All Articles for Category: Palazzo
Online Casino Games
Download Casino Games for Free
JackpotCity.com - 500 FREE Spins!
This link made the rounds last week and I didn't post it but I've been enjoying this blog so much, I now feel like I need to share.
If you love Vegas food, this is a site to visit regularly (or subscribe via RSS).
http://www.eatinglv.com/2008/07/the-palazzo-restaurants-part-one
Thanks to fellow Vegas Gang member Jeff Simpson for this link... Looks like the New Yorker has done a profile on everyone's favorite casino overlord, Sheldon Adelson of Las Vegas Sands. Check it out below. Also, props to Jeff for the mention!
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/06/30/080630fa_fact_bruck
I took my parents for a three-night getaway at The Mirage as a combined Mother's and Father's Day gift. This trip was ultra-mellow by my standards but just as memorable as any other. Rather than the usual play-by-play, I've broken the report down in sections. Feel free to skip around to parts that interest you.
(More after the jump)
This past week I was able to try a few new restaurants and so I have some brief comments on what I thought. To give some background on my tastes, I'm a pretty simple eater into traditional restaurants and while I do like to splurge when I can, my day-to-day tastes are basic.
Cut (Steakhouse) at The Palazzo - Cut is a new restaurant from Wolfgang Puck, located at The Palazzo in the atrium that connects to The Venetian. We were seated right on time for our reservation and overall service throughout the meal was excellent. They offer quite a few variations on the beef - both American and Japanese and many sub-variants. They're good at explaining the relative merits, as well as suggesting sauce pairings and other dishes. My New York from Nebraska was basically prepared perfectly. I also had some mashed potatoes that were addictive as hell and finished with a killer take on banana cream pie. I easily recommend Cut to anyone looking for a good steak, though Delmonico down the hall still has an edge IMHO.
This is not a good place for vegetarians. Very few alternatives.
One strange thing, common to both Cut and Table 10 - the decor of the restaurant seems several degrees cheaper than what you'd expect based on food, prices and service. Both places felt more like 'mall restaurants' than other high end joints like Delmonico, Carnevino, Prime, etc...
Nove (Italian) at The Palms - I don't make it over to The Palms that often and when I do, it's almost always just to eat. I love Italian food and was looking to try something new so we ended up here.
The restaurant is located near the top of the Fantasy Tower which guarantees a great view of The Strip. We weren't next to the window but you can still easily get a nice look.
The menu has a lot of simple, traditional Italian dishes. We had a pizza and salads to start and I followed with chicken parmigiana. All of the food was really, really good. Incredible mouth watering and addictive.
Service was present but not overbearing and the overall decor and vibe was comfortable and casual. I would come back to Nove pretty much anytime.
I did have a slight altercation with an employee as we were leaving. I may or may not write that up later but he didn't work for the restaurant so no points off for them.
Table 10 (American) at The Palazzo - I've eaten at quite a few of Emeril's restaurants in both Vegas and New Orleans and I've never been disappointed.
Table 10 was another winner - great food. I had jambalaya which was full of chicken and shrimp - tasted great. Also, the 'cheddar beer' soup was awesome. I finished with sorbet that was good but was nothing special.
Service was strong. I spilled water all over the table and they were in there faster than I could snap my fingers cleaning things up.
Regarding decor, see my note above. Sorta a strange trend but unmistakable. The kitchen is open to the dining area so you can watch them work, plus you can see across to Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.
For any of the above restaurants, please feel free to leave questions in the comments and I will try to answer.
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...)
Las Vegas Sands hosted an Investors Day on February 11 in Las Vegas. Management presented detailed information on the company's operations in Las Vegas and Macau as well as on other projects being built or planned both in this country and overseas.
One important announcement was the plan to build a New Sands Expo at the corner of Koval and Sands. Once the facility opens at the end of 2010, the land that the existing Sands Expo Center sits on could be used for another resort or other purposes. The site is 20 acres and is part of the Venetian/Palazzo complex.
The Investors Presentation is available as a webcast and as a slide presentation. The slides of the New Sands Expo and of the 20 acres for future development are very interesting.
Investors Day Slides=Part I
Investors Day-Part II
Webcast Replay Links
The first episode of what could become a new, semi-regular podcast has been posted.
It doesn't yet have a name but the working title is 'Vegas Roundtable'. It's a gaming industry related podcast in a discussion format. Today's 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
Thanks to all participants. The podcast is in my normal feed for 'The Worst Las Vegas Podcast' but it will probably move to a dedicated feed. Also, if anyone can think of a good name, drop them in the comments.
If you don't subscribe to the feed and want the direct URL, here it is:
http://media.ratevegas.com/35-roundtable_1-02_07_08.mp3
Las Vegas Sands reported their Q4 2007 results and the press release is here:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080204/lam127.html?.v=23
I'll update this story in a bit with some details and numbers once I have a chance to dig in.
Updated: Ok, I took a look at the numbers, which were down a bit. They cited increased development costs, which looks like it makes sense. Net income was WAY down but they had a ton of costs from opening Palazzo and post-opening stuff at Venetian Macau on Cotai. Interest expense was way up which indicates they had to fund some of those through bank loans. The Cotai property didn't perform at the level they wanted in terms of winnings but volume seems pretty strong - the property is already contributing about half of the company's gross. With Palazzo and Venetian Macau open, Sands is setup for a pretty nice story in fiscal 2008.
A few quick hits:
* The Las Vegas Sun's Web site explained by part of the team:
http://robcurley.com/2008/01/16/check-out-the-new-las-vegas-sun-site/ (Thanks to VegasTripping.com)
* Monte Carlo Fire: Lots being published daily. I've been talking with some industry folks regarding EIFS details and I will post something when I have some more details.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/14465087.html?numComments=17
http://www.lvrj.com/news/14688277.html
* Podcasting - I have audio, video and photos from the weekend. I'll be doing a podcast that includes a bunch of stuff from Palazzo, etc... In the meantime, the photos are here:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/most_recent
* Harrah's Sale Complete: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/business/AP-Harrahs-Acquisition.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Las+Vegas&st=nyt&oref=slogin
Update: I forgot to mention this story from my friend Steve at The Strip Podcast. It seems, Mystere, the original permanent Las Vegas Cirque fixture, is starting to think about closing up to make way for a new CDS production:
http://thestrippodcast.blogspot.com/2008/01/breaking-mysteres-days-are-numbered.html
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
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?
Sheldon Adelson: He is driven. Interesting article in the NY Times.
"...the Venetian is now the Strip’s second most profitable casino hotel, behind only the Bellagio, said Robert A. LaFleur, an industry analyst with the Susquehanna Financial Group, and that is with only a third of its revenue coming from its gambling floor."
When 3rd Place on the Rich List Just Isn’t Enough
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!
Well, Palazzo's casino and some other public spaces are open.
http://thestrippodcast.blogspot.com/2007/12/first-look-palazzo.html
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=402119&page=13
We got back from Las Vegas on Saturday - I was really hoping to see the insides myself. So much of the exterior needs work but I guess they were just determined to start the cash meter.
Update: Thanks to Mark for sharing some exclusive photos with us. You can see them here: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/palazzo
Updated Again: I just booked two nights over the opening weekend so we'll be reporting on the full Palazzo experience.
It turns out that due to 'construction delays' there will be no hotel guests at Palazzo in 2007. I have confirmed with hotel staff that guests are being moved to The Venetian if they so desire.
Still working on final word if even the casino will be open this coming week - it's looking doubtful.
Thanks to Brian for the heads up on this.
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
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.
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
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.
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
An article over on the VegasRex blog talks about the Palazzo and if it will open on time. It's a question that a lot of people are asking - and wondering if 'opening' will be qualified with 'limited'.
Now, some of what Rex talks about are probably less of an issue than he makes them out to be - when these high-rises are built, the lower floors are finished, fixtures are installed and furnished while the upper floors are still being framed and curtained.
We know that the retail shops will be open in January and the 'Jersey Boys' show will be later in the Spring. Also, I'm pretty sure that some of the convention space expansion will probably not be open on 12/20 either.
Anyway, any inside info in this thread would be fascinating - what do you guys think?
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.
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
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
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
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!
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...
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!
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
Thanks to mike_ch who is back with another Las Vegas Strip development/construction update.
The photos are here: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/mikech
Keep reading after the jump!
Technorati Tags: bellagio, casino design, condos, gaming industry, las vegas, lasvegas, lasvegassands, luxor, mandalay bay, mgm mirage, palazzo, photography, planet hollywood, project citycenter, trip report, vegas, vegas photos, venetian, wynn, wynnlasvegas
Okay, all sorts of updates for today.
First off, some new construction photos from Brian Fey - Encore, Palazzo, etc.. - these are really coming together!
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/brianfey - Thanks Brian!!
One photo that got special mention is this Encore shot:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/show/4703?gallery_id=115
People have been asking what this is.... Well, the plans I saw put the garden area right in that space - this looks to me like an advanced watering system. My guess is that these gardens are special - some kind of 'hook' or feature built into this attraction to make this more interesting than plants in the (fake) ground.
[Ed: Looks like this was even more basic than what we thought. Since we posted this I've been asking around and it sounds like this is based off the data network for the slot machines in the casino portion. Apparently the added casino space has encroached on the garden area and that explains the location... So - more casino, less garden = no story.]
[Ed (again): Looks like VT&T confirms this.]
MGM Grand wants to build another convention center adjacent to their existing facility.
http://dsnet.co.clark.nv.us/dsnetapps/agendaweb/Data/P0212157.htm
Trump Las Vegas wants to change their floor numbering. This one is funny since it shows how these numbers are totally manipulated for marketing purposes.
http://dsnet.co.clark.nv.us/dsnetapps/agendaweb/Data/P0212199.htm
Fun with parking at the Cosmo site.
http://dsnet.co.clark.nv.us/dsnetapps/agendaweb/Data/P0212232.htm
Las Vegas Sands wants to add a pedestrian bridge to the back side of the Sands Expo Center.
http://dsnet.co.clark.nv.us/dsnetapps/agendaweb/Data/P0212674.htm
Technorati Tags: casino design, gaming industry, las vegas, lasvegas, lasvegassands, palazzo, trump, wynn, wynnlasvegas
VegasGang Podcast - Killer Punditry
VegasGangPodcast.com
RateVegas.com Photo Quiz: http://quiz.ratevegas.com - Play For Free!
Blog Updates on Twitter!: http://twitter.com/ratevegas
See all recent comments on one page.
Jinx recently commented "Definitely some hard reviews on those places and refreshing to see. In ref..."
We have literally thousands of Las Vegas photos - hotels, casinos, restaurants, rooms - everything. A great way to see what you're getting yourself into before you commit. Plus, some hotel suite and villa photos. Enjoy!
RateVegas.com Photos - Thousands of Vegas Photos!
