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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If I was ready to buy a condo anywhere in this country it would be Perdido Key Florida. There are a few reasons. Number one is that there are awfully few hotels in the region, so you can rent them out. The view on the coast is just stunning over the Gulf of Mexico. You are close to both Alabama and Florida and even Mississippi.

I once traveled to this area for the Mullet Toss. It is a beach gathering where people throw a fish from Florida to the Alabama line. It was a extraordinary beach party, with a lot of stuff to do. The thing I love about this area is that it is so casual. You can go everywhere in just a bathing suit, or a t shirt. You dont need to be all fancied up to go out to have a meal.

If you are looking to travel to this area you are going to rent a condo. There literally are no hotels in this city that I am conscious of. Everything there is vacation rentals. This is not a unpleasant thing, because you can in reality get a nice place right on the beach with a balcony for less than you can get a hotel room.

There are many property managers that run the condos, so if you are looking for an asset this is a great place to invest. You can by a condo, and then take a vacation to it for a few weeks a few times a year. Then the other 48+ weeks you can rent it out like a hotel room by hiring one of these property management firms.

The only competition you have is other condo owners. This allows you to travel free, and you can actually depreciate the cost of the condo over time since it is an investment property.

There are some tips though if you can invest and you are just traveling to the area. Most of the hotel websites that rent hotels, also rent condos in the area just like hotel rooms. You can save a lot of money by simply getting a condo this way.

Simply visit a discount hotel site and search for Perdido Key Florida and book yourself in one of those beach front condos. Keep in mind they are STILL rebuilding from the damage of Hurricane Ivan. It is still just a beautiful place to stay.

Germany is a land of extremes. In this ancient land, you’ll find geographic wonders ranging from the sand dunes of the North Friesian Islands to the towering Alps to idyllic pastoral land dotted with enchanting villages. You can visit castles, sample some of the world’s best beer and wine, explore historic sites and so much more.

Most visitors to Germany spend at least a few days in Bavaria and its main city of Munich and with good reason. Bavaria, with its fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein, picturesque villages and beer gardens, museums and fine shopping, offers plenty to do and see, and the scenery is enchanting. Other fun excursions include a trip through the Rhone and Mosel wine regions, which include famous cities such as Frankfurt, as well as castles and wineries. Another choice might be to explore eastern and central Germany, with a stop in Berlin.

On her popular travel website, writer Karen Brown suggests several interesting itineraries for travelers to Germany. She offers detailed descriptions of various regions, as well as driving directions and suggested pacing. In addition to this helpful information, her readers also have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as Germany’s best lodging experiences:

Built in 1730, the Hotel Bulow Residenz in Dresden is a charming Baroque relic painted a sunny shade of yellow. Hotel Bulow is across the river from the city center, so it offers close access to Dresden’s many attractions, but is located in a quiet, peaceful setting. Elegant guest rooms range from cozier single rooms to more spacious suites decorated with antiques. Breakfasts are often served in a vine-covered courtyard. The hotel has a formal restaurant as well as an intimate piano bar in the wine cellar. The hotel was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Germany’s “Most Romantic” lodging.

The Romantik Hotel Markusturm was chosen as the winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Germany. Located in Rothenberg, a fanciful medieval town surrounded by turrets, ramparts and walls, the hotel is just as charming as its surroundings. Hosts Lilo and Stephan Berger will make you feel right at home and pamper guests with inviting individually decorated guest rooms and plenty of hearty cuisine, complimented by Stephan’s signature homemade beer.

The Gasthaus Die Krone in the Black Forest town of Staufen is a delight. This family-run hotel is located in a pedestrian-only area, so it enjoys a quiet and peaceful spot. The exterior of the building is charming with shuttered windows, window boxes bursting with color and a mural depicting the Revolution of 1848. Guest rooms are simple and pleasing with light pine furnishings and beds topped with white duvets and fluffy pillows. The hosts are friendly and welcoming and in addition to the guest rooms, there is a restaurant where dinner is served nightly. The hotel won the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for “Greatest Value” in Germany.

To enjoy what Karen Brown readers have chosen as Germany’s top “Splendid Splurge,” book a stay at the Hotel Benen-Diken-Hof. Located on the sand-dune island of Sylt at the northern tip of Germany, the hotel’s friendly hosts offer a little bit of everything. Spa services, a sauna and swimming pool are available for guests to enjoy. For families, there is a children’s program, many acres in which to run about in and play, and even babysitting for parents who want to enjoy a nice dinner for two. Golfing and fishing are among the possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel’s restaurant serves breakfast until the early afternoon, so guests can sleep in and just relax.

