LV Sun: City Center Will Open in Stages
Posted by Hunter on May 16, 2008
Despite the original plan to open everything in November of 2009, it seems MGM Mirage is now planning to open the complex in stages, starting August 2009 with the first condo tower and going through December 15, 2009 when the main hotel opens.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/gaming/2008/may/16/citycenter-will-not-all-open-once-after-all
NOTE: They refer to the main hotel as 'Aria'. It's my understanding this name was scrapped. Also, unrelated - new Vegas Gang going up tonight.
Luxor : Lost In Transition - VegasTripping.com
Posted by Hunter on May 14, 2008
My good friend Chuck at VegasTripping.com is just back from Las Vegas and wrote up a little report about the transition at Luxor:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=139&page=1
Vegas Gang #7 Published - Tropicana, WYNN, LVS and More...
Posted by Hunter on May 7, 2008
Yes, we're back (and better than ever?).
Anyway, the episode is posted here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com
Comment away!
Strip Walk April 2008 - Encore, Caesars Palace, NYNY, Luxor
Posted by Hunter on April 22, 2008
Mike_ch is back with the latest Strip Walk. This time we have a look at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, New York New York and Luxor.
Notes after the jump, photos here:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Wynn Las Vegas, Alex, Okada, Le Reve VIP, ATVs, and much, much more (March 27-30)
Posted by Mike E on April 9, 2008
It may have been a whole year in the works, but it felt like only yesterday that I had booked my flight as I was sitting impatiently at the airport. This was to be my last hoorah with Vegas until Encore's opening in December. Who knows if I'll hold true to that promise, but I planned this trip to the fullest knowing all too well that these rare opportunities don't come around very often.
(More after the jump...)
Open Topic Discussion - March 23rd, 2008
Posted by Hunter on March 23, 2008
Another open topic for discussion.
One thing of note - I got some photos from Mike_Ch which I published:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/most_recent
Thanks Mike!
Related Joins Bidding on Cosmopolitan
Posted by Hunter on March 23, 2008
According to the WSJ (sorry, registration required), the Related Companies, no stranger to distressed Vegas developments, is looking at the Cosmopolitan project.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120613069739055703.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news
Thanks to Brian for the tip! Happy Easter!
Updated: Plaza Las Vegas Project On Hold Due to Lending Woes [Or Maybe Not?]
Posted by Hunter on March 17, 2008
Steve Friess picked up on the news from Wachovia that Elad is putting the Plaza Las Vegas project on hold due to the challenging credit market:
http://thestrippodcast.blogspot.com/2008/03/plaza-put-on-hold-as-wynn-predicted.html
Very interesting, especially coupled with the Cosmopolitan news. Friess apparently just did an interview with Steve Wynn where the casino mogul predicted this.
Update: Elad, the developer, is denying the report so at this point this is in question.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/03/17/financial/f175003D71.DTL
Thanks Hail2Skins!
Vegas Roundtable #3: Encore, Casinos and 'Free', Majestic's Numbers and More...
Posted by Hunter on March 6, 2008
We talk the concept of 'free' and casinos, lots of fresh details on Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Majestic's Vegas numbers, and more. This is a don't miss for Wynn fans.
The participants include:
Jeff Simpson - http://www.lasvegassun.com and http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com
David McKee - http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/
Dave Schwartz - http://www.dieiscast.com
Chuck Monster - http://www.vegastripping.com
Direct Download: http://media.ratevegas.com/37-VegasGang03062008.mp3
Encore Suites at Wynn Las Vegas - Coming December 2008
Posted by Hunter on February 26, 2008
Wynn Resorts have settled on December 2008 as the unveiling for Encore Suites, the sister resort going up next to Wynn Las Vegas.
Few new details besides the opening timeframe are in the press release, though it does allude to many of the features we've already covered here in the past.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=132059&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1112568&highlight=
New Photos: Encore at Wynn Las Vegas and Monte Carlo Fire
Posted by Hunter on February 3, 2008
Some new photos posted this afternoon:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/encore
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/montecarlofire
The Encore shots give a really good look at the final layouts for the big parts of the project. You can see all the skylights in the low-rise for the new spa, plus I assume that lattice roof area will be filled with glass as well. Overall, looking good - can't wait to see more.
