On a cold, gray morning in late January 2000, the historic Mapes Hotel in Reno was imploded by 75 pounds of explosives tucked into the art-deco structures support columns. The controlled demolition came despite years of effort by a number of groups within the community and nationally to preserve the building with lawsuits, redevelopment proposals, and grass roots lobbying efforts.

While the logic and necessity of demolishing the Mapes is very questionable, one thing that is certain is that the hotel was an important part of Northern Nevada history. The opening of the Mapes in’47 ushered in a new era in casino gambling, and changed the economy and way of life in Nevada forever. The Mapes was actually the first property in the country to combine a hotel, casino and live entertainment under the same roof. It also became the hotel of choice for celebrities staying in Northern Nevada. Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe stayed at The Mapes during the filming of ‘The Misfits’. Joseph McCarthy, America’s famed anti-Communist crusader, admitted to a reporter over cocktails in the Mapes Lounge that he really didn’t have a list of Communists in the US despite his frequent and vitriolic insistence to the contrary.

In the 50s and 60s it became, along with Lake Tahoes Cal-Neva Lodge the place to be seen in Northern Nevada. The top floor, window-walled Sky Room showcased performances by the legends: Sinatra, Louis Prima, Mae West, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the Marx Brothers among others. Subsequent years were not kind to downtown Reno but the Mapes prospered during the 60’s and 70’s. The hotel finally closed in’82, due more to financial difficulties experienced by the Mapes family caused by one of their other Northern Nevada gaming properties than anything else.

Reno never experienced the massive growth that occurred in Las Vegas and southern Nevada, and for that reason the destruction of the Mapes is more open to debate than the hotel demolitions to the south. Even the demolition of The Sands–perhaps the most historically significant casino in the state–is hard to argue against given the inability of such a small property to compete in the current Las Vegas marketplace and in light of the value of the mid-strip real estate. The old properties may have historic value to pop culture historians, but their survival doesn’t make economic sense. They’re simply ‘analog players in a digital world’.

This is not the case in Reno, where land and buildings for development in virtually every casino area are abundant. The city argued that the land on which the Mapes stood was necessary for their redevelopment efforts–a somewhat absurd position given the realities of downtown Reno and the lack of any real development on the property since the demolition. Despite receiving a number of viable concepts for the Mapes Building, the City Redevelopment Authority rejected all of them and the Mapes was destined for demolition.

The behavior of the City Redevelopment Authority throughout the process has come into question. Overlooking the Truckee River, the hotel was perfectly placed between the downtown casino area and the riverfront district. In’96, the city purchased the htoel and began accepting proposals for redevelopment. Despite receiving a number of proposals that made sense both in terms of their financial workability and positive impact on the downtown area, the City Redevelopment Authority nixed all of them and insisted that the hotel be razed.

After the demolition of The Mapes Hotel, the lot remained vacant for almost a year until a temporary ice skating rink was constructed in the winter of 2001. The site now houses a permanent ice skating rink which, while not a bad use for the land, brings into question the insistence by the City Redevelopment Agency that none of the proposals to preserve the building were viable. Clearly, they had no specific plan or even general idea of what to do with the land but for some reason wanted to see the hotel come down. This has led to all manner of speculation, ranging from financial self interest to a rumor that the structure was ‘haunted’ and needed to be destroyed to forestall future paranormal activity in Washoe County. Whatever the reason, the city of Reno lost a valuable landmark of a more civilized era.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority onsports betting. He is also a consulting handicapper for Sports-1 Sportsbook and is in charge of setting NFL lines. He has written extensively on sports handicapping theory along with a wide range of other topics including fencing, boxing and falconry.

Paris, New York, Italy, all on the same street. Can you imagine? It is a good idea to make a list of the spots you want to visit while you are in “Sin City” before you make the trip. Here are a few ideas for the top “must see” locations.

Accentuated by a lovely musical water fountain is Las Vegas’ very own Bellagio. Inside is a recreation of Venice complete with gondola rides, exclusive art boutiques, and a shopping center. You can also enjoy “O” by Cirque du Soleil, gamble in the fabulous casino, of dine in five star restaurants like Circo and Jasmine. The Bellagio is easily on of the greatest Las Vegas attractions.

The Mirage is world renowned because of it’s attractions outside. From 8pm until midnight, the Mirage volcano erupts outside. Once inside you can enjoy dining, shopping, and gambling. You can also take in the gorgeous rainforest garden with a 90-foot high atrium ceiling and waterfalss. At the front desk is a 20,000 gallon saltwater tank. The resort is also home to Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and a Dolphin Habitat.

Come to Freemont Street for the Freemont Street Experience. This attraction is complete with a nightly light show on the canopy, and street performers and entertainers. Everything is covered by a 90-foot canopy to protect the street from the desert sun during the day.

Though the shows in Vegas do change from time to time, it is guaranteed that if you can imagine it, you can see it in Vegas. Anything from world-class singers and impossible acrobatics, to amazing musicians can be found here.

Cirque du Soliel has many shows in Las Vegas, even an “adults-only” show. Phantom of the Opera plays at the Venetian. Critics have said that it is the best Phantom performance, so come even if you have seen it before. The stage was even built just for Phantom. The Blue Man Group is also a very popular attraction, and singers like Bette Midler, Elton John, and Cher make regular appearances throughout the town.

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Here comes the time for vacation and I’m sure like me all of you will be worried about the money you need to spend for your vacation. Are you like me wish to spend the finest vacation with your family and friends at an affordable cost? This is just for you. How about traveling to Sri Lanka? It is one of the best places to visit and the cost is definitely within your budget. There are lots of budget hotels in Sri Lanka. They will give you the best service in an economical way. You will surely love it.

You might feel that if you choose to stay in a budget accommodation in Sri Lanka, you might have to compromise on the quality. This is not true. Sri Lanka Budget hotels offer the best service with the facilities you require and you will never regret for choosing a budget accommodation. Do you now understand why tourists flock Sri Lanka all through the year? You need not worry about the money spent as you are going to stay in a budget accommodation with all the facilities you require.

You get comfortable rooms with all the essential amenities in Budget hotels in Sri Lanka. These rooms are maintained well. The number of amenities in higher paid rooms will be a little more when compared with those that are lesser paid; however, all the essential services will be available to you. Majority of budget hotels in Sri Lanka offers you a good meal too.

There are endless places to visit in Sri Lanka that has historical and religious values. This is the main reason why tourists flock this country for their vacation. Another reason is the budget hotels. These hotels are located very near to the historical places and tourists can spend how much ever time they want and can enjoy the serenity. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy are some of the places with religious values. These are a must see. Another place worth seeing is Sigiriya also called as the Lion Rock. Don’t forget to see the visual treat, that is, the tea mountains and cascade waterfalls.

Apart from travelers; students, research workers and backpackers too can consider Sri Lankan Budget hotels for their stay. This is the best place to live comfortably and do your work peacefully. With a wide range of choices available in terms of facilities and amenities, you can choose the one that is right for you. Tips to the best and economical shopping places and restaurants are given by these hotels to guide you in the right direction.

Are you fed up of using the phrase “Gimme a break” and worried about spending money during vacation? Consider Sri Lanka’s budget hotels for your stay and enjoy your vacation.

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There are many destinations throughout the world available for avid travelers. The Caribbean Islands offer perfect beach enviroment, while the Smoky Mountains can provide breath taking views. In addition, Europe is very popular because it promises the traveler the best historical archietecture and sights known to man.

The Caribbean Islands are hands down a must see for someone who wishes to travel. St Croix, for example, has big enough coastlines for you to experience a peaceful, almost private beach experience. Once there, you’ll realize what paradise truly is.

Jamaica is another warm weathered island beauty in the Caribbean that you must consider visiting. Jamaica is a tropical island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba. With it’s lovely white sandy beaches you will think you are in heaven.

The Smoky Mountains are one of the most visited national parks in America. They are known for rich and abundant plant and animal life. You can be relaxing in a peaceful mountain cabin and then experience the great remnants of Southern Appalachian culture just outside the front doorstep.

In Europe, you can simply board a train and visit many of the adjoining countries the lie ahead of you. With the ease of traveling between so many countries and cultures, it makes for a very popular travel destination for people throughout the world.

One of the best trips to plan is from Amsterdam to Italy in either the fall or spring. Start in the very fun and exciting Amsterdam, continue to Colgne, Baden-Baden, and then to Switzerland. From there head straight to Venice which could possibly be the most lovely part of Europe.

Not only does France provide one of the most beautiful and romantic vacation spots for lovers, but also has some of the most gorgeous views. You can go skiing in the stunning mountains of the Trois Vallees area or visit the many sunny provinces in southern France.

Depending upon your mood and resources, you can find a travel destination that will satisfy your traveling itch. From Europe to the Caribbean Islands there is a place for everyone. With a little research, you can find exactly what your heart desires.

If you need somewhere to stay away from home, whether it be for a business deal, a certain purpose, spending time with friends, or touring an unfamiliar place, a hotel can be perfect for you. Hotels are great for lodging during a certain period of time.

So, what is a luxury hotel? The answer is simple. It is a place where you have good comfortable lodging arrangements with all modern facilities. All the facility available should be of international standards. The standard of luxury hotel obviously starts from its location.