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.

Washington has increased its number of wineries by 400 percent in the last decade. Connoisseurs and the average wine consumer have found a new place to get great wines.

Modern technology has made the process of making wine more sophisticated but the talent to produce great wine is all in the hands of the vintner who uses skills developed over generations of great wine makers sharing their knowledge to have some of the best wines now available at the wineries in Washington.

No, you aren’t in France in the region of the great Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, you are in Washington where the same latitude applies to give the same great growing ability for the grapes to produce fabulous wine. Many of the areas of Washington have been designated as American Viticulture Areas with more under consideration.

No crowds, no hurry, no pressure. Isn’t that what a vacation should be? You will experience the peace and pleasure of great countryside and great wine on a wine tour in Washington. Find the wine you like by going to the wine tastings offered by the different wineries. Find a great place to stay while in the area and make it the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation you have ever taken.

It may be dinner time at your house and what better way to set a relaxing environment than to have a wonderful glass of wine with dinner. Perhaps you are having something that a dry white will enhance or maybe you want a full bodied red to wake up your taste buds. Either can be obtained from one of the wineries in Washington.

Swirl it, Smell it and Slurp it! Get your wine glass, pour in your favorite wine, then swirl it around the glass to get the air to it, smell the wonderful aroma of the wine and then slurp (quietly, gently please) a little to add more air to bring out the full flavor of the wine. The experience will be absolutely delightful.

If just 1% of the wine grapes of Washington are grown on the eastern side of the Cascades then you would think that it was a poor area for wine growers. In fact, it is a great area where the soil is right, the climate perfect and the growing season long to provide fully ripened, fruit flavored grapes with good acid levels and pleasing aromatics. This area will certainly become more of a draw to vintners in the time to come.

The French, Italians and Germans began planting wine grapes in the state as early at 1825 for their own use when they were settling the area. Commercial planting of wine grapes didn’t being in Washington until the 1960’s with rapid expansion of the industry occurring in the mid-70’s. Now there are new wineries opening every couple of weeks for your enjoyment.

Joining the growing number of wineries in the nation Washington has seen a 400 percent increase in the number of wineries in the past decade. With this increase has come the ability to buy great wines from this beautiful region that will satisfy the most discriminating taste.

Modern technology has made the process of making wine more sophisticated but the talent to produce great wine is all in the hands of the vintner who uses skills developed over generations of great wine makers sharing their knowledge to have some of the best wines now available at the wineries in Washington.

No, you aren’t in France in the region of the great Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, you are in Washington where the same latitude applies to give the same great growing ability for the grapes to produce fabulous wine. Many of the areas of Washington have been designated as American Viticulture Areas with more under consideration.

Taking a wine tour in the state of Washington probably isn’t something that you think of right away, but with all the great wines being produced in the vineyards of the state, all the different types of wine and all the different wineries you certainly should consider the opportunity for an off the beaten path wine tour. You will be so glad you tried it that you will return time after time.

It may be dinner time at your house and what better way to set a relaxing environment than to have a wonderful glass of wine with dinner. Perhaps you are having something that a dry white will enhance or maybe you want a full bodied red to wake up your taste buds. Either can be obtained from one of the wineries in Washington.

It’s swirling, sniffing and slurping time when you get a good glass of wine. Swirl the beautiful wine in your glass to get the full color beauty and incorporate some air into the wine. Now it’s time to sniff, what a pleasure to smell the wonderful fragrance the wine gives off. With slurping you get the air mixed with the wine to bring out the full flavor of the choice you have made. Just remember to slurp gently and quietly, it still works and doesn’t drive your guests or family mad with the noise.

If just 1% of the wine grapes of Washington are grown on the eastern side of the Cascades then you would think that it was a poor area for wine growers. In fact, it is a great area where the soil is right, the climate perfect and the growing season long to provide fully ripened, fruit flavored grapes with good acid levels and pleasing aromatics. This area will certainly become more of a draw to vintners in the time to come.

1825 saw the first wine grapes being planted in the state. The German, Italian and French immigrants planted the vines to produce wine for their own use. The commercial production didn’t begin until the 1960’s and then in the 70’s it grew even more. Today there are new wineries opening in the state every couple of weeks.

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!