Thanks to Brian and Mark for sharing their photos.
Regarding the podcast, I have GarageBand open now - hopefully I'll get this finished shortly.
Monte Carlo Fire and EIFS
Posted by Hunter on January 30, 2008
Last week, most TV sets were tuned in to see the facade of a Las Vegas hotel, the Monte Carlo, engulfed in flames. I'm no expert in fire safety but I know what was going through my head, watching in real time: this fire is moving FAST and whatever is on the top of that building looks to be fueling it.
In the hours and days that followed, one term was repeated over and over: EIFS.
Instead of demonizing an easy target, I'm glad that I've had the chance to speak with several folks fluent in EIFS details, including some industry representatives. Keep reading after the jump and I'll share a couple of things I've learned.
Palazzo Las Vegas - Opening Weekend Thoughts
Posted by Hunter on January 23, 2008
Palazzo is the finest hotel ever built in Las Vegas - Las Vegas Sands In-Room Magazine
"Give me a break. This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen." - Red Faced Guy
I was in Las Vegas at the end of December on a trip that was supposed to coincide with the soft opening of The Palazzo, the first major property to open on the Strip since Wynn Las Vegas in 2005. Of course, we know how that turned out - Las Vegas Sands postponed the soft-open for a few days and by the time guests were walking through, I was back at home.
When another excuse for a trip popped up, this time coinciding with the 'real' opening of The Palazzo, the credit card was primed and ready. I reserved a standard 'suite' for two nights at a rate of about $300/night. I've been a critic of The Venetian in the past but I really wanted to go into this past weekend without pre-judging the property... at least that was my goal.
Keep reading after the jump for my thoughts on The Palazzo, some comparisons to other properties, and some specific notes on the photos.
Photo gallery: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/palazzo
Palazzo First Thoughts
Posted by Hunter on January 19, 2008
We checked into a standard 'suite' at The Palazzo last night. I will be writing more when I get home, as well as publishing some photos, but here are some overall thoughts quickly, before I head out:
I really like the lobby and atrium areas - they look fantastic... but they may be the best parts of the property.
The room is nice, though I don't consider a single room a suite, even if it has a separated living space. The room is nicely appointed, though some of the fixtures look cheap.
Service has been great. A bellman walked us to our room, though I assume that's because it was slow. I am told on 80% of the rooms are open.
The casino is a disappointment. It's just a huge open room. Better than The Venetian but nowhere near as nice as WLV or Bellagio in this regard.
The pool area looks closed at the moment and only a few restaurants are open. I haven't spent much time in the shops yet.
This place is just what any close watcher of LVS would expect - it's The Venetian, slightly upgraded.
So, as I work on getting more data, what sort of things are you guys interested in?
Trip Report January 2008: Bellagio Suites and Palazzo
Posted by Hunter on January 13, 2008
Thanks to reader Aaron_B for sharing this trip report from CES 2008. I know several readers will be interested to hear about and see photos of the renovated suites at Bellagio.
The photos are here:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/most_recent
Enjoy!
Good Food, Good Whiskey, and a Good Gamble: Outdated Nostaligia or Still Effective Today? by Matthew Farley
Posted by Hunter on January 4, 2008
We're back with another piece from guest author Matthew Farley. He was nice enough to write a piece previously on video table games.
This time the topic is old school service offerings and their place in today's Las Vegas, specifically as it relates to Binion's. An interesting piece and I thank him for sharing this with us. What do you guys think? Let's get a discussion going in the comments.
As for any other guest authors out there, feel free to contact me: editor AT ratevegas DOT com. We can give you some great exposure and writing is a lot of fun!
THEhotel, December 26-29, 2007
Posted by Mike E on December 30, 2007
After a six-month hiatus, I headed back to town spending three nights at my old, favorite haunt before Wynn opened: THEhotel. My thoughts on the property, some gambling highlights, and general observations follow after the jump.
