Whats Your Downtown Tipping Point?

I was thinking about Derek Stevens buying up a lot of the Downtown Properties and I sense a new scene/vibe coming to the FSE. I would bet that we are getting a huge pool scene, day clubs and some new over priced night clubs too. While I dont think Downtown is going to transform into The Strip Pt. 2, I fear everything is about to get more expensive. That's one of the joys of Downtown. Cheaper rates, cheaper food, cheaper gambling at the ability to bounce around much easier.

My tipping point will be when they clear the greasy diners, cheap buffets and old school bars for $$$$ restaurants, $49 Lunch Buffets and $7 Coors. I am preparing for the resort fees and pool cover charges.

marko..

There is always Laughlin.

Good points marko! I too foresee higher prices forthcoming. Boyd and 4 Queens have not yet implemented resort fees but in time I can imagine they will start tacking on those fees as well. Higher prices probably won't stop me from going but it will make me cut down somewhat. Living in Los Angeles I have a lot of Indian casino choices to patronize but it doesn't compare to a Las Vegas experience.

you are probably right but I hope you are dead wrong. downtown is still likable, other than the panhandlers. I don't know how well upscale will go over downtown. the downtown hotels that are there now are almost never full. the LVC and Binions stopped using their hotel rooms a few years ago. and the remaining ones still don't hit capacity.

Maybe Stevens likes louder music but he's certainly not gauging customers. His downtown properties are pretty player friendly with low limits, good vp, and awesome drink service. ...not to mention dirt cheap rooms. And its working.
Walk into the Fremont St casinos at 2AM. The tables at "D" and Golden Gate are packed whereas the other casinos are a tomb. That loud music attracts more people than it repels.

It takes alot space to offer all the amenities that come with a 4 star resort - and Golden Nugget is really the only place that has that space downtown. I dont think Binions, Fremont, 4-Queens, ElCo, or "D" can accommodate these kinds of customers.. What would be the appeal for non-gamers to go downtown considering they dont have many big showrooms, or giant volcanoes, or lagoon pools (Nugget excluded)?

I think its going to stay red-necky downtown for a long time to come. I'd be worried if they started expanding the downtown resort area beyond Freemont st.

The blocks between the Light Show and El Cortez are becoming quite the hipster scene. Not everyone who comes to Vegas feels the need to buy $700 bottles and stand on lines to have a good time. It wouldn't shock me if in ten years, gambling is an after thought for the Downtown scene.

I don't think you'll see that happen for a while. If gambling is an afterthought, it's revenue base has to be replaced. The strip has done that with highend dining, shopping and clubs. I doubt that DT would support those across the boards. The other problem with this concept DT is space. To find space for these you would need to eliminate a big chunk of gaming space and DT customers wouldn't accept that at this point. Down the road, who knows? In time you might find those factors used in varying degrees, but not across the boards. I look forward to his new concept.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes

The last few times I stayed at the Cortez, I ran into groups that were staying there, not to gamble, but because of the bar scene on Freemont. Never encountered that before.
Even the club two blocks east of the EC is doing quite well.

It looks like downtown went on that downward spiral when they closed the Western Casino...should have seen this coming. My biggest disappointment about the new purchase and takeover....no more fried oreos

I assume the first comment is sarcastic as DT has been on an upward trend since that time. Not a big fan of the Oreos, but there are numerous artery clogging options DT. Give the Heart Attack Grill a chance, LOL. Seriously, I think this is one more sign that DT is moving in a positive direction. Stevens wouldn't make an investment like this for no reason. Die hard downtowners may not like it, but it will have appeal.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes