Luxe tech For all who’ve ever wished they could text a hotel’s front desk instead of calling, now they can—ish—with Aria’s recent installation of customized tablets in its 4,000-plus rooms. The pads allow guests to order room-service meals and make restaurant reservations, submit housekeeping requests, book spa services and control room temperature and lights. Catering to international clientele, and confirming its smart technology, the software speaks eight languages. But does it understand emojis? -Kristy Totten

Merry to marry Ronald Bauman and Dumitru Alexeev returned to their Phoenix home as big winners after their New Year’s vacation. Upon stopping by the Clark County Marriage License Bureau on December 31, they became the 5,000th same-sex couple to procure a license from Clark County. The milestone earned them a $1,200 gift package that included, among other things, wedding services at the Luxor, High Roller tickets and a one-night stay at obvious romantic getaway Circus Circus. -Mike Prevatt

Ski freebie January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, and the Lee Canyon ski area’s complimentary coaching is not just a promotion for the holiday. The hill an hour from the Strip offers free lessons by certified instructors “to any visitor at any time.” And considering it got 16 inches of new snow in the past 48 hours, this is the place to do your shredding. For more about the mountain (and the beer at Chair 4), visit leecanyonlv.com. -Erin Ryan