Mirage Room Remodel to Start in February 2008
Posted by Hunter on December 21, 2007
Thanks to reader Andy who spotted this on The Mirage's official Web site. It seems the rooms are getting a full on make over starting in February and based on the pictures, they are totally tossing the current room decor.
http://www.mirage.com/hotel/hotel_remodel.aspx
Wow, that's drastic. Now, I totally think the rooms need to be redone but honestly, I think this design goes a bit too far for my tastes. I love the amenities they are adding - that's great... and, I think generally the vibe is okay but this is like cranked too far. It's as if they had one or two many committees weigh in on this, each tweaking the design a bit to the point that there's no longer any cohesion.
Thoughts?
Wynn Macau Expansion Opens December 24th
Posted by Hunter on December 20, 2007
This was in the news yesterday and I just assumed most people saw it so I didn't post it but maybe I was wrong... Anyway, Wynn Macau is set to open it's casino expansion on Monday, December 24th. This includes more tables, slots, and their new dramatic entry feature (I hope we hear more about this soon). Following in January are more retails shops including Hugo Boss and Ferrari.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=132059&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1088786&highlight=
Golden Nugget Completes Its Renovations
Posted by Hunter on December 19, 2007
According to a press release from the Golden Nugget Las Vegas, they have completed their long running set of renovations that include a second floor nightclub for Downtown.
The 'Gold Diggers' nightclub opens at 4pm and offers views of the Fremont Street Experience. Along with the club, they have opened a new restaurant called Red Sushi and also some meeting space called 'The Grand'.
Overall, it is nice to see continued investment into the Downtown property.
Strip Walk: December 2007 - City Center, Luxor, Treasure Island, Palazzo, Wynn Las Vegas, Encore and More...
Posted by Hunter on December 12, 2007
Mike_ch is back with another Stripwalk. This time he visits Encore, City Center, TI, Palazzo, Luxor and more. Check it out after the jump plus don't forget to check out the new photos:
Photos: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Crown Las Vegas Moves Forward; Two Towers
Posted by Hunter on December 6, 2007
Another piece of news from the recent press, the Wet N' Wild Crown Las Vegas project is moving past the Planning Commission after slashing their height, which may mean that they will end up with two towers.
http://www.lvrj.com/business/12197841.html
Welcome to MEGACENTER, May I Take Your Coat?
Posted by Hunter on November 28, 2007
Well, it appears at the geniuses at Las Vegas Sands have decided that they needed a name for the combined complex of The Venetian, Palazzo and the Sands Expo Center. That name? MEGACENTER (yes, all caps). Dumb name. I wonder if they considered other gems such as THEMegacenter or maybe even CITYMEGACENTER.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119621320341806038.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Also, as has been reported elsewhere, Palazzo's opening moved from 12/20 to 12/28, no doubt cause they realized it was impossible to make 12/20 work. There's a good chance I'll be in town for this opening so I'll keep y'all posted. I don't think I'm brave enough to reserve a room.
Strip Walk: November 2007 - City Center, Palazzo, Mirage, Wynn Las Vegas, Encore and More...
Posted by Hunter on November 21, 2007
Here we are with a special Thanksgiving-eve 'Strip Walk' segment. This time around, mike_ch checks out the Frontier, Encore, City Center, Luxor, The Mirage and more. Text after the jump...
Photos: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Filed under
Bellagio
,
Boyd Gaming
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
RateVegas.com
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
November 2007 LV Strip Construction Photos Posted
Posted by Hunter on November 14, 2007
I've posted my Las Vegas Strip construction photos: Most Recent Las Vegas Photos
All sorts of great stuff including Encore's high and low rise buildings, WLV's villa atrium, Palazzo, the white tiger pit at The Mirage, City Center, P-Ho, Bellagio, and more.
The link above should show them all but you can also visit the November 2007 tag. Also, based on some feedback I plan to add new searching and sorting capabilities to the photo database soon.
Filed under
Bellagio
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
Strip Walk
,
Trip Reports
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
New Frontier Implosion
Posted by Hunter on November 13, 2007
Okay, that was amazingly cool. If you've never felt the raw power of a building fall, make sure you put the Tropicana Island Tower implosion on your Jan/Feb calendar.
I took a ton of photos. They are here: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/newfrontierimplosion.
That's probably it for now - I'm super tired and it's been a long day. Lastly though, another big thank you to Steve Friess who hooked me up with the pimp media access. Thanks Steve!!!
Wynn Macau Photo Walk Through
Posted by Hunter on November 7, 2007
Chuck at MacauTripping.com has posted a photo walkthrough of Wynn Macau with shots from his recent trip. A must see for Wynn fans.
http://www.macautripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=5&page=1
The Mirage Replaces White Tigers With Burgers
Posted by Hunter on November 5, 2007
I got a press release this morning from MGM Mirage regarding a new restaurant going in at The Mirage. BLT Burger will be replacing the Habitat at the resorts' Southern-most Strip entrance.
This is another nail in the coffin of Siegfried and Roy's tenure at The Mirage. As for the restaurant, the press release states:
"BLT Burger's diverse menu will offer quality ingredients including beef (sirloin, short rib, chuck and brisket cut), American and Japanese Kobe, lamb and Ahi tuna burgers along with soft, no-frills buns. Onion rings and a variety of French fry options, including waffle-cut, sweet potato and chili cheese, will complement the meal. An array of milkshakes in classic and spiked varieties will be available along with a selection of ice cream floats. Nostalgic glass-bottled sodas, innovative cocktails, as well as a focused selection of wine and beer will quench every guest's thirst."
Open Topic Discussion - Oct. 28, 2007
Posted by Hunter on October 28, 2007
Here's a new open topic thread for y'all. A couple of notes on this sunny Sunday:
Regarding the piece on VT&T regarding the Encore casino and a 'poker island', based on the plans I have seen and the people I have talked to, this is off the mark. Now, the plans I originally saw for the low rise stuff have substantially changed since then, as we have already discussed... My understanding is that there is no poker room planned for Encore, plus the walkway changes he talks about obliterate the retail that's planned along the WLV-Encore corridor and generally just sound like they waste space. I am very skeptical.
Second, thanks to reader MikeP for sending in a photo inside Palazzo's retail area, plus the new aquarium at The Mirage: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/most_recent
The Mirage Lobby Aquarium Is Re-Born
Posted by Hunter on October 25, 2007
According to a release I got today, the aquarium that is behind the desk at The Mirage, which has been shrouded in black for months, has been revealed.
It's a whole new affair with more animals, new artifical reef and a new filtration system.
Supposedly the aquarium features 1,000 marine life forms in 20,000 gallons of water.
The RJ Goes to Macau
Posted by Hunter on October 21, 2007
Looks like the RJ has a front page piece on Macau gaming, specifically US based operators there. It's an interesting piece and it comes with a fairly cheesy map and some photos. Worth checking out - even some photos of the analysts that get quoted in every gaming article in the paper.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/10701326.html
Palazzo Construction Detailed
Posted by Hunter on October 20, 2007
An interesting article in the LVBP goes over the Palazzo project - I didn't realize it was the largest steel project in North America - and it explains doing the framing that way vs. the more typical cement pours you see all over town.
http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2007/10/19/news/iq_17358839.txt
Not so sure about that comment about LVS' 'typical attention to detail' though.
Strip Walk: October 2007 - City Center, Palazzo, Bellagio, Luxor, Mirage, Wynn Las Vegas, and More...
Posted by Hunter on October 11, 2007
Thanks to Mike for another installment of 'Strip Walk', or semi-regular feature that focuses on Las Vegas Strip construction progress.
Lots of great new info here and of course, we've got photos: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Filed under
Bellagio
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Fontainebleau
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
RateVegas.com
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
Inside The MGM MIRAGE Brain Trust: Jim Murren
Posted by Hunter on October 10, 2007
In Business Las Vegas did a fascinating interview with MGM Mirage President and COO Jim Murren last week. It is a highly recommended read that gives great perspective into the thinking that has driven recent deals with Kerzner, Dubai World and others.
It's clear that Terry Lanni and Jim Murren 'get it' when it comes to the biz side of the gaming industry - they are re-defining the standard practices that have been common knowledge in the industry. Business as usual? Not anymore.
From partnering with interesting companies to big ambitious projects like City Center in Las Vegas, they are bringing techniques that have worked well in the general hospitality industry to gaming and it seems to be paying off in spades.
