently broken its own record.

Over 40 million tourists have visited Sin City, just for 2014 alone!

The Venetian, Las Vegas - Photo by Bari Demers

It quickly signifies Las Vegas as one of the top tourist hot spots in the world. I have met people from Australia, UK, France, Italy and Germany, just to name a few.  What is really interesting about their traveling plans, they come all this way to stay for only 3 - 4 days. A good example of this, is when I stayed at the Venetian,  I met a couple all the way from England who were previously introduced to Vegas by their invite to a wedding. It was then they were hooked on the FUN Vegas has to offer. Next year they were back, on a last minute flight, for only 3 days long.


It tells you the power of advertising and the lasting impression Vegas leaves behind.

At Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas - Photo by Bari Demers

My wife and I have been going to Vegas since the early 1980's, giving us the opportunity to express our experiences, what to do and not to do. But, Sin City is forever changing its landscape, policies and prices.

It only makes sense to head to Vegas two to three times a year, just to keep up on this ever changing city.

Going to Vegas has some rules to keep in mind. For example, never go to Sin City thinking your going to make money.  Trust me when I say, Vegas wouldn't be offer their great room prices if the gambling wasn't on their side. Of course, if you consider yourself a professional gambler, then go for it. But for the rest of us, the truth of gambling depends strictly on luck.


I'm not lucky, so I pay close attention to my budget, making sure I never become overwhelmed by rash decisions.


An example of this was one inexperienced viewer who decided to go to Vegas for the first time. Unfortunately, they didn't take the time to read my blogs, explaining the risks associated with Vegas. They were overwhelmed and quickly stated,"... Vegas is over-rated".

It's true.

Vegas can be overwhelming on your first or even fourth stay, so it's so important to take baby steps with a tight budget you can afford. And, never ever go outside that budget.


There is so much to do and see in Vegas, it's impossible to see it all at once. My first time arriving in Vegas, I too was overwhelmed. It was then I quickly learned how to enjoy Vegas, without going home broke.


Back then, seeing The Mirage just being built by Mr. Steve Wynn, I knew Vegas was going to be something very, very special. Vegas was headed to be the best hot spot in North America, thanks to Steve Wynn's entrepreneur vision.

Sunset Strip - Photo by  Visual-Aerials 

So, hopefully I have peaked your interest in Las Vegas. Come join me on the fun with Vegas Reviews. Be sure to read my blogs and make your own decision, whether Vegas suits your lifestyle and budget for your next vacation.

By Bari Demers - Screenwriter and blogger


Below are LINKS for your references ( And No - I don't receive free rooms or special prices to showcase their links or am I associated with the below properties)  I just give you some good examples of finer hotels in Vegas.

1. The Venetian, Las Vegas  - read my blog about The Venetian, Las Vegas
2. The Wynn Las Vegas 
3. The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
4. The Palazzo, Las Vegas
5. The Bellagio, Las Vegas - read my blog about Bellagio
6. Luxor, Las Vegas
7. Caesars Palace, Las Vegas - read my blog about Caesars Palace
8. Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas - read my blog about Aria Resort
9. Treasure Island, Las Vegas - read my blog about T.I.

Our Stay at The Venetian Las Vegas - Wonderful

Our Stay at the Venetian Las Vegas was in one word : Wonderful
From the time we arrived to the time we left our stay was looked after by the most pleasant professional employees who always had a cheerful smile, making you feel welcomed throughout the Venetian Hotel  Properties.

My wife and I stayed on the 5th floor of The Venetian Las Vegas Hotel in the Luxury Suite featuring a King Bed ( 650 sq ft room). The room was clean and very inviting after a long trip into Vegas.

The restroom is fashioned with a Roman Tub along with a separate glass-enclosed shower. And if you missed any sports reviews, not to worry, the bathroom was equip with an HD TV.  My wife enjoyed all the accessories that you could ask for including a separate make-up unit with close-up mirror.

The living room off from the on-suite bedroom was fit for a King featuring the most comfortable sofa, a glass-topped coffee table and a large HD TV of course. In fact the whole suite had three HD TV's, just in case you missed the Seattle Seahawks last game.

Our very next day my wife and I indulged ourselves poolside at one of the many pools at the Venetian Las Vegas. Of course this was after having a hearty breakfast at the Grand Lux Cafe' which filled us up with great tasty portions.

Poolside at the Venetian Las Vegas  is totally inviting on a hot August day of 37C . Once again the service was immediate and impeccable featuring cocktail girls and concerning life guards making sure our day at the pool was a total success.

Our next  activity is without question, the Gondola Rides offering a peak of Venice by taking a ride down the Grand Canal.

  That evening we decided to try out Delmonico Steakhouse  for a mouth-watering Rib-Eye Steak (Bone-In) along with fresh buttered asparagus and stuffed fluffy Baked Potato

The total price at Delmonico Steakhouse including drinks came out to approximately $150.

My wife tried out a supreme chicken dish called the Grilled Marinated Organic Chicken Breast. She was impressed and delighted by her choice.

And for dessert we shared the Pecan Pie ( with Oatmeal Shortbread Crust with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce). A great way to finish off a gourmet meal.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub

The very next morning I made a point of checking out the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian Las Vegas. I think a must after that wonderful meal the night before.  I was immediately greeted and welcomed to this lovely facility where I asked to see the workout equipment before I made my daily choice of working out. The staff made me feel very comfortable and as a special guest - very impressive to say the least.

StairMaster

Treadmills with Elliptical Trainers in Foreground

My daughter tells me the StairMaster is for sure a good workout, but I decided to go for the Elliptical Trainer instead. After all, I am on holidays :)    (The Elliptical Trainer is just in the immediate foreground with showcasing the Treadmills).

Very Impressive Rock Wall

Going down the staircase to my workout plan my eyes popped out to see this grand rock wall waiting to be climbed. It must of been at least 20 feet tall but don't quote me on that. If my daughter was here I would sure of challenged her to a climb. But thank goodness she was home or I be in trouble - lol :)

The Venetian Las Vegas 

The Venetian Las Vegas Hotel has so much to offer and I'm thinking next time we go I like to try out  The Venezia Tower featuring its own private pool garden along with award-winning Bouchon Restaurant and, my daughter would love this- A romantic wedding Chapel - prefect for her wedding plans for 2014.
And lets not forget getting Prestige Treatment at their sister hotel, The Palazzo.
So many choices that we must come back to indulged ourselves feeling like Kings and Queens.

About Vegas Reviews:

Vegas Reviews is not associated with any Vegas Hotels or paid by it's own personal reviews of hotels in Vegas.
We're just simply a fun host Facebook page featuring only about the fun in Vegas.
When we find a wonderful stay in Vegas, I like to write about the fun we had at the Vegas Hotel.

In this case we had fun at the Venetian Las Vegas. I don't give reviews very often, so when treated wonderful - I write about it.

Also - Vegas Reviews is not a company. Just a fun social Facebook Page having fun in Vegas. It would be nice to be paid for reviews, but this is just not the case here. So - if you enjoy all the fun in Vegas and would like to join our fun social page - please come on by : Vegas Reviews

Please share the fun and tell your friends about Vegas Reviews - Let's see how many friends of Vegas - are there?

A Stroll towards the Palazzo, Las Vegas