The Beatles aren’t the only British import lighting up Vegas.  Queen Victoria is alive and well on the Strip, too.  That is, the Queen Victoria Pub, located inside the Riviera Hotel and Casino.  The only British-owned and operated establishment boasts 24 draught beers and over 40 bottled varieties from around the world.  Needless to say, you can savor such island favorites as toad in the hole, shepherds pie and fish and chips.  Cheers!

Nearing a whopping $4 billion, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opened in mid-December.   A new luxe resort on The Strip, they aspire to cater to what they refer to as the “curious class.”  Are you curious?  Given the low fares to Vegas these days, you can afford to indulge it.

It’s easy to think of Vegas as an adult playground.  But don’t forget all the kid-friendly details like Adventuredome at Circus Circus, the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and the arcade at New York New York.  Hotel deals offering as much as 50% off mean the whole family can enjoy a Vegas jaunt.  And why not now, with temperatures averaging 14 degrees celsius.

They’re making history at the World Series of Poker championships at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. For only the second time in WSOP’s history, a pair of brothers made it to the final table for the Chip Reese Memorial Trophy and $1.55 million in prize money. The action is hardly over, however. The biggest poker gathering of the year runs until 17 July, culminating in the 13-day No-Limit Hold’em Championship. Wanna play? Better pre register to guarantee a seat at the pot of your choice.

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When the Stardust Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas was imploded in 2007, many saw the end of an era in this desert of dreams. After all, it was to be replaced by the monolithic Echelon Place, a Miami-chic inspired collection of hotels and shops, now halted due to shaky capital markets. But don’t wipe the dust from your eyes just yet. MGM and its partner Dubai World are forging ahead on their own $8 billion megalopolis, CityCenter. With three luxury residences, it’s billed as the address to live it up–or maybe better put, to live up to. Despite the economic woes, the project is set for completion in late 2009. Let’s hope so. With over 12,000 jobs up for grabs, it’s a veritable economic stimulus package.

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It Takes Two.  Anytime Sunshine.  Show Me.  Sound familiar?  It does if you’re an Osmond fan.  Now you can hear Donny and Marie reprise their standards at the Flamingo in Las Vegas.  Their singing, dancing and comedic twists have been renewed for two years.  Will the headliners stay hot?  It’s anyone’s guess.  As the Osmonds sang, “It’s all been said before.”

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If it takes more than “boo” to have you jumping out of your skin, then test your composure at the Las Vegas Fright Dome at Circus Circus.  This year’s haunt fest sports 5 haunted houses, 20 rides and a cast of creepy characters popping out of walls and ceilings.  If you can’t make it by midnight, then you’ll have to wait until next year’s act.  They’re aiming to be the #1 scare attraction in the country, so stay tuned to www.frightdome.com for future frights.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Trump has now launched the Trump Hotel Collection, a luxe brand including the New York Trump International Hotel and Tower and the yet-to-be completed Chicago and Las Vegas properties.  In Chicago, the new Spa at Trump line will be unveiled, sporting dedicated spa guestrooms and a full-service health club.  Lest you feel overwhelmed by all the extravagances available to you, a personal butler is on hand to see you through it.  That alone should let you rest well on your 500 thread-count Bellino Italian bed sheets.

Is there room in the world for another Strip (without the gambling)?  Dubai’s Bawadi is developing a $100 billion strip of themed resorts (think Epcot), including the world’s largest hotel.  The resorts characterizing the Americas will be the Latino Resort representing Latino culture, America Hotel and Resort (celebrating North American and South American cultures) and Wild Wild West (think John Wayne).  Other resorts will represent Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.   A Universal site will provide general entertainment.  Sounds more like a World’s Fair than a Vegas-like showplace.  Then again, maybe that’s the point.

It’s hard getting around the Las Vegas Strip these days.  Either you’re sweating it out on the pavement acting like a tourist or power walking through football-sized casinos looking for that magic table.  Never mind all the other little temptations zapping away at your energy–like thrill rides, parks and malls.  So what’s an energy-challenged tourist to do?  Why, rent a scooter of course!  Be the envy of all your friends as you tool around in a mobility scooter once reserved for the authentically physically challenged.  Whatever happened to the adage, “pace yourself”?