Your privileged luxury hotel has to be superb with well heated or air conditioned house rooms. Moreover, you should always have cold and hot water in your hotel room. When you are hungry, healthy food must be offered as well, no exceptions.

Now days, these types of hotel market their lodging arrangements by combining cheap ticket facility for air travel. They pick their customers from the air port to their hotel. But the price for the hotel may be on the higher side.

Such luxury hotels are typically situated in the business hub areas or in very posh areas of a city. Lodging arrangements provided here are normally of superior quality. Parking facilities, car wash etc. are also fine. Various safety precautions are also taken care of.

There are various foods that are offered in the luxury hotels, which include continental and Chinese. Because the food in this type of hotel is run through tests, tasted, and regulated by strict worldwide requirements, becoming sick from such healthy food is an absurd thought.

The person that stays in a luxury hotel will be better known in business. The hotel someone stays in will have meeting rooms for him/her as well as a little meeting area if the person asks for it. Even though the hotel is expensive, the joy and experience of staying there are well worth the expense.

Hotels are normally classified according to their status, facilities provided etc. They are normally classified through stars; more the stars better the facility. Certain hotels have their own code of dressing for their esteemed customers. Once you stay in such a hotel, it is normal that they keep good contact with you for many years, this can help you to get down if necessary, to the same hotel or their chain groups if available.

The Olympics are a moment in which many countries of the world come together to compete in various athletic disciplines. Dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times, it has become a long tradition now to compete with out conflict.

Getting to witness the Olympics as this historical event unfolds is a great privilege. Plus, this year they are located in China, a country with a fascinating culture and history that would be a great place to visit. Washington would like its citizenas to attend, as the United States is a proud supporter, and participator, of the Olympics.

There are good ways to travel to the Olympics in China. Potentially, you could find a cruise ship that stops there, but probably the quickest and easiest way to get to this Asian country is by airplane, even though it can sometimes be tricky to find the best flight and hotel accommodations in a single package.

Cheap Tickets is a web site that can make your search easier, and a great way to find the best price available. Just type in the dates of your intended travel, and the site will pull up available flights and all the different rates that are available.

Another web site you can use to plan your travel to China is Expedia. Like Cheap Tickets, you can search for your hotel accommodations. However, you also have the option of adding a car rental to your entire package deal.

Both Expedia and Cheap Tickets are great because with them you can customize your travel plans until everything is exactly the way you want it. Enjoy the Olympics as you choose your perfect airline company, flight time, hotel, and rental company.

Usually, most direct flights to China will leave from the major airport hubs in New York City, or Washington. Also, rather than flying around the world, the flight will actually fly over top of the world to create a shorter flying distance.

Be a representative of your country by going to the Olympics in China and being a witness this great historical event. Using an online travel company like Cheap Tickets or Expedia will make your travel experience much easy. Travel worry free!

There comes a time in your life that waking up and not remembering what happened the night before is no longer your idea of a fun-filled vacation. You have graduated to the next level – the adult vacation. Finding a new vacation destination can be challenging but with a bit of research on the internet, you might just find your new vacation paradise.

One option for an adult vacation might be a Bed and Breakfast resort. A BandB, as they are sometimes called, is a relaxing home styled resort that will cater to your needs. They usually are very quiet and make you feel you’ve gone away on a vaction no matter if you’ve only gone a few miles down the road.

If you’re looking to travel out of state for your adult travel destinations, then an online search is the perfect solution in finding cheap airfare. If you’ve never flown on an airplane before, don’t be scared, think of it as an opportunity for cocktails and peanuts!

Maybe you’ve decided to go to the beach. Good choice! But don’t forget the sunscreen. Skin cancer isn’t sexy, no matter what those 18-year-old bikini gals say. Also, sunglasses are important. UV rays? Who wants to squint on vacation? Not me. Other things you’ll want to pack include a bathing suit, flip flops, fun beach snacks, books to read, and a trusty water bottle.

The hotel choice is very important make sure you get the very best hotel you can afford. One bug or dirty sheet can make a good vacation BAD! A better hotel usually gives you extra ammenities that make it well worthwhile to stay there.

Sleep is important when you’re on vacation. I know, I know. You’ll remember fondly those days of college Spring Break when \”sleep\” was really low on the To Do list. But when you’re well-rested, you’ll have more fun, and have more energy for shopping!

Everybody loves a souvenir. Make sure you buy yourself a cute little magnet, keychain, or t-shirt. Also, don’t forget to send a postcard to everyone back home, so they’ll be green with envy over your fabulous vacation. It would be nice if you bought them a keychain, though, to make up for that boastful postcard.

