MRI "De-Theming" Resorts

I noticed in the LVA News:

Theming Out at MRI: In an interview with John Katsilometes for the LV Sun, Jim Muren indicated that MGM Resorts International would no longer be creating themed resorts, first pointing to the shedding of the OZ theme at MGM Grand, then addressing the pending renaming of the Monte Carlo: "We're not going to name it something from somewhere else. Those days are over."

I've got news for Mr. Muren: Those days have long been over. Not only was MGM de-themed years ago, but so was NYNY and Luxor. The themed resorts had character. Now they feel like you're walking into some bland casino that could be located anywhere. Although both NYNY and Luxor still have some of their original themes, they lack the soul they formerly displayed. Re-naming "Manhattan Express" into "The Roller Coaster" - wow, how original!! Taking out most of the faux brick streets, manhole covers, and faux foliage makes NYNY feel like just another casino. It really hit me the first time my wife and I descended on the escalator after NYNY was mostly de-themed - it felt wrong. What are they going to do next - cover the exterior of the casino so you no longer see the skyline of New York? Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I really liked seeing the themes. Not that anyone at MRI really cares what I think, but I'm expressing my opinion.

Tommy

Did it start with Treasure Island de-theming their kinda sorta adult-clothed pirate show, and copying the FedEx and IHOP re-names (both of which made sense) by changing their name to TI?

So-called leading the charge from themes to Vegas as a family destination?

YES, and how stupid was that? JMHO, of course.

Sorry about NYNY. Haven't been there in a few years but always loved sitting on the 'Brooklyn Bridge'.

MGM bowed to cultural objections of the lion as the entrance way. I thought the Wizard of Oz ceiling was cute.

Hopefully, Paris won't become Paris, Tennessee or a number of other towns named Paris in nearly every state.

Caesars, please keep the Roman theme.

Bellagio, thankfully they didn't extend the Italian villa theme beyond the lake/fountains and gorgeous marble tile floors, so as to have to make a big change from that direction. Though they ticked me off with the remodel of the rooms and hallways (from tasteful elegance to cowboy meets lava lamp), I suppose to say they also were keeping up with the changing times.

Eventually, Vegas casinos will fall economically if they don't keep something to distinguish themselves from the me-too casinos that are now in nearly every state in the U.S.

Casinos, just majorly clean yourselves up now and then, update the restrooms, vary the eateries, astound us with lovely outside landscaping, but please keep the themes!

I agree with you both. It really seems like Vegas doesn't care about being a gambling-mecca any more. And with Indian casinos getting a larger and larger portion of the gambling dollar, Vegas seems to be going "Meh, well, ok". Monte Carlo, I've always considered, to be such a boring casino! There's Paris, Egypt, Rome, Venice, NY...and Monte Carlo...but now the de-themeing makes them feel sanitary and hospital-like. Sadly, I'm falling out of love with Vegas. The upside? The vacation money I was using to frequent Vegas, I've been able to check new to me cities like Memphis, Dallas, and New Orleans! If I thought for a minute it would matter, I'd photocopy my receipts of airlines/hotel/eateries and mail them to the Vegas Chamber of Commerce!

I loved the themed resorts, it was a real getaway and just plain fun

I loved the theme resorts too. Made it interesting. Hated when MGM built City Center. We don't go to Vegas as much anymore either and when we do we stay downtown. Easier walk from casino to casino. I do still have to go see the Bellagio fountains at night but there's not a casino on the strip that's a must see for me.