After diminishing its Bargain City status to some degree over the past few years, Las Vegas is poised to pop the lid in the value department going into 2009. While full reporting on 2008 won't be available for a couple months, it's a foregone conclusion that numbers were down in all key categories of annual visitation and spending, and that means it's time to deal. Room rates in January are retaining their generally low December levels, including midweek rates under $40 in select places on or near the Strip. Shop around and lock in a bargain.

ONE SIX: The One Six Sky Lounge has opened on the 16th floor of the Eastside Cannery. It's a complete nightclub with high-end decor, a dance floor, and panoramic views of Boulder Highway and the Strip. And because the casino is on the outskirts of town, it's expected that One Six will be less expensive and more accessible than its Strip counterparts.

STONEYS: Another new club has opened away from the Strip. Stoney's North Forty debuted on New Year's Eve at Santa Fe Station. The 10,000-square-foot venue is the sister to Stoney's Rockin' Country bar on the Strip, and likewise is country-western oriented.

POKER SHOW FOLDS: Poker may still be hot on TV, but it doesn't play on the Strip. The Real Deal, a show at the Venetian that let the audience play against poker stars, has closed after a short run.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.