Personally, I'd love to do an interview with Murren but MGM MIRAGE sometimes looks down on Internet media, even those of us with larger numbers than some print publications. I'm hoping one of these days these companies will wake up to that. They're not as bad as some companies but they could do better in this department.
Quickies: Station in North Las Vegas, Macau vs. Macao and More...
Posted by Hunter on September 30, 2007
Some quick notes on what's in the paper's today...
The RJ has an article on Aliante Station which is being built in North Las Vegas by the soon-to-be-private Station Casinos, Inc. North Las Vegas is a bit of a future growth market for them but this is set to be another nicely put together project, even if it is very 'Station-esque'.
Inside Gaming has an interesting note on 'Macau' vs 'Macao', which the eagle eyed will have noticed are both used by US operators in Macau (Wynn Resorts likes 'Macau', Las Vegas Sands uses 'Macao' - sounds like the LVS folks are clinging to the past).
I'm still looking for some sort of concrete occupancy numbers for The Venetian Macau - anyone seen anything published other than 'things are going well'? If so, post links in the comments.
Lastly, MacauTripping.com has been following up on the trip blog with great posts daily. Its quickly becoming my fave stop for Macau info and getting me excited for a trip myself. I did go out and grab RateMacau.com and there's no way I could get all the info I need without heading over there myself. We'll see I guess.
Strip Walk: September 2007
Posted by Hunter on September 27, 2007
Well, you know the drill at this point. Another episode featuring MGM Grand, Wynn Las Vegas, City Center and more.
Photos are here: RateVegas Photos
This time we get a bonus video: Diablo's Cantina
Filed under
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Fontainebleau
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
Reader Reviews
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
Worst Las Vegas Podcast #18 - In-Depth Macau w/ Chuck from VegasTripping.com - September 23rd, 2007
Posted by Hunter on September 23, 2007
Well, that was a great conversation... We had an in-depth talk with Chuck from VegasTripping.com who just recently has gotten back from Macau.
We went over everything from specific hotel talk on topics like Wynn Macau, Venetian Macau, Galaxy Starworld, MGM Grand Macau, Casino Lisboa and more. We also talked about the business - folks like Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, SJM, Melco and others.
Cotai, gaming industry topics, casino design and more. It was a great discussion and I'm hoping we can do another segment soon.
Filed under
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Harrah's
,
Interviews
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Macau Casinos and Hotels
,
Podcasts
,
RateVegas.com
,
Trip Reports
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
UPDATED: Special 'Macau Sunday' Podcast: Charles from VegasTripping
Posted by Hunter on September 23, 2007
Fresh back from Macau, where he chronicled his trip, Charles from VegasTripping.com will be a guest for a special Q&A version of the podcast.
We'll be doing this on TalkShoe but here's how this will work - you guys submit some questions here on the site, I'll ask them in the first 30 minutes or so. The second half of the show will be open for general discussion. We'll see how that goes.
So... TONIGHT at 6pm PT
Update: Ok, the Talkshoe link is here: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=44621.
If you're planning on joining us, I strongly recommend you go to the TalkShow.com Web site ahead of time to sign up for an account and download the software. Strictly speaking, the software isn't required (only a telephone is really required) but having it gives you extra features.
If you really can't download the software, you can call in using this number: 724-444-7444 with the TalkCast ID of 44621. Without the software you might not be able to ask any questions as we won't be able to identify you in the system.
Quickies: Wynn on The Strip, Leach on Nightclubs
Posted by Hunter on September 20, 2007
A couple of quick hits today:
Steve Wynn is the guest on this week's, The Strip Podcast. He talks about Macau, nightclubs, and more. According to Wynn, Tryst is the top netting nightclub in town and Tao is fiddling with their numbers a bit. The interview is interesting and features a fun example of Wynn's office at work. Steve's thesis on why spending is up is sort of interesting.
Second up, thanks to Detroit, this link to an article from Robin Leach - will the nightclub boom continue.
Worst Las Vegas Podcast #17 - September 15th, 2007
Posted by Hunter on September 16, 2007
Our second time using Talkshoe.com and it was a lot of fun. Regular readers like Detroit1051, Mike E, Brian Fey, mike_ch and BarbaryKevin were all in on the action.
