vegas,march 2006 baby! - worldmark, the club...las vegas has many faces, but the ones that radiate...

A M a g a z i n e E x c l u s i v e l y f o r W o r l d M a r k O w n e r s M a r c h 2 0 0 6

Vegas,Baby!

+Reno First and (they say) the best

p lu s

Baby! 2resorts, endless

options

CONSTRUCTION ZONE: SOLVANG OPENS

ADVENTURE CLUB: PARIS & NICE

NEW PHOTO & ESSAY CONTEST

With your RCI Subscribing Membership, the world is a big place, indeed. RCI offers thousands of spots for you to vacation around the globe, and your WorldMark Vacation Credits can take you there. Simply exchange your credits for a vacation at any available RCI affiliated resort. You can also take last-minute trips, Extra Vacations, cruises, even give a vacation to friends or family—all without using your WorldMark Vacation Credits. So whenever you go, book with RCI and see the world a whole new way.

RCI members see more spots.

Call 1-800-585-4833 to start planning your 2006 vacations today.

Client: RCI Publication: DESTINATIONS Trim: 8.25” x 10.75”Job #: 6CLUB-001 Issue: --- Live Area: 7.75” x 10.25”

Document: MemberAd.indd Colors: CMYK Bleed: 8.375” x 10.8125”

©2006 Resort Condominiums International, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

Live Area

6CLUB-001_MemberAd.indd 1 2/3/06 2:22:18 PM

DESTINATIONS | March 2006 3

contents M A R C H 2 0 0 6

ON OUR COVER:The glitz and glitter of Las Vegas brings out the inner wild. Photo by Sean Murphy/Stone.

features10 Desert DuoLas Vegas has many faces, but the ones that radiate the heartiest welcome can be found at your WorldMark resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard and Spencer Street.

12 Navigating the NeonResort managers Rob Clift and Angie Penick guide you through the exhilarating maze of Las Vegas and set you on the path to fun.

14 Drawn to the Desert LightsThe pleasure of a good stretch, the joy of camaraderie, and the thrill of going really fast: WorldMark owners share their Las Vegas stories.

17 Western ChampionWorldMark Reno resort manager Ryan Dominguez makes it clear that his city shines brightly in the firmament of Nevada entertainment.

18 Our 10 Favorite Las Vegas MomentsLas Vegas connoisseurs Don and Betty Martin offer tips to delight you without taxing your wallet.

21 Meal DealsGet the scoop on which chow lines are really worth the wait (and the weight).

24 Well-Known Jewels and Hidden Treasures of RenoYou know about the casinos; learn about the art, the ark, and the arboretum.

25 Have an Out of Office ExperienceWhy getting away is the best thing you can do for yourself—and your company.

departments5 YOUR CLUB Inventory Specials, board meeting update, Solvang opens, high- speed Internet comes to four resorts.

26 TRAVEL & ADVENTURE Paris/Nice tour; Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta; Trendwest Travel Special; cruises to Hawaii, the Eastern Caribbean, “Texaribbean,” Mexican Riviera, and Baja.

30 LASTING IMPRESSION Our 2006 photo and essay contest is off and running!With your RCI Subscribing Membership, the world is a big place, indeed.

RCI offers thousands of spots for you to vacation around the globe, and your WorldMark Vacation Credits can take you there. Simply exchange your credits for a vacation at any available RCI affiliated resort. You can also take last-minute trips, Extra Vacations, cruises, even give a vacation to friends or family—all without using your WorldMark Vacation Credits. So whenever you go, book with RCI and see the world a whole new way.

RCI members see more spots.

Call 1-800-585-4833 to start planning your 2006 vacations today.

Client: RCI Publication: DESTINATIONS Trim: 8.25” x 10.75”Job #: 6CLUB-001 Issue: --- Live Area: 7.75” x 10.25”

Document: MemberAd.indd Colors: CMYK Bleed: 8.375” x 10.8125”

©2006 Resort Condominiums International, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

Live Area

6CLUB-001_MemberAd.indd 1 2/3/06 2:22:18 PM

4 DESTINATIONS | March 2006

editor’s desk

Senior Vice President of WorldMark, Trendwest Management and WorldMark Operations Dave HerrickPublisher Wendy NoritakeEditor in Chief Jan PollardArt Director Chris Bulloch Senior Editor Beáta Jachulski Baker Designer Douglas R. Deay

Contributors: Sylvia Betancourt, Emma Croston, Tami Fitch, Wayne Frye, Christa Midcap, Alyssa Moore, Barbara O’Connell, Brian Runnels, Dan Stearns, CarolAnn Stucky, Steve Townsend, Kimberly Wolf

Reservations Department1-800-457-0103Mon. – Fri., 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. PTSat. & Sun., 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT(Closed Tue., 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. PT)

Owner [email protected]. – Fri., 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT(Closed Tue., 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. PT)

Trendwest Travel1-800-953-5511Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. PTSat., 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT(Closed Wed., 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. PT)

Loan Payments, Maintenance Dues, Finance1-800-779-0760

Resort Condominiums International1-800-585-4833

Interval International Service line: 1-877-678-4400Flexchange recording: 1-800-722-1747

Comments are appreciatedDestinations Editor9805 Willows Road NERedmond, WA 98052(425) [email protected]

Visit Destinations on the Web at www.worldmarktheclub.com/destinations

© 2006, WorldMark, The Club. All rights reserved. Vol. XVI, No. 2, March 2006. Destinations is pub-lished monthly except January by WorldMark, 9805 Willows Road NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Destinations is an official WorldMark publication. Subscriptions are covered by dues paid by owners of WorldMark. Non-owner subscription price of $11 per year, including state sales tax. Canadian Publi-cations Mail Product Sales Agreement #40870507. Postage paid at Vancouver, BC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Destinations, 9805 Willows Road NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Canada Post: Publication Mail Agreement No. 40870507, Post-age Paid at Vancouver, BC. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Destinations c/o Mailing Department 1070 SE Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC V5X 2V4.

Beáta Jachulski BakerSenior Editor

Deal Us In

You’re going to las vegas! Put on your lucky shirt, hit the Strip, take a deep breath, roll the dice, and get ready for a wild ride. Or claim a pool chaise, grab a frosty beverage, slather on the SPF 30, and let the world melt away.

WorldMark has two beautiful resorts ready to accommodate you while you indulge in your vision of Vegas. Your resort on Las Vegas Boulevard is a straight shot from the action of the Strip; the one on Spencer Street is a lit-tle more removed from the mad-ding crowd. See page 10 to get acquainted with both.

Owners flock to the Las Vegas WorldMark resorts for a mul-titude of reasons. Reunions, racing, and a respite from the responsibilities of home figure among them—go to page 14 to read their stories.

Some see Las Vegas as the bride of Nevada, with Reno as the perennial bridesmaid. Yet many WorldMark owners prefer the attractions and amenities offered by this more manage-able hub of entertainment and gaming. Turn to page 17 and let WorldMark Reno resort manager Ryan Dominguez give you his take on this genuine Western town; then proceed to page 24 to learn more about the thrills and surprises that await you in “The Biggest Little City in the World.”

You picked a winning hand when you opted for vacation ownership with WorldMark. You chose a lifetime of unique experiences in fascinating desti-nations. But you also chose more time with your family, more moments of genuine connection, a greater awareness of the world, and an acknowledge-ment of what’s truly important in life. We’ll always be here to back your play—that’s something you can bet on.

COMING NEXT MONTHNorthern California: WorldMark’s Windsor and Clear Lake; Amazing Race Seattle Event, San Juan tour, golf cruise, and Footloose in San Antonio; cruises to Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Eastern Caribbean, Texaribbean, and more.

➤


your club

Take the Credit—and Multiply by 4.2 Cents

Inventory Specials is a plain name for a terrific deal. Instead of sitting empty, selected unreserved WorldMark units can be booked for just 4.2 cents per credit, up to 60 days in advance. Low cost, longer booking window, and wide choice of destinations—it all adds up to great, super-cheap getaway opportunities for you each month.

How inexpensive can your next

vacation can be? Monday through

Thursday nights at lovely Lake of

the Ozarks in a one-bedroom unit

in Red Season are 675 credits each.

675 x .042 = $36.75 a night! Here

are your April and May specials

You can find a resort’s credit values in your Daily Vacation Credit Values booklet or through the Resort Gallery on the WorldMark Web site at www.worldmarktheclub.com. The resort gal-lery link is on the home page, left col-umn. Simply multiply the resort’s credit values by .042 to find out its midweek and weekend rates.

WHAT’S THE COST?

HOW TO BOOK

To make reservations and for more information, call the Vacation Planning Center at 1-800-457-0103. Availabil-ity changes constantly! Keep abreast of the latest Inventory Specials in this monthly magazine (excluding January) or—for the latest updates—go to www.worldmarktheclub.com.

April—Midweek and Limited WeekendsAngels Camp, CABison Ranch, AZBranson, MOGalena, ILGrand Lake, OKLake of the Ozarks, MOPinetop, AZRunning Y, OR

April—Midweek OnlyBig Bear, CABirch Bay, WAClear Lake, CASolvang, CASundance, BCWindsor, CA

April—ExoticDenarau Island, Fiji

May—Midweek and Limited WeekendsAngels Camp, CABison Ranch, AZGalena, ILGrand Lake, OKLake of the Ozarks, MOPinetop, AZ

May—Midweek OnlyBig Bear, CABirch Bay, WACascade Lodge, BCClear Lake, CALake Tahoe, NV

Rancho Vistoso, AZRunning Y, ORSan Francisco, CASteamboat Springs, COSundance, BCWindsor, CAWolf Creek, UT

May—ExoticDenarau Island, Fiji

INVENTORY SPECIALS: A CONTINUOUS, INCREDIBLE OFFER

DAN

STEARNS (2)

Exclusions are Apr. 14–16,

and May 26–29.

These may vary at

certain resorts;

check with your vacation

planning counselor.

WorldMark Lake of the Ozarks


your club

From Owners to Associates: A Love Story

It’s a familiar story: Owner meets timeshare; timeshare fulfills its promise above and beyond owner’s wildest dreams; owner is so happy it leads to a new career of selling timeshare to oth-ers. No, wait—that’s not a familiar story at all. In fact, it’s pretty rare in timeshare—an industry that often takes a beating in the public eye regarding issues of quality, integrity, and service.

At WorldMark by Trendwest, however, it’s becoming a common story. Owners have repeated-ly awarded WorldMark a 95% satisfaction rate, and their enthusiasm for their club is prompting them to join the company ranks with increasing regular-ity. Meet two WorldMark owners whose passion for vacation perfection led them to a new career.

Joy BognarTrendwest Project Director Bakersfield, CaliforniaOwner since 1990 Employee since 1997

“It was July 1990 when I became a Club Esprit owner—now known as WorldMark, The Club. Little did I know

that I would be working for that club! People ask me: Why WorldMark and Trendwest? I would have to say that customer service and pride of owner-ship are the draws for me. My passion is to make a difference in people’s lives, and that is exactly what I have been able to do. I am very proud to be a WorldMark owner, and am grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to sell for Trendwest. Every day at work I’m able to share my vacation stories, laugh, have fun—and make money! I can honestly say that I am changing the lives and legacies of our new owners as I welcome them into the club.”

Tracy ChalmersTrendwest Sales AssociateLynnwood, WashingtonOwner since 2000Employee since 2003

“I became an owner in August 2000. I remember the atmo-sphere when my wife and I came in for our appointment at the Lynnwood office—it was festive and cheery. Our representative was very different from any oth-er timeshare sales person we’d seen. He seemed to really enjoy what he was doing, and felt very pas-sionate about the company and how being owners could change our lives. In December 2003, I became an employee of Trendwest. I made Presidents Club (100 sales or more in one year) my first year with the company in 2004, and have achieved this goal again in 2005. I could have never imagined what walking into that Lynnwood office would do for my life. What a ride! It has been an honor and a privilege to work for such a great company.”

If you found yourself nodding your head in agreement as you read these stories, maybe you’re ready to make the leap from owner to employee. Learn about current opportunities with Trendwest Resorts today. Call 1-800-722-3487; fax your resume to 425-498-2982; or go online at http://www.trendwest.com/careers.jsp.

Some WorldMark owners have found they sing the praises of WorldMark by Trendwest so often, they may as well get paid for it

An active real estate license is required for sales positions in: CA, NV, CO, OR, AZ. Trendwest/WorldMark employees enjoy full benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401k, employee stock purchase, and more. EOE.


Owner Education M A R C H 2 0 0 6 C L A S S E SOwner Education—a fun and free way to learn all about your ownership. Classes are held at Trendwest sales locations unless otherwise indicated. Reservations are required. For reservations, please call 1-800-397-5968, Mon – Fri, 6 am – 9 pm; Sat – Sun, 6 am – 5 pm. Class times and locations are also listed online at www.worldmarktheclub.com/education.

NORTHWESTBirch Bay, WATue, Mar 7, 6 pmWed, Mar 15, 6 pmWed, Mar 29, 6 pm

Bothell, WAWed, Mar 8, 6 pmTue, Mar 14, 6 pmThu, Mar 16, 6 pmWed, Mar 22, 6 pmTue, Mar 28, 6 pm

Burnaby, BCFri, Mar 31, 6 pm

Coeur d’Alene, IDAt Coeur d’Alene Inn414 W. ApplewayThu, Mar 23, 7 pm

Depoe Bay, ORAt resortSat, Mar 11, noon, 2 pm

Discovery Bay, WAWed, Mar 1, 6 pmThu, Mar 30, 6 pm

Federal Way, WATue, Mar 7, 6 pmThu, Mar 16, 6 pmTue, Mar 21, 6 pmTue, Mar 28, 6 pm

Leavenworth, WAAt Icicle Inn Best WesternWed, Mar 2, 6 pm

Seaside, ORFri, Mar 10, 6 pmFri, Mar 31, 6 pm

Seattle, WAThe CamlinFri, Mar 10, 6 pmSun, Mar 19, 6 pmNo free on-site parking

Tri-Cities, WAAt Clover Island Inn435 Clover Island Dr.KennewickWed, Mar 22, 6 pm

Vancouver, WAThu, Mar 9, 6 pmWed, Mar 15, 6 pmTue, Mar 21, 6 pmWed, Mar 29, 6 pm

N. CALIFORNIA Angels Camp, CA Tue, Mar 14, 6 pm

Peninsula, CABurlingame Crown Plaza Hotel1177 Airport Blvd.Sat, Mar 18, 10 am, 2 pm

Reno, NVAt resortThu, Mar 23, 6 pm

Roseville, CA Thu, Mar 9, 6 pmFri, Mar 10, 6 pmSat, Mar 18, 10 am, 2 pmThu, Mar 30, 6 pm

San Jose, CA2880 Stevens Creek Blvd.Wed, Mar 8, 6 pmWed, Mar 15, 6 pmSat, Mar 25, 10 am Sat, Mar 25, 2 pm (Spanish)

Walnut Creek, CASat, Mar 4, 10 am, 2 pmTue, Mar 21, 6 pmTue, Mar 28, 6 pm Windsor, CA Thu, Mar 16, 6 pm

S. CALIFORNIABakersfield, CA Sun, Mar 5, 2 pm

Big Bear, CA Mon, Mar 27, 6 pm

Las Vegas, NVAt resort on Las Vegas Blvd.Sun, Mar 19, noon

Oceanside, CAAt resortWed, Mar 22, 6 pm

San Diego, CASat, Mar 11, 10 amThu, Mar 23, 6 pm

San Dimas, CATue, Mar 7, 6 pmSat, Mar 25, 10 am

Torrance, CAMon, Mar 13, 6 pm

Westlake Village, CASat, Mar 4, noon

MOUNTAINBear Lake, UTMon, Mar 20, 7 pm

Boise, ID At 800 S. Industry Wayin MeridianThu, Mar 2, 6 pmThu, Mar 9, 6 pmFri, Mar 10, 6 pmSat, Mar 18, 10 amTue, Mar 28, 6 pm

Branson, MOFri, Mar 24, 7 pm

Broomfield, CO Tue, Mar 14, 6 pmFri, Mar 31, 10 am

Englewood, CO Wed, Mar 1, 8 pm Wed, Mar 15, 6 pmThu, Mar 16, 6 pmFri, Mar 31, 10 am

Idaho Falls, IDTue, Mar 7, 6 pmWed, Mar 29, 8 pm

Overland Park, KS Thu, Mar 23, 6 pm

Phoenix, AZFri, Mar 17, 6 pm

Rancho Vistoso, AZ Fri, Mar 3, 6 pmSat, Mar 4, 10 amSat, Mar 18, 10 amFri, Mar 31, 6 pm

Salt Lake City, UTThu, Mar 2, 6 pmTue, Mar 7, 6 pmWed, Mar 15, 6 pmSat, Mar 25, 10 amWed, Mar 29, 6 pm

St. George, UTFri, Mar 10, 6 pmTue, Mar 28, 6 pm

Tulsa, OKWed, Mar 22, 6 pm

Wolf Creek, UTWed, Mar 8, 6 pmTue, Mar 14, 6 pmWed, Mar 22, 6 pm

R ESE R VAT I O N S R EQ U I R E D – M A K E YO U R S TO DAY AT 1 - 8 0 0 - 3 9 7 - 5 9 6 8

Refer a friend

when you attend

and enter to wi

n

our Dream Vaca

tion

Sweepstakes!

See page 31

for details.

All March classes are introductory sessions. Specialized classes are planned for the near future.


your club

From May through November 2005, the WorldMark Board of Directors gathered for two special and two regu-lar quarterly meetings. The following motions were unanimously approved at these four sessions:

1. To appoint Peggy Fry, vice pres-

ident of WorldMark Owner Services, to fill the board position vacated by retiring director Don Harrill for the remainder of the term.

2. To place a measure on the 2005 ballot proposing the expansion of the booking window for a less than seven-

day reservation in Red Season from 60 days to 90 days. (The measure did not pass.)

3. To substitute use rights between WorldMark’s Seattle unit #902 for Trendwest’s Seattle unit #1006, as well as WorldMark’s Windsor unit #3203 for Trendwest’s Windsor unit #2108.

4. To revise sections C.17 and D.2 of the club’s guidelines to establish house-keeping fees and occupancy limits for the new class of penthouse presiden-tial suites.

5. To increase the Bonus Time rate from 4¢ per credit/$20 nightly mini-mum to 4.2¢ per credit/$30 nightly minimum, effective January 1, 2006.

6. To authorize the pursuit of a monthly payment plan for owner dues through automatic payment plans (ACH).

7. To revise the wording of section D.2 of the club guidelines from “Oth-er types of Units, such as a ‘suite’, a ‘deluxe’, or a ‘plus’ will vary in occu-pancy limits from Resort to Resort” to read: “Certain other types of units will vary in occupancy limits from Re-sort to Resort.”

8. To approve the 2006 WorldMark budget as presented.

CALL US FIRST when it’s time to buy or

sell your home, and you could earn 1,000

permanent WorldMark credits—renewed

automatically every year—for life.

The Trendwest Real Estate Referral

ProgramSM provides expert service from

the nation’s top real estate brokers

through an exclusive program available

only to WorldMark owners. If you’re

buying and selling a home, you could

earn up to 2,000 lifetime credits!

Call today and find out if you qualify.

Inquire online at www.worldmarktheclub.com/owners/realestate.shtml

Transaction must be initiated through Trendwest’s Real Estate Referral Office to qualify. Vacation credits will be available only to WorldMark members who register first with Trendwest and have been referred to the participating local broker by the Trendwest Real Estate Referral ProgramSM. Owners going directly to the individual real estate brokers without referral will not be eligible to partake in this offer. Some transactions may not be eligible. Program may not be available in all states.

C A L L T O L L F R E E AT 1 - 8 7 7 - 8 6 9 - 9 6 7 2

Earn 1,000 Lifetime Credits When You Buy or Sell Your Home

“The realtors on both ends, selling and buying, were very professional and extremely helpful and sensitive to my needs. I would go through Trendwest again. P.S. The extra credits will be wonderful for more trips!”

Jean Tuttle, WorldMark owner since 2000

Notes From the WorldMark Board

Winner!LAURIE WHITE of Cascade, Colo., won a three-night WorldMark stay when we selected her completed resort comment card in our drawing for January. Fill out that card every time you vacation at a WorldMark resort—you could be our next winner.


One of the most frequent owner requests listed on WorldMark resort comment cards has been high-speed Internet capability in the units. We’re happy to announce that the first wave of in-room high-speed In-ternet service—available at very reasonable rates—has rolled out.

WorldMark Seattle at The Camlin led the way; the re-sorts at Windsor, Las Vegas on Las Vegas Boulevard, and San Francisco followed soon after. Wi-Fi—short for wire-less fidelity—service is also available in the common areas of these resorts, such as the lobby and pool area.

“Having e-mail access to both the office and loved ones

is a must for the typical West Coast traveler, whether on a business or pleasure trip,” says Dave Akins, vice president of Trendwest Resort Operations. “We’re excited to finally offer secure high-speed Internet service to our WorldMark owners and guests, so they can stay connected while on vacation,” he says. “Once we have determined the demand at these four test resorts, we will be able to engineer a plan to spread this tech-nology to other locations.”

Four Resorts are on the Fast (Internet) Track

The Right Season to Visit Solvang

WorldMark Solvang is ready to greet you! This highly anticipated California resort opened the doors to 72 sparkling new units on De-cember 20, 2005. Situated in the hub of this charming, Danish-themed town, WorldMark Solvang places own-

ers handily close to the distinctive shops, restaurants, and museums of the area.

Both the historical beauty of 19th-century Mission Santa Inés and the boating, fishing, and hiking delights

presented by Lake Cachuma are within a 15-minute drive of the resort. And the celebrated wine-tasting rooms of the Santa Ynez Valley vineyards are abundant. Fantastic Bo-nus Time opportunities for midweek in April are available now—see the Inventory Specials on page 5.

Wireless in Seattle: The

Camlin gets connected.

///// ZONE /////

CONSTRUCTION

WorldMark Solvang is yours to enjoy, inside and out. From far left,

clockwise: The game room, courtyard with pools, and three peeks at

a penthouse—living room, a bedroom, and dining area.

Ma

rk R

. Low

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TWO WORLDMARK RESORTS IN LAS VEGAS OFFER DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT WAYS TO SEE THE CITYBy Giselle Smith

Las Vegas is a mystery, a whirlwind, a tease. It is nightlife and neon, and it’s the desert, sunshine, and conventions. It’s wedding chapels and Elvis impersonators. It’s replicas of European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the canals of Venice, and a roller coaster that speeds through a faux New York. Las Vegas is a city of almost 560,000 residents that attracts 37 million visitors every year.

Las Vegas is also the location of two resorts—WorldMark Las Vegas and WorldMark Las Vegas on Spencer Street—that offer comfort, convenience, and easy access to which-

ever of the above you seek and more. WorldMark Las Vegas, on Las Vegas Boulevard, is the

club’s largest resort with more than 400 units, which range in size from studios to three-bedroom penthouses. It is also one of its newest, opened in 2003 and expanded in 2005. Though the resort is just 5 miles down the boulevard from the bustle of the Strip, the emphasis here is on family fun and relaxation.

The big resort has five pools, three spa tubs, a lively recre-ation center, an on-site deli, and barbecue areas. Shuttle ser-vice to the Strip (with optional stops at the Las Vegas Outlet

Desert Duo

Photo above: Siegfr ied Layda/Stone


Center) is available 16 hours a day. The pools include a lazy river, a children’s pool, and two

smaller pools in the north and south courtyards. The week’s activity list includes lazy-river raft races, hula hoop classes, Ping-Pong tournaments, yoga and stretch classes, and a weekly Texas Hold’em lesson.

The staff of 175 includes resort manager Rob Clift, activi-ties coordinator Tabetha Hardin, and transportation director Robert Hunsinger. Staffers, including a 24/7 security compo-nent, are kept busy by the resort’s 98 percent occupancy rate.

The resort also offers a daily 10:30 a.m. grocery run, which takes owners to Von’s for an hour of shopping. “For those of you who might be gambling while you’re in Las Vegas, we sug-gest you do your grocery shopping first,” deadpans Rob at the Monday morning meet and greet for WorldMark owners.

WorldMark Spencer Street is little more than one-tenth the size of its crosstown sister, and is notice-ably more laid-back. With 42 one- and two-bedroom units, it is one of WorldMark’s smallest properties. Originally an apart-ment complex, Spencer Street opened as a WorldMark resort in 1997 and underwent a complete refurbishment in 2002.

The Spencer Street resort is geographically closer to the Strip (2.5 miles away) than the big resort, but because it is east of the neon lights, it feels more removed and offers a respite from

By contrast,

Swimming pools at the Las Vegas Boulevard resort (top) and the Spencer Street resort (bottom) reflect the properties’ personalities.

Da

n S

tea

rns (2

)


crowds. Its location is actually ideal for attending conventions at the Las Vegas Convention Center or events at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The Thomas & Mack Center, a regional sports and entertainment complex located on the university campus, is about a mile away.

A lot of the owners who stay at Spencer Street are repeat guests, according to assistant resort manager Ana Martinez. “They like this resort because of the quiet,” she says. “Others come here to visit the Strip, or for conventions.”

Amenities at Spencer Street are similar to those at the Las Vegas Boulevard resort, but on a smaller scale. The resort has

an exercise room, a swimming pool in the palm-shaded central courtyard, and a bubbling spa tub. Shuttle service to the Strip is available between 10 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and owners can request a stop at the local Albertson’s supermarket.

