It’s not just a fad. The extension of Las Vegas’ vibrant nightclub and night-life scene to the casino pools that has picked up steam over the past few years is under way for the summer of 2009. The phenomenon, christened “day life,” is now one of the city’s hottest entertainment elements.

The season officially begins on Memorial Day weekend, but several of the bigger venues have already opened, including the Hard Rock Beach Club, MGM Grand’s Wet Republic, the Venetian’s Tao Beach, Mandalay Bay’s Moorea Pool and the new Daydream Pool Club at M – all accessible to the public (though there’s usually a fee to enter).

Among the 30 or so casino pools that offer some type of nightclub element, almost a dozen now allow topless sunbathing. They are Caesars Palace (Venus), Encore, Flamingo (GO), Golden Nugget, Green Valley Ranch (Pond), Mandalay Bay (Moorea Beach), Mirage (Bare), Red Rock (Cherry Cabana Club), Rio (Sapphire), Stratosphere (Beach Club 25), Venetian (Tao Beach) and Wynn (Sunset). Only Encore and Wynn are restricted to hotel guests.

Eat all day: Two more casinos have added a one-price, multiple-meals option to their buffets.

At MGM Grand, you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner for $29.99, a whopping $28 off the rack rate for all three.

At Stratosphere, it’s unlimited access for $19.99 every day except Friday, when it’s $24.99. That’s a $21 saving on three meals.

Feeling the sting: The shoe may have finally dropped for the one Las Vegas megaproject that had so far dodged the slings and arrows of an outrageous economy.

The $3.2 billion Fontainebleau condo, hotel and casino complex has come under pressure from its lenders and may face a fight to obtain the remainder of its financing. The problem is in the condo part of the equation. Casino-based residential offerings have been particularly susceptible to the downturn, and that’s put a crimp in Fontainebleau’s plans.

While there appears to be little concern that the project faces a prolonged postponement, it now seems possible that a planned October debut will be delayed (though the company denies it).

‘Lion King’ opens: The Lion King opens at Mandalay Bay for preview performances May 5-14. Ticket prices for the previews (and after) are $63 to $168.50.

Passport: New York-New York offers a package called Passport to the Big Apple for $25 that includes a drink at Nine Fine Irishmen, Pour 24, the Center Bar and the Bar at Times Square, plus a roller coaster ride and a line pass and admission to the nightclub Rok Vegas.

Summer ‘Sirens’: Summer hours are in progress for the Sirens of TI pirate show at Treasure Island. Weather permitting, the shows run nightly at 7, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 p.m. It’s free to view.

Elton done: After a run of more than 250 shows, Elton John has concluded his Red Piano show in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. No replacement for Elton has been announced.

Trop adds shows: Following the closing of Folies Bergere, the Tropicana has added two new shows: Soprano’s Last Supper and Hypnosis Unleashed. Both have ticket prices below $60.

A star is lost: Danny Gans, the singer-impressionist who performed at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, died May 1 at his home in Henderson, Nev. He was 52. The cause of death hasn’t been released. Gans had performed since February at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. Before that, he played eight years at the Mirage. Gans, known as “The Man of Many Voices,” started his Las Vegas career in 1996. He was named Las Vegas’ Entertainer of the Year for 12 consecutive years. He did impressions of several stars, including Rat Pack members Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Gans’ death leaves the Encore showroom empty and Las Vegas mourning one of its all-time showroom legends.

Question: I’ve noticed casino coffee shops being replaced with chain restaurants. What’s the strategy?

Answer: The main conversions have been T.G.I. Friday’s outlets at Gold Coast, Orleans and Sam’s Town, and Denny’s restaurants replacing the cafes in the three Wildfire Casinos and the Wild Wild West (not yet open). It’s a business tactic to reduce overhead in lean times, but it’s also turning up some good deals for the customers, such as the Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast being offered for just $1.99 around the clock.

For more information about current Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.lasvegasadvisor.com.

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