We covered a broad range of issues, from Cotai, Harrah's, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Palazzo, Encore, IGT and a lot more.
During the show we talked about Chuck's Macau diary. That link is here: http://www.macautripping.com
Filed under
Bellagio
,
Boyd Gaming
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Detroit Casinos
,
Harrah's
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Macau Casinos and Hotels
,
Palazzo
,
Podcasts
,
Project CityCenter
,
RateVegas.com
,
Station Casinos
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
Call-In Podcast: This SUNDAY 7pm PT
Posted by Hunter on September 16, 2007
Okay, our next live podcast will be on this coming Sunday, the 16th at 7pm PT / 10pm ET.
We will be doing the show live with audience participation encouraged. We did this last time and it was fun... Using a system call TalkShoe, listeners can call in and be on the 'air', just like a radio talk show.
All the details to get on will be posted here on Sunday before the show.
It's gonna be fun - there's always lots going on in Las Vegas. I'll talk about my recent one day trip and I have a special report from a friend who experienced 'VMA Weekend' first hand.
Show Completed: We had a great time with a lively discussion on a bunch of topics. The show will be posted soon. Stay tuned for the next one, probably on another Sunday evening.
StripWalk: September 2007
Posted by Hunter on September 13, 2007
Here's the latest Strip Walk, this time hitting Wynn Las Vegas, Trump Las Vegas, New Frontier, Palazzo, Treasure Island, New York New York, Excalibur, Luxor and more...
As always, the photos are here: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Commentary after the jump... Take it away Mike!
Filed under
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
RateVegas.com
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
VegasTripping Goes to Macau And Trippies 2007!
Posted by Hunter on September 7, 2007
My good friend Chuck at VegasTripping.com is heading to Macau next week. Despite being very jealous, I'm happy to send you guys over to his site to get the regular updates he'll be posting - I know that I'm looking forward to some very thorough reporting from the field, HST style.
If you want to follow the mayhem as it unfolds, here's the best link for the action:
http://www.macautripping.com/tripping/
Second up, their annual 'Best Of' list, the Trippies, are now open for nominations. Feel free to nominate us - the parent Web site, RateVegas.com, this blog and even our podcast, which we're bringing back into a more regular schedule with live call-in shows (next Sunday the 16th!).
Strip Walk: August 2007
Posted by Hunter on September 2, 2007
We're back with another Strip Walk! This was written almost a week ago and this time around you'll get Mike's comments but a few of my own sprinkled in - I was in Vegas for one night last week and took some of my own photos as well.
As always, the photos are here: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Commentary after the jump...
Filed under
Bellagio
,
Boyd Gaming
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Downtown Las Vegas
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
RateVegas.com
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
UPDATED: Venetian Macau Opens - Reader Review
Posted by Hunter on August 27, 2007
I'm just back from a little vacation and I'm beat but this is something I need to report - Las Vegas Sands have opened their second property in Macau, The Venetian Macau - the first hotel to open on the Cotai Strip.
Some links:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070827/lam130.html?.v=12
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/global/story.asp?s=6987645
Update: Read the comments for a review from reader Chris B.
MGM Mirage Shuffles Upper Management
Posted by Hunter on August 21, 2007
MGM Mirage made a few changes in the executive suite which they announced today.
First off, the extremely capable Jim Murren has been promoted to President and COO of the company (from President, CFO, and Treasurer). Murren came from Wall Street and is probably the most responsible for MGM Mirage being a model for other gaming companies to follow, especially when talking about reporting. Murren will also oversee all properties except for those that are part of the 'City Center Campus'.
Bobby Baldwin has been moved into a new position - Chief Design and Construction Officer. He'll oversee all new construction and capital improvements in the US. He also will oversee the 'City Center Campus', which includes City Center, Monte Carlo and Bellagio.
Lastly, Dan D'Arrigo has been promoted to EVP and CFO.
All of these positions report to Terri Lanni, the company's Chairman and CEO. Additionally, John Redmond, who had been running the properties formerly in the MGM family, including MGM Grand and NYNY has resigned as planned.