Wherever you decide to go on your grown-up vacation, make sure that you take your camera so you can capture as many memories as possible. When you get home, make sure to get them printed (what good are they sitting on a disc? I mean it!), and have fun with it; make a scrapbook of your vacation! It makes the fun last longer, kind of like an extended vacation at home. It makes those days of coming back from Spring Break to study seem pretty lame.

Wouldn’t a hassle-free family vacation or business trip with no long lines, crummy service, or security checks be nice? If you’re among the many who hate commercial air travel for these reasons, you’re not alone. Luckily for you, private jet travel is here!

Traveling by private plane is luxuriously convenient and saves you so much time. There are no long ticket lines, baggage check-in or the delays caused by security screening; no flight delays and less problems when it comes to last-minute travel. As smaller planes get safer and airports get even more crowded, the private planes and small airport do make a lot of sense.

Taking a luxury jet, however, isn’t free. A chartered flight from LA to San Francisco, for instance, will set you back about $12,000. Private planes have always been an expensive way to travel. It used to be that only celebrities, CEOs, and other fabulously wealthy people could afford private jet travel.

But new programs are cropping up that opens up private air travel to more and more people. For example, a wealthy group of leisure travelers, all belonging to the same membership program, can together use a private plane. It departs from a smaller airport at a fraction of the cost of chartering your own plane. These new luxury programs are truly exciting to individuals who love to travel but hate congested airports. They take members to popular destinations such as Aspen, Palm Beach, Asia, and Australia.

It isnat just the leisure traveler that can benefit from membership in this program. Corporations can enroll their traveling businessmen to save even more moneyiaafter all, time is money and theyare losing it when one of their top employees is stuck for hours on end in a crowded airport. The corporation can set a more predictable itinerary for the trip if they are in control of the process with a private jet.

Attending a meeting at a certain time can be tricky to coordinate with the rigid schedule of a large, commercial airline. But itas no problem to fly at any time, day or night, to arrive at any meeting or even a string of meetings within the same day! Even the time spent en route is more productive, since private jets place special emphasis on privacy and discretion aboard their flights.

Keep in mind a few tips when you’re thinking of chartering your next plane. You want to select the best private jet for your needs, so do your homework. Ask around to see if friends or colleagues have recommendations for you. The Internet has a vast amount of resources to help you in your choice. And when going on your trip, make sure to bring along extra money just in case you are surprised with any extra travel expenses.

When the urge hits to take a family vacation, a romantic getaway with that special someone, or the business trip with your coworkers, remember how much better the whole experience could be with private jet travel. It could be costly but the convenience and peace of mind youall get will be well worth the dollars you spend.

The whole idea for planning European vacations will nice to everyone. Below you’ll find some ideas and recommendations for a two to three week visit of Europe. Travelers have to do some travel planning before you go on that European vacations. First they need find information about Passport, Currency exchange, and also the most important places to visit.

Travel within Europe is relatively cheap because of the many great deals on airfare and the availability of diesel fuel everywhere on the continent. But you could keep busy for the whole two or three week vacation visiting just one of Europe’s major cities!

Many travelers are unsure about the best vacation spots and activities in Europe. In the paragraphs following are included many suggestions of exactly where you should go, from the great cities to out-of-the-way tourist spots, plus festivals, adventure, and much more.

There are so many wonderful cities in Europe. Among them are Paris, Rome, Athens, and Venice, not to mention Florence, Barcelona, and Munich, or of course Amsterdam or London. It’s best to visit England (London) between May and October; don’t forget to include the Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert, and British Museums, plus Buckingham palace and Westminster Abbey.

No vacation in Europe is complete without a visit to Paris. This most famous and largest city in France is at its best in September, leading to a tremendous number of visitors at that peak tourist season. Book hotels or lodges early to avoiding uncomfortable accommodations during that period. Don’t miss it!

Another best city to visit is Amsterdam, Holland. Amsterdam can have rain at any time. Off season tourists will be rewarded with enough decent weather to stick around. April-May is tulip season. Summer is good for sun worshipers, July and August is the peak season, but there’s nothing like brooding off, season clouds for this photographer.

Considered attending one of the many summer festivals in Europe, such as Redentore in Venice, Roskilde Festival in Denmark, the Salzburg Festival in Germany, National Eisteddfod of Wales, Festival d’Avignon in France, Helsinki Festival in Finland, Palio di Siena or L’Ardia di San Costantino in Italy, and the Ghent Festival in Belgium.

Travelers who need adventure and thrill need look no further than the Haute Route in France. It was established almost a hundred years ago as a high mountaineering route that linked together two of Europe’s premier mountaineering centers, Chamonix and Zermatt. It was later developed into a ski route, and more recently a high-level mountain hike.