The most remarkable difference, however, is in atmosphere. At the big resort, the happy sounds of children playing in the pools can be heard from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (the first and last hours of pool operation are adult-only); at Spencer Street, you might not even know anyone else is there. “Our parking lot will be empty even when we’re completely booked,” resort manager Angie Penick marvels.

Navigating the Neon

Angie Penick, manager at Spencer Street, suggests McCor-mick & Schmick’s or the Tillerman for seafood; the Rosewood Grille for steaks; P.F. Chang’s for Chinese; Lindo Michoacan for Mexican; and Carrabba’s for Italian. She adds that Makino Restaurant offers good buffet-style Japanese food.

Family Fun. At the big resort, in addition to the lazy river and an on-site video arcade, activities coordinator Tabetha Hardin offers a daily schedule of arts and crafts, games, and

Shark Reef

The staffs at both Las Vegas WorldMark resorts are eager to assist you, whether it’s with tickets to a show, help with transportation, or a dinner suggestion. Here are some things they often recommend.

Dining. Owners staying at the big resort on Las Vegas Bou-levard have lots of dining options, says its manager Rob Clift. He likes Green Valley Ranch, Kennedy’s, and Steiner’s Nevada-style pub, which is less than a quarter-mile from the resort.

VENTURE THROUGH VEGAS LIKE A PRO WITH THESE TIPS FROM YOUR WORLDMARK RESORT STAFF

By Giselle Smith

Red Rock Canyon Mt. Charleston

Adventure Dome

Se

an

Mu

rph

y/Sto

ne


Here are a few more hints from staffers in the know: If you decide to drive to the Strip instead of taking the resort shuttle, “Use the valet parking; don’t hassle with the self-parking,” advises Rob Clift. Need to get through town quickly? Industrial Road and Frank Sinatra Drive on the west side the strip, or Koval Lane and Paradise Road on the east side, bypass the crowds on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Children are allowed in some areas of the big hotel/casinos, but not in the gaming areas. “Watch the changing carpet pattern,” advises Angie Penick. “The carpet has a different pattern on the walkway [where

kids under 21 are allowed].” Parents should also be aware that Las Vegas and Clark County have a curfew for the Strip, Angie says. “After 9 p.m., anyone under 18 is prohibited from being on the Strip unless accompanied by a parent or legal adult guardian.” (Off the Strip, the curfew is 10 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends.) Interested in gambling but don’t know much about it? “Many casinos offer free lessons in games such as poker, 21, and Texas Hold ‘Em,” Angie says. Classes are usually listed in the local free publications. Deals are everywhere. “The local magazines offer dozens of coupons for all sorts of activities, and a few places in town sell same-day half-price tickets to shows,” Angie says.

Here are a few more hints from staffers in the know:don’t hassle with the self-parking,” advises Rob Clift.side the strip, or Koval Lane and Paradise Road on the east side, bypass the crowds on Las

Children are allowed in some areas of the big hotel/casinos, but not in the gaming areas.

Insider

Tips

Top: WorldMark Las Vegas staffers (left to right) Fernando Saenz, Gie Yadao, Ariochy Diaz, Tabetha Hardin, Rob Clift, and Robert Hunsinger. Bottom: WorldMark Las Vegas Spencer Street’s Ana Martinez, Gene Miclat, and Angie Penick.

contests. If families want to hit the Strip, she recommends the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, the dolphins and white tigers at The Mirage, and the Adventure Dome at Circus Circus.

“Shark Reef is probably the number one family attraction in town,” Rob Clift says. “You’re virtually encompassed by the exhibit.”

Gambling. “If you’re looking for loose slots, don’t go to the Strip,” recommends Angie Penick. “Go to the local casinos.” She says these include Terrible’s Casino, Sam’s Town, and any of the Station Casinos.

Shows. “All of the Cirque du Soleil shows are excellent,” says Robert Hunsinger, transportation director at World-Mark Las Vegas. And for those who are interested in the city’s history, he recommends the burlesque-style shows Fo-lies Bergere at the Tropicana and Jubilee! at Bally’s. For fam-ily entertainment, he likes the show at the Excalibur.

Outdoor Adventures. “If you’ve never been out in the desert before, Hoover Dam is probably number one on the list,” says Angie Penick.

Red Rock Canyon, about 18 miles from WorldMark Las Vegas, is another good destination, according to Robert Hunsinger. “It is a world-class rock-climbing area,” he says. He also touts Mount Charleston, about 35 miles northwest of town: “You can snowboard and ski all day and then come back and sit in your hot tub.”

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Drawn to the Desert Lights WHAT DO A SINGLE MOM, EIGHT WISEACRES FROM QUEENS, AND A COUPLE OF ANTIQUE BUFFS HAVE IN COMMON? THEY ALL CHOOSE

LAS VEGAS FOR THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES.


The bad boys of the boulevard

It’s hard to miss Bruce Mulvey in the lobby of WorldMark Las Vegas. He’s the only guy wearing a Hawaiian-style shirt festooned with red station wagons.What brought Bruce to Vegas wasn’t gambling, or shows, or even the sun-shine—it was friendship. His guests at the resort are four guys he hung out with as a teenager in Queens, New York, as well as two of the men’s wives and one’s brother. In the past few decades, the friends drifted apart and most of them moved west. They’re here for a reunion organized by fellow Queens alum Dennis Sweeney, who lives in Vegas.

It’s the group’s second reunion. The first, two years ago, was also in Vegas, but for that one they stayed in “high-priced hotels that smelled like smoke,” says Bruce with a twinkle in his eye.

Back in the neighborhood, the guys hung out and sometimes got into trouble, antics they chuckle about now. “Some of us stole cars and drank a lot,” Bruce says. “We had these fake ID cards.” “But we weren’t as bad as some others,” contrib-utes John Carr, of Larkspur, California.

“Today, we had lunch at the Bella-gio,” Bruce says, then adds: “And we held up a 7-11.” His buddies laugh and throw out comments of their own. “We’re sexagenarians,” one of them says, “and sex doesn’t have anything to do with being genarians.”

Unfortunately, Dennis suffered an aneurysm about a month before the sched-uled get-together, and now their itinerary includes visiting Dennis at a local rehab center. If laughter is good medicine, the friends’ visit will speed his recovery. (“We told him we were going to be sending someone over at 3 a.m.,” says Fred Koller, of Northport, New York.)

What are they doing tomorrow? “We have no idea,” Bruce says, and they all laugh. Whatever it is, chances are good they’ll enjoy each other’s company doing it.

Owner ProfileName: Bruce Mulvey

Owner since: 1995

Home: Mukilteo, Washington

Occupation: Mental health clinic director

Resorts visited: Cascade Lodge and Sundance, Whistler, BC; Birch Bay, Lake Chelan, Leavenworth, Discovery Bay, and Ocean Shores, Washington; and Eagle Crest, Oregon.

Visits to this resort: 1

Traveling with: 7 friends

Special occasion: Reunion

What’s next: Whistler, BC (his favorite)

Owner Bruce Mulvey (right) brought some of his trouble-making pals from Queens, including John Carr (left) and Robert Seidemann (center), to the resort for a reunion.

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“The casinos are nice, but that’s not what we come for anymore,” says Al Allen, who has visited Vegas with his wife, Chris, a half dozen times. “We like to see shows and I like to antique. There are a lot of nice antique malls here.”

Two years ago, the couple went to see the Scintas, a music and comedy show at the Rio, which they also like for its dining: “The Rio has the best buffet in this town. It’s like 12 different restaurants having their own venue,” Al says. Last year it was the Smothers Brothers. “They are as awesome

A hometown hideaway

Visiting WorldMark Las Vegas is a family affair for Monica Munguia. The mother of five, ages 7 to 17, has brought all of her children to the resort, where there is plenty of room for them to spread out, and activities to amuse everyone.

“The thing I like about this place is it doesn’t have a casino,” Monica says. “My boyfriend loves to gamble and this way I have him all to myself.” She says she also spends more time with her children at the resort than she does at home.

Sitting in the activity center, watching her son Byron, 9, and daughter Karla, 7, make crafts, Monica explains what she likes best about the resort: “Regular hotels don’t have kids’ activities.”

Monica enjoys the adult activities at the resort too. When she came to stay for her birthday in July—without the

Owner ProfileName: Monica Munguia

Owner since: 2003

Home: Las Vegas

Occupation: Room service at Paris Las Vegas

Resorts visited: Miami, Key West (on exchange)


Traveling with: Her boyfriend, children, and her 17-year-old son’s friends

Occasion: Her son Byron’s 9th birthday

What’s next: Cabo San Lucas

Owner Monica Munguia (above) likes to bring her extended family to the Las Vegas Boulevard resort. Clockwise from left: Karla, Monica, Byron, Rochelle, and Annette.

kids—she got up early and went to the exercise room for the 9 a.m. stretching class. “It felt really good,” she says.