The press release is here:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=101502&p=irol-newsArticle&t=Regular&id=1042568&
Unrelated, Harrah's has scheduled an announcement for tomorrow regarding entertainment changes at their resorts in Las Vegas.
Filed under
Atlantic City
,
Bellagio
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
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Detroit Casinos
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Harrah's
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Las Vegas Strip
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MGM MIRAGE
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Macau Casinos and Hotels
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Press Releases
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Project CityCenter
New Frontier To Be Imploded November 13th
Posted by Hunter on August 20, 2007
According to our friend Steve Friess of The Strip Podcast, the New Frontier is set to be imploded on November 13th, probably at some ungodly hour of the morning.
It's not public yet (well, I guess it is now) but it sounds like he checked his sources, showing off yet again that he is a real reporter. Come on, Steve - bloggers don't need to FACT CHECK. Heh.
Anyway, discuss below...
Strip Walk: August 2007
Posted by Hunter on August 16, 2007
Welcome to a new semi-regular feature, 'Strip Walk'. These photo updates from the Las Vegas Strip (and other parts of the Valley) have previously been presented by our man in the field, mike_ch. Well, now he's an official part of the crew and we're aiming to get these two you about every other work, time and schedule permitting.
His notes follow after the jump and the photos for this and future walks are here:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Enjoy!
Filed under
Boyd Gaming
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Business of Gaming
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Casino Design
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Harrah's
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Las Vegas Photography
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Las Vegas Strip
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MGM MIRAGE
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Palazzo
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Project CityCenter
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Strip Walk
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Venetian/LV Sands
Book Review: 'Gay Vegas' by Steve Friess
Posted by Hunter on August 15, 2007
Steve Friess is an award winning Las Vegas-based journalist that regularly writes for the New York Times, USA Today and other national publications... You probably know him as the co-host of one of my favorite podcasts, The Strip. Steve's a great guy and Vegas is lucky to have him.
His new Las Vegas guidebook, 'Gay Vegas' covers Sin City with an emphasis on gay and lesbian travelers, though the tips in here are applicable to anyone visiting Southern Nevada.
Keep reading after the jump for my take on the book and if you want to pick up a copy, this Amazon link is a way to say thanks to us as well:
"Gay Vegas: A Guide To The Other Side of Sin City" (Steve Friess)
Wynn Talks Cotai, Encore and More in Interview
Posted by Hunter on August 13, 2007
Thanks to VegasTripping.com for pointing us to this interesting interview with Steve Wynn.
He talks about their upcoming Cotai property - he wants to make it the best in the world it seems... Also, some talk on Encore (the casino will look like Macau's, which is pretty much what we all expected) and Las Vegas Sands.
Great interview: http://macaubusiness.com/index.php?id=881
Update: I thought I had a photo of the Wynn Macau casino in my gallery but I looked and couldn't find one. I know I've seen it though - I remember really liking it with the columns and drapes - much more low-key than WLV. Anyone have a link?
Fontainebleau Garage Collapse - Three Floors Damaged?
Posted by Hunter on August 6, 2007
A second construction accident in about a week at Fontainebleau, though this time no one was killed, unlike last week. It appears a major collapse in the parking garage area that is under construction has taken place.
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=6892276
Technorati Tags: casino design, fontainebleau, gaming industry, las vegas, lasvegas
Openings and Closings: Palazzo Opens Dec. 20 / TI's Tangerine to Close
Posted by Hunter on August 2, 2007
As noted in the RJ and the LVS thread, Palazzo is scheduled to open December 20th, 2007. We'll see if that's a soft opening or what - I have my doubts.
Also, according to the Movable Buffet, Tangerine at Treasure Island will be closing and will be replaced with a new nightlife venue by the end of the year. Tangerine is managed by the Pure Management Group.
Technorati Tags: casino design, gaming industry, lasvegas, lasvegassands, palazzo, treasure island, venetian
The SkyLOFTS Party: July 22-24, 2007
Posted by Mike E on July 27, 2007
Shortly after my solo trip last March, my friend Jeff and I started talking about what we could do to celebrate his graduation. We decided to go to Vegas (no surprise there) around his birthday to kill two birds with one stone...
(Continue reading after the jump)