Owner ProfileName: Al Allen

Owner since: 1998

Home: Brownsville, Oregon

Occupation: U.S. Postal Service letter carrier

Resorts visited: Depoe Bay, Seaside, Gleneden Beach, and Eagle Crest, Oregon; Kihei, Maui; Lake Tahoe, Nevada


Traveling with: His wife and two friends

Special occasion: Early wedding anniversary

What’s next: Kona, Hawaii; Reno, Nevada; Discovery Bay, Lake Chelan, Leavenworth, and Ocean Shores, Washington; and Victoria, BC

The highlight for WorldMark owner Al Allen (above) on a recent visit was riding in a racecar at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (left).

as they were 40 years ago when they were starting out.”On this trip, Al tried something new: He visited the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and got the opportunity to ride in a racecar. “It was quite an exhilarating experience, to go around that track at 150 miles per hour,” he says, still wearing the T-shirt he got at the speedway.

Vintage buys and velocity highs

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The city of Reno, Nevada, is situated 450 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Although some may look upon it as “Vegas Junior,” Reno was established in 1868—a full 37 years ahead of upstart Las Vegas.

WorldMark Reno sits in the heart of downtown on North Arlington Avenue between W. 2nd and W. 3rd avenues. With 63 units and amenities that include two outdoor pools, a dry sauna, fitness room, covered parking, and shuttle service to the Strip, the resort provides an ideal respite from Reno’s enticing attractions.

Ryan Dominguez, a five-year WorldMark veteran who cut his management teeth at Bass Lake and South Shore, has been the resort’s manager since October 2005. Here’s a capsule guide to his adopted hometown.

Why go to Reno instead of—or in addition to—Las Vegas?There’s more variety. We have great gaming and exciting shows like Las Vegas.

Our WorldMark owners’ favorite activity here is gambling, and they love the resort’s proximity to the casinos. However, Reno boasts more outdoor activities and festivals than Vegas, not to mention our rich frontier background, with many historical towns nearby. And we’re so close to Lake Tahoe. There’s no comparison!

What else do our owners tell you they like about Reno?They like that it’s not as crowded, there’s less traffic, and it’s easier to get around.

And the people here seem nicer—it’s a friendlier atmosphere.

If you only have one day in Reno, what is the one must-do activity?The Sling-Shot at the Reno Hilton’s Ultimate Rush Park, just 2 miles and 5 minutes

away from the resort. It’s like a reverse bungee jump: You’re strapped into a steel cage and get hurled up 180 feet into the air at over 70 miles per hour.

Where do you go for A nature experience: Sparks Marina Park. This is a great place for a family outing—walking paths, sandy beaches, and a lake stocked with trout. The atmosphere is peaceful because no gas engine boats are allowed; only rowboats, rafts, and electric motor craft. (2.7 miles and 5 minutes away.) A history-oriented experience: The National Automobile Museum downtown. They have an amazing collection of more than 200 cars, including the 1949 Mercury driven by James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause.” (.06 miles and 1 minute away.) A kid-friendly experience: Stay right here at WorldMark Reno. We’ve got two great seasonal outdoor pools and a year-round spa; a recreation center with a pool table, dart board, and terrific arcade games; and a wonderful activities coordinator, Patrice King. No need to go anywhere else!

Western Champion

WORLDMARK RENO AND THE SURROUNDING CITY WILL

TIE A LASSO AROUND YOUR HEART AND ROPE YOU IN

A cozy décor and classic WorldMark amenities make for a comfy abode in the bustling city.

Resort manager Ryan Dominguez touts the attractions of Reno.

The staff at WorldMark Reno stands ready to make owners feel welcome.


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View from the top: Sunset wonder from the Stratosphere.



las vegas 1. Watching the sunset from the Stratosphere tower2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Main Street); (702) 380-7777; www.stratospherehotel.com.Whenever we need to remind ourselves that Las Vegas is the most colorful city on earth, we take the elevator up to the observation deck of the Stratosphere tower just before sunset. We find a place along the rail, look southwest down the Strip, and watch the nighttime city awaken. Las Vegas indeed becomes Glitter City.

2. Watching the city glitter from the Mormon TempleUpper Bonanza Road at Temple View Drive. GETTING THERE: Go north on Las Vegas Boulevard to Bonanza; it’s just beyond I-515, about 4 blocks from downtown. Turn right and follow Bonanza east 7 miles.

The Stratosphere tower provides a fine vista of the Strip. However, the best overview of the city is from upper Bonanza Road at the foot of the Sunrise Mountain, near the imposing white-spired Las Vegas Mormon Temple. The night lights of Glitter City spread below like a carpet of scattered jewels.

3. Having caffé latte at New York-New York3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Tropicana Avenue); (702) 740-6969; www.nynyhotelcasino.com.

This is a pleasant ritual, performed whenever we’re on the Strip and in need of a caffeine fix. We step into New York-New York casino hotel, buy a cup of caffé latte at the small Il Fornaio takeout, and carry it to the Village Eateries Food Court. There, in this pretend Greenwich Village envi-ronment, we find a table, sit and sip, and watch the people parade.

4. Watching the waters dance at the Bellagio3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (opposite Bally’s, just south of Flamingo Road); (888) 987-6667 or (702) 693-7111; www.bellagio.com.

The Bellagio Fountain Show, which erupts periodically from an eight-acre lake in front of the resort, is perhaps the prettiest spectacle in Las Vegas. Although thousands crowd the sidewalks each night to see a pre-tend battle between pirates and sexy sirens in front of Treasure Island, we prefer the almost pristine beauty of Bellagio’s “dancing waters.” More than a thousand water jets swing and sway to the tune of recorded music. Avoiding the temptation of adding more glitter to Glitter City, creators of the fountain show decided to use only one color to spotlight their water jets—pure white.

5. Snuggling in the Fireside Lounge “pit”The Peppermill Inn, 2985 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (opposite the Stardust); (702) 735-7635.

Although it’s in an old 1950s style building, the Fireside Lounge is the

DON AND BETTY MARTIN, AUTHORS OF LAS VEGAS: THE

BEST OF GLITTER CITY, KNOW THEIR CITY INTIMATELY. HERE’S THEIR

LIST OF LURES THAT MAKE LAS VEGAS SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE.

Heavenly lights: Best vista of city glitter is from the LDS temple.

Catch the buzz: Schmooze in a faux Greenwich Village at NY-NY.

It’s the water: Marvel at the dancing fountain at the Bellagio.

Mall walkers: The street is the show on Fremont Street.

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most intimate bar in town. It’s a sensual retreat with plush seating and quiet music, bathed in soft blue and red light. The centerpiece is a sunken seating area with a gas flame flickering from a burbling water fountain. Video screens on a drop ceiling above the fountain diminish the lounge’s in-timacy, although it’s still a cozy spot.

6. People-watching on Fremont Street“Fremont Street Experience” mall between Main and Fourth, downtown; (702) 678-5600; www.vegasexperience.com.

The “Fremont Street Experience” comprises four blocks of the Downtown Casino Center that have been converted into a pedestrian mall. Its overhead electronic canopy pres-ents impressive sound and light shows several times each evening. This also is the site of frequent live—and usually free—entertainment.

7. Sampling Ethel M’s chocolatesEthel M Chocolate Factory, Two Cactus Garden Drive, Hen-derson; (888) 627-0990 or (702) 435-2641; www.ethelm.com. Open daily 8:30−7. GETTING THERE: From lower Las Vegas Boulevard, head east past the airport on Sunset Road for about 5.5 miles. At a junction where the main road swings to the right, continue straight ahead onto Sunset Way and, within a block, turn left into the plant.

Among the little sins permitted in Nevada that are forbid-den in most other states is making and selling liquor-filled chocolates. Folks who tour the Ethel M production plant in Henderson are rewarded with free samples. Decisions, deci-sions! Do we want our chocolate injected with Amaretto, Irish cream, or coffee liqueur?

8. Having a Golden Gate shrimp cocktailGolden Gate Casino, One Fremont St. (Main Street); (702) 385-1906; www.goldengatecasino.net.

The tradition of serving inexpensive shrimp cocktails to lure patrons into gaming areas began at this small San Fran-cisco-style casino in 1959. It has spread to many other plac-es, although this is still our favorite. For a mere 99 cents, we get a generous shrimp cocktail with spicy sauce, served in a tulip glass. We can listen to a player piano and sometimes to a live pianist as we enjoy our budget repast.

9. Overeating at a casino buffetTake your pick; there are more than 50

Whenever we feel like pigging out, we pick one of Glitter City’s several dozen buffets and settle down for an evening of caloric abuse. Many of the buffets have special themes to match our appetites of the moment—seafood, Cajun/Creole, French, Mexican, Italian, or barbe-cue. Only in Las Vegas can one get so much food for so little money.

10. Sipping a martini near Mirage rainforestAVA lounge at The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (adja-cent to Caesars Palace); (702) 791-7111; www.mirage.com.

Although Las Vegas now has larger and flashier resorts, we still favor The Mirage and its rainforest as one of the most appealing inner spaces in town. This lush indoor jungle is housed under a 90-foot canopy and AVA lounge (formerly the Lagoon Saloon) is adjacent. It’s a fine place to sit, sip, and listen to the sounds of falling water and recorded jungle chirps.

From Las Vegas: The Best of Glitter City; copyright ©2006 by Don and Betty Martin, DiscoverGuides. Reprinted with permission.

Shrimp lures: Munch on classic fare while you gamble at Golden Gate Casino.Sinful delights: Ethel M’s offers heady

confections and free samples. Shaken, not stirred: Lush libations in a

jungle setting at The Mirage rainforest.


From upscale spreads to bargains, you can serve yourself well in Fun City

MEALBuffets, used by the casinos to lure customers, have become a Las Vegas institution. Like everything else, they come, go, and are up-graded or remodeled, but on average there are around 40 to choose from.

The majority of casinos operate their buffets at close to cost or at a slight loss. A few casinos, mostly those with a more cap-tive clientele (like the Las Vegas Hilton, Excalibur, and Green Valley Ranch), and the new breed of upscale spreads (Bellagio, Paris, Aladdin/Planet Hollywood) probably make money on their buffets. Café Lago, the 24-hour “resort café” located in Caesar’s Palace (“coffee shop” is no longer hip), also serves up a small buffet.

Three meals a dayAlmost all of the buffets serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner,

changing their menus to some extent every day. Prices for break-fast range from less than $5 to $12. Lunch goes for $7 to $15,

Above: Many Vegas buffets highlight ethnic delicacies. Left: (top) The

Aladdin houses the #1 buffet in town; (bottom) Green Valley Ranch’s buffet

has six live-action cooking stations.

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with dinner ranging between $8 and $32. Because most buffets operate as an extension of sales and marketing, there is not necessarily any relationship between price and quantity.

At breakfast, relatively speaking, there is not much difference between one buffet and the next

(exceptions are the standout breakfast buffets at the Orleans, Paris, Bellagio, The Mirage, and the Palms). When it comes to lunch and dinner, how-ever, some buffets do a significantly better job than others.

If you are looking for upscale gourmet-quality food and a large variety to choose from, head straight for the top four buffets. If you’re hankering for well-seasoned meats and vegetables, ethnic variety, and culinary activity, the other six will suffice nicely.

Aladdin’s number oneTop choice of Las Vegas buffets is the Aladdin Spice

Market Buffet. It blends quality, variety, and a sur-prisingly attractive and cozy setting. There are Italian, Mexican, American, Middle Eastern (grape leaves, hummus, couscous, and carved lamb), and seafood (hot king crab is the specialty) serving stations, plus

salads, desserts, and breads. Everything is fresh, tasty, and well stocked. The Aladdin/Planet Hollywood’s buffet is also a buck or two less expensive than the gourmet spreads at the megaresorts next door (Paris) and across the street (Bellagio).

Best of the bargainsTexas Station’s Feast Around The World Buffet is

the best of the “bargain superbuffets.” The room is spacious and efficient, the choices are manifold, and the prices are among the lowest in town. In addition to the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood and Texas Station, Paris, Palms, Rio, Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, Harrah’s, Paris, Orleans, Cannery, Mirage, and Bel-lagio all have the new-style “superbuffets.”

The first coffee barThe Fiesta Rancho Festival buffet is not as sprawl-

ing and various as the Rio’s, but it has a monster rotisserie for barbecuing every kind of flesh known to man, specialty Cajun and Hawaiian selections,

From The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas 2006. Copyright ©2005 Wiley Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduced here by permission of the publisher.

(Above) At Treasure Island you can feast all day and watch a pirate fight

by night. (Left) Shrimp in any form remains a Vegas food favorite.

If you are looking for UPSCALE GOURMET-QUALITY FOOD and a large variety to choose from, head straight for the top four buffets. If you’re hankering for WELL-SEASONED MEATS AND VEGETABLES, ETHNIC VARIETY, AND CULINARY ACTIVITY, the other six will suffice nicely.

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and the first and only coffee bar in a Las Vegas buf-fet, serving espresso, cappuccino, and latte. Texas Station introduced a chili bar with nine selections and cooked-to-order fajitas; it also has good bar-becue, Chinese, Italian, and lots of pizza. Paris has a made-to-order crepe station, and the Rio has an Asian soup station.

Bellagio has it allBellagio is the most expensive superbuffet—and is

worth every penny. The quality, quantity, and variety of food is unsurpassed in Las Vegas history. Seafood galore, bread warm from the oven, creative salads, gourmet entrees, perfect vegetables—this joint has it all. Even at $14 for breakfast, $18 for lunch, and $26 for dinner ($34 Friday and Saturday), the Bella-gio buffet barely breaks even. For the money we like lunch here better than dinner.

Main Street Station is the only superbuffet down-town, served in one of the most aesthetically pleas-ing buffet rooms in town. Its cuisine has a distinct Hawaiian emphasis, which is where most of its pa-trons come from.

Tried-and-trueHarrah’s buffet gets an A for effort, a B for quality,

and a C for value. Mandalay Bay’s buffet is expen-sive and odd; it’s small, congested, and slow—there’s something off about it. But Boulder Station, Green Valley Ranch, and Sunset Station, along with MGM

Grand and Luxor are tried-and-true; you won’t go wrong at any of these.

No waiting in ParisThe buffet at Paris is an interesting setup for Las

Vegas buffets. The different buffet stations represent different regions of France, and the dining room has several intimate dining nooks and a view as well. Best of all, there’s virtually no waiting. You check in with the host or hostess, they tell you when a table will be available, take your name, and you are free to explore until the designated time. When you return, a table is actually ready.

The Palms buffet is a meat-eaters paradise (brisket, corned beef and pastrami, pork, rotisserie chicken, turkey, and several kinds of ribs).

Favorites of localsAs a footnote, Bellagio, Main Street Station, Alad-

din/Planet Hollywood, Sam’s Town, the Flamingo, Caesars Palace, The Mirage, Fiesta Henderson, the Golden Nugget, Sunset Station, the MGM Grand, and T.I. provide the most attractive settings for their buffets. The buffets at the Rio, Fiesta Rancho, Palms, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, and Texas, Pal-ace, Sunset, and Boulder Stations are favorites of Las Vegas locals.

Diners at Rio Carnival World can choose from more than 300

international dishes cooked fresh daily.

The Unofficial Guide’s TEN BEST VEGAS BUFFETS LAST QUALITY YEAR’S RANK BUFFET RATING RATING

1 Aladdin Spice Market Buffet 99 1

2 Bellagio Buffet 98 2

3 Paris Le Village Buffet 97 3

4 Mirage Cravings Buffet 95 4

5 Rio Carnival World Buffet 93 5

6 Green Valley Ranch Feast 92 6

7 Bally’s Big Kitchen 91 not ranked

8 T.I. Dishes 91 not ranked

9 Texas Station Feast 89 7

10 Orleans French Market Buffet 88 9

Within the unrefined beauty of northwestern Nevada’s high desert is vibrant Reno—once a wild gold-mining town, which also served as the birthplace of the state’s illustrious gaming industry. But there’s more shimmer to this place than just the neon glitz from its 30-plus casinos. The Reno area offers an extensive array of exciting activities.

Well -Known JewelsEntertainment | www.gotorenotahoe.comFamous entertainers frequently perform here. Peter Frampton, Vince Gill, and Willie Nelson are just a few of the greats who have graced Reno’s performing arts venues.

Lake Tahoe | www.visitinglaketahoe.com In summer, take the scenic drive around this 72-mile lake that spans the California-Nevada border for breathtaking views of Fannette Island and Vikingsholm Castle. The stunning Sierra Nevada region boasts several ski areas, including Diamond Peak at Incline Village, Squaw Valley U.S.A., and Heavenly. And the Nevada side of the lake features fast-paced casinos, fine dining, and lively entertainment.

Annual Reno Rodeo | June 16-24, 2006 | www.renorodeo.com | (775) 329-3788 Steer wrestling, team roping, and bull riding—experience this uniquely American sport at the “wildest, richest rodeo in the West,” celebrating its 87th year.

Virginia City | www.virginiacity-nv.org This former boomtown-turned-tourist attraction once produced more than $400 million of gold and silver. Within this city you’ll find plank sidewalks, a historical cemetery, saloons, and museums.

Hidden TreasuresNevada Museum of Art | www.nevadaart.org | (775) 329-3333 The state’s oldest cultural institution was founded in 1931, and features a permanent collection, traveling exhibits, multimedia theater, and two sculpture galleries.

Hot August Nights | July 29–August 10, 2006 | www.hotaugustnights.net | (775) 356-1956 This annual celebration of the automobiles and music of the ‘50s and ‘60s presents vintage cars, celebrated entertainers, races, auctions, and events for the entire family.

Animal Ark | www.animalark.org | (775) 970-3111 Home to animals lacking the necessary skills for wilderness survival, the refuge gives visitors the opportunity to view black bear, gray wolf, kit fox, snow leopard, and bobcat. Open April through October.

The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden | www.maycenter.com/arboretum/arbor.html | (775) 785-4153 This living museum located between the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin Desert offers 12 acres of groves, wetlands, and secluded gardens.

Well-Known Jewels and Hidden Treasures of RenoBy Romy Jacobson Lawyer


A new study suggests that many U.S. workers are in the midst of a vacation crisis, much of it self-imposed. About half of the nation’s full-time workers didn’t use all the vacation days they earned last year; forfeiting an av-erage of eight vacation days each—nearly half of the days available to them.

Universal Orlando Resort’s first-ever “All Work & No Play” study paints a picture of a new American divide: the differ-ence between the “Takes” and the “Take Nots.” All told, the American workforce sacrifices the equivalent of more than 3 million years of unused vacation back to the nation’s employ-ers annually.

“Can you imagine your reaction if you were told in a job interview that you were expected to work eight days each year for free?” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO of Univer-sal Parks and Resorts. “Yet that’s what about half of the Amer-ican workforce is doing. Ultimately, though, it’s not just about whether you’re taking full advantage of your compensation and benefits. It’s about whether you’re tak-ing full advantage of life.”

What the study found, Williams said, is a complex web of factors that influence whether a person takes what they have coming to them. Location, it turns out, is a big predictor of vacation hab-its, but not in ways you might suppose. Surprisingly, people who receive and take the least amount of vacation live right next to or within areas consid-

ered as prime vacation spots.The top-ranking cities for “vacation deprivation” are clus-

tered around the East Coast from the Mid-Atlantic north-ward to New England, as well as the Gulf of Mexico area. “Areas with shaky economies tend to have businesses which have more control over their workers,” said Bert Sperling of Sperling’s Best Places, who helped conduct the study. “The implication might be that workers who have job security con-cerns want to be seen as indispensable to their employers; tak-ing vacation—in their minds—would undermine that.”

In many areas located west of the Mississippi, residents experience “vacation elation,” where they receive and take a higher than average number of vacation days.

Regardless of the cause, says Joe Robinson, vacation advocate and author of “Work to Live: The Guide to Getting a Life,” not taking sufficient time off can be genuinely harmful.

“The study reinforces the sad fact that our worka-holic culture looks down on people taking their

well-earned vacation time, when, in fact, the sci-ence shows that job performance increases after a vacation, because you come back recharged and rejuvenated,” said Robinson. “Time off

is medicine. It’s as important to your health as watching your cholesterol or getting exercise. The study is a wake-up call for people to step back from the stress and take their vacation time.”

Robinson has some tips for getting what you deserve. “Start planning what you want to do on your holiday at least six months in advance, so it’s less likely to be postponed or scrapped at

the last minute.”He also suggests training a colleague or

two on your job so they can fill in some of your tasks while you’re gone, and says that “cross-training is the secret to long vaca-tions in Europe.”

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TRAVEL& ADVENTURE For more info, visit www.worldmarktheclub.com/adventures

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Dazzling vistas, awe-inspiring monuments, timeless architecture—it’s no wonder Paris is one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Spend three days exploring the romantic City of Lights; then board the high-speed TGV train to the Côte d’Azur for three spectacular days in Nice. Be dazzled by the azure waters of the Mediterranean as you immerse yourself in this elegant world of exclusive gardens, beaches, boutiques, and cafés.

Package includes three nights’ accommodation each in top quality, centrally located hotels in Paris and Nice; services of local guides in both cities; sightseeing tour of Paris including entrance to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, and cruise along the Seine; discount coupons for the Galeries Lafayette department stores and other leading Parisian shops; Paris and Nice city maps; transfer between Paris and Nice via high-speed TGV train; sightseeing tour of Nice including the famed Promenade des Anglais and the Old Town; and daily buffet breakfast.

CALL 1-800-457-0103 TO BOOK THIS EXCLUSIVE FRENCH ESCAPE

*Double occupancy. Airfare and $129 USD exchange fee not included. Airport transfers in Paris and Nice can be purchased for additional 400 credits one-way or 800 credits roundtrip, and must be booked in conjunction with this tour. †Any combination of cash and credits may be applied. Subject to change and availability. CSR 2067820-50. WA UBI 601190827. Nevada Seller of Travel 2003-0307.

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.

Subject to change and availability. All rates based on double occupancy and include port charges and government taxes. Airfare and $129 USD exchange fee not included. Cash ’n’ Credits option available; any combination of cash and credits may be applied. Carnival Cruise Line ships’ registry: Panama and The Bahamas. CSR 2067820-50. WA UBI 601190827. Nevada Seller of Travel 2003-0307.

All credit values are for two people, based on double occupancyCall 1-800-457-0103 to reserve your cabin today

THREE-NIGHT BAJA, MEXICO, CRUISES

Carnival Cruise Line’s Paradise sails roundtrip for three nights from Long Beach Pier in Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico.

November 17–20, 2006

Inside cabin: 13,500 credits

Outside cabin: 15,000 credits

FOUR-NIGHT BAJA, MEXICO, CRUISES

Carnival Cruise Line’s Paradise sails roundtrip for four nights from Long Beach Pier in Los Angeles to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.




FUN IN THE SUN ON THREE- AND FOUR-NIGHT

BAJA, MEXICO, CRUISES


October 6–10, 200624,000 credits per person* (based on double occupancy)Cash ’n’ Credits option available †

Book this festive vacation today by calling 1-800-457-0103

*Footloose tours cater to solo travelers; however, couples and other owners who wish to attend are welcome. Solo owners will be paired up to meet double occupancy requirements. Sing� ackage includes walking tour and extensive time on foot at Balloon Fiesta Park. Airfare and $69 USD exchange fee not included. Subject to change and availability. CSR 2067820-50. WA UBI 601190827. Nevada Seller of Travel 2003-0307.

Thrill to the spectacular sight of 750 hot air balloons launching simultaneously, transforming the sky into a virtual rainbow. At dusk the tethered balloons glow like giant illuminated ornaments, synchronizing the firing of their burners in a prelude to a brilliant finale of fireworks.

Package includes four nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Albuquerque in the Old Town Plaza/Museum District; welcome reception; admission to opening ceremonies and the grand balloon ascension; admission to balloon glow and fireworks show; day trip to Santa Fe with walking tour; tour of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center; Sandia Peak tram ride; farewell dinner at the top of Sandia Peak; daily American breakfast; deluxe motor coach transportation on tours.

Thrill to the spectacular sight of 750 hot air balloons launching

Albuquerque International

Balloon FiestaFootloose in New Mexico


TRAVEL& ADVENTURE For more info, visit www.worldmarktheclub.com/adventures


TREAT YOURSELF TO A MEXICAN RIVIERA

7- OR 8-NIGHT CRUISE THIS FALLCarnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Pride sails roundtrip for seven nights from Long Beach Pier in Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.


November 26–December 3, 2006



All credit values are for two people, based on

double occupancy

Call 1-800-457-0103 to reserve your cabin today

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit sails roundtrip for eight nights from San Diego to Acapulco, Zihuatenejo/Ixtapa, and Manzanillo, Mexico.

November 7–15, 2006 | Inside cabin: 30,000 credits | Outside cabin: 35,000 credits

*Only fares that can be prepaid at time of booking are eligible; hotels, car rentals, etc., requiring payment upon checkout do not qualify for this special. Exchange fees apply. CSR 2067820-50. WA UBI 601190827. Nevada Seller of Travel 2003-0307.

Use your WorldMark credits toward the purchase of any eligible* airfare, tour package, or cruise. You may travel anytime, but you must purchase by March 31, 2006, to take advantage of this special offer. Don’t miss out—make your reservation today.

Call Trendwest Travel at 1-800-953-5511

Trendwest Travel Quarterly Special

TRAVEL, TOUR, OR CRUISE—YOU CHOOSE


TRAVEL& ADVENTURE For more info, visit www.worldmarktheclub.com/adventuresTRAVEL& ADVENTURE For more info, visit www.worldmarktheclub.com/adventures

Hawaiian 10-Night CruiseNorwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Wind sails roundtrip for 10 nights from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati (passport required).SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 7, 2006Inside cabin: 33,000 credits Outside cabin: Starting at 43,500 creditsExperience Hawaii’s spectacular scenery from the expansive terraces and walkways of the Norwegian Wind. The six stunning restaurants, 10 different bars and lounges, and even the fitness center all present panoramic views of the open sea. In nearly every stateroom, floor-to-ceiling or picture windows put Hawaii at your feet.

Seven-Night Eastern Caribbean CruiseNorwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel sails roundtrip for seven nights from Miami, Florida, for San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. John and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Norwegian Cruise Line’s own private island in The Bahamas.NOVEMBER 5–12, 2006Inside cabin: 26,000 credits Outside cabin: 34,000 credits Balcony cabin: 37,500 credits

Seven-Night “Texaribbean” CruiseNorwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dream sails roundtrip for seven nights from Houston, Texas, for Progresso, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, Mexico; as well as Belize City, Belize.NOVEMBER 11–18, 2006Inside cabin: 23,000 credits Outside cabin: Starting at 25,000 credits

Hawaiian 10-Night Cruise

Three Ways to Go Exotic with Norwegian

All credit values are for two people, based on double occupancy

Call 1-800-457-0103 to reserve your cabin

Subject to change and availability. All rates based on double occupancy and include port charges and government fees. $129 USD exchange fee and airfare not included. Cash ’n’ Credits option available; any combination of cash and credits may be applied. Norwegian Cruise Line ships’ registry: The Bahamas and Panama. CSR 2067820-50. WA UBI 601190827. Nevada Seller of Travel 2003-0307.



lasting impression

This Magic MomentThe 2006 Destinations Photo & Essay Contest

The theme for this year’s Destinations Photo and Essay Contest is “Vacation Magic.” Have you had a wondrous, transforming, or seemingly magi-cal moment while on a recent WorldMark vacation? Share it with us through your photos or your words. All photo and essay contest entries must pertain to a WorldMark or exchange vacation taken between the years 2000 and 2006.

Your participation helped WorldMark win a prestigious industry award last year. The OZZIE Silver Award for Best Use of Photography–Non-profit/Institutional/Custom Magazine was giv-en to the December 2004 Destinations—which happened to be the issue featuring your winning photographs from the “Time of Your Life” photo and essay contest. With your talent, history just might repeat itself !

By entering the contest, participants agree to free and unlimited use of their photographs and essays by WorldMark and Trendwest Resorts, including publication in future issues of Destinations. Winning entries will appear in the December 2006 issue of Destinations. Prizes include gift cards and non-renewable WorldMark credits—up to 10,000 credits for first place winners. For a complete list of contest rules and prizes, go to www.worldmarktheclub.com/destinations.

Mail all photos and essay entries to:Destinations Photo and Essay ContestDestinations EditorTrendwest Resorts, Inc.9805 Willows Road NERedmond, WA 98052

All entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, September 22, 2006.

“We received our 10,000 Bonus Points certificate in the mail, and I have already booked my Mom and Dad a trip to Kauai for next September. They are so excited!”

—Andrea K. Moore, First Place Winner, 2005 Destinations Essay contest

This Magic MomentPhoto & Essay Contest

Photo and Essay Contest is “Vacation Magic.” Have you

had a wondrous, transforming, or seemingly magi-cal moment while on a recent WorldMark vacation? Share it with us through your photos or your words. All photo and essay contest entries must pertain to a WorldMark or exchange vacation taken between

happened to be the issue featuring your winning photographs from the “Time of Your Life” photo and essay contest. With your talent, history just

Enter to WIN and make your vacation dreams come true

T H E D R E A M V A C A T I O N S W E E P S T A K E S

How much closer to your dream vacation will $5,000 take you? Enter the Dream Vacation Sweepstakes and you could find out for yourself. Just refer your friends to us. For each qualified referral you provide, you will receive an entry in the drawing. And if you are the lucky winner, you could take off on the vacation of your dreams!

Enter today! Call 1-800-877-77-FRIEND (1-877-773-7436) or send your referrals via e-mail to [email protected]

Official Dream Vacation Sweepstakes Rules. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. CONSUMER DISCLOSURE: Sweepstakes is open only to WorldMark, The Club owners who submit qualified referral names and are U.S. residents in the states of Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mis-souri, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington, or the Canadian province of British Columbia. WorldMark owners will receive one entry for each qualified referral submitted to Trendwest® between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2006. Qualified referrals must be between the ages of 25-75 with a combined annual income of $35,000 or more. You may send in additional referrals and receive additional entries by writing to Attn: Friends First Dream Vacation Sweepstakes, 9805 Willows Rd NE, Redmond, WA 98052. If you wish to enter the sweepstakes but do not wish to provide referrals, you may do so by mailing a 3”x5” card with your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address to Attn: Friends First Dream Vacation Sweep-stakes, 9805 Willows Road NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Referrals must be received by March 31, 2006, at 11:59 p.m. (PST) to be entered into drawing. Prize is guaranteed to be given away by random drawing. Drawing to be conducted by the Major Prize Coordinator and will be held on April 20, 2006, at Trendwest Resorts’ Redmond, WA, corporate headquarters. Grand Prize: $5,000 USD. Prize is non-transferable. Need not be present to win. All taxes are the responsibility of winner. Estimated odds of winning are 1:100,000, depending on number of eligible entries received. Official notice to winner by certified mail, return receipt requested. Prize must be claimed within 45 days of notification. Winner must agree to the use of pictures, name and/or statements for future promotional purposes without further payment or consideration. Sponsor is not liable for injury, loss, or damage of any kind resulting from participation in this promotion. Trendwest Resorts employees are not eligible to claim prize. A list of prize winners may be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Winners List, c/o TRI, PO Box 97054, Redmond, WA 98073-9754. Sponsor: Trendwest Resorts, Inc., 9805 Willows Rd NE, Redmond, WA 98052.

9805 Willows Road NERedmond, WA 98052

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

TRENDWEST

Let the taste of your last vacation linger

with these select blends of coffee created

exclusively for WorldMark owners.

In regular and decaf, these robust coffee

beans are now available for purchase online,

and will be coming to your WorldMark

resort stores. They’re perfect as a gift, or for

your own enjoyment at home. Conjure up

that vacation feeling with every cup.

Shop online using your credits at

www.worldmarkstore.com

A Special Offer on a

Special Blend

1070 SE Marine DriveVancouver, BC V5X2V4

PM40870507

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

TRENDWEST

Let the taste of your last vacation linger

with these select blends of coffee created

exclusively for WorldMark owners.

In regular and decaf, these robust coffee

beans are now available for purchase online,

and will be coming to your WorldMark

resort stores. They’re perfect as a gift, or for

your own enjoyment at home. Conjure up

that vacation feeling with every cup.

Shop online using your credits at

www.worldmarkstore.com

A Special Offer on a

Special Blend

*Offer based on a two year membership agreement. Membership fee for first year is $1. Second year membership is $89. In the event of an early membership cancellation, the membership fee refund, if any, will be prorated based on a single year membership fee of $89. Certain terms and conditions apply. Offer ends May 15th, 2006.©2006 Resort Condominiums International, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

With an RCI Subcribing Membership, the world is a big place indeed. Because when it comes to vacations, RCI offers thousands of spots around the globe. And membership is only $1 for the first year.* Think of the possibilities. You can use your WorldMark Vacation Credits for any available RCI affiliated resort worldwide. Plus, enjoy unlimited last-minute trips, Extra Vacations, multi-destination cruises, and more—without using your Vacation Credits. So become an RCI member today and start seeing the world a whole new way.

Join RCI and see more spots.

Become an RCI member today. Call 1-800-585-4833. Hurry, offer ends 5/15/06.

$1FIRSTYEAR$89 SECONDYEAR

*

Client: RCI Flat: 8.25 x 10.75” Colors: 4/0Job #: 6CLUB-001 Bleed: .125” on all sides

Document: NonMemAd.indd Live Area: 7.25 x 9.75”

6CLUB-001_NonMemAd_5.indd 1 2/3/06 4:03:18 PM

vegas,march 2006 baby! - worldmark, the club...las vegas has many faces, but the ones